Dinner went well. Amanda was a generous and upbeat hostess who ensured her kitchen staff present quite the culinary display. Sarek clearly read up on Dr. Vida's previous publications and even seemed entertained in their discussion of growing colonies. Spock didn't say much, but that was typical. Only one occurrence did Vivian note as strange, and perhaps that was only due to her Earth upbringing. In a discussion of one of her publications on increasing the odds of conception, Sarek made a comment along the lines of suggesting she remember what she wrote and employ it accordingly. Although her expectations came as no surprise to the half-Vulcan, the Earthling in her was caught of guard by the willingness of her in-laws to discuss their son's sex life.
The bed in her guest suite was a drastic improvement from the Starfleet issued one on the Enterprise. She found herself estimating the thread count of the linens, sniffing bottles in the bathroom, and wondering if or when she would be expected to move into her mate's suite. He did stop by for the night-time tea and to ensure that she was comfortable. When she asked if sharing a kiss good night would be acceptable, he commented that she seemed to seek reasons to make physical contact with him. When she asked if this pleased or displeased him, he noted that it was merely an observation.
Spock and Sarek were gone before Vivian's wake-up call, off taking care of legal matters related to the marriage, as well as meeting with the architectural firm. Amanda took Vivian to the dress maker to choose an outfit for the koon-ut so'lik that night and to have something made for the koon-ut the following day. She chose a shimmering, customary silver for the so'lik and a lavender fabric for the koon-ut itself. Her mother-in-law to-be seemed pleased with the selections. Seeing as the two women were on their own for the day, Amanda made an effort to get to know the human in Vivian: her hobbies, her childhood, her hopes and dreams. Vivian even got away with asking her mother in law about how she met the Ambassador and how it must have been as a human relocating to Vulcan. They became fast-friends.
Other activities for the day including choosing candles and drapery for the ceremony space, and finalizing their menu. They made one additional stop before returning to the estate. She recognized the health conglomerate.
"Vivian, dear...please understand this isn't my doing." Amanda's face was apologetic. Vivian raised an eyebrow. "Sarek is a thorough thinker...and because he's so persistent on seeing grandchildren soon..."
It clicked in her mind, "He wishes for me to undergo a physical examination to ensure I'm healthy enough to bear offspring prior to my union with his son." She was neither surprised nor offended. "Logical."
She never protested, as doctors carried out seemingly every test available, with particular interest in her reproductive system. It came as no surprise, that she was perfectly healthy. The one comment she received from a physician was that her hormones were not spiking as one would anticipate during the plak tow of their mate. When she explained they had not been formally bonded yet, he suggested the pair make a greater effort to touch, so that perhaps his hormones could trigger hers. After the array of procedures, she ran into a former classmate. When they exchanged life updates, she happily shared that she was set to join with the family of Ambassador Sarek.
Amanda was not in the waiting area of the clinic when Vivian returned. Instead, she found her outside, talking with her husband and son who had been at legal offices nearby. She assured them that she was given a clean bill of health as they returned to the estate together.
Before separating to prepare for the event, Vivian pulled Spock aside, "I did receive one suggestion from your family physician." He moved his head with interest. "He suggested we...touch more...Because we are not yet bonded, my hormones have yet to respond to your plak tow."
"Noted."
Despite staying at the estate, Vivian had to leave before the koon-ut so'lik so that she could enter with her side. She wore a structure, floor-length, silver gown with padded shoulders, a high collar, and a peephole window to display cleavage. Her makeup shimmered to match the gown, as did her jewelry. The woman had been heavily perfumed. A good portion of her hair was piled atop her head in a cone-like formation wrapped in beads. The rest hung down her back with low curls on the ends.
Down the path, away from the home, she could eventually see the small, round arena in the distance, and the path away from it. There, people stood awaiting her.
"T'prak," Vivian approached the woman in the dark robes and saluted. "Sabok," She saluted the man next to her.
They both returned the salute.
"You are fortunate to have found such a high-ranking mate, daughter. I appreciate your choice in traditional garment as well." It seemed to be all the kindness she could muster. The man said nothing. Vulcans did not believe much in the idea of step-family. He was not her biological father, therefore he was not there as he father. He merely attended as the husband of her mother. Her half-siblings were not present, although her mother noted that they would attend the koon-ut the following day.
They came through a curved, red rock tunnel. The clanking and chiming of bells cued their entrance into the circular arena. The arena sat on another hill, almost floating in the red sky. A long table sat in the center with three seats on either side. Two figures stood on the opposite side to watch them enter. There was a ritual involved, one that involved the parents arriving first.
"Welcome," Ambassador Sarek announced, "I am Sarek. This is the one who is my wife, Amanda." He extended a salute that was returned by all. In his other hand he held a tablet.
"I am Sabok, and this is the one who is my wife, T'prak."
When their introductions had ceased, there were drums. A series of guards carried a chair, hoisting the honorable T'Pau who was seated at the head of the table. A few other dignitaries entered behind her, but did not sit.
"Greetings to all," T'Pau saluted. "Who comes today to make this offer of tel?"
More bells and drums marked the entrance of the sa-kugalsu, "I do. I am Commander Spock of Starfleet." He entered the arena in traditional, black, Vulcan formal robes.
T'Pau nodded at him in acknowledgement, "Do you come prepared to pay the dowry?"
"I do."
"Bring forth the ko-kugalsu." T'Pau raised her staff. More music erupted.
Vivian entered and stood by her mother's side, "I am Vivian..." Her family waited to see if she would add "of Earth" or "of Vulcan, but she did neither, "of Starfleet." Her eyes met those of her betrothed as they nodded to acknowledge each other, mutually amused by her statement.
T'Pau lowered her staff. Both families sat. Sarek put the device on the table.
"Sabok, T'Prak, I thank you for your presence. I come to ask for your daughter. I am a high ranking officer in Starfleet, with some political sway, an advanced education, and an established family. I offer many resources including a parcel of land on Vulcan and significant galactic credits."
"Does this male interest you?" T'Pau asked.
Vivian nodded.
"My daughter also has an advanced education and has made significant contributions to the scientific community in her field. She is young and has a great potential for fertility. Other males would be likely to have interest." Her mother spoke to drive up her price.
Spock wrote a few numbers on the device and pushed it toward T'Prak and Sabok. While T'Prak seemed pleased, Sabok spoke out.
"I believe that to be an overestimation. This female insists upon a career away from Vulcan. She is half-human, outspoken, and has a curvature of form that is not Vulcan in nature." His wife raised an eyebrow at him. "Perhaps if you seek a ko-kugalsu worthy of such a price, I should bring to you my daughter."
Vivian raised an eyebrow in surprise. Despite pride being a human emotion, she felt a heaviness in her gut. He'd insulted her blood, her personality, and her body all in one statement. T'Prak, of course, was unbothered. His other daughter was hers as well, so she benefitted with either outcome.
Sarek was unbothered. Amanda, on the other hand, struggled to contain her rage. She had grown to care for her daughter-in-law to-be and felt anger on her behalf. While Spock's only outward reaction was a movement of his brow, he may have shared his mother's sentiments under the surface. He reached for the device, erased his numbers, and began to write again. A lump formed in the young woman's throat, wondering if he had agreed with her step-father and decided he wanted better.
"Sabok, I find Vivian to be a fascinating individual and a satisfactory companion. If you are not aware, I am also half-human. Speaking one's mind is an efficient communication strategy. On Earth, there is a beauty ideal for human females referred to as an hourglass figure, which she possesses, yes. These traits you mention, I find particularly attractive, and have raised the price to reflect such." He slid the device across the table again.
Vivian's eyebrows moved upwards. The Vulcans did not flinch, but cocked their heads in intrigue. Amanda bit the inside of her cheek, beaming with pride, and attempting to hide a smile.
T'Prak moved her hand to sign the device, "I find this to be a satisfactory amount."
Vivian glanced at the screen and nearly choked. He'd offered more than five years of salary.
When the document was signed by all parties, T'Pau stood.
"This union pleases me. May it be fruitful." Everyone stood and saluted her, "I will return at the appointed time."
Once the dignitaries were gone, Sarek invited the other family to join them for dinner at the estate. The formal meal was unremarkable for the Vulcans, but the human felt it to be tense. Amanda was bothered by the clear lack of affection T'Prak showed for her daughter. The new couple was relieved when the affair was over.
Later, Vivian sat at the vanity in her room, gently removing pins from and brushing out her hair. She was pleasantly surprised with how well the koon-ut so'lik went, and even more surprised by the bride price Spock had paid for her. Once they'd returned to the home, she'd excused herself for the night. After a nice bath, she was almost ready for bed.
"Dr. Vida?" A gentle knock came from the door, "Commander Spock requests your presence in his quarters."
She recognized the young male voice as one of Sarek's assistants. What did he want? It had been a very busy day, and despite her level of stress and newfound anxiety, she was ready to attempt sleep. Even after she'd shared the family doctor's recommendation to him, he'd been none too accommodating. Is this it? She wondered if she was being summoned for sex, perhaps to then be sent away. Part of her was even frustrated that he'd waited until after she had removed the glitz of her earlier attire. Now, her hair was brushed out, although some curls remained in the ends. The makeup was gone though some glitter remained on her cheek. She wore her pink dressing kimono, and looked back at the dress she wore earlier. It seemed illogical to redress just to potentially be undressed.
"I will be there momentarily."
Dr. Vida tied her sash tighter and head downstairs and across the courtyard. She took a moment to admire the glow of the lit pool at night.
"I also find it aesthetically pleasing." Spock leaned in the doorway of the smaller building, wearing a navy colored dressing kimono of his own.
"You asked for me?"
"I may have determined a way to carry out the doctor's recommendation. Come in." He stepped back into his home. When she followed, he beckoned her up the stairs into what could only be his bedroom.
A large, white bed served as the centerpiece of the room. The walls that weren't glass were lined with shelves filled with artifacts and data banks. The room glowed with lantern-like lamps. There were more doors, leading into a washroom which still leaked steam and the smell of a masculine soap. Overall, the scene could be described as a romantic one. "I thought you did not want to partake in intercourse until the night of the koon-ut."
"That is correct." He withdrew a box from the shelf, "My idea was inspired by a gift, from our colleague Dr. McCoy."
"I was not aware he provided a gift."
"I assume he will bring another tomorrow. This one was given to me, us, aboard the ship. He and the Captain insisted on a 'stag party'." He withdrew a small vial. "Massage oils...I am quite skilled in anatomy..."
"You are offering to give me a massage?" She hovered near the stairs.
"Yes," He scanned her while he laid a red blanket over the foot of the bed, "I think it would accomplish our goal of more connection...as well as perhaps relieving some tension...I have noticed your anxiety seems to be increasing. I understand that I may be a cause...If you'll allow me, I would like to demonstrate that I am capable of a touch that is not violent."
She read sincerity in his eyes, so she complied. As she moved to the bed, she let her kimono slip off of her shoulders. Before she laid on her stomach she looked up at him, "I want to trust you."
Spock sat on the edge of the bed next to her, "I too, find that to be a desirable outcome." He took the opportunity to lean forward and kiss her. Although he intended a brief contact, both mouths lingered for a few moments, moving about and exploring each other.
When she finally laid down, he untwisted the bottle and poured the fragrant liquid into his hands. Gently, he placed his hands on her shoulders. They were tense, as he anticipated. His long, bony hands kneaded the muscles into submission. She sighed with relief, prompting him to continue. Nimbly, he worked his way down her back. Her lower back also held a significant portion of tension, right around her hips. As his hands moved that tissue, he felt the stirrings of arousal. Blinking hard, he tried to shake the feeling. That was for tomorrow. The way she moved under his hands, he wondered if she was moving her hips in an attempt to provoke arousal.
He finished his work. The halt of the movement cued her in, and she turned her body over to face him. Despite her interest, she made an effort to cover herself. In her movement, he noticed a small spot on the blanket- sexual lubrication no doubt.
"I believe my strategy functioned as intended." He raised an eyebrow.
"Ah, yes. The blanket will need laundering." Were she entirely human, she may have been somewhat embarrassed. "As will your robe." She noted a small wet spot near his waist belt. There was a clear erection pointing upwards.
He nodded in agreement. "There is, of course, one difference." Her eyebrow raised. "I will have no resolution until tomorrow."
"Why?"
"If our intention is to produce offspring, and hormones peak tomorrow, ejaculating before then would be...an inefficient use of resources."
"And I'm different because...you intend to provide me a resolution?"
He cocked his hand to the side with consideration. "If you'll allow it."
She leaned forward and kissed him again with a deep sigh. "I will." Again, she laid back, this time uncovering herself, and letting her knees fall apart.
He followed her down, continuing their lip lock. Tentatively he pushed his tongue against her lips and was granted access. His hand, still slick with oil, moved from her face down her neck, to her breast. Softly, he squeezed and rolled one in his hand. His fingers began to tease her nipples. A few moments later it moved downward again, gripping at her waist, and massaging her hip. Then it moved to her thigh, and between her legs.
Despite having seen the spot on the blanket, he was surprised by the amount of moisture there. Pride was a human emotion, but he was certainly pleased with the effect he had on her. When his fingers brushed her, a shiver moved through her entire body, rattling against his. When he pressed the first finger into her, she inhaled sharply near his ear. He fought back a smile and instead kissed her cheek, nuzzling the side of her face with his nose. A second finger found its way inside of the tight opening.
Vivian moaned softly, and ground her hips against him. Her sensitive bud brushed against his palm. He timed himself with her movements, achieving a rhythm. Her breath got shaky. With an idea, he removed his hand.
"Hm?" Almost immediately her eyes opened, pleadingly. She relaxed when she saw him leaning over her, kissing her breast. Again, he moved downward, kissing her stomach, then the inside of her thigh. "Please...Spock..." His mouth reached her core. Her back arched when he tasted her. First he flicked his tongue over her, shortly moving to applying suction. Her thighs began to open and close around his head. Her hand grabbed at his hair, attempting to drive him. When her whimpering picked up, he read the sign as an impending orgasm. A curiosity built in him, along with a certain degree of amusement.
Spock replaced his mouth with his hand to free his face, moving faster and harsher than before. He wanted to watch her writhe- and that she did.
"I-I...OH!" She inhaled and froze, her body trembling, before she cried out. Her head pushed back into the bed while her back came off the bed. Her interior locked down and pulsated around his fingers. Her thighs clamped closed on his arm. A few seconds later her muscles relaxed, freeing him, and dropping her back down with a sigh.
When he got his hand back, instinctively, he put his two fingers in his mouth to clean them. He returned to his position next to her on the bed and wrapped his arm around her midsection. Her eyes fluttered open as she caught her breath, pleased to find her mate again with her. He kissed her again; this time she could taste her own arousal on his mouth.
"Wow..." She breathed against his mouth.
"You are truly breath-taking."
She met his eyes, "Spock...are you smiling?"
"I am not incapable of such a thing...I merely reserve them to maintain significance...and you...are worthy of them."