Disclaimer – If I could claim Star Trek as my own I would

Earth date – 12 July 2260, Lt Cmdr Spock's quarters (before nightwatch/gamma shift)

6th date

Spock took long, deep breathes as he prepared for a short meditation session before he started his shift. He needed to settle his katra after an unexpected end to the social engagement with Uhura. He expected to share her presence on a starship with 430 crew, but he did not expect to share her attention when off duty with Lt Kai, Orion security officer and according to the ship's scuttlebutt, second Romeo in Chief, after the very sociable Captain Kirk.

"Call from Lt Uhura," the comm chimed.

Unless the ship was in danger, there were only two people on board he would stop for under his present circumstances; Captain Kirk and the person now requesting his attention.

"Call accepted," Spock responded, dimming the flame from the asenoi, and rising from his seated position on the floor.

At least the call was from her quarters, she had not taken up Kai's offer for evening drinks after the viewing of the Terran sporting event. However she had also declined Spock's invitation to escort her to her quarters, stating watching all that sport had put her in the mood to use the ship's gymnasium.

The viewing screen, revealed Uhura still in sportswear, sweat glistening on her forehead, her breath coming in short gasps as if she had been running.

"Hi Spock, sorry to disturb you, I know you're on duty later for gamma shift."

"Nyota, I have told you 4.3 times you are allowed to call me whenever you desire." Spock answered.

Uhura lifted the tips of her mouth in a smile, revealing her teeth. On her, he found it a most pleasant sight, but on others it could be quite disturbing..fascinating that the same action resulted in a different response. Something for him to study perhaps?

"I know Spock, just chalk it up to a strange human habit. Anyway, I wanted to check if you were available for dinner tomorrow?"

"Yes, I am also available for all the other meals of the day, Nyota," Spock replied, his lips in a slight quirk.

Uhura laughed, recognising the joke, he never showed this side of himself to others. She felt privileged.

"Well since you put it like that, how about for the rest of our time on this ship we share all our meals together, as much as possible?"

"A most agreeable request. I will comply. Let us start with breakfast."

"Good, good although I can't do breakfast tomorrow, I'm having brunch with Lt Kai and…"

"Why is Lt Kai involved with 'brunch' and what is that activity?" Spock asked, attempting to keep the briskness from his voice.

"Oh Spock, if you were anyone else, I would think you were jealous!" Uhura laughed, after explaining the definition of brunch.

"Jealously is illogical." Spock retorted.

"Good, cos I least I don't have to worry about you transferring Kai off the ship" she continued laughing.

Spock decided it best not to share the thoughts running though his mind, such as that same idea entered his mind for 1.3 seconds or perhaps removing his quarters to another deck would limit his time in her presence.

"As long as Lt Kai performs his duties adequately, there is no need for a transfer. However if he performs admiringly there is always the possibility of a promotion to another vessel."

"Well as long as Hendorff is Security chief here no one else stands a chance, he is way too good and well liked. Actually I need to catch up with him, haven't been able to since I came back."

Spock had to hold himself in check. Hendorff was another one of Uhura's admirers, seems she knew him through her association with Dr Brompton*. However as far as Spock was aware, he had made no attempt to spend time with her socially. Long may it remain so.

Uhura started to twist and rub her neck as they continued to talk.

"Are you in discomfort Nyota?" Spock asked.

"Just a little sore, I should go for a massage after I shower. I wonder if Nurse Borf'ax is off duty tonight?"

Borf'ax, the Edosian nurse, the male Edosian nurse, massaging Uhura's tired, semi-naked body? Spock had a much more productive suggestion.

"If you have no objections, I am trained in Vulcan neuropressure, you will find it a satisfactory aide for tired musculature and perfect for sleep."

Uhura eyes lit up, "I've heard about it, but never experienced it. I thought it was only allowed between relatives and married couples or something?"

"Nyota, we have seen each other naked, I believe we are passed such inhibitions."

"Spock that was over 4 years ago, plus remember our rules."

Your rules, Spock thought to himself, rules he considered in the light of Lt Kai's interest, would need major revisions.

"Nyota, I will not do anything that will make you uncomfortable."

"I know, I trust you. Let me shower and I'll be there in a minute. I'll even bring tea."

Uhura signed off and left Spock alone once more.

Xxxxx

"Mmmmm, you really have magic hands, Spock." Uhura stretched her body, all the tensions released as she lay on his couch.

"There is nothing magical about the procedure, Nyota. Neuropressure is an ancient healing technique, established…"

Uhura placed her fingers on his lips, interrupting him.

"I want you to teach me how to do this." She requested.

"Do you plan to share this technique with others?" Spock asked suspiciously.

"Only with you, I think it's far too intimate for just anyone. Some of those positions were borderline erotic. I can see why it's traditionally just for relatives and couples".

"There are medical positions as well, only used by trained healers. But I will teach you what I know."

"Good, well, time for me to go. Don't want you to be late," Uhura stretched again and rose from the couch.

"There is more than sufficient time. I have 49.3 minutes before my shift begins."

"Interesting way to spend a date, tea and Vulcan massage."

"Our previous engagement ended prematurely."

"Yeah it was a one sided tennis match, three sets, how boring."

Spock was about to state that was not what he was referring to but decided not to. He was not ready for her to leave but knew if she stayed any longer, he would find a logical reason to get her on the couch again and not just for a massage. Then again, they could still express affection in other ways.

"There is one more area to massage before you leave Nyota." Spock reached for her and pulled her on his lap. Uhura yelped even as she smiled to see what he would do next.

"Oh yeah" she whispered, "Where is it?"

He pointed to her lips, and stroked them with his fingers.

"I believe it is a Terran custom when couples depart, to tend to this area."

He bent his head to hers, massaging her lips with his own.

Author's notes -

Lt Kai - a Star Trek IDW comic character, introduced in chapter 7

Dr Diane Brompton - an OC from chapter 8