RECAP

Spock and Uhura have been seeing one another almost on a nightly basis discussing xenolinguistics and her senior research project. At times, there appears to be something between them, but nothing has happened. They meet in the library, the local café, and at times a vegetarian restaurant. She can't help but admire his choice in words, his sarcastic witty comments at times (even if he doesn't realize the humor), and his eyes. She feels as if there could be something more than simply friendship, but how?

THURSDAY NIGHT

Spock and Uhura walk back to her dorm after discussing the subtle difference between Boq and Boq in Klingon. They discuss the words' etymology, the difference between the noun and verb, and if such a word was regularly used since it means "ally" or "make an alliance." They reach the front of the dormitory, and there are many students passing. They come slowly to a stop, but they move to the side of the building. They don't wish others to gawk or assume anything.

Uhura: Thank you again for listening tonight.

Spock: There is no need for thanks. For it is my duty to hear your thoughts as your advisor.

Uhura: I understand. Most professors would simply hold office hours or exchange long emails.

Spock: True, but I find the best results are yielded from in-person conversations.

Uhura: I agree.

There is an awkward pause and they shift from looking at each other to their feet. There is a strong cold breeze and Uhura shivers in response.

Spock: You appear to be cold Lieutenant Uhura; do you require additional warmth?

Uhura: I'm fine.

Spock: You are certainly not. Cold breeze could lead to illness and illness would impair your academic performance...

He removes his coat and puts it around Uhura's shoulders.

Spock: There! There's no point in arguing. You know, I am always right.

Spock says with the hint of a smile on his face.

Is this him flirting?

Uhura: You are? Are you?

Spock smirks somewhat cockily, but it is subtle. It is only the years of teaching and weeks of intimate time that Uhura can start to read his emotions even when they appear to be non existent to everyone else.

Uhura: So I don't need to bring up that one time in class when I corrected you about the pronouciation-

Spock: Ah, yes... that. I see; I retract my joking boast of being always right. I, of course, did not mean it literal.

Uhura: Of course, I apologize for being rude.

Spock: There is no need to apologize.(pause) So...where does your roommate believe you have gone off to this time?

Uhura: The library.

Spock: Again?

Uhura: Yes, it is practically my second home.

Spock: And why again, do you not simply tell her the truth?

Uhura: Because she will be...well, she will...

Spock: She will..what, Lieutenant?

Uhura: She will take our professional relationship and insist there is something more happening between us.

Spock: More?

Uhura: slightly annoyed, she turns away and starts walking Something Romantic. I know, I know, it is preposterous and simply rid-

She looks back expecting Spock to be nodding with her or simply not caring. But instead she turns around to have him inches away from her.

Uhura:Oh, excuse me. I am sorry.

She steps back and feel her footing misstep. Her foot has hit a root and she starts to fall.

Spock does not miss a beat. He grabs her by the shoulders and they both freeze. Anyone passing by would assume that they were dancing and he was dipping her, but that was not case. It only appeared this way. They were in such an incline that you would have thought that their incline was near impossible to achieve, but then again a Vulcan's strength is ten times that of a normal man's.

She stood there unsure if he would drop her, but at the same time she enjoyed the suspense of not knowing. She could see the surprise in his eyes that he not only save her from tripping, but that he didn't care to stand them up straight- right away. They lingered in this position. He stared at her quite alarmed as if he was not in full control. She knew it was impulsive and reckless, but she couldn't think of anything else.

Kiss him, kiss him now, KISS him, COME ON...do it.

It took everything within her not to listen to the voice. She just stood there while he seemed to contemplate something.

Uhura: Thank you, Spock, for not letting me tr-

Before she could finish her sentence, he lifted her up so that they were standing straight up. His hands moved from her should to her waist in the process and their bodies were touching. She was unsure what was going to happen.

This is my teacher. A man I respect and admire. A man I trust to be honest and logical. A man who would never lie to me or use me as others had. A man...no. He was a Vulcan. Did that matter? No. Of course not. I find myself attracted to him not who or what he was.

Their breathing had intensified. It was as if they had been running a marathon and only now had taken the time to catch their breath. She had never seen Spock this way. What if something is the matter? Was he hurt? She was about to speak when he beat her to the punch.

Spock took a step backwards and removed his hands.

Spock: Uhura...(he cleared his throat), I mean, Lieutenant, are you alright?

Uhura nodded.

Spock was fidgety. It was as if he didn't know where to put his hands until he resolved that behind his back was the best place.

Spock: Well, then I will take my leave.

Uhura was a bit confused. She was a loss for words when he nodded and started to walk away at a hurried pace.

Uhura: Spock!

Spock stopped in his tracks. His hands still behind his back. He did not turn and so she went to him. And when she approached he did not look or turn his head to her.

Uhura: Thank you. I am sorry if I did not-

Spock: No, it is I that should apologize. I did not mean to...um...to hold you in that manner for that long. Forgive me.

Uhura: No, don't apologize. It's okay. I mean... I didn't mind.

Spock finally and quickly looked at her.

Spock: You didn't?

Uhura: No.

Spock: Well, either way...it is inappropriate. I shouldn't have done it. I do hope this will not change our professional relationship, Lieutenant Uhura?

Uhura sighed deeply.

Spock: Is something wrong? Have I offended you?

It seems like he cares, but I can't tell. He is always confusing me. I am just tired of this. We have these moments that seem so intense and right, but then he goes Vulcan on me. ER! If he would only be himself...

Uhura: No. I am fine. Here, please take your coat back. I won't be needing it anymore.

Spock: You can keep it till we see one another next. I have no need for it, while I have scarcely seen you with a jacket ever.

Uhura: No, take it.

Spock: If you insist.

Uhura: I do.

But he does not take it.

Spock: It would appear that I have indeed upset you. Your eye contact has decreased and your demeanor is most hostile. What ever did I do?

Uhura looked at him. Her face relaxed, the jacket in her hand lowered closer to the ground, her shoulders shivering, and she thought about what she was going to do. But within her first thought; she decided thinking is...getting us nowhere. I need to know.

She moved closer to Spock.

Spock: Lieutenant?

She placed her index finger on his lips.

Uhura: No more words. Let me speak...

She then took her hand slowly dropped it to where his heart was. She knew he had a Vulcan heart; which would be near liver.

Uhura: I don't know what is happening between us. But, I find myself unable to study or think or function without you first coming into my head. I know it isn't right, but I find myself-

Spock moved his hand over her hand and slowly lowered off of him. He leaned forward so that they were touching and embraced her.

Spock: Uhura. (he left off lieutenant- is that a good sign?) I don't know how to feel this way. I have never felt like this before. I-

Spock looked at her and he held her face within his hand.

Uhura smiled and was almost on the verge of tears.

Uhura: Shut-up and kiss me.

Spock seemed surprised at this. And looked at her confused. There was a pause. After a while,silence and awkwardness set in.

Uhura: Or not.

She chuckled. I am such a fool. I am so stupid.

Uhura: Sorry. Too much. Forgive my impulse. It is late. And, I must be very tired.

She removed herself from his loosened embrace and his odd expression.

Uhura: Good Night. Mr. Spock.

She dropped his jacket and started to walk away.

NEXT TIME:

Will Spock chase her? Will he let her go and think about this? Will he ask his mother her advice? Will he consult codes and regulations to make sure it is against the rules? Will his Vulcan logic win? Or his Human emotions?