Warm Embraces

Two years ago...

Spock stopped short as he turned the corner to the hall that would lead to his office. He was running just a bit late and he knew Cora would be waiting for him. Even though he had given her the key to his office, she rarely ever used it, feeling that it was improper and disrespectful to enter his office with him not there. He could probably count on one hand the number of times the last year or so that she'd had the key how often she'd been IN his office when he arrived and each time had been when something she deemed 'special' had happened and she wanted to surprise him with a small bit of food, like...when some of his research was published or when she'd given him a small celebration for the day he was born...he still wasn't sure how she had discovered that given her rather lacking skills with utilizing the various devices of the Academy and he was sure he had not mentioned it, but she had known.

Sadly, in this particular instance, he had gotten caught up after teaching his last class when one of the Academy council members came to speak to him about Cora. They had noticed an improvement in her abilities and in her personality ever since he began their private study sessions, the council taking a special interest in her and keeping a close eye on her records and the reports from the other instructors to monitor her. The council had wanted to congratulate him on such a success, as though he had done it solely for the purpose of 'improving' her and not because he…wanted to have the time with her. The council was urging him and encouraging him to continue their sessions, had implied that...even if they were to continue as non-study sessions...they would look the other way. It was against the rules for a student to spend that much time with an instructor in their private quarters after the designated time set away for an instructor to be available, when the time could be spent to meet with other students. He had merely responded that the sessions would continue as long as Cora needed him.

For her studies, of course.

Yes.

He had been told that, regardless of the manner in which the sessions continued, it would be beneficial for Cora that they did. That she 'could do with a bit more logic and a bit less empathy.' Which was something that he did not understand as, logically, that was the entire reason she was there in the Academy in the first place, for her empathy, for her abilities to sense and manipulate emotions of others. Why the council or the Fleet would require her to lose the integrity of her own self to become more logical he did not know. The only conclusion he could reach was that it was meant to be taken in a more…self-preservative manner. That, if Cora was more 'logical,' she would not fall into a trap of allowing her emotions to guide her into a danger or be swayed by the enemy but remain focused.

Whatever the case was, he did not argue against the council's wishes, verbally at least. But he thought, in his mind, that no matter what, he would always continue the sessions, even if Cora failed to require his assistance in other subjects. Which was…different than what he had told himself only a year ago, that he was only meeting with her to improve her focus in other subjects and only speaking with her on the side due to the excess time and his interest in learning more about her people. He had…accepted the fact that…he WANTED to see Cora as much as he did. He…wanted to see her even more than he already did.

Logically, he knew that it was the likely result of having spent so much time with her over the last two years. She had become…commonplace in his life, a constant, something he saw so often that to imagine not seeing her there any longer was…jarring and the times he DID see her had become too little. Three times a week, for two hours a session, for two years, consistently, he had spent with her. The…sessions had become a little longer recently, three hours by now, a few times lasting even four hours. And, often he would find himself in his office, working, and Cora would appear randomly with a bit of food from the canteen. He always got so invested in his work that he would forget his need to eat. And Cora just always seemed to know when he was hungry, before he even realized it himself. They would…eat together (which was within the scope of the rules a his lunch break was not Academy or office time, he merely...chose to take his lunch in his office) and it would be one of the few times they met where they didn't open with discussions of other classes or help with assignments but just…conversation.

He was seeing more of her a week, and…it still wasn't quite enough for him so each time he was held back, whether by a student like Cadet Uhura asking a question about the course and wanting to go to his office to discuss it more in depth or by another instructor with a question or remark, it made him…anxious…to get to his office. Like Cora he was rarely ever late and disliked being so.

And now he was regretting taking so long as he stood there at the end of the hall, frowning at the sight before him. Cora was standing outside his office as was per her custom, but…she wasn't alone. Cadet Uhura and two other girls he recognized from his classes were standing before her. He couldn't help but…feel his hands clenching fists at his sides as he looked at Cora, at how she was standing, her posture, her overall appearance. She had her head bowed, her shoulders hunched, trying to seem as small as she could be.

It was a submissive gesture.

She was trying to unconsciously show Uhura that she was not a threat, that she was listening, that she was heeding the orders being given by someone she felt was superior to her.

And he hated that.

That was not what Starfleet was about. There were no superiors among the ranks, at least not in the way he knew Cora saw that as, merely those more experienced and those who were responsible for the welfare of entire crews. And that was mostly reserved for being on a starship. Right at that moment, they were still in the Academy, where all Cadets were equal…and he did not like the way Cora was flinching at whatever Uhura was saying.

He strode down the hall, "Is there a problem here Cadets?" he inquired, looking between them, though he was perhaps standing a bit too close to Cora.

"No sir," Uhura smiled at him, "We were just talking," she looked at Cora, "Weren't we Cora?"

Spock tilted his head and looked at Cora, "Is this true Cora?"

Cora just closed her eyes and gave him a short nod, "Yes sir."

He frowned at that, at how she had called him 'sir' again after having not heard it from her in quite a while, at how she wasn't looking up at him as he'd requested repeatedly, "Are you certain?" he asked her once more.

She gave him another nod, more of a flinching one.

He stiffened, lifting his head a bit, realizing that she was attempting to avoid lying to him by not saying anything. They may have been talking earlier, yes, but whatever it was that was being said was upsetting her and she could tell by his tone that he was asking her if the 'talking' was negative. By not speaking, she was not exactly answering, she wasn't exactly lying but more...implying.

He gave a slow nod of his own and glanced at Uhura and the girls, knowing he wouldn't be able to get the full truth off Cora with them there, "If you would excuse me, Cadets," he began, "Cora and I have a study session to attend to," he explained, seeing Uhura's smile tense and look between him and Cora.

He knew that she had worked something out that was displeasing her. He didn't need to be Cora to know that. Uhura had been trying to get a private study session with him since she began his class. Each academic period, each class he taught that she signed on for, she continuously requested the sessions. But she had not succeeded in obtaining one, and now it was only logical that she had worked out why that was.

"Cora," he turned to her, gesturing her into his office as he opened the door. She glanced back at Uhura for one moment...till he reached out to semi-nudge her to continue, more of his hand ghosting across the small of her back to lead her in. Cora turned back at the gesture and stepped into the office, him following close behind and shutting the door behind him, making it clear to Uhura and the others that they were done with the conversation.

He waited till he heard the girls walking away before he looked over at her Cora, the girl just standing in the middle of his office, not moving, her head bowed, not sitting or even staring at anything in particular, just at the bottom of his desk it seemed.

"Cora," he began, stepping over to her, "What did she say to you?"

"It was nothing of import sir," she murmured, not able to look up.

He frowned at that, he could hear a slight tremor in her voice, unnoticeable to other species perhaps, but his hearing had always been better then most. He stepped closer, moving right before her, "Cora..." but still she looked down, "Are you lying to me?"

"No sir," she answered quickly.

"I have asked you not to call me sir," he replied just as quickly, "I have requested repeatedly for you to stop doing that."

"I'm sorry sir," she closed her eyes, flinching as though at that reminder, "But it is not proper that I should be so familiar with you."

He looked at her intently, but she still wouldn't look up at him. This was…not like Cora. This was not like the Cora she had grown into over the years. This was the Cora who had first entered the Academy, the Cora who had been beaten and broken by the Mas'heirs. And that was NOT a Cora he ever wanted to see again.

He hesitated a moment before he lifted his hand towards her, slowly, knowing that sudden moves would still make her flinch as though expecting to be struck. It had happened on more than one occasion as he watched her in the halls. Sometimes she would be tripped and another Cadet would be kind enough to try to help her up, offer her a hand, he always saw her flinch when it appeared in her vision so suddenly. He knew that to be slow would be better for her. He held his hand before her face, but still her eyes remained closed. He brought his hand closer, about to touch her, before stopping, unsure, until he curled a finger and placed it under her chin, slowly lifting her head to look at him.

"I believe I requested you look me in the eye as well," he reminded her, blinking when he saw her eyes open to reveal tears swimming in them, "Cora…what did she say to you?"

For her to be so upset that she was near tears, given all she had endured in her life, all she put up with from other Cadets…he couldn't work out what it was that Uhura had said that was getting to CORA like this. Empathics…Cora especially…were often stronger than they realized. All they endured in their lives, from the beatings to the familial losses, it made them stronger in the face of tragedy and pain. Whatever the Cadets did to her, whatever an enemy alien could do, would never be as terrible as the Mas'heirs, if she could survive them, then she could survive anything.

So what could it be?

"Tell me," he whispered to her.

Cora searched his eyes, feeling genuine concern for her emanating from him, he was…worried for her. She knew that he was aware of her species, their resilience and endurance and for her to be upset meant it was something truly upsetting to hear. And, as an instructor, and as a Commander, it was his duty to see to the welfare of the Cadets. She was…suspicious that the particular amount of concern he felt for her was quite a bit more than what he would feel for any other member or potential member of the Fleet, but…it…made her feel compelled to tell him. He was truly…the only one she trusted.

They had talked for so long, about so many things, she felt like she…knew him. She knew about his childhood, how the Vulcans would 'bully' him and try to incite anger in him and other human responses. She had pointed out that in doing so did they not display a human quality in themselves? In seeming to enjoy harassing him, did they not also display such emotions that Vulcans were meant to stay away from? Which had shocked him quiet for the rest of that session. He had told her of his mother, how his father had married her for the logical reason of being an ambassador to Earth. She had countered that, while he may have asked her to marry him, it was up to his mother to say yes. She could have turned his father down (she may have implied she was happy the woman had not as Spock himself wouldn't be there if she had) and stayed on Earth, but she loved his father and had wanted to be with him. She had pointed out that, from what she knew of human emotions, one did not often marry someone who did not love them back, she had implied his father must have done something to convince her otherwise, in small ways must have proved he HAD loved her. Which had left him pondering all the small things his father did for his mother, a hand to the back as he led her places, a squeeze of the hand when she was worried about something, a hand on her shoulder when she was upset, a…smile…when she smiled. So many things he had missed as a child, that he had noticed but thought nothing of till Cora had brought it up. She knew about his decision to reject the Science Academy, how his people saw him weak or fearful of not going through with the Kolinahr to purge all emotions from him. She had remarked that it was the opposite, that he was stronger for it, to experience fear or sorrow and to push past it and strive to continue…that was harder than to not feel it, to feel a terrible thing and remain strong was a symbol of strength.

And then HE had remarked she must be very strong by her own logic.

She hadn't seen it, but he had.

She knew him, intimately, she was certain he had told her things that he had not told anyone else, much like she had told him things of her life as well. How her mother hadn't been strong enough in the end and had died because of her. To which he had reminded her that it was the Mas'heirs fault for forcing another pregnancy on her mother (which HE had implied, much like she had with him, that while the circumstances were terrible, without that forced moment, SHE wouldn't be there). She had told him of the beatings she had endured growing up whenever she failed to do what the Mas'heirs expected…had admitted that, at times it was on purpose, that she had thought if she didn't display the typical qualities of an 11th child that she might be allowed to remain on Hestia with her family. He had countered that to endure that made her more capable of helping in dire situations that often came about in Starfleet. If ever there was an attack, if she was hurt, she would be able to keep her rational thought, she would be able to push past the pain having experienced worse. She had even told him about her family, her father, her siblings, how she'd had to leave them to their fate, to knowing they were still a part of the Mas'heirs control. He had reminded her that, being a part of Starfleet might one day offer her the ability or the chance and experience to return and help her family, perhaps help her people escape oppression. She had said there were Empathics in the past who had been selected by Starfleet, nothing ever came from them. They never returned to Hestia after setting foot off it.

He had just countered that she was different.

There was only one thing she didn't talk to him about…the other Cadets and what they really did to her at times, how cruel they could be. She didn't speak of it at all. She hadn't told him about the jeers in the halls, about the snide comments some might make in classes when they used her planet as an 'example' or a 'reference' in hypothetical situations. She didn't tell him about how her roommate did not speak more than two words to her since they had started at the Academy, only saying 'don't care' when she had hesitantly tried to introduce herself. She didn't talk of how she tended to come and visit him at meal times more and more frequently because she didn't like being in the canteen with such large crowds and not feeling comfortable finding somewhere to sit with someone. The Cadets who didn't have issues with her she didn't want to get them on the 'wrong side' of the Cadets who did. The tripping incident he'd witness when she'd just started at the Academy had only been the first instance in a long line of it. She tended to keep mostly to herself, either staying in her room or in the library or in his office. Which was…it hurt her to do it at times. Empathics thrived on interaction, on being a part of something, on relationships and ties of friendship, but she had none…but…she'd found that Spock made up for that.

His wit, his cleverness, his logic…she learned so much from him. He was so brilliant in nearly every subject and she enjoyed their talks. He always welcomed her and, she noticed, when he saw her she could feel a small stirring of happiness from him, that he was happy to see her. He wanted to help her and see her grow and do better and…be there for her. And he seemed genuinely interested in her and her people, not asking about it in patronizing ways like the other Cadets did at times. And he was…nice to be around. She knew most would find it odd that he was so almost stiff and unfeeling but SHE could feel it, the contentment he felt around her, the same as she felt around him. And she liked being around him, not just because his emotions were more controlled, running so SO deep, but being so focused…but because he was just…Spock. He was the only alien of his kind in a sea of other species, he was like her people but with an emphasis on his mind instead of his heart. And he was just…amazing.

And because of all that…he deserved to know the truth.

She took a breath, "Nyota Uhura was merely reminding me, sir, of my place here in the Academy."

It had hurt, badly, to have that happen. She had…started to feel complacent, comfortable there, almost…at home. But Uhura's words had just served to remind her, this wasn't her home, the Cadets were not her family, her true family was trapped on her planet, likely being beaten right at that moment. She was only there for one purpose and one purpose only, to server Starfleet as a negotiator when she graduated. The only reason she'd been selected on Hestia was because she was an 11th child, had she been average, she wouldn't be there. There was just THAT to consider herself unique in. Just that. She was not smart, or clever, she could barely work the controls in the computers and other devices of the other courses she took, it went against the customs of her people to use a phaser or other weapons, she was not…suited to be in Starfleet.

And she was starting to regret, as she had when she first entered, that they had taken her from Hestia in the first place. She had grown…she didn't know the word. But she was looking some people in the eye, she was speaking at times without having been spoken too and…she was far too familiar with Spock. She was…out of control. And she had…needed to be reminded of just where she belonged on the 'pecking order' as humans would say. She was not as valuable as Starfleet would have her believe, she was just Cora, an Empathic who was growing too distant from the teachings of her planet and the customs of her people.

"Your…place?" Spock frowned, feeling…something he recognized from his childhood as anger starting to rise in him and taking a moment to push it back down, "Your place is the same place Cadet Uhura's is. You are all equal, you are all Cadets here."

But Cora shook her head, "Some of us are not…"

"Do not finish that statement," he cut in, making her look away, but he just knew what she was about to say, that she was about to put herself down, that she was about to say some of them were not equal but inferior, like her.

He agreed with the council in only one regard. If Cora were more logical, she would be able to see her true value to Starfleet instead of continuously putting herself down. She would be able to see that the words of Uhura were fallacious as she was a Cadet just as Uhura was.

"Cora…" he began, but she still looked away, unable to look him in the eye, "Look at me," he ordered her lightly.

But she could only manage to shake her head, "It is not proper sir," she whispered.

"Cora," he stepped closer to her, hoping the physical nearness would help calm her, he had noticed that…the closer he was to her when she was upset the faster she calmed. It had taken a bit of experimentation and testing that theory to realize he was correct in the assumption, "Cora look at me."

When she shook her head again, he gently nudged her face with his hand that was still under her chin, guiding her gaze back to him, "Cora I could truly order you to look at me, but I would rather not do that. It does not appeal to me to do so in knowing that you would follow it without question. Therefore, I strongly request that you remember, it is preferred, and you are encouraged, to look me in the eye when we speak. Is that understood?" she nodded this time, "And do not call me 'sir,'" he added, "I am Spock to you."

She gave a small smile at that, "Yes s…" she stopped, taking a breath, "Yes, Spock."

He nodded, "I am aware that you are upset by what Cadet Uhura said," and he was, there were still tears shimmering in her eyes, making them seem to be moving like the waves of the ocean, "Is there anything that I may do to be of assistance in helping you recover?"

She shook her head, "No sir…Spock!" she corrected quickly.

He looked at her intently, "Why do I believe you are not telling me the entire truth?"

She sighed, "Because there is only one thing that could help to calm an Emapthic who is deeply shaken by something," she began, "And it is too much to ask of you sir-Spock," she corrected herself again.

He tilted his head with a frown, "I believe, if it is something I must provide, that it would be up to me to determine the worth and expense of the request. I cannot do that if you do not tell me what it is."

Cora frowned at that as well, biting her lip, drawing his eyes to them immediately, not that he noticed as his eyes shot right back up to her own a split-second later.

"For an Empathic," she said hesitantly, "To feel secure and calmed, to recover from a great pain…we require contact," she hesitated a moment.

"Of what sort?" Spock asked, seeing her pausing.

"Touch," she answered, "Physical touch. The most common method is an…embrace."

He eyed her a moment, realizing she was, in human terms, asking for a…hug.

It was not in Vulcan nature to touch in such a manner, his…mother was the only one who had ever done so with him. And, because of that, he could understand she was essentially in need of comfort. Being an Empathic, physical touch went further than words. She had made an effort, ever since they had discussed the notion of touch, to, at times, only touch him in a manner that a Vulcan would accept or feel comfortable with. She was considerate like that, she tried to make a touch less awkward for him by doing so in a manner he was familiar with, even though they both knew that touch was more important to her and yet she was refraining.

And right now, she needed more physical contact than she knew he, as a Vulcan, could be willing to provide. But…he…wasn't just a Vulcan. He was a human as well. And, he supposed, the human side of him could…offer such a thing.

It was odd, to think in that manner. He had been so focused on being Vulcan his entire life that, in knowing Cora, he was starting to see himself as two different sides. He could be Vulcan, or he could be human at times. He couldn't quite reconcile being both, not in his mind, not logically, but he found, at times, it was easier to think of it as either a Vulcan gesture or a Human one. And this…was a human one.

"I believe that would be a small price if it would ease your concern," he began carefully.

Cora's eyes shot up to his, wide, as though she couldn't believe he'd actually…accepted, that he was actually willing to hug her. He stood there, unmoving though, and she wasn't sure if he was aware of what he'd offered. But she remembered his mother was human, he had mentioned receiving hugs from her in the past. Perhaps…he was just unmoving as he wanted to ensure she was willing to accept one from him?

That was the only thing that made sense to her. She swallowed and took a hesitant step towards him, not that there was much space left between them at the moment, her gaze on his face, searching for any sign of discomfort or unwillingness…but he just kept his own gaze locked on her the closer she drew. She slowly moved her arms through his, bending them up once she was past his body so that her hands, curled in fists, were near the tops of his shoulders, and she squeezed, only then closing her eyes and resting her head on his chest.

She was stiff, tense, starting to feel as though she'd made a mistake in trying to hug him…when she felt his arms start to move around her waist and a small pressure being applied on it, pulling her closer. She let out a relieved breath that she hadn't offended or disgusted him with her request, especially when she felt him rest his chin on her shoulder, when she felt him give her one subtle squeeze as he tilted his head down more so that his nose was resting on her shoulder instead.

She would have said he might be nuzzling the junction of her shoulder and neck if Vulcans did such a thing. But she couldn't help the small smile that came to her face as she felt his emotions shifting from hesitation to…acceptance…to comfort as well. He was…happy…that he was able to help her, that she trusted him enough to allow him to do so. And, she supposed, somewhere in his mind perhaps he was recalling how long it had been since he had been hugged himself by his mother or anyone, that perhaps he had forgotten the comfort such an action could provide.

She lifted her head only slightly, so her lips were right near his ear, feeling a slight shudder or shiver strike him as she whispered, "Thank you Spock."

A/N: Awww :) I hope that made sense, Spock hugging Cora. I'm trying to make Spock's interactions with Cora slowly build up, from conversation to single touches, to a small hug, to...well, not going to give away too much ;) I figure, if his mother hugged him, he might more open to hugging someone like Cora when she needs it :) And it also explains how he knew that touching her would help her in the last chapter ;)

But I can say the next chapter will feature a lot of Spock's emotions/thoughts on Cora and reveal exactly what bond was formed between them ;)

Some notes on reviews...

There'll be more about Cora's species and their lifespan in the next chapter, but yup, her people, in their natural state (not forced into slavery and harsh conditions) can live about 150, or about 200 years. And thanks :) I've actually heard of that site before, I made sure to read all that it said on Vulcans before I started this story just to make sure I was more familiar with them and their habits :)

We'll have to wait and see ;) I can say we'll find out exactly what Cora will be in the very next chapter :)

That's how I write too, I see a little movie in my head and try to write it out as I see it :) I'm glad your mind movie is playing out well :)

We'll find out what the bond was in the next chapter :) No worries there, I've only seen this movie and Into Darkness to go off of :)

Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying the story and Cora and her powers so far :) We had a tiny bit of background here with Uhura, but there'll actually be more in the sequel (though a bit more for the present time with references to the past). We'll see exactly what Uhura might do about Spock in the next chapter, but I can say I think it'll be something people will like :) There'll be a bit of recollection about the months between the movies at the start of the sequel ;) I can't believe we're on chapter 7! Wow! There's only 3 more left! :)

It'll depend on if Spock Prime knows a Cora in his reality as to whether we'll see Cora Prime too ;) The attack on the Kelvin changed a lot of things }:)

Very close about what Spock is doing ;) We'll find out for sure tomorrow though :)

Oh the emotionally compromised moment is...definitely going to affect Cora }:) Spock Prime will be interesting too, to see what he knows of Cora or might not know }:)

The crew will definitely realize what a little powerhouse Cora is very soon ;) If not in the next chapter then the last one for sure will have a lot of them looking at her in a different way :)

Lol, nope, my lips are sealed on Spock Prime and Cora, we'll find out in about 3 days so I'm gonna zip my lips ;)