one more after this ^_^

supprise supprise... dont own star trek.. though i did get a spock build a bear! so wanna get the blue shirt and phaser for it!

Episode 2-7.5 Love's new run

Valentines was around again and Saya of course was helping decorate. She was again on a team with Riley. This time Lt. Painter and Crewman Compton had joined them. Riley assumed she would lead the group and she obliged with kind direction. She had decided on a rose theme due to it being the human symbol of love. She had managed to get the fabric from before and this time would drop a bunch of fake rose petals, all in red.

Saya directed the others in hanging the decorations on the walls and such, as the day progressed and she thought on the rose idea. She had wanted enough roses for each guest but it wasn't feasible or practical. Suddenly she told Riley "I'll be back!" and darted out of the room. Going to her quarters she got the tape she had and found the red. Grabbing it and scissors she started back to the room.

As soon as she returned she sat in the middle of the floor and started to work making roses from the tape. Her first try was a bit messy but it made way for quite beautiful roses. She had made 4 by lunch time and was still directing the others on how to do the setup when Spock came by to collect her for lunch.

Grinning she popped up and moved what she had made to a box they had emptied before following Spock. She did hear Lt. Painter comment "Does she ever think for herself? She's always following Mr. Spock and jumping to his bidding." She did not hear what Riley said in return but knew that Spock had overheard the comment as well.

Saya smiled thinking 'if only you knew. But then that would open so many more questions.' Spock looked at her a moment before she shrugged "I don't really care what most of them think. Besides, those that know, also know i am not brainless or a chaser so it works for me." At Spock's raised eyebrow she clarified "male chaser, for the purpose of a one night stand all the way to a husband. Not usually someone who works for their own good past obtaining someone to take care of them."

They got their trays and sat down to eat. Soon Riley, Painter and Compton entered and the pair followed Riley to sit with them. "Hey, sup?" Saya asked and Riley gave a smirk before asking about her plans for the ceiling. Saya gave him an inquisitive look. she knew Riley knew what she would do. Spock caught onto his plan and gave her an inkling.

"Well, It will be similar to last years set up. Thankfully the supplies i got last year are still available. We will set the edges of the spreads of fabric up at the corners of the room in a slight upward angle and connect them all in the center of the room. With a simple hook and lever set up we can manage to get one corner of each to drop causing it to release anything it will be holding which will be the fake rose petals this year. The higher angle at the walls will cause the petals to drop in a shower like manner and keep them from bunching or clumping too badly." Saya explained.

Riley asked about the lever setup and Saya thought a moment before finding someone with a P.A.D.D. to borrow. Drawing a diagram she showed them how it would be set up to work then returned it. "See boys. She may seem sweet and unsuspecting but she has a sharp mind." Riley told them smugly.

Saya looked at him and shrugged "I may not be the smartest in many ways but I am creative." they looked at her oddly and she added "You know Riley, you don't have to worry. I don't really care if they think I'm stupid or a chaser or incapable of thinking for myself beyond decorating for a party. I am happy how I am. Though i do thank you for your care." She nudged him with a smile.

The other 2 watched her the entire meal and openly stared at her as she walked in pace with Riley to return. She nodded slightly as Spock split off to return to the bridge and shot him a mental 'i love you' without the others being the wiser. Riley watched her for a bit before casually asking if she would go to the dance this year. She shrugged and Compton asked if Riley planned to ask her to join him teasingly.

"That is not my place. I also would rather her attend with a certain someone else." Riley said with a knowing grin.

Saya smiled and rolled her eyes and Painter said "Surely you don't mean unfeeling Mr. Spock No woman could be happy with someone who couldn't tell her how much he loved her." Saya snorted and took up her roses again as she directed the others. She wanted to defend Spock but also knew it was quite unnecessary.

The day ended and Spock returned to pick Saya up. Saya showed him her tape flowers with a grin. She was running low on tape but had managed to make 26 flowers. Spock removed his hands from behind his back to hand her another 2 rolls of red tape to work with. Grinning she put them next to the flowers she had finished and started to follow Spock out.

That evening at dinner she talked about her plans for the roses as a sort of secret gift but she wasn't quite sure how she wanted it to play out. Spock watched her animated chatter with his almost smile. He liked listening to her chatter and enjoyed her happiness. After dinner they joined Uhura and some of the others in the rec room. Spock played his Vulcan lute and Saya played cards with Uhura.

Riley walked in with Painter and they started playing a game of chess. "Would you care to sing a song for us, lovely Ms. Uhura?" Riley asked and soon Uhura and Spock were singing and playing together. Saya enjoyed the show but when Uhura finished she refused to sing more.

Turning to Saya with a playful grin she said "I want to hear a song from Ms. Saya I know you have a lovely voice. Time to show the others." Saya refused but Uhura urged her again saying she wanted to hear others singing. Saya commented that Mr. Spock wouldn't know the tune to any of her songs but he assured her that he would be capable of providing accompaniment. Saya thought for a moment before she started humming. Spock picked up the tune in her head and she started to sing in a high alto.

She chose the song 'Bluenose' and it started cheerful then moved to mournful and back to cheerful. The others looked at her as she sang with her eyes closed, just enjoying the song. Kirk entered at the last verse and chorus. Once done the others started clapping and Saya blushed. "Well, I see we have 2 singing talents aboard." Kirk commented with a grin and a wink and Saya shyly ducked her head.

Some of the people asked where she came up with the song and why she picked it. "Well, it is a song my mother used to sing to me. It is very old actually, and I love it. It… it just seemed to fit for the moment." she tried to explain. She had read enough of her mother's letters to have gotten past most of her hurt and be able to talk about her mom without wanting to cry.

Some of the men started discussing the methods they were planning on using to woo the girls they liked. Uhura and Saya as the only females in the rec room soon became the center of questions pertaining to the best methods. Though Uhura was willing and open Saya was less inclined. Finally at a question about poetry she said "Honestly, I'm not the best person to ask. I was removed from normal society for quite some time and am unusual to begin with. However, anything someone does that takes effort and thought is inclined to make me happy because it shows they care."

Painter turned to Spock and asked what Vulcans did to woo a mate. "Very rarely is wooing a mate necessary, for Vulcans." he answered simply. They soon left and Saya wondered if Vulcans did do anything like poetry or love songs. She couldn't really picture it but soon her mind was occupied with other thoughts before bed.

In the morning they again returned to the rec room. This time Spock had gotten time to aid them and Saya decided to hang the rose petal beds. Spock lifted her on his shoulder as was now customary for them. They worked without needing to say anything to each other. Painter and Compton just stared as they handed Saya things. Riley continued decorating the tables with a knowing look.

Once done Saya grinned and Compton asked "Do you guys do that often?" She shrugged saying that they had issues with obtaining ladders so it was easier. Riley asked if Spock had anything special planned and Spock did his simple yes. Riley didn't press but instead asked Saya who answered that she would be making handmade candies.

After their day and dinner Spock escorted Saya to the kitchen that she had graciously been allowed to use. She started working on the candies in multiple shapes and such with piping bags as Spock watched. Each time she messed up, once the candy cooled she offered it to Spock. As she finished she suddenly became aware that his mind seemed a little wobbly and looked at him. Her eyes went wide in alarm as she saw him with a full grin. "We need to call Bones, something is wrong with you!" she said as she tried to get to the comm.

Spock snaked a hand out and grabbed her around the waist. Pulling her to him, he buried his face in her neck. Taking a deep breath he replied in a deeper baritone than usual "Nothing is wrong with me. I just never told you how enjoyable it is to watch you or how enticing your scent is..." he started to nibble and lick at her neck and she realized his mind had taken a quite erotic hue.

"Mr. Spock, we need to know what has happened. You might be in danger. Please let me go." She said as she tried to get to the comm again. Spock stubbornly refused and instead ran his hands over her, making her shudder. Forcing her mind clear by reminding herself that they were in the kitchen and he would be more mortified than she would, and that he could be in serious danger, she forcefully said "Let me go NOW!" glaring at him.

She wasn't sure why it worked but he let her go and backed up a step. Quickly moving to the comm she called for Bones and only him. She knew that once whatever it was faded, Spock would be himself and rue anyone seeing him like this. It did not take McCoy long to arrive but during that time Spock was again clinging to Saya and caressing her.

Blushing as McCoy entered she asked him to lock the door. He eyed them as he obliged then asked what was going on. "I honestly have no clue. I was making candies and giving Mr. Spock the mistakes to pile or eat and suddenly noticed that his mind seemed… wobbly?" Saya paused as she tried to pull Spock's hand off her breast again. "I don't know what is wrong with him but this…"

"Is not normal. I can see that. What was he exposed too?" McCoy asked, almost managing to hide his smirk, as he examined Spock. Saya knew that Bones would not let Spock live this down. She told him everything she could think of and showed him the area. McCoy picked up one of the candies and asked "What are these made of?"

"Various degrees of chocolate, caramel and icing." Saya answered readily as she tried to keep focused despite Spock trying his best to seduce her. At McCoy's look she asked in a near panic "What? Is it something in the candies that did it? Am i the one that did this to him?"

McCoy wanted to laugh but Saya looked close to tears. "Vulcans metabolize chocolate like humans metabolize alcohol. You managed to get him drunk, though I don't know how he didn't realize it was chocolate."

"I always call them candies. I didn't know." Saya looked at Spock guiltily before adding "We have to get him back to our quarters without the others noticing. He would be quite displeased for anyone to see him like this."

McCoy patted her shoulder and Spock growled at him. Both of them looked at Spock a moment before McCoy said "I can try to keep him here for a few minutes. You run back to your quarters and he should follow quickly but not really catch the notice of anyone. I can't sedate him for his own safety."

Saya looked at the mess she would be leaving but her main concern was Spock. "Please if you have time and don't mind, clean up after me." She said quickly as she tried to untangle herself. Saying harshly with a glare "Let me go, and wait here for a bit." To McCoy's surprise Spock did so but looked like a miserable puppy at having to. Saya quickly said "don't know why that works." as she bolted for the door and ran headlong down the hall back to their quarters.

She was very thankful that she had been in public school and learned how to duck between people quickly because it allowed her to make it back to their quarters quicker than many others could have. After only a couple of moments Spock entered looking almost predatory. Saya got up to lock the door behind him but she again was pulled close by him.

She thankfully heard the door lock as Spock growled "This time, you won't escape me. You are mine." Spock promptly grabbed Saya and mashed their lips together. Spock took a more forceful lead than usual with Saya, though it was not in the slightest unpleasent. When they finally finished he collapsed half on top of Saya who happily cuddled him in blissful contentment.

Suddenly she remembered hangovers and assumed that Spock would have one upon waking. She tried to move him slightly so she could get up and get water for him for when he woke but he just tightened his grip around her waist and growled slightly. She guessed the growling was part of him being drunk as was the high level of aggression but she didn't mind. She suspected that she would have a few bruises in the morning though but shrugged off as part of having a mate that was 3 times as strong as a human male.

In the morning Saya felt like her head weighed a ton and realized it was really Spock's head that hurt. Disentangling herself she got up and got him a glass of water and found the medicine and note McCoy had left on their table. Bringing them to Spock she gave them to him in concern. He accepted them and after a few minutes was feeling much better. "Sorry I got you drunk… I really didn't mean to." she told him concernedly.

Spock quirked an eyebrow and answered "I am partially to blame for consuming so many candies as well as not being conscious of their contents." he was looking Saya over as he spoke knowing that he had been quite rough with her the previous night. He spotted quite a few bruises but nothing too severe.

Raising an eyebrow at him she grinned "Don't worry, I'm tough. Besides, you far from hurt me last night." She moved to sit with him and leaned her head on his chest. "We both are acknowledging mistakes we did yesterday. How about we call it even and move on, but learn from it?"

Spock nodded then rested his chin on her head as she chuckled "I will say though, this is the first time i have ever experienced a hangover." Spock raised an eyebrow but said nothing until it was time to get up and ready for the day. Once they were dressed they headed to breakfast and McCoy joined them.

Saya gave him a look that begged him not to pick on Spock. "I take it you feel better?" he simply asked. He didn't want to find out what Saya would do if he decided to tease Spock for getting drunk. He guessed she would cry or yell and didn't really want her to do either. Spock curtly nodded saying he hoped his conduct was not too unruly. McCoy almost said something about him being all over Saya but instead answered "you did nothing you would have to be concerned with among the crew."

McCoy then handed Saya the candies she had finished and she grinned "thank you so much! I will have to finish them." she suddenly realized that she wouldn't be able to give them to Spock and started thinking rapidly on what she could make for him. An image popped into her mind and she realized it was Spock's answer. Grinning at him she mentally told him she would do her best as they walked. Spock went to the bridge and Saya returned to the rec room.

Saya returned to making roses and guiding the others. Painter started to comment on a clear hickey on Saya's neck but Riley cut him off each time until he gave up. Saya for her part was confused at what Painter was attempting to imply until Spock clarified the tidbits that had been said. She looked at her hands, pausing her work a moment and blushed as she remembered the sound of Spock saying she was his. Pushing the thoughts aside she went back to work on her roses.

As Spock picked her up for lunch Painter looked between them quite a few times but Saya ignored it. Her team joined them and she finally demanded of Painter. "What? You obviously have a question."

"It is impossible and would make no sense but… no, there are no signs and of anyone you act closest to Lt. Riley… Are you and Mr. Spock dating?" Painter said slowly as if unsure of his sanity at the mere thought.

Saya looked at Spock then Painter with a grin. "Nothing is impossible and no we aren't dating, we are married." She could see Riley smirking out of the corner of her eye and could feel the mild amusement from Spock at the shocked looks on Painter's and Compton's faces.

Riley nudged her saying softly "I was wondering if they would figure out at all but those hickeys on you neck gave it away."

Saya looked at him abruptly and tried to look at herself. Giving up and blushing she replied "I was not aware of them… Oh well." with a shy giggle.

Painter and Compton continued to look between her and Spock until Spock cleared his throat and reminded them of their work. Getting up they parted ways and Saya sent Spock her customary 'i love you' as she remained with her team. Compton finally asked "You and Mr. Spock don't even touch. You don't act any different with him than you ever have. When did you get married?"

Saya smiled and shrugged "You'll have to give me a moment on that one. Your stardates are confusing for me." She missed the surprised looks of the other as she started counting on her fingers. "It was early November?"

Riley gave a stardate that meant very little to Saya before Painter asked "How do you not remember the date? And why does Riley know it?"

Saya shrugged again as she sat back down to work on her roses "Well what I grew up with was a calendar year and stardates don't make sense to me yet. I still have a lot of trouble converting them to something I understand. Besides, Vulcans don't celebrate anniversaries for the most part so it is not required for me… that and I could ask Mr. Spock and he would be able to tell me the exact amount of time down to the minute that we have been married. Riley knows because he attended our wedding."

They continued to work and question Saya. She answered about the wedding not being public because both she and Mr. Spock were rather private people. She answered that she still called him Mr. Spock because that was what fit him and she couldn't speak his full Vulcan name yet. She answered that he made her happy but she didn't know if a normal female human would be happy with a Vulcan because she wasn't really normal. The only question she refused to clearly answer was when Riley asked about her way of calculating time.

"That is not public knowledge and I don't want to reveal something I should not." was Sayas cryptic reply. Their shift ended and Saya had finished enough roses for everyone that would be attending their party. The room was decorated and looked fantastic and as Spock came to pick her up Riley clapped her on the back. "Another fantastic party my dear Saya. I just hope this year holds some romantic surprises for you."

Painter and Compton exchanged looks clearly saying they didn't think Mr. Spock was capable of being romantic as Saya walked off with him. "Don't worry, I'm not expecting anything. I know at least enough to realize Vulcans find Valentine's day distasteful and would not be inclined to celebrate unless forced." She told Spock. Saya had found time during her day to make the treat for Spock and managed to hide it in a small box that she picked up as soon as Spock showed up.

"Nothing is impossible." Spock said in his measured baritone. Saya narrowed her eyes and studied him suddenly realizing that she was sensing far more from him than was usual but he had something behind all that, that he was managing to hide from her. Spock guided her to their room instead of the dining hall and Saya though confused willingly followed.

As soon as she entered she saw a candlelit dinner set up with flameless candles. Spock pulled the chair out for her and she looked at him in wonder. "Some behaviors have remained the same over the centuries." He told her.

She placed her package by her plate picked the red rose up from her plate and looked at it. "I wouldn't be able to tell this is fake." she said before feeling the soft petals and looking up at him questioningly "This is not fake. I thought flowers, especially roses are near impossible to get on a starship."

"Being second in command provides privileges that one would not have otherwise." Spock answered as he watched her lovingly pet the flower. After eating and talking about their day's as well as Saya's plans for the next day as it would be Valentine's day.

Saya was going to give out her candies then spend the day on the bridge with Spock to relieve as many as possible to enjoy the party.

Once dinner was finished Spock went to their room and brought back a single blue rose. Saya looked at it and then him in surprise as he handed it to her saying "A blue rose during your time represented the unattainable and impossible. When given to a person the giver indicated the recipient was extraordinarily wonderful." Spock handed her the rose and she took it as tears sprang to her eyes.

Spock then started reciting a love poem to her. After a few lines she realized it was about her and listened in wonder. By the time he was done Saya was blushing profusely, crying and smiling like her face would break. Spock was mildly unsure of the reactions from her but could feel how overjoyed she was. She put the blue rose on her plate and passionately kissed Spock, tears still running down her face.

They enjoyed a tender night together filled with the love they shared. In the morning, as soon as they walked into the mess hall Uhura asked Spock if he had plans for the day. He responded that he had plans for every day as Saya tried her best not to blush, knowing what Uhura wanted to know. "Mr. Spock, I meant, do you have special plans to celebrate valentine's day today?"

Riley came up at that moment and nudged Saya from behind adding "Yeah, we want to know what special treatment our favorite crewmen will be getting." Saya did turn bright red and sat down, determinedly staring at her breakfast.

Uhura and Riley exchanged looks and were about to question Saya profusely when Spock said pointedly "I believe you both have duties to perform before you are free to attend the party." Saya took a breath and was trying to control her blush as they left only to have McCoy and Kirk join them.

"Is it possible that our very own Mr. Spock celebrated a holiday all about emotion with Ms. Saya?" Bones asked pointedly.

Saya choked on her food a moment and Spock sent her mental calm to help. Once she calmed down she looked up glad to have her blush under control. "I believe private matters are allowed to stay private unless they affect the crew. Is that not correct?" She asked equally as pointedly.

Kirk laughed "She has you there. Best stop your nosing Bones or she might pull a fast one on you. You forget she is linked to our Mr. Spock"

"Couldn't forget that if I tried." Muttered McCoy as they all walked to the bridge. Saya remained on the bridge with Spock for the rest of the day enjoying the quiet company together and reading as she pleased. During lunch she passed out the chocolates she had made for everyone and quickly returned to see Spock enjoying the treat she had made for him.

*END*