Kirk and McCoy found their way to the feast with the rest of the crowd, curious as to where their fellow crewmembers had disappeared to.

"All our years as friends, and we finally get to see Spock's house." McCoy laughed.

"I do believe we're at his parents' estate. I seem to remember something about him having a guest house somewhere on the property, but intending to build a place of his own in time to retire."

They moved through the columns of the home, admiring the marble structures, and arrived at the courtyard in the center. There were tables throughout, with a large buffet near the center, boasting giant mollusks, spice roast, a spread of brightly colored fruits, a large cake, and a variety of other Vulcan delicacies. The space was decked in glittering linens and native flowers. A group of musicians with a harp, a ka-athyra and a theremin played softly in a corner. The water from the pool twinkled under the floating lanterns, which gently swayed with the occasional breeze. A couch, akin to a throne, sat up on a platform to the side.

As they entered, they found themselves in a receiving line for the families. Dr. Vida's mother, T'prak, was neither impressed, nor interested in speaking with them. Amanda, on the other hand, seemed delighted to see them again and insisted they visit sometime. Sarek was pleasant, and asked that Dr. McCoy find him again later so they could have a longer conversation.

The men got sparkling beverages, something close to champagne, and a few unidentifiable, yet tasty hors d'oeuvres before the couple emerged to another round of applause. The new couple took their seat on the raised platform, and their friends were surprised to find how close they sat to each other. Their legs touched and their bodies were turned towards each others. His left hand rested on her upper thigh.

"Is Spock wearing lipstick?" McCoy blinked and shook his head.

"I think he's wearing HER lipstick, Bones." Kirk sipped his beverage with amusement, "He may...even be...smiling...or trying not to that is."

The guests seemed to form another receiving line, this time saluting the couple, speaking briefly, then presenting their gifts.

"What'd you get them?"

"A new tea set. They drink a lot of tea, so...You know there wasn't a registry so I just tried my best. And you?"

Kirk sighed, "Towels...but what do you get the couple who live on a Starship? They don't cook or clean their own quarters. They don't take time off to travel-"

It became their turn, so they attempted the Vulcan salute.

"Captain Kirk, Dr. McCoy, how kind of you to join us." Dr. Vida smiled at them, which was something they rarely saw.

McCoy grinned back, "Of course, wouldn't miss it for the world. I dare to say Spock, but you look happy."

"Dr. Vida-" Kirk began.

"Vivian, please." She interjected.

"Alright, well Vivian, I think you're just about the most beautiful bride I've ever seen." He was stunned being up close. He'd met her in formal wear, and been attracted to her immediately. As of late, he was used to seeing her in a science officer uniform. Such little fabric, on almost any woman, easily disarms the captain. "And Spock, I guess you clean up nice too." He joked.

"Dr. McCoy...Jim...thank you for being here tonight. I couldn't imagine such a significant occasion without having the two of you present." He seemed to speak more freely than usual.

"Beautiful place your family's got."

"We brought gifts." Kirk announced.

"We tried our best." McCoy shook his head.

"Thank you friends, I-" She started but others were also placing gifts into the growing pile, taking her attention.

They moved along.

"Bones, I don't know about you but...I think they're ACTUALLY happy. Is that possible for Vulcans?"

"Well...they are half human, so I'd like to think so...But keep in mind the last time we were here...seven years ago- the Pon Farr they called it. Their hormones are wacky, that's what it is."

"Well with that dress, I think any man in a ten miles radius would feel some effects of hormones you know."

As the couple continued to take guests, the Ambassador and his wife found the Enterprise men.

"Not exactly a human wedding, is it Captain?" Amanda laughed as she looped her arm through his.

"Not exactly, no. I do miss the dancing...and no bridesmaids?" He chuckled and strolled with her.

"Dr. McCoy, have you seen our gardens?"

"Not yet, Ambassador."

"Please," He motioned ahead of him.

Curious, less about the flowers, and more about the diplomat's interest in him, he followed.

"Fascinating, isn't it-" Sarek gently touched the green knots of something budding out of the dirt in some waist-level planters. "New life?"

"Beautiful, really. Some of these aren't even native, are they? Now how'd you get this one to grow-"

"I assume the Enterprise keeps a stocked pharmacy."

His attention moved away from the flowers, "Yes?"

"Vitamins?...Biotin...folic acid-"

"Yes...yes why- Ambassador you're describing prenatal- is Dr. Vida pregnant?!" The doctor felt his chest tighten with anxiety.

"No, she is not."

McCoy sighed with relief.

"But by the end of the week, she likely will be."

His relief was premature and quickly returned to shock, "Pardon me? You understand there are ways of preventing-"

"I may not be a physician, but I am aware of contraception, which concerns neither of us."

"I would say so..." He knelt next to a flowerbed, "That's HER business-er-their business I suppose."

"It concerns neither of us because it will not be used. When was the last time you delivered an infant?"

McCoy struggled to keep his cool with the diplomat. "I fail to see how that's relevant."

"In case of a pre-term delivery, doctor, though I do not anticipate it will be necessary. Vivian will return to Vulcan at the start of the third trimester so that she can deliver safely here, in the care of Vulcan midwives."

"And Spock?"

"Will likely visit during his next leave."

"And she knows this?"

"Yes."

"And she's ok with this?"

"She has agreed to the set expectations. I wanted to ask you to keep watch of her. Given that she is the obstetrician on board, she would be the most qualified to care for an expectant mother. However, she cannot treat herself in every situation."

"I understand...caring for crewmembers is what I do, sir...and I'm honored."

While Dr. McCoy said honored, as soon as he was away from the Ambassador, he didn't react as a man who felt honored.

"My God Jim! Do you know what they've got planned?" He gripped his friend's arm before they sat down to dinner.

"Mrs. Sarek is a pleasant lady you know-wait- what?"

"They want her to have a baby!"

"Of course they do. All parents want to be grandparents. It's not at all surprising to me that Spock would want an heir-"

"Jim- they want her to have a baby- IMMEDIATELY."

Kirk laughed, "Very funny, Bones. The Enterprise still has years worth of duties and she's elbow deep in...well...whatever research it is she does."

"And Ambassador Sarek expects her to return to Vulcan in...oh...about six months."

"She hasn't even been aboard that long."

"About that...she wasn't meant to be aboard the ship that long."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean the Ambassador put them in the same place at the same time for a reason. He planted those seeds in both their heads. Hell, I bet her picked her out just for Spock. I don't think either of them know that. Jim- forced pregnancy is a human rights violation- you know that."

Their conversation was cut short as they were ushered to their table for dinner. While McCoy's stomach twisted with nerves, Kirk had no problem cleaning his plate at each of the four, decadent courses culminating in the traditional spice-cake.

After the meal, there were a few toasts that were far from the human toasts the two men were used to. Spock toasted to the guests, thanking them for their approval, presence, and gifts. Guests toasted to wish them long lives, prosperity, and progeny. Shortly following the toasts, people began to depart.

Spock looked to his new wife and extended two fingers, beckoning her to follow him.

This is it. Vivian felt a little anxious all of the sudden, and looked for a reason to delay. "I should at least say goodbye to my family...If you'll excuse me."

"Very well," He also rose, presumably to speak with his family.

She thanked her mother, step father, and half-siblings for their presence and sought out Spock in the crowd again.

McCoy found her first, "Dr. Vida, I was hoping I'd get a chance to talk to you before we headed out."

"Yes?" She lit up when he struck up a conversation

"One on one?"

"Yes?" She stepped to the side with him.

He seemed fidgety, "As chief medical officer, it's my responsibility to keep up with relevant health information for all of my crew members. Pardon my intrusion, but, hell, you're a physician too. I couldn't help but notice you have no record of contraceptive use."

"Correct."

"And you just got married?"

"Well, in your vernacular, I suppose so."

"Well...I'm assuming then you WANT to start a family right off?"

"It's hardly about what I want Dr. McCoy, I'm a Vulcan. And my mate is in the midst of the Pon Farr."

"But you're also a human, who grew up on Earth, and studied women's health for Pete's sake. You must believe a woman has the right to decide if and when SHE wants to reproduce."

She bit her lip, "Well I do but...this is different Dr. McCoy, I wouldn't expect you to understand."

"And have you talked with Spock about this? Do you know if he WANTS to start a family right now?"

"I know he experiences the plak tow now, and will require resolution. I find it hard to believe such a purposeful and disciplined man is interested in recreation."

"Well if you don't think he'd go along with anything, then I can pop back to the ship and grab something from your lab- something he wouldn't have to know about."

"We're of one mind now, he can read my thoughts almost at will."

The doctor sighed, "I don't like this."

"I know what is expected of me. I agreed to this arrangement. While the timing isn't ideal, I would much prefer Spock as a mate than some other male. At least I know him...somewhat..."

Kirk and Spock had bumped into each other at some point and were headed in their direction.

"All I'm gonna say is to hell with the rest of 'em, if you find yourself in a situation you don't want to be in, you can come to me for help. Alright?"

Vivian appreciated his concern and his sentiment, which had an undertone of friendly affection. She kissed his cheek.

"Well, Bones, I think the party's over." Kirk grinned and swayed slightly, his face a little flush from the booze. "Thank you for the invitation. You throw a lovely party. Let me kiss the bride and then we'll go." He leaned in and kissed Vida's cheek.

"Yes, the koon-ut is not as long as the average human wedding." Spock stated matter-o-factly.

The buzzed Captain spoke out of turn, "I bet it ends the same way a human wedding does, ay Spock?" He elbowed his friend and winked.

"Forgive him. Good night," McCoy caught his arm and pulled him away with a wave, leaving Vivian and Spock behind them.

"I believe Captain Kirk to be intoxicated," She gave half a smile of amusement, masking the unease she felt. Dr. McCoy's words dug at her.

"Indeed," He extended his hand again.

"Perhaps I should stop by to get my things."

"That will not be necessary. Your belongings were relocated to my quarters this afternoon."

"Oh...how efficient," She had no choice but to match his fingers with hers and follow. Crossing the event space, they moved against the crowd. Feeling eyes on her, she turned her head and noticed Ambassador Sarek watching them. Quickly, she looked down, with a strange feeling in her gut.

They made it to his quarters, and up the stairs. This time, the space was lit by small, flickering candles. It smelled of a mild incense and the same red blanket from the night before spread over the bed. Her things, vanity included, had been moved into a corner.

Her scan of the room was interrupted by breath on her neck from behind, "Do you require assistance removing your gown?"

She froze as a hand moved to her waist, but her eyes landed on a bottle on the desk. "A drink!" She span around quickly, "We should have a drink to celebrate."

"Reasonable." He found some glasses and opened the bottle. "Vivian," He passed her a glass, his eyebrows elevated, "You're quite tense."

"Hm?"

"I've been told this is a commonplace reaction among human brides."

"Ah," She swallowed down her drink quickly.

"Perhaps a warm bath would be soothing."

"Perhaps."

He nodded and dismissed himself to the bathroom. A round of rushing water followed shortly thereafter. Her seeming rejection of him disappointed him, but not as a matter of ego. He processed lingering thoughts of hers and discovered that his attempts at impressing her with pomp and circumstance had backfired. A Vulcan woman expected an emotionally distant partner and was typically impressed by ritual and severity. This must've been in area in which Vivian's human side was dominant. She found him most attractive, not as a leader in robes, but as a companion in daily life on their Starship.

Vivian went to her vanity and sat down to catch her breath. She began plucking pins out of her hair and brushing the curls, before twirling it up and out of the way. With a cloth, she wiped the makeup from her face. Her jewelry and shoes came off, and despite her having untied her gown, she held it loosely to her chest.

When the doors to the bathroom opened they seemed to dance around each other.

"I'll be just a moment," He decided to give her some time.

She nodded and shut the doors behind her. The bathroom was a marvelous display of twinkling white marble. Mirrors lined the walls, and the fixtures were precious metals. Finally she disrobed, gently laying the gown over a countertop. The bathtub was more like a pool, steps and all. Steam raised from the water. Bubbles and flower petals floated on top. She softened some, realizing he'd done this as a gesture for her. Part of her felt bad, wondering if he'd felt rejected. She stepped down into the deep water and exhaled, moving until the water bobbed at a level just above her breasts.

It wasn't the prospect of sex that frightened her. She wasn't a virgin, and she had been with Spock before, despite it having been in a hormone induced haze that ended violently. The prospect of actively attempting to reproduce brought butterflies to her stomach. The idea of motherhood made her nervous. The idea of being abandoned on Vulcan with an infant, ending her career with Starfleet made her nauseas. But...there was also something else...Her previous partners were companions, sometimes of sexual nature, but never of emotional intimacy. She now was experiencing newfound feelings of what she could only consider to be love...Their telepathic bond meant no secrets- complete vulnerability.

In his room, now theirs, Spock began to disrobe. He leaned against the closed door. "Is the water an acceptable temperature?"

She stood up straighter when she heard his voice. "Yes...thank you..."

"Vivian, may I make a personal inquiry?"

"Of course."

"For the past several months, you actively sought out reasons to make physical contact with me. Now, I am yours, both legally and mentally, and yet now you withdraw from my hand. Why?"

"It is illogical...I understand...Previously, there were no expectations...now there are diplomats anticipating heirs. I've never attempted to produce offspring."

He laughed, "I am sorry, the plak tow limits my restraint. I do not laugh at your expense...I merely see the irony in your work as a reproductive health specialist. You have produced offspring, but not those of your own."

She laughed too, "You are correct. I also see the irony."

"Is that all?"

"No," She rubbed her neck, "As we discussed earlier...I am experiencing...feelings of affection towards you...and I have never had a Vulcan mate...Being physically affectionate with someone you're emotionally tied to...is a particularly vulnerable position."

"I believe that is the state humans refer to as intimacy...I have no intention of judgement and would hope you hold the same sentiment, as this is a new experience for me as well. The blending of Vulcan biology and human emotionality is undoubtedly complicated...but I do think it has to potential to be quite rewarding."

There was an internal stirring of warmth. "Spock?"

"Yes?"

"You can join me...if you'd like."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," She smiled and backed into the wall of bubbles, curious, but still shy.

The doors opened, and he stepped through with a slight smile on his face and eyes softer than she'd seen. He approached the water, dropped the towel that had been tied around his waist, and moved into the water with her.

At first, her face flushed, and she wouldn't meet his eye.

He found it endearing, albeit illogical. "I have another inquiry."

"Yes?"

"This is not the first time you've been nude in my presence but-"

"But you've never disrobed with me before."

His eyebrow raised, "Interesting."

She closed the distance between the two of them, "I find your form...appealing." Her fingers brushed his chest in exploration before retracting out of surprise when he began to speak.

"Well...that is convenient...I couldn't help but to think of how you resembled a painting."

"A painting?"

"One from the Earth's first renaissance- a depiction of the Roman goddess Venus emerging from the water."

A smile spread across her face, "A goddess hm?"

"THE goddess of beauty," He leaned forward and kissed her once, "And love." They kissed again, deeper and longer this time, "I love you, I know this now."

She pressed herself to him, but instead of answering with words, she split her hand and reached up for his temple. Her mind told his.

This time when she touched his chest, she kept her hand there. Asking permission with her eyes, she moved her hand down his body until she brushed the top of his lok, producing a shudder. Through the parting bubbles, she could see him now. The physiology of Vulcan males varied from that of human males. Their testes were mostly internal as a protection from the heat of the planet, and only protruded with an erection. As for the member itself, it was notable for having an additional ridge, which likely would have been galaxy-wide legend were Vulcan men as interested in conquest as were human men.

Gently, she grasped him and gave a few strokes. He had been aroused already, but he became increasingly firm in her hand. She felt herself grow more aroused, which would have been typical for even a human female. The Vulcan connection, however, meant she almost felt his pleasure. They pressed against each other and tangled into each others arms as their mouths moved together. It lasted only briefly before he reached into the water and swept her feet from under her. She came out of the water, in his arms, with a loud splashing. He walked back up the stairs and towards the bedroom again, their eyes remained focused on each others as if there were a magnetic pull.

Softly, he laid her on the bed. She pulled the pin from her hair, allowing it to spread around her head like a halo. Her breasts rolled softly to either side. She cupped his face in her hands as he moved one knee between hers and then the other, turning his face slightly to kiss her palm. Any nerves she had were long gone as she was sucked into his plak tow. Her knees fell apart, and she felt the cool air on her wetness.

"Vivian..." His voice was low and he struggled to find words. She knew he wanted approval to proceed.

Her body trembled with expectation, "Please...Spock," She nodded and kissed him assertively.

His mouth pushed back as he braced himself with his arms, flexing the muscles in his chest. She first felt part of him brush her center. With a smooth, slow motion, he glided into her warmth. It was perfect- just enough, not enough to cause her discomfort, but enough to cause a sensual fullness. As his hips settled between her thighs, he slid deeper, producing a soft moan from his partner. Her arms wound around his torso, holding to him, anchoring herself in reality. She felt as if every nerve in her body was awake, like every sense was heightened. She could feel his form inside of her, but, in a way, she felt as he did- experiencing both sides at once. They kissed, or their mouths hovered, sharing breath. Their eyes swayed between watching each other and closing in pleasure. He relieved one of his arms, letting his torso press into hers. With his free hand, he split his fingers and moved to her temple. It was a complete unity; both human and Vulcan, both male and female, both in physical reality and in a higher spiritual realm, both now and forever.

They rocked together, their pleasure reverberating off the other. The collisions became harder, and faster, but just as deliberate. Their sighs and groans became louder. The sensations mounted, higher than a point that would've ended of them previously. When they finally reached that peak, together, it was explosive. Their joined mind erupted with colored and lights. Each pulse sent lightening bolts of warm, tingling pleasure from the groin to the brain and back.

Physically, her body's internal muscles locked around him. Her thighs locked around him. Her mouth formed an O, and her eyes shut tight. She inhaled sharply, and when the air forced its way back out it was in a cry. She froze with tension, her back arching sharply upward, before collapsing back into the bed with full body tremors.

His body continued to move, jerking erratically. His eyes shut tightly as he spasmed inside of her, releasing several pumps of warm liquid. When his muscles freed him, his body relaxed on top of hers. He rested his forehead against hers as he began to catch his breath. He felt relieved, in more ways that one. His bride wanted him, loved him, relished in his form. A smile formed on his lips, which he moved to her temple as he noticed her mouth was still open.

Her hair was messy, her face was flushed, her eyes were still closed, and her body still shook slightly.

"I am pleased to find we are physically compatible." His eyebrow raised and his smile twisted almost into a smirk as he saw her begin to blink and orient herself. Her eyes met his and she smiled silently, still incapable of words.