Sorry for not writing earlier. Here's the next chapter. Hope you like it =D

Chapter 12: New York Part 1

Spock was quite relieved when he finally arrived at his quarters later that night, or he would have been relieved he wasn't so obstinate on being Vulcan. Pike—Captain Pike—he had to remind himself, has quickly realized that Spock was not a very good lady watcher. Spock had to admit that the captain was nothing if not determined. Pike had only finally given up after two hours of sitting at a bar and pointing out pretty ladies. Pike would comment on their attractive features, and logically Spock would comment on their less pleasing aspects. It balanced itself out, at least Spock believed so. Pike on the other hand had quickly become frusturated. Spock had observed that every time he pointed out the defects in a female Pike got even more irritated.

Captain Pike had finally burst out, "So everyone is imperfect! Who cares! I bet you can't name one lady who you find attractive and don't notice her defects!"

Spock was never on to back down from a challenge. "It is illogical to be believe that a being does not find at least one other being extremely attractive because it is our nature to be attracted to our mates." Looking back Spock did not think that his response had been logical and thought out; it has spiked Pike's interest.

"Oh so you do know a lady who you are attracted to? I didn't know you had a made." Pike had grinned openly.

"I do not have a mate." Spoke had answered realized that if he told Pike he found Nyota to be nearly flawless Pike would has suspected something.

"But you find a female attractive?" Pike wasn't one to back down. Spock had refrained from commenting. Under normal circumstances Vulcan's did not lie, for it was illogical to do so. Pike had persisted for a while but eventually given up.

Spock snapped out of his recollections and stood up to send a message to Nyota. He sent it in code, so that anyone who heard it would think nothing of it. When he was done he awaited her response and after receiving it sent a short reply and went to meditate.

Nyota stepped out of the transporter. She was both amused and irritated; amused because Pike had actually taken Spock lady watching and irritated because her date had ended too quickly. Sighing slightly she headed for her room. She wanted to lie in bed and remember her date—the feel of Spock's hands on hers and on her hips. She blinked, someone was calling her name. She turned to see Cadet Kirk. Sighing she waited up for him. She did not feel like talking to him right then, the arse had been trying to find out her first name for ages. It had become a game, a silly game because if Jim had really wanted to find out her first name all he had to do was look up her profile in the Starfleet database. However, not only did he want to know her name but he had also been pursuing her. She wanted to tell him she was taken but she knew that he would only be curious as to who she was seeing and that was dangerous. Resigned she waited up for him.

When he reached her he gave her one of his big goofy grins. "Hey there beautiful," he said coyly.

"What is it Kirk? I am tired and would like to retire to my dorm." She told him rolling her eyes.

Kirk's eyes lit up, "Really? Well then I shall just have to escort you." He grinned suggestively. She considered slapping him and then sighed. He was such a player and yet so childish that it was too hard to actually hurt him.

"I'm fine thanks. Why don't you go hang with Galia, she's probably at the local bar." Nyota raised her eyebrows. Kirk looked disappointed but quickly jumped back.

"Sounds good! If I asked for you to accompany me you'd decline right?" He looked outrageously hopeful.

She laughed, "Yes I would. Now shoo!" She pushed him away. He gave her a pitiful look but then ran off. She shook her head and then headed for her room. When she arrived the changed into her pj's and then began doing homework. Two hours later she received a message. It was from Spock. She grinned and played it.

"Cadet I must apologize for the disruption today. I am truly sorry that I had to leave before our meeting was over. If it would please you, I am free to continue tomorrow. Sleep well Cadet." His eyes clouded slightly and she saw the depth of his feeling for her. She smiled.

She quickly sent him a message in return, "Commander do not worry. It was not your fault that we were disrupted. I would happily meet you tomorrow." She sent it. The response was quick.

"I will stop by at 1100 hours. We shall continue our discussion then." Nyota grinned and sent her short reply, "I will be ready." Then she went to sleep, happily dreaming of Spock.

The next few months past in a whirlwind of studying, working, and thinking about Spock. Nyota was exuberant, despite the fact that her relationship with Spock had barely progressed at all. They hadn't even kissed yet, but Nyota dreamed of the day when they would. She didn't mind though, she still got to see him several times a week and those private moments in his office were the best times of her life. With the initiation of their romance they had become even better friends. They talked about everything and Nyota was privileged to learn quite a bit about Vulcan culture that was not usually told to non-Vulcan's. Nyota had never been one to look at the bad side of things, so she didn't pay much heed to the lack of physical contact with Spock. Instead she enjoyed holding his hand, something he had told her that Vulcan's found extremely pleasant. For Vulcan's holding hands and caressing each other's palms was the equivalent of a kiss. Nyota didn't want to pressure Spock so she never brought up the subject. However, when she realized that the final month of the first year was approaching she decided to try dropping some hints. They had been dating for several months after all. Most couples would have slept together. However, Nyota realized that she was Spock's first romantic relationship and that he was most likely exceptionally nervous. She herself had had several boyfriends before, but like him was a virgin.

On the second to last week of school Nyota would go to New York with Spock, six other Cadets and their teachers. All of them would be competing in a competition against Starfleet Cadets from all over the Universe. However, the competition was only for first year Cadets. Spock was going as Nyota's teacher in xenolinguistics. Although he also taught science, being a science officer, another teacher had taken the position as science professor for the competition. The student competing in physics(Spock's specialty) was both Spock's and the other professor's student. However, Spock had decided to let Professor Heisenberg go as the Cadet's professor. Nyota had a suspicion it was because Spock had wanted to be able to be alone with her, and not have it look suspicious. She was grateful for it; it meant they could spend more time together.

So, a week before they were to leave for New York Nyota decided to "innocently" hand Spock a few romantic novels to read. She told him they were good books, and that he should read them. He has raised an eyebrow but smiled slightly. Nyota hoped that once he read the books Spock would get the hint and kiss her while they were in New York. The idea thrilled her.

Spock stepped off the transporter and looked around. They were in central New York. The Star Fleet compound could be seen from where they were. He looked back and saw Nyota stoop to pick up her bag. As she did so her skirt moved up slightly and he flushed. He quickly looked away. He could hear the other professors and cadets talking amongst themselves. He could also clearly hear Captain Pike's voice ordering everyone to go to the compound. Captain Pike had been assigned as the leader of the whole group.

"Come on Spock! Where's your Cadet?" Pike called. Spock raised an eyebrow.

"Right here, Captain." Nyota replied and made her way past Spock. Spock smiled and followed her. The compound was right next to the harbor, it has its own little walkways and gardens by the water. Spock admired all the different plants; New York was much lusher than San Francisco and Vulcan. Although Spock preferred hot and dry climates he also appreciated places that could sustain lots of plant life. The quarters were divided up into seven units. Each unit had three rooms; two bedrooms with locks and a common room. The professors and their cadets each got a unit. It was logical that the teachers be able to contact their students at all times that way they could study at any time of the day or night without bothering the rest of the group.

Spock also noted that it gave him and Nyota a good amount of private space, something which he was grateful for. When he entered the room, Nyota trailing behind him he was pleased to note that the room wasn't overly decorated. It was quite sparse which suited him. Nyota dropped her back down and turned around looking at everything. She grinned.

"We get this whole place to ourselves! Awesome! This is sweet!" She laughed with delight and smiled at Spock. Spock turned and closed the door behind him making sure it was locked.

"It is pleasant, I agree Nyota." He let his lips quirk up. He walked over and unlocked the door to his room. He went and placed his bag on the bed. They would spend five days here, he hoped to be able to find time to explore the city. He sensed that Nyota had followed him and turned to see her leaning against the doorway. She was smiling and the light played off her face beautifully. His heart sped up and he was overtaken by a desire to hold her. He went and took her hands, brushing her knuckles with his thumb. She shivered slightly moved closer. He felt her fingers rub his palms and his stomach flip flopped. No matter how often she held his hand he couldn't stop feeling like he was floating when she did. His blood rose and he felt the wonderful swooping of his stomach. The books which he had read only a few days ago came to his mind and understood. Nyota had given him those books to indicate what she wanted him to do. He was particularly intrigued with the idea of kissing. From what he had read most couples kissed constantly.

Feeling nervous and excited he leaned in. She smiled and moved closer. "Nyota, may I try something I read about?" he whispered.

"Of course Spock," her hot breath tickled his lips and sent his mind into blissful bubbly heaven. His lips quirked and he leaned in. His lips were two millimeters from hers when the doorbell rang and Pike's voice rang through the communicator, "Spock! Cadet Uhura! The rest of the group would like to go tour the city. Would you like to accompany us?"

Spock nearly jumped back, Nyota stepped back hurriedly. Spock glanced at her to see her flushed. She looked sheepishly at him quickly went to open the door. Spock missed the contact of her hands in his.

"Hello Captain. I personally would love to come. I can't speak for Spock though." She smiled dazzling at him. He blinked and grinned. Then he turned to Spock. Spock made sure to look perfectly composed and not betray his irritation with the Captain.

"Come on Spock! Let's get some fresh air! This is the city of wonders eh? Oh…wait….that's Tokyo. Ah well. Still plenty of wonders. And gorgeous women of course!" Pike grinned. Spock raised an eyebrow.

"Sir, may I enquire while you are so fixated on 'gorgeous women' when you are in fact married and have three children of your own." Spock replied levelly.

Pike laughed, "Because I know it irritates you. Plus, I can't have you being single all your life! Come one, Cadet Uhura can help!" Pike turned to smile fatherly at Nyota. Spock contained his irritating and frustration. He noticed that Nyota's smile was forced.

"Sounds awesome! Come on Commander." She grinned at Spock, a real smile and winked. Spock felt amusement rise with in him. He maintained his straight face however.

"If Cadet Uhura is going to tour the city than I shall accompany her, I am responsible for her." He stated. Pike came over and clapped him on the shoulder. Despite the fact that Pike could be quite annoying Spock was very fond of him. Pike had taken him under his wing when Spock had first arrived at the academy. They had formed a father/son bond, which Spock logically concluded was the reason why Pike insisted on finding Spock a mate.

When they got back from touring they were all told that they had half an hour to change and come to dinner. Nyota quickly showered and decided to put on a dress she had brought along. It was dark blue, with two spaghetti straps and came to just below her knees. She grabbed a pair of black high heel shoes and slipped them on. Then she let her hair down and stepped out into the common room. Spock was standing there with his arms behind his back. He had put on a pair of black slacks and a loose cotton black shirt. He looked extremely sexy. Nyota's breath hitched slightly and she looked him up and down appreciatively. He looked up at her and she saw his eyes darken slightly. She grinned.

"Nyota, you look beautiful," Spock whispered breathlessly. He took a step towards her and reached out to hold her. She grinned playfully at him and stepped out of his grasp.

"Now Commander, we must go to dinner." She told him seriously. He looked disappointed and raised an eyebrow.

"You are correct, Cadet." He replied huskily.

Nyota placed her hand on his chest and pushed him away slightly, "Usually am." She winked and headed out the door. She tried to maintain control of the desire to turn around and leap into Spock's arms. Her midriff was bubbling and she was making an extreme effort to remain standing knowing that Spock was standing behind her looking all too incredible. When they arrived at dinner, at a restaurant near the academy some of the guys whistled. Nyota cringed and made her way for their table. The others were there, dressed up like she and Spock were. One of the male cadets, who indecently was Spock's student looked at her appraisingly and smiled. Nyota turned to see Spock. She knew that she was the only person who could see the tense muscles in his jaw that suggested he didn't like the way the cadet was looking at her. She smiled slightly at him and he relaxed slightly.

"Ah, and the prized couple. Nice to see you came. Come on, unlike you Vulcan's I actually need food!" Pike called to them. Nyota froze. They knew. They knew. No. No.

Then she heard Spock ask from next to her, "Sir, why do you refer to us as a prized couple?" His voice was layered with curiosity, and Nyota also detected some hidden nervousness. Pike waved his hand dismissively.

"Sheesh! I would have thought you knew. It's because you'll be going up against the toughest opponents tomorrow. In order for our group to win, you guys have to score really well!" Nyota realized she had stopped breathing. Then she laughed in relief.

"Oh, it shouldn't be too bad." She grinned, "We all know the first test is in Vulcan and I have the only Vulcan teacher!" Everyone grinned, except Spock of course.

Nyota moved and sat down in the middle of the table. Spock took a seat across from her. She smiled at him, and ignored the talk around her. Instead she absentmindedly looked at the menu and smiled at Spock. His eyes crinkled in response. When everyone had ordered, people finally settled down. Nyota who had been thinking about Spock, and daydreaming slightly suddenly came back to reality and laughed to herself. She had a wonderful idea to pass the meal time. Footsies.


To be continued of course....