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"It is called x'chi ohn itza. It is manufactured on Orion." Sarek says, watching her take a bite. "Amanda enjoyed it and found it very comparable to chocolate."
The minute the substance touches her tongue, Uhura realizes something. Either Amanda had an inhuman gag reflex or she lied to her husband.
It takes all of her diplomatic skills not to spit it out. She tries to contort her face into an expression of enjoyment but her face frowns on its own accord and she can tell Sarek sees her hesitation.
"Do you find it unsatisfactory?" he asks. There is something behind his words. He sounds almost hopeful.
"No. It's good." She swallows and she swears the stuff sears her throat. "Lady Amanda had good taste."
She should have kept her mouth shut but her craving had become overwhelming and Nyota knew she couldn't have real chocolate.
Plus, the apartment had been so quiet. She had hid in her room for most of the day before she built up the courage to try to interact with him. Then when she had tried to start conversations, usually with the most ridiculous of topics, he had been so silent.
She had actually felt pleased. Asking him what his favorite color was or his opinion on the nature versus nurture debate had failed to gain traction but expressing a desire for sweets had finally animated him.
Then this had to go and happen.
Sarek is watching her still. She reaches to wipe her hands on a napkin, even though her fingers are perfectly clean. He glances at the wrapper of leftover "candy" and then back at her. She takes a sip of water, to prolong the inevitable. His gaze is unwavering. She takes a minuscule piece, pretends to smell the faux chocolate, as if appreciating it. She looks at Sarek and their eyes meet for a brief second as she slowly lowers the x'chi ohn itza to her mouth again.
Just before she takes a bite, her monitor beeps. Leonard programed it to remind her to take medicines, hormones, vitamins, and other pills during the day. Right now, she is due for a nutrition pack and a hypo of anti-immunity drugs.
Her face is admirably straight but she throws the x'chi ohn itza down, a tad too enthusiastically. She excuses herself and practically skips to her room.
When she is finished with her treatments, it occurs to her that she should thank Sarek. He deserves that at least, if not for the result, then for the effort.
Back in the main room, Sarek is clearing the table. She arrives just in time to see him throw the x'chi ohn itza away.
When he turns to face her, she swears his eyes are brighter than they were before.
"I have found that humans often give each other a inaccurate depiction of events in order to save one another from negative emotions. I ask that you refrain from doing so with me. I assure you I will be unaffected."
He is practically smiling at her and it gives her the courage to be honest. "Then I respectfully ask that you take no further measures to procure any more x'chi ohn itza. Please."
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