A/N: Thank you for sticking with me, readers. There is still a great deal to go on this story (and I do mean a great deal!), so do not think I am finished until you see "THE END" written in the final chapter.
Continuous thanks to Hannah, my co-conspirator and center of inspiration.
Had the week really gone by so fast? For Lauren, it seemed like only yesterday when she saw her cousin walk through the automatic doors of the docking station, and she had instantly run into his arms. But the morning for Spock's return to Enterprise had come, and it had come all too soon.
In her room, she sat on the floor beside her bed, head resting upon her arms. Her attempts at meditation earlier that morning had failed miserably. It was nearly impossible for her to rein in the myriad of thoughts running rampant in her mind. Her book of Shakespeare also lay closed on the bed, which she had picked up after meditating. She had read a few sonnets to herself, but kept imagining Spock's voice reciting the poems. So, she had set it aside.
Instead, she now focused on the green seedling sitting before her. There was nothing particularly special about it: it was merely a long green stem, accented by three fanning leaves. No blossoms, no other distinguishing features. She had found it in the forest a few days ago, and thought it was being overcrowded by other vegetation. Therefore, she had dug it up, brought it home, and placed it in a small clay vase. Neither Spock nor Sarek could identify it, as it must have been a new species of plant the Vulcans had not yet discovered. Over the week, she had grown to like its simplicity more and more. She had every intention of planting it outside their home, and hoped it would thrive with more space to itself. Whether or not it would remained to be seen.
Bringing her lips together, she gently blew on the leaves, creating a breeze to make them dance. In actuality, she did not have much care for plants or gardening, but she was doing anything to steer her thoughts away from—
"You appear to be quite transfixed, Lauren." Her head snapped up at the sound of Spock's voice, who stood in her doorway. "Do you believe if you concentrate hard enough, then the color of the plant will change?"
Humor, she realized. He had been doing well with that particular human aspect all week, and she enjoyed it. Although she smiled, it did not touch her eyes. Spock could feel the melancholy mood floating in the air. It was unavoidable. Some of it was, admittedly, emitting from him.
"No," she finally answered, "just distracting myself."
He did not need to ask why. It was obvious she was saddened over his eventual departure from Vulcan II. "Have you practiced your meditation techniques to assist you?"
She shook her head. "I tried, but I didn't have any luck."
He nodded shortly. "Therein lays the challenge in meditation: to overcome all distractions that cause interruption. But it will take time to hone your skills," he came to sit on the edge of the bed. "Do not be discouraged, especially when there is a great deal occurring at this time."
Nodding slowly, she said, "I know."
She was not making eye contact, definitely an indication of something more…troubling. He angled his head as he watched, and suddenly felt as though he was channeling his father when he said, "Speak your mind, Lauren."
Clearing her throat, she responded, "That may take a while."
In a way, this reminded him of two years ago, when he and Sarek had one of their most profound conversations. His father had encouraged him not to hold everything inside, and it had turned out to be the wiser option. "The longer you speak," he started, "the longer I would stay to hear everything."
She considered this, and maneuvered herself to sit on the bed next to him. "Tempting offer."
"Do you plan to use it to your advantage?"
She realized he was gently teasing, but smiled sadly. "That'd hardly be fair. You work for Starfleet, first and foremost. I've known this ever since you enrolled there, and I don't want you to snub your duties. Besides, there's a lot more good you can do out there," she jutted her chin in the direction of her window, suggesting the sky and space, "than you can staying here."
"I expect you to accomplish those duties here that I cannot." It caught her off-guard to hear that. For a while, she was silent as she contemplated the words. He went on. "Are you troubled by the notion of going before the High Council?"
She gave a derisive snort. "Come on; you're more worried about that than I am," she nudged him with her shoulder.
"I have my reasons." The fingers resting on one of his knees tightened ever-so-slightly.
They were not going to argue. She already knew his concerns; he already knew her stance. It had been discussed, and now they could only wait and see.
She gave a reassuring smile, one that was real. "It'll be alright, Spock. Believe me." He wished he could reply with his full belief. Instead, he released a long breath he had been holding. He responded by stroking his thumb over her cheek. "Uncle Sarek is with me, and we both know he's going to keep me safe on this planet." She sighed quietly, nuzzling her cheek against his hand. "I guess I got a little spoiled."
He cocked his head. "Why do you say this?"
"Because I've had you here for a whole week. All to myself, you know? On Earth, you guys only stayed a few days for visits. It's hard to imagine what it'll be like without you here."
Raising an eyebrow, he answered, "In a way, I will not be leaving you."
Again, she caught his humor, as he alluded to Spock Prime's presence. She even let herself giggle, lifting her cousin's spirits. "You've got a point, but you know what I mean."
"I know is it more difficult to separate from what remains of your family."
"Yes." For a long time, they stared at one another, deep comprehension passing between them. "Are you just trying to make me cry again or something?"
It was his turn to twitch his mouth in a slight smile. "It was not my intention, no."
"Well, keep it up and I will," and sure enough, her eyes had begun to shimmer with pooling tears. However, she sniffed and attempted to hold them back. Spock could sense it, repressing the urge to let her emotions surge forth, feelings which wanted to be freely expressed.
Needing a change of subject, Spock offered, "Could you retrieve your digital album, Lauren?"
The change in topic was welcomed by her. "Sure. What for?"
"You have images in the album that are of particular interest to me. I was hoping you would allow me to scan some of the images into an album of my own, for my keeping. There are several of you—and of Mother—that I would be pleased to have."
Lauren beamed. Spock took a moment to retrieve a digital screen from his quarters, and soon the two leaned against the stone ledge of her terrace, images being copied from one gadget to the other. She bit back a giggle when he included the picture of him wearing sunglasses. He noticed, but did not acknowledge her restrained laugh. There would only be one other person on Enterprise who would ever see this…
When the transference was complete, they both set their items aside. "These will satisfy me," he said, "until I can look upon your face again."
Lauren looked at Spock adoringly, and he grazed the backs of his knuckles across her cheek. She exhaled. "Okay, I better get this out of my system now." And with that, she threw her arms around his waist, gently squeezing to show her affection. She had allowed herself to finally give in to her battlefield of feelings. Spock responded in kind, encasing her in the arms of her beloved relative. He briefly closed his eyes, hoping deep down she would thrive on Vulcan II, despite his absence. Her grip on him did not falter, and he did not mind. She certainly was trying to get her emotions out of her system, and her consideration caused him to smile.
"Promise me something: you will be sure to inform me of what occurs during the session with the High Council. I shall be waiting with bated breath," he admitted.
She looked up at him and smiled. "I can do that."
"Promise me."
With a nod, she said, "I promise," and he knew she meant it.
"Thank you." He bent down to touch his forehead to hers. "I will be thinking of you constantly while I am away."
"Same here. I'm going to miss you so much," she finally voiced.
He slowly stroked her hair. She appreciated the calming sensation it brought forth, and closed her eyes to relish the moment…and then they flew wide open when she felt the press of lips to her forehead. She froze. Spock, her cousin and proud half-Vulcan, was blessing her with a sweet kiss. It was a surprise she had not been prepared for. He held it there for several seconds before breaking contact.
Lauren gazed up at him in awe. "You've never done that before," she whispered.
Her expression made almost made Spock want to chuckle. "Some things do change, Cousin Lauren. A sign of affection you have often bestowed upon me," he explained, "and one I wish to return in kind."
She smiled, unshed tears causing her eyes to sparkle. He must have met a girl, she thought slyly to herself. However, that was a question best pursued at a later time. Instead, she snuggled into his chest again. "Love you."
"My heart is with you always, Cousin Lauren." When they pulled apart, he asked, "Will you be accompanying me to the docking station?"
"Along with Uncle Sarek," she nodded. "That's why I needed to hug you here and not in front of everyone else. Don't want to embarrass you."
Never an embarrassment, he thought to himself. "Then, as there is time before my departure, I have one last request to make of you."
"Anything." The word unexpectedly pierced him. The word was an automatic response from his mother whenever he wanted to ask important questions.
But he blinked away the memory. His eyes went to the violin case sitting atop her bookshelf. "Play one more song for me," he turned back to her, "please."
With a great smile, she retrieved her instrument from its case and prepared it in her well-versed manner. Spock returned to his spot on the edge of the bed, while Lauren stood before him and soon began a lovely rendition of "Greensleaves."
He listened intently, hands coming together before him. For the rest of his life, Spock would never forget how perfect she looked in this moment.
True to her word, she refrained from making a public spectacle of affection. Spock appreciated this, only because it proved the emotional strength she possessed.
They seemed to be the only ones standing still in the middle of the docking station. At least, it seemed that way to Lauren. Some stares were cast their way now and then, but the trio paid no attention to any of it. They were focused only on themselves; their family. Beside her, Sarek spoke quietly with his son. She listened silently, giving them a chance to say their own farewells.
"When we are granted leave from Enterprise," Spock was saying to Sarek, "I will return home for a visit."
Sarek raised eyebrows, and not out of displeasure. "Taking leave from your work is quite uncharacteristic of you."
"In the past, yes; this has been the standard."
Nothing else needed to be said on the matter, as the two held a knowing look.
"May your endeavors in the universe continue to be successful, my son." He briefly touched Spock's shoulder, who nodded his thanks.
And then Spock's eyes turned to the girl. She looked up at him. Smiled. Made him remember how much he had cared for her since he first cast eyes upon her. All he felt was her love, pure and radiant, carefully contained beneath her bright countenance. Without a care, Spock approached and pulled her into an embrace one more time, not paying mind to any who watched. She was, after all, human, and he knew how much she cherished his affections. Sarek watched on, making no objections.
"This is hardly logical," came her giddy whisper.
"Logic plays no part in it," was his sincere reply. They remained that way, not caring about the eyes that could and did pause to stare, scrutinizing. But they were not heeded. Spock and Lauren had not a care for anyone else's opinion. Sarek was not uncomfortable with the others' stares, silently encouraging the younger ones to express human emotions. They were family, and this was how they showed love for one another. Lauren needed to show it in this way, and her uncle knew this. With one last squeeze of her arms, Lauren slowly pulled back, needing to be the one to initiate separation. "The seedling," Spock said, "will need care if it is to grow. Perhaps Prime can be of assistance with it as well." There was a secret twitch to her lips. "Remember to keep it nourished, and also update me on its progress. It will be attempting to thrive in a new location."
"I will," she agreed. "I will."
After taking time to say farewell with their eyes, Spock continued. "I look forward to hearing from you soon." He raised a hand, giving the Vulcan salute to both his relatives. "Live long and prosper."
Sarek and Lauren returned the gesture, but it was Lauren who said, quite confident and clear, "Dif-tor heh smusma, Cousin Spock." Her pronunciation was perfect. Warm approval shone in Spock and Sarek's faces. "I love you."
"You make me proud," said Spock, lowering his hand. "Very proud." Retrieving his bag from the floor, Spock finally tore himself away, turning to approach the automatic doors of the docking area, which would lead him back to his shuttle. His way back to Enterprise. Where he needed to be right now. She will be strong, he thought, and she will thrive in her own way. I will make sure of that, and so shall Father. I have great faith in her…
With a soft hiss, the doors closed behind him, swallowing his image from Lauren's sight. For a while, she stood and stared after him, holding back the tears that only mildly stung her eyes. She would see him again, and soon. She kept this thought inside her heart, and it gave her a small degree of happiness.
Beside her, Sarek lightly placed a hand on her shoulder. She smiled at the contact, but made no move to cover it with hers. His touch conveyed everything to her, and she was not going to interrupt it. Uncle and niece stood together in the docking area, watching through the large windows as Spock's shuttle made its departure away from Vulcan II.