In the two days it took them to reach the shore leave planet, Spock was as busy as she'd ever seen him. In fact, she never appreciated how much work went into organizing 430 people for vacation until then. Even at night, when she tucked herself next to him in bed, he was on his PADD, approving requests, creating teams and deciding on shifts based on everyone's available leave time. She thought it was somewhat ironic that everyone else's vacation was creating so much work for him. But as usual, there was no complaint or even indication of discontent.

The only time she got him to stop was when she patched them into the Starfleet service being held for the fallen officers of the Intrepid. She commandeered one of the conference rooms, the one with the largest viewscreen, and streamed the broadcast. Beforehand, she asked Spock if he would be okay with her having others come and he said that he was. She hadn't expected so many people to show up. But it didn't take long for the room to be full of officers, respectfully dressed in their formal uniforms. It was a beautiful show of solidarity, of the spirit of Starfleet, and she hoped that in some way it helped him cope with what she knew was still a difficult event.

When the memorial was over, and everyone streamed out, he stayed behind as she canceled the reception and set the room back to right.

"You okay?" She asked, noticing how he was just sort of standing the middle of the space, watching her.

"I…wish to thank you for your consideration."

"Spock." Uhura smiled gently and walked slowly to where he stood. "You don't have to thank me. Those officers deserved no less. And neither do you."

"I am not thanking you for streaming the service, though I am grateful for that as well. I am thanking you for understanding that mastery of one's emotions does not render one cold and uncaring."

"I think I know at least a little about the Vulcan heart. Enough to know that it's far from cold."

"If I have been remiss, I believe now would be an appropriate time to tell you that I find you to be a most capable mate."

"Right back at ya, Sugar."

He leaned in a kissed her sincerely, like he was trying to press all his regard and appreciation into her lips. "I have a personnel review," he explained as he pulled back.

"Alright. A few people from my team won't be beaming down so I'll be in the lab scheduling some maintenance and diagnostic test to be carried out while we're on the planet."

"Very good, Lieutenant." He paced backward and clasped his hands behind him, putting on his commander voice, which was fine, since they both had work to do.

As soon as the ship went into orbit, McCoy rushed Kirk off like his life depended on it. But maybe it did since really no one felt the demand of the missions like the Captain. In his absence, Spock directed Enterprise into the planet's docking port, which was roughly the size of Terra's space dock and was stocked and staffed to be able to make minor repairs to starships fitting hundreds of configurations, not just Federation.

The chatter over subspace was in more languages than Uhura could sort though and she had to switch on the universal translator just to keep up.

"We are being Welcomed, Commander" she informed Spock when she finally heard the prompt.

"Is it an automated message, Lieutenant?"

"No, Sir."

"Then please convey our sentiments."

"Yes, Sir." She turned in her chair and gave her attention back to her console. "This is the Starship Enterprise, of the United Federation of planets. We thank you for your warm welcome."

"Enterprise" the controller said, or at least Uhura assumed it was a controller, because this felt a lot like interstellar traffic control. "You are cleared to Enter Portus. Please proceed to gate 10. May you find all that you seek on Z'Triss Prime."

"Thank you. Enterprise out."

"We're cleared, Sir. Gate 10."

"Take us in, Mr. Sulu."

"Aye, Sir."

The planet, Z'Triss, was earth–like in many respects. There were several climates and the crew had a choice. And while Uhura's first idea had been to go to the tropical islands, Spock assured her that he had definite reasons for wanting to stay in the capital.

The first thing she noticed when they beamed down was how sunny it was. Not manufactured, simulated sunlight, but an actual star burning in the sky. It had been too long since she'd felt the heat of a sun and she just stood there for a moment, taking it, letting it rest on her face and arms. Spock completely understood. A Vulcan so long out of the sun was a strange thing. He was refreshed by it too.

"There is an interspecies medical conference being held here in the capital with delegations from over 500 planets."

"Won't that make it pretty hard to find a room?"

"Most likely. However, we will be returning with one of the doctors who arrived with the Vulcan party. So, instead of diverting to Starbase 6 as originally planned, we will retrieve him from here, which is more efficient."

"Your idea?"

"Indeed. It just so happens that we were near this system and that this is considered one of the most tourist friendly planets in the galaxy."

"Lucky?"

"An agreeable and advantageous coincidence."

The first hotel they tried did in fact have a vacancy, but only one and only on the top floor. It was no doubt unoccupied because of its exorbitant cost, but they weren't likely to find anything better. Nyota was trying to figure out a way to discreetly suggest that they go Dutch on the room but she was running out of time as he reached in his pocket and took out his credit chip. Just before he waved it over the sensor though, someone called him. It was a member of the crew and from what she could overhear, they wanted to know what they should do if they couldn't find anywhere to stay in the capital.

"Then try the mountains or the tropics. The conference should not have affected the rooming situation there. Alert me at this frequency when you secure logging, or if you are unable to do so by 2000 standard time."

While he was occupied with the crewmen, she scanned her own chip and settled the bill in its entirety. She knew it would mean a lecture about his duties as her Vulcan mate, but she wanted to do at least this much for him. She would never be able to truly thank him for the harp, since it was so precious to her, but this felt like a tiny step in that direction.

When he turned back around, she had their access codes and their luggage was being put on a trolley to be taken up to the room—the penthouse. He flashed her curious look and she avoided his gaze, mumbling her explanation, as if that would make any kind of difference with that hearing of his. "I took care of it."

He nodded and walked ahead of her into the lift. Usually she didn't observe the—frankly antiquated—custom of a Vulcan woman walking behind her mate, but something told her now would be a good time to try it.

They arrived in the room and were given a brief tour and explanation of the amenities available to them. It was all very impressive and she was excited. Any remaining sticker shock was melted away when she actually saw the place. It was so wonderfully appointed. And the view alone would have been worth it. The city was spread out before them, like a map, beautifully arranged, with streets and avenues radiating out from the town's center. Beyond that, a wall of majestic mountains, with a few of them tall enough to pierce the clouds.

"Do you see this!?" She rushed out to the large terrace, awed by the scene as a whole.

"Nyota—" He followed her unhurriedly, his arms folded over his chest, his whole body being held tightly.

"Spock, let's go hiking. I know how fond you are of nature. Before we leave, I want to go hiking."

"Nyota—"

"And I guess a couple's massage is out, since you won't let anybody touch you but me—which is okay. I'd like to keep it that way." She grinned coquettishly, and rose on the balls of her feet to nip at his jaw.

"Nyota."

"Hmm?"

"I will reimburse you…"

"No! Now, you stop right there Mister. I'm not some trophy partner who's going to sit back and watch while you foot every bill and bankroll every venture."

"As a Vulcan—"

"What does species have to do with anything? Spock, I love you. And you may not realize this but you spoil me. I just want you to know that I can spoil you right back. Please don't let this be an issue. Please."

"Very well. I will mention it no further."

"Thank you. Now back to my suggestions."

"I believe the last thing you mentioned was a massage."

"Would you?"

"No. But I see no reason why you and I couldn't do such a thing ourselves. I'd been meaning to give you instruction in neuropressure for some time now."

"Really? Well, you know that I'm a willing pupil."

"I'd noticed."

"Saven-tor nash-veh."

"As you wish."

They went back inside and he told her to disrobe. She complied readily and watched as he did the same. He had her sit floor in front of the bed cross-legged and positioned himself so that his knees touched hers. "I'll start with your hands."

"Then why did you have me take of my clothes? Not that I'm complaining."

"We'll get to that," he promised as he took her hand in both of his. He gently straightened out her fingers and pressed purposefully into the palm of her hand and then each of her fingertips. She could feel the tension ease from her and she also sensed a blanketing serenity coming from him through the contact. He took his time, moving from one part of her to the next, pressing points on her body she didn't even know existed, calling up sensations that moved through her like a chill. But instead of being reduced to a limp mess, like she usually was after a traditional massage, she felt a heightened state of awareness, like every nerve and receptor in her body had been retuned. Or like a lightning rod waiting to be struck.

He told her what to do. How to touch him and how much pressure to apply. It was more technical than she was used to, but that didn't rob it of its sensuality. His skin was warm and it fizzled under her fingers. She could hear the slight drop in his voice as he instructed her and she got it just right, the rasp that hadn't been there before, and the sigh that followed.

Later, they laid on the floor in a tangle, neither of them bothering to move until Spock sat up and fished his PADD out of his bag which was on a bench at the foot of the bed.

"What are you doing?"

"Research. There may precautions we need to take or protocol to follow before we are allowed to hike on this planet."

"I didn't bring any gear. Did you?"

"No. We'll have to go shopping beforehand."

"Shopping?" She chirped excitedly.

"Yes, but for hiking gear. Not souvenirs or any other items."

"We'll see." Nyota stood, found her robe and padded onto the balcony, then up a few steps to the rooftop terrace, which was exclusively theirs for the next few days. The air was warm and still. Below her she could hear the whoosh and hiss of cars along with distant, muffled honking. The sun was just beginning to set, turning the sky a slate blue with streaks of neon orange and pink cutting through. The most prominent feature of the sky deck was a pool that seemed to flow right off the edge of the building. There were also lounge chairs and an outdoor sofa along with an entertainment center, although why anyone would come up here and park themselves in front of a screen was beyond her. She noted a replicator, which she assumed was for snacks, and a heating unit that looked like a fire pit. Adorning it all were attractive topiaries and big potted plants.

Spock wasn't far behind her, having pulled on a pair of loose meditation pants. He looked over the space casually before going over the replicator and ordering a wine native to the planet. He passed her one glass and took the other for himself. It didn't have the same burn as earth wines and so he could appreciate the complex fruity flavors more fully. He wrapped his arms around her for no better reason than she was his and it was his right to do so.

From where his hand laid over hers, he could discern her thoughts. "Your mind is very active at present."

She sighed and took a sip of the drink. "Just trying to take everything in, remember it all as best I can. This is one of those nights you want to remember."

"There seems to be a certain finality in your voice, Nyota."

"Finality?" She chuckled easily and lazily in a way that nearly made him wish he could join her. "Spock, you'll be the rest of your life trying to get rid of me. There simply is no finality between us."

"A fact for which I am most grateful."

Translation: Saven-tor nash-veh: Teach Me (this one)

A/N: I've been away for a while but I haven't forgotten about this story. A thank you to everyone who is still along for the ride and to everyone who reads, reviews follows and favorites. As always, I'm open to commentary. And while I can't reply to guests directly, I want to convey my appreciation for your support as well. You may have picked up on it already but in case you didn't I have plans to introduce another character (from canon) I have some ideas for him that I think are interesting so stay tuned.