Four

At first, Spock was bewildered. Though clearly pleased when he'd fallen in step beside her, everything from the unnecessary talk about banal topics and the way her eyes darted around the corridors as they walked to her rapid breathing and flushed skin indicated nervousness or apprehension. It made no sense to him. This was what she wanted.

Starbase Six offered a choice of booths or rooms for the purpose. Despite the additional credits it cost, Spock chose a room because he wanted Nyota to be physically comfortable. If not for her needs, he would considered a booth satisfactory as well as more economical.

The doors closed quietly behind them, temporarily sealing them in the unfamiliar chamber and away from others before he understood; she hadn't expected him to come.

"I told you I was not unwilling."

"I know, but..." She took a deep breath and when she spoke again, her face was neutral. "You don't have to do this."

Although the words were spoken firmly and with neither hesitation nor with any hint of loss in the tone, the look that flashed ever so briefly across her face was one he recognized all too well. From others, Nyota could easily hide her disappointment behind wide smiles and bright eyes or a calm countenance when called for. Modulating facial expression was integral to her position and had been part of her training. But Spock knew, without conceit, that the careful study he'd made of his betrothed — long before they'd reached so formal a state — had succeeded in making him aware where others were not.

"Really, beloved. It's not necessary. Not yet, anyway. I don't mind waiting until—"

"Your concern is appreciated, but unnecessary," he told her.

"It's not the Vulcan way."

"It is the way of humans."

"Not really. Not for all humans, anyway."

"My father did this for my mother," he pointed out. "She once told me he was pleased to have done so because it pleased her. I know it is also what you would prefer."

He stepped closer, not halting until he saw her eyes widen and her pupils dilate. The ragged hitch in her breath encouraged him to continue speaking.

"Although my kun-ut so'lik came after you promised yourself to me, you are no less my future wife than if I'd asked before you answered."

She gave him a small smile as he mentioned their odd path betrothal, saying, "Some would claim I was the one who made the proposal."

"Doctor McCoy and the captain would be wrong."

Her smile grew, and he spoke again.

"By the laws of my father's people, there is little difference between ko-kugalsu and adun'a. We lack only the ceremony. But as there is no Vulcan, I have no property there to make yours. Therefore, the ritual is not needed at this juncture."

Watching her closely, he reached out a hand. Satisfied that she took it in hers, he pulled her close, using the other to caress her cheek.

"As among your own people, the choice to proceed lies solely with you, I await only your permission," he murmured. "I know you would be pleased should I take such action. Will you deny me my right and duty to please you, Nyota?"

She didn't answer immediately. Spock was unconcerned. This was an emotional moment for the woman he wanted to marry.

"No," she eventually said in a voice roughened by her tears. "I will not deny you, ashayam."

Stepping around her, Spock walked to the comm-mod and sat. He didn't count the seconds it took him to enter the relevant data or measure the time it took for the connection to complete. He was content that after a brief interval, another man's familiar face appeared on the screen.

"M'Umbha," Benjamin Uhura said before Spock could speak, "I think you will want to join me for this."

Spock waited for his future mother-in-law to appear before he requested their daughter's hand in marriage.

Disclaimer: I own no Star Trek concepts or characters and I don't make money from writing about them.