Under Fire: Chapter 29

"Water?"

"Yes, please."

Christine handed Spock the glass, as she settled onto her bed beside him.

His hair was ruffled. Something she didn't think in all her years of knowing him that she'd ever seen.

"You're amused at my thirst," Spock asked as he placed the glass on the table, beside the bed.

"No. Your hair. It's just so-," she stopped at a loss for words. "It's so cute."

She smiled at him, running her fingers through his soft and silky strands.

"Vulcans are many things, but 'cute' is not one of them."

"You're mother never told you that you were cute as boy," she challenged.

Spock dropped his head back onto the pillow and a long exhalation followed.

Christine laughed.

"So she did say you were cute." She leaned in to brush her lips across his. "You still are a little cute."

"Yes, she did. Many times. So what does being a 'little cute' get me, Dr. Chapel?"

Spock asked her the question without opening his eyes, but there was a amusement in his voice.

Feeling her movement, he opened his eyes.

She stood and dropped the silk lavender robe, pooling it around her feet.

"Let me show you."

Christine climbed astraddle him and leaned down to kiss him. He returned it with much enthusiasm.

The couple rolled until they were side by side.

When they separated, Spock trailed his index finger down her jaw, then back up, outlining her lips softly.

"You are a beautiful woman," he said softly. "You are more beautiful now than since I have ever known you. You have a quiet strength and an insightful mind. I am berating myself for not having allowed myself to acknowledge you sooner."

Softly their lips met again and this time it was Spock's hands through her hair while once again their desire was growing.

*****************ST*****************************X

Kirk reached officers' quarters and chimed Spock's door. Again. No answer.

He strode down the deck to Dr. Chapel's quarters and requested entry. There was again no answer.

Kirk stalked to the computer panel and tapped it.

"Computer, where is Commander Spock and Doctor Chapel?"

"Commander Spock and Dr. Chapel, Deck 8, Section A, #0302."

Chapel's quarter's. Dammit.

He pressed his finger firmly onto the com panel.

"Dr. Chapel and Commander Spock, please report to Ward Room2 immediately."