Author's Note: Hi, everyone. I am getting precariously close to my scheduled hiatus (see HEADS UP, YOU GUYS on my profile for details) so I'm kicking it into high gear with my WIPs. I want to finish at least one of them over my Spring Break and I think I can make it happen.

I hope I can make it happen.

Disclaimer: "Honestly, it's not mine!"

Nyota stood in the terminal for the second time that week and the excitement from the twins arriving returned tenfold. Nyota loved her mother deeply. She admired her strength, her fire, and the way that she had cared for them. Even after their father left, Mama had made sure that all three of her children knew that they were unconditionally loved. She took them with her when she traveled and she taught them to think outside the box, to ask questions. Most importantly, she had taught them that they were gifts, not burdens. She told them never to let anyone tell them otherwise.

"I have done a lot of things in my life that I regret but you babies…I would do it all again just so I could have you three in my life."

A small smile curved her lips as she remembered the fear she felt about going to Starfleet. She had not been afraid of going but of failing. What if she wasn't good enough? What if they sent her home? Being a Starfleet officer had been her life plan since she was 7 years old. What would she do if she couldn't?

Mama had soothed her. She had told her that she was exceptional, that any Starfleet captain or admiral would be damned lucky to have her. She was proud of her little star and she knew that she would do well. Then, she said if she didn't get on that shuttle, she'd drag her by the ear and literally boot her onto the ship.

She would be hurt that Nyota hadn't told her about Spock immediately but she knew that she would be happy for them. No, ecstatic. Mama had always worried that Nyota would spend all her energies on her career and not a family. Well, she had killed two birds with one stone.

She had established a base for any career opportunity she wanted and she had won the heart of one of the Quadrant's best men.

"Shuttle 358 has arrived from Nairobi at Gate 15. Shuttle 358 at Gate 15." the intercom announced, causing Nyota to hurry downstairs.

This time, she had managed to get her laundry done and had on her best uniform. A pair of leather fingerless gloves protected her palms from the crisp San Francisco air and she had a knee length purple jacket, the same Mama had given her before she left home.

"Nyota!" Naomi Uhura called.

She smiled as her mother waved enthusiastically from the middle of the line and she stepped forward to meet her in a fierce embrace. Both of them were the same height and were it not for the pure silver mane upon her head, Naomi could easily be mistaken as her sister.

"Hi, Mama. How was your trip? They didn't lose your luggage, did they?"

"No, it's all safe. The trip was very fun. I played poker with some gentlemen heading to New York and cleaned them out. And then, a nice Betazoid man taught me their version of the Tango. He said that I had the grace of Imzadi."

"The Goddess of Love and Beauty." Nyota recalled from her independent studies.

"I'm glad to see that Starfleet has kept your mind sharp. Now, who is the lucky young man to have won your heart?"

Nyota blushed and looked sheepishly down at her shoes, unable to meet her mother's gaze as they stopped at the baggage claim. Her gaze remained fixed on her shoes until they got to the shuttle stop and then, she had to speak. She had to explain.

"Mama, I swear I was going to tell you but it's so complicated. It's a secret relationship. Not for much longer, though. See, he's one of my instructors and I'm his aide. There are rules against student/teacher relationships but aides and teachers get together all the time. Once the semester ends, we can be together without getting in trouble."

"Ah, I see. Well, does he make you happy?"

"Very much so."

"Has he said that he wants to be with you long past the Academy?"

"He introduced me to his mom and his dad finds me adequate, which is the equivalent of a bear hug and a Welcome to the Family, according to him."

"Can you imagine being with him fully? Letting him touch you and love you until death comes to collect?"

She looked up from her boots after that question, wanting her to see her sincerity.

"Yes. I…I love him so much, Mama. I want to be his everything."

//////////////

He could feel a wave of deep love and devotion hit him and only his trained composure kept him from sinking to his knees or smiling. Nyota. She had mastered the bond. She could make herself known to him at will and the depth of her emotions, both positive and negative, were astounding. Her intensity and skill rivaled his and even those of a full blooded Vulcan. It was fascinating…and exhilarating.

"How's Stargirl doing?" Michael asked from the couch.

"Quite well. Your mother has arrived and has proved to be accepting of our relationship."

"That bond really is something. I'm glad you and Nyota can be so close, even when you're apart." Jamal remarked as he read the latest medical journal.

Unconsciously, the vows from a formal bonding ceremony went through his mind. Parted but never parted…

The words had been hollow to his 7 year old ears. The presence of T'Pring within his mind had been like a violation and he had ended up weeping for days afterward, plagued by severe headaches and her revulsion for him, his mother, and everything his hybrid status represented. It had taken months to fully heal and his mother would've left his father if not for his pleas to forgive him. It had been the beginning of the end for Spock's relationship with his father.

Bonding with Nyota would not be that way. Spock was certain that they had already but he longed to formalize it, to have her recognized throughout the Federation as his adun'a.

To touch her, to taste her without anything holding him back…

The door slid open and Nyota came in, followed by her mother. The twins nearly bowled her over in a fierce embrace and Nyota's smile warmed him from the crown of his head to the balls of his feet. The woman broke away from her sons and Spock unconsciously straightened as his k'diwa's eyes seared through him.

Then, a brilliant smile lit up the woman's face as she spread her fingers in a flawless ta'al, which he mirrored.

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Uhura."

"Spock, it's Naomi and I'm happy to meet you too. I read your paper on the emerging dialects on Cardassia and I'd love to discuss it further."

Apparently, Nyota did not just earn her eyes from her mother but her appreciation of language.

I told you it would be okay. You're in, Spock.

This time, he did not try to suppress his smile.

~Translations (Found on the VLD)~

adun'a -a woman joined to a man in marriage; a female spouse