Epilogue
Nyota had agreed to see them, on the condition that he leave their daughter behind. She had been undergoing several months of treatment under a healer's care and had brightened perceptibly since he had last seen her. She did not say much at all to begin with, but as the minutes had ticked by, she sighed and said her peace.
''I do not forgive you. I doubt I ever will. I do, however, forgive myself … so I'm hoping that you will too.''
He had left with a heavy heart and a promise that should she ever need any help they would be there. He had once considered her his greatest friend. The memories remained even if the truth now had skewed them beyond recognition.
The ceremony was a mere formality at this point. Only a handful of Vulcan Elders had survived the destruction of Vulcan and they stoically observed the union that was now taking place between Kirk and Spock. T'Pau bound their wrists together with a silken gold sash and the birds of New Vulcan tittered amongst themselves in the trees during the proceeding.
Bones could be seen dabbing at the corner of his eye, gruffly clearing his throat and plastering his usual scowl on his face once he noticed that Spock had seen the brief lapse in his emotions and Christine patted his arm with a silent laugh while she bounced T'Vala softly on her knee.
Only two witnesses had been allowed at the ancient binding of souls and the two felt honoured at being privy to such a sacred, secret joining. T'Pau clanged twice on a golden gong behind her and the rattle of shells and bells filled the air as Spock and Jim shared a brief human kiss, Spock having forewarned T'Pau that this was how it was in human marriages.
The party they held on board the Enterprise did not exclude a single soul and while he kept a wary eye on his daughter being passed about the arms of six hundred people for what they called a cuddle ; he mostly just enjoyed the simple pleasure of being with his mate and those he had come to call his friends. He removed himself to a corner after having rescued his daughter, her droopy eyes a clear indication that it was time for them to call it a night, but he let her fall asleep on his chest and once again marvelled at this tiny being that relied on him.
Jim was leaning against the doctor, not a care in the world as he no doubt regaled her of medical tales gone wrong - causing her to lapse into hysterics which would then set the entire room off with laughter.
Sulu and Chekov had taken it upon themselves to perform a slow dance and a large selection of females muttered appreciation at the sight. Christine and Scotty had taken to a corner themselves and if the pink on her cheeks and the wry smile on the engineer's face was anything to go by perhaps there would be mischief in the making between them this night.
He caught his mate's eyes and the love that coursed through their bond was breath taking. She joined him on his seat and kissed her daughter goodnight, her head resting on his shoulder and her hand enclosed in his.
''I love you Spock.''
This was all that mattered. His family.
He smiled as he kissed her forehead.
FIN