Cross Culture
Chapter 4
Day 6

Spock walked down the stairs of his home hearing his mother and father were still asleep. He grabbed something to eat quickly. Then he headed out of their Residence and walked briskly towards the Academy.

He used the side entrance which was usually avoided since it led to student quarters that were usually left open. The first door inside that hallway opened automatically and Tibby stepped out. She was wearing a black tank top with a pair of baggy dark grey pants. Her long blonde hair was pulled up beneath the same scarf she always wore out in public.

"Morning Spock," she said with a smile and he inclined his head as she fell into stride with him. As they walked some Vulcans stopped to stare. Most at the academy just ignored them.

It was a common sight, those two side by side while walking across the building.

"So, we sparring?" she asked like she did every morning.

"Yes," he told her. "Have you eaten this morning?"

"No," she said honestly and he wanted to groan at the lack of concern he'd seen when it involved her own well being. "I don't eat breakfast. If I eat breakfast I won't be hungry for lunch."

Ignoring her he led her to the cafeteria where she complained only half-heartedly. The Vulcan Caterers watched them. He'd heard some Vulcans wondering if they were in a romantic relationship. A few even asked if they were planning on bonding.

The rumors that spread had gone so far that his great aunt T'Pau came and questioned them. His father denied them stating they were just acquaintances and there was no basis of truth where them bonding together were concerned.

T'Pau had said that Spock bonding with a human would actually be logical because she doubted Vulcans would bond with him due to his human heritage.

"You're quiet today," Tibby said, breaking him out of his reverie of thought.

"I apologize," he states and she shakes her head.

"What's on your mind, Spock?" she asked and he went to correct that comment at how illogical it really was since nothing could literally be on a person's mind but she shook him off. "I know, I know. You don't need to correct me. What are you thinking about?"

"Do you realize everybody assumes we are… intimately connected," he asked and she rolled her eyes.

"Yeah… I assumed that with how much time we spend together. And apparently Vulcans are just as big of gossips as Humans… who would have guessed. Something else is bothering you," she stated as she finished her food. Then she stood up to dump her food. He followed her.

"The matriarch of my family line… she heard a rumor that I intended to bond with you," he states and she looks at him puzzled. "That is marriage in other cultures." She nodded. "When she was informed I had no such designs she seemed almost… disappointed I believe would be the word. She stated a human bond mate would be a wise decision on my part."

"Probably would. But you have time," she states. "Don't go deciding your future now. Especially since Humans tend to be emotionally driven and you… aren't. You are logically driven which could annoy some humans if they don't see that you do actually have emotions."

He nodded as they went to Spar. They sparred for an hour and forty-five minutes before they headed to their Education Pods for their lessons. She smiled at him and his heart… fluttered. It was the only way to describe it.

Once in there he studied and found the lesson mentally challenging as his mind kept going back to her, the comment about finding a human that actually understood him, about his great aunt expecting him to be with a human, etc.

When he left he found it was noon but Tibby had finished an hour earlier than he had. She also had been seen heading towards her dorm room. He grew concerned that she was not eating the noon meal.

Determined he went to rectify this situation.

~CROSS CULTURES~

Tibby Kirk was sitting in her room. She knew she should be getting ready to eat but she wasn't all that hungry. She wasn't sure why either. She couldn't say she had home sickness because she actually felt more at home here than she'd ever felt on Earth.

Sitting there with a book in her hands she is happy alone. Sure, she knew that Spock would be upset because she slipped out earlier than normal, hurrying through her work so she didn't have to explain why she wasn't eating. Still, she was fine, and could handle missing a lunch or two.

Flipping the page in her book a knock suddenly rang from the door. Frowning Tibby stood up and went to answer it.

Opening the door she found Spock standing there with his hands behind his back like always. But the slightest pinch in his eyes, the tenseness of his mouth told her that behind his cold exterior he was very concerned for her. She'd been quickly learning to identify the emotions of Spock, having realized how strong Vulcan emotions really were.

"Have you already eaten Ms. Kirk," Spock asked and she flinched at the 'strained' formality in his voice.

"I'm not hungry Spock… and since when have you been so formal with me?" she asked and he all but bit his inner cheek. "Come on Spock, I'm not hungry. I wanted to read. Is that so bad?"

"It is illogical for you to skip out on a meal, and rather unhealthy," he informed her.

"One skipped meal won't kill me," she told him and he shook his head, almost sighing from frustration. His irritation was tangible though most wouldn't notice it. Sighing she stood up. "If it bothers you this much I'll eat something… but only something small."

"Bothers is…" he begins but she shakes her head.

"Logical… No, but it's emotional and even if Vulcans repress they still feel the slightest amount," she states. "I've watched enough in the past few days to see that much."

"Interesting, please explain," he stated and so she did. She talked about what she'd witnessed. She didn't eat much which she witnessed him take notice of though he didn't call her on it. No, instead he sat there quietly.

Once they ate the pair went for a walk. They talked all the way back to her quarters where the Chessboard came out.

The pair somehow began discussing the future. She learned that, no matter who Spock ended up with, the chances were slim that he'd ever have a child with his chosen mate. Apparently the lead scientists believed him to be infertile which was very sad. It actually hurt to see the pain and disappointment in his eyes.

From there the conversation turned to something… lighter.

After three games, where she won one while he won two, they left. As he left she bit her lip watching him go, smiling.

[I would like to thank everybody who has read so far and added this to their favorites and/or alerted it. I would also give a special thanks to Midnight Seducer, Lifeclaw, and T'Arrah for their reviews... well, I hope you've liked it so far.]