Trigger warning: mentions of suicide, mentions of molesting and harassment at work

Chapter is set directly after the last one. Also, this was my first time writing from Spock's perspective.

Guys I'm sorry for the long, long wait.

She wasn't exactly surprised when she noticed they were one of the first to arrive at the restaurant. Luckily, they could already take a seat because Jim was already there. Much to her surprise in company of Carol Marcus.

"No uniform?" he joked.

"Well actually I'm here just because I'm married to Spock" she said glancing at him.

"Good alright"

"Why did you allow us, I mean partners and all to come too?"

"Because I thought it would be nice meeting some new people. And it's not an official meeting with all the classified information, more a meet up, as in how our journey might continue and when"

"Oh okay"

"Anyways, just don't tell everyone already, there might still be changes"

"Sure" she gave a nod and then started a conversation with Uhura. Gradually, other people started to drop in and she was quite happy to recognize all of them, with a few exceptions which she supposed were some people's partners. To her luck she wasn't the only who didn't wear a uniform and she started to relax.

"And what do you work? Are you stationed on Yorktown?" she got asked by the woman who apparently was the girlfriend of the Head of the security department

"No, I'm working on the Enterprise. I mean I have been but I'm still a part on the crew"

"You're working on the ship too?"

"Yes. I'm the Head of the Biology lab"

"Oh" she glanced at her husband "But… is your marriage even allowed?"

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't"

"Besides" Jim intervened "My mother was married to her superior officer and the First Officer of the ship she served on too. So yes, it is allowed" he looked into their direction "Also raising a kid on a ship although it's not recommended if it can be avoided" he winked at her

"Oh are you pregnant?" the woman asked

"I was. Our son was born in April"

"How nice. Can I see a photo?"

"I don't have my PADD with me"

"A pity" Jim had a look after Sulu and his husband arrived too and then gave a nod, switching on the PADD to welcome Scotty as well.

"Why's he not here?" she whispered to Spock who replied that he currently was on Earth, teaching at Starfleet Academy "Oh that's nice, I didn't know that" somehow, a part of her wished she was on Earth too. She wanted to see her friends and her parents again and also let them meet Erik. She bit back a sigh and waited until Jim had greeted his friend profoundly and then looked at them.

"Now that we're everyone I'd like to welcome you all and hope you are well" there was some agreeing murmur "I want to assure you that this is not such a formal event as you might think so if I catch anyone using formalities from now on will be forced to leave, Captain's order" they chuckled and Jim quickly changed the topic until they were asked what they'd like to drink. After that, Jim started telling them what kind of things he wanted to discuss this evening. But he only started to give them actual information once they had gotten their food too. "As I have already mentioned, I've got more information about our new ship. Scotty, you're monitoring the construction, you correct me when I'm wrong" he cleared his throat and took a sip "I know I told you we might be able to continue the journey in spring next year. But I fear we have to postpone the start to about August. However, I also have good news. We know the name of the ship. Anyone willing to make a guess?"

"If that ship's called Kirk I fucking resign" Leonard muttered

"No, it unfortunately isn't Kirk. Other guesses?"

"It could be literally anything" Uhura said

"Oh you want me to tell you?" Jim said, grinning and taking another sip.

"Well it must be a name you personally like that you're grinning like that" the doctor said.

"True that. We'll continue our mission on a ship called… Enterprise"

"They're calling her Enterprise?" Sulu asked

"Enterprise-A actually. At least the registry will get the A at the end"

"But it's nice, Then I can just tell people 'I'm working on the Enterprise' and don't need to add that I will be on a new ship from next year on" Carissa said

"Yeah. It hurt saying that I was Captain of the Enterprise. Anyways, as you might know, this will be the ships newest ship and they are discussion whether they want to just send us on a new five year mission. Meaning we'd be out there another five years"

"Then you can get yourself another CMO" Leonard protested "I've been happy with the thought that half of the mission is already over. And now we're supposed to start over?"

"Look, it's only been an idea. But I'm not too fond of it either. I'll see what I can do. They might let us 'continue' the current mission and give us shore leave after that for a couple of months before sending us out again. At least those who want to come with us again. Which leads me to my next point. Due to the losses on the Enterprise's last mission, we need to replace a couple of positions and I will approach the Head of departments in the following weeks so that they can take care of it. But otherwise the crew roughly remains the same, with a few changes here and there"

"What kind of changes?" Scotty asked

"Resignations, promotions, reassignments or transfers and all that kind of stuff. And I bet what I've heard of isn't final yet. Because as we all know, we're now going different ways and I can understand that there are people that found a job they like more than being on the Enterprise. It is a pity though but as long as the people are happy" there were a few nods "Plus, there are also two changes of the bridge crew I wanted to address. Unfortunately, Pavel will leave the crew to meet new challenges here in Yorktown" of course everyone looked at the young Russian, who smiled sheepishly and gave a nod. There were tears shimmering in his eyes. Sulu patted his back and he too seemed sad, after all she knew of their close friendship, they inevitably had spent many hours next to each other during shifts. "We're already looking for a suitable successor but that might take another couple of weeks or months. Because something I need to share with you as well is that I was given temporary command of the USS Endeavour after Captain Derbes retired"

"Wow, congrats" Leonard said

"And well, a few people obviously liked their former Captain so much that they also left the ship. Which means I kind of need to patch a crew together. I will let you have a list of the open positions and if you want to be a part of the crew or know someone, let me know"

"What's the ship's mission?"

"Once we got a crew, we will be on a multi-month exploratory mission, so nothing really new for us" some chuckled. "Alright, my next announcement is positive as well. I mean the reason for it. Spock will reduce his workload and take one day per week off when we continue the journey"

"He does what?" Scotty almost exclaimed "What's wrong with him now?"

"There's nothing wrong with him, he just wants to take care of his son one day per week that is all"

"Oh right. I keep forgetting it's his son" Carissa chuckled

"Well anyways, I just wanted to let you know that we've already found someone to take over his position as Science Officer and someone who will be the First Officer in those days"

"Like they just work on the bridge for one day and then work in their other position for the rest of the week?"

"That's the case for our JSO but the deputy First Officer is Sulu, so for one day he just takes over Spock's responsibilities" now everyone looked at the man who got a pat on the back from his husband. Some also congratulated him. Meanwhile, Carissa looked at her husband and asked if she could have his PADD

"What do you need it for?"

"To see if Tomita has written"

"Carissa, she has promised to notify us about any issues that may arise"

"I know. But I wanna see if she just wrote something what they're doing" she grabbed his arm and looked at him with puppy eyes "Please?"

"What are you doing?" she heard someone ask

"I want to write my babysitter to make sure my son is okay" she replied

"Oh can you ask to send you a photo too?" Hendorff's girlfriend asked.

"Come on Spock" Carissa asked "I just want to write her a short message, she can send a photo and we're done" he looked at her

"Very well" he retrieved his PADD and handed it to her after unlocking it

"God Spock what's the deal with such a long password? Do you have such private files on your device?"

"Dear Diary" Leonard started "Today I smiled. It was illogical. That made me angry and sad, which isn't logical either" some people laughed and also Carissa couldn't hold back a smirk but she glared at Leonard. Then she wrote Tomita a message and waited for her reply. Only two minutes later she got the photo from her friend

"Aww look, he's sleeping" she cooed and showed it Spock who gave a slight nod

"Give it to me, please" Hendorff's girlfriend asked. At first, Carissa wanted to hand her the PADD then she remembered that it wasn't hers.

"I figure you don't want me to give it around?"

"No I would rather not"

"Okay"

"Come on, just let me have a look"

"He said no, respect that. If you want to have a look, you come here"

"Is that really necessary?"

"Yes" she replied and glared at the woman, who got up to come over to have a look. Shortly after almost everyone was gathered around them to have a look and of course those who had not seen her son before were commenting his appearance and were starting to ask questions. Suddenly, she wasn't too happy with her decision to get a photo of him. Finally everyone seemed to have seen enough and they returned to their seats. Carissa looked at Spock "I'm gonna save the picture to your device, as far as I know you don't have one yet"

"Carissa…" he started

"Oh come on, he's our son. He's worth the few megabytes of storage the picture will take up. Unless you don't like the photo. Then we make one when we're at home"

"I doubt the lightening will be convenient by the time we return"

"Good we can make one tomorrow"

"I do not understand why you are so determined to ensure I have a picture of Erik on my PADD"

"Because he's our son. Do you know how many photos I have saved of Erik?" he looked at her

"Very well, then please file the picture" she smiled and did it

"When we're already at it, I could also set it as your background?" he looked at her not very pleased and she giggled "just joking" she pecked his lips and returned him his PADD "Okay, I'm just going to the toilet" she said, feeling her stomach cramp again. And she also needed some time to herself after that day, she just wanted some moments of peace.

"I'll come with you too" Carol said and got up

"What's it with women and needing to go to the toilet together? Are you afraid one could fall down the loo?"

"Oh haha. We're just more social than you guys" Carissa replied as she walked to the toilets. To her dismay, she had to discover that her period had started and she let out a moan. At least she was glad that Carol was with her and asked if maybe she had something

"Of course"

"Oh that's great. You're a lifesaver. But not that you need it yourself then"

"No, it's okay"

"Good" she gladly accepted the pad and returned to the toilet and put it on after closing the door. To her surprise Carol was waiting for her at the sink when she was done.

"Everything all right?"

"Of course. Thanks" she washed her hands and smiled "I don't mean to be rude but…. you and Jim?"

"Yes. We kind of started dating a few months ago"

"That's nice to hear. I had no idea"

"To be honest… that's something I wanted to discuss with you"

"Oh okay. I just hope I can be of any help"

"I'm sure you can"

"Okay. Did you want to discuss it now?"

"Yes. It kind of is more like a question"

"Sure, go on"

"Would it be possible that you let Jim and I watch your son one evening?"

"Why that?" the blonde woman seemed to hesitate

"I'm pregnant"

"Oh shit" Carissa muttered, covering her mouth "Does he know?"

"No. Only my doctor, a friend and you"

"I-I don't know what to say. I won't tell Jim, of course. But now I understand why you want to watch Erik… you want to see how he's handling kids"

"Yes"

"Okay. I'll talk to Spock and convince him to make ourselves a nice evening so that you can watch Erik. But I already can assure you that he is doing great with Erik. He seems so enthusiastic and proud and happy and also sings to him and all. I'm sure he'll make a great father. Besides, if you need anything, you can always ask me. Unless you'd rather discuss it with your friends"

"Of course I can but none of them has ever been pregnant"

"I understand. Hey, then I can give you all my old uniforms I had when I was heavily pregnant"

"I don't know if I'll stay in Starfleet. Or at least on the Enterprise"

"What?"

"I mean… nothing against your choices but I think it's not a place to raise your child. And Jim is the Captain, he can't just take a day off if something happens. Besides, you know how he can be and I can't be the reason he brings the ship into danger"

"That does make sense"

"I even consider if I should tell him at all. What if he wants to leave Starfleet because of me?"

"Then it's his decision. Also Spock considered doing it to go to New Vulcan with me. So I think it's logical to consider settling down somewhere"

"Okay"

"Best you don't worry about it too much right now. Take some time, consider what you want and then tell him" she placed a hand on her shoulder "Oh and just that you know… Spock might find out about it soon or at least guess it. But he won't say anything"

"I know that. He's very good at figuring stuff out"

"We should go back or else Jim really thinks one of us fell down the loo. Unless you want to discuss something?"

"No. I'll just give you my contact details"

"I don't have my PADD with me. I'll give you mine"

"Fair enough"

-oO0Oo-

They came home late after a 'short' trip to a bar where Jim had insisted they drank something together. For obvious reasons, Carol left, claiming that she didn't want to get home late and had had a hard day. Probably trying to alleviate her sorrows, Carissa drank more than she usually would and only realized that her condition was not very good when Spock said it was better to get her home. She didn't know if she really couldn't walk or if he just supported her anyway. Once they arrived home, she heard Erik's happy squeal and she arrived at the bedroom door at the same time as Tomita

"Hi" she greeted

"Oh no are you drunk?"

"Nah, I'm not" she insisted as she entered the bedroom. "Hello my sweet little cutie bean" she cooed as she picked up Erik from his crib, pressing him against her chest. "Did I ever tell you that you're the cutest baby in all the world? I mean just look at your ears" she heard how her husband and Tomita were discussing something "Are you talking about me behind my back?" she whined "That's mean"

"Bye Carissa" Tomita said "I'll be going to bed"

"Okay. Good night" she sing-sang before nuzzling Erik's stomach "Hmm you smell nice" she muttered. Suddenly he started squirming "No, it's all good, I'm here. Mommy is here" she felt a hand on her shoulder

"Let me hold him"

"No" she shrieked and tried to jump away, getting away from her husband's reach "That's my baby"

"Carissa, you are intoxicated and for this reason I deem it wiser if you did not hold him"

"Ah come on. You don't trust me? I'm a good mother. Isn't that right, little sweetie pie?" she tickled his stomach "Who's a good little baby? Choochie, choochie, choochie. You are. You are Mommy's sweetgums"

"Carissa, I ask you to stop talking motherese"

"No. Never. He's just a baby don't expect him to calculate the last number of Pi already. The only pie you have to care about is apple pie, cherry pie, pumpkin pie, blueberry…"

"I do not expect him to calculate anything until he is older. However, I am asking you to give him to me and get ready for bed"

"But I'm not tired" she nudged Erik's nose "You know what? We two are gonna watch a movie and Daddy can go to bed if he's tired"

"I doubt that watching a movie is a fortunate idea" she huffed and also Erik didn't seem too pleased

"Look, you made him grumpy" to her dismay he also started crying and she walked over to Spock and placed him in his arms "Here. That's your fault" not much later, her son calmed down and buried his face in his father's chest letting out a little yawn. For some reason, it made Carissa fell incredibly bad and she stated crying. "No one likes me" she whined "Everything I do is wrong and when I'm just trying to be myself that's not good either" she sobbed and before she knew it she clung to her husband as well. He shifted and wrapped an arm around her and she felt Erik pulling her hair

"Your concerns are neither logical nor necessary"

"I know… but" she sighed and leant closer

"I suggest you change into your night clothes and then go to sleep. You will feel better by tomorrow"

"No" she said "I don't wanna get changed" she looked up at him and smirked "It's healthy to sleep naked. So I sleep naked"

"Do as you wish" Spock said and she let go of him to take off her clothes

"But you have to undress too" she said as she started tugging on his shirt "And we're gonna have some fun. But did I ever tell you I find these Yorktown uniforms ugly? I'm glad I don't have to wear one. But somehow they look good on you. But only you." a giggle left her mouth and she pecked the corner of his mouth. Spock put Erik back into his crib, ignoring the baby's sound of discomfort at his actions and then removed Carissa's hand from his shirt

"It would be improper to take advantage of your current state"

"Uhh" she let out another giggle "So you do want it?"

"As I have stated previously, I indeed…"

"Ha!" she pulled him down and crashed her lips to his. "I knew it. And I want it too. Because you're the most handsome, cleverest and sexiest man in the whole galaxy"

"Carissa…" he started but she pressed a finger to his lips

"Shh"

"Carissa, I would rather not continue the discussion tonight"

"We don't have to discuss anything" she wiggled her eyebrows and ran her nose along his jaw "pretty please" he took her hands in his

"I will not repeat myself. We may discuss it tomorrow, when you are sober"

"Okay" she gave a nod and pecked his cheek "but only if you join me in bed and cuddle me until I'm asleep"

"That is an agreeable alternative"

-oO0Oo-

To her surprise she didn't have that much of a headache the next morning. Spock was not in the bed anymore but she had not expected him to be. He was sitting at their kitchen table and her PADD was on the table at her place

"Does it work?"

"Yes it has dried completely and can be used normally" she let out a sigh and kissed his temple

"Thank you"

"I do, however, recommend to replace your Central Processing Unit as it is already outdated. Furthermore, you should update the operating system to the latest version, 18.11.3"

"Oh I remember there being a version 17?"

"Yes, there has been. However, Unitos has released version 18 at the beginning of this year"

"Oh okay. Must have missed that. I should do it today" she pecked his cheek and got her breakfast.

"How are you feeling today?"

"Much better. The only thing that's still bothering me is that Jer has died…" she sighed "And part of me is still mad at Jordan for what he did during the tryout" she switched on her PADD and saw that her mother had tried to call her three times "I guess I should call her back today. But anyways, did you know about Jim and Carol?"

"I have been aware that the Captain has feelings for her but not of their relationship. Why did you ask?"

"Okay and just because I was surprised. I didn't know they were each other's type" he gave a curt nod and got up, telling her he had to leave because there was something he had to take care of. "What? Something from work? But it is your day off?"

"I am aware" she sighed

"Alright then, just go and do your thing. Anything I should know about Erik? Any problems this morning?"

"No, everything has been satisfactory. I am certain he still is asleep in the living room" she gave a nod and took hold of his hand before he could leave. She heard how he left the apartment and then went to the living room where she found Erik, fast asleep with his face pressed into his blanket and holding onto his children's PADD as if his life depended on it "Looks like we two are going to make ourselves a nice day"

-oO0Oo-

Spock had told himself that his purpose had a logical reason and did not primarily result from the fact that his wife was involved. It was a Starbase, operated by Starfleet and this organization did not tolerate sexual harassment at work and he saw it his duty as Starfleet officer to stop such issues. He arrived at the restaurant and when one of the waitresses asked him what he wanted he replied that he wanted to see the manager, who came out of his office seconds after he had been called.

"What's this all about?" he nodded his head towards the Vulcan "What do you want?"

"It has come to my notice that some of your guests seem to behave rather inappropriate towards your female employees"

"And how exactly do you mean that?" he crossed his arms

"Certainly you are aware which impropriety I am referring to"

"So what? What do you expect me to do, huh? They're customers"

"Your argumentation implies you believe their conduct is acceptable"

"No it isn't, of course. But there's nothing I can do"

"I can assure you that there is always a solution to said problem"

"You're telling me I shall bar them from the house?"

"As a last resolution, yes"

"Listen, you come here and demand I send away customers?"

No, I have merely asked you to ensure such incidents do not occur again"

"What do you even know about sexual harassment? I bet you never even as much as seen a woman in her underwear"

"As a member of Starfleet it is my duty to ensure that our regulations are complied with on our Starbases"

"Yeah? What else?"

"Most certainly you are aware of the consequences should I hear about another such incidence"

"As if you could order that this restaurant has to be closed"

"I myself might not be able to do so but I stand in contact with officers who may"

"Is that a threat, pointy?"

"What's even going on here?" Spock saw that two men were coming towards them "What's this clown up to?"

"He was about to leave"

"As a matter of fact I have never implied I will do so since I did not have said intention before the matter I am here to solve has come to a satisfactory resolution"

"Is he threatening you, Marc?"

"None of your concern. Get back to your table And you" he poked a finger into Spock's chest "better tell me who claimed my guests mistreat my workers"

"My contact is none of your concern"

"I bet it was that chick from yesterday. The new one" one of the men behind him told the other

"Yes, one of the other's wouldn't do it. They know you'd throw her out immediately, Marc"

"Am I right to conclude you dismiss employees that speak about the issue?"

"Of course not. That's a lie. Jerry, just get back to the table and don't butt in on my conversations, you hear that"

"Oh I'm always in when there's a butt involved"

"Okay alright" Mr Jordan shook his head and turned back to Spock "Whatever that girl told you, she's not quite right in her head and probably more prudish than a nun from the Middle Ages. Besides, why on Earth would she discuss the whole matter with you, a Vulcan? Do you even know that women are another gender?"

"Of course I am aware of the biological and anatomical differences between the two genders. Furthermore, I would like to point out that your statements about Carissa Wiley are neither accurate nor acceptable"

"Look" he covered his eyes with his hand "I think it's best for all of us if we just forget about the matter and go on"

"Do you truly believe it would be more convenient for your employees to take no actions?"

"It doesn't bother them, isn't that right, Shelly?"

"No it doesn't" an Orion woman replied

"I doubt an Orion female is an appropriate witness, considering their distinctive sexuality"

"So what? You want to question all my workers?"

"No but I shall give them my contact details and ask them to report any other such issues so that I may initiate disciplinary actions"

"So this is just about getting this restaurant closed?"

"It is not. I merely wish to remind you to ensure such incidents will not occur again"

"Alright, listen here mate" one of the other man placed a hand on the Vulcan's shoulder

"Seeing that we are not acquainted it is not correct to refer to me as your partner"

"Your what? I'm not even interested in men"

"I must ask you to remove your hand from my shoulder" the man did as requested

"Just sit down again and let me handle it"

"No wait, let me help. You see, officer, we mean nothing by the jokes we make about the women. But it's nothing serious, isn't that right, kitty?" he turned to one of the waitresses and also Spock followed his look

"You get used to it"

"There, you heard it, my workers say it's fine, so piss off"

"I recommend you take actions against these men or I will be obliged to take action myself"

"Action like what? You'll beat us up? You're Vulcan, they're not violent" the man who was on the right side behind him said

"No one will beat up anyone. I assure you that the only one who has been bothered by the incidents yesterday was the person on the tryout, my other employees don't mind. I'll just write her and apologize"

"I doubt this will change anything" he explained the man that it was his task to make sure his employees were left alone.

"Alright. Guys, listen you heard him. No more comments about the workers"

"Oh that's a pity. Because they are pretty"

"What if they're off duty?"

"I don't care what you do when they're off duty as long as they're okay with it"

"I fail to understand how you can indeed be that unreasonable"

"I'm not unreasonable, I'm just telling you it doesn't bother them. Okay, maybe it did in the start but they don't complain"

"I suggest the reason they ceased to bring the matter to your attention is because they have realized you will not support them"

"What is going on here?" another man approached them and did not listen when Spock told him to back to his table

"Apparently that whore from yesterday told Mr Chastity here that we molested her and now he's demanding justice"

"You will refrain from referring to Carissa in such a way again"

"What's the deal about her anyway? She wasn't even that special"

"Did you feel her ass though? It was very nice"

"No she left before I got a chance" Spock felt a small wave of rage nag at him

"A pity though. I believe she'd have like to have some fun"

"That is enough" the Vulcan protested

"Or what? Am I hitting a nerve there? Don't you like talking about anything sexual? Does that make Vulcans uncomfortable?"

"It does indeed"

"Did you hear that guys? A moment I thought you might just like the little whore"

"Okay, that's enough guys" Mr Jordan intervened "That's none of your concern. And what you've just said really wasn't accceptable"

"As far as the girl is concerned I do feel concerned. Do you have her address? I'd like to pay her a little visit and make sure her pussy doesn't go to waste"

"I fail to understand how the demise of her pet has come the sudden object of the discussion"

"He actually believes it's an animal we're referring to. Isn't that sweet?"

"I think he needs it a bit more explicit and detailed"

"Don't…" but Mr Jordan was ignored and two of the men took turns in describing what exactly they would do to Carissa if they saw her again. Spock didn't know how long exactly he managed to listen before he snapped and found himself pressing the man that had last spoken against the wall by the throat

"Nothing justifies the words you have just said about my wife" his voice wasn't as calm as always but he didn't care. Before the man had a chance to reply, the Vulcan felt himself being pulled away by the other men. He knew it were two because he doubted that one human alone would have the strength to stand up to him. However, he quickly realized that it now were three men against him and a fourth one also was on his way. Despite the fact that he had realized his mistake and regretted his outburst, he now had to defend himself because he was certain that his opponents would not listen to Mr Jordan who was shouting at them to stop fighting. Spock knew that the only good outcome of the situation was if he quickly nerve pinched the men. Finally, there only was one man left who ran away.

"Are you okay?" one of the waitresses asked as she came over to him

"I am" he replied although he knew that he definitely had received more blows than his opponents since he had only rendered them unconscious.

"Err I don't know what Starfleet mandates but is there a way you wouldn't need to report this?" for a moment Spock had to consider what to do. After all, he had not been attacked first yet he had not intended to start a fight either. He merely wanted the men to stop talking about Carissa in such a manner. Still, his outburst had been the cause of the fight.

"I will not do so if you can guarantee that these men will leave your employees alone in the future" it was not entirely proper, he knew that but he found it was a good way to ensure that Mr Jordan kept his promise and supported his subordinates. So Starfleet would not need to take care of the matter because it had actually been his own fault the fight had started. And he doubted that one of the men would want to report the incident.

"Oh thank you. That's great. I'll do that. I talk to them and make sure they keep their comments and hands to themselves" he patted Spock's back and handed him a towel so that he could wipe away the remains of one of the alcoholic drinks that had been spilled on him. "Also, I had no idea that she was your wife. I mean she mentioned her husband is Vulcan but I didn't manage to put two and two together" the words did not make the situation any better. After all he had just admitted that the only reason he would have listened to him was because he knew that he was complaining about what had happened to his wife instead of all his subordinates in general. "I'll have word with those guys and tell my girls they have to let me know in case it happens again. Or maybe your lesson today was enough for them"

"We shall see" Spock said before returning the towel and bidding them goodbye and then left. He found Carissa in the living room, looking at something on their son's PADD when he returned

"Hi" she greeted looking up at him "Got your stuff done?"

"Yes I have" he had managed to make the owner of the restaurant see sense even if it did not go like he had planned.

"That's nice" she got up and winced "What happened to your face?" she placed a hand on his cheek "You got hit. Did you get robbed?" only now he realized that he must have gotten bruises from the fight.

"No, Carissa, I did not" he removed her hand from his face

"But there was something. What happened?" she didn't give him time to answer before she walked to the replicator and returned with an ice pack which she held to his cheek. He fought back a wince, even more so when she tried to usher him to the couch to sit down. The only reason he complied was that she didn't get more worked up about it than she already was "Who did this to you?" she asked quietly as she hugged him. As always he had to keep his emotions in check before he slightly leant into her touch but she quickly shot up again "Is that alcohol?" she sniffed his uniform, where the drink had been spilled on him "Did you get into a bar fight? What would you do in a bar in the first place? Why did they attack you?" it was obvious that she was upset and he was trying to find a good way to explain what had happened.

"I have not been attacked. As a matter of fact, my opponents have not exactly started the fight"

"You're telling me you initiated the fight?" but again she didn't let him answer "Oh my God! Don't tell me you've been at that restaurant to tell Jordan off for what he did" he had to admit she was indeed good at making conclusions "You are…" she groaned "unbelievable… but not less cute" she shifted closer to him "Do you even have any idea how sweet that is of you? You going there to defend my honor?"

"As a matter of fact, it was logical to ensure such incidents do not occur again since it is a Starfleet operated Starbase and therefore sexual harassment cannot…"

"I get it" she said with a sigh as she pressed a finger to his lips. While he still did not understand why humans did it, since it did not actually hinder him from continuing he complied with her request "I'm just wondering what exactly could have pissed you off that much that you attacked them first" he slightly turned away. He found it improper to discuss this with her and he also didn't want to think of it again. Supposedly she wouldn't want that either "Okay actually I might know what they said... considering the reason you've been there in the first place."

"Your assumption is correct" she placed a quick kiss on his lower cheek and leaned her head against his clavicle. With her free hand, she retrieved the heating pad from under a blanket and placed it on her lower abdomen. He concluded that she was on her period and therefore was in pain. He decided not to comment on it because there was nothing he could do about it and he did not want to upset her further. He still remembered how she was curled up on their bed during her first period after the pregnancy and how she had shouted at him that she didn't want to hear that it was normal after a pregnancy, especially an interspecies one and that her body first had to recover from the exertions. Again she shifted and took hold of the corner of the blanked. Her grip on it was firm and he doubted it was because of the pain but rather something else that upset her. Instead of asking what caused her discomfort, pulled her closer and subsequently also felt himself calming down. In the beginning of their relationship he had only embraced her because he knew it was something humans did when they were experiencing negative emotions. Over years, however, he had grown to enjoy the sensation of a hug as well and had noticed it could have similar effects like light meditation. Today the display of affection did not seem to calm Carissa because he noticed her body trembling and heard how she tried to hide her sobs "Do you wish to talk about the source of your discomfort?"

"Dunno" his clothing and body muffled her voice. He knew her well enough to be almost certain that she would start telling him about her sadness either way "I called Mum. B-because of Jer, you know…" she slightly lifted her head to look at him but then pressed her face against his upper body again. While he understood that it calmed her down, he thought it was illogical that she was trying to hide herself away and did not look at him while talking. "It's been worse than I thought. She told me that he's jumped off a bridge… I mean apparently he's been suffering from depression for years and no one told me! And I feel so sorry for his mother, my aunt, because she's already a mentally unstable before and also her clinical history is quite long and her ex-husband is a really sick asshole from what I heard. And now her son just killed himself. I'm sure that helps her whole condition… in fact, no one knows what she's up to. Because apparently my Mum heard of Jer's death through friends of my aunt… it seems like she hasn't even told them herself and no one can reach her. As if that isn't bad enough, Mum also told me that it was my fault that Jer died because he wanted to join Starfleet and he got rejected. She said if I hadn't left, also Jer wouldn't've wanted to go to Starfleet"

"Carissa, neither your cousin's choice to join Starfleet nor his rejection are your fallacy"

"I know that but… if I had like called him once or tried to learn with him or something he could have joined too… Besides, my Mum also yelled at me because I said I'm not sure if I can come to the funeral. She told me I didn't care about my family and she even insulted you and said that I was getting emotionless just like you. I've considered going to the funeral but if she thinks like that about me… I don't even know if I want to go now"

"I understand your reasoning but I doubt your mother truly thinks you are responsible for your cousin's suicide or thinks negatively of you for joining Starfleet"

"But I also fear that if I go back, Mum wouldn't allow me to leave again. Especially when she's seen Erik and all. Besides, what if there's no ship that can bring me back to Yorktown when I want to go back? On the other hand, it would be nice to go back to earth… I could also visit Lucie and Nicole if they're on earth at the time. But what if I don't want to leave anymore myself?"

"It is your life and should you prefer to stay on earth you are free to do so" she looked up at him again

"But what about you?" of course, this was a valid point and if he was honest he did not want her to stay on earth. At least without him "I mean it's not just us who would be separated but Erik and you too. And you know how much he needs you and wants you. He seemed so totally bummed out when you were on multiday tryouts. And on earth he'd even be at a place he doesn't know"

"I am aware of this. However, it would be inappropriate of me to tell you what you are required to do. If you wish, I can accompany you to your cousin's funeral" after all his superior at work had ordered him to take a few days off in the following weeks so he was certain he could leave at such a short notice.

"You'd do that? I mean, you don't need to come just because…" she broke off "I don't know because you feel it's your duty"

"No, the reason I have offered to accompany you is because I wish to be there for you and our son" she started smiling and kissed him

"That's sweet" she let go of her blanket and dropped the heating pad before she stood up

"Where are you going?"

"Checking out how we get back to earth and then pack my stuff"