The Vulcan couple stepped onto the stone porch of the hacienda-style, Texas estate. The whole building was decked in white lights, with additional light coming from the windows. It smelled as though meat had been roasting outside.
"Have I mentioned that my family hugs often? My father is familiar with and respectful of our other traditions, but my stepmother forgets." Vivian pushed the doorbell.
"Thank you for the warning."
As if on cue, the door flung open. "Mira, mi amor." Luz, a grey-haired woman whose tan skin had just begun to wrinkle, leapt forward at her stepdaughter. "You're more pretty every time I see you." Her accent was thick. "And who is this handsome young man eh?"
Spock cleared his throat. "Hola, soy Spock de Vulcan. Soy un comandante de Starfleet. Gracias por invitarme a su casa."
"Oye, hablas espanol. Que bueno." She moved to him and kissed his cheek. "Oh yeah, sorry." She stepped back and attempted a Vulcan salute, "It's hard because my fingers don't want to do like that. But come in! Come in!"
Vivian turned to Spock, "When did you learn conversational Spanish?"
"I informed you I intended to make an effort. I have by no means mastered the language, merely memorized a few essential phrases."
Inside the home, Spock could immediately discern why the pomp and circumstance of his family didn't intimidate her; she had also clearly grown up affluently. He could also identify that even her human heritage would be considered biracial.
"Father?" Vivian called as they rounded the corner into the kitchen.
"Amorcita!" A tall man turned away from his stirring on the stove to embrace her. "I've missed you! I'm so happy you made it home this year." He had a full head of grey hair and a matching beard and wore a red button up and glasses.
"That would be thanks to this man. Father, this is Commander Spock of Starfleet."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Dr. Vida." Spock almost extended his hand expecting a handshake.
Instead, the male Dr. Vida stepped back and provided a proper Vulcan salute. "The pleasure is mine, Commander Spock. Welcome to our home."
"Hey V! You're back!" A younger male ran forward to hug her.
"Tonito, meet Spock." She squeezed him back. "Spock, this is my younger brother Tonito."
"Oh cool, you're a Vulcan too." The younger man went for a handshake. In their exchange, Spock learned he was an undergraduate engineering student. Despite the significant age gap, the difference in their aging physiology made them appear to be peers. He was then sent with him to deliver luggage upstairs.
"So, how long have you been fucking my sister?" The boy asked nonchalantly.
"Vulcans keep such personal matters private."
"I don't care or anything. 23rd century and all that. She's a grown ass woman." As they headed down a long hallway, which Spock assumed was the bridge to the suite above the garage which Vivian sometimes occupied, he continued. "I just have to give the obligatory brother speech. So, you hurt her, and I'll kill you-slowly. Like cut your nuts off and put them in your mouth so when your family gets it, your nuts are in your mouth. Got it?"
"That threat is oddly specific."
"Yeah I got some cousins who are like, real cholos you know. But she seems happy, so that's good." He parted strings of beads hanging from the doorway and slid her suitcase inside. "Make yourself at home."
The room hosted a strange juxtaposition of objects: a quincenera doll painted to look Vulcan, a teddy bear with teeth like a sehlat, sugar skulls, trophies for academic achievement, advanced science textbooks, and family photos. Double doors in the back opened to a bedroom, bathroom, and closet, far less decorated. The blush tones and silvers and minimalism were more reflective of a Vulcan female.
The family had grilled meat for dinner, but Luz surprised the vegetarian aliens with plant-based sausages to accompany bread, pickles, and slaw. Vivian updated her family on her new experiences with Starfleet and her research, without disclosing her near death experience or pregnancy loss. Spock fielded questions about his title, background, and work. He managed to maintain conversation by asking her brother about his studies and her father about his research. Dr. Vida's career in genetics and evolutionary biology was what inspired Dr. Vida to pursue population dynamics and reproductive health sciences.
"If the mission is over in the coming months, what are your subsequent plans?" Dr. Vida, the father, had hopes his only daughter would return to Earth.
Vivian sipped her water, then cleared her throat. "Well...The Vulcan Academy of the Sciences has offered me a professorship in addition to lab space and research funding. The high council wishes for me to continue my work on the planet's surface." She looked to Spock for encouragement to continue speaking.
"I will be returning to New Vulcan as well to begin a career as a diplomat. Recently, I purchased a land parcel on which I plan to have a home constructed." Through their eye contact, he asked for permission to address the elephant in the room. "This would be a spacious home of course...with room for offspring..."
"We're getting married." Vivian blurted out, "Well, we are already bonded in the Vulcan sense. The koon-ut-so-lik will occur in approximately six months, to be immediately followed by the koon-ut. At that time, I will be moving into the aforementioned home. I intend to persuade the high council to permit you all to attend." His fingers brushed over her grip on the glass.
Reading the room, Spock continued. "We have also, recently, considered having a human ceremony in addition to our Vulcan rituals. This would be more accessible to this family as well as our other human companions and colleagues."
"I saw the ring when you came in, but I didn't want to ruin your surprise. It's beautiful. You did a good job buying it Mr. Spock." Luz cut in with a large smile, almost prompting Dr. Vida to say something. "Congratulations! We are SO happy for you both! Yes, love?"
"Holy shit. Congrats V. Uh...Welcome to the family I guess dude..."
"Vivian," Dr. Vida began and his anxiously gripped at his cutlery. "Before last week, I did not know this man existed. This has progressed quickly, has it not?"
"It has." She conceded.
"Your mother wanted to promise you at age seven, but I wouldn't allow it. Now you tell me you have arranged yourself-"
"Is that not what humans do? Arrange themselves?"
"Their laws are harshly binding, mija, you know this. And with the family being powerful, there will be high expectations. I just...Forgive me Spock, but your people, they don't feel anything. They pride themselves on not feeling anything and mija, that's not you. You try to do that, but I've seen you happy and I've seen you hurt, so seeing you tie yourself to a man who can be neither- it just doesn't make sense."
"On the contrary, our partnership is quite logical. We have the same current and future goals. Our backgrounds are strikingly similar-"
"Dr. Vida, if I may." Spock interceded, "I understand that from a human perspective, the Vulcan lifestyle can seem daunting. I do not expect you to understand our customs, but I would appreciate your respecting our customs. Additionally, I would like to note that our Vulcan arrangement was made months ago. I have spent deliberate time with your daughter, getting to know her, and have since determined that arrangement to be insufficient for expressing our relationship. For this reason, I performed the human ritual of a proposal earlier this evening...After my mother perished, my father shared with me the reason he chose her: he loved her. It is for the same reason, I chose Vivian."
Sometime later, Vivian led Spock back up the stairs to her suite. "There is a guest suite if you would be more comfortable."
He read that she almost jested with him, understanding fully what his preference was and having the same one herself. "Your chambers provide deep insight into your childhood."
"Mm?" She shut the door behind them and began discarding jewelry onto her vanity. "And do you find such insight satisfactory?"
"Endearing, even." Following suit, he began removing his shoes and cufflinks.
"I was also satisfied, this evening, with our announcement. I believe my father processed the news as well as he was able. You made a compelling case, which I thank you for."
"Indeed. I do anticipate their participation in the activities surrounding our union."
"As do I. Will you help me?" She put her back to him, motioning for the zipper of her dress. His hands maneuvered it down, a finger brushing her back gently, producing a shiver. He exhaled when he saw the clasp of her bra- a navy color with lace.
Control- it is a garment meant to restrict naturally occurring fat and estrogen- which would otherwise inhibit motion and daily activities- which will eventually serve the purpose of nourishing offspring.
He's aroused. "How much time and effort to you typically expend dampening arousal?"
Vulcans do not share such sensitive information. She knows this. Then again-
We are mates, after all. I find it more efficient to engage in self pleasure and move on.
"I do expend energy in the endeavor of avoidance, yes..." She also experiences arousal at this time but there is no justification to act upon such urges. But who is it I am trying to demonstrate this discipline to?
Yourself. Sexual activity can serve important roles outside of reproductive efforts such as partner bonding, communication, recreation, stress relief, exercise even.
"I have considered...however," Instigate and assess her response. He brushed her hair away from her neck, "If it would not be more efficient to act upon such impulses, quickly, and return to my duties." If her hypotheses are correct, perhaps engaging in intercourse would be logical...if she consents... He kissed the crook of her neck.
I consent. She leaned back into his body and into his touch.
Carefully, he slid the dress from her shoulders and watched it crumple onto the floor. She has anticipated this, as I suspected. She desires me in the same way I desire her.
With a shaky breath, she turned to face him. Her hands swam under his sweater, working to pull it over his head. The turtleneck ruffled his hair, which she instinctively reached to smooth. Her hand fell, forming a V. Watching her, he stepped out of his pants before matching her hand. Their hands stroked each other, taking time to move over and learn each knuckle. That crackle of energy returned, but instead of fighting it, they attempted something new- surrendering to it.
They struggled, balancing the human eagerness with the Vulcan patience. Moving toward the bed, they systematically eliminated each item of clothing until nothing was between the two. With each item, one seemed to hold their breath, waiting for the approval of the other.
Satisfactory? She asked, once fully displayed before him.
His hand settled into the small of her waist, then slid down her hip. Your form is most attractive.
Her hand touched the center of his chest and slipped further south. There was dark hair present, but it was not coarse and did not protrude far, somehow seeming symmetrical. He could be described as lean- not 'skinny' per say, but not 'muscular' either- which she found to be ideal. Her fingers made contact before she'd intended, surprising her with how far up his lok curved. I've never bedded a Vulcan male before. She was, however, familiar with the reproductive system of a Vulcan male through academia. She knew the testicles only protruded during intercourse, as opposed to sagging below like with humans. He radiated heat too, which she had also not expected.
Satisfactory? He echoed with a raised brow.
Quite. You are already prepared.
With such a partner, it is not a difficult endeavor.
She was pulled closer to him and lifted slightly to be laid on the bed. Her eyes pleaded him up the bed and he rested atop her. Their arms tangled around each other, their lips doing the same. Their shared sentiment wasn't exactly put into words but was summarized with: finally. Finally, no emergency alarms sounding, no Captains issuing orders, no pressing to-do list. This was not a stranger an arrangement had been made with, forcing their action. This was not a human fling doomed by species loyalty. This was someone both chosen by the individual and reinforced by their society.
The thought crossed Spock's mind that he would much rather be consummating their relationship now, in private, than following the koon-ut. While there would be no literal spectators, the way the couple often left the affair was suggestive. It would include pressure and a burden of purpose. He also appreciated that he could introduce- reintroduce- himself to his soon-to-be wife before he began a rage-fueled slave of the plak tow.
Vivian had similar thoughts, additionally citing how the situation was preferred. She knew that they would be expected to conceive- again - following the koon-ut. For now, that pressure didn't exist. She could learn him, his body, his behavior, without worrying about conception; she'd placed herself on an oral contraceptive regimen. He relaxed at that thought, having a mental question answered to put him further at ease. While it was not logical to ponder the past, she wished this had been their first time together. Then again. The aggressive, hormone heavy alpha male that mauled his in her own exam room was hardly the same careful male who's fingers caressed her slowly now.
She wrapped her legs around his hips. For a moment, he experienced a memory from a few weeks prior. He knew she had recovered physiologically, but he stopped to search her mind, ensuring she was alright. As his forehead leaned into hers, he received confirmation. She reached between them to assist him in making the connection. This time, it wasn't a collision. He maneuvered forward, painstakingly, as she shifted to accommodate his entirety. Their breathing patterns changed in sync, as their noses brushed each other. With one arm, he supported himself, as to not crush her with his full weight. With the other hand, he reached two fingers up to her temple. She reciprocated.
Open your mind.
We move together.
My mind to your mind.
Your thoughts with my thoughts.
The two merged further, conjoined by both mind and body in a way neither had experienced before. The energy buzzed between them once again, now stronger. When he moved, he felt the sensation he was accustomed to, heightened, as well as another; a pleasure of being entered. She felt his movements inside of her, but something new too; a sensation of being stroked. Through their mind meld- they experienced both sides of pleasure- male and female simultaneously as one. Their hands returned to exploring each other as their bodies found a rhythm to share, beginning to produce sighs and soft groans. Each motion was amplified, meaning little force was required for intense results. It could've been hours, or perhaps just seconds, as time became irrelevant. Instead of a desperate dance of grunting animals, this was almost a meditation of sorts.
Her hand ran through his hair, finding a grip in in. Her other hand clung to him, attempting to stay somehow grounded in reality. His hands sought grips on her hips which rocked up to meet him and digging into her thigh. Uncertain of the new sensations, they progressed into the unknown together, surpassing a higher height than could have previously been achieved without causing an overload. When they finally catapulted into pleasure, synchronously, it began with intense silence and tension- the moment the color of the mushroom cloud appears before the sound follows. The sound of the explosion followed in moans and rattled exhale, accompanied by full-body tremors. The ecstasy echoed, spurred on by the surge of the other. Instead of centering on the reproductive organs, the pulsations shot up the spine and left through the scalp with any remaining tension the body held onto. The rattling lasted several moments before beginning to dissipate, leaving the pair a pile of jumbled limbs and mental gelatin- struggling to regain their senses.
In the following days, the couple decorated a tree, beginning with the calculate of the area of a cone so that ornaments could be evenly distributed. In observing them, the parents couldn't help but notice how they moved in sync and seemed to carry on entire conversations without exchanging a spoken word. Tonito was baffled by how much this military officer's mannerisms mirrored that of his sister. He always considered her a human, being that he was afraid she would be singled out if he recognized her alien side. Now, alongside Spock, she was unmistakably alien, but also not alone.
When the extended family arrived, Spock was intrigued to see both elderly individuals as well as infants. Given life expectancy, it was rate to see Vulcans in such combinations. It fascinated him to see Christmas films, some several hundred years old, and their primitive animation styles. In regards to the food, he found most Christmas treats too sweet but appreciated Mexican hot chocolate. He found it amusing that in Texas, often even the vegetables had bacon or cheese cooked with them.
The ugly sweater party went well. Spock enjoyed hearing the neighbors recount stories from his fiancée's childhood. He joined her in the kitchen and learned to participate in the art form known as Christmas cookies. They attended a cousin's church Christmas pageant, which resulted in Vivian having to explain to Spock how human children are not held to the same musical standards as Vulcan children. After viewing the performance, he somewhat understood what she referred to as "the cute factor". He was, however, thankful that their future children would be brought up in Vulcan schools.
Spock attended his first Catholic mass alongside his wife, and while he was most certainly not Catholic, he could appreciate it from an anthropological perspective. He did consider himself a deist, however, believing in a higher power without understanding much about it. Something in that Cathedral cast a sense of awe over all in attendance. Vivian thought very similarly but honored her family's traditions. Although she had seen the nativity scene on a regular basis throughout her lifetime, something about it read differently to her this year. She empathized with Mary, despite not being teenager, or a Hebrew, or a virgin. Mother of the New World. She wondered if that's how Mary felt; proud to be chosen but intimidated to be part of something so much larger than herself. The phrase weighed heavily on her. Without having discussed it, Spock came to a similar conclusion. He was both pleased to be of service, but also wary of the significance; satisfied playing the Joseph to Vivian's Mary.
On Christmas eve, Spock was gifted a pair of pajamas to match the rest of the family. While he said thank you, and attempted to feign interest, he realized his interest was genuine. Even with the generic adult male gifts he received unexpectedly on Christmas morning, he felt thought-of and included. Although he did not express it, the welcome he felt made him dread the eventual departure. When they did depart, he made it a point to shake the hands of both men and provide Luz with a hug. He insisted that once the home was completed, they come visit New Vulcan.