A lot of references to the Hobbit in this one, I don't know why but Lenard Nimoys Ballad of Bilbo Bagins fills me with a childlike joy.

Spocks pulse was 14% faster than it's usual rate. He could sense the adrenaline in his bloodstream pumping around making him feel like he needed to run. He waited by the door of Nyotas apartment his palm pressed firmly to the doors keypad, it had been 16.5 seconds since he had arrived, illogically it felt longer. He knocked his other fist against the metal of the door.

"Nyota, are you there?"

The door opened in front of him, he didn't take in her expression or appearance or wait to be invited in he just walked into the apartment.

" Spock." He heard Nyota say but he didn't respond. He stalked through the main room, he did not feel anybodies presence but he had to be sure. He opened the door to the bathroom pulling the curtain back in the shower then walked back into the bedroom. Nyota was still stood by the door.

" Spock, what are you doing?"

He did not answer her, he was still not sure the room was clear. He opened each cupboard, then dropped to the floor noting there was space under the beds for a person. Finally satisfied the room was safe he turned to Nyota.

" Lock the door."

He wondered to the window checking that it was properly locked, he heard the door slide closed. It still did not feel safe. He walked passed her to the keypad on the inside of the door. He typed in his clearance codes and set a password, from now on a palm print would not be enough to open the door.

" Nyota I have set a code to your door it is 45X CH7 remember it, give it to Galia and nobody else. Do you understand me?" He turned to look at her, her eyes were wide, shocked and panicked.

" What's happening Spock?"

" Have you eaten at the mess hall within the last 69 minutes?"

" I don't think so."

" Yes or No Nyota."

" No, It was over an hour and a half ago."

" What did you eat?"

" Just an apple. Spock, what is it?"

" Do you feel well?"

" Tell me what's happening. Right now."

" Nyota."

" No, I will not answer anymore questions until you explain yourself."

Spock raised his hand to touch her forehead, 36.4 C, within the normal range for a human. She shook her head, his hand dropped from her skin, he had felt her anger even though he had been concentrating on determining her temperature. His hand rested on her shoulder for a second until he gently pressed two fingers too her carotid artery.

" Spock, what are you doing?" He looked down into her puzzled anxious eyes, he had not realized he was standing so close to her, closer than he'd even been, their bodies were almost touching.

" I am taking your pulse."

" I know that, but why?"

" You would not tell me if you're feeling well."

" I'm feeling fine."

' Your pulse is slightly elevated."

" That's because you're freaking me out."

He dropped his hand from her skin and took a step away from her.

" I am sorry that I have scared you." He said honestly.

" Just tell me what's going on."

" There was a very small possibility that you had been poisoned."

She stared at him.

" How small? and based on what?"

" 0.003% chance."

" Spock, you're acting irrationally."

" Yes." He admitted, realizing what she said was true. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for two minutes, he focused on the sound of his breathing, then his heartbeat, slowing it. When he felt calmer and felt he could again act logically he opened his eyes to the puzzled face of Nyota. She was beautiful, lips slightly parted eyes wide.

" Nyota, I have something to tell you, will you sit down." She pulled the chair out from under the desk, but sat down on the bed, Spock assumed that the chair was for himself and sat on it.

" Nyota, you know of Cadet Williams."

" Yes, he used to follow me around and make inappropriate comments to me in between my classes."

" Cadet Williams is going to be dishonorably discharged, on Saturday morning he attacked another student. He had been in the brig from that moment up to sometime between 63 and 67 minutes ago."

" He was released?"

" No, he managed to escape, the security guards did not take into account that he had substantial knowledge of the security system and locks that the brig uses."

" You were searching my room because you think he will come here?" She said her voice puzzled.

" Yes. He has made several threats that I believe were aimed at you."

" You believe they were aimed at me? What does that mean?"

" He made threats against me specifically that he would 'get' my protege. I cannot think of any other student that he could be referring to. He is acting illogically, I do not know how I could have avoided this and now you are possibly in danger due to your connection to me."

" This isn't your fault Spock."

" Indeed it is not."

" Then stop sounding like you're blaming yourself."

" I am merely saying that you would not be a target if it were not for the fact that I have been seen to show favoritism to you."

" Williams is mentally deranged Spock, and if you remember rightly I did throw him half way across the mess hall."

He didn't point out that she had barely thrown him a meter and a half whereas the mess hall was close to eighty meters in length and thirty in width so that she had only thrown him 0.018% across the length of the room.

"So what do we do?" She asked him.

" The security guards are currently searching the grounds, but until he is reprimanded it is not safe for you to be alone. I think you should spend the night at my apartment, I can guard you better there. Admittedly he also made threats against me but I believe he will target you first and as it is not common for students to be in teachers apartments I doubt he would look for you there."

" Okay. Just let me pack a bag."

He nodded, she stood up and he watched her as she efficiently got a duffel bag from her closet and threw in items of clothing then headed to the bathroom to collect her toothbrush. Coming back into the room she looked at her bed.

" Do I need a sleeping bag?"

" No, I have spare sheets, though I suggest you pack anything that will add to your comfort and anything that you will need for tomorrow. We cannot know if it will be safe for you return to your apartment. Cadet Williams record reports that he had some training geared towards covert operations, he knows how to avoid detection."

She nodded, and opened one of her cupboards, Spock could see past her and saw a shelf of books and holovid cases. She studied them for 1 minute thirty- four seconds before picking something up and putting it into her bag then she selected a PADD and an electronic book from her desk.

'" I'm ready." He stood up, took her bag from her.

" I have planned a route to my apartment that will keep us in camera range for 76% of the distance, stay in front of me and walk quickly, avoid shadows and blind spots, do not turn corners ahead of me."

She nodded and they headed to his apartment. He kept close to her, less than a foot behind her, his eyes darted everywhere, looked into every shadow. He noted where every camera they passed was, they walked passed three pairs of security guards, Spock would make Nyota pause every time they came close to them whilst he quickly checked that none of them were Williams in disguise. At Spocks apartment he typed in a new code for the door and had Nyota press her palm to the keypad once more so that it would open on her command. He checked through his apartment in the same way that he had checked hers, all rooms and cupboards were scrutinized. When he returned to the front room he found Nyota standing nervously, she was looking around even though she had been there before.

" You can relax now Nyota, you shall be safe here."

She did not seem to relax, she shifted from one foot to the other and Spock also found himself at a lose as to what to do, he had planned to spend the night reading through the latest reports on the enterprise. He wondered what she had planned for the evening, was it possible for them to continue on with there plans or would they have to act to accommodate each other. He would be satisfied to accommodate her, he wished to see what she did with her spare time.

" You said earlier that you had only eaten an apple, am I right in thinking that you have not yet had your evening meal?" He asked her.

" No, I was just going to get something from the replicator when you came in."

" You may use my replicator, that is if you do not wish to partake of my evening meal."

" You were going to cook?"

" Yes, some fried vegetables and spices."

" A stir fry. Is there enough for me?"

" Yes. I shall prepare it now."

' Do you want any help?"

" No, It is a simple dish it only requires one person to make it."

He headed into his kitchen and took the fresh vegetables out of the cold storage unit. Then he reached into his cupboards picking out certain complimentary spices. He proceeded to chop the vegetables into equal sized strips. As he chopped he listened to Nyota, for a while she seemed to stay standing in the same spot where she had been since entering then he heard the rustling and slight thud of her bag hitting the floor and her footsteps moving across the room. She paused for forty three seconds and then moved again, she sat down then, he heard the chair creek. Now hardly making any noise he concentrated on the sound of her respiration and heartbeat, if it elevated even slightly he would go into the front room. This way he knew she was safe but was able to give her some space and privacy. He poured rice into a pan of water and he placed all the vegetables with some oil in a deep wok. Then knowing he had a few minutes till the vegetables would require stirring he walked quietly into the front room to check on Nyota.

She did not seem aware of his entrance, she was sat sideways from him in the high backed armchair that he kept for guest to his apartment, he found it too soft and giving for his own preferences. Nyota had taken her shoes off and her feet were folded in under her. She seemed absorbed in the book that was resting on her knee, one hand steadying it the other turning the pages softly as if the book were precious. He looked at her, taking in her relaxed position. No Vulcan ever sat like that, the slumping of her shoulders and the slightly curved back posture could lead to lumbar discomfort in the future, he couldn't tell her though. He did not wish to disturb this peaceful moment after she had been under such stress within the last hour. He also wished her to stay in this position a little longer so that he could commit it to his memory. The serious expression on her face, the slight pursing of her lips and the little crinkle on her forehead and the quick darting of her eyes. Those eyes that now stared up at him curiously. He knew it was considered impolite to be watching her so intently and he had to speak to hide his social taboo.

" What are you reading?" He asked her. She looked down at the book, her expression seemed a little guilty and he wondered as to why. As far as he could tell she was not doing anything wrong.

" I'm sorry I should have asked first." She said standing up.

" Asked what first?" She held the book up for him to see, it was his copy of The Hobbit a book she had mentioned enjoying when she had previously been in his apartment.

" You did not need to ask to read the book Nyota, I was merely curious as to what you were focusing so intently upon."

She looked down at the book, a slight smile came to her lips and she sat back down in the chair though this time her back was straight and her feet were upon the floor, for some reason she did not look as comfortable.

" I was reading the chapter Bilbo and the drawves escape from elf kings hall."

" Why were you reading from the middle of the book and not from the beginning?"

" Because this is my favorite part. I find it comforting somehow. Familiar."

" I could not deny you anything that you find comfort in. I must continue cooking now."

"Okay." She smiled at him and he felt his heartbeat race for a moment then he turned from her and went to stir the vegetables. He started adding spices to the wok, chopped red chillies, ginger, soy sauce, a number of others, all added at slightly different times just the right amount of time for each to bring the fullness of flavor out. Cooking was a like a mathematical equation to Spock, all measures and timing to get the right result.

His small kitchen had a table set to one side, it had one folding chair set under it, the table would not offer much one for two people but as it was the only one he had apart from the low lying coffee table in the front room it would have to do. He went through the front room, Nyotas eyes following him and he got another folding chair from the cupboard in there and carried it back to the table. He heard footsteps and turned to see Nyota had followed him, she looked at the table and then walked passed him, she opened the cupboard where he kept his plates and she continued to lay the table as he finished cooking the food and strained the rice. He would have put the food into large bowls so that they could help themselves but the lack of space on the table would not allow for that.

" Nyota, would you like to help yourself to however much you wish to eat."

" Thank you Spock."

She walked passed him and placed food on her plate then sat back at the table. Spock did the same then poured them both glasses of water. She gave a small smile as he sat it down in front of her. He felt a little uncomfortable as he sat down with her, he was not used to this level of domesticality he did not believe he had ever cooked food for anybody other than himself. Cooking was not necessary, there was a mess hall and there were replicators so he need not spend his time on it. However he occasionally felt a need for certain vitamins and amino acids that were not present in the meals offered on that particular day from the mess hall and the food from the replicator with it's simplified molecular strands did not fill his requirements as well as fresh food.

He proceeded to eat, he only had one president of how to react when eating with her and that was at the restaurant, conversation had come easily there but here there was a silence that wasn't entirely comfortable. He did not feel the need to always talk in the presence of others but he and Nyota talked frequently and always with ease, tonight was different.

" It' nice." Nyota said, gesturing to the food.

" I am glad you enjoy it. What do you wish to do once we have eaten? Did you have any plans for tonight?"

" No plans, I've finished all my work, I've spent the day revising and I was just going to chill out."

" Chill out?"

" I was going to watch an old movie."

" I do not tend to watch movies but on this occasion I shall make an exception."

" You don't have to, I'm happy to just read."

" You do not have to change your plans Nyota, I shall watch the Movie."

" It's A midsummer nights dream."

" I have not heard of it."

" It' Shakespeare." Her voice was a note higher than usual.

" I have heard of Shakespeare. I read Macbeth, it showed the Human race at their most illogical."

" I would be very interested in your opinions on this movie then."

" I would be glad to give them."

" You weren't meant to be working tonight were you?"

" My job tonight is simply to make sure that you are safe and contented."

They finished their meal in silence, and then efficiently and in parallel motions they cleaned their plates and set them back in the cupboard. Nyota followed Spock into the front room where he opened the panel set into the wall that hid the large entertainment screen, he had only used it once since he had moved into the apartment. Nyota routed in her bag and then came up behind him, handing him the small green chip, he inserted it into the slot. Nyota was sat on the couch next to the coffee table, it faced the screen so it was a logical place to sit but he hesitated, should he sit next to her? Or would that be considered inappropriate? He decided it would not as long as he sat as far from her as possible, on the small couch that would not be far. As he sat down 8.6 inches away from her she moved, she put her legs up folding herself into the same position he'd seen her in before, this brought her exactly three inches closer to him

" Do you mind?" She asked.

" Do you mean if I mind you putting your feet up?"

" Yes."

" No, I do not mind."

The film started and although Spock could pick up the strange plot his mind was not fully upon it. She was so close to him that he did not have to concentrate to hear that steady breathing and heartbeat that let him know she was safe. Yet he wanted her even closer to him, that five point six inches seemed perilous, she did not seem safe enough, she was not in his arms, he could not feel her warmth and her softness against him. It was not a sexual desire, it was not as it was when he watched her in the water, there were no stirrings in him. He simply wished to have her closer, safe, it didn't have to be skin to skin contact he just wanted to feel her heartbeat against his side. Spock could not pull her closer to him, and to have her so close yet not be able to touch her was uncomfortable. He decided to go and change the covers of his bed for her, he stood up, her eyes followed him.

" Are you okay?" She asked.

" Yes, I noticed you yawned a few minutes ago, I am going to go change the sheets of my bed so you may retire at the end of the movie if you wish."

" Um, okay." She seemed slightly puzzled but Spock could not think of any further explanation that would remove the expression.

He walked into his bedroom and paused at the sight of his bed, all staff apartments were equipped with a double bed, it was redundant though, he always slept on the left. He had seen his bed everyday since he had moved in two years previous but this time it was different. This time Nyota would be sleeping in it and he could imagine her sleeping form lying there, he imagined that she would sleep on her side, in the middle of the bed with her hair down and spread against the white linen of his pillow, he imagined sitting at the edge of the bed and brushing that dark hair away from her face in the morning. He stopped himself just as he thought of himself lying next to her under the covers, bare skin next to his. it was too much, it was not yet possible so why torture himself.

He stripped the bed and put the laundry in the basket where it would be collected on Tuesday night and returned to him clean on Wednesday morning. He took the fresh sheets from the linen closet in his room and proceeded to make the bed. He smoothed the material under his hands, knowing that soon it would be resting on top her, she would be safe and that was enough he told himself.

He stepped back into the front room, he could not avoid her eyes the door was two foot to the left of the screen. She smiled as he entered. He went to sit back next to her, this time he closed the distance between them slightly, three inches, he was even more uncomfortable, why was he doing this to himself?

" You haven't missed all that much, Puck has just changed Bottoms head into that of an Ass and Titania is in love with him due to the liquid from the love in idleness that Puck put on her eyes under the command of Oberon." Nyota explained to him.

" I see, this has a strange story line. These characters love is superficial and vain and it makes them act illogically. It was almost as if this were written by a Vulcan to warn against blindly following ones emotions."

Nyota stared at him for a moment then burst out laughing. This time he did not feel the same response as on previous occasions, he noted it with interest.

" Have I said something humorous?"

" I was just thinking of Shakespeare as a Vulcan."

" That is a humorous thought?"

"Yes." She stopped laughing and looked at him closely. " Have I offended you?"

" Vulcans do not get offended. It is an illogical response as it serves no purpose, and I doubt Shakespeare was actually a Vulcan although space travel was possible for my species at that point they did not have much interest in it, and even less interest in other species who had not yet discovered warp speed travel."

"So Elvis wasn't a Vulcan?"

" No, I do not believe he was. Nyota, are you, as the Humans say, making fun of me?"

" Yes, I guess I am."

" I do not understand why, you have never done so before."

" I guess I'm more comfortable around you than I used to be. Humans tend to tease each other when they feel comfortable with each other, when they're friends."

" We are friends?"

" Aren't we?"

" I would be an honour if you considered me your friend."

She smiled widely and he felt that strange tightness in his stomach and at that moment his feelings for her and his wish to touch her were not entirely innocent. He turned his body slightly so he would face her fully.

" Nyota, may I ask something of you? As a friend."

" Yes."

" Please do not tease me."

She gave a short laugh.

" Okay, sorry Spock, I won't do it again."

" Thank you."

He turned back to finish watching the movie, exactly a minute after turning away from her Nyota leaned in closer to him. Spock assumed it was unintentional, she seemed to fidget a lot. After three more lines of dialogue her arm brushed his, he choose to ignore it but he felt his heartbeat increase again, she had a habit of making him respond in that way. The movie continued without further incident or conversation, Nyota yawned once again a minute and a half before the movie ended. At the end he shut the screen off and took out the small chip handing it to Nyota who put it back into her bag.

" I will not give my opinions on the film now, you appear tired and you have intermediate fitness at seven tomorrow morning. It would be logical if you retired now."

" Yes, I was thinking that myself.' She stood up then hesitated.

"Spock, where's your bathroom?"

Spock pointed to a door on the far wall, Nyota nodded and picked up her duffel bag and headed towards it. Spock went back into his bedroom, he went to his cupboard and got out the soft sweatpants he usually wore to sleep in, he didn't usually wear anything else to bed but decide tonight it would be appropriate to do so, he was searching through his tops trying to find one that would be comfortable when Nyota came in. She stood in the doorway looking slightly nervous she was wearing some kind of sweatpants but in a bright yellow. She wore a tank top in the same color, he looked at her for a moment, his eyes were immediately drawn to the soft curves under the tank top. He looked away and picked a t-shirt he usual exercised in. He laid his clothes on the bed and then looked back up at Nyota still standing nervously in the doorway.

" Where are you sleeping?" She asked.

" I shall sleep on the couch tonight." He answered walking over to the linen closet and picking out a spare pillow and blanket.

" I could take the couch if you want." Nyota offered. Spock found it a curious thing to say, he had offered her the bed, it was much more comfortable than the couch and she would sleep better in it, so why ask to sleep on the couch instead.

" You would sleep better in the bed." He answered her, he collected his sheets and clothes and went out into the front room. He turned just as he exited.

" Good night Nyota."

" Good night Spock."

Nyota called him again just as the door was about to shut behind him, he put his hand out to stop it.

" Spock."

" Yes, Nyota."

" Thank you."

He nodded. "You are welcome."

In the front room he laid the pillow and blanket on the bed and picking up his PADD sat down to read the enterprise reports. He managed to settle into some form of tranquility, stopping every few minutes to focus in on Nyotas heartbeat. It was strange how that heartbeat seemed to be becoming the most important thing in his life. After exactly an hour Spock got up and turned on the light in the kitchen, then turned off the light in the front room, this would allow him to see a little but not be light enough to wake Nyota. He went over to the bedroom door and opened it hoping that the quiet beep and the sliding of the door would not disturb Nyota. He looked in, he could make out the form under the covers. She was safe. He closed the door again and turned on the light and settled back into the chair. He did not plan on sleeping tonight, he would rest for a few hours on the couch but he would stay awake and alert. Cadet Williams was still out there so Nyota was still not safe, even here in his apartment.

After another hour he had finished the reports on the Enterprise and had moved on to reports from the Faragot, the captain of the star ship had recently been involved in peace talks with the Klingon's. Spock did not expect there to be a resolution within the next few years so knowing what grievances the Klingon's had with the federation would be useful when he came to serve on the Enterprise.

His internal clock told him it was time to check on Nyota again. He got up, turned of the lights again and went to the bedroom door. He paused this time, confident that by this point she should be fully asleep, he lost track of time as he watched her sleeping form and the gentle movements of her body as she slept. He was almost regretful when he returned to the front room. He went and laid on the sofa in the dark, he would rest for a while. For twenty- two minutes he stayed lying on the sofa his mind drifting as his ears listened to the sounds outside the apartment. Then he heard footsteps coming from inside the bedroom. He concentrated on it, the footfall was to light to be that of Williams. It was probably Nyoya but he stayed tensed, ready to jump up and protect , just in case. The bedroom door opened and he saw Nyotas form outlined in the doorway. She walked quietly around him, she must have thought he was asleep. He listened to her as she walked towards the two side by side doors that lead to the bathroom and his meditation area, she went into his meditation area, he had expected her to go into the bathroom, he could see no reason why she would go into the other room.

" Lights on." Spock said, the light flicked on and Nyota spun round quickly to look at him.

" I thought you were asleep."

" I am sorry that I startled you Nyota, but that is a private space."

" It's not the bathroom is it?"

" No, indeed it is not. It is a meditation room. The bathroom is the door to the right."

" Right. I'm sorry."

" You were not to know."

When she came back out the bathroom she hovered for a moment, she seemed to want to say something.

" Would you like some herbal tea? I have some that helps induce sleep." Spock asked.

" No, I'm fine thank you."

" You seem to be having trouble sleeping again, are you afraid?"

" No, you're not sleeping."

" You're not sleeping because I am not sleeping?"

" Yes, I'm worried you're uncomfortable on the couch, and you keep coming into the bedroom."

" The couch is uncomfortable but it will suffice. I do not need as much sleep as you do and one night without sleep will not affect me in any negative manner. I was not aware that you were aware I was coming into the bedroom, but I merely wished to check you were okay. I did not mean to disturb you." He did not like that she knew that he had stood at the door and watched her.

" Let me sleep on the couch." She said.

" No. I will not let you be uncomfortable."

" Well I won't let you be uncomfortable either."

" You are being emotional and illogical."

" Get used to it." She snapped then she blushed slightly.

" I'm sorry Spock, I guess all this is getting to me a little."

" I will keep you safe Nyota." He promised her.

" I know you will." She looked at him the expression on her face a kind of soft seriousness.

" What do you wish from me Nyota?"

" I wish you to sleep in the bed."

" We seem to be going in circles, I wish you to be comfortable, the bed is the most comfortable place for you to sleep."

" It's a big bed."

" Indeed." He did not see where the conversation was heading.

"Big enough for two."

" Nyota if you are suggesting we both sleep then I have to inform you that would be highly inappropriate."

" I trust you."

" Nyota, I could get a warning just for having you in my apartment." Spock confessed hoping that she would understand how far he had already broken the rules in an attempt to keep her safe. It did not have the desired effect. Nyota stormed into his bedroom and excited a moment later her duffel bag in her hands.

" I'll leave then." She said as she headed to the door.

Spock strode in front of her he reached his hand out touching her shoulder lightly. He could not let her leave, not whilst cadet Williams was still on the loose and planning some kind of unsolicited revenge upon her.

" Nyota, please stay. I only wish for you to be safe. I need to know you are safe."

She stared up at him, her face so close to his and he could feel the embarrassment, irritation and confusion she was experiencing but he could feel something deeper, something he was not sure he wanted to explore he felt he would get lost if he did. He removed his hand from her flesh closing the connection between them.

" You must rest, and I shall rest with you If that is what you wish."

" It is."

He nodded and took her duffel bag from her.

" Please go back to bed Nyota, I shall join you in a moment. I need to get changed." He explained.

He watched her walk back into his bedroom the night had taken some unexpected turns, a few hours he had hardly dared imagine himself in bed next to her, the thought had seemed to much. A few hours ago sitting three inches from her had made him feel as if he were losing control of his emotions, now he would have to lie with her. He would stay as far away from her as possible but he felt he would feel a similar discomfort. He changed into his night clothes in the bathroom and checked the security system once more before walking into the bedroom. Nyota was under the covers she kept her back to him as he walked to the opposite side of the bed, flipped the covers over and lied down on the mattress, he managed to keep just under a foot between them. He turned to face away from her, he did not usually sleep on his side but tonight he would, it would give the both of them some privacy.

" Lights out." Spock said, the computer turned the lights off.

They lay in silence, Spock could tell from her breathing that she was not yet asleep.

" Spock?"

" I am here Nyota."

" Do you remember when we were in the pool?" Spock knew she was replying to the second occasion, when he had seen the bruise on her leg and she had splashed him and he had made her laugh loudly.

"Yes."

" I wish we weren't interrupted."

" Why are you saying this now?"

" I don't know, no reason I guess. Goodnight Spock."

" Goodnight Nyota."

He had the desire to touch her, to know what she was thinking to feel that thrilling jolt and warmth that he had whenever he touched her skin. Just one touch, he wouldn't let it go any further than that.

" Nyota." He said turning inwards so that he was facing her bed. She turned also so that they were facing each other in the dark, still a safe nine inches between them. Spock reached out his hand to her. His index and middle finger stretched out and the other two curled into his palm. He wondered if she would deny him this simple touch, there would be an awkwardness between them if she did, but he felt she would not, she had shown no resistance to his touch before.

" Give me your hand." He requested.

He watched as she slowly lifted her hand and mirroring his gesture pressed her two finger tips to his. He immediately felt that familiar jolt, it seemed to travel all the way down his spine and rest in his stomach, he heard her gasp and knew that she had felt the same sensation. Carefully and slowly he moved his fingers gently stroking down hers. He felt a spreading warmth throughout his body and he made no attempt to stop the telepathic bond that started to form between them. He felt her wonder, her delight and a gentle warm spark of energy and light that was Nyota herself, her soul, her katra.

" What is that?" She asked him her voice low and breathless. He removed his hand from hers reluctantly, the connection was severed and he felt a strange pang of loneliness.

" It is a Vulcan gesture of affection." He wondered if she would be mad, if she would rebuke him but he sensed her smile.

" It's like being hugged from the inside." He was glad that she could feel the same from the gesture as a Vulcan woman would, it had been a possibility that with no telepathic sensors in her fingers that it would have no meaning to her.

" I guess that would be close to the Human equivalent."

She was silent, he wondered if she could sense what he felt, that it was more intimate than anything on earth, you could sense the persons soul. She would have felt him, his emotions and life within her. And the remarkable girl had allowed it, she had wondered at it, she had not backed away scared. He had opened himself to somebody and not been rejected, it made him ache a little in the vicinity of his heart, she was a good match for him.

He heard her movement, she was drawing close to him, he had not expected this but he did not back away from her, she had not backed away from him. She was resting close to him, she leaned in a little her soft curves pressed against him for a moment and then he felt her warm lips brush his check, it was only for a split second and then she was moving away from him her breath tickling his skin and then as he was still marveling at the mixture of a slight tickle and a burning flame that her touch had produced she turned to face away from him.

"Goodnight Spock." She whispered, her voice happy.

" Good night my Nyota."

I hope you've enjoyed this chapter and that it wasn't too sweet, for those of you hoping for a little action (of the none sexual sort) it is coming.