Disclaimer: I own nothing.


Terry was gathering the necessities for the day. The supplies were in a big pile at the center of his bed. His ideas were to go kayaking, mountain climbing, maybe find a good place to get lunch then watch a new rock band play in a nearby park. He would have to check with Felicity, making sure the plans were appropriate to both parties. He didn't want Felicity doing something she loathed.

Terry looked in Spock's direction. The slim Vulcan was dressed in a skin tight, long-sleeved, black rashguard and a pair of Terry's baggy, black swim trunks. He figured Spock would not at all like being around Felicity half-naked and the long sleeves and color would keep him moderately warm in the cold water. Terry continued to watch as Spock examined his every inch in the mirror, confirming that he looked acceptable. Occasionally, Spock would flatten a piece of nonexistent hair or shift under the tightness of the clothing.

A noise at Spock's desk caught Terry's attention. "Spock, you have an incoming communication from Vulcan."

Spock tore his eyes from his appearance and walked gracefully to the computer on his desk. He touched the screen to accept the communication. There were not many statistical possibilities for who could be contacting him. As the face flashed on screen, Spock recognized it as belonging to the most probable person to call on him.

"Hello mother."

Amanda Greyson smiled enough to show her teeth while she appraised her son's appearance. "Going out?"

"You are correct. Terrence, another acquaintance and myself are spending the day exploring the potential of Terran activities."

"And you will be swimming?"

"Possibly."

"That will be interesting. Who is the other 'acquaintance'?"

This time Terry spoke as he maneuvered his way past Spock's head to see Amanda. He always liked the woman. She made Spock seem much more human, especially when he watched Spock talk to her. Amanda had also enlightened Terry about some of her son's idiosyncrasies. Why would he not return the favor and enlighten her about the latest gossip? "Spock's soon-to-be girlfriend. She's really smart, nice and gorgeous. You would absolutely love her!" With his big grin in place, Terry danced away from Spock's hemisphere of their room.

Amanda's face illuminated similar to Terry's. "Is this true, Spock?" She gazed inquisitively at her only son. His private nature caused her to pry a little more than her liking. She was appreciative that Terry was around to keep her up-to-date. "Her name is Felicity." spoke Terry from the bathroom. Amanda's smile suddenly fell. "What about T'Pring?"

"I have taken her into consideration, mother. Felicity is a friend, and logic would dictate that she is nothing more."

"Logic does not dictate matters of the heart, my dear."

"I am already connected to T'Pring." the statement caused Terry to practically run out of the bathroom to stare at Spock. "I cannot break our connection based solely on the unexplainable disposition I have for Felicity. Father would object."

"Why? Because you don't think he would approve of you being bonded with a human woman or because of breaking the bond between you and T'Pring? She has developed a mutual attraction with Stonn, and I sincerely doubt she would want to give him up. If you feel general interest about this 'Felicity', then I think you should pursue her. You never took too much liking to T'Pring."

"That is my dilemma. We are connected, but I am not interested in her."

"An you are interested in Felicity?"

Spock considered it for a very brief moment. "Yes. She is fascinating."

"I believe you'll do what you think is best, but according to Terry's brief description of the girl, she sounds wonderful. I notice how your eyes soften when you say her name. I've never witnessed that when you talk about T'Pring." Amanda eyed her son carefully. She could almost see the dormant passion raising within him.

Spock sighed, completely aware that he could never hide anything from her. "I understand mother."

"So is there any chance that you will be visiting soon? Maybe over winter break?" Amanda changed the subject and asked hopefully.

"I do not believe so."

"You'll be busy?" Spock nodded. "Well, I will miss you more than I can express. Things are boring here without you, my love. It's just a bunch of quiet afternoons and stately dinners." Amanda looked at the chronometer and yawned. It's getting late, Spock. I'll let you go so you can get ready for your day. I just wanted to check on you and make sure everything was going well, and I am very happy to see that you have made friends there."

"Good evening, mother."

"Good morning, Spock." Amanda gave her son a large smile again before his computer screen turned black. Spock sat staring at the screen. He missed his mother greatly and wanted to return home during the break, but the interest of Felicity was also prominent. Not to mention he needed to work on his school that he had been so diligently neglecting. He had not even read the texts for his next semester of classes.

"What the HELL was that all about?!" Terry yelled standing in the same spot he had been at for seven minutes and twenty seven seconds.

"What?"

"You're engaged?!" Disbelief clouded Terry's expression.

"By human standards I suppose. It is a commitment less than a marriage, but more than a betrothal. All Vulcans are connected to a mate at the age of seven."

"Then there's no chance of ever getting together with Felicity, because you're connected with this Vulcan girl? I have been working hard to get you two together. You wouldn't have even talked to her if I hadn't told you to make small talk with people. All this work I put into getting you a woman, and I find out by happenstance that, 'Oh, by the way, I'm engaged'. You are the bane of my existence."

"Terrence, keep in mind that my father obviously did not stay with his Vulcan mate."


Felicity walked around her apartment in a skimpy brown, woven bathing suit. Terry contacted her early, before she had even dredged herself out of bed and told her that they were definitely going to the beach and wanted to make sure she would wear her swimsuit.

"When you get here, we can collaborate about what all we're going to do today, but I really want to go swimming."

"Wha bout Spock? Ze even like tha sora thing? Ze even have sim trunks?" Felicity mumbled not fully capable of her voice at such an early hour.

"I'll have him taken care of. Don't worry. See you in a bit."

Felicity walked over to her bookshelf to grab the book of poems she wanted to share with Spock. As she was reaching for her book, something caught her eye.

"The nasal spray is on the bookshelf now." she called out to the apartment.

"Damn it! God! I'm going to have to find a really good spot to hide it next. Hey, are you going to be here this afternoon?" Tracie walked out of her room dressed only in her underwear.

"No, I'm going to hang out with Spock and his roommate Terry, remember?"

"Ah hell, I don't remember anything with all these drugs I take." Tracie eyed Felicity's swimsuit. "What happened to your sexy, red lingerie?"

"We're going swimming, so I decided to forgo it." Though I will still have fantasies where it is discarded on the floor.

"Forgo. Who the hell says the word 'forgo'? You know, I was talking to Cathy and Dr. Cook the other day at work and was telling them about that one word you said the other day...rudimentary. I asked them if they knew what it meant, 'cause I sure as hell didn't." Tracie threw her arms in the air and walked out of the living room.

"Oh course you don't. You're from Georgia."

"...Fucking bitch."

Felicity bounced into Tracie's room, threw herself onto the bed and modeled an over exaggerated pose. "What are you going to do today, my beautiful flower? Seeing any men?"

"After four marriages...all ending in divorce? Fuck that shit. You know I've given up on men, because anywhere I go, they are always the same. Stupid, drunk and worthless. Remember that whole situation with John? You have no idea how much I want to go up to his girlfriend and tell her that I fucked her boyfriend for two months." Tracie held a peace sign t-shirt to her chest. "What do you think? I'm going out with Cathy to see Dr. Cook's band play in the park."

"Oh I think we might go to that." Felicity moved to the edge of the bed opposite of Tracie and propped her head up with her hand. "If we do go, I'll try and find you."

"Who are you going with again?"

"Spock and his roommate Terry. You met Spock last night..."

"Is he that weird pointy eyebrow, earbrow, thing?"

"Do you really just say 'earbrow'?" Tracie waved Felicity off. "Yes. Spock is the one with pointy ears. You haven't met Terry yet, but he was really nice when we were talking last night."

"Do you think he's hot?"

"Which one."

"The normal one."

"No."

"The weird one then."

"Vulcan...ya."

"Of course you would. You're so weird yourself, saying words like rudimentary and forgo."

"He's really nice, Tracie. You just don't like him because he is from a different species and not like you."

"You think he's different, and he may be in some ways, but he's still a man. He still wants to fuck you. Trust me, I married four of them, and they are all the same sort of, sleazebag, redneck, hicks who just want to control your life, fuck the hell out of you and go to bed." Tracie started to become riled about the topic and started her random pointing and arm flailing. "I think they're all intimidated. THEY ARE! Those damn mother FUCKERS can't even handle the idea of taking care of themselves or working hard, and don't EVEN get me started about sex. If any of these pathetic dogs could even get it up. Fucking DUCK SICKERS!"

Tracie's last comment caused both her and Felicity to shake with laughter. "Why the fuck does this shit come out of my mouth?" Tracie breathed between laughs. Felicity couldn't control herself either and threw her head back in laughter. This maneuver caused her to fall backwards off Tracie's bed onto the floor with a loud thud. The disappearance of Felicity forced Tracie to the ground in laughter. After an immeasurable amount of time, the hysterical women were finally able to control themselves. Felicity popped her head over the bed to look at Tracie, who was the first one to speak. "So, you think I'm a flower?" she asked with a smile.

"More like a venus fly trap."


"As you requested, I brought my book of poems." Felicity walked into the room and held up a small black book in her right hand. The cover was leather and the pages inside were lined with furiously scribbled words.

"Paper?" Spock inquired about the use of her primitive methods.

"Yes. Writing with pencil makes my words flow easier." She fully observed Spock's attire for the first time since she had walked in. "You look adorable in that. Nice choice, Terry. Anyway, this is where all my poems, or prose is what they're really considered, are along with short stories or interesting ideas. Here," Felicity handed Spock the book which was already opened to a particular page. "This is my favorite one I wrote."

Spock held the book carefully in his hands; he did not want to damage something so vitally important to Felicity; and began reading.

A Brief Encounter with Whimsey

Staring out my stately window,

Sitting softly on my sofa,

I wonder casually, cautiously, callously.

I wonder what withered and wild escapades

My frivolous future foretells.

My room is empty, the walls are blank,

Beguiled remnants of a better past.

The cold carpet was hard and hardly pleasing under my feet.

Yet I still sit, stationed, unmoving, solitary

And wondering wonderful thoughts

While waiting for a more whimsical life.

I have been long awaiting

And longingly elating,

A time, a place, a face

To come and calm and copulate.

Steadfastly steeling my thoughts

Against this cold unwavering feeling,

I sigh contented, tormented, resented.

The sound rightfully resounding

And instantly dumbfounding,

Tears me away from these tremulous thoughts.

I've been staring out my stately window

And have not seen what is truly beyond.

Skies of blending blues shadow

The top of this translucent painting.

Boring, brown twigs are elegantly elaborated with green hues.

There is an uncertainty in nature's pattern,

A calamity mixed with a paradoxical sense of security.

Seeing nature's sudden still,

Causes me a chill.

I rationally and reluctantly realize

That life cannot always be what I fantasize.

There is a chaos throughout this existence;

Internal, external,

And exemplifies my resistance

To fully involve my precious self

In this charade of life.

Staring out my stately window

And seeing the secret reality of my soul,

I also begin to bewilderingly understand.

The painted chaos outside my window is pertinent.

Profound. Perfect.

What a strange sensation

To believe that chaos is a perfect creation.

It is mildly an unfortunate, unmoving circumstance though

That the hectic, human race

Is not a reflection of perfection.

I am allowed to be blank as my walls.

Blinded. Bemused.

I can reserve myself

From those fluent and furious feelings

And remain the anomaly

As seen by everyone but me.

Regaining my composure

From this unnecessary emotional exposure,

I realize my sudden silliness

And slowly push such frivolous thoughts from my mind.

I am as cold as my carpet.

Calm. Calculated.

There is nothing in this wide world

Worthy of letting my emotions controlling my devotions,

Devious as they may be.

So I continue staring out my stately window,

And I wonder casually, cautiously, callously,

How interesting, yet unintelligible it was

To have such a brief encounter with whimsey.

(A/N: If anyone ever wished to use this poem, at least be courteous enough to give me the credit: Kristen Zielinski)

Spock then handed the book to Terry who started reading, then turned his head to Felicity. She was wearing a bright yellow shirt and severed shorts that barely covered more than necessary. Aside from the previous night, when she had worn long pants and a gold sweater, Spock had never seen Felicity dressed in anything other than her uniform. He considered it an improvement.

Terry looked up, closing the book. "I don't understand this? What is it about?"

A deep sigh exuded from Felicity. "It's about how I, not by Vulcan standards, am a very calculated individual. What happened rhetorically is the whole, I fell in love and got my heart broken issue. What happened literally in the poem is that I started to wish for something more than my boring life. Something exciting. In both events, once the moment of anticipation passed, I realized how silly I was for vacating my dominating logical half and allowing my passions to dictate my actions."

"Shit, she's starting to sound like you, Spock!" Terry groaned and handed Felicity the book back. "Are all your poems...prose like that?"

"No, that one is the most complicated."

"And you give it as the first one for me to read? You need to rethink my artistic qualities."

"Are you going to read any more?"

"Oh no. One is enough, thank you." Clapping his hands together, Terry digressed. "Alright, my plans for the day are to go kayaking, mountain climbing and go watch a rock band. What do you think?"

Felicity was quick to respond. "Kayaking would be fun, especially to watch Spock attempt it. I hate mountain climbing. I was thinking about horseback riding. That is tons of fun." Terry shook his head.

"Horses bother me. I don't do well with them."

"We could just take our time kayaking then. Stop in different spots and go swimming. Once we get back, we can shower and go watch the band. When is your date?"

"Seven."

"Well let's get started before we waste all our time."

Felicity loved the water and any activity that constituted being anywhere around it. There was no fear of drowning, no anxiety in murky water, no fear of tall water slides, no trepidation on boats...with opaque bottoms. Sliding her light blue kayak, that she borrowed from the academy, into the water, Felicity descended in with ease. Gaining her center of balance was quick, and shifting the paddle in her hand came naturally as she glided across the water. Looking back at her companions, she saw that they were not as well off as she.

Spock's expression was infinitesimally glum as he gingerly sat in his kayak. Terry was frustrated with Spock's reluctance and resorted to being terse with the stubborn Vulcan. "You're not going to get that wet, Spock!"

Felicity stopped and waited for the two ornery men. "I do not understand the functional purpose of what we are doing." Spock retorted to Terry as he wobbly drifted sideways. Vulcans did not belong on the water.

Felicity's own kayak began to shake with her laughter. "I never thought I'd find something that could so easily defeat a Vulcan." she called out to him. Spock glared at her while he corrected his direction.

Even being so unaccustomed to the water, it only took Felicity and Terry a few minutes of advice for Spock to understand the tricks to kayaking. They only had to compare their actions to momentum and physics. Soon, Spock was having to paddle much slower than the other two for them to keep up.

The three of them traveled to a large creek, not wanting to be on a beach, and were quiet for the first hour of paddling. Lush, green trees flanked the banks of the creek, and spider webs high in the branches glistened in the sunlight. Why don't I do this more often? Felicity thought to herself, content in the silent companionship. She would often have to take small breaks, not having near the amount of upper body strength as the two men. She was fierce though to not be left behind or hinder Terry and Spock by pushing herself hard. I am going to be so sore tomorrow.

The water was not deep. Possibly 13 feet deep in the center of the creek and crystal clear to the very bottom. Felicity's good vision could easily see twigs and leaves resting on the sand below. Occasionally, they would encounter something more formidable than lofty spiders. A small raccoon examining the water watched the three with great curiosity as they floated by. Terry pretended to be invisible and did not put his paddle in the water when a dark, black snake slithered by practically walking on the surface.

Terry was the first to speak; which was not unlikely given that he liked talking so much more than either Spock or Felicity. "So your biological parents died? What happened?"

Felicity, not expecting any sort of communication, was startled by the question. "My dad shot my mom, shot me, then put the gun in his mouth."

"He shot you? Where?" Terry looked at her incredulously.

"He aimed for my heart but tripped in the process. I barely have a scar on the top of my left shoulder."

"Oh, wow. You'll have to show me sometime." Felicity nodded and didn't bother to continue the conversation. She was having too much fun observing everything.

Another half hour raced by in silence. Felicity could feel her arms objecting to the constant work and decided it was time to rest. "Hey guys, could we take a break for a few minutes? My arms are getting really tired."

Terry positioned his kayak next to the bank of the creek, near an area with as few spiders as possible, then tied Felicity and Spock's kayaks to his own. Felicity rubbed her arms and drank from her flask she brought. Terry gave her a look, and she replied, "What? It's just water. Like I'm going to be drinking while I do all this physical activity."

Felicity turned her attention to Spock, who was gazing around the area. He seemed much more content than when they first set off. "You seem to be in a much better mood, Mr. Spock." Felicity commented with a cheeky grin.

The Vulcan looked back at her. "The plant life on Earth has always been fascinating to me. I was comparing the trees around us to the ones you wrote about in your poem. Although, to compare perfection to chaos is quite illogical. As to the sport of kayaking, I do not understand the proficiency of it. We are heading nowhere, exhausting our physical resources...and we are on the water. Our purpose eludes me."

"Sports like these, Spock are almost considered personal physical challenges. Humans like to challenge themselves and to paddle for miles just for the sake of seeing how far one could paddle is perfectly reasonable to humans. It defines limits but also proves how much one could really accomplish when he really forces himself to try. And being isolated in nature, as we are, commands our attention to the environment around us. We're all so used to cut grass and trimmed bushes, and even at that, we hardly notice the world as we rush through it. Having the time to absorb your surroundings can be very calming for some people. I know I like it."

"Here, here." Terry profoundly commented.

The three comrades were silent another moment, and Felicity considered talking again. "Spock, tell me the truth about why you decided to join Starfleet."

"I did when we first met."

"You didn't give me the reasons. Why did you not pursue the Vulcan Science Academy?"

The memory replayed in Spock's mind. He analyzed it, as he had done countless times before. Keeping his eyes down, he spoke. "I was accepted to the academy, but during the council which announced my acceptance, the residing minister criticized my heritage."

It was Felicity's turn to say, "I don't understand."

"My mother is human." The words didn't make sense to Felicity. Did Spock have a surrogate mother? Was his mother more human than most Vulcans? It took her a few moments to suddenly realize what he was saying.

"You're half-human? I didn't know that." She stared at Spock with her mouth open.

"You never asked."

Felicity smiled at the irony of his words. "Well there's hope for you after all, then."

Spock ignored her comment and continued with his recollection. "The minister considered the part of me that is my mother's as a disadvantage. I do not disagree with his words, but the remark was an unnecessary inference to my mother. I did not agree with his criticism of her, so I declined."

"What does your father think about your decision to attend Starfleet?"

"He disagrees with my choice. I have not spoken with him since before I took my leave of Vulcan."

"That must be awful."

"I do not understand?"

"Doesn't it bother you that you two haven't talked in months?"

"No."

Shaking her head, Felicity started preparing herself for the continuing journey.

They continued for another hour; chatting a bit during the process. Spock would sometimes cease his paddling and glide along the creek next to an exhausted Felicity. He had even offered to pull her making their journey much more time efficient, but she refused, grumbling something close to, "Stupid, cocky, Vulcan". No longer was nature interesting. Felicity was exhausted and practically willed herself to continue. This is why I don't do this more often. Around 1400 hours, Spock suggested they make their way back to ensure enough time to get ready for the evening. Felicity objected to their immediate about-face and demanded a real break that consisted of them landing somewhere and walking around for a while.

Spock considered the real logic of such a meaningless sport while he helped Felicity secure her own kayak to a small tree trunk, preventing it from drifting away with the current. Strenuous, physical action, difficult for his companions to match his speed, no logical, productive result, and it required him to get wet. Felicity's explanation made sense but only in a human context. He could think of no reason why any Vulcan would ever consider kayaking. Spock was sure Terry and Felicity had chosen this activity just to frustrate him, and considered making his annoyances known when his gazed rested upon a now barely clad Felicity who was only covered with small pieces of fabric and string.

Spock adored the sport of kayaking.

Felicity saw Spock watching her then proceeded to make her way towards him. "So this is my scar."She pointed to the one located just above her left shoulder. The marred skin was puckered and pink but only measuring 1 ½ inches in diameter. Spock's dark, brown eyes gazed at it for a moment and then without being able to suppress his sudden impulse, he touched the scar, ever so gently, with his index finger.

It was the first physical contact the two had ever shared, and time seemed to be frozen with them locked in the eternity of the other. It also did not make matters any easier with Felicity almost nude.

"You were lucky to receive such little damage."

"Ha, physically."

"I take it, from previous comments you have also made that your memories and experiences with your biological parents did not leave you with a sense of invincibility. Why do you continue to linger on it?"

Terry had finished securing his kayak and now stood with Spock and Felicity. "It's such a dominant memory from my childhood, the time when I am suppose to learn about life and how to accept things. With abuse being so constant, it was difficult to disassociate myself with the memories. Sometimes my mind lingers too long and those painful memories surface. I don't want to linger, but I can't ignore the truth and reality of my past." The small woman looked down, shrugged her shoulder and crossed her arms. The typical pouting stance. How much more stereotypical could I get? Spock wanted to reach out and hold Felicity, but he had already indulged himself with one unexplainable action for the day.

"That is why you do your art?" Spock deduced.

"Yes, and because I'm good at it. Mainly though to vent the angry, happy or sad feelings I have."

"Why not just cry, like every other girl I know?" Terry inquired, finally deciding to join the conversation.

"I don't cry. Not in front of people. I'm English remember? It's all about keeping up appearances and saving face.. Ah, duh."

"But you are a bit too random to be worried about your dignity," protested Terry.

"Nor do you strictly adhere to proper social protocols, as is typical with the English," added Spock.

"Had a crazy childhood, remember guys? I have also lived in America for 17 years so I do tend to be a little more self-gratifying and needy." Terry snorted at her comment.

Spock decided to heed Felicity's words and wandered into the forest out of mild interest. When he asked her if she would like to accompany him, she laid spread eagle on the ground and said, "Hell no! I'm staying right here until we leave again. I am WAY too tired to bother with that." Spock watched as Felicity's labored breathing caused her chest to rise and fall dramatically, and after exactly 42 seconds, reluctantly left.

Terry made sure Spock was far enough away before he began talking with Felicity. "So you like Spock, right?"

"If the countless fantasies of him bending me over his desk are any indication." She kept her eyes closed but lifted her eyebrows.

The blonde man cringed. "I live there too alright. I don't need to know the details."

"You're the same way from what I hear."

"But I'm not a Vulcan."

Felicity finally faced Terry. "And that makes you less of a conquest."

"Is that all you consider him to be? Just a conquest."

"Getting protective of your Vulcan, are you, Terry? I don't know. It's weird, because whenever I am around him, I never want to leave. Everything about him is amazing and...innocent. His general interest is so cute and his intelligence is astounding." Felicity's look was far off and similar to if she had been under the influence of barbiturates.

"I take that as a 'Yes I do not care, and all I want to do is have sex with the Vulcan'."

"Ass hole."

"He likes you too."

"Do you really think so? I get that feeling,, but it's hard to tell with him sometimes. And knowing me in past events, he could be requesting sex from me and I would only think he was being friendly. I can never tell when men are flirting with me."

"I really don't think you're going to get anywhere fast with him, but you two should stick together."

Half way back to their starting point, Felicity frustratedly gave up and let Spock tie a rope to her kayak and tow her along. This is how life should be. Gorgeous cabana boys tending to my every need. Spock still had to take his time paddling back, since Terry was also tired. They did not arrive back to the dorm until five thirty, and Terry complained about the lateness of hour. He dashed to the bathroom before Felicity or Spock had a chance to step through the doorway.

"I take it that we will not be going to the concert?" Felicity looked at Spock while she sat on the edge of his bed. Her clothes were back in place, but they were wet and clung to her small body.

"Terry will not be coming if that is what you were meaning. Unless you would prefer to forgo the concert as well." Spock concentrated on floor in front of Felicity's feet.

Ha! Other people say 'forgo' too! I'll have to brag to Tracie!

"I don't want to go. I just want to eat. I was thinking something with a salad bar for you, and a lot of margaritas for me."

"That sounds reasonable."

"How long do you think Terry will take? Does he usually take forever to clean up?"

"If he took forever, he would still be in the bathroom since the first day I met him. It should not take him too long in the experiences I have had with him."

"Do you mind if I rest while I wait to shower, because I am about to pass out?"

"Not at all." Before Spock even got all of the words out of his mouth, Felicity became horizontal. She would be formidable that evening, but her present state required rest. She was far too exhausted to bother with formalities and fell asleep where she fell.

Spock, cognitively alone, looked around the room for an appropriate course of action. His vision rested upon Felicity's bag. She had wanted to show him some of her poems, and he had only read one. He figured that it would not bother her too much if he read more of her poetry while she slept. After quickly finding the black book, Spock sat down again and began reading. He read three poems when Felicity's soft snoring roused his attention. Unsure about what was happening to him; why he was always acutely aware of her body's curves, Spock looked up.

His beautiful, brown eyes watched as Felicity slept, and not at all in a pervasive manner. He was simply curious about her anatomy. Not that he had ever taken any other woman into consideration. That mental noted was locked away as Spock continued to watch the small woman breathe slowly. Nothing in his 26 years had ever caused him to become so suddenly tunnel visioned as looking at Felicity sleep on his bed.

Terry burst out of the bathroom clean shaven and spunky. "Ahhhh!" His exclamation woken Felicity much to Spock's discontent. "You both my now use the shower." Felicity grumbled something along the lines of a 'thanks' and trudged into the small room carrying her change of clothing, and Terry did not bother to speak to Spock while he prepared for his evening. After the only woman of the three showered and changed into a tight-fitting, red dress, Spock was last to shower

The time then came when Terry had to leave.

"And you won't come to dinner with us?" Felicity asked knowing the question was futile.

"Are you kidding? No way! This girl I'm going out with is perfect, I mean P E R F E C T. There's no way I'm giving up my chances with her to spend a few fun, but sexless hours with you two. No offense."

Felicity smiled and nodded tiredly as she watched Terry hastened out of the room.


Felicity and Spock sat at dinner together. Felicity, exhausted beyond reason and Spock, unaware of how to address her in the situation.

"I can feel the heat radiating off of my body. I really wish I had used sunscreen." Felicity said as she gripped a hand to her arm. She was as red as a lobster and felt self conscious about it.

Spock, unperturbed by her random remark quizzed her about some of the many things he had asked her previously. "Do you have any siblings, Felicity?"

Her body swayed from side to side as she answered. "I have my one step sister. She's six years older than me and pretty much the coolest person I know."

"Do you care for her more than Tracie?"

"Are you kidding? Living with Tracie is similar to being in a drama. Life is full of surprises. I mean, she's outrageous, but my sister is really smart and also a big, ball of love. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for my sister, while there are a number of things that I wouldn't do for Tracie." Felicity snorted in disbelief at the question.

"What does-"

"Enough!" Felicity put her hand up to stop him from talking. "What about your family? Do you have any siblings? What do your parents do?"

"I have one half-brother, Sybok. We have not spoken since I was young. My father is the Vulcan ambassador to Earth and my mother accompanies my father at diplomatic functions."

"What did your mum do before they met? Where did she live?"

"She was a kindergarten teacher from Canada."

"A Vulcan ambassador married a Canadian school teacher? That's the most absurd thing I've ever heard in my life!" Spock lifted one of his eyebrows at Felicity but did not press the matter.

Felicity was enjoying her sixth margarita when Spock's own inquisition continued.

"Felicity, I was curious if you would be kind enough to enlighten me about an exchange I witnessed between two students the other day."

"Of course. Your personal, cultural encyclopedia is ready to help." Spock stared at her with the "Felicity Look". "Don't worry about it."

"If you wish. I was observing the two, a male and a female, having a heated discussion, and I presumed that they were engaged in a form of courtship."

"What made you think that?"

"The proximity of their bodies. They were far to close, only about eight inches away from each other, for their argument to be seen as professional by nature. When they finally separated, the male collaborated with other males and conversed about the exchange between the two."

"Yes, where is your cultural problem?

"I overheard the male, the one who had been arguing, say to the others that he was going to, referring to the female, 'Kill her'. Do you believe there is a possibility of this happening, because if you do, I would need to alert security and give them the male's identification."

"No, it's just a type of slang...phrase."

"I see. I had deduced that result, but still wanted your clarification. So when humans are enraged about certain topics, they typically threaten others' lives? I find that highly illogical." Spock thought about it deeply.

"Ya. Pretty much. You know we tend to be an emotionally verbose race."

"Then hypothetically, if I disagreed with you about the protocol for handling laboratory instruments, I would threaten to kill you, even though I would have no intention of executing that action?"

"Yes."

"And do all humans speak in such a barbaric fashion? How would I know when the right time would be to take action for the prevention of such an act occurring?"

"People say a lot of things, but typically are too apathetic to follow through with what they say. And I really don't see too many people who truly want to violently kill someone. It's not very common to find, even for an investigator."

"So people who threaten to kill another do not typically mean the full intensity of their words?"

"No. Not really." Felicity paused, but just had to open her mouth again. "I mean, someone like Andrew Jackson would."

There was the typical "Felicity silence" as Spock's brow furrowed just a fraction. Why do I even bother trying to speak? Felicity thought mentally shaking her head.

"About whom are you referring?"

"Andrew Jackson. The seventh president of the United States of America. He just...had one of those sort of...personalities where he would probably kill a person if they didn't agree with him. After one of the many failed assassination attempts on his life, Jackson beat the man who tried to kill him to death with his walking cane."

"I see."

Shit, now I confused him.

"I'm sorry, you know how sometimes I just open my mouth, and there's a bit more in there than I'm expecting."

Spock was silent again analyzing Felicity.

"Verbally or physically?"

"Shut up."

After dinner, Spock thought it would be appropriate to escort Felicity to her apartment due to the late hour and the many drinks she consumed at dinner, even though she seemed to be in full control of her motor skills. They mainly walked in silence. Spock not knowing what to say to Felicity, and Felicity too inebriated to want to speak and risk slurring her words making her seem foolish.

When they got to her door Felicity paused, not pushing the entrance code to let herself inside. Instead, she turned around to face Spock. He watched her intently, curious about her indecision. Felicity's lips parted and she began to breathe from her mouth as she stood, motionless, looking up at him. This change in her lips did not go unnoticed, and Spock immediately thought back to Terry's reprimand.

Kiss her.

Kiss him.

Given her culture, it is highly unlikely that she would object.

I'm so glad we're not on Vulcan.

I wonder what it would be like to kiss her.

He needs a good snog.

Her lips are fractionally larger in this instance.

He's so cute.

I wonder if she was biting them to cause this.

Except his hair cut. That is such an awful cut.

Her pupils are dilated.

God, his eyes are so gorgeous!

It is not difficult. A simple matter of physics and biology reacting together.

Just kiss me you idiot.

"Good evening, Felicity."

"Night, Spock."

Felicity smiled wryly, turned and walked into her apartment. Sighing as she leaned against her door, Felicity thought about the evening their day. Her vacant expression lit up as she smiled, making her cheeks puffy and her eyes crinkle.

One would have thought she had been kissed by the way her body physically reacted. Endorphins, serotonin, and adrenaline all bombarded her brain.

She was happy. She was very, very happy.

Realization dawned on her suddenly and her expression turn solemn. Neither her or Spock were well equip with the social skills to profess their affection. It seemed a pity for such a strong-willed woman to be helpless in the hands of another. Felicity could not help her vision of the future. She would end up dead and alone. The brunette sighed. Terry was right.

The two of them weren't going anywhere fast.


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