A/N Thanks to all who read and reviewed. There was a error in chapter one in reference to how long Spock and Nyota knew each other-in actuality, four years at The Academy and his five years absence. There was no five year mission in this story, so it has been corrected.

A Taste of Honey

Chapter Two

I was amazed at how speedy my application to return to teaching was processed. It certainly was an indication of how important it is to leave on good terms with those in charge, and those with whom you work. It took less than three days for me to be established as a civilian adviser assigned to the xenolingusitic department. My return to an instructor's post had to wait for the beginning of the semester. Included in this assignment were several research projects.

Back on New Vulcan, at this point, with so many volunteers from throughout The Federation my presence no longer was a necessity. So this decision to remain, on Terra was totally logical.

Nyota was now my superior, I was part of her department staff, and I requested her aid on some of my research projects. Her answer was,

"As long as I am able."

As the days passed and we had worked quite successfully together, she approached me with an unusual request,

"Spock, I cannot imagine you fainting or getting physically sick so will you be my birthing coach?"

This I answered without hesitation, "It will be my privilege, Nyota."

She rewarded me with a smile. I continued to be amazed at her fortitude… her determination. Remembering her emotional nature I imagined the grief at her loss must have been tremendous. That sorrowful episode was later followed by her choice to bear and raise a child alone. To me, her decisions appeared to be quite difficult, especially since she had no family nearby.

I suggested that she walk when possible and I started to accompany her. As she approached delivery, her energy waned tremendously. In addition, I did notice dark circles that appeared under her eyes.

Nyota explained that she was having difficulty sleeping.

"Nyota, perhaps you are taxing your strength excessively. Periods of meditation might help you."

"Meditation?"

"Have you ever practiced that discipline?"

"No…no."

"I would be pleased to instruct you."

"You really think that will help?"

"It is an aid to relieve any kind of stress."

"Where do I go to receive instructions?"

"Would you mind visiting my apartment? I have a meditation area already sat up."

Nyota nodded.

"When?"

"If you have no objection, I will take you there now."

"May we stop for something to eat?"

"That is acceptable."

I had never read any literature on Terran female pregnancy, but my observation so far was as it progressed it became increasingly uncomfortable, robbed the mother-to-be of needed rest, and contributed to a ravenous appetite. After consuming her meal she felt the need to sleep and so as we entered my apartment I encouraged her to rest…in my bed.

The draw was irresistible, I sat in a chair and watched her sleep. Then I heard her say,

"Len, Len, I left your dinner on the heating unit. I will be in shortly."

She was still sleeping when her head thrashed and a low sob was heard,

"No, no there must be some mistake. How can he be lost, it was simply an exploratory mission. No, no, no, no...

At that point I came to understand I had a rival who was a specter that occupied her mind, and possibly still, her heart.

I decided that tea should be ready for her when she awoke and so I pulled myself away from her presence and left for the kitchen. While putting up the kettle I heard her feet touch the floor and there was a hurried dash to the sanitary facility and then the flush and the running of water. The kettle whistled and it was turned off and then I walked toward her to offer my assistance.

Her first statement was apologetic, "I hope I did not prevent you from doing something important."

"No."

"Did I snore? Len used to tell me that I did and he prescribed something for me to take before bedtime. I don't take anything now because…" She pointed to her belly.

"Nyota, you did not snore, but you did utter words."

"I was probably talking to Leonard. I still do that, I don't understand why."

I offered my explanation,

"If you are still living where the two of you shared a home, that would appear to be a natural thing. Until you make new memories in that location, I believe that ingrained habit will continue,"

Nyota nodded.

"Come. I will prepare a cup of tea for you and then we can begin."

Truly that afternoon was one of the most rewarding and satisfying times of my entire life. First of all she was in my apartment, she had slept in my bed, and she had revealed to me, deep, secrets that she probably would not have if she was conscious.

I first instructed her on the position to assume when meditating. I had to assist her to kneel on a pillow and rest her hips on her heels.

The next bit of instructions had to do with the asenoi and its purpose. As always, she was a quick study. So quick, in fact, that she was able to reach the first level of meditation before we left for her home. After we had settled into a loaned Academy's flitter, she gave me direction to her home.

As I pulled up into the driveway in the twilight I was able to see a beautiful house, with a large front yard. The structure reminded me of architecture that was described as anti-bellum. How like the good doctor to bring a part of his home state's memories to this area.

She entered and took me into a large sitting room. It was here she had set up a sleeping area. Apparently the steps had taken their toll on her and she decided it was not worth the fight.

"What can I do for you?" was my inquiry.

"Just stay awhile, this house is a terribly lonely place."

"Have you ever thought about relocating to one of the administrative housing buildings?"

"I did have a small studio apartment there right after…"

There was a sigh, and she continued,

"After I knew I was pregnant I felt the need to return here, but truthfully, I had no idea it would be so lonely. I just recently placed all of Leonard's things in storage, wistful thinking, I guess. However it is my intent to raise our son here."

She quickly turned her head, but not before I saw the tears welling in her eyes.

I spoke quickly,

"Nyota, would my presence here on occasion be welcomed? I would be more than pleased to be of assistance. I could bring you home after your classes and office hours and spend a bit of time with you."

"Spock, that would be very welcome. I appreciate your thoughtfulness."

Later, Spock had to try to determine whose welfare he was truly thinking of.