Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek or any of its characters.
"Slow down, El. I know you're excited to get out, but you still have to do it calmly."
Ellara rolled her eyes at the smart words of Bones. She knew he was right, but she still wanted to leave the med-bay and get back to work. She'd been looking at her PADD more frequently, scheduling appointments. She had at least twenty lined up.
Spock, however, nodded his head along to the good Doctor. "It would be wise to take your time in returning to work, Ellara."
Shooting him a glare, Ellara got up swiftly and smoothly. "See?" she said cockily. "I'm fine."
Bones looked at her expectantly, almost waiting for her words to backfire and for her to fall. However, when she didn't, he simply rolled his eyes and shooed her out. "And Spock."
The Vulcan turned around. "Make sure she doesn't overwork herself. And don't agree with me, it makes me very uncomfortable!" he added.
"Spock, are you alright?" asked Ellara, putting down her fork.
"What do you mean?" replied Spock, coming back to the situation he was in.
Ellara gave him a small smile. "I've asked you three times what you did in the lab today. I don't think I've ever seen you this distracted."
Spock sat up straighter, realizing he had been concentrated on something different. "I apologize. I was worried."
"About what?"
"You."
Ellara's eyebrows shot up in surprise. She hadn't expected that, of all things. "Oh." She looked down at her food and took a deep breath. "Why were you worried about me?"
"When you were attacked, I felt fearful for your safety. I care for you, Ellara, more than I thought I would in such a short time."
Chuckling, Ellara stood up and sat on the table in front of Spock. "Same here. I don't know how it happened, but I really, really like you, Spock. It's strange."
"What is strange?"
"I used to think you were pretentious. That you felt you knew better than everyone else. And now I see the real you, and I think he's amazing."
Ellara tilted her head to the side, her smile turning soft. She suddenly got a very impulsive idea, and before she could think through the consequences, she voiced it. "Can I kiss you?"
Spock raised an eyebrows just slightly, his mouth opening a little bit. Instead of answering, he slowly stood up, pushing his chair back as he did. Spock walked forwards a couple of steps, until he was only centimetres away from her face. Ellara, taking the hint, moved her face forwards and connected her lips with his. His hand rose up and rested beside her thigh as he leaned forward into the kiss.
After a minute, Ellara leaned back, pressing her forehead against his. She took a deep breath before speaking. "I-uh-" she gulped. "Thanks."
Ellara was breathing heavily, looking down as Spock took a few steps back, looking down as well. "I agree." was all he said.
The two looked up at each other simultaneously, and Ellara burst out in laughter. "I do not see the humour in the situation." commented Spock, slightly miffed. Had he not been acceptable?
Ellara shook her head as she tried to calm down. "I don't either. I'm not sure why I'm laughing, to be honest."
Spock, understanding it had not been because of himself, raised the corner of his mouth just the slightest bit.
Out of the blue, when Ellara had calmed a bit, Spock said, "I would like to make a meal for you."
"Oh?"
"Yes. We have only had replicated meals together. I feel as though sharing one that I have cooked would be… beneficial to our relationship." replied Spock, sitting down once again.
Ellara raised an eyebrow at him as she retook her spot. "I think you may encounter a small problem there."
"If you are referring to the fact that I am a vegetarian, and that your people are almost considered carnivores, I have taken that into consideration. I hope to surprise you with my selection."
"I look forward to this meal, Spock."
"Meat fondue? With vegetables on the side? Interesting choice, Mister Spock." cooed Ellara, sidling up to his side.
The two were seated in his living room with the lights turned down low. She could tell that he had done some research on romantic evenings, as there were candles and soft music. Listening closely, Ellara noticed that it was a classic tune from Rendoria. "You really went all out with tonight, didn't you?" she asked, giving him an appreciative look.
Spock was pleased that he had surprised her. She seemed to enjoy the setting and the meal, which was a very good thing for him indeed. "I felt that it would be appropriate."
Ellara and Spock enjoyed a quiet meal, speaking softly to each other every once in awhile. When they had finished, Ellara leaned back as Spock cleaned up. Pulling out her PADD, she checked to see if she had any appointments the next day, but noticed something peculiar about the date. "Hey, Spock?" she called out.
"Yes?" he replied.
"We'll have been dating for a year tomorrow." she said, getting up to stand beside him.
He looked at the screen of her PADD, which she had pointed towards him, and nodded his head. "So it would seem. Would you like to do something special for it?"
Ellara took a moment to think. That was what human couples did, right? They celebrated? She doubted that Vulcans did, and Rendorian's only celebrated once they were married. Realizing she had neglected to answer Spock, Ellara shook her head no. "I don't think we need to. It's not a part of either of our cultures, so why should she?"
"My thinking exactly." replied Spock as he grabbed some papers from his desk. "However, I do have a proposition for you."
If Spock had been more human, he would have begun shuffling the sheets in his hand and he would be sweating heavily. Thankfully for him, he was not, and kept his nerves as bay.
"What is it?" asked Ellara.
Spock showed her the stack in his hand. "In Rendorian culture, the couple lives together until they are ready to be married, correct?" he asked.
Ellara nodded slowly, and Spock could see her eyes skimming the words. "I thought it would be beneficial to our relationship if we shared a room."
Spock could see Ellara swallow thickly, but she did not look scared or upset. She seemed… happy. Giving him a large smile, she threw her arms around his neck, saying, "I'd love to!"
He stumbled back from the force of her hug, however, after a few beats, he wrapped his arms around her torso. "Good. If you would sign the papers, we could bring your things here as soon as possible."
Ellara pulled back to look at the man in front of her. To other people, they'd wonder why he didn't seem pleased. However, looking closely, Ellara saw the small crinkle at the corner of his eyes and the slight upturn of his lips.
"Thank you, Spock."
"It is my pleasure."
BTW I posted a new poll with the selections from the last poll if y'all could vote on it. Chapter twenty-seven. Yes, I am aware that it's short. In case you couldn't tell... I am running out of ideas for this story. I don't really know where else to go besides having them get married... and then that's endgame... To be honest, I started up to poll because I'm thinking of closing this story soon. It's been a pleasure writing this story, and it's almost 30 chapters long(holy craperonie), but material is hard to come up with originally. I could go by The Original Series, but then it wouldn't be the same Spock, and it would mean watching it all over again... So I'll probably write a couple more chapters and end it. It feels like the time. I thank you all for reading it, and I hope you don't resent me too much. :/
Bookl0ver1998: Thanks!
Love. Fiction. 2016: I know. :)
- fangirl0012345
Updated January 26th, 2017.