Author's Note:

Here's another chapter for you guys. Once again, a big thanks for all of those who had read, reviewed, and rated the previous chapters. I hope that you'll enjoy this like the others.

As always, please review and let me know on how you feel about the flow of the story.

Chapter 5: Till your mine

It was a month before the end of the term. They survived not seeing each other – in the intimate way – for months, and now they were a month's close from being free and being able to start a relationship.

Spock had secretly read several books and articles about Human and Betazoid cultures when it comes to courtship. He wanted to take a formal route to their relationship. Victoria on the other hand tried to treat him in the most professional way she knew in order not to rouse any suspicion on their true relationship.

(*_*)

"Incoming Transmission from Victoria Deveraux"

Christopher Pike had an inkling feeling on the reason on why Victoria was contacting him now but he doesn't want to assume so he answered the transmission and waited for the subject to come up.

"Good Evening Victoria."

"Good Evening Chris."

"So, what could I do for you?" He asked looking at her young face.

"I rather not say it on a transmission…Is it possible for you to meet me at 'Rosas Place' in about an hour from now?"

"Yes, I'll meet you there."

As the transmission ended Pike smiled to himself as he recall the same incident with his other friend a month before.

(*_*)

Pike sat down and looked at Spock curiously wondering why the Vulcan wanted to talk to him. It was very unusual for Spock to initiate this form of communication unless there is a dire situation waiting to be addressed.

"So what is it exactly that you want to talk about Spock?" He asked casually looking at the young man with curiosity.

"Captain Pi—" Pike cut him off smiling lightly, "It's Chris or Christopher since we are not on Starfleet duty. There is no need to be formal Spock."

"Of course. As I was saying Christopher, I recently found myself in a predicament that I don't seem to put a grasp if I had made the proper decision or not." Spock for the first time found himself unable to explain clearly what he wanted to say.

"Ah, does this concern Miss Victoria Deveraux?" Pike smirked as he took a sip of his wine and as he looked at Spock who seems to be uncomfortable while trying to process what he wanted to say.

Spock on the other hand became relatively concerned on the reason why Christopher Pike knew about his relationship with Victoria.

"Yes, it does concern her person…"

"Let's hear it then."

"When I first met her during your invitation at the Andromeda Club I felt unnaturally drawn to her. I tried to ignore it as she was my student and I was her superior, but last September I followed her at the same place and at the end of the night I found myself…bonding with her. We talked about the whole situation afterwards and decided to discontinue our entanglement with each other momentarily but after the term ends and she would no longer be under my command we plan to…resume…our previous engagement."

Pike could see that talking about the whole thing made Spock really uncomfortable and nervous since he could read it in his voice and the unnaturalness of his formation of words which is kind of un-Spock. He was a little bit disappointed about the lack of control both Victoria and Spock exhibited but on most part he felt happy and glad that Spock had finally found a lady that he could 'confide' with.

"Ah, I see." He paused and tried to look serious, "…and why are you telling me this?"

"I want to pursue her. And I need your advice on whether the loophole we've found on the Starfleet regulations is valid enough to deflect and refute future troubles with the Academic Council."

"Hmmm…This kind of relationship, though very unusual, is not non-existent. There were some cases where teachers and student relationships had crossed the line of professionalism. The loophole you've found is quite true, however if you really want to pursue this relationship and would not want to get any trouble with the Academic Council might I suggest the following actions: first, Victoria and yourself must go to the Academic Council itself to inform them of the nature of your relationship. Second, both of you must go to the medical bay and get clearance from the head medic there as per Starfleet regulation rule on Interspecies relationship."

Spock was relieved that Pike wasn't distressed or emotional about the situation that he had presented.

"I do understand and I would comply with your suggestions."

"Yes…Another thing though, I know that you understand the severity of this situation that you've entered and if your relationship is to be accepted by the council I couldn't secure the reassurance that other people would have the same acceptance. So Spock I will remind you to be discreet on this relationship, not a lot of people would be able to understand, so do not give them reasons that they might misinterpret and use against you and Victoria."

"I understand and I am grateful that you did not resent and Judge Victoria and I based on our impulsive actions."

"Spock, I admit that I was quite disappointed at first but you are both adults. And I believe that you and she is really suited for each other. It was bound to happen anyway, sooner or later."

(*_*)

Rosas Place is a very sophisticated and private place, the only ones who can enter the place are those well known, high paying and high profile people. It was no wonder that Victoria was able to book a place there since the 'Rosas Place' is one of the establishment that the Deveraux clan owns.

Christopher Pike walked to the lounge of the establishment slightly feeling out-of-place as he looked around and saw men on tuxedos and women on evening gowns.

"Sir, may I help you?" A man, which he guessed is about seventeen years of age, asked.

"Yes, I believe there is a reservation for Miss Victoria Deveraux." He replied.

"Oh yes. Lady Deveraux is expecting you. Right this way sir." The boy led him to the second floor and onto a private VIP room.

"Captain Christopher Pike." Victoria stood from where she sat and saluted her friend.

"Victoria." He in return acknowledged her presence with a smile before sitting down opposite to her.

"So…what seems to be troubling you? I know that you just don't call to check up on things."

Victoria sighed and pressed several buttons on the order PADD that was given to her.

"Well…I hope that you'll keep an open mind on what I am about to confide to you." She took a deep breath and looked at Pike.

"Go on."

"It's about Commander Spock and I."

"Ah, so that what this is all about." He gave her a knowing look which Victoria replied with a raised eyebrow.

"I started a relationship with him, and as far as Starfleet regulation is concerned we cannot be prosecuted if I am not under his command therefore—"

"Therefore you decided to momentarily discontinue the relationship and wait till term ends. A fantastic loophole I must say."

She almost gaped at him. "How the hell did he knew that?"

Seeing her reaction he chuckled and continued, "Spock already talked to me."

"Oh. Is that so?"

"Yes and to avoid repetition you should probably talk as soon as possible after the term. I had already fixed the documents to present the Academic Council, recommendations and other data's you must know. I'll just send them to you and Spock so you could complete it."

Victoria just stared at him still shocked.

"Okay, since I've already eased you of the job of telling me about your luscious affair with your superior can we now order the famous 'Rosa Pasta', Admiral Marcus said that it's very tasty."

Pausing he looked at her and gave the most gentle smile. He looked at her as if he was his own daughter, he and her father had been best friends in the Academy, therefore, he wanted to help and protect her as much as he can like his friend would do.

"I'm happy for you and Spock."

"Thank you."

They spoke no more of the topic and talked about politics and democracy. She was pretty relieved when she got home, a small smile etched on her face.

(*_*)

Spock looked at the documents that Captain Christopher Pike had sent him. He knew he had to talk with Victoria about his meeting with his colleague. As he thought about her a warm feeling came thru his heart.

"24 days, 8 hours, 34 minutes and 15 seconds. That's all that remains till you're mine."

R&R