"I was unaware you played an instrument...though...given that music in its most basic form is math...It does not surprise me." Vivan commented, running her fingers along the wood of the Vulcan harp on the shelf.
"Yet you spend time in my mind." Spock took up the instrument and began to pluck.
"I'll rephrase- while I passively came into the possession of the knowledge that you play an instrument, I had not yet consciously contemplated it."
"Interesting." He continued playing, finding the soft melody of a Vulcan folksong.
She became humming along, before recognizing the song and starting out with the lyrics.
"I could similarly say that I knew, factually, you sang. I had yet to be fortunate enough to hear your voice." Not only was it sweet, in a lower but still feminine register, but she seemed to employ Vulcan musical practices. Even when he ad-libbed a little, her link to his consciousness and her quick wit allowed her to follow with ease.
The song ended and Vivian clapped. Spock raised his eyebrow and nodded in approval. The collaboration strengthened their bond and the rhythm of the music felt somehow romantic.
"Perhaps we could perform together sometime," Vivian's mouth curved upward on one side, her eyes lingering on his.
"Yes..." He returned the harp to its original place, "Perhaps." Her shift in energy was apparent to him, and her eyes invited him forward. While neither consciously admitted it, both had been keeping track of the days since the Rugalan fever outbreak. Following her own medical guidance, today was the first day she would be in the clear to return to 'normal activities' including, but not limited to, submerging herself in water, inserting feminine products, and engaging in acts of intimacy.
Spock closed their distance and leaned down to join their mouths. She seemed receptive, eager even. While this was becoming a more common occurrence, something in the way he pressed her towards him let her know what was about to happen was a much less frequent occurrence. In fact, nothing similar had occurred since they left Vulcan.
"Kirk to Spock," A communicator buzzed on the nightstand.
Spock exhaled with what only Vivian knew to be frustration. He wasn't due at his post for another half-hour. "Forgive me." He kissed the top of her head once before his personality shifted. As he picked up the device, his face became harsher, and his body became stiffer. "Spock here."
"Meet me in the transporter room. We'll be beaming down momentarily."
"Copy Captain, on my way." He closed the device with another sigh.
"Leaving so soon?" Vivian pouted her lower lip slightly.
"Unfortunately." He sat on the edge of the bed to pull on his boots. "Ironically, it was Kirk who taught me the crude term for this such situation."
"Oh?"
"I believe his expression was 'cock block.'"
A small chuckle rattled in her chest, "Ironic indeed...He of all people should understand what a disservice that is to a man...Will you be back tonight?"
Spock nodded, offering two fingers to her which she returned.
"Be cautious on your mission...I await your return."
No new courses, no new orders. Pavel Chekov twisted back and forth in his seat with boredom. The Captain and First Officer had beamed down for a diplomatic mission hours ago. While their safety was fortunate, Chekov grew tired of watching them orbit over the planet. He finally remembered that he'd been waiting for an opportunity to talk without his superiors looming behind him.
"Lieutenant Uhura," He span in his chair to face the woman. "You hear a lot running communications, don't you?"
"Hm?" Uhura pressed a button on her panel before turning toward him, "I suppose I do. Why?"
Chekhov grinned, "Commander Spock...Who is his vife?"
The words caught Sulu's attention. "There's no way he's married...unless he and Kirk ran off together in secret."
"He's a private person...but I guess since other people saw her, there's no harm. Her name's T'Pring, she lives on Vulcan. She's...stunning-"
"I did not know Wulcans vere polygamists-"
Uhura's brow wrinkled in confusion, "They most certainly are not. What're you talking about?"
"No, no- his vife on ze Enterprise."
"Chekov, are you feeling alright?" Sulu put his hand on his shoulder.
"I'm fine!" He sighed, "Ven ze Rugalan fewer outbreak happened, Commander Spock took ower for ze Captain but Dr. McCoy did not vant him to. He tried to get him to go into ze quarantine zone and he said, and I quote, 'but she's your vife'."
Sulu laughed, "Maybe YOU had the fever."
Uhura sat up a little straighter, "Come to think of it...I vaguely remember something like that...Yes, Dr. McCoy and Mr. Spock were arguing quietly about Mr. Spock not going somewhere. Dr. McCoy was very angry with him...You're sure he said WIFE?"
"Positiwe...I suppose then I am on my ovn to figure it out."
"I wouldn't advise you meddle in the personal lives of your superiors." Sulu warned.
"Of course not," Uhura nodded, "But if you happen to find out..." She mouthed, "Let me know." Wink.
The men returned safely, per usual, and this time, just in time for dinner. Kirk went through his checks and logs after, and decided to venture down to the engineering deck to ensure all was well before the night shift took over.
"Aye Cap'n, I've got a wee question for ya," Scotty approached him, nearly shouting over the humming of the machines.
"Alright Scotty, shoot."
"I'm gettin' a strange magnetic readin' from somewhere inside the ship."
"Is it disruptive?"
"No, I don't believe so. It's just strange is all."
"Well...try to pin-point it."
"Will do, sir."
"Soon as you figure that out, get some rest, alright?"
"Yes sir, and same to you."
Previously, Spock had preference as to whether he was on a planet's surface, on the bridge, or in his quarters. On this day, however, he craved returning to his quarters. Despite the illogic of the thought, he recognized he felt as if the day passed slower than usual. The meetings drug on, then the diplomats insisted upon formal recreation activities, then Kirk insisted they work over dinner and catch up on their logs immediately afterwards.
Spock let go of some of his usual tension as he opened the door to his quarters. Steam flowed from the open door into his space as did a sweet, floral smell of shampoo.
"I have returned." He announced, removing his boots and overshirt. Often, after returning from an alien surface and being decontaminated by Enterprise crew, he still insisted on his own decontamination procedure in his own shower. He discarded his undershirt and pants in the slot in his bathroom. Even over the rattling of the shower in the other suite, he picked up on a tune being hummed- the one that had been sung that morning. The sweet sounds and smells brought a subtle smile to his tight lips.
His interested piqued, he stepped through the portal into the other suite to peak around the corner. The smell was stronger and the sounds were louder, but, even more fascinating, she'd elected to leave the door open. Through the haze of the steam and the condensation on the glass shower door, he could make out the unmistakable curvature of his mate. His eyebrow raised in intrigue as he watched her wash herself. Every time she turned or stepped, the vibrations shook her chest and gluteus region. His fascination made itself apparent in his hardening groin, which he first cursed himself for. Quickly, he remembered, however, that this wasn't an irrational response. This was his physiology behaving how it should in the presence of the opposite sex, programmed to do so for the sake of the species. He also remembered a conversation they had regarding intimacy one night following intercourse in his bed on Vulcan. While Vivian wasn't usually fond of surprises, she'd specifically noted that sex was one context in which she appreciated spontaneity.
Without removing his eyes from her, he stepped out of his undergarments and proceeded into her bathroom. Seemingly, as he entered, the shower stopped and the door opened. When Vivian's eyes fell on him, her eyebrow raised.
He'd caught her off guard, in a situation in which she hadn't been trying to arouse him. She had no makeup, nor fanciful hairstyling, jewelry, nor clothing. Instead, her skin glistened with moisture and her hair hung in wet strands down her back. Inexplicably, this somehow aroused him further. It was natural, raw, vulnerable even. As her eyes scanned him, she awaited his response.
Without verbalization, he stepped forward, backing her into the shower once again. While his eyes drank her in, one of his hands arrived at the side of her breast, and gently following the curve of her waist down to her hip where it settled. The other hand first closed the door behind them, then turned the shower back on. The hot water pelted his lean back and began to slick his hair to his forehead. His tall form seemed to hover her, almost sheltering her from the water. Biting her lip, she pumped more shampoo into her hands. When she kissed him, she ran her hands run up and into his hair. The suds ran down between them, slickening their bodies. He took that time to actually stop, find soap, and begin to wash himself.
The mission went well?
As he turned away from her, she pressed her forehead into the center of his back.
It was both uneventful and successful. I assume your day was productive.
You can be the judge of that when you read the new chapter of my new manuscript later.
Spock nearly leapt when he felt her squeeze his muscular buttocks. He whirled around to face her, but his surprise turned quickly into sharing the amusement she experienced.
Men's backsides are unappreciated. I appreciate yours.
I would expect you to understand that a male's buttocks is not a feature that is indicative of his fertility potential. The opposite is true for women.
His hands reached for hers.
True, however, a muscular rear on a male can suggest power or stamina in regard to his ability to thrust.
Indeed. I will demonstrate said action momentarily.
As he arched his back to rinse his hair, her eyes wandered to his abrun. She became curious, and decided to attempt something they hadn't previously attempted- at least not together. When he closed his eyes, she slowly knelt in the thin layer of bubbly water. Her hands rubbed his thighs as if to give him a warning.
He opened one eye and immediately swallowed hard.
I understand this is an act human males often request, however, I do not require it of you.
Understood...however, I would like to perform the action...I think you might enjoy it.
His body twitched in response and she took the slow nod as an approval. Her hands easily glided along his length, but she could easily ascertain that he was attempting to maintain control of himself. She accepted the challenge, teasing him briefly with her tongue, but again not receiving the response she craved. When she relaxed her jaw, and almost swallowed him entirely, his entire body shuddered. Forcing her eyes up as far as they would go, she saw his brow furrow with need. AS her head began to bob, some soft sounds escaped him. Unintentionally, one of his hands braced himself on the wall while the other wound into her hair.
He was baffled by how something so undignified could be so pleasurable. Her willingness to delve into Vulcan sexual taboos and her desire to taste him, stimulated him beyond comprehension. He found himself thrusting into her mouth, causing a series of unreasonably enticing sounds. Once he got close to a climax, he reached back and turned off the water.
Your skill is fascinating, but I am not yet ready to end this encounter.
Spock pulled Vivian up and off of him to open the door. She slipped out, and, before he could protest, stopped at the counter. For a second, she touched her hair in the mirror, and made eye contact with him through the glass. With a sort of smirk, she raised her right knee onto the counter and let it slide, opening herself to him. A millisecond later, the warmth of his chest cradled her back. His breath tickled her neck as his hand followed her outstretched leg. The same hand found its way back, this time on the underside of her thigh to brush her center. She hissed. He shivered.
Reaching between them to join their bodies was unnecessary, as he was painfully firm. His hands seized her hips as he impaled her, evoking a small cry. Her hypothesis regarding the shape of his gluteus was correct, as he was relentless in his pounding. Each thrust resulted in the sound of the violent collision of flesh and the jostling of the bathroom hardware. As she gripped at the sink for stability, she became aware that she could see their reflection in the mirror. His eyes read as animalistic, and that amplified her pleasure, which amplified through him again. He watched the same image, intentionally moving harder or at a different angle to provoke a visual response from her. When her hormones surged and her brain warned him of her imminent climax, he felt a flush of pride mixed with his own ecstasy. When her shaking and gasping peaked, he withdrew as to erupt onto her leg instead.
In the trembles of the aftershocks, he cleaned her leg with a towel, then returned her foot to the ground. She turned to face him, allowing him to lean her into the counter as their fingers twirled together.
I missed you.
And I, you. I love you.
And I, you...Why did you empty yourself elsewhere?
I was uncertain as to your feelings regarding another pregnancy.
Considerate...I have yet to ascertain them for myself.
Then until you have, we will act with caution.
You wish to engage in intercourse for recreation?
In one of your writings, you suggested intimacy was a language of its own, reserved for lovers. I agree with your hypothesis and find it to be an efficient method of communication and expression of affection. Is this acceptable to you?
Yes...In fact, I hope we 'communicate' frequently.
The following morning, Scotty joined the Captain and Dr. McCoy at breakfast.
"Good morning Mr. Scott."
"Mornin' to ya, Captain, doctor." He nodded at both men without making eye contact as he sat down with his tray.
"Did you solve the mystery of the strange energy field?"
McCoy furrowed his brow, "What strange energy field?"
"Last night Scotty told me he was getting a strange reading from somewhere in the ship. Have you located it?"
Scotty didn't look up from his plate, too interested in stirring his oatmeal. "Aye."
"Well, where was it then?" Kirk urged.
"Uh...it was uh...Dr. Vida's room sir."
McCoy chuckled, "Hate to break it to ya Scotty, but V's research doesn't involve magnets."
"Did you ask her what it was?"
"Uh...well no sir...I didnae."
"Why not? Was she already asleep?"
"Well...uh...gee I hate to talk about a lass like this, and 'specially with her bein' so respectable and all..."
The previous night, Mr. Scott tracked down the location of the strange field to the life sciences deck, then down the hall into the residential area. He followed the small beeping of his device past door after door until the beeping speeded up in front of one- Vida. It didn't make sense to him, but he double checked his tricorder and it was functioning perfectly.
In front of the door, he raised his hand to knock but hesitated. It was late, and he didn't want to wake her. As he began to walk away, he noticed a soft thumping sound on one wall. He shrugged, considering that maybe she was awake and hammering on something. Carefully, he put his tricorder to the wall and his ear to the device. The soft thumping was actually a loud crashing, repetitive and rhythmic. Accompanying those sounds were the moans of a woman in the thralls and the grunting of a man.
Scotty jumped, nearly dropping the machine. A blush began in his chest and grew up through his cheeks. Swallowing hard, he shook his head and blinked before walking away rapidly.
"Get on with it." McCoy gestured.
"If ya ask me," Scotty's blush returned, "...She was takin' a right proper shaggin'."
McCoy nearly spit his coffee.
Kirk grinned, "To steal a phrase...fascinating." He exchanged glances with McCoy who groaned and rolled his eyes. Scotty excused himself shortly thereafter, presumably to find a corner in which to die of embarrassment. "Well Bones, looks like Spock's back in V's good graces...among other places..." He drank his coffee smugly and made a mental note to use the information to tease his first officer later.
Despite the discomfort of his first investigation, Scotty set off once again to find the source of the strange currents. His tricorder led him to the same spot, but, fortunately, no sound came from the other side.
"Dr. Vida," He knocked on the door, "Its Scotty. Are ya there?" As he expected, she wasn't home- likely working in her lab. He could've, of course, ASKED her about the energy source. Because he didn't know her particularly well, he still had a hint of suspicion that she might be up to trouble.
Using his master codes, he bypassed the door's lock and entered. "Aye lass, nice place ya got here." He smiled as he sniffed the perfume in the air. The pretty pink decor only distracted him momentarily, so he quickly returned to his work. The device's pitch increased as he turned to a doorway.
"What the hell's this?" He mumbled as he touched the edge of the entry. Without issue, he found the pack installed on the wall which was the source of the energy. Familiar with such a pack, he recognized this kind of portal. Although she hadn't alerted him about it, it technically wasn't against the rules and it wasn't interfering with anything mechanically. With a shrug, he turned to exit her room. As he considered her motives for wanting a portal, he thought back to the night before and put two and two together. A portal WOULD make it easier to access a lover from another deck.
Scotty surrendered to his curiosity and peaked into the other room, which was too dark to be discernable. "Hello? Anybody in there?"
When no answer returned, he tip-toed inside. There were no identifiable images in the room, and he didn't recognize any of the artifacts on shelves. He smirked when he saw the other door, realizing if he exited that way, he could read the name plate. Slowly, he opened the door, peeking around the corner for any witnesses. There was no one there. Eagerly, he left the room and eased the door shut. Nothing could've prepared him for the name on the plate: Spock.
"Ah for fuck's sake!"
Chekov was reasonable, rational even. It only took him an afternoon to narrow down a list of suspects, though if he'd really thought about it, it should've taken significantly less time. Regardless, he had a prime suspect and intended to ask her. She would undoubtedly be more open about it than he would. Besides, she fit the bill: a female in the sick bay at the time of the Rugalan fever outbreak. He'd even heard Kirk and McCoy joke about her long-held crush on the Commander.
"Nurse Chapel," Chekov beamed as he entered the sickbay to find her alone.
"Mr. Chekov," Christine stopped her work making beds, "Are you feeling alright?"
"Quite vell actually...I vas vondering if I could ask you a personal question."
She sighed and crossed her arms, "Listen Chekov, you're a sweet kid, but you're WAY too young for me-"
"No, no, you misunderstand." He crossed his arms with pride, "I vould newer ask out a married voman."
"Married?" She laughed, "Mr. Chekov, I'm not married."
"I know about ze secret, and don't vorry. I von't tell."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
He laughed, "You're Mr. Spock's secret vife!"
She rolled her eyes, "VERY funny Chekov."
"I'm not kidding! During ze Rugalan fewer outbreak, Dr. McCoy and Mr. Spock argued on the bridge. Dr. McCoy vanted him to go see his vife. I heard it myself."
"I'M not Spock's wife. VIDA'S Spock's wife." The words came out quickly with spite towards Chekov's presumed teasing and jealousy of the aforementioned couple itself. The look of shock on the boy's face reminded her that that wasn't her information to share. With a sigh, she pressed her hand to her mouth, "Goodness, I'm sorry. I should NOT have said that."
"MR. SPOCK IS MARRIED TO DR. WIDA?!"
"Shhh! Keep it down."
"Since VEN?!"
"SHHH! They got married on Vulcan last time we were there, but, you know Vulcans. They're private people-"
"I'll say! Zey don't liwe togezer. I'we only seen zem talking VONCE."
She shook her head, "Like I said, it's a Vulcan thing. None of us HUMANS will ever understand."
It seemed that one by one, the crew became aware of the romantic relationship involving the only two Vulcans on the ship. Sulu even found out for himself, having accidentally bumped into the couple in the kitchen. Earlier the same day, he'd been on a planet's surface at the same time as Dr. Vida, who he rarely had the chance to interact with. When the planets inhabitants offered them a meal, she mentioned that while the Enterprise's food preparation mechanisms were unrivaled in efficiency, she missed cooking for herself. They'd bonded over the similar sentiment, as Sulu described to her how his culture viewed food preparation as an art form. He reminded her that while choices were limited, there were some unreconstituted foods in the small kitchen and that she was welcome to cook for herself at any time.
Vivian, inspired by Sulu's earlier commentary, decided to cook for herself and her partner that night. Upon sharing Sulu's commentary with him, Spock agreed to work beside her.
"I am largely unfamiliar with the culinary arts, but always interested in learning." He noted as he looked over her shoulder.
"Spoken like a true academic." She began chopping vegetables, "On Earth, some couples consider cooking together a date."
"I can understand how working together to achieve a common goal can strengthen bonds and promote romantic intentions." Carefully watching, he matched her movements with the knife.
"I planned for a vegetable curry, if you find it to be satisfactory."
"I do. I appreciate your forethought."
She placed her hands over his to demonstrate the movements, but then lingering, enjoying the touch. As they moved the vegetables into a sauce pan, she playfully took a cube and held it towards his mouth. This mimicked the way he'd offered her fruit on Vulcan.
He raised an eyebrow in intrigue, gently biting the food from her fingers. As he chewed, he picked up a bite and reached to put it in her mouth. She smiled and opened her mouth to allow it, then sucked his finger as he pulled it out.
"Fascinating...A finger is not an erogenous zone, yet I find myself stimulated."
"Hm? And what do you plan to do about it?" Her eyes flashed with mutual enticement.
"Perhaps, after the meal...we retire to our quarters for the duration of the evening."
She stirred the pan, leaning over the stove slightly to poke out her backside, "Oh? And what might I expect then?"
His head bobbed with consideration, "You prefer auditory stimulation, I've noticed. Very well," He stepped behind her, leaning into her. His hands landed on her hips as his nose nestled in her soft, fragrant hair. One hand slid down to her thigh and then up her skirt. Her head rolled onto his shoulder prompting his lips to turn to meet hers.
Although they hadn't noticed, this was the time Sulu arrived in the kitchen to prepare his own dinner. His eyes bulged as he realized Chekov may have been onto something.
"Oh my..." He whispered to himself in shock as he slowly backed into the hallway.
One evening, after Vivian warned him she had a sample processing and would need to work late, Spock took his harp to the recreation deck with him. He wasn't yet tired, as the day had been uneventful, and he had received several remarks from crewmembers about how much they enjoyed his musical stylings. It had been a while since he'd taken the time to play for his friends, so when he began, word quickly spread through the ship and drew a small crowd. Lieutenant Uhura occasionally joined in vocally when a tune appeared that she recognized.
In between sample processing, Dr. Vida appeared to check out the commotion. They seemed to be in between songs when she arrived, hearing the chatting and applause from the hallway. Sensing her presence, Spock addressed her before the others noticed her.
"Dr. Vida," He began strumming again, "Are you familiar with this tune?"
Her eyebrow raised as she named the tune, "Yes, I am." She started humming along, reading the invitation from his eyes. Her humming turned to singing as she moved through the people towards him. The crew reacted with surprise, unaware of her presence and her musical ability.
Uhura quieted, unfamiliar with the song. She relaxed, enjoying Dr. Vida's melody and how it melded so seamlessly with his. It seemed almost, rehearsed, but she doubted that either took enough time away from their posts to actually rehearse. As she watched the two interact, her brow furrowed in thought- remembering what Chekov had mentioned. If Spock DID have a secret wife, the only other Vulcan on the ship could be a reasonable suspect. Not that he ever really smiled, but he did have a look of amusement, maybe. His eyes were brighter than before. She realized, on the whole, he seemed to be in a better mood or at least more expressive for some time. Playing through her observations in her mind, she tied the positive responses back to a particular event: the gala at Spacedock Earth. She settled into her hypothesis that Spock had something going with Vida and worked out how to figure it out for sure.
At the end of the song, Vida took a slight bow with the applause. She glanced at the time on her device.
"This was a pleasant experience that I would appreciate repeating at some point. At this time, my samples are ready, so I will excuse myself. Commander Spock," She nodded.
He returned the nod and put down the instrument. Recognizing that the music had ceased for the evening, one by one the crew disappeared elsewhere. Only a few remained when Spock picked up his harp to leave.
Uhura leapt at the chance to catch him off guard, "That was lovely Mr. Spock...Your wife has a beautiful voice."
"Certainly, she-" He cut himself off and raised his eyebrow at the woman who beamed.
"Sorry, I just had to know. I'm happy for you! Really, I am!"
"Noted," His lips pressed tightly together as he made his exit.
