Author's Notes: Chapter title is from "She Drives Me Crazy" by Fine Young Cannibals.

Chapter Seventeen: She drive me crazy, and I can't help myself

Nyota was filled with nerves as she began her duties on Discovery. She wasn't scared. She was a cadet. She'd been ready to serve in Starfleet for as long as she could remember. But now it was a reality. She hadn't expected it so soon. She should've had at least two years of training before she went onto field study. But her eagerness had brought her out early.

"Uhura?" An excited voice said as Nyota joined the other cadets. She looked around and saw Cadet Tilly approaching. Nyota didn't know her well. But they'd hung out a few times, as Tilly was in a lot of the same classes as Gaila. "I'm so glad to see a familiar face!"

"I'm surprised," Nyota admitted. "I thought I'd be the only first year here."

"Lieutenant Stamets was impressed with my engineering record," Tilly replied. "He wanted me to help him on his spo... You know, I don't know if I'm supposed to be talking about it. But it's really exciting. Are you here because not a lot of people like translating?"

Nyota laughed and then sighed. "Something like that."

"I'm sorry we couldn't be roommates," Tilly commented. "I have special needs due to my allergies, so I can't have a roommate. Did you get someone nice?"

Nyota looked across the room. Spock was talking to Commander Saru, his hands folded behind his back. Nyota gave a casual shrug. "He's not bad."

"You got a boy?" Tilly leaned in. "That's got to be awkward."

Nyota thought about what she and Spock had done the night before and the very brief encore after they'd woken up. "We're going to be Starfleet officers. We've got to deal with whatever people throw at us."

Before Tilly could respond, a pretty brunette stepped into the room. She looked over the assembled cadets. "I'm XO on Discovery. Everyone calls me Number One and I expect you to do the same. The next few weeks will be very intense and you're starting right now. Do not come to me with any questions or concerns as I have an entire ship to worry about. Your Cadet Liaison is Ensign Spock. But as he's a Vulcan, I doubt you'll find much sympathy from him. Congratulations, Ensign. I'm sure you're a wonderful babysitter."

Number One looked at her PADD. "As you can guess, I don't really do names, so I won't be learning yours. We've intercepted some comms. I need Klingon Girl."

Nyota was a bit stunned. First, that she would be asked for right away. Second, that she would be referred to as 'Klingon Girl'." Nyota stepped forward and snapped to attention. "Sir. Cadet Uhura."

She then held out her hand to accept the PADD from Number One.

Spock strode to stand behind Number One. "Commander, as Discovery was only able to procure one cadet adept at Klingon, I believe I should assist Cadet Uhura."

Number One eyed Spock suspiciously. "You're one of my Science Officers, Ensign."

"Yes, but you are lacking communications officers with knowledge of the Klingon language. Despite my specialty, I do have knowledge of communications and am fluent in Klingon. Last semester, I taught Cadet Uhura in Advanced Phonology."

Nyota set her jaw, not really happy with Spock stepping in during her first task. She glowered at him. "I am quite capable in Klingon, Ensign Spock. I'm sure Commander Saru has a lot of things in your own division for you to do. You don't have to worry about me."

Spock stared back at Nyota, his expression neutral. "I am a Vulcan. We do not worry."

Number One was looking between Spock and Nyota. She then nodded. "Right. I should have realized the Klingon girl was the Vulcan girl too."

Nyota then took the PADD from Number One. "I don't know what that means."

Number One gave her a smile. "Sure you don't. Okay, Ensign... You help Klingon Girl. Who's the Fungus Girl?"

Tilly put up her hand. With the other cadets receiving their orders, Nyota walked out of the meeting room, looking over to the PADD Number One had given her. Spock was right behind her, practically looming over her. Nyota gave him a wary look. She didn't like where this was going.

Spock handed the PADD back to Nyota. "I believe you're missing a level of encryption here."

Nyota shot him a dark look. "Do you? And why is that?"

"Because it does not make any sense," Spock replied.

"Maybe there's a problem with your translation," Nyota challenged. "Klingons aren't exactly the Tal Shiar when it comes to encryption. They don't tend to be too worried about people hearing their plans. They don't like sneaking around."

Spock straightened up in his seat. "The Klingons are currently embroiled in a battle with the Federation. Despite their bloodlust, they wish to have the tactical advance. An extra level of encryption would assist in that endeavour."

Spock took the PADD back, going over the encryptions. Nyota sat staring at him while he worked. After a moment, he held out the PADD to her. Nyota let out a small huff. "I would have figured it out."

"And I have figured it out for you," Spock replied. "And much faster."

Nyota looked over the transmission. "We didn't need to get it that fast. This transmission was sent over two weeks ago. It's for a battle that already happened."

Spock's brow rose. "The communications chief must have been aware of the transmission's origin. Why would he give you something that would be irrelevant?"

"I don't know, Spock," Nyota's voice was venomous. "Why would the communications chief give a new cadet on her first day something that didn't make that big of a difference? I'm sure the answer is 'so her boyfriend can rush her through it'."

"You are being sarcastic," Spock noted.

"Yes, I am," Nyota said. "This is why I didn't want you to help me, Spock. I'm on field study. I'm supposed to learn while I'm here. And I'm not going to learn if you do things for me."

Spock rose from his seat. He folded his hands behind his back. "I believe I need to meditate."

Before Nyota could say anything else, Spock had strode off towards their quarters. He had a lot he needed to contemplate.

Once her shift was over, Michael went to the mess. She sat down at the table she and Tyler usually ate at, in the corner away from everyone else. Their relationship had been progressing slowly, but they did eat together almost every night.

Just as Michael was about to start telling him about her day, she noticed Uhura looking around the mess from a place to sit. Michael waved her over. "Cadet Uhura."

Uhura came over, holding her tray. "Lieutenant. Hi."

"We've got a seat here. Spock's not with you?" She looked around for sight of him.

"He decided he wanted to meditate." There was a slight chilliness in Uhura's voice. Well, it seemed like there might be some trouble in paradise.

"Well, sit down," Michael urged her. "This is Lieutenant Tyler. He's in security. Tyler, this is Cadet Uhura. She's the communications trainee."

"Klingon Girl," Tyler said with a nod.

Uhura smiled wryly. "Glad that's catching on."

"Captain Pike wants me to work with you tomorrow on something," Tyler said. "I think you'll find it more interesting than translating intercepted communications."

Uhura looked down at her plate and pushed her food with her fork. "Hopefully Ensign Spock won't horn in on that one." The bitterness in her voice was clear.

Michael rolled her eyes. She wasn't surprised Spock should be messing up whatever was happening between him and Uhura already. She didn't know if Spock had made any declarations, but certain now that he was aware of his feelings he was surely acting like a jackass who didn't know how to handle them. Vulcans. "What did my little brother do?"

"He asked Number One to let him help me with my translations today. He said he just wanted to help... But it was like he was my TA again, second guessing everything I was doing!"

Michael buried her face into her palm. She shouldn't have expected anything less from Spock. "He thinks you're brilliant, Cadet. He's just..."

"...Incredibly Spock?" Uhura finished. "I know he just wants me to do a good job, but that means that I actually have to do the job!"

Michael rose from her seat. "Tyler, why don't you tell the Cadet what you'll be doing tomorrow? I need to go have a heart-to-heart with my brother."

She strode off the Spock's room. Knowing he was meditating, she entered his code to enter the room. She knelt in front of him. He didn't move from his meditation position. She leaned in close. "You're a jackass!"

Spock jerked out of his meditation and blinked at Michael. "I already have one human female displaying extreme emotions at me, I do not require another."

Michael sat on the floor in front of Spock. "Let me see if I understand how your day went today: There's a girl you like and she is now on Discovery and you don't know how to deal with it. So you decide to take over her work in some sort of macho display of control. When she got pissed at you about it, you decided to shut her out and meditate on the issue rather than talking to her about it."

Spock's brow rose. "I believe you are oversimplifying the situation."

Michael sighed deeply. "She's a Starfleet Officer, Spock. You can't do her job for her!"

Spock shook his head. "In fact, Nyota is not a Starfleet Officer yet. She is a Starfleet Cadet."

"There's not much difference, Spock. Especially now that she's doing a field study. She's serving on a ship. You wouldn't have put up with us treating you with kid gloves when you were here last time. She was selected because Captain Pike thought she was up for the job. You wouldn't have a crush on her if she was incapable of doing her job."

"I do not have a crush on her," Spock's voice was filled with a surprising amount of emotion. "Saying that is an insult to this feeling."

Michael blinked in surprise at Spock's outburst. "So what is it, Spock?"

Spock bowed his head. "I have known for a while it is Shon-ha'lock."

"Spock..." Michael breathed, shocked by the pronouncement. She had never thought Spock would admit to such a thing. "That's... You're not going to do anything about it? When the Engulfment happens, you should go into meditation. The Shon-ha'lock can bring ruin to a Vulcan..."

"I'm half Human," Spock replied. He was shaking slightly. "I have experimented with humanity, but it was always an act of rebellion against Father and nothing more. What I feel for Nyota... It is the first time emotion has felt natural for me. I do not want to lose that feeling. I will be Vulcan in all things as long as I can be Human for her."

Michael sighed. "Your betrothal to T'Pring..."

"I have ended it," Spock replied. "You were right. Many years ago, you said that bond was unnatural. It was. Because I am meant to be bonded to Nyota. I know this better than I have ever known anything."

Michael smiled softly. Her little brother was really growing up. "Okay, so you're in love. And I'm happy that you are. But still... You have to allow Nyota to do her job. You fell in love with her because of how smart she is. Let her show it."

Spock bowed his head. "As her mate, it is my job to protect her and help her in any way I can."

Michael reached out and took Spock's hand, strengthening the bond between them so he could feel her earnestness. "Spock, right now... You're not helping her. Helping her is letting her learn from this experience. You don't want a mate who is nothing but a beautiful ornament, just there to 'attend' you and bear your children."

Spock nodded slowly.

"Then you went and made it worse by not talking to her about your feelings."

Spock met Michael's eyes. "Vulcans do not discuss their emotions."

Michael actually laughed. "You said you want to be human for her. That means the good and the bad. It's all part of being in a relationship, Spock."

"I do not know what I would do without your guidance, Michael."

Michael ruffled his hair. "I don't think you'd have even gotten this far, Spock."

Nyota doesn't come to their quarters until it is the cadet's curfew. Spock is waiting for her, sitting on the bunk they'd slept in the night before.

"Nyota." Spock rises from the bunk and crosses the room to stand before her. "Do you wish to yell at me?"

Nyota looks him over. She takes his hands. He can feel the irritation at him, but still feels her love and affection underneath it. "I'm tired, Spock. I don't want to have a fight."

"I know I did the incorrect thing," Spock said. "I do not wish to displease you. That is the opposite of my intent. I just wish to assist you in any way I can."

Nyota's mouth was curved down in a frown. "You were acting like I couldn't do it."

"Of course I believe you are capable." Spock looked down at her. "I just want to assist you. I found it unbearable to watch you struggle. As your mate, I am compelled to serve you. It is Vulcan custom."

Nyota smiled softly now and got up on her tip-toes, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Who knew that Vulcans were so romantic?"

Spock's eyebrow rose. "It is logical that one give their mate preferential treatment in order to guarantee a successful bond and prosperous reproduction."

Nyota slipped back down onto her heels. "I'm twenty-one, Spock. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. If you want to serve me, how about you give me a massage after a tough day, instead of trying to do my work for me?"

Spock looked Nyota over. He touched a hand to her back, imagining how it would feel to touch it without her uniform in his way. "There is the Vulcan technique of neuro-pressure that is similar to human message. It can relax tense muscles and promote restfulness. You have had a tough day today."

"I have."

Spock swallowed. "It will be easier for me to administer these techniques if you are..."

Nyota stepped back. She unzipped the top of her uniform and dropped it onto her bunk. Spock's eyes widened as he watched her slowly, methodically strip out of her uniform. Eventually, she was down to just her white bra and panties. Spock could feel his body reacting to the sight of her. He wanted to indulge himself in the carnal pleasure of her.

"Sit on the edge of the bed," Spock said, his voice rough from his desire.

Nyota did as she was told. Spock moved to kneel behind her. He began to press into her pressure points. She made small mewling noises that just served to arouse him further. "Nyota..." Spock whispered. "I have had relationships, but I have never been anyone's boyfriend before. I will make errors. Just know that I love you and I will do anything to make you happy. I hope you will forgive me any missteps."

Nyota turned her head, altering her positioning so Spock could no longer administer to her. "What did you say?"

"I said I have never been..."

Nyota shook her head. "No. Did you say that you love me?"

Spock nodded.

"But you're a Vulcan," Nyota whispered.

"Vulcans still have emotions, although we suppress them due to how torrential they are. But when it comes to you... I do not wish to pull away from these emotions." Spock cupped her face. "For you, I am just Spock. And I love you."

For a moment, Spock feared the silence between them. Nyota then turned her head and pressed a kiss to his palm. "I love you too, Spock."

Nyota turned so she was kneeling in front of Spock. His brow rose. "I thought you wanted a massage."

Nyota smiled at him as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "I think I might have another way to relax."

As Nyota kissed him, Spock realized he really did have to thank Number One.