Disclaimer: I don't own Sarek, Amanda, or the Federation. And I'm not making money from this.

Special thanks to Beta Notes from the Classroom

Dancing Around the Subject

It was Sunday, mid-morning a week and three days after Sarek's first uncomfortable dance lesson.

He sat in his apartment staring at his monitor. He had discovered a way to determine the destination of the Vulcan Embassy ship even when there was no accessible manifest...and if not the exact names of the passengers, perhaps an idea of their numbers.

The Embassy vessel could not launch from the lower atmosphere, so it remained permanently docked at a space station just off planet. All passengers had to be beamed aboard or ferried there by shuttle.

Space station records of shuttle and ship departures and arrivals were public record -- although they were not easily accessible, he'd have to go to the space station itself and request the information in person -- and to do that he had to first request an appointment. Then he could cross reference the Embassy records of uses of its vessels with the records from the station and by process of elimination determine what its destination had been.

Further, on Earth, all authorized transporter usages were recorded as well, and also available for access. Again, not easily, he would have to report to the Transporter Records Department in Lisbon to gain access. He didn't sigh; it would be unbecoming of a Vulcan, even alone...But why was information so hopelessly decentralized on Earth?

Navigating to the appointment request form for the space station records department he paused a moment. The form asked if his request was for an agency or an individual inquiry -- agencies were given priority. He hesitated and the selected individual inquiry. It was the honest response...he might have said agency and let them know of his affiliation with the Vulcan Embassy, but since this investigation wasn't officially sanctioned...

Also, he didn't want to call attention to himself.

He hit the submit button and was promptly given a date eighty-nine days away.

His internal alarm clock went off. It was time to meet Amanda for his second dance lesson -- and first with her. He suppressed another very un-Vulcan sigh.

x x x

They were not at Madame Toullard's. Sarek had sought out a new instructor, a Mister Julio Hernandez. He came highly recommended online. After one brief unexpected moment of hand to hand contact, Sarek was very glad to have Amanda...Mr. Hernandez's physiological reactions to Sarek were very much the same as Madame Toullard's were. Granted, Mr. Hernandez might display greater restraint...but he might not...Sarek saw no reason for undue risk.

Amanda and Sarek were practicing the basics of the Foxtrot. Sarek was also practicing keeping his eyes carefully averted from Amanda. He had never seen Amanda in so little clothing. Whenever they met, she was normally attired in a sweater, long pants and jacket, with sensible low-heeled boots or shoes on her feet. He'd thought of her as modest.

Apparently it was just an accommodation she made for San Francisco's perpetually cool weather. Today she wore snug jeans with high heels. Her heels did interesting things to her gluteal muscles and superficial fascia in that region -- and the jeans didn't hide it. She also wore a sleeveless tee. Her hair was pulled back with clips that left the whole of her neck exposed. It was a very long, pale, slender, elegant neck that descended into graceful clavicles...

Sarek caught his eyes wandering and averted his gaze. When he returned to his home world he would have super-Vulcan powers of self control.

"Good, job, good job. You are doing wonderfully!" Mr. Hernandez called. "Keep practicing for the remainder of the number. Sarek, do not forget to rotate your body and your partner's; there is no need to be so stiff; alter from your straight line! On the ballroom floor you will have to dodge other couples."

Sarek did not sigh. But he had the compulsion. On the real dance floor not only would he be expected to maintain his mental shields, avoid ogling his partner, and keep time, he'd also be expected to navigate around moving obstacles.

"Sarek," Amanda whispered, "aren't Vulcans touch telepaths?"

Would he have to maintain a conversation as well? "Yes," he replied, not looking down at her.

"Oh. Well, I'm sorry then," Amanda said.

Sorry? Sorry for what?

"It's just that you do look really handsome right now."

What? Sarek's shields fell like a curtain and suddenly he was aware that Amanda was finding dancing with him...arousing...

Although at least her hands were staying where they belonged.

He felt himself go hot.

"I hope it's not too distracting," Amanda said, and Sarek could feel some embarrassment along with the arousal.

She was apologizing for being attracted to him and revealing it through the telepathic link. He appreciated the sentiment, actually. Of course, she had never been taught to block her emotions.

"Do not concern yourself. You are only human," Sarek said.

The arousal vanished and was replaced with annoyance. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Sarek blinked and actually looked at her trying to keep time as he did. "It only means that as you are human you are unable to help yourself from--"

The telepathic connection burned with anger. "Unable to help myself? Do you think you are God's gift to womankind or something?"

Sarek blinked. "Vulcans do not conceive of God in the way that humans --"

Amanda's foot came crashing down on Sarek's toe. Through the link Sarek could tell it had not been an accident.

"Ms. Grayson, you seem to have lost the beat there," said Mister Hernandez.

"Ohhh...it appears I did," Amanda said. "I'm so sorry, Sarek." She smiled. "I hope it didn't hurt."

Sarek completely lost time and came to a full stop. She was lying. With a smile.

"It is quite alright," he said at last, tilting his head and stepping back into time with the music.

For the rest of the hour she remained annoyed. He was perplexed as to what exactly he had done and how he could fix it. However, her annoyance was a lot easier to deal with than her arousal might have been.

And her hands never went any place inappropriate.

x x x

Walking out of the classroom, Amanda felt her temperature rise. "What the Hell was that all about in there, Sarek? You don't really think that you're all that, do you? Because that would be completely illogical!"

Sarek came to a stop in the hallway next to her. "Think that I am all what?"

"The be all and end all!" Amanda put her hands on her hips. Sarek stared at her blankly.

Amanda closed her eyes. Do not stomp on his toe again...Do not stomp on his toe again...

"You seem to think that you are irresistible to human women," she snapped.

"Certainly not; you seemed quite capable at resisting me even though you did find me...attractive," Sarek said. "And I appreciate your restraint a great deal."

Amanda fought back an urge to slap him. Damn telepathy, and damn smug, telepathic and attractive Vulcans...

"I don't think I can handle dancing with you when I'm so angry I want to kick you in the shins!" she said.

Blank stare.

"I don't think this is going to work..." she said.

Sarek looked down. "Amanda, I do appreciate your company a great deal."

Amanda took a step back and tilted her head. "Why, do you get off on having humans finding you attractive?" she snapped.

"Pardon?" asked Sarek.

Amanda took a deep breath. He didn't understand. "Why?" she asked.

"Why...did I say pardon?" asked Sarek.

Were they even speaking the same language? "Who is on first!" Amanda said throwing up her arms. Then silently she cursed herself for using a reference from her early twentieth century humanities class.

"Who is on first?" asked Sarek.

"Never mind who is on first, Sarek." Amanda put her hands on her hips. "Why do you appreciate my company?"

"Because I trust you. I do not believe you will act inappropriately. In addition I believe your presence will compel others to behave in an appropriate manner," Sarek responded in his normal flat monotone.

He trusted her. Well that was nice...but wait...Sarek didn't do psychology, at least, not well...why would he think that an 'other' might behave inappropriately...and what other? "Sarek," she asked, "Did something happen?"

x x x

"...she was demonstrating the improper way for the man to hold his partner..."

They were eating sandwiches at a diner close to the studio. Amanda had a hand over her mouth and was leaning forward, not making a sound...for a moment Sarek worried he might have to perform the Heimlich maneuver.

Then she burst out laughing.

At him.

"You find this amusing."

Amanda straightened. Sniffing, she rubbed her nose. "No, I..." She began laughing again.

Cutting a bite out of his avocado, sprout and hummus sandwich, Sarek sat and watched. He would not allow her to see his annoyance.

"I'm sorry. Really, it's terrible...terrible..." Amanda said. She wiped what appeared to be a tear from her eye. His plight moved her after all.

"I'm sure that you wouldn't have the same problem with Julio though, Sarek," Amanda said. She looked down at her sandwich and silverware -- she'd taken to using a knife and fork in front of him after learning just how Vulcans viewed eating with their hands. "I mean, I got the feeling that he went that way...just the way he was looking more at your...however, it doesn't mean he'd act on it."

"You determined his sexual orientation by observation alone?" asked Sarek, impressed.

"I did not determine; I have only made a hypothesis," said Amanda.

"I can confirm your hypothesis," said Sarek.

Amanda looked up from her plate. "He hit on you, too?"

Sarek blinked. "No, he touched my hand." He put another bite of sandwich in his mouth. He'd developed quite a predilection towards avocados during his time on Earth. It was a shame they took an inordinate amount of water to grow.

Amanda heaved a long sigh. "It's not fair, for me or Julio. You can hide your emotions from us, but we can't hide ours from you."

Sarek put his fork down. Vulcans went to great lengths to suppress their emotions -- before coming to Earth he interpreted human society to be exactly opposite. But depending on the situation they did keep their emotions contained. Suppressing everything but curiosity was just so much more clear cut...

...Amanda was embarrassed; he'd made her uncomfortable for something she couldn't control.

"I do not read emotions intentionally, Amanda. I try to block my telepathic abilities, but it takes conscious effort. I only read Julio because he touched my hand unexpectedly. And I was blocking your emotional state until you surprised me with your directness."

Amanda sat back in her chair. "So I gave myself away." She brought a hand up under her chin. "Of course, we'd talked about other things before that point...was that the first time that you weren't able to block my emotions?"

"Yes," Sarek said, attention returning to his cutting his sandwich into bite size pieces.

"So obviously, saying I found you attractive was more disconcerting than, say, talking about the weather...why is that, I wonder?"

Sarek looked up at her. "No Vulcan would ever make such a declaration. Your forthrightness was --"

"Uh-huh. Whatever." She leaned forward, put her elbows on the table and her chin on her hands. "So tell me, Sarek, do you find me attractive?"

Sarek was grateful for the fact he was not actually chewing anything at that moment. He might have spit it out of his mouth.

"This line of inquiry is completely inappropriate, Amanda." He tilted his head. "And the answer is of no relevance to anything." It wasn't as though they were potential mates. They could not be. There could be no offspring...and she was entirely too fragile, physically and perhaps mentally as well. Could a human handle a Vulcan bond? Who knew? Perhaps it would induce madness in one or both parties.

"That isn't an answer. You know my emotions; it only seems fair I know yours." She leaned closer to him and smiled. "Come on, I'm trying to level the playing field."

"The playing field?" He knew the expression. They'd discussed it weeks ago. "This is a game?" His tone was completely even. He'd used the same words and tone when she'd introduced him to Scrabble. But he felt a rush of revulsion. She was teasing him...about something they should not even allow their minds to dwell on.

Amanda leaned forward. She licked her lips, which accentuated their curve. How Vulcan they were. Opening her mouth, she looked as though she were going to say something. And then she stopped and pulled back.

"No, I'm sorry, Sarek. I'm treating you like a human. You're not."

He blinked. She'd backed down, something she never did when they engaged in 'teasing'. And she'd stated the obvious. He was not human. This line of inquiry was irrelevant; her tacit acknowledgment of this fact should make him feel better. But it did not.

"Forgive me?" Amanda asked.

To say he forgave her would be to acknowledge the injury, that she had provoked an emotional response. She had been treating him as one of her own kind. It hadn't been meant as an insult, surely. "There is nothing to forgive," Sarek responded. It wasn't precisely a lie.

On the wall adjacent to them, a large screen monitor went on. Someone in the diner was switching it between channels.

Suddenly T'Zena's voice filled the room. "...it is not just Terran food that aids Vulcans. It is their ideas. Humans are a young, inquisitive race, unafraid to ask why. I believe that this curiosity, even when it challenges the preconceived notions of Vulcan, is healthy for us..."

Sarek turned to see the screen change from T'Zena to a news room. "And that was a portion of the Vulcan Ambassador's apology here on Earth a few weeks ago. As I'm sure everyone remembers, it was quite well received here. But how was it received on Vulcan? We go now to our correspondent, Brent Tucker. Brent?"

"Lisa, here I am on the streets of Shi'Kahr. I've been trying to get some response from ordinary Vulcans, but so far none will answer my questions, even anonymously."

The camera changed to a view of Vulcans walking by Brent as he attempted to engage them in conversation.

Next to Sarek, Amanda whispered, "Why won't they talk, Sarek?"

Sarek did not turn towards her. "Because they do not wish to say anything that may contradict the stance of the High Command. Vulcans value discretion."

"However, we were able to obtain this independently recorded video, Lisa."

The picture became less distinct and choppy, but clearly showed Vulcans, obviously on their home world, and obviously wearing robes of high station. The Vulcans were speaking Sarek's native language, but the video was dubbed in Standard.

"The Terran reaction to Paumak's statement was completely illogical. By most objective measurements they are intellectually challenged when compared to Vulcans..."

The camera shifted to a split shot of Lisa and Brent. Lisa was talking. "This comes at the worst possible time for Vulcan, doesn't it Brent?"

"It does indeed, Lisa. Vulcans do not need any more negative publicity. Vulcan's drought is going into its third growing cycle and currently trade talks are underway for Earth food stuffs. And pressure is mounting from various groups to make it more difficult for Vulcan to import food from Earth."

"That's right. Most recently it has been environmental groups to raise their voices against the off world shipment of food. Can you explain that Brent?"

"Certainly. When we export food we are exporting water from our biosphere. There are trace amounts of H2O in all food, unless it is specially dehydrated -- simply turning grapes to raisins isn't enough. This is water Earth's biosphere will never reclaim. Environmentalists say we risk desertification of Earth by exporting our foodstuffs off world. Moreover, we are also exporting our carbon, and no one knows what the consequences of that will bring..."

Someone flipped the channel to soccer.

Amanda stared at the screen. "You know, Sarek, I want to say that for a race that values discretion, Vulcans sure have a talent for inserting their feet in their mouths..."

Sarek swallowed and turned to her. "We seem to be very flexible in that regard," he said, trying to make up for some of their previous tension with humor.

"But in this case, it almost seems like someone is trying to set Vulcan up..." Amanda's eyes hadn't left the monitor. "It's not like Terrans don't say bad things about Vulcans. But they're not showing that on the nightly news."

"Indeed," said Sarek. In the end he believed it would not matter. The Federation would never allow Vulcan to starve. There might be rationing for a while...but the Federation would sort things out...

A/N:

Thanks everyone for reading -- and special thanks to everyone who reviews. I hope I can continue to keep you entertained - pls continue to lavish me with reviews. It really helps!