-AN-

Phew! This ended up being a long chapter! Pretty fluffy. The next chapter will be quite a bit more serious! Well here you guys go, hope you enjoy it. Thank you so much for all the encouragement and corrections you all give me. I really need it :)

-Spock-

As soon as she entered her dormitory building, I allowed my body to relax. Never before had I felt so stressed by simply being in the company of a single entity. The fact that I had not anticipated seeing cadet Uhura did not help to ease my nervousness around her. The interaction seemed to go well. She even thanked me for the advice I had given her. However, except for the key points of the conversation, I could not remember what we had discussed. For some reason my brain kept reliving her image over and over again even though she had left only 48 seconds ago. My senses were bombarded with everything that embodied cadet Uhura. Her scent was especially strong and kept popping up in my olfactory system. She smelled like fresh fruit and honey. My eyes closed as I experienced the wonderful scent. In the middle of the occurrence I felt a sharp sense of alarm emanate from the bond. My eyes opened and I gazed in the direction of its origin. Cadet Uhura had spotted me from her room's window and was now hiding behind her curtains. I realized that I had been standing there in the middle of the night for well over 6 minutes. To avoid drawing further suspicion I vacated the premise as quickly as I could. It was not my intention to alarm her, I simply lost track of time.

Upon arrival at my quarters I decided to meditate to clear my mind. I was grateful that my incense burner was already prepared and my meditation mat was out as well. I lit the incense and came into lotus position on my mat. Instantaneously I felt a sense of clarity wash over me. Vulcan meditation techniques were extremely effective for clearing one's mind. I began internally reciting the teachings of Surak while retreating deeper into my subconscious. After 12.3 minutes I was fully submerged into my own mind. I could see my bonds surrounding me; each with their own distinctive color. My mother's shone a bright pink and floated about carelessly. Father's bond on the other hand was very dim and gray, I assume this was because of our decline in interactions. Even the miniscule bond that was forcibly held between my betrothed T'pring and I was visible. I observed these bonds momentarily before being dragged into the hidden innermost corner of my mind that held Uhura's bond. Although I knew it was futile I attempted to steer clear of that recess in favor of less provocative areas. Unfortunately, during my retreat I caught a glimpse of her bond, it was orange and bright.

How befitting that it was orange; just like the form fitting dress she wore tonight. Though the dress was restrictive in movement it was remarkably aesthetically pleasing. The cutouts were placed in such a way that 18% more of her smooth skin was shown then in a standard human dress. The garment itself had been cut short, but this was advantageous for it allowed optimal viewing of the cadet's long legs. Her legs took up approximately 57% of her slight body. My memories began to wander upwards and stopped to focus on cadet Uhura's mouth.

Her full lips parted, "Spock" she said.

I reveled in the memory. The way she said my name was no different from anyone else, but I wished for her to keep repeating it. My name had never meant more to me than a means of addressing myself until she spoke it tonight. Next to appear in my recollections were her deep brown eyes. On this night she had applied makeup to accentuate them, and it was successful. I had felt captivated to the point of being paralyzed when she first laid eyes upon me after exiting the club. Her eyes reminded me of another pair of eyes I had met. The insolent cadet's eyes. Never before had I been filled with so much rage. How could he possibly speak to her in such a manor? She who is light years ahead of him in every aspect. It was a travesty to think that he could behave so rudely towards cadet Uhura. She was mine and was to be treated with the utmost respect.

My meditation snapped and I was sucked back into the real world. What had I just thought? In the deepest sections of my mind did I really want her as my own? I stood up and aimlessly wandered through my quarters. Never before had I felt like this. It was a dangerous thought. Not only was I her soon to be instructor; I was also engaged to be married. Even if the marriage was a sham of a relationship and both parties wanted nothing to do with each other, I was still obligated to her. I wandered into my sleeping quarters and lay on my bed. My options immediately became clear.

Completely eliminate the bond between cadet Uhura and myself

Keep the bond but drop the xenolinguistics classes and teach the sciences exclusively to avoid all contact with her

Seek council from my mother on the matter

To my displeasure I found option three to be the most logical but embarrassing. It would have to suffice. Tomorrow I would send a holovid to my mother with the goal of gaining some valuable advice. I folded my hands over my stomach and hoped to find tranquility in sleep. Of course the opposite occurred. I assumed that it was the human half of me that was tormenting my mind with more images of cadet Uhura. I imagined stroking her long and sleek hair. I assume that it was soft due to its sheen and movement. Perhaps she would say my name again soon so I could hear her clearly enunciate each syllable. A smile was starting to creep upon my face.

This was not going to work.

I sat up and headed over to my desk. There were still 118 cadet forms to sort through. As sleeping was not an option, work was going to have to be my solution for finding some peace of mind.

-Uhura-

The next morning I was awoken by the sound of my door opening and closing while someone clumsily stumbled in. The clock next to my bed said that it was 5:14 am. I had hoped that I would be able to sleep in today. Guess that wasn't an option for me given my roommate. I groaned and rolled over in my bed, pulling the comforter over my head to create a cozy cocoon.

"Oh sorry Ny! I'll try and be quieter."

Of course it was Gaila. For the next twenty minutes I was forced to endure the sounds of her shuffling about the room. Finally after some oddly loud moments in the bathroom, Gaila finally went to sleep. My weary eyes closed and I was able to drift back into sleepy bliss.

"Hey. Hey Nyota. Want to get breakfast in the cafeteria with me?"

My eyes shot open, the clock said 7:30. "Good god Gaila don't you ever sleep?"

"Usually yes, almost excessively. But I don't feel tired, just hungry. Anyways its breakfast time and I know there's a replicator with your name on it." She plopped down onto my bed and began prodding me with one of her long green fingers.

"Gaila. Stop. Stop poking me." I was starting to get mad and she didn't show any signs of stopping.

"What's the magic words?" she sang.

"I don't even have enough credits to buy breakfast anymore, so just forget it."

"The food here is free for all academy members you know that right? You also get a free PADD too. Have you gotten that yet?"

I knew she was baiting me and sadly it was working. "Alright fine, just let me get dressed. My feet are killing me after wearing your shoes all night you know." I got up and went into the bathroom to wash my face.

"Oh about last night Ny, I'm so sorry that I left you! I didn't even know you were gone until around 2 am. How'd you even get home by the way?"

I could see her face in the mirror and it held genuine regret. Sometimes I wish I didn't have a conscious.

"It's fine Gaila, clubs just aren't really my thing. All that matters is that you invited me." I was lying through my teeth but her mood lightened substantially. "Also I walked home. I brought some flats with me so it was all good."

Gaila gasped and pretended to faint. "You walked home all by yourself in the dark? What if someone had jumped you? You are quite… easy on the eyes."

I made a face of disgust at her through the mirror. "C'mon Gaila I know at least basic self-defense. I would have been fine. Anyways I didn't go home alone, Commander Spock walked back to the academy with me since we were headed the same way."

Her mouth hung agape in shock. "Wait hold up. You walked home with the Commander Spock? Tall dark and pointy?"

"Yeah what of it? He was outside of the club when I left. Plus I met him at this convention thing a long time ago so it wasn't that weird or anything."

"I'm so jealous Ny. I saw him at the commencement ceremony and he was to die for. All the older cadets say that he's some kind of Casa Nova." She winked suggestively at me and I ignored it.

"Really? Does he actually talk to them?" I asked out of genuine curiosity.

"Well no not that I've heard of. I think it's more of how he doesn't talk all that much. It makes him mysterious is what they say. He also has that whole 'I'm half alien' thing going for him." She swooned and then go back on topic. "How was it walking back with the commander? Did he show you any of his Vulcan hand techniques?" She giggled at her own joke.

I gazed back blankly at her with a toothbrush hanging out of my mouth. I spat and rinsed before replying, "It was fine. I'd say he's more awkward and weird than foreign and mysterious though."

"Aw you're no fun. Maybe I'll take a stab at him, turn on the old Orion charm!" she squealed and rolled around on my bed.

"I highly doubt that your pheromones would affect him. Good luck with that though." I slicked my hair back into a tight ponytail and pulled on a black t-shirt and my gray regulation exercise pants. For casual clothing it was still pretty form fitting. "Anyways I'm ready to go eat and get my PADD, let's go."

"Fine miss grumpy pants I'm ready too. Maybe the commander will be at the dining hall and we can bug him!" She got off of my bed and began running circles round me.

"I highly doubt that Gaila…" I was never going to hear the end of this. To keep my head from exploding I began reciting pi; that always helped to calm me down.

-Spock-

"Spock? S'chin T'gai Spock? Are you awake yet?"

A mysterious voice was calling to me in Vulcan. My eyes opened slowly to take in my environment. What I saw stunned me. Nyota Uhura was in my quarters wearing a sheer white sundress. She was standing nonchalantly in front of my work desk with the morning sun illuminating her from behind. The light gave her a divine quality. Her dark hair was down and she was coyly playing with a strand of it in between her thumb and her forefingers. I opened my mouth to inquire as to why she was here, but she placed an index finger over her mouth. This was a human convention to signal silence. Although I generally did not enjoy being touched, it was quite different when she did it. I did not speak a word. Uhura bent down over the desk so that her face was only half an inch away from mine. Her sun soaked hair fell around her face and enveloped my field of vision.

"Spock" she said again. Slowly and quietly this time. Each syllable of my name lingered on her lips.

I felt an immense amount of pleasure from hearing her say my name again. Keep saying it. Please. My right hand reached out towards her smiling face. Just as I was about to graze her cheek with my fingertips a loud noise erupted from my immediate left. Startled, I glanced down at where the noise should be emanating from, but saw nothing unusual. With that issue dismissed my attention shifted back to Uhura, but she had disappeared.

BEEP BEEEP BEEEEP

I awoke with my head face down on my desk. My PADD to the left of me was signaling an incoming holovid. My body was covered in a cold sweat and I did not feel like answering a call unless it was absolutely necessary. The PADD's screen displayed a still image of my mother's avatar picture. What reasons could she have for calling me? I straightened myself out as best I could and attempted to hide the shame and confusion I was feeling so that I could effectively answer the call. Before answering I gave my room a once over to make sure the apparition had gone. Nyota Uhura was nowhere to be found. My fingers slid over my PADD and accepted my mother's call.

"Finally Spock! I thought you'd never answer." Mother said in a jovial tone, inferring sarcasm.

"I apologize mother. I was up late working last night and fell asleep at my desk."

She crossed her arms and made a face of general displeasure. "How typical of you to work between semesters Spock. Give yourself a break every now and again!"

"Is my health to be the main reason of your call?" I asked her. If she did not have anything of importance to say I would like to talk to her about my own issues as soon as possible. I felt famished and the cafeteria would only be open for breakfast for another hour and 17 minutes.

"No, no Spock. I am sure you are in perfect physical health. My call is actually to check up on your mental health. Are you finally ready to talk about that little bond you formed with that girl at the convention all those years ago?"

I snapped to attention and sat up straighter. "That bond was supposed to be personal and not visible to others. How did you come to be aware of it?"

She rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Spock dear, I'm your mother. I notice everything about you. I felt the bond the moment it formed, but I never felt it break. I just assumed that you kept it in that strange dark little secret corner of your mind that you keep on mental lock down. Also after that convention you became increasingly more aware of human emotions and expressions. Sadly you didn't really adopt any of them." She laughed quietly and looked straight back at me.

I began to fidget in my seat. Why did I not just communicate my issues with her telepathically? At least then I would have been spared her teasing looks. "Does father know about it?"

"I highly doubt it. Your father has never really been a perceptive man, plus the bond between you two has never really been all that strong. It's gotten even weaker since he began refusing to speak to you. So I wouldn't worry yourself too much with Sarek's views on things." She gave me a weak smile and then shifted in her chair. "So is this girl beautiful? Smart? Talented? What's her name?"

"She is in possession of all of these traits. Her name is Nyota Uhura and she is a new cadet at Star Fleet academy." I paused in thought for 5.8 seconds. "I wish to break my bond with T'Pring and become fully bonded with Nyota Uhura. What advice would you be able to give me on the matter?"

There. I had said it. The topic was out in the open and could be logically resolved. My mother's face scrunched up in an expression eerily similar to that of Professor Briggs'.

"Now Spock. You've only been around this girl since… When did the cadets get in?" Her face returned to a more natural expression.

"Yesterday." I replied.

"Oh dear… just yesterday? Spock listen, breaking off an engagement is a big deal. I'm about as fond of T'Pring as you are, but the marriage is very important to your father since he arranged it." Her tone sounded incredulous.

"I am sure of my decision."

"Well even though you're sure, I'm still not sure that this is the right choice. At least not just yet. Why don't we take baby steps first and see where this relationship goes. Have you told her about all of this yet?"

"Negative, I have not informed her. Also I fail to see how taking 'baby steps' will help in this situation." My mother was giving me puzzling advice.

"By baby steps I mean just taking it slow. Oh I know! Why don't you two start off as being friends? Since she's most likely going to be your student giving her a few years to get to know you wouldn't be a bad thing. Plus forcing your proposal of bonding onto a girl you've just met again is generally not socially acceptable Spock. Let's not do that."

I pondered her proposition. "Friendship is the logical first step towards a bond for humans?"

"Yes Spock. Make friends with her and then we can make a game plan from there."

"Thank you for your insight mother. Live long and prosper." I performed my goodbye and the Ta'al in hopes that she would drop the subject so I could eat and alleviate any further embarrassment.

"Peace and long life Spock. But just make sure you call me with updates. Otherwise I'm going to forcibly probe your brain for details." She grinned and waved at me before signing off.

Surprisingly, mother's advice had been sufficient. I would begin with friendship and see if the relationship progressed any further. Now that the issue of Nyota Uhura was solved, I had 41 minutes left to reach the cafeteria and eat before the staff took their break.

-Nyota-

Gaila insisted that we get breakfast before taking me to get my PADD.

"My stomach is going to start eating itself if we don't go Ny!" She wailed as we exited the campus. Her hands clutched at her stomach and she puffed out her cheeks.

I rolled my eyes and gave her a quick nod in agreement. It was too early to argue and some sweet pancakes did sound good. When we got to the cafeteria the place was packed. I guess we had come at a popular time. Gaila grabbed my hand and dragged me into a line for a replicator. After 20 minutes in line I was finally able to get my coveted pancakes. Gaila got some strange colored soup and a cup of coffee. We sat down together across from each other at a small empty table near the staff seating.

"Man, I didn't think I was this hungry but man do these pancakes smell good!" I smiled down at my plate; pancakes and a large helping of fruit. Just as I was about to dig in, I noticed that something was wrong. No syrup. I had forgotten to order the most crucial part of my breakfast. My head slumped onto the table and I let out a groan. There wasn't enough time to get back in line. My pancakes were just going to have to be dry.

"What'sa matter Ny?" Gaila sounded like she was ingesting her soup as fast as she possibly could. "You don't like you pancakes?" She slurped and made a satisfying gasping sound. "Man this is so good. Just like grandma used to make it."

Gaila jabbered on while I made no effort to respond. Then she went silent. I assumed she was now downing her cup of coffee. Although the cafeteria itself was noisy, it was still nice to have a break from her constant noise.

"H-hello Commander! What brings you to the..uhm cafeteria?"

Commander? Who was she talking to in such a stiff way? I lifted my head up from the table and saw Gaila with a bewildered face. I glanced to my right to see exactly who she was talking to. Talk about déjà vu.

"Greetings Cadet Uhura and Cadet K'allos."

It was Spock. He was carrying a large try of pancakes and was staring down at us. As usual his face held no expression. Surprisingly though he was in a more casual outfit; he wore a form fitting regulation gray t-shirt with black exercise pants. The exact opposite of me.

A green hand reached across the table to bring my face closer. "Ny he knows my name." Gaila whispered behind her hand excitedly. God, did she think he was deaf?

"Yes I am aware of your name Cadet K'allos. It is a pleasure to meet you." He answered her politely.

Gaila looked shocked but continued talking to him. "Well since we all know each other here how about you sit with us for breakfast?" She smiled and threw her arms out to show off our empty table.

He glanced at me and a tiny bit of emotion flashed across his face. Strange.

"Seeing as the staff tables are all currently occupied and this is the only available table in the vicinity, that would be the most logical choice." He began to put his tray down next to Gaila but stopped before he sat down. "My presence here does not hinder you Cadet Uhura, Cadet K'allos?"

I opened my mouth to reply but Gaila interjected. " Nonsense! The more the merrier. Sit down commander." Gaila pulled on Spock's sleeve and dragged him to the seat next to her.

Well this was awkward. Gaila was beaming and sipping her coffee while Spock and I just stared blankly at each other. At least now he could look at me without averting his eyes.

"How strange that you both got the same breakfast!" Gaila interjected. Thankfully she was quite good at breaking the ice.

"Yeah, a real coincidence Gaila." I cut into my dry pancakes and proceeded to place a chunk into my mouth. It didn't taste all that great.

"Here." Spock was holding out a small pitcher filled with syrup.

How did he know that I needed syrup? I shrugged and took the pitcher from him. It was way too early in the morning to comprehend the commander's behavior. However I was grateful for the syrup. I dowsed my pancakes in the sweet goodness and handed the pitcher back to him. Now they were so delicious that I would inhale them if humanly possible.

"Ugh Ny slow down. Why can't you eat properly like the commander here?" Gaila put a hand on Spock's shoulder and he visibly withdrew from her.

"Cadet K'allos I would appreciate it if you refrain from any unnecessary toughing."

I had to cover my mouth with my hand to keep from laughing. Gaila gave me a shocked look while Spock continued to properly consume his pancakes. It seemed that she had never before encountered someone who was immune to her charms. Apparently she had never met a Vulcan. To my disdain Gaila did not give up and was constantly bombarding the commander with questions.

"What's your favorite color?"

"It is illogical to favor one color over another."

"Which would you rather fight? A Drakoulias or a Mugato?"

"Neither would be preferable."

The questions went on and on and I just sat there and watched it happened while eating my pancakes. Spock was begging to show small signs of frustration. A twitch in his left hand, his right eyebrow raising ever so slightly. Once you saw the signs they were easy to spot. Gaila was becoming visually distressed by her efforts as well but much less subtly. Her cheeks were red and she put her coffee mug on the table quite harshly. At this point I should probably intervene; but it was just too entertaining to watch their banter.

"Alright Mr. Logic! Where did you meet Nyota?"

Spock looked taken aback by the question. Gaila put her hands on her hips triumphantly.

"Well Commander?" she whispered in what she obviously thought to be a provocative tone.

"I met Cadet Uhura in her homeland of Kenya in the United States of Africa. We were both attending a convention put on by the United Federation of Planets that was held at Star Fleet's Kenya base."

Gaila's eyes narrowed. "Hmm…your story checks out. Ny said the same thing too. Well that's boring! I expected something much more…interesting."

"I didn't think it was boring." I finally chimed in. Both of them turned their focus to me. I regretted saying that in front of Gaila. Her eyes began to twinkle and I knew she was expecting details of the story that were much less exciting than what she was imagining.

"No. I found it to be a far from dull encounter as well Cadet Uhura." Spock said and put down his utensils.

He avoiding eye contact with me again. Why couldn't we just have a normal conversation? Gaila's mouth gaped as if she were about to say something, but nothing came out.

"ATTENTION STUDENTS AND FACULTY. THE CAFETERIA WILL BE CLOSING IN FIVE MINUTES. PLEASE VACATE THE AREA AND RETURN TO YOUR DUTIES." An automated voice announced this over the PA system.

Spock stood up and grabbed his tray. "I must be leaving as I still have duties to attend to. Good day Cadet K'allos and Cadet Uhura."

"Oh wow thanks! It was nice chatting with you commander! Can't wait to see you in class." Gaila squealed while bouncing up and down in her seat.

If Vulcan's could show emotion, I assume his would be that of disappointment or dread for what was to come. Well that wasn't a very good note to leave on.

"Commander!" I shouted in the now incredibly loud dining hall. He turned back around to look at me. "Live long and prosper" I said to him in Vulcan and performed the Vulcan salute.

"Peace and long life cadet." He responded in Vulcan as well and held up his salute. He gave a small nod and was off.

I couldn't help but smile at his formality.

"How are you guys so buddy-buddy already? You barely talked to each other at all!" Gaila grumbled and grabbed her tray. I had forgotten that she was adept at xenolinguistics as well.

"I don't know Gaila maybe I am just exceptionally lucky." I stood up and placed my tray in the nearest receptacle. "Now let's go get my PADD already."

"Fiiiine lets go. But you better tell me everything about you and the commander!" She grabbed my shoulders from behind and rattled me. Gaila was by far the most difficult girl that I had ever encountered. This was going to be a challenging 3 years.

-Spock-

I had never been so frustrated in my entire existence. After I returned to my living quarters I had to immediately start meditating to calm myself. Anger. Obstruction. Defeat. The emotions I was feeling were my own, not cadet Uhura's. During my entire breakfast experience with cadet K'allos and cadet Uhura I was not able to detect our bond. I was slightly nervous and unable to focus on her emotions while mine were in an illogical turmoil. My internal plight was most likely caused by the fact that I was unprepared to be plunged into this high stakes social interaction.

The moment I entered the cafeteria I was bombarded by cravings for sweet food by Cadet Uhura's bond. I was able to use the staff partitioned replicator and skip over the large student lines. As I was ravenous my tray was stacked 7 inches high with pancakes. To accompany it I ordered a 6 ounce pitcher of syrup. Once my meal was ready I navigated through the throngs of students to the staff tables. They were all occupied. This was unfortunate. I scanned the room to see if there were any available seats in the student section.

"H-hello Commander! What brings you to the..uhm cafeteria?"

I glanced down at the high pitched voice that had addressed me. It was an Orion cadet. I recognized her from the applications. Her personality profile was too unstable to be considered for the Kobayashi Maru program. The cadet sitting across from her was none other than cadet Uhura. The likelihood us both being in the cafeteria at the simultaneously was 23%. A slight panic arose from within me. I was not prepared for social interaction with cadet Uhura. However since the opportunity for our friendship to grow was given to me I might as well utilize it.

"Greetings Cadet Uhura and Cadet K'allos."

"Ny he knows my name." Cadet K'allos said loudly behind her palm.

"Yes I am aware of your name Cadet K'allos. It is a pleasure to meet you." I answered. The Orion girl seemed unaware that I could hear her. She quickly recovered and asked for me to join in their meal. Seeing as it was a logical choice to sit at the nearest table with available seating I agreed. The possibility of talking to cadet Uhura was an added incentive.

As I sat down I noticed that cadet Uhura and I were partaking in the same meal, although hers of course was significantly smaller portion. This was no doubt a result of our bond. Fascinating. Today she was not wearing makeup and her clothes were casual. Cadet Uhura's hair was pulled back into a pony tail which enhanced the angularity of her face. It was a pleasing to see her face so fully. I watched her intently as she pushed the flour based treat around on her plate and eventually place a slice in her mouth. A look of disdain spread across her visage. I noticed that she did not have syrup on her pancakes or with her, so I offered her some of mine.

"Here" I said while offering her my pitcher. A flare of confusion and delight welled up from the bond. It was a pleasant sensation. However that was the last pleasant sensation I had for the remainder of the meal. For the next 31 minutes I was subjected to cadet K'allos' touch and absurd barrage of questions. I had hoped that she would stop so I could speak with cadet Uhura, but she showed no indication of stopping. The foreign feeling of frustration began to ebb at me. This girl was trying my patience.

Finally her questions stopped and I found an opening to leave. Cadet Uhura had addressed me towards the end, but I could not remember what she had said. All I could think of was how to best escape from the situation without appearing to be rude. I left the cafeteria as quickly and efficiently as I could and was now recounting the events through meditation. Why was my focus so divided when I was in her presence? What had cadet Uhura said? My mind cleared and the frustration lifted.

"I didn't think it was boring."

That's what she said. Relief overcame me. That simple phrase had given me a sense of elation even though I had been too flustered to enjoy it at the time it was said. She thought that I was not boring. Our encounter at the convention was remembered as an eventful one. I released my meditation and went to sit at my desk. Although breakfast could be viewed as a social failure in regards to cadet Uhura, I was now aware of one thing. I was not uninteresting to her. Being viewed as a stimulating person was a likely precursor to friendship. However, my hypothesis was unfounded. To gather more data on the subject I would need to be around cadet Uhura for longer increments of time. It was necessary for me to assess different methods of creating more time for us to interact exclusively with one another. Meeting coincidentally was trying my nerves and I was growing weary of it. Constantly being unprepared around her was making it nearly impossible for me to focus on talking to her. I glanced at my pile of cadet applications. On accepting the job of designing the Kobayashi Maru it had been suggested to me that I find an assistant to help with the project. I previously had no use for such a position, but now there most certainly was.