A/N: And I thought I was going to get yelled at by a few people for that last chapter…hehe! My readers, thank you so much!

JJ, I love your reviews. Feel free to contact me sometime. You've got to point out some of these stories you are reading so I can see what you're talking about.

By popular demand, this chapter contains events that I hope will be enjoyed by you guys.

Continuous thanks to Hannah, my co-conspirator and center of inspiration…and corrector of missed mistakes :)

Thankfully, the days passed quickly for two individuals.

Officially on temporary leave, Spock navigated his shuttle towards the Aedanian Galaxy. Normally, a solo space journey provided him with quiet time. It gave him a chance to clear his mind, letting thoughts settle without worrying about a multitude of aspects about the starship he was dedicated to. His duties were always to Starfleet, but this departure had a meaning that, in the interim period, trumped those responsibilities. It brought him calm, and allowed him to ponder on thoughts of a personal nature.

Typically, this did define his solo journeys. Unfortunately, someone had chosen to interrupt the anticipated peace.

At the moment, Spock wished he could reach through the live transmission screen and apply the Vulcan nerve pinch to Kirk, if only to shut him up.

"You serious, man? You still can't give me any more details than that?" The Enterprise captain asked incredulously. His image was projected near the top of Spock's control panel. "I thought you'd at least say more once you left the ship, but you're still saying 'no'? We've been getting along so well the past couple of years; I thought you'd feel a lot more comfortable opening up to me. I'm hurt, Spock, really hurt," he feigned injury, but was grinning his trademark, cocky grin. Informal speech indicated that he was in his quarters, and not on the bridge.

Spock remained cool. "My refusal to elaborate on the situation doesn't reflect upon our friendship, Jim. You have been informed as to the circumstances already. There is nothing that requires more explanation."

"Yeah, yeah, you gave me a basic summary as to what happened, and I understand all that. And again, my condolences to you and your family. That's a horrible thing to have happen," he was sincere. "But we're talking about a human relative of yours. I've got to admit I'm damned curious about what's going on." The tone of his voice did suggest genuine interest.

Still, he stood his ground. "I am taking careful measures to make sure that private matters remain just that: private. I have no right to reveal information pertaining to my cousin without her permission."

"What's really going to be interesting is seeing how she adapts to a Vulcan colony." His words caused him to freeze, though Kirk would not have been able to tell. "Your mother's situation was different, obviously, since she was married to your father." Kirk's image leaned back in his seat. "Wonder how your people are going to react to a younger human living in their world."

A wonder I can certainly echo, Spock thought. "We shall be discovering this soon enough."

"There's absolutely nothing else you're going to tell me?" Kirk pressed.

"This is a family issue, and that's where it stays."

"A name. At the very least, would you tell me her name?"

"For what purpose?" Kirk was his friend, but his protective stance toward Lauren was beginning to flare a tad.

He shrugged. "You never know who you'll run into someday. Maybe in the near future, you'll feel inclined enough to bring her aboard Enterprise, then she could get acquainted with all your friends up here." Something in his tone was mildly suggestive, but not overwhelmingly so.

Spock was skeptical. "Knowing your track record with females of various species, perhaps I have already decided against the notion."

Kirk snickered, unable to counter. Then, he softened. "Being honest here: I'd just like to know what to call your cousin, someone who's a relative of a friend of mine."

Face revealing nothing, he exhaled a long breath. "Lauren Grayson-Reed. Does this satisfy your quest for knowledge?"

"Not by a long shot, but it's a start," he smiled again. "Any chance of introducing us through a live transmission when you get to Vulcan II? I swear, it'll be strictly professional…ish."

He looked away momentarily, his Vulcan equivalent of rolling his eyes. Impossible man. However, it would not be Jim Kirk if he was not so persistent, Spock thought with the barest smile. "Depending on the sequence of events, I will consider contacting you from our home, but only if she is agreeable. Will this suffice?"

He nodded, respecting the protection that Spock was displaying for his cousin. "Sure, I can deal with that. Thanks."

"Then, as I am approaching the docking station on Vulcan II, I must bid you farewell for the time being. Live long and prosper, Jim," he began to reach for the button to switch off the screen.

"Oh hey, Spock, just one more thing."

He inclined his head a bit. "Yes, Jim?"

"Is she cute?"

"Spock out," he answered quickly, ending the transmission before Kirk could protest.

They were staring at her. She knew they were staring at her. Lauren and Sarek stood in the docking area where Spock would arrive, while various Vulcans passed by now and then. Their gazes were as penetrating as many pairs of knives driving into her skin. The delicate scarf wrapped around her head could not hide the fact that she was…different.

It had been widely known information that the ambassador's human niece was coming to the Vulcan colony, spanning not only from Federation files, but also the Vulcan High Council, the ministers of the Vulcan Science Academy, and anyone else who had an affiliation with Ambassador Sarek. Seeing her walking beside him through the docking station visually verified the information. It was not the first time she had ventured out into the colony with her uncle, but her presence was something that gained much attention from the Vulcans.

She could never tell if they approved or disapproved of her, as their faces betrayed no emotion. But she felt as though they were judging her to some degree. Judging her simply because she was human.

Despite this, excitement was the one emotion pulsating through her veins, and could not be deterred by anything else that occurred around her. She had wanted to see Spock when he first arrived from space, and Sarek had complied with her request. In her usual manner, she locked eyes with various Vulcans and smiled. None smiled back, nor did she expect them to. Instead, some merely traded whispers with one another. No matter, she shrugged to herself. She had to at least express friendship towards these people. She would be amongst them, so why not try to build relations with them?

Having her uncle and cousin who were so accepting of her was a good start. It had been four years since her last meeting with Spock. When he enlisted in Starfleet, he had been assigned to the campus in San Francisco, which meant he was much closer than ever before. He had visited once during that time, when Aunt Amanda had implored him to actually use his vacation time. Only a mother had that kind of power. But soon enough, his focus became his studies and advancement in his program. Because of this, he opted not to make treks to Michigan, stating how crucial it was to complete his tasks. Lauren had not seen him since then, but he did keep in touch now and then.

The separation streak was minutes away from being broken.

Clasping her hands before her, she looked ahead to the area where Spock would eventually emerge. Sarek waited, clearly displaying greater restraint than his eager niece. He was used to the stares, and paid them no mind. No one was threatening the child, and he took this as a sign of tolerance. He bent down to make a quick comment, to which she nodded in understanding. She wanted to hold his hand, but did not. She smiled, though, when one of his warm hands was placed on her shoulder.

Glancing around the station, she wondered if Spock would recognize her after four years apart.

He was granted permission to board his shuttle here until his return to the Enterprise. Standing with perfect posture, Spock carried his lone bag toward the automatic doors, which whisked open, revealing the docking bay area.

He did not have to search. Immediately, his eyes settled on one figure: the only being donning Earth clothes and a Vulcan head scarf. Inside, he felt his stomach jump pleasantly. The face was unmistakably familiar, even if it had aged a few years. His cousin was standing before him amongst his people; Lauren was waiting for him. Seeing her brought up memories: conversations they held together, where he would do most of the talking, and she most of the listening; carrying her into the house after she had scraped her knee on a sharp rock; reading poems to her out of a book that was many years old until she fell asleep in his lap; the small kisses she planted on his face whenever he and his family prepared to leave, making an eyebrow raise at the sensation. It all rushed back in the moment that he saw her again.

She looked up, and when she saw who had come through the doors, the happiness that suddenly lit up her eyes was undeniable. Spock felt a smile of his own, one that, while still small, was larger than any he usually gave.

Her smile was brilliant. "Spock!" It echoed throughout the area, catching the attentions of several Vulcans. Any thought of restraint fled from her as she broke away from Sarek and ran to her cousin.

He dropped his bag and caught her easily in his arms, feeling her smile against his heart. Neither seemed to notice nor care about the stares they were receiving from passers-by. If the half-Vulcan had any reservations of receiving so much public affection, then he did not show it. From Lauren, it felt pleasant. All through her youth, she had done likewise, and Spock would not have it any other way. There was something special about this little human, and he always wanted her to be herself. She made him forget about the negative thoughts in his mind. "Hello, Lauren. I am pleased to see that you are well."

Snuggling against his dark federation shirt, she mumbled, "I love you."

It was unexpected, only because he had not heard it from her in so long. The statement was one he enjoyed hearing. It brought forth feelings he remembered with his mother…when he was young. His voice was tender and low, so as to keep it between the two of them. "I reciprocate your sentiments, Lauren. I have been looking forward to seeing you for the past several days."

The words in her ears were sweet. Glancing up at him, she studied his face, the faintest shimmer of tears in her eyes. Luckily, Uhura had guided him in the understanding that tears could be provoked not just by instances of sadness, but also overwhelming happiness. This appeared to be the latter of the two. She cupped his cheek in her small hand. "You haven't changed at all."

His head cocked as he looked at her, bringing a hand to push back the scarf covering her blonde hair. "You, however, have." Much like Sarek, Spock used his fingers to move her face around, inspecting her features. "You have grown considerably since our last reunion." When he had finished, he looked into her blue eyes again. "And yet, I look at you, and still see you."

The soft smile remained.

Neither was certain how much time had passed. Eventually, Sarek came over to the pair. "Spock," he said in greeting.

He looked at the older Vulcan, not breaking the embrace with Lauren. Sarek was not condemning their display. Like him, Sarek saw the importance of letting Lauren behave as she normally would. "Hello, Father."

"Lauren and I are pleased you were able to take leave from the Enterprise. There is much she has to tell you, and much you wish to hear, no doubt. Welcome home."

He looked down at Lauren again, who was looking lovingly at her uncle. "Indeed. Welcome home," he said, mostly to her.

Holding up one hand, she showed Spock the gesture she had been working so hard to improve on. An eyebrow rose as he stared at the flawless Vulcan salutation, noting the pride that emitted from her face. The same pride was in the depths of his eyes.

"Well done, Cousin Lauren." He was the first to utter his pet-name for her.

She responded in kind. "Thanks, Cousin Spock."

Father and son continued to talk for a few more minutes, going over the latest developments at the Vulcan Science Academy, and relaying the recent success of a mission on the Enterprise. Lauren listened quietly, adoring the big words exchanged between Spock and Sarek, as they were prone to doing. Some things don't change, she thought fondly. In her cousins' arms, she felt a peace she could not deny. Having him here…it was just perfect. Proof that coming to this world was the right decision.

"Come," Sarek said, "let us return to our home. There, you will have a better opportunity to report on the events in your lives."

Spock nodded, retrieving his bag from the floor, but Lauren did not release her hold on him. "Lauren?"

"I don't want to let you go," she admitted sheepishly.

Without a second thought, Spock said, "Then don't." Pulling from the embrace, he took her hand in his, never fully breaking contact with her. They were going to walk through the docking station that way, hand in hand, not minding what anyone else might have thought.

Lauren smiled beautifully; Spock's eyes radiated the familiar warmth she had felt many times as a child.

Upon returning home, Lauren had snatched Spock away to show him her room. This would give them a chance to bond all over again. She wanted him to see the view from her terrace, as well as her new quarters. Spock deemed them suitable. Much like his own room, it was sparsely decorated, with high, arched ceilings and walls the color of dull caramel. She had aptly described it as living inside a big cave. Then he scanned the belongings she had brought with her from Earth.

"It would appear that you have brought more of these antique texts than attire." He referred to the collection of books stacked on one of her shelves.

She laughed. "Does that really surprise you?"

"No, I suppose not," he admitted. "You most often preferred books as opposed to reading off data screens."

"Hey, blame Dad for that one. He had a lot of them passed down in his family." Spock did remember the extensive library in Jonathan's study. Some of the books Lauren had were titles he had seen in there.

"Do you have a favorite?"

She paused, then went to the shelf. "Hmm…" Her forefinger traced the spines of the books, trying to choose the one she prized above the others. It was a difficult choice. Finally, she settled on a book that had one of the oldest bindings, smiled, and handed it to Spock.

He sat on the edge of her bed, recognizing what he saw. The Complete Poems of William Shakespeare. He looked at her. "This is the book of poems I used to read to you as a child. These were the words I read in order to help you rest."

"You remember," she beamed. "It's really beat up, but I couldn't throw it away; I love it too much. I liked hearing your voice when you read." Sometimes, she thought, I can still hear your voice when I read those words.

"Why do these texts hold such great appeal for you?"

She retrieved her digital album from her nightstand. "You're not the first person to ask me that. I don't know…it just feels better to hold books for some reason. They fit in your hands better, I guess." She sat next to him on the bed. "Here; I thought you might like to see these."

Laying the book aside and accepting the screen, he gazed at the default picture for the longest time. One might have thought there was an underlying sense of embarrassment at seeing himself in the image, but this was not the case. He was captivated by how precious his cousin looked with him. "There were many times a moment like this occurred in your home. I did not know anyone had captured it."

She smiled gently, touching the screen to move through the other images. Together, they reminisced, telling short stories to one another regarding the pictures and the people in them, describing the new world they were both on, just finding each other's company soothing. Spock chose not to seek details about Jonathan and Sarah, as he did not want to risk upsetting Lauren. Not right now. He was impressed with how much more she was speaking, especially when prompted. She had come a long way over the past few years. Perhaps that was a positive outcome of her parents' deaths.

Catching his attention a few minutes later was her pendant, which he wrapped his fingers around. Of all reminders of his former world, he had not expected this one. Lauren was silent, not wanting to break his concentration. Rubbing his thumb over it, he almost tried to feel Vulcan through that small, green stone. Though that world had been destroyed two years ago, memories of his life there would never leave him. "When did you acquire this?"

She could detect something faraway in his tone. "Aunt Amanda gave it to me when I turned eleven."

A gift from his mother. That piece now held sentimental value for him in two ways. Enclosing it lightly in his palm, he spoke. "Guard it closely, Cousin Lauren."

As with Sarek, she replied with, "I promise," and meant it.

He released a long breath, letting his hand drop away from her neck. A change of subject was in order, one which had bothered his mind for days. "It is my understanding that Father has expressed the desire to enroll you in one of the Vulcan academies soon."

"Yes. He wants me to continue my education."

"You earned high marks in school back home?"

"Good enough, I guess," she shrugged. "I always passed my courses with A's and B's."

He nodded. "That is acceptable. However, I must warn you that the Vulcan learning centers possess a higher degree of discipline than most of the education systems on Earth."

"I know. You used to tell me about them all the time."

He studied her. "Are you prepared to be admitted the learning centers?"

"I have to go to school," she said. "So, my answer has to be 'yes.'"

"Then there is something I must inquire. While I agree with the importance of continuing your education, are you certain you wish to immerse yourself in such a program?"

She frowned. "Why?"

"I only ask because I want to make sure it is the path you wish to take."

Her head tilted. "You don't think I can do it?"

"No," he asserted. "That's neither what I said nor what I meant." He hesitated, not exactly sure how to phrase his thoughts. How was it that she could do that to him? "I do not question your aptitude when it comes to learning a wealth of information. I merely ask out of…concern."

Here it comes, she thought, remembering the transmission he had sent back in Sarek's shuttle. "Concern?" She wanted him to elaborate.

He averted his eyes. "You may also recall the times I spoke at length with you about the prejudice I faced from my own people. People who wanted to see me fail, simply because my mother…" He trailed off.

"Was human," she finished.

He looked at her. "Yes. Nearly every day, an individual would attempt to provoke me into expressing emotions, which I had struggled to control in my youth. Provocations took the forms of not only mental abuse, but physical as well. They would stop at nothing to exploit my human half." He drew in a breath, closed his eyes to calm himself. "It has taken me a great deal of time, but I have grown to embrace both sides of who I am. As Father has stated, 'I will always be a child of two worlds.' I have chosen to be what I am: my father's son…and my mother's son."

He looked at Lauren again, who was listening silently but intently. "My concern is that if you are admitted to the Vulcan learning centers, then you will possibly be subjected to the same cruelty from Vulcan peers." He placed a hand at the base of her neck. "It is not what I wish for you to experience, not with the emotions I know you harbor and express freely."

Her eyes would not leave his. He was concerned. She could feel it being emitted from his face. Placing a hand atop his, her expression did not change. "And what makes you think I haven't gone through some of that already?"

His eyes widened slightly. "Explain. And do not omit details."

She nodded shortly. "In school, I got teased a lot because you and Uncle Sarek are Vulcan. My classmates saw it as weird, and kept saying if I ever cut myself, they'd see green blood."

His brow knit. "As a human, this is not possible, nor is it a logical conclusion on your peers' parts. Both your parents were human; it was my mother who married a Vulcan and produced a half-Vulcan child."

"Try convincing them of that," she replied dryly, but calmly. It was as though she had been in this situation often enough, and could speak rationally about it. "They called you and Uncle Sarek freaks, and I said I was a freak, too, since I was related to you. They knew you and I had Aunt Amanda in common. When one of your visits would be coming up, they'd warn the rest of our school 'not to go over to the Grayson's house, or else you'll be abducted.' They said I shouldn't be allowed to live on Earth because of it."

How did she remain so composed while speaking about this? It was no wonder she was not conflicted over leaving Earth. "Did any physical harm ever come to you?"

She shook her head. "No. It didn't get that bad." His gaze bore into hers. "I'm serious; they didn't touch me. Mom and Dad would've had a fit if they did."

He seemed satisfied, though not entirely so. "Am I to understand you had no companions to confide in?"

"I did have friends, Spock. It was only a few, but they were true friends. You know, the kind that accept you, no matter who or what you are, and the ones who are there for you when things seem bad. Those are the kind of people I like to be around. So, I stayed with them. There were only five of us, but they're all a part of me."

His head cocked. "If you become any more philosophical, I will have to refer to you as Ton'Kau," he cited a philosopher of Grenarian ancestry, who was a peacemaker of sorts between alien races in the past. "From what I know about human adolescents, most require years of discipline before they can achieve the maturity you are displaying to me. How did you learn to overcome at such a young age?"

She did not miss a beat. "Mom and Dad were good about telling me how to ignore bullies. Believe me: it wasn't easy. They knew I struggled with the teasing, and so they made sure to keep me busy."

"In what way?"

"Since they were Starfleet chemists, I knew some of the things they needed to do. They would let me help them in the lab at home sometimes; called me their little assistant. No one else at school had the brains to do the work, so it made me feel special."

"They managed to divert your attention whenever necessary. Having them validate your worth on a regular basis instilled your importance to them, which would have a ripple effect into the other aspects of your life. It repelled the taunts of those who were ignorant of your circumstances."

She nodded. "That, and I know some people are just stupid."

Philosophical, yes. But that youthful vernacular reminded him of how young she still was. He smiled, tension leaving his face. "I concur, Lauren.

"All that stuff aside," she went on, "I think I can do well in the schools here, and so does Uncle Sarek. I know you're scared for—concerned for me, but I don't think you need to be."

He cupped her face in his hands. "I am so because I do not want to see you harmed."

She did not attempt to break free. "I know. Look, maybe it'll take time for them to get used to me, but we need to try first. I look for good in others because I know it's there somewhere. Not enough people try to that do anymore, and I don't want to be like my old classmates. I ask you to please trust me, Cousin Spock. Trust me to show you that I can make it here."

His hands squeezed, though not in a painful way. She was paving the way to be a better example for so many in the universe. Such a task to take on at fourteen years of age…and all she asked for was his trust. Bowing his head, he said, "I do trust you, Lauren." It is them I do not trust. "If you desire to pursue a role in Vulcan academics, then you may do so with my full support."

"Good," she grasped his wrists, giving a squeeze of her own. "We'll see what happens, okay?"

"Affirmative." Even as he said it, the muscles in his back relaxed. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers. He did not realize she was smiling, as the action was one Sarek had done to her a few days ago.

"Oh! Before I forget," she broke away from the loving contact and dove to the floor, rummaging through one of her bags, "I brought you a present." She found the item, then brought it to Spock. "These were Dad's. I grabbed them when I was packing to come here. You used to tell me how interested you were in them, and so I want you to have them."

He looked at it, and did recognize the article that had once peaked his interest. "While Vulcans may not have much use for such accessories, my gratitude is yours, Lauren."

She had also picked up the digital screen from her bed. Biting her lip with a grin, she asked, "Would you?"

He stared at the gift, then at her, then back at the gift, comprehension dawning on him as to what she was hinting at. His eyebrow arched. "Tell me you are not serious." Her grin widened at his growing reluctance. "I don't see what purpose it would serve."

"Please? I swear I won't show Uncle Sarek, or even tell him about it. It's something I want to keep for myself, and it'll take a few seconds. I just want one image to look back on; that's it." Her pleas never were whiny or annoying. On the contrary, she had the ability to make the most ludicrous of requests sound practical. "Please."

He unclenched his jaw, the corners of his mouth turning upward as he felt himself give in. "I do this only for you," he stated quietly.

Her smile was broad. "And I love you even more for putting up with me. Here!" She handed the gift to him and prepared the digital screen to capture the image. She could not suppress her giggle, but it was a sound of appreciation.

A while after, T'Nuur appeared and beckoned them to meet Sarek in the commons room. Lauren said she would be along shortly, and when Spock left with his present in hand, she looked down at her newest image with a pleased smile: Spock wearing her father's old sunglasses. She had done the impossible. She had managed to make a Vulcan look cool.

Keeping her word, she switched the image back to the default of her and Spock, replaced it on the nightstand, and then went to join them in the commons room.