Chapter 72 - Nafai-tor (Confession)
December 2230, Vulcan Embassy, San Fransisco.
Later that evening when the children were in bed Mimi and Sordd spent some time together in the family room. Mimi was refreshed after her shower and was now lazily lying on the couch, her head resting on Sordd's lap, while she watched the flicker of a candle flame. Sordd was playing with her hair with one hand while using his other hand to read a research paper on his padd.
"Ashayam," Sordd said softly.
"Yes?" she asked sleepily.
"I believe we should return my advent calendar to the shop as it is faulty," he said in a neutral tone.
"What do you mean?" she asked suddenly feeling a bit on edge.
"It is advertised as a chocolate advent calendar, however, the chocolates are missing," he replied flatly. He looked down to see Mimi pursing her lips and trying to suppress a smile. He sensed through their bond that she was hiding something. "What are you hiding?" he asked while absentmindedly brushing his fingers over her psi points.
Mimi couldn't contain it any longer and broke into a broad smile, "I needed chocolate," she said in confession, "so I ate them all... I'm sorry." she said as she started to giggle.
"Was this a want or a need?" he asked, teasing her as he was well aware that she found it hard to resist chocolate.
"It was very much a NEED," she replied. "I will get you another one tomorrow."
"That is kind but un-necessary," he replied. "There is no logic in you purchasing a chocolate advent calendar for my consumption if you are going to eat them all yourself. Perhaps you should just purchase a chocolate bar and keep in the the cooler for when you are in NEED?"
"If you insist!" Mimi replied.
"I insist," he said kindly while bending down to kiss her on the cheek.
After some time Mimi spoke again, "I have been thinking about the medical conference," she said.
"Yes, aduna," he replied softly, while still toying with her hair.
"You realise the dates clash with Christmas?" she said, knowing that he knew that, but she said it anyway.
"Affirmative," he replied.
"When will you be back?" she asked.
"The conference ends on the 24th of December," he replied, "I will be back on the 26th." Sordd could sense Mimi's disappointment through their bond, although she was endeavouring to hide it. "Christmas was not at the forefront of my reasoning when I booked the conference," he continued in an apologetic tone, "and it was arranged before I met you." He lightly brushed his fingers over her cheek again.
"Why have a medical conference at Christmas time?" she asked in genuine confusion.
"It would not be at the forefront of the organisers thinking as they do not celebrate Christmas," he replied. "It is very difficult to find dates that are suitable for all the different species attending the conference due to the festivals that are celebrated across the galaxy."
There was silence for a few more minutes as Mimi was thinking things through. "Christmas is an important family time," she said tentatively, "normally I would spend it with mum and dad." She turned on the couch so she could look up into his eyes. "As you will be away would you object if I took the children to mum and dads?" she continued, "You could join us all on the 26th? I'm also thinking that this time next year we will be on Vulcan and it won't be possible to spend Christmas at home... " although Mimi had moved away from her mum and dads many years ago she still called it home.
Sordd was silent as he thought things through. He could sense that the thought of these arrangements made Mimi 'feel' happy. It was logical to keep his human mate happy. He gently stroked his fingers along her cheek again, "That would be logical," he said, while watching as her face light up with a broad smile. He allowed a small smile to appear on his own face then quickly schooled it away.
"Thank you," she said. "I will look into booking passage tomorrow." A warm feeling came over her at the thought of going home for Christmas.
"Speaking of the medical conference, Healer Asil from Vulcan will be in attendance, as will Dr Phlesc from Denobula. Would you object to me speaking to them about our situation?"
He watched as another smile broke on her face, "I would like that," she replied.
"Very well," Sordd replied, "I will make the arrangements in the morning. Would you like to join the meeting speak via holo-call?"
Mimi thought for a few moments, "No, no I don't think so, you could tell me what they say?"
"Affirmative," Sordd replied.
"Good, thats good," Mimi said contentedly as she pulled him down to kiss him on the lips...
