To say Christine was surprised to find Mister Spock at her door would be an understatement. In fact she queried briefly if she was dreaming again – only if she were daydreaming she's certain she'd be wearing something more flattering than her day old uniform. And it was all too mundane for night-time dreaming. Not one flying hypo in sight.

"Have I called at a bad time?" he enquired politely and she suddenly realised she'd been silently staring.

"No," she quickly assured him. "I'm a little tired from a long day in sick bay, that's all. How can I help you?"

He hesitated and that was enough to set her worrying. Mister Spock was nothing if not to the point. Except when confused by humans and their emotions.

She cursed herself and her crush. Obviously he'd noticed it and was now trying to negotiate the difficult waters of letting her down gently.

This belief was only reinforced by his next statement.

"It is a personal matter and I should rather discuss it in privacy."

She nodded, unable immediately to find the right words, and stepped back to allow him into her room. As he moved passed her she quickly glanced around hoping she hadn't left anything embarrassing out.

The only person to regularly visit her quarters was Nyota and Christine hadn't even been expecting her.

Thankfully there was no dirty laundry on show and even more gratifyingly, the PADD with the latest Vulcan romance downloaded was switched off.

He stopped in the centre of her room and turned to face her, hands clasped behind his back and maintaining a formal pose.

"I find myself in need of assistance and, having considered the matter logically, concluded you are the most appropriate person to enlist."

She blinked and quickly reassessed her expectations. Apparently he wasn't aware of her crush. Or if he was, he wasn't there to do anything about it.

The fact hit her that he was actually asking for her help.

Not the captain's, or McCoy's, but hers. It made her almost giddy but she hung onto her professional demeanour. Just.

"Oh?" she managed.

He nodded.

"Indeed. I…" Again he hesitated but only for a second. "I have decided to initiate a relationship with a member of the crew. I do not make such a decision lightly and want to ensure a maximum chance of success. My own knowledge of human relationships is quite limited and in this instance the computer is of very little practical help. To that end it seemed logical to engage another human to… I believe the phrase is 'show me the ropes'? And one with intimate knowledge of my intended partner seemed preferable."

He stopped and waited for her reaction. Christine's mind was still processing.

Her initial disappointment had given way quickly to searing curiosity. Who could he possibly be referring to? He was inarguably closest to the captain, spending evenings together playing chess and talking about who knows what, but James T. Kirk was a ladies man. Spock couldn't fail to realise that his captain would never consider a relationship with a man while there was a woman left unconquered in the universe. Besides which Christine herself could not be considered to have intimate knowledge of the captain.

Next closest to him was, somewhat curiously, Doctor McCoy. It was certainly true that Christine had insider knowledge on him. Working as his head nurse meant she was privy to all sorts of details that he wouldn't share with just anyone. But while Christine had no doubt they were friends, in their own way, she couldn't wrap her mind around Mister Spock desiring a relationship with the emotionally volatile doctor.

Who else was there? Mister Spock was probably friends with a number of the bridge crew but none of them could be considered close to Nurse Chapel.

Except Uhura.

Christine glanced swiftly at the Vulcan.

"Is it Nyota?" she practically demanded.

A raised eyebrow was the only indication that her statement had surprised him.

"It is not Lieutenant Uhura," he replied succinctly. "It is someone much closer to yourself." He turned his gaze away. "I am unwilling to divulge more before having your agreement to assist."

'Much closer to yourself'? She pondered. That sounded very much like…

Her brain screeched to a halt. It sounded very much like when she was a teenager and the normal way to approach someone you fancied was to suggest your mate was interested in them.

And why shouldn't that be it? Mister Spock said himself his experience in this area was limited. Didn't it make sense that he'd approach the problem in the same way of novices of a younger age?

Wasn't it in fact logical for him to suggest he wanted to practise dating rather than committing straight away? It would be a big step after all. A relationship with a crewmember. With her.

She blushed.

"I think I know who you mean now Mister Spock."

He looked back at her.

"You do?"

"Well, it isn't too hard to figure it out." She smiled softly to reassure him she wasn't annoyed.

He seemed to take this development well.

"You have yet to agree to help in this matter," he pointed out and Christine nearly laughed.

"I shall be most happy to, Mister Spock."

He nodded again but seemed unsure now how to proceed.

"I thought the best method would be to engage in a traditional 'date' activity such as dinner. However I am unsure…"

"How about you come here for dinner then?" she suggested. "I'll prepare something suitable and guide you through how humans conduct themselves on a first date."

She felt herself blush again.

"I would prefer that this be kept quiet. For obvious reasons."

Christine was unsure what those obvious reasons were but she was too thrilled to object.

"Naturally. So I'll see you tomorrow? 1900?"

"I shall be here," he responded before turning and leaving almost abruptly.

Christine found herself too giddy to be insulted at that. In fact, in her current mood, his awkwardness struck her as cute.

Tiredness forgotten she hurried to her wardrobe to begin thinking about her plans for tomorrow.

She didn't have long to prepare after all.