Hey guys! Thanks once again for the reviews!
This chapter is also in the PAST so please remember that!
2257 – December 6th
"Admiral Pike really said yes? You're not pulling my leg?" Jim looked at her with his puppy eyes. They were filled with so much excitement that she couldn't help but pinch his cheeks and laugh.
"Yeah he did. We're trying out the motorbikes tomorrow." Jim let out a whoop as they walked past the gates of the Academy. "But we've got to check them out today."
"This is so exciting! No cadet has ever gotten to try them out! Prof you're the best! I knew I wouldn't regret it if I picked you."
Audrey smirked. "They don't call me the best for nothin' Jim."
"Ya know… they call you the black sheep of the flock." Jim grinned. He was curious. "Always causing too much trouble they say."
"They're just jealous what can I say?" Audrey shrugged laughing. "Who says that anyways?"
"Just overheard a couple of professors in the mess hall. What did you do to them? They didn't seem to like you much."
Audrey felt a pang of irritation. "The fucking pricks. I bet it was Professor Lim and his little gang that said that shit."
"I did see him there. What did you do?"
"Drop it Jim." Audrey nearly growled. Professor Lim had been on her case ever since she came to the Academy. He took every chance he had to cut her down but she never took the time to retaliate. She never felt like he was ever worth her time and energy. Plus he was a friend of Spock's. Even if she felt like the only reason he was being friendly to Spock was so that he could take him away from her, she trusted Spock enough to know better.
"Don't get me wrong, Prof. You're the best in my book but it seems you got bad blood between the two of you. You know I'm also in a class of his."
"How are you doing in that class?"
Jim's face fell into a frown. He shrugged. "Not well… No matter what I do, I seem to be struggling in his class. I could have sworn that I was doing good work but the marks don't show for it."
Audrey's eyebrows burrowed. He wouldn't be that petty would he? "Will you give me a copy of the work that you have turned in for that class?"
Jim cocked his head ever so slightly in curiosity. "Sure, but why?"
"I don't trust the bastard to be fair." Audrey shook her head and pointed to the garage that they were looking for. "Come on! We're here!"
"Race you there! Loser gets to buy lunch!" Jim said wiggling his eyebrows.
Audrey grinned. "You got a bet!" The two sprinted towards the garage and it was a close race but Jim pulled out a little quicker than Audrey at the last minute.
"Oh yeah!" Jim punched the air in happiness. "Prof, you're buying lunch." He slung his arm around her shoulders and stared into her brown eyes with his bright blue ones.
She punched his arm. "Today was your lucky day Cadet Kirk."
"Aww, prof. Don't be a sore loser. It's not sexy!" Jim whined smiling. Audrey laughed shaking her head.
"Come on you idiot. Let's go check up on these bikes!"
The two of them went and met the mechanic who ran them through the instructions and showed them the bikes. The track wouldn't be available for use until tomorrow so they only got to look at them but it left both of them in a slightly excited mood.
"Prof, I call the blue one! It's just calling my name!"
"It's saying to you 'Attention Cadet Pervert'?" Audrey asked with an eyebrow raised?
"Of course not prof. But I don't think you want to know what it's saying." Jim said stroking the bike.
"Ugh, Jim. That's.. UGH." Audrey rolled her eyes and dragged him out after thanking the mechanic. "Where do you want to get lunch?"
Jim looked around up and down the street. There weren't a lot of restaurants but there was a single café about a block from where they were. "Let's go there!" Jim began walking towards the café and Audrey recognized it as the one that was her and Spock's place. She was going to grab Jim's arm and ask him to pick a different place because she felt strange taking someone other than Spock there. It felt a little bit like… betrayal… like cheating. For her, it would feel like she was defiling the place by bringing someone else.
But by the time, she caught up to Jim and pulled him to a stop, they were close enough to see through the front window and see a couple sitting where they always sat. It was Spock and Nyota sitting in their usual spot. Nyota sat exactly where Audrey always sat and Spock looked at her with his hands underneath the table the way he did when Audrey was there. She watched as the waitress brought two cups of hot chocolate to the table and sat it down in front of Nyota and Spock just like she did on the first time they were there.
It broke her heart. Maybe it was just an illusion that Audrey was stuck in where Spock and her shared special memories and special places but it made Audrey happy and to see it crumble in front of her… it destroyed what hope she had. It hurt so badly but she couldn't show it. She wouldn't be selfish enough to let it show on her face. So she buried it. She buried it deep where it wouldn't see the light of day.
"Jim, let's go somewhere else. I hear that that place is nasty," Audrey said putting on her best disgusted face.
"Really?" He shrugged. "'Kay. You know this place better than me anyways." The two walked away from the café and although Jim was chattering excitedly, Audrey didn't hear a single word. She laughed at his jokes and simply smiled knowing that's what he wanted.
In that one moment, Audrey felt like she was doused with cold water. This was reality and what she wanted she couldn't have. She asked herself what she expected. Did she seriously expect anything to happen between the two of them? It was only her imagination and only her foolish little heart that hoped for something different from reality. It was just a small thing, but she felt it tenfold in her heart. This was reality.
2257 – December 8th 1200 hours
Jim eyed Audrey with suspicion but also with good humor as he nudged her. "Come on Prof. Tell me the truth." He leaned across the desk and pushed past all the papers lying around from their lesson.
Audrey huffed. "I don't know what you're talking about Jim."
Jim laughed. The torture was too sweet to resist. He took a strand of her hair and played with it. Looking into those beautiful almond brown eyes that had once taken him for a spin, he leaned in seductively, "You and a certain Vulcan?" Audrey's cheeks would have flushed pink with embarrassment if it weren't for... No, she had no right to think that way. Instead her face became a little dark and her eyes a little distant. She had tried to push those thoughts away but to Jim's trained eyes, he could tell from a mile away. No one else had picked up on the two and it was only because it was Jim did he know.
"Jim," she said sternly. "I don't want to talk about it." She knew that he had figured it out. It was hard to keep anything secret from Jim since they were always together studying.
"Awww come on!" Jim grinned not catching on. "I tell you about the women in my life."
"Key word is women, Jim."
He shrugged and stretched. "Can't help it that I've got a talent for pleasing women, prof." Audrey couldn't help but laugh. "But come on prof, tell me. I won't tell don't you worry." Jim winked giving his best innocent face he could muster. Audrey didn't even answer and just smacked Jim on the arm before returning to her PADD. "Fineeeeee. Then come with me to the bar tonight, prof! You have toooooo. You promised me last time." Jim whined.
Audrey sighed knowing that he wouldn't give up until she did and she did promise him. Spock had also been canceling on their meetings and it had weighed on her mind and heart. He seemed to be spending all of his time with Nyota. There was never enough time it seemed for him to spend it with her. Not even when it had to do with professional affairs and their classes. Instead he would just send a message to her PADD requesting whatever he needed. He had even asked her to help tutor Nyota.
Maybe this was a good idea to go out, drink, and have some fun. "Fine, Jim. I'll go." Jim let out a whoop and jumped up and down like a little kid. Despite herself, Audrey couldn't help but laugh and smile at Jim's enthusiasm and she couldn't help but think that after everything that's happened, she needed a drink bad.
2257 – December 8th 2200 hours
Jim had insisted that he be her escort for the night… at least until they got to the bar. So he picked her up from her rooms but he wasn't expecting the sight of her in a beautiful wine red dress that was deviously short and tight. Jim couldn't help but ogle at her earning him a good natured slap on the head from Audrey.
The two of them reached the bar and shared a drink together. "To success," the two toasted as they downed their first shot. Watching Audrey down her shot, Jim was actually a little surprised. "Didn't take you for a serious drinker, prof."
Audrey flashed him a little mischievous grin. "You're in for quite a night Jim. That is… if you want to keep up with me." Jim couldn't say no to that and order more drinks for the two. As they progressively got drunker, Jim's tongue got looser.
"You know prof. You're really really reeeaaalllly hot. If I didn't know any better I would have asked you out." Jim slung his arm around her shoulders. "But ya know, I guess your heart's spoken for."
Audrey felt a little pang of hurt but downed another shot and rolled her eyes. "Sorry big boy but you're not my type."
"I guess tall, pointy eared, and logical is yours?" Jim winked downing another shot.
"Asshole," Audrey scowled while joining him for another drink.
"Yaaa know… If he ever breaks your heart, you'll always have a shoulder to lean on and cry on."
Audrey felt her heart tighten a little bit in appreciation. "What so you can grab my ass if I ever did that?"
"Has anyone ever asked you if you were psychic?"
Audrey laughed. "You're such a buffoon. A loveable disgusting perverted buffoon."
"Not like you don't love it prof. Your life wouldn't be half as exciting without me."
"That's for sure."
Suddenly Jim had a mischievous grin on his face. "Ya gotta plan on how to grab this man of yours?"
"Come on. Drop it, Jim." Jim watched as Audrey ordered another drink.
He laughed. "Just saying… because he just walked through the door."
Audrey whipped her head around to see if it was true and indeed it was Spock walking uncomfortably through the door of the bar. He seemed to be unaccustomed to the bar scene but he continued to be searching for something. Suddenly Audrey felt strange watching him searching for someone. She hoped it was her even though she knew he wasn't.
Jim saw the look on Audrey's face as she watched Spock and decided to do something about it so he pushed Audrey towards Spock. Not expecting the push, Audrey very nearly crashed into the person in front of her. It wasn't Spock but he caught her with ease and straightened her. After apologizing profusely, she turned around to look for Jim and berate him for pushing her so when a passerby smashed into her shoulder pushing her off balance again.
"Whoa!" Audrey braced herself for impact but it never came. Instead two strong arms grabbed her and brought her back to her feet. "I'm so sorry! Some-" Audrey cut off when she saw the face of the man who had caught her.
"Audrey." Spock nodded.
"Spock." Audrey breathed. Shit! She was going to kill that little worm Jim for this! "What are you doing here?"
He quickly looked around once more. "I am here to meet Nyota. She wished to spend some time together at a bar. It was… her request."
Audrey's spirits fell but she didn't show it on her face. Of course he was here for Nyota. Why else would he be here? "Oh. I see. I haven't seen her around."
"I am going to continue to look for her. Have a good night, Audrey." Spock walked away to the other side of the bar in search of Nyota. Audrey watched him leave until his figure disappeared from view and she felt her heart shatter. Nyota was a lucky beautiful talented woman and she was a great friend. But why did Audrey feel angry towards her?
It tore herself up to know that she felt angry at a friend for no reason. She hadn't done anything. If anything, the bad person was herself for falling for friend's boyfriend. Quickly she left the bar swatting away the hands and ignoring the looks that she received from other men.
It didn't matter because the one she wanted to notice her today walked away without looking twice at her. She didn't want to see him with her. Him holding her hand. Him dancing with her. Him with his hand on her hip. Him smiling at her.
No she was a coward. She couldn't bear to see it because even though she knew she was the villain, she still hoped for something else.
He hadn't even asked why she was there. Who she was there with. If she was okay. If she needed help.
He didn't care about her.
A tear rolled down as she walked down the street. She had no idea where she was going just that her feet were taking her somewhere. Eventually she ended up at the pier looking out into the ocean. As she stared at the vast and deep ocean, the tears couldn't be held back. She cried for the loss of her hope, for the cruel and cold reality that broke her little heart.
At the end of that night, Audrey understood that what she dreamed about was just that. A dream.
It was the first step to picking up the pieces again.
2257 – December 31st Revisited
It was New Years' Eve and Audrey invited all of her friends and surrounded herself with the people most important to her on this marked day. A New Year was about to begin and with it she wanted to forget it all. She wanted to leave her foolish dream and want behind.
It had been almost a month since she made the realization about reality and she began to slowly move on. It had been hard but through the help of Jim, Leo, and even her father, she had begun to rebuild her life. At first she was a mess almost unable to function. Wallowing in her self-pity.
But Jim and Leo were the ones to really pull her out of it.
"Is that really all you've got, prof? Are you going to really let a fucking prick rip apart your life?"
"You don't need him to find the love you're looking for Audrey."
"Prof, you've got me and Bones! Don't mean to brag but we're pretty fine guys!"
"You're stronger than this Audrey. I know you and you know me. I damned well don't lie. Do you want me to beat the daylights out of the fucking pointy-eared green hobgoblin?"
"We'll get a place of our own! And if I ever bring someone else there I'll kill myself. I promise you."
With every little smart ass and encouraging remark, Audrey picked up the pieces. With every little heartfelt hug, she regained the will to live, to move on. With every little smile from them, she felt the smile return on her face.
It still hurt to see Spock and Nyota but she was a big girl and she would bear it. You've got to go through hard times to come out stronger than ever before and that's exactly what she did. She smiled and laughed with Spock and realized with every passing day it was getting less and less hard.
"Hey Dr. Tall, Dark and Handsome," Audrey said as she looped her arm in Leo's.
"Hey there beautiful looking for me?" Leo smiled and she noticed his grey eyes shimmered with happiness.
"You bet. How are you enjoying the party?" Leo took a hand and pushed back the strand of hair that came loose.
"It just got better." Audrey playfully slapped Leo's arm.
"You dog you." She laughed and it was decidedly the most beautiful thing that Leo had ever heard. He was devastated when he had first found out that she had been in love with Spock that pointy eared bastard. It angered him to an uncontrollable point to know that he had hurt his Audrey. It hurt to know that she didn't love him. But it was as though he was given a second chance and he wouldn't let that go. Of course he wasn't going to push her now. He knew how fragile she was right now and that she was still mastering her turbulent emotions. But when she was ready, he would be there for her.
It had been a long time since he felt this way but something told him that he would regret it forever if he didn't try his hardest with Audrey. She was like no other and he didn't believe that he'd ever meet someone like her for the rest of his days.
"Never heard you to say that you didn't like it." Bones said in his deep rumbling voice as he took a sip of his whiskey. Audrey took the drink from him quickly and drank the rest of it. There was a mischievous glint in her eyes as she set down the drink on a nearby table.
Tiptoeing to reach his ear, she whispered, "And I'm never going to say I didn't." She kissed his cheek and gave a little giggle after seeing Leo's wide grin. "Come on! Let's dance," she tugged his hand and led him to the dance floor. Guiding his hand to her hips, Audrey wrapped her arms around his neck and swayed her hips to the beat. It didn't take him long to take control and pull her closer to him letting the music guide them.
Audrey relished the feeling of Leo's muscle-lined body against hers. She still had feelings for Spock but she also realized how dedicated, how attractive Leo was. Over the past couple of days, she came to the realization how good he was for her, how she could see herself with him. He was truly a doctor for he healed not just her bodily wounds but the wounds you couldn't see as well. But for now, she needed to be by herself. If she wanted Leo, she wanted it to be because she truly felt for him and not because she was pining over Spock.
As the song ended, Leo didn't want to let her go but he knew that he should. They needed time and even though his body was screaming to pull her back to him, he pushed it away to give her the space she needed. For now, they were friends.
Next chapter's also going to be in the past and will probably be the last one! It'll show more of Audrey's ruthlessness and have a little more action/drama in it.