Dear Readers:
So sorry for the long delay in posting. My Mom had a stroke, was hospitalized, and is presently home needing a great deal of care.
As if that were not enough, my laptop got a serious virus but fortunately I had downloaded some of my stories on 'zip drives' and an external hard drive (which got dropped and died).
I have not been able to get with my Beta, so, if it is a Mary Sue, please forgive me. I attempted to incise as much Fluff as possible without causing serious internal bleeding.
So, all the mistakes are MINE. (I shake my head in sorrow) But I do so love Lo'vaak and Christine's little thing going on, I hope this posting brings a few persons a degree of pleasure.
Thanks to all who read.
Botsey
Chapter 16
Table or Booth?
When they arrived at Christine's residence Lo'vaak contacted her and told her that he will be at her door in one minute. Nyota handed him the bouquet and he responded, "Nemalyo savensu," (Thank you, teacher). She said smiling, "Go sic 'em tiger." He registered an inquisitive look, and she corrected herself, "Go to her," and he nodded.
Lo'vaak knocked on the door with a degree of hesitancy. He had positioned his 'surprise' gift behind his back. Christine opened the door and stood before him. She was more beautiful than he had ever seen her. He slowly withdrew the roses from behind his back and said, "I have heard from a reliable source that these are your favorite flowers."
Christine nodded and smiled. Lo'vaak cleared his throat and said, "You look beautiful, My Christine."
Smiling as she looked at his cobalt blue shirt she said, "You are not looking bad yourself."
She walked toward her kitchen to put the flowers in a vase and Lo'vaak followed closely.
"Christine, I am attempting to become the best compliment for you. Nyota has been instructing me. She called me a 'fiancée in training.'
With his statement Christine's laughter is unrestrained. She said, "You wait until I see her.
Lo'vaak said, "She and Spock are outside waiting for us. I understand it is called a double date."
Christine grabbed her purse and sweater and said, "We must not keep them waiting."
The conversation is lively and unrestrained as they proceeded to Wong's. By the vehicles in the parking lot they determined that it was a very busy night, but as usual, as they entered they were greeted by name. The waiter voiced the usual inquiry-"Table or booth?" and then looked at Nyota's advanced state of pregnancy and required no response.
Mr. Wong came over and bowed low as he smiled at Nyota,. He was then introduced to Lo'vaak and Christine and bowed again in their direction.
Speaking to his new acquaintance the proprietor said, "Spock and Nyota are like family to us, but please do not hesitate to visit us even when Spock and Nyota are unable to do so."
Mr. Wong recalled with fondness his relationship with Spock's parents, How he had observed the young reserved child grow into this confidant man. He was certain that that growth had been very much due to his choice of wife. Nyota brought out the best in him. His thoughts were drawn to the gracious Lady Amanda whose death had struck a cord deep within the community at this place of business. His dear wife wept for days. She caressed the gift that Lady Amanda had given her years ago-a beautiful embroidered lace trimmed handkerchief. Her lament was, "There is no grave, no grave where we could go and honor her.'
Spock's father seemed to stay away from non-essential places that recalled his dear wife's presence in his life, Spock and Nyota had continued their visits here and Wong knew his wife would want to see Nyota.
Mr. Wong was drawn from his reverie by the new guest's response to his invitation.. Lo'vaak and Christine answered together, "Thank you very much."
Observing this couple, another 'mixed' pair he acknowledged their attractiveness and predicted for them beautiful children.
Then looking at Nyota's swollen abdomen, he said, "You baby comes soon. I must get my wife so she can see you." With that he hurried away and within a few minutes returned with his diminutive wife who likewise bowed and smiled. Nyota pointed to her belly and held up two fingers and then pointed to Spock and Lo'vaak.
Mrs. Wong then said, "Sons?"
Nyota nodded 'Yes, two'.
The response was a universal one between women, delighted smiles. The older couple then conversed for a few seconds in their native tongue and then Mrs. Wong scurried away.
In a move that showed his attachment to Spock and Nyota the aged man took their order and then instructed the waiter to get two pots of their special jasmine tea, one of Spock's mother's favorites and then bowed. He then went toward the kitchen.
For a second, Spock recalled his many youthful visits to this place with his parents and it dawned on him, one day he would bring his sons here to eat. It would become a family tradition that he would hand down to them. It would be fitting at those times to tell them about his mother.
Lo'vaak and Spock had settled into the chairs facing their ladies. Christine's hand found Nyota's and gave it a squeeze. They turned and beamed at one another, just as the waiter came with their tea. Lo'vaak poured for Christine and Spock did likewise for Nyota, who settled back with an Ahh…The tea was perfect. Before long Mr. Wong appeared trailed by three waiters whose trays are overflowing.
Mr. Wong pointed out the placement for each dish and then with a wave, dismissed the waiters.
He then said, "My wife has a surprise for you Nyota. You must not leave right after your meal. If you can, stay until we are less busy."
Spock said, "We shall remain here until you are able to return without interference." Nyota said, "It will take us all night to attempt to eat all this food. We will be here for hours."
Both Spock and Lo'vaak reached for plates and as is traditional for Vulcans, they each helped their 'dates' plates. Both men had placed samples from each platter on the plates Christine looked surprised when Lo'vaak placed her plate before her. This was the first experience for Christine and Lo'vaak nodded and she began to eat . Both males waited for the women to complete their sampling and give their approval and then they proceeded to help their own plates. This was another example of a cultural difference being explored. . As usual, there is silence at the table. All around them voices are raised in conversation, revelry, song, deep discussions, but the sound at their table is simply silverware against dishes.
Nyota thought to herself, limited conversation would be nice. With that she said to Christine.
"How do you like the color of Lo'vaak's shirt."
Christine, picking up the cue said, "I find it most aesthetically pleasing."
With that statement, Spock shifted in his seat. A move immediately interpreted by Nyota as an indication of his dislike of sudden, unanticipated change. She then said, "I am going to have to make a trip to the lady's room. Christine, would you come with me?"
They almost conspiratorially joined one another's hands as they walked away. "You two, try to not talk about us while we are gone." was Nyota's parting words, although she knew the opposite to be true.
Lo'vaak looked at Spock and said, "Perhaps this is an evidence of their teasing nature."
Spock's replied, "I think not. They are seeking privacy and will not return for a while. They are about to engage in what is commonly called, 'girl talk'..
Chapter 17
Girl Talk and Other Communication
Nyota truthfully did have to make use of the facility, but afterward they settled themselves in the lounge that adjoined the washroom.
Nyota started the conversation. "Has he spoken with you?"
"No, we just haven't had the opportunity."
"Well, Spock gave him permission to talk to ME about YOU. He came by this afternoon and had his first F.I.T, session.
This draws a quizzical look from her friend, F.I.T.?
Y-e-s, Nyota drew out her response, 'Fiancée…In… Training.'
With that, Christine howled with laughter and then stifled the sound with her palm. She caught her breath and said, "Only you could think of such a thing. He did mention something along those lines when he picked me up. Well, I might as well ask, how did he fair?"
"He is very attune to pleasing you and winning you the Terran way. He has resolved to court you. I have merely supplied him with tools to allow him to understand the rudimentary rules of this behavior. He is determined to show you the depth of his devotion. So, you have been forewarned. But be aware, there is no way you can be truly prepared. Much of what happens will be alien to you."
"But I have accepted him."
"Yes, but you don't know him, and that concerned him. He is gifted with the ability to know you in an instant, you are not so endowed.. There is the difference in cultures, Betazoid and Vulcan, both of them, on this personal level, relatively unknown to you. There is his Vulcan side that is possessive, and protective, and his Betazoid half, anxious and that physically desires you so much that he must restrain himself from isolated contact with you. In addition, this love at first sight in a Vulcan is all consuming, the engulfment, you are in his conscious thought at all times. The very fact that he is willing to suffer, because that is what a wait will entail for him, in spite of the fact that you have agreed to a bond, speaks very highly of him. He is an unusually moral and noble male. Smiling and squeezing her friends hand, she continues, "Not quite on par with my Spock, but almost.
Fortunately, you do not have the restraints of Star Fleet that Spock and myself were under when we found one another. But sometimes in the Vulcan male and female scenario, the female has to guide the male. But his Betazoid side might just be able to handle this."
Smiling at her friend she continues, "I must warn you, that first kiss will 'blow you out of the water.' It has to be timed properly. He will know."
Returning to the table they observed two sheepish looking Vulcans observing their return.
"Don't worry Baby," she said to Spock, "We talked about you two also." Spock rose as she made her way and he assisted her in lowering herself to her seat. She extended her index and middle finger in the ozh'esta and sends, "She know her role." as she sends waves of devotion and love to her a'dun, and he sends back his plans for their time together later that evening and very Vulcan-like she raises one eyebrow and then her smile broadened..
Just then Mr. and Mrs. Wong made their appearance. In her soft voice Mrs. Wong said, "You take, please.," and offered Nyota a small bundle wrapped in red tissue paper. Mr. Wong gestured and said, "Open, open."
Nyota placed the present on the table and gently unwrapped it. Inside were two small red brocade Chinese tunics with black silk pants and two embroidered caps whose message Nyota immediately recognized as a Chinese wish for good luck. Nyota struggled to get up and Spock assisted her. She stood before the elderly woman and negotiated the lowest bow possible for her and then she embraced her and said, "Thank you, thank you for Lady Amanda and her grandsons. Mrs. Wong beamed, bowed and quietly left. Mr. Wong is then privy to Nyota tears, tears of gratitude for the warmth and friendship that surrounded them in this familiar surrounding. The one pang of sorrow, was that Spock's mother would not ever be privy to any of this.
Wong then said, "We look forward to seeing the grandson of Honorable Sarek's and our dear departed Lady Amanda's here at Wong's as soon as possible after their birth."
Nyota nodded, as she swallowed with difficulty. Spock stood and also bowed to his elder and then Mr. Wong departed.
Spock embraced his beloved when he had seated himself and again read the depth of Nyota's devotion to him and everyone that had made him the man that she loved..
Lo'vaak gently wiped the tears from Christine's cheeks and for a few seconds, at their table, there was silence.
