Leonard received Spock's request for medical leave, and though hadn't denied it, he did want some more information. While he might not be able to badger Spock about it, Christine was not so lucky and showed up at his office with a slight scowl.
"If patient confidentiality doesn't cover it, I'm sure there's some regulation somewhere about not forcing spouses to testify against each other," she said. Spock's short temper was rubbing off on her.
"Easy, Christine. I just want to know what's changed. Last time Spock faced this he was threatening me and throwing soup at you. Now you're...Vulcan married? You have to admit you'd probably be curious in my position, too."
She huffed a sigh, unable to object. "I don't have a clear-cut answer to give you. My feelings about Spock haven't changed. But for Spock, it was more than just the proverbial change of heart. He thinks after Sargon placed his consciousness in my mind, it formed a bond between us, similar to the kind of bond he had with T'Pring. We discussed it and decided it was logical to pursue it further." She couldn't resist throwing Leonard's least favorite word in there. She was still annoyed at being questioned and if she was annoyed, he could be annoyed, too.
Leonard threw up his hands. "I will never understand how in the world a nice girl like you could get tangled up with a heartless green-blooded pointy-eared hobgoblin like Spock." He sighed. "But it's not really my business. I'll tell Jim to head straight for Vulcan. I don't want to deal with anything like that last time ever again."
Christine left with only a slight nod of thanks.
Fortunately there were no conflicting orders and the Enterprise arrived at Vulcan without a hitch. When asked how long the first officer and head nurse might be absent, Christine could only shrug. Spock, even if he could form coherent sentences, couldn't predict how long the pon farr would last. She suggested they apply to stay for shore leave. It might not be a pleasure planet, but it would be a change of pace and give the crew some time off.
While the rest of the crew amused themselves, Christine and Spock headed for Spock's family home. Amanda greeted them at the door and silently thanked whoever might be listening that Sarek was away for the day. She gave Christine a quick hug. "I'm so sorry we can't sit down and have a proper chat, but I'm afraid we haven't the time. I don't want you to worry, though. I've sent everything I thought you might need ahead and it's all there waiting for you." She pressed a small device into Christine's hand. "I don't expect anything to happen that you can't handle, but just in case, stun him with this and summon a healer," Amanda said in a low voice. She then ushered them back out to the transport and nodded at the driver. "Promise to come and see us after. I know Sarek wants to meet you."
Christine nodded and pressed Amanda's hand gratefully. She was sorry they couldn't have a chat, but she was still reassured that Amanda had prepared ahead.
The ride was short. They pulled up in front a series of hills that grew into mountains in the distance. Spock climbed out of the car and immediately headed for an opening, as if drawn by an invisible force. Christine shoot one last look at the driver and then scurried after Spock.
It was a somewhat longer walk than she'd expected, but what she found waiting was quite impressive. A grand chamber had been furnished. The thick stone walls kept it cool inside and the darkness was combated by soft candlelight. Sitting unobtrusively against one wall was a large box with Christine's name on it. She hurried to open it, only looking back at Spock as an afterthought.
He'd gone completely still, but Christine could tell he was afraid and tense. She'd have to worry about the box later. She approached him slowly with a warm smile on her face. "Remember what we talked about. The less you fear it and fight against it, the easier it will be."
Spock tried to nod and relax, but he was terrified that he would somehow injure his bondmate and the thought of that froze him despite the intense fever coursing through his veins.
Christine tutted softly. She took Spock's hand and guided him to a large pile of furs. It provided a far more intimate and welcoming atmosphere than the this mattress that occupied the massive bed frame. She had to get Spock to stop thinking and just let go before he injured himself.
Slowly, she began massaging his neck, then his shoulders, working her way down to his hands. She took her time there, caressing each finger and then bringing it to her lips to receive a soft kiss. She could feel his muscles begin to loosen and then she started to work off his clothing, piece by piece, slowly, gently, ensuring with each step forward that he wasn't about to slam down his wall of control again.
Suddenly, she found herself pinned down by a tight grip. Dark brown eyes filled with fire gazed down at her hungrily and she let out a tiny whimper. She found this part of Spock completely fascinating and somewhere through the haze that filled his mind, Spock sensed this. The knowledge seemed to spur him on and soon had Christine at his mercy, immersed in the fires of pon farr with him.
Christine cracked an eye open. How long? was her first thought. Days? Weeks? She honestly had no idea and she was loath to move in case Spock awoke as well. But she could sense the raging inferno was no more. It was rather the glow of dying embers and she was grateful. It had been worse than she was expecting, but far better than Spock had feared. She owed Amanda a thousand thanks.
Taking a gamble that Spock would need sleep more than anything else at this point, she turned and adjusted her body into a more comfortable position for sleep. She reached an arm over her head to the store of supplies Amanda had sent. First mission, rehydrate. She took long, slow sips of the solution before setting it back down and curling closer to Spock. Without the heat of their exertions, the chamber was becoming too cool.
She woke some time later to a tickling sensation on her cheek. She flinched away to see Spock practically smirking at her as he traced her jawline with the tip of a finger. She made a disgruntled noise and buried her head, but it was no good. Before long he had Christine writhing and giggling as he teased her in a remarkably human fashion.
Breathless from laughter, Christine looked up into Spock's eyes. "I love you, Spock."
His expression softened. It was difficult for him, but he was determined not to rely on their bond, at least this once. She had saved his life despite the risks to her safety and he was still filled with wonder that anyone could feel so strongly for him, the half-breed, the outcast. "I love you," he said, voice hoarse, trying not to break, "Christine."