Three months away: Vivian stayed the night again in the intensive care suite with Spock, this time in his bed. The healing process made his body cold, so she offered to share her heat. Both were so comfortable by the arrangement, they had accidentally fallen asleep. Spock finished recovering in his own quarters and insisted on returning to work as quickly as possible.
Two months away: The couple has a list of video calls to make to announce their news. Ambassador Sarek was pleased. Vivian's mother seemed to experience relief in the idea that her daughter was returning to her Vulcan heritage instead of marrying a human and moving back to earth. Vivian's father on the other hand was welcoming to Spock, but expressed concern at the speed of the relationship and some disappointment that he would not be on Vulcan to attend. The idea of watching via video chat did seem to reinvigorate the old scientist and he genuinely wished him well. The call ended with Spock agreeing to "come visit" at some point in the future.
One month away: The feast was planned; jumbo mollusks included. Kirk and McCoy received special permission to serve as their friend's attendant, again. Kirk hoped it wouldn't result in another fight. McCoy was curious to see how a koon-ut proceeded without the kalifee. The crew was alerted to an upcoming stop on Vulcan, although it was agreed that nobody else would know the specifics. Spock still considered the Pon Farr a very private matter, not meant for outsiders regardless of whether or not a koon-ut was occurring.
The night before the shuttle craft arrived, Spock was summoned to his Captain's quarters. When he arrived, he found Kirk and McCoy both seated at a small table with gift boxes and bottles of alcoholic beverages.
"Heyyyyy Spock-y boy!" McCoy jumped up and grabbed his buddy's shoulder.
"What's this?"
"Well, its your stag party, of course." Kirk stood and began to pour a third drink. "I know we're a little early, but since we won't be arriving on Vulcan until the day of the- what's it called?"
"Koon-ut-kalifee," Spock explained.
"Naw, she won't kalifee. You know that. You're getting hitched. Who'd'a thunk?" The doctor's accent always worsened when he was under the influence.
"Now's as good a time as any." Kirk handed Spock a glass. "Are you familiar with the custom?"
"A stag party, otherwise known as a bachelor party, is a human event held before a wedding. The bride groom's male companions provide alcohol and other substances for revelry, as well as sexually charged entertainment and conversation. I, however, am not entirely human, and the event you will be attending, is not a human wedding." He reluctantly accepted the drink.
"Aw hell, be a good sport, will ya? And gee, not like we could get any naked women at such short notice. It'd be an HR nightmare."
"I have never understood the idea of attempting to provoke unproductive arousal-"
"Arousal is supposed to be productive?" Kirk smirked, a little drunk, a little confused. "I mean I guess if you're looking but not touching...or if you're with your friends and not alone with a lady..."
"How DO you plan on romancing your new bride?" McCoy bumped his eyebrows suggestively.
"I assume you are using the term romance as a replacement for intercourse, in which case, Vulcans perform intercourse in the same mechanical process as do humans."
"I mean wine and flowers, candles and all that jazz."
"Do humans find these items necessary for sexual acts?"
"Aw for pete's sake! You mean to tell me you're gonna say your vows, bend her over real fast in the closet, then shake hands and go on about your day?"
The conversation made Spock uncomfortable, "No, that was not my intention."
Kirk shook his head, "I just find it hard to believe that...I mean I respect Dr. Vida as a colleague, but...my God she's a beautiful young lady. I know if she was MY bride-"
"Jim," Spock warned his friend to stop his train of thought. He was well aware of where his friend was going, and he didn't want to hear it.
"Point being, your seeming lack of interest in her surprises me. You're a lucky guy, that's all...Here, maybe this'll help. Open it up." He tossed his friend a box.
Spock's eyebrow went up, now concerned about what he was going to find. There was a bottle of wine, from a specific fruit from a specific planet, known intergalactically as an aphrodisiac. McCoy then insisted he open the second box, only to find a set massage oils.
"You're both so damn high strung, perhaps you could work out each others knots, come back feeling refreshed. You know, you might need to warm her up a bit. New brides can be nervous. Poor dears."
"Neither Dr. Vida, nor myself are sexually inexperienced. You were present shortly after-"
"Yeah well, then I bet she's even more anxious." McCoy scoffed, "Don't try to kill her this time, huh?"
"All kidding aside Spock, you never take any time off. Regardless of what happens between you and Dr. Vida, you should try to relax some."
The Vulcan nodded, "I will consider this...stag party, a gesture of friendship and support. Thank you for the gifts, although I doubt they will be used."
Vivian also stayed up late, the night before the transporter vehicle arrived to take her and her fiancee to their home planet. A mix of excitement and unease kept her awake, so she took the opportunity to venture to the empty kitchen and produce some traditional pastries which she hoped would impress her new in-laws. The morning of the trip, she finished packing a suitcase unlike any she had packed before. There was no human clothing, no Starfleet uniforms, and no lab equipment. The entire bag was Vulcan clothing; long dresses, robes, and scarves. At the last moment, she found an old, baggy t-shirt that bore the logo of the university in Texas where her father taught. She thought it would be a comfortable option to sleep in...were she to be sleeping alone. That was something they had not discussed; she was unsure of whether she would have a guest suite, or be expected to stay with Spock. She'd never stayed in his room with him aboard the ship. The one night they spent together was one of exhaustion and necessity, and even then, it was in a sick bay as opposed to his space. She wondered if he would come to her to complete the ritual and then leave, or worse, she would be expected to go to him and then be sent away.
Her door alerted her to a visitor, who she permitted to enter.
"Good morning...Vivian..." Spock still stumbled when calling her by her first name. He still insisted on calling her Dr. Vida when they were around other crewmembers. "Are you clothed?" His eyes remained on the floor out of respect.
"Yes, come in." She found herself nearly standing at attention, which she thought odd. Of course, he outranked her in Starfleet, but he was to be her mate soon. "I must point out the irony in your attempt at protecting my modesty."
"I see your point." He raised an eyebrow, and despite his mouth remaining tight, she recognized the expression in his eyes as amusement. Spock wasn't entirely unfeeling, and he'd been significantly more open to such things since his encounter with Nomad. His expressions were there, but foreign, and more subtle than most humans were capable of recognizing. "I understand it is customary when greeting a female partner to complement her appearance or attire."
She wore a nearly floor length dress with a high collar and long sleeves, accessorized with dangling earrings, a scarf around her shoulders, and flats. The color was a dark teal, a nice fabric with no pattern but a slight shimmer. Despite it being modest in the sense of covering skin, it was quite form fitting- highlighting her curvature in a respectable fashion.
"This silhouette is flattering." He remarked at her dress.
"Thank you." She tried to read him again, unsure if he was expressing attraction to her form or appreciation for her style.
"I came to help carry your things to the loading dock."
"I'm finishing up now."
He noticed a culinary carrying case on her table. "I assure you, I am capable in providing sufficient sustenance-"
She raised an eyebrow and followed his eye, "Oh, that. No, I thought...where I come from-the human side-it's customary to make food to bring as a gift when you're entering the home of someone new as a sort of peace offering and symbol of respect or friendship."
"Noted. Mother is likely to both recognize and appreciate the gesture."
Vivian attempted to suppress a nervous smile as she reached for her recording device. In her anxious state, she fumbled the device, which clacked to life on the floor. "Oh! Sorry," Both knelt to retrieve the device, which responded strangely to the man. She raised an eyebrow and went over the readings. "Spock...your temperature is slightly elevated. Are you feeling alright?"
He cleared his throat. "I feel well...at present...It seems the plak tow is beginning." His face turned to a somewhat worrisome expression.
"I am familiar with such processes as a physician."
"I am unfamiliar with my own behavior in such a situation..." She cocked her head to the side with confusion, prompting him to elaborate. "I previously returned to Vulcan...to my first mate T'Pring. In that instance...I was younger and focused on my training for Starfleet...The ritual was completed...however we agreed in advance that no offspring were to result...In other...cycles...I have attained a temporary human partner. As soon the fever struck...I...resolved the issue..." He seemed uncomfortable, embarrassed even, disclosing his history. She reached out and touched his arm, offering an acceptance. "My point is that I have never experienced the Pon Farr in the presence of...T'Pring and I were bonded as children...We experienced no true binding or marriage as adults...Now, you are becoming my wife...and I will be in your presence consistently...I'm unsure of what to expect."
"Spock...There is no reason to be uncomfortable. If you are experiencing physical discomfort at any time, we can-"
He shook his head no, cutting her off. "I dislike the idea of behaving as an animal...and I regret that I've already disrespected you once-"
"We spoke about that, and how I enjoyed-"
"I plan to reserve...the completion...for after the koon-ut...if possible."
She hid her disappointment, "Alright."
"I apologize in advance if I am unable to contain the urge to touch-"
"Plak tow or not, you are human. Humans experience a desire for touch-I know I do sometimes- and I'm yours-" Vivan swallowed hard, noticing more openness in his expression. She stepped forward, and he moved back...then hesitated and came forward, arms somewhat open to her.
Taking the cue, she filled the space, wrapping her arms around his waist, and placing her head on his chest. He hesitantly reciprocated the embrace. "I do not wish to harm you."
"You will not."
"I...have hopes...that these festivities might be...enjoyable even."
She tilted her face upwards to signal him, but before he could lower his face to hers, they were interrupted. Spock lurched away from her, standing at attention.
"Need help carrying anything?" Their Captain grinned in the doorway. "Dr. Vida, you look lovely. I hope you don't mind my saying so."
"Not at all."
Aboard the shuttlecraft, both brought their own work, keeping busy with devices. The ride would take the better part of a day, but the pair didn't speak much until lunch was served.
"Perhaps, if you have a moment after your meal, you could take a look at some architectural plans."
Vivian raised an eyebrow, "Plans?"
"Yes, for a home. My parents own a portion of land outside of the capital and their estate is where we will be staying. I visit so rarely, I keep my things in...what on Earth would be considered a guest house on their property. In light of our recent arrangement, I purchased a parcel of land from them. While we're on Vulcan, I'll be meeting with an architectural firm so that construction can begin immediately. Seeing as this would be your home too, it would only be appropriate to include your input in the design."
Instead of taking the device from him, she walked over to sit beside him. "That is considerate...though I must admit, I have not spent significant time thinking about what features I would like in a home. I assumed I would always live on a Starbase or something comparable." She began to scroll around a floorplan. "I would like up-to-date features in the kitchen, seeing as I like to cook."
"That would be feasible, however, I assumed we would have dvinsus."
Servants. Having grown up middle class on Earth, she had forgotten that wealthier families on Vulcan often employed domestics. "Ah, yes. That would be logical."
Eventually, after a time scrolling, Vivian's lack of sleep caught up to her. She fell asleep with her head on the headrest...for a few moments...Until her head rolled gently onto Spock's shoulder.
He raised an eyebrow and looked up from his device. Her breathing was slow and even. With her head that close to his face, he could smell the fruit shampoo she used. He opened his mouth to alert her to her position, but instead, said nothing, recognizing that she would benefit from the rest. For some unknown reason, he wasn't bothered by their positioning.
Finally, the door of the vehicle landed softly in red dust, kicking up clouds to its sides. A small collection of people stood out front expectantly.
"Presenting Starfleet Commander Spock," a guard announced.
Spock stepped forward and presented the Vulcan salute, "Ambassador Sarek."
The woman besides the ambassador smiled openly and stepped forward to embrace him, "I am pleased to have you home again, son. You look well."
"Hello mother," Spock briefly returned the embrace. Before stepping back to the doorway. "I would like to introduce you to my ko-kugalsu, Dr. Vivian Vida of Starfleet."
Taking her cue, Vivian stepped forward. The breeze moved her hair and scarf slightly as she approached them and saluted. "Ambassador Sarek, it pleases me to see you again."
Sarek raised an eyebrow, "As it pleases me to see you again, especially under such circumstances."
The grey haired woman stepped forward, "Let me look at you...my my...you're even prettier in person. Oh, Spock, she's just lovely." She hugged her soon-to-be in law.
Two dvinsus entered the craft and returned with luggage. "Ambassador, what should be done with the baked goods?"
"Baked goods?" He seemed confused, but his wife beamed. "Ah, yes, presenting baked goods is an Earth symbol of friendship. Your gesture is recognized and appreciated."
They arrived to the estate in the late afternoon, a large home overlooking the city. The walls were mostly a light colored stone and glass, allowing ample natural light. A long pool surrounded by columns sat behind the home. This pseudo-courtyard, lined by hedges provided foot paths to various other, smaller buildings including Spock's guest house, a greenhouse for exotic gardens, and quarters for the dvinsus.
It was explained to Vivian that their staff included a cook, a maid/laundress, two guards (while Vulcans disapproved of violence, foreign threats were always a potential), and a couple of young, male assistants- students who studied under the Ambassador and performed various chores such as groundskeeping. No one was there against their will. Everyone was fairly compensated for their services.
The doctor anticipated her belongings would be taken to the quarters of her sa-kugalsu and was suprised when she was, instead, lead to a guest room within the main house. Like the rest of the home, it was outfitted in earth tones and neutral linens, broken up by occasional artifacts or pieces of artwork. She thanked the dvinsu who brought her belongings and let her know she had time to freshen up for dinner. When she ventured back out, Spock met her, and suggested he show her around the outdoor spaces. He noted that the orchard was particularly aesthetically pleasing at this time.
The light of early evening fell through the shimmering trees, casting a red glow through the fields. The soon-to-be-married couple took a stroll through the rows. Vivian hoped Spock would take the opportunity to take her hand, or arm, but he did not. Instead, he walked with his hands behind his back, much like he did on the ship. She wondered if he was concerned that they could be seen. Spock explained that the land had belonged to his family for several generations, and, despite the men having pursued primarily academics and diplomacy, they had a hobby of growing fruit. The fruit, native to Vulcan, was something akin to an apple or pear that grew in a tree that favored arid ground.
She looked up at the golden colored fruits, causing her fiancee to notice how the light twinkled on her eyes. "They look delicious."
He reached over her head and plucked it for her, bringing it back down into reach. He extended the fruit towards her, but instead of taking it from him, she leaned forward to take a bite from his hand. Her eyes moved up to his and he watched intently, his eyes responding with a curiosity and a growing intensity. Her mouth filled with sweet juices, closing her eyes in response. He swallowed hard, illogically titillated by the image. When she swallowed, her eyes opened again, returning to his. Her eyebrow raised as her hand moved instinctively to catch the juice dripping down her chin. Keeping her eyes, he took a bite close to hers.
"The evening meal is ready." A voice announced from the main house, catching them off guard, and pulling them out of their fruit-induced haze.