The last months flew by.

"Terra!" Keri called from the living area and her roommate rounded the corner with a cup of tea in one hand, "Can you help me? I never thought I needed higher based chemistry for med." She was spread out on the floor with homework all around her. Midterms.

In good nature, Terra laughed and jumped on the couch behind Keri, "What do we got?"

"Organic," Keri replied with a nasally tone, as if disgusted.

"I figured," Terra smirked, "Alright, how much?"

Keri shyly smiled over her shoulder, "Seven pages," Terra's eyes widening was enough for Keri to continue, "Please! I'll buy us dinner too! Come on, you spend all your time with Spock these days, how about the two of us?"

Terra knew a guilt trip these days and nodded, "Don't worry, I'll save you, what do you want to start with?"

So for an entire Saturday, Terra caught Keri up on her Chemistry; the student continuously insisting that Terra was a wonderful teacher, even at Keri's failures. By the time seven o clock rolled around they both received a well-earned meal.

As the two roommates chatted and ate, they caught up. The class difference between the two separated them more than either would like to admit. So a relaxing girls night was the perfect remedy.

"So, like," Keri was chewing and so her words came a bit spread out, "How is it dating Spock?" She paused before adding, "Is it exactly like before cause if so, 'I said so'."

Terra laughed through her food and kicked her friend across the couch, "It is not the same as before," She thought, "Just similar. He's a bit more relaxed, more willing to hold my hand or arm, kiss me, the usual." Really, that was it, "Oh! And he's possessive, like the one day I was talking to Adam, before they had met, and he seemed very concerned for my well-being talking to a pretty boy."

Keri lifted an eyebrow suggestively and wiggled, "Oh-la-la, possessive, eh? I would not have expected that. How does that fare in the bedroom?" Her eyes lit up with remembrance, "Aren't Vulcans three times the strength of a human? Have you proved it?" Her tone was suggestive and joking, but Terra suddenly felt very uncomfortable with the topic.

Instantly, the Vulcan-raised girl's cheeks flushed and she took a large bite of food to stop herself from having to respond for an extra minute which made Keri throw her red headed head back and laugh, which made Terra blush more, "I really do not think this is-"

Keri froze looking straight at Terra's green eyes, "No…" She said, in awe or disbelief.

"What?"

The disbelieving girl's head went back and forth, shaking, "No way, how long have you guys been official?"

"Nine months, twenty seven days and counting. Why?"

"…"

"Why?" Terra asked more impatiently, "What's wrong?"

Keri was still staring in disbelief at her friend, "Possessive, yet not enough." She finally looked back down to her food, "He's kept his hands off you for that long?" It was an insult. Terra didn't know how or where it was directed but she's heard enough insults on Vulcan to know the tone of one even at a micro level.

"Pardon me?" Her eyes narrowed and Keri looked up surprised.

She waved a hand dismissively, "Sweetheart, don't worry, I didn't mean anything by it-"

"Yes you did." Terra wasn't defensive though, just curious, "But I don't understand the subtlety." It was funny how long one could be on Earth and still not understand everything.

Keri smiled softly, a sympathetic smile, "Terra, I am sure Spock loves you, in his own way," Did she love him? "But, from the day you told us about his fiancé, I sincerely feared that he would avoid making things too serious." T'Pring, Terra hadn't forgotten about her, just ignored. How did Spock feel about it all? "It's not your fault dear."

Terra was speechless, too many things to think about. So at that, they ate in silence for a bit longer. It was a comfortable silence, as if an explanation had been given and was being mulled over, both knew no offense was intended.

"You guys graduate soon. It went by so fast." Keri interrupted the silence, and Terra's thoughts.

She nodded in response, "It did, didn't it? Sometimes I wonder…"

"What would be if you slowed down?" Keri laughed knowing that Spock and Terra never did things halfway or slowly.

A smiled cracked on Terra's face, "What would be if I was never sent to Vulcan." Keri stopped smiling, "No, don't think I wish it, but it have been would be interesting." Spock might never come to Starfleet, they might never have been friends. She might have grown up with a different family. Perhaps she wouldn't have gone to Starfleet either.

The ever wise Keri quickly switched the subject, "Sometimes I wonder what would be if you weren't my roommate," Terra smiled broader, "It's true, I might not have passed half my classes, and I certainly would've missed out on having an amazing friend," Before Terra could interject, however, "But if ifs and buts were candies and nuts we'd all have a merry Christmas- it is what it is."

The blonde girl nodded and smiled small, "It is what it is," She repeated but in Vulcan.

"Oh! Can you teach me how to say that?" Keri jumped at the words and Terra laughed as they spent their night on trivial matters that only best friends are capable of doing.

But Keri's words had an effect on Terra. Not one she let show, but the back of her mind was always wondering if Spock intended on choosing her.

It was mid-morning when Spock received a message from Terra, "Picnic with me today?"

Picnic? As in a blanket and food? A little cautious, he replied, "I assume the food will be made properly?"

"Asbolutely." Was Terra's reply, "I'll meet you in the yard at 1100?" It was only 1030 now so Spock replied in the affirmative and moved to check the weather. Spring was in full movement yet still a little brisk to the Vulcan.

The door to their room opened and Spock didn't need to look once he heard the exceedingly familiar voice of Patrick, "Spock, it's gorgeous out!"

"Apparently," Spock agreed, "Terra thinks so, we are going on picnic."

Patrick popped his head around the divider between living area and sleeping, "Really?" His tone was utter surprise.

The Vulcan raised a pointed eyebrow, "What am I missing?"

"You guys just don't do dates very often, unless I'm mistaken." Patrick said it nonchalantly and Spock nodded understanding his meaning.

"How often are dates usually held?"

Patrick laughed at Spock's sudden insecurity, " Honestly, once a week. When was the last time you guys went out?"

With the two students being so busy and in such different classes, "Forty-seven days ago." It wasn't that long anyways, they hung out a lot.

A low whistle from the kitchen let Spock know that Patrick had an opinion even if it didn't speak it, "Then it's good you're getting out, I know she's been getting some unwanted attention in her engines and warp II class so the two of you making a presence might be good."

"Unwanted attention?" Spock asked without thinking twice.

Patrick's head popped around the divider again, "Spock," He paused with exaggerated surprise, "You sounded jealous for a moment!" The laugh was almost contagious and Spock snorted.

Instead Spock continued his work, busing his hands even as his ears tinted green, "Jealousy is irrational, Terra has proven capable of controlling and handling herself."

Patrick nodded in satisfaction with his answer, "Good, and don't worry I don't think she'd let any other guys 'handle' her. She knows better than to hurt you."

'She couldn't hurt me'—Spock almost said it but kept his mouth shut. It resembled arrogance in phrase but he understood Patrick meant emotionally, which Spock was currently in a rapid when it involved Terra and emotions. He knew his mother loved his father, and Terra had once convinced him that his father loved his mother too. If he stayed with Terra would he love her?

"Patrick," Spock called, his voice distant, "How can I love Terra?"

The English boy entered the room silently and narrowed his eyes at the Vulcan working at his desk, "How? What kind of love?" Patrick seemed curious and a little on guard but the Vulcan's confused expression led him on, "Like the physical form of love?" The green blooded blush instantly told Pat that the question wasn't of that sort, "You're honestly asking how to experience love?"

Spock nodded, expressionless once more, calculating, memorizing whatever answer he might receive.

Patrick ran a hand through his curly hair a little lost for words, "You just know love Spock, it's an intense affection for someone or something. Bloody hell, I would have thought you loved her already."

The Vulcan's stomach fell, "I do?" His thoughts raced, what even was love? That was something he shouldn't even have a prospect of. Except, he loved his mother. Because she loved him. Did Terra love him?

Patrick's light hearted laugh tore him from his racing mind, "Do you?" Patrick laughed more, "Oh, what a question. Would you ever want to see her get hurt?"

"No." A too quick answer.

"But would you do anything to stop harm from coming to her?"

… "Define anything."

This gave the boy pause, "Would you risk your life if it meant she would live?"

"Yes."

A smile, "And would you be upset if another man had his hands on her,"

Spock was replying too quickly, "That's irra-"

"Or his lips?"

Spock's even breath was tangible and Patrick smiled broader, "That's a confirmation Spock, that meditative breath you take when you are seeking control."

The words sounded like someone was pulling them out of him forcibly, "That's a ridiculous concept of understanding; I have no control over her or her choices."

The clock was ticking and Spock was a punctual species so he stood and entered the bathroom, only to see his hair was still in perfect condition, Patrick spoke from the bedroom, "Look Spock, you have to decide if you love her but what I know of Terra confirms that she loves you."

Spock met Terra in the yard, only to find the girl in a sundress, no tights, but with a sweater, blankets, and basket. Her smile greeted him and Spock found himself smirking back at her before catching himself, she didn't wear dresses often. Her legs were nice, so were her eyes.

"Are you ready for our picnic?" She spoke entirely in Vulcan and the familiarity made Spock almost smile again.

The conversation with Patrick hit him and the smile swept off his face, "As ready as I could be. Where are we locating to?"

Terra didn't notice the coldness, "I was thinking, there's a hill behind the dorm building Keri and I were in last year, it would be bathed in sunlight; let's go there. Relatively private too." She went on her toes and he stayed still while she kissed his cheek but flinched when she took his hand. She noticed then, "Is something wrong, Spock?"

His face showed no emotion as he hardened it, "Nothing, why?"

The blonde girl gently placed the basket on the ground, "We can go somewhere to talk if you want?" Something was wrong, and she knew it. He never got this way unless something was off.

His mind focused on her, she was aesthetically beautiful. The sunlight bounced off her long hair, braided, while her eyes implored an answer. She had stopped trying to keep them from betraying her emotions. Most often her face was impassive as it was now, but she was, entirely, unabashedly human.

"Not necessary Terra, I was," He paused looking down at her hand before taking it, "Out of my mind."

Terra gave a small smile, "Okay, I trust you. Does a picnic sound good?"

Spock's mouth twitched up, "It is adequate."

So the two of them sat on a blanket with another blanket, on a hillside, eating sandwiches and drinking cold tea, hands interlocked for most of the time. Big decisions could be left for another time, right now, Spock could hold her hand, and know she was right next to him. He wouldn't mind if she was always with her.

In fact, he'd prefer that.

The end came quickly for the two.

Terra was basically finished. Her room had boxes on its side and there were papers on her primly made bed. Those were job offers, all from Starfleet. Spock's room looked similar except he had chosen an option, Terra had not.

"Spock!" Terra whined openly and lied back on his bed, "Why is this frustrating?"

Spock looked up at her with an eye brow raised, "You're asking me?" He scoffed. Actually scoffed. That is what exam week does to students.

Terra rolled her eyes, "Yes, you, genius! What do you think?"

At the request for an opinion Spock sat straighter on the floor and looked over his should at her, "Well, the offer of teaching is on the table-"

"All 4 offers-"

"As is the offer to conduct experimental off-planet work-" Spock knew she wanted to explore, and this offer must appeal to her curiosity.

"But it ambiguously doesn't mention any planet base!"

Spock continued undaunted, "Or there's the official Starfleet offer of being first mate on a space mission."

Terra waited a heartbeat later to complain this time, "But that would last a whole year."

"Would you enjoy it?" Spock asked carefully. While he didn't quite understand why she viewed the year as a downside, he wasn't sure how to feel about her leaving for a whole year either.

There was a gaping silence before Terra sighed, "The ocean was amazing for the first time, imagine the planets out there that I haven't seen yet. Imagine what they have to offer." At her words his heart fell, though again he didn't know why.

Nonetheless, he liked her smile, and he liked her happiness, so he responded, "Then take that offer."

Terra stared at the back of his head from her place on the bed and his on the floor. If she didn't know better she would think he was trying to get rid of her. Knowing that he understood no concept of subtly she spoke softly, "I would miss you though."

That's when Spock recognized the sinking feeling, and the apprehension. He sat for moments thinking silently about the implications and how they could be solved. He would miss her too. In his mind though a year isn't that long, "Would the experience be beneficial for you though?"

"Of 'course but-"

"Then go." Spock was sure of this; his father never slowed his mother down nor vice versa. However, they were bonded so they were never actually apart in the first place. Terra and him had no official bond due to his bonding with T'Pring.

Terra's silence was barely noticed as Spock thought. Her frustration was not mulled by his lack of follow up or response. Soon she slunk to the floor next to him cautiously, "Spock," She began, "I am disturbed by easily you would let me go." Logically, she knew exactly why but right now she was frustrated by the future and the only thing to be held constant was about to be gone.

Spock looked at her sharply, "Why disturbed?"

She knew his confusion and tried to put it simpler, "I want to go, and you're right I probably will choose this option due to my many interests but," She paused, "Would you miss me?

Spock's mind was still reeling, going would make her happy, he made her happy, her leaving would be … unfortunate but not for her, she needed to decide, she was frustrated, frustrated with him, couldn't they still message, would she want to, he didn't understand, couldn't she just chose? With that in mind, know that Spock's response was not totally thought out, "Have you always relied on me for decisions?"

It was shorter than needed, although not meant to be, and instantly Spock knew he shouldn't have said anything of that sort. Of 'course he'd miss her. He spends all his extra time with her and that he doesn't, he dreams of her. At this point she had invaded his mind. He couldn't make entirely logical decisions around her.

Terra stood abruptly, "Apologies for relying on you too much, I'll take my leave now." She was moving towards the door at an alarming rate and Spock stood only to stop.

He was compromised, immensely, by Terra. He'd known this, sure, but he found telling her to do something like leave him for her own pleasure difficult. His emotions were interfering. He overcorrected, "Terra, I only meant to say that you should do what you want to whether or not it interferes with my interests." His voice only rose a hint, Terra caught it.

She paused and finally allowed herself to ask the question she had thought to herself late at night, "What interests would those be Spock? Do you intend to do anything about us?"

Spock was reeling to think of what she wanted to hear, he wanted her to be happy. There was always one interest that he has spent the last thirteen years pursuing even if he didn't realize it, "Terra, daughter of Earth."

"Yes?" she asked impatiently.

Spock understood the confusion and he stated in a matter of fact tone, "You, Terra Daughter of Earth, are one of my interests and as Patrick discussed with me, I would apparently do anything for you."

Terra didn't know how to reply. She stood, expressionless and a bit confused, "I intend to take the ship position."

"Good," Spock said, "I think it would be a successful position for you."

The air was thick.

Both minds were occupied with the other.

"Does that mean you will miss me?"

Spock thought for another moment but then nodded firmly, "I do believe I will."

Terra rushed him, her arms wrapping around him and he took a stabilizing step as she clung to him. Her relief was pulling at their bond and he was relieved to no longer find their connection icy. Her lips barely touched his ear but he heard her nonetheless, "Thank you."

He smiled, though Terra could not see and lifted her until he had her flipped so he could drop her on the bed. Once he did she continued to not let go so he lay beside her, holding her gingerly as always. Patrick returned to find them dozing together and smiled to himself before relocating his studying to a different dorm for now.

"While it's super cute that you guys are partially always platonic, don't you even sort of want to have sex with her?" The question was out of the blue on a lovely Tuesday afternoon as Spock was doing homework, "Hell, I'm gay and I sort of wanted to have sex with her." Patrick lay on his own bed tossing a hacky sack in the air and catching it, "Before the two of you were dating of 'course."

With all that, Spock really only wanted to ask, "How does her sexual appeal wear off due to her relationship status?" It was illogical.

"Irrelevant to the initial question," It was funny how their friends caught onto their lingo as much as they did onto theirs.

Spock paused in his writing to think of a response, "Pat, it is inappropriate-"

"Yeah, yeah, inappropriate to discuss such a topic with an outsider. Terra's an outsider too. Something tells me you two haven't had the discussion either."

"Oh?" Spock almost teased, "What tells you that?"

Patrick shrugged and kept tossing the ball, "You never ask me to leave the dorm for the night, Terra's almost always covering all sensitive areas, you are practically never showing unneeded skin, you always spend your nights here, you barely kiss in public, oh, and you're engaged."

If Spock could take offense, he might have, "Correct on all accounts."

The obvious lack of answer to the initial question, "Okay, Spock, let me paint you a picture if I may-"

"I'd rather you not."

"Imagine, the room at your perfect 82 degree temperature. Imagine, Terra comes over to study, she's in her usual attire. Don't tell me your eyes never focus too long on the curve of her arse when she's lying on her stomach on your bed. Or that you've never wondered what sound she would make if your hands happened to roam under her shirt. Imagine her form moving against yours, just so, with her back arched into you. What about her lips, kissing every inch. Her cheeks when they flush. Her eyes when she's up to something. That intake of breath should you enter he-"

Up until now Spock was quite controlled and continuing his homework, but right now the room seemed much too warm, "Patrick!" His voice was a pitch higher and Patrick smirked knowing he did his job. Spock cleared his throat deliberately, "Is there a purpose to this?"

Pat stood and patted Spock's shoulder brotherly, which Spock had finally grown used to, "Not at all," He walked off, "But graduation is in a week, which means she leaves in two. Perhaps you would like to know that feeling. Perhaps she'd like to too."

With that Patrick left the dorm, perhaps for dinner, but Spock's mind was wandering too much to return to homework, even too much for a warm shower. It took all the self control Spock had not to invite Terra over, or to go find her.

The fact that those sensitive details were known by Patrick was not nearly as strange as it might have been. Spock knew he was trying to get a rise out of him and it worked.

Eventually he used his holopad and typed in the only number he hadn't called in ages, his home phone.

It rang aloud in the room's silence.

"Spock." Greeted Sarek's hard and unyielding voice.

"Father." Spock replied.

"What is the purpose of this call?"

Spock didn't hesitate, only looked straight ahead, impassive as always once more, "I would like to break any bond I have to T'Pring." Sarek's eyes narrowed only a fraction.

"Why?"

"I see no reason why we should be bonded, when I wish to know another."

"Who?" Sarek asked though the tone didn't imply a question.

Spock avoided the question, "She has not agreed yet."

"Who?"

"It would be inappropriate to name her should she not agree."

"Terra."

The extra beat of silence on the one line let Sarek know he was right even as Spock followed with, "Father it is my choice for prosperity and long life."

"Her lifespan is almost half of yours."

"As mother's is half of yours."

Sarek had to think of a reply, "Your mother was a logical choice as I am ambassador to Earth and-"

"Am I correct in assuming a newly forged bond can break a weaker bond?"

Sarek paused and in his most disapproving voice said, "It would. It would also be irrational for you to choose a human mate when you have found your humanity such a struggle growing up on Vulcan."

Spock shook his head, "No actually I find it completely rational to choose a woman who fits my interests and ambitions. Also, trust and respect is a crucial part in any relationship." He waited only a heartbeat, "Is mother there?"

Sarek glared, if possible but called for Amanda, who was rushing to the screen, "Spock! Thank you for calling, is everything alright?"

Spock nodded and his eyes shifted between parents, "It is mother, I was just informing father that I am forgoing my bond with T'Pring-"

"For Terra." Sarek said glowering in his best fashion.

Amanda's face almost lit up, even in the face of her husband, "Are you happy with her, Spock?"

Spock's impassive expression did not betray him and he responded, "She is aware of my customs, my interests, and all my faults. This is incredibly convenient."

His mother just smiled, "Then I will be a proud mother to both of you. Do be sure before you commit though, there are no separations." The last was not a threat but a true warning for her son. Him and Terra always got along.

"If she cannot bring children-" Sarek began but Amanda cut him off.

"She can still be a productive member of society."

Spock almost smiled at his mother, "I am unconcerned with that now. Thank you mother, father, I will leave you to your lives once more."

And with that Spock had decided. He loved Terra, and he would love her.

The ceremony of graduation was long and arduous, Terra seated with the Ps, and Spock with the S-es. Names were being read aloud as everyone filed up to get a sheet of paper with their diploma. Due to the winding of the chairs, Terra only had to look over her shoulder and to the left to find Spock. He looked the perfect picture of stoic but he did meet her eye, and he did give an encouraging smile.

They had come so far.

"Terra Pike."

She refused the urge to roll her eyes as she stood and walked the stage steps to where the fleet admiral stood with a hand outstretched. She could pointedly hear Keri and Patrick chanting her name and it took her best efforts to not smile. She shook his hand with a steady gaze but once her diploma was in her other hand she easily moved across the stage in her blue graduation ropes and borrowed heels.

Once off the stage she blew a kiss to where she had heard Keri and Patrick chanting and managed to catch a glimpse of them in the heights. Amanda was there too, smiling and waving down. Terra found her seat once more.

"Spock, son of Sarek." At his name Spock did similar as he walked up, composed and controlled. No hand shake, though a pat on the shoulder worked too. He was handed his diploma and he could hear Keri, Patrick, and Terra chanting his name. He allowed himself a small smile as he left the stage and looked up at his friends with a patronizing glance, then he saw his mother there and his smile was genuine.

Once the ceremony was declared over, and the fleet admiral dismissed the graduating class as members of Starfleet, there were some cheers.

And some more cheers.

Terra didn't cheer because she felt discomforted that the fleet admiral seemed to be staring at her. Spock felt Terra's discomfiture and also did not cheer.

Afterwards the graduates left the official circle room and mulled about on the lawn with family and friends that came for the ceremony.

Keri found Terra instantly and squealed as she hugged her. Terra smiled brightly and allowed herself her best friend for two years. Meanwhile Patrick slowly advanced on Spock arms open, looking vaguely like a boogy monster, "I'm going to hug you…"

Spock grimaced but stood entirely still waiting for it to be over which brought Terra to laughter with Keri. Patrick made it easy with a quick hug that Spock didn't return but just nodded at until he let go, "See not that bad." Spock gave him a patronizing look before something over his shoulder caught his eye.

"Mother," He moved past Patrick to meet his mother walking towards them, "You did not notify me of your expected presence."

Amanda took her son's hands and smiled, "I wanted to surprise you; you have done so well Spock." Her gaze shifted backwards to Terra who stood smiling with one arm still around Keri, "Terra, I believe congratulations might be in order."

Spock's eyes barely widened but the once shake of his head did not go unnoticed by his mother who nodded understandingly but continued as Terra had moved to hug her which she gratefully accepted, "Thank you Amanda, it was a pleasant surprise to see that you found Keri and Patrick."

Congratulations luckily work both in terms of a proposal and graduation.

Keri was quick, "Hold on, the three of you stand together like that," Her camera was out and poised as Terra chuckled at her friend and the three stood. Amanda with an arm around both of her youngers, Terra returning an arm and Spock holding both hands behind his back, "Spock, fucking smile."

It was a command, one that when Terra laughed at, came true if even a little.

"Beautiful look at you guys!" Patrick smiled on, "Keri take one of me and Terra." Terra smiled and moved towards Patrick to the side to take pictures were they both attempted to mess up each other's hair, followed by one single nice photo.

This continued, getting pictures of every combination of people until it was apparent that Spock and Terra hadn't taken a single together photo, "Now the graduates get over there."

Terra took his arm, as she always did when they walked in public and smiled; he was still smiling at her when the first photo was taken and impassively facing forwards by the time the second one could be taken.

"Terra," A voice called and she looked around to find her brother, Adam, walking towards them.

"Adam," She greeted, not the happiest and did not let go of Spock's arm, "I'm sorry were you in my graduating class?"

He wasn't wearing a graduation robe, anymore, "I was, I missed the ceremony regrettably, I was being briefed on our mission."

Terra's eyes narrowed , "Our mission?"

"The one you accepted, it was my proposal but," He paused and for the first time his countenance broke, "I have been demoted. Congratulations."

"What was your initial position?"

"Captain." His eyes met hers and she could've have sworn, he was angry.

She calmly took the anger, it didn't matter to her, "I accept your congratulations, and offer my sympathies. Enjoy the rest of your day Commander."

"Captain." And he walked off with only a slight glimpse of the towering Spock.

Terra focused on breathing as she turned to her party, "He's a creep Terra. Can I punch him?" Patrick spoke it first and no one disagreed.

"No," Terra began, "He's not a creep, he's just angry. He'll get over it, he was always a better Vulcan than me anyways."

The five of them left the campus, choosing a dinner place.

Dinner was nice, Terra was distracted. Already Captain. She would leave for a ship that would be hers. And a first mate that hates her. Halfway through the meal Terra felt Spock grab her hand under the table. His eyes were concerned and she felt him probing at her mind, curious and cautious.

She nodded with a small smile and he could feel only a piece of all her apprehension and anxiety, but he soothed it as easy as wiping clean a slate. He believed in her ability entirely. That could be enough.

Patrick expressed that he was concerned for her safety still and that he didn't like Adam. Keri expressed how hot he was still.

"Could he beat you in a fight?" Keri asked absentmindedly.

Terra focused for a second on her friend, "Are you asking in concern for safety or academically?"

The redhead was twirling her pasta on a fork with an interested look, "Both," Her brow furrowed, "I think. Wouldn't it be an even match?"

Patrick glared at his food and stated overprotectively, "To be fair, he's male, they usually have advantage strength wise."

Terra smiled at him reassuringly, "I think I'd be okay. I have superior training and even on Vulcan I was a more active individual, which strengthened my structure and muscular aptitude."

Keri nodded and smiled, "Good, if he gets kicked on his pretty ass today for the way he looked at you I'd be happy." Terra laughed lightly and Amanda caught the raised eyebrow that Spock gave the conversation.

"That shouldn't be necessary," Spock began.

"No," Terra agreed, "No, it shouldn't be. He is more logical than I am, there's no way he'd forego the chain of command." Not logically.

At the end of the night Terra and Spock led Amanda back to the shuttle and said their goodbyes.

Amanda kissed both their cheeks, whispered something to Spock and then waved to them both.

Their robes had been returned and now the two walked in the chill night air in their usual attire, except Terra wore darker tones than usual. She held his arm and they walked across campus, it would only be a day until they were moved to their new Starfleet sponsored apartments.

"May I walk you back?" Spock asked, as he always did.

"You may." Terra responded, as she always did, "I was glad to see your mother; she is one of the kindest souls I've known."

Spock raised an eyebrow, "Soul?"

"It's a phrase, Keri uses it often, means personality from what I infer."

He chuckled and Terra smiled at the sound, "I know what soul is, never heard it used that way." There was a short silence, "It fits mother."

"It does. She loves you a lot."

Spock looked at Terra only to meet her eye, "She does," He took a deep breath as he held open the door to her dorm building for them, "Terra, I wish to express the immense… happiness you have brought me in this adventure."

At this Terra stopped in the stairwell with a considering look at her half Vulcan Boyfriend, "Thank you for the expression, you have done the same for me." They continued up the steps at her acceptance and Spock felt relief at his confession.

"Terra-"

"Spock-"

They both paused.

"You first."

"Go on."

Terra just went on, "I'll continue, Spock," She pulled his arm, they were on a landing one flight down from her floor, "I've been thinking about this a lot, us, I mean."

Again relief hit Spock, thank god he had weighed on her mind too, "As I have."

She didn't smile, just nodded, "Permission to speak emotionally?"

A look of confusion passed his features but he nodded, "Please do."

Terra locked eyes with him, "Our lives are about to change and you are going to be amazingly successful as a part of Starfleet as you would be anywhere you apply yourself. I know you have commitments and priorities but I would just like to be a part of those."

"You are." Spock confirmed but Terra hadn't paused in her speech.

"And I know you may not return the sentiment but you have made my life what it is and I love you." Their eyes met and she nodded, proud to have said it. Finally.

She was proud to have said it. She had decided it a while ago and known that the words themselves would terrify the half Vulcan, so she had kept them to herself. Now that they were out, it was a week till she was gone, and she wanted him to know. This mission didn't appear as if it was going to be the smoothest either.

After an appropriate quiet feeling settled Terra resolved her impassive expression and nodded again, "Do not let it cause you confusion, I just wanted it to be said on such an occasion. Please," She motioned to the stairwell, "Let us continue."

His eyes hadn't left her face but he numbly walked beside her. She thought she could feel relief from him and she didn't worry about his reaction. Instead they walked, untouching now, to her dorm room.
The door entered with her passkey and they entered, while Spock stood barely an inch inside the room as the door closed behind them. Keri had left a note, 'Out for the night' with a penciled winking face and Terra rolled her eyes.

She had known that Terra planned the L-word for tonight and didn't want to be there for the wreckage should it go well, or poorly.

Terra ignored Spock, allowing him to process everything while she replicated hot water for tea. Just as the leaves soaked she waited.

Spock's voice surprised her from the doorway, "Permission to act emotionally?"

Terra spun and saw him standing stiffly but with a small smirk which she returned hopefully, "Of 'course." She leaned on the counter lazily with arms crossed.

He entered the room gracefully, and approached her leaning form and gently placed his hands on either side of her hips. His head bent deliberately to her neck, where he left small kind kisses from the nape to her ear. The action itself gave Terra goosebumps, especially as he continued to biting her ear, just enough for her to jump at the contact.

Her arms unfolded, resting against his chest, as his mouth worked back down her neck biting this time and it made her hook her fingers to his belt loops, bringing him closer till he pinned her against the counter.

Spock could feel her every movement and his hands lowered to her hips and felt them twitch with his next nip on her neck. Terra's mischievous nature was used to this game of exploration, but something seemed different. One of her hands moved to grip his hair, in the process clipping a pointed ear which made Spock's current bite leave a purpling mark and his hips respond to hers this time which he attempted to stop before realizing how good it felt to have her pushing against him. Not to mention the noise she made at his bite, the low groan. Her other hand, however, moved to his pant line and roamed under his shirt slowly. The feel of her hands on him was almost enough for him to lose control. Almost.

His lips finally left her open neck to meet her lips in a kiss so forceful; Terra had to push back against her counterpart. The sigh he felt from her into the kiss made one hand fly to her hair, her face, keeping her. When they broke a second for air, foreheads leaning against one another's, the hand under his shirt left only to overlap his on the side of his face. His deep controlling breath was satisfying for Terra but not enough. She'd done some research recently.

Gingerly, she took his one hand in both of her hands and turned it over twice before deliberately looking him in the eyes, and kissing his palm. The sharp intake of breath was one thing, but Terra wanted to push it. She kissed each finger, thumb to pinkie, then took his middle finger one entirely into her mouth and sucked it like a candy.

This broke Spock. He thrusted at her hips and his head sagged in heavy breaths to her neck where he kissed and suddenly admired the visage of the space between her breasts. Terra was surprised he hadn't called for a stop yet and continued her ministrations gladly. She barely got to the third finger when Spock, truly, growled low into her ear, "Terra."

She had never heard a hotter sound. Terra looked at him innocently as she held his hand, "Yes Spock?"

His hand drifted to her pants' button and she felt her heart thudding in her chest. He was serious, "Do you want this?"

Terra smirked back any apprehension and gently bit a finger of his, causing his fingers to lapse at their job for only a second, "I kind of want to see how badly you can make me want it." She would later regret her chosen words. Her pants were disregarded in seconds, and Spock made quick work of carrying her to her bed and locking her underneath him. Her hands continuously roamed his torso and eventually smoothly threw off his shirt.

Spock's mind was numb. He wanted her. He would have her.

Her smaller frame pinned beneath his larger and stronger one led to every movement she made, he felt. Every kiss to the neck, her hips bucked against his, and every time she flicked his ear or caught a finger, he pushed against her open hips. Her bare legs were a sensation of their own. He caught his hands roaming them, all of them, more than once. Gripping and pulling.

Terra had one annoyance, those pants. She focused all energy and hooked her legs around him. With one trained push she flipped them, so she sat on top. The look of surprise flashed on Spock's face as she kissed down his bare chest and then over the prominent bulge in his pants. His eyes closed in anticipation or ecstasy, he didn't know. All of these sensations were flooding his sensory cortex and he barely noticed his pants were off until Terra straddled him once more, grinding steadily as she removed her shirt over her head. The bra and panties were a matching set and Spock had a hundred questions about their efficiency, his jaw was just sort of dropped as he stared at her green and black bra.

He felt her self-conscience-ness before he saw it and instantly looked back to her face to see a lack of emotion, "Terra," His voice was a hoarse breath that had the corners of her mouth twerk up in a smile.

"Spock," She said in a similar tone and he loved the sound of it. She should always say it that way. He reached up to pulled her down. His fingers only fumbled with the mechanism of her bra for a couple seconds and it came apart. She threw it aside and he rolled them over fluently.

He decided her panties had annoyed him long enough and allowed himself a few seconds off of her body to remove them. Once he returned, the sensation of all her bare body against his was almost too much, his fingers were gripping harder, kisses becoming more insistent. Her moans, when she stretched under him, and then he felt her wetness between her legs and he was done.

Spock held himself above her for only a second to stare intently in her eyes, "Do you want this?"

Her body rose to meet his, "Yes," Her voice was a beg and Spock found himself smirking even as her hands met his.

That was all he needed, "Good." He freed one hand to direct himself into her, the wetness greeting him before the tightness. His hands returned to Terra's, as he shuddered from pleasure and she groaned and rose her hips and wrapped her legs around him to increase the pressure which made Spock moan.

After a second of adjusting, Spock found that he has been missing out. He increased his tempo and with each push went deeper. Her moans turned to whimpers and Spock found both made him want more. His hands began to explore her and grasp her breasts, legs, and waist tightly.

He needed all of her, now.

Her eyes met his and eventually one hand drifted to her head in a familiar position.

Her eyes agreed and instantly he opened the door that had gradually formed between them into a grand arch. It was as if every mental connection before this was them shouting from miles away at each other. The distance shortened incredibly and Terra felt every feeling that Spock felt and vice versa. The overload was too much as first and Terra was sure she saw stars. The bond had never been this open and this close. Everything felt so good, so intimate. With every thrust their minds got louder. Eventually Spock's breathing quickened and his grip on her hip got painful, and her nails scratched into his back and the two exhausted themselves with a fulfilling pleasurable scream.

Spock felt sleepy for once in his life, and even though he vaguely remembered Terra getting up shortly afterwards, his mind was ready to shut down now.

The morning alarm went off around seven which Terra verbally shut off with a groan. She lay on the left side of the bed and moved slowly to turn over. It was warmer in their room than usual. Spock was probably to blame for that. The bed on the other side was empty although the imprint of a naked Vulcan still sat there. It was then she registered the shower turning off. With a small smile she let herself fall back onto her pillow.

When the bathroom door beeped quietly open she looked to the side to see Spock exiting shirtless, but with pants, and a small smirk on his face when their eyes met, "Good morning?"

Terra ran a hand through her bed head and smiled back, "Good morning." She groaned as she stretched and Spock found that he liked watching her features and body as she moved from under the covers, "How are you feeling?" He sat on the edge of his side looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

She smirked back at him, "Wonderful, thanks for asking, yourself?" The covers were thrown off as she rubbed at her eyes and moved to the bathroom to run a brush through her hair and brush her teeth. Spock stared at her retreating form with a growing sensation of guilt, so much so that Terra stopped before she reached the bathroom and turned, "What's wrong?" Their bond was basically complete which reminded Spock to be more careful.

His eyes went over her body and she followed them only to take a deep breath and turn this way and that to get a better look at the purple buises on her legs, neck, and hips, "Oh," Spock rattled off three Vulcan swears before he stood, "Terra, please accept my deepest apologies," He should've controlled himself better, gods, he could've asked her again, he should've been more aware-

Terra's laugh brought him from her bruised body, back to her face, "Spock, I'm wonderful, do not worry yourself," She continued her trek to the bathroom.

Spock muddled through his thoughts before he felt a tug from the direction of the bathroom, as if a string tugged his head… a reassuring string.

"This is weird," Terra said softly, "Is this how you feel?"

He instantly realized she was playing with their developed bond and chuckled at her curiosity before reaching out and entering her mind to say directly, 'No, not exactly.'

Spock heard her jump and smiled at his human.

Terra exited the bathroom, composed with a slight smile. She searched for a new pair of underwear, "I am, you know."

Spock was shaken from his admiring of her form by her words, "What?"

She clipped her bra and found an appropriate button down shirt, "I am your human." She finished buttoning and winked at him.

Spock wanted to pull her back to bed. Instead he stood, smiling at her comment, "I could train you to access the bond with greater ease if you'd like."

A black button down hit him in the face and he recognized it as his own. Removing it, Terra was laughing at him and he arched an eyebrow, 'I'm a quick learner.'

So she was.