"And this is the bedroom. The bathroom is to the right."
Spock's bedroom overlooked the courtyard gardens and pool. Most of the walls were glass, other than the one the bed sat against which was stone. Occasional wooden shelves held vases, books, or minimalistic artwork. The white bed and warm neutrals reflected the rocky desert outside. Canvas lanterns softly illuminated the room.
Vivian found her bag, as Sarek said, on a luggage stand at the foot of the bed. She collected her smaller cosmetics bag and headed to the bathroom.
She sighed with relief as she saw an enormous, in ground tub. "I don't think I've had a true bath as opposed to a shower in years."
He followed her into the bathroom and started the hot water. She opened her mind, offering to let him rifle through the events of her past two days while she brushed her hair and put it up. At the same time, she took in his interaction with his father and his concern of potentially losing her. She squeezed a bottle under the spout, which foamed into a mess of bubbles and herbal scents.
Staring silently at the water and enjoying the warmth, he zoned out, only regaining attention when his sensitive ears caught the noise of fabric hitting the floor. His eyebrow raised as she slipped into the water. In his mind, he felt the tension slip from hers. He felt pulled to her again. In part, the bath itself was quite inviting. Her body, peeking occasionally through the bubbles, once again appeared as a renaissance painting of a fairy or goddess. The sense of contentment and relaxation in his companion also worked to draw him in.
Spock stood and began to peel away his layers of clothing before dipping himself into the tub. Her eyes opened when the water reacted to the new presence and a smile curled at the edge of her mouth. For a moment, he debated whether to approach her and when he did go to her, he knew it was the better choice. His forehead rested on hers for a minute. She kissed the tip of his nose, which somehow could be both playful and sincere, then rested her head on his chest. Her arms ran up his back, gently pressing them together. His arms wrapped around her waist as he set his chin atop her head. It wasn't unspoken words they exchanged so much as energies- relief of the outcome of the day.
He caught a glimpse of their reflection in the water and marveled at the paradox that was love: something tradition and modern practices made so complicated but only needed to exist in such a simple, natural state. Of course, they were complex, intelligent beings who were well matched in career and every other contemporary context, but at the heart of all of the complication, they were a male and female gratified in their union. They kissed and caressed in the water, washing themselves, each other, and almost playing. They learned that, in just each other's presence, they could let down the walls of discipline they maintained the rest of their waking hours.
"While your bone structure itself is handsome, I find that when you wear an expression of joy or amusement, you are particularly attractive."
"I see...well I reserve such expressions for notable occasions." He took her hands and pulled her with him to the stairs to get out.
Vivian had other plans. She pushed him down so that he sat on a step, thighs just above the water. Still holding his hands, she put one knee on either side of his legs. Spock kissed one collarbone, then the other, then buried his head in her chest to enjoy the rhythm of her breath and the warmth of her chest. The first kisses were soft and sweet as she ran her hands through his hair. He shifted to a nibble, a nip, and sucked until the skin turned green. She moaned quietly when he took a nipple in his mouth. When she began to sink, he gripped her thighs with expectation. Instead, she sat on his knees and let a low chuckle rumble through her chest. He groaned pleadingly.
Finally, she nodded and braced herself on his shoulders. He reached between them to adjust so that she could slide forward, onto him. His head came to rest in the space between her neck and her shoulder. She shifted her hips, causing him to shiver. It turned into an experiment of learning the ways she could move to produce friction: raising and lowering herself onto him, sliding forward and backward on his legs, and shifting her hips in any direction. He learned his own range of motion and discovered that he could maneuver her by gripping her thighs or driving her hips. It became less methodical, less scientific the more they gave into pleasure.
The climax was different this time. Of course, the same intense connection and pleasure were there, but this wasn't violent or quaking. This build was slower and calmer and lead to a release that involved the expulsion of any tension remaining in either of their bodies or minds. Perfectly relaxed, they slumped into each other, the counterpressure keeping them upright. They stayed tangled and kissing for a few additional moments before cleaning up and draining the bath.
Spock tucked his towel around his waist as he stood at the vanity. Vivian, meanwhile, only held onto her towel long enough to dry. She took down her hair and brushed it out before tending to deodorants, lotions, and other cosmetics.
"Is the kitchen downstairs fully stocked?"
"It should be, yes. Do you require a midnight snack?"
"I do," Her face read as satisfied as she disappeared from the bathroom, still without her towel. A platter had, at some point, been left on the counter for them.
Suvik carried the platter of fruits and cheeses across the courtyard, accompanied by the younger dvinsu; about nineteen and fourteen standard Terrans years old respectively. Soon, he would graduate from his apprenticeship under Sarek and find a home of his own. He would take on a job in government, exchanging his student title for something more formal. It was a time for excitement, but also anxiety, and as a young Vulcan he wouldn't be allowed to express either.
He agreed quickly when Sarek asked that he take food across to the guest house, as he enjoyed interacting with the Commander. Additionally, he appreciated meeting Dr. Vida and had an interest in speaking to her further. So were the views of his younger companion, much earlier in his career and education.
"Commander Spock?" The dvinsu called as he knocked gently on the door.
"It is possible he is asleep already."
"Indeed." He sighed but opened the door anyway. "I will place the platter on the counter so that they will find it in the morning."
"Logical."
As explained, the boys dropped off the food in the small kitchen, which happened to be located directly under the bathroom.
"Suvik, I can hear voices, indicating they are in fact awake. Should we greet them?"
Suvik motioned for the other boy to be quiet as his ears tuned in to the voices. His eyebrow raised in both realization and curiosity as he pulled his companion back into the courtyard with him.
"Why did you depart suddenly?"
"To maintain the Commander's privacy. Did you not hear..." His voice trailed off as he noticed the innocent confusion on his friend's face. "I believe the couple is presently engaging in coitus."
"But there was no ritual-"
"It is unrelated to the Pon Farr...While it is not commonly spoken of, some do engage in coitus in more frequent increments. Humans often consider copulation to be recreational, and, considering their human heritage, I am not surprised."
"Fascinating."
Suvik started the walk back to the main house, "Have you read any of Dr. Vida's publications?"
"I have not. Medicine is not my area of interest."
"She also discusses public policy...She means to begin a...campaign of sorts to encourage Vulcans to reproduce more frequently to grow our population."
"Given that information, I will avoid entering Mr. Spock's quarters when Dr. Vida is present."
"As will I." Suvik made a mental note to seek Spock out before they left again.
Coming down the stairs, Spock puzzled at the newly arrived food, "I thought I heard the door open."
"Likely one of the boys," She shrugged as she bit into a pear, the juice slipping down her chin. Her finger caught the drip and returned it to her mouth. Fruit in hand, her long hair serving as her only covering, she looked like a depiction of Eve in the garden. "Still clinging to your towel, I see."
"I have never encountered someone so comfortable with their own nudity."
"Interesting...I do find Vulcan beliefs on nudity to be somewhat paradoxical."
"How so?"
"We often study anatomy, art, and recognize and appreciate the body. At the same time, we're supposed to be modest in dress. It would be one thing to prance about nude, seeking attention or to provoke arousal in inappropriate contexts. However, being comfortable with one's own form is a level of peace and acceptance I find to be quite Vulcan in nature."
"A valid conclusion." With somewhat of a smirk, he discarded his towel. He bit the other side of her fruit and let her soft hand wipe the juice from his chin.
Following their snack, they went to bed together. In the darkness, she curled into his chest and let her fingers twirl the small patch of hair there. Despite the intention having been going to sleep, they spoke softly.
"Did you ever ask your future self about his mate?"
"I did...However, he never truly answered any of my questions as he was cautious of not influencing my decisions as to not impact my own future." He reflected back on that particular conversation. It had been one held over a video conference, one of the few he was permitted. Were it not that it sounded too arrogant, he would say he considered that version of himself to be a mentor.
"Ambassador Spock, before you depart..."
"Speak your mind."
"I recently...ended a relationship...with a human woman. Given our numbers, I feel an obligation to our people to choose a mate of Vulcan descent."
"Mr. Spock, I am willing to provide neither approval nor disapproval. Your decisions are yours alone."
"I anticipated such a response...What information are you willing to share regarding your own relationship experience?"
His eyebrow raised in interest as he paused to consider the question for a moment. "I had a mate...a woman who was my equal in all regards and...who brought me...immeasurable joy...She understood me in a way I did not think was possible...You may find this partner and be more or less satisfied than I was, you may find another partner entirely, or you may decide that a life of solitude is most appropriate. I am only able to hope that you are fulfilled in whatever choice you make."
As Spock shared the memory with Vivian, another slight smile emerged. He nestled his nose in her hair and kissed the top of her head.
"I did not anticipate coming across another Vulcan-human hybrid...For you to exist...For me to find you...And for us to be compatible in so many ways...You understand me in a way I did not think was possible...I love you, Vivian."
"And I love you, S'chn T'gai Spock." She tilted her head up to meet his lips.
I could not fathom who else he could have been referring to.
Then I existed in his world too...I wonder what their-OUR life was like...
Our future is undetermined...but I am cautiously optimistic.
A small chuckle rattled in her chest before she finally sighed and closed her eyes.
After they finished their meditation and meal the following morning, another individual joined them in the guest house.
"Greetings Commander Spock, Dr. Vida," Suvik bowed his head slightly. "I've come to retrieve the platter so that I may wash it along with other dishes."
"Proceed," Spock didn't look up from his reading or teacup.
"Good morning, Suvik," Vivian nodded, "The refreshment was enjoyed and appreciated."
"As was its purpose...Can I help you with anything else?"
"Not presently," She shook her head, "Although help with baggage later in the afternoon would be useful."
"Affirmative, doctor." The adolescent lingered a minute.
He must require something of you.
"Suvik, do you require something?"
"No...Well, I do not require anything...but I wondered if I might have a moment of your time, Commander."
Spock and Vivian exchanged glances.
"That is feasible, as I have belongings to pack. Excuse me," Vivian bowed her head slightly as she took her leave upstairs.
"Speak your mind."
The boy approached, "Forgive me in advance sir, for asking about personal matters, but my male companions are all of my year. I have no male cousins and I am the eldest of my brothers. I thought broaching such topics with you, another male closer to my age whom I hold in high regard, would spare me having to have such a conversation with my father."
You are correct in your assumption. I believe he seeks guidance on our biological cycle.
Then teach him. You were once young and ignorant.
"Go on."
"I am to be bonded in the coming year. The one chosen for me is a family friend. We grew up together as platonic companions, but now..."
"Do you not find the female to be satisfactory?"
"Something has shifted. I regard her...differently than I once did. She is quite satisfactory both as a companion and...well I- I find her attractive physically."
"You are fortunate then."
"And I understand...biological mechanisms...but...I've never experienced the plak tow. The uncertainty is anxiety-inducing."
Spock's eyebrow raised in amusement, "You remind me of a younger version of myself. I too was anxious and unsure approaching my first Pon Farr. Fortunately, the hormones are such that when the time sets in, the worry is eliminated. You will likely become physically warmer and experience a faster heartrate associated with an adrenaline increase. Your thoughts will become less clear and you will experience impatience and agitation until...the matter is resolved."
"I do not wish to harm her."
"You are not a threat to her. Through the mind bond, she will experience the same aggression you do. Additionally, as you become aware of her thoughts you will likely find that she was similarly concerned. Your bond may even be strengthened through this shared experience." Which would be preferable. Given your age and inexperience, it will be a much shorter encounter than either of you anticipates.
Spock, do not tease. You once stood where he did. Now would be an ideal time to discuss my suggestion.
"Suvik, for many, the first experience is...shorter in duration than anticipated. HOWEVER, if you are interested in the girl beyond serving your obligation, it would not be unheard of to repeat the process at a later, unspecified time...I find that...If a male focuses his efforts on ensuring a pleasurable experience for the female, his odds of repeating the encounter increase."
Well said.
"Logical...I knew you would be able to offer wisdom."
"Certainly...And if you require further guidance on any number of matters, I would be willing to speak with you again."
He nodded, stifling a smile. "That is appreciated, Commander."
Only a short time passed before it was time for the couple to return to the Enterprise.
"Peace and long life," Sarek saluted the couple as they arranged their baggage to be beamed up.
"Live long and prosper," They both returned.
"Father," Spock nodded.
"Spock," Sarek returned, "Vivian." He found himself unexpectedly pleased by the familiarity. He enjoyed her presence and now considered her not only a colleague in the realm of Vulcan policy, but a family member and companion.
"Sarek," She nodded before hesitating. "Sir? May I make an odd request?"
His eyebrow raised, "Proceed."
"You are familiar with human customs. We have taken steps toward familiarity. In such traditions, I wondered if I might embrace you briefly before departing as a display of affection and respect."
Spock froze, almost bracing for impact. What are you doing?
Trust me.
When Sarek nodded uncertainly, Vivian stepped forward to hug him. She felt him relax and even return her squeeze. Her suspicion was correct: Sarek had not been held since Amanda's death. She hoped that by phrasing her idea as a favor on her behalf, he would indulge her, and he did. In reality, she indulged him, providing the human affection he'd grown accustomed to but now lacked.
Although he hadn't verbalized it, in a way, Vivian did remind him of Amanda: emotional but balanced, headstrong, nurturing, and affectionate. Her actions filled him with gratitude and warmth. A sense of satisfaction settled in his core knowing that his wife would have approved of their new daughter.