Title: Almost a Kiss
Author: Wildcat
Series: TOS
Part: 1/8
Rating: MA
Codes: S/U
Summary: Uhura welcomes Spock back to the Enterprise after the year he spent raising Saavik. This takes place after the events described in A Woman's Touch and The Taste of Snow, and it is followed by You Would Even Say She Glows.
Disclaimer: Paramount owns Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Uhura, and company. I have just borrowed them for a while and will not profit from this.
Feedback is desired. Please feel free to let me know what you think.
This story won 2nd place for "Spock Romance" in the 1998 ASC Awards.
Almost a Kiss, Chapter 1
"...and you should have seen the look on his face when she downed the whole glass in one gulp!"
"But that was the most expensive cognac on the menu! I spent four days' worth of credits on that one meal."
"C'mon Pavel, that's not true."
"It is! She ordered Aldeberan shellfish just for her appetizer, Hikaru. Bozhe moi. When you said that she was a lady of fine taste, I didn't think you meant that everything she wanted to taste would be expensive. Your date only ate a salad—"
"She wasn't my date! Remember? You must be trying to kill me, because I'll be a dead man if Susan ever hears you say that. Besides..."
Uhura smiled absently as she listened to the back-and-forth banter between Chekov and Sulu. They'd begged her to join them this evening in the officers' lounge so that she could hear all about their shore leave exploits, but to be truthful her mind wasn't really on the conversation. A small crowd had gathered around their table, and everyone was laughing now at something that she had missed entirely. She laughed along, pretending to understand the joke.
"...and that's when we decided to call it a night. We couldn't believe it when we ran into both women the next day at the beach..."
Leaning back in her seat, she tried to picture where Spock might be right now. It was probably safe to assume that Saavik had settled into her new home without any problems. Spock and Uhura had both dreaded the day when Saavik would have to go away to school, but the last message Uhura had received from the little girl was surprisingly upbeat, and Spock had reported that she was showing significant interest in the prospect of a new adventure. So, if his departure from Gamma Cygnus had been uneventful yesterday, he was probably halfway to the Enterprise by now. Too bad the Darwin had been scheduled to leave Starbase Four before he arrived, or he could have caught a ride and already been here.
She gazed out the observation port and wondered what tomorrow would be like. Commander Juarez had been a very competent first officer, and they were all lucky that someone of his caliber had been available to fill in while Spock was gone, but of course it just wasn't the same. Everyone was excited about having him back. Why, Admiral Kirk had been so tightly wound all day that she wondered how he'd managed to make it through his watch, and even Dr. McCoy hadn't been able to hide his pleasure. And as for herself, well... A small, private smile curled her lips as she thought about what it would be like to have Spock back on board, and her heart beat a little faster with anticipation.
"Nyota. Nyota! Enterprise to Nyota. Please come in, Nyota."
She grinned with embarrassment. "Oh, sorry Pavel. I guess that my mind was wandering."
He frowned at her in mock consternation. "What are we going to do with you? Maybe we should pour you another drink!"
Laughing, she said, "That sounds like a good idea! Thank you."
She clinked her glass against Chekov's as he launched into another tall tale.
...
Pleased that he had been able to rearrange his travel plans, Spock picked up his duffel and stepped onto the transporter pad of the Darwin. He had not expected to arrive at Starbase Four this morning and learn that the Darwin's departure had been delayed. Indeed, it was fortunate that he had elected to travel lightly, for the ship had been only moments from leaving, and he would have missed the connection if he had been forced to deal with transferring more than just his person aboard. This arrangement was considerably more efficient than his original travel plans, which would have entailed slower transport and another stop. His earlier arrival aboard the Enterprise would allow for a much more productive use of his time tomorrow. And although he was reluctant to admit it to himself, he was also pleased that he would not have to wait another day to see his friends.
He addressed the man who stood before him. "Thank you for your hospitality, Captain. I have found my time aboard your ship to be quite agreeable."
"It was my pleasure. Please give Admiral Kirk my regards."
"I shall do so. Live long and prosper."
"Peace and long life, Commander. Energize."
Spock stood patiently as the transporter room of the Darwin was replaced by the transporter room of the Enterprise. It was illogical that these walls would appear so familiar to him since they were essentially identical to the walls of the Darwin, but nevertheless he experienced a sense of satisfaction at the sight. Equally satisfying was the vision of Admiral Kirk and Dr. McCoy moving toward him, broad smiles on both faces.
"Welcome home, Spock!"
"Thank you, Admiral. I am quite content to be here."
Dr. McCoy shook his head. "What is it with you and dramatic entrances? We weren't expecting you until tomorrow. I couldn't believe it when Jim got the call from the bridge that you were here! Things must have worked out better than you planned."
"Indeed, Doctor, they did."
Walking toward the door, Kirk said, "Well, let's get you to your quarters so you can get rid of that bag. Is that all you brought?"
Spock fell into step beside Kirk as they left the transporter room. "The remainder of my possessions should arrive in two days. Saavik chose to take considerably more than I had anticipated with her to Gamma Cygnus, so in the end it was less complicated for me to simply ship my own belongings."
Chuckling, McCoy said, "So how is the little squirt? Do you think she's going to survive going off to her new school?"
"Undoubtedly she will be fine, although I am less certain as to whether her schoolmates will survive the experience. When I left, she was stubbornly attempting to convince two young girls to climb out on the roof with her so that she could determine the most direct path to the city park. Although I informed her that there were more effective ways of planning one's route, it is my belief that she was only waiting for my exit before she carried out her plan."
"I just hope her two little companions aren't faint of heart."
"As do I, Doctor."
"I had a uniform placed in your quarters," said Kirk, "but I see that you already found one. What do you think about the new design?"
Spock glanced down at the rich burgundy of his sleeve. "The quartermaster of the Darwin was kind enough to supply me with this. I did not realize that Command had issued new uniforms. I must say that I find these quite preferable to the previous uniforms, although that is not an extremely telling statement."
Kirk snorted. "None of us were too disappointed when they did away with the old ones. I heard that one of Nogura's first acts as CO was to, and I quote, 'Get rid of the damned pajamas once and for all.'"
"I have always held the belief that Nogura is a wise man and an astute politician."
"I can tell you that this move increased his popularity by at least fifty percent." Kirk halted in the corridor. "Here's your quarters. I know that you'd like to have some time to settle in, but I want to invite you to have a glass of brandy with Bones and me later."
"That would be agreeable, although you are correct when you state that I have some tasks that I wish to complete first. Perhaps at 2100 hours?"
"Sounds great. See you then, my quarters."
...
As Spock pulled the last few items from his duffel bag and carried them into the fresher, he regarded the crates in the corner of his bedroom. He had not expected to find that the personal belongings he left on board during his absence were already here, but Kirk had evidently remembered them and ensured that they were removed from storage. It was a considerate gesture, and he was eager to have everything unpacked and in its place. First, though, there was something more important that he must do.
He strode to the computer.
"Computer. Location of Lieutenant Commander Nyota Uhura."
"Lieutenant Commander Nyota Uhura is currently in the officers' lounge."
He stowed his duffel and left his quarters. He had not taken four steps down the corridor before he met Kirk and McCoy coming from the opposite direction.
"Spock! Were you looking for us? Bones had to run down to sickbay for a minute."
"Actually, Admiral, I was on my way to the officers' lounge to greet... some other members of the senior bridge crew."
"Good idea," Kirk said. "Everyone will be glad to see you."
"Would you care to accompany me?"
Kirk glanced at McCoy. "Bones?"
"Sure. I'll get a kick out of seeing the expressions on their faces when you walk through the door, since I don't think anyone other than me and Jim know that you're on board." McCoy grinned. "Boy, they're going to be surprised."
Spock allowed the corner of his mouth to turn up as he nodded. "Yes. They will be."
...
Wiping away tears and leaning against Scotty, Uhura was laughing so hard that her side was beginning to hurt as she watched Sulu continue his dead-on imitation of Chekov. He was merciless, playing out both sides of the confrontation between their poor friend and the Tellarite he'd unwittingly offended. Sulu had just reached the part where Chekov was sputtering that yes, of course the Tellarite's mate was really very pretty but no, he wasn't flirting with her, when Scotty glanced up toward the lounge door and leaned back in his chair.
"Well, well, look who's here!"
Sulu halted his story as all heads turned in the direction of the door. When Uhura saw who it was, she could only blink, for there stood Spock, flanked by Kirk and McCoy. Straight and tall and almost unbearably handsome in his uniform, he was looking right at her. The remainder of the group waved him over and someone had risen to noisily drag more chairs to the table, but in the midst of all the activity he simply held her eyes. She felt her pulse quicken as the heat rushed to her face.
Slowly, she grinned, and he raised an eyebrow slightly in response.
An instant later, Kirk touched him lightly on the arm and gestured toward the empty chairs, and he looked away. She was amused as she watched him take a seat across from her, for he was obviously uncomfortable to find himself at the center of attention. Bombarded with questions, he glanced at her once more before launching into an explanation of how he had managed to arrive a day early.
As he spoke, she relaxed in her seat and basked in the sound of his rich, deep voice. Remembering how that voice had felt caressing her ear and whispering across her skin, she shivered. Oh, how she wanted to hear that resonant voice vibrate against her again.
...
The noise level had finally quieted down to a polite murmur, and Spock could tell that the five humans who remained around the table were becoming sleepy. It was quite late, much later than the agreed-upon 2100 hours, and when there was a lull in the conversation, he caught Kirk's eye.
Kirk, able to recognize his friend's intent after so many years of non-verbal communication, came to his feet. "I believe I'll call it a night. Spock, are you still up for that glass of brandy?"
"Yes, Admiral, if it is not too late for you."
"No, no, a little glass of brandy will help me sleep. What do you say, Bones? A little bit of brandy before bed? For medicinal purposes?"
"Sounds like a good prescription to me."
"All right. See the rest of you tomorrow."
During their exchange, the remainder of the group had begun to drift away from the table, but Spock noticed that Uhura was hanging back. As Kirk and McCoy headed toward the door to a chorus of goodbyes, he discreetly edged his way over to stand next to her.
"I had hoped to speak with you alone tonight," he murmured.
"I'd like it very much if you came by later."
"It could be as late as midnight."
"That's all right. I'll be up."
From the door, Kirk said, "Spock, you coming?"
"Yes, Admiral."
He nodded at her, and followed Kirk and McCoy out of the room.
...
Trying her best to relax and catch up on her reading, Uhura stuffed another pillow under her feet and leaned back against the arm of her sofa. Although she knew that there was no reason to check the chronometer again—it would show only a few minutes' elapsed time since the last time she looked—she couldn't help but dart a quick glance at the red display on the wall. 1203 hours. Well, Spock had said that it might be close to midnight, and so far he hadn't been wrong.
Her eyes traveled from the chronometer to the entrance of her quarters. Willing the door to signal his arrival, she nearly jumped out of her skin when it chimed. She hastily put down her padd and pushed the pillows back into place, and then stood.
"Come."
The door opened to reveal Spock standing hesitantly in her doorway.
"Hello, Nyota. I regret that I am somewhat later than I had anticipated. Is this an inconvenient time?"
"No, not at all. Come on in." She gestured toward the sofa. "Have a seat. Would you like some tea?"
"That would be most appreciated."
As she busied herself preparing the tea, she spoke over her shoulder. "How did Saavik react to your leaving her yesterday?"
"Quite well, actually. As the time grew closer for me to depart, it became apparent that I was uneasier with our impending separation than she was. I took care to keep our goodbyes very casual, but I must confess that I found it difficult to say farewell and walk out the door."
Uhura chuckled. "Ah, the trials of parenthood. My sister said that one of the toughest days of her life was the day she had to leave her son at preschool. He couldn't wait for her to go, but it just about killed her. Now he's all grown up with a girlfriend of his own, and she says that she should have just locked the door that day and never let him leave."
"Such an attitude is illogical, for it is the responsibility of a parent or guardian to encourage the child to grow beyond the boundaries of home."
"Which I'm sure is exactly what you've been telling yourself for the last month."
He raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps."
She carried the two cups of tea to the sofa, and then sat down and handed one of them to him. "Here you go. Just the way you like it."
"Thank you."
They sipped their tea quietly for a few moments.
"Nyota, I am curious about something."
"Yes?"
"You speak frequently of your sister, but I know very little about her, other than that she is older than you and she lives in London. I assume from your earlier comment that she has a family. Do you remain in close contact with her?"
"Oh yes, I do, although I haven't seen her for over a year. It's funny that we fought like cats and dogs when we were together, but now that I hardly ever see her I miss her terribly. She and her husband have been trying to talk me into coming to visit, but they're just as busy as I am and the time never seems to be right. She's a terrific person, fun and bubbly. She's also very well learned and intelligent. You'd probably really like her."
"I have no doubt that I would, particularly if she is anything like you."
Uhura met his eyes quickly, surprised and delighted by his comment. "I'm so glad you're back."
"I am pleased to be back."
They gazed at each other until he turned toward the low table in front of the sofa. She watched curiously as he put down his teacup, and then took her cup from her hand and set it next to his.
He faced her again. "What do you know of Vulcan courtship rituals?"
Caught off guard by his question, it took her a moment to formulate an answer. "Not much. Maybe someone needs to teach me."
"Perhaps someone will." Reaching for her right hand, he bent her thumb, fourth, and fifth fingers toward her palm. "Extend your index and middle fingers like this." He demonstrated.
"Oh, yes, I saw your parents touch fingers this way when they came on board that time."
"That was the public version of the k'ley'a, the ritual embrace that is demonstrated between bonded mates. What I am planning to show you is something more private. Although Vulcans typically do not kiss in the same manner in which humans do, you could say that this is almost the equivalent."
"For a member of a society that typically doesn't kiss, you didn't seem to have any problems."
"Ah... I have been offworld for many years and have benefited from, that is to say, have been exposed, ah, to various cultures... Nyota, do you desire to learn about this or not?"
Inwardly amused at his discomfort, she quickly held up her fingers like he'd shown her and looked at him expectantly.
He pressed his hand gently against hers. When he withdrew it after only a couple of seconds, her first reaction was to be slightly disappointed, but she studied his face and recognized the tenderness in his expression.
"So that was almost a kiss," she said softly.
He nodded.
"Was it the Vulcan equivalent of a peck on the cheek?"
"If we are to continue the analogy between the k'ley'a and a kiss, then yes, that would be an apt comparison."
"And like a kiss, it can be simple, or it can be not simple?"
He regarded her for a moment before raising both eyebrows and nodding.
"Yes," he said.
She smiled, thinking ahead to what else he might show her, but before she could comment he stood.
"It is the end of a very long day for me, Nyota, and I must go."
They walked slowly to the door and stopped, facing one another.
"So I guess I'll see you in the morning, Spock."
"Yes. Sleep well."
He turned to leave, but before he could trigger the sensors that would open the door, she halted him by placing her hand on his arm.
"Before you go, I'd like to demonstrate a human courtship ritual. I know that you're not completely unfamiliar with it, but you may not know about the context."
Placing a hand on each side of his face, she pulled him down and kissed him carefully on the lips, and then backed away. When he tilted his head and studied her, she said, "The goodnight kiss."
"Ah. I see. Goodnight, then."
"Goodnight."
Watching him stride out the door, she took a deep breath, shook her head, and smiled. Vulcan courtship rituals. Nice to know that she was being courted. Very nice. A bit of a step back from where they had been when she left Dantria, but that was all right. If Spock wanted to take it slowly, then they'd take it slowly.
As she wandered back to her bedroom, though, she thought about how she'd felt when she looked up and saw him standing at the door to the officer's lounge earlier.
Well, maybe he wouldn't take it too slowly.
End chapter 1