Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek or any of its characters.
"Shore leave!" called out the Captain, slapping Ellara on the back as he sat down.
"Again?" she asked as she took a bite of her bagel.
He nodded, and Ellara pondered about how they seemed to have it frequently. "What are your plans?" asked Uhura, looking at her boyfriend.
"I don't really know." he said, furrowing his brow.
Nyota looked down, and quietly said, "You could come and stay with me and my family."
Kirk looked at her, shocked, but slowly nodded his head.
Spock, who had been watching the actions of those around him, then leaned in close to Ellara to talk to her. "Perhaps it would also make sense for us to meet each other's families as well."
Ellara discreetly nodded her head and promised him they would come up with a schedule later on. "I have a lot of work to get to, so I'm gonna go."
Kirk groaned when she stood up, not having had any time to pester her that morning. "Sorry, Cap. Duty calls."
"So, who should we visit first? Your dad or mine?" Ellara asked, having just finished her evening meal with Spock.
"I do not think that it would make a great difference, however I have already met your father." Spock replied.
Ellara nodded, thinking things over. If they met with her father first, he'd insist that they stay as long as possible. If they met Spock's father first, she would without a doubt be incredibly nervous. However, getting it over with would be the better option; her nerves could persuade her to stay the entirety of shore leave on Rendoria. Therefore, her decision was made. "I think we should visit your father first." she said, nervous to see his reaction.
Maybe he didn't want her to meet his father? What if he was embarrassed to be seen with her? "That is acceptable. I shall make the necessary arrangements."
On the outside, Spock was calm and cool. Inside, he was silently cheering. He was wary about meeting Ellara's father as her boyfriend, rather than as a colleague. What would happen? Would he be offended that Ellara had chosen a Vulcan as her mate? Would he refuse to accept Spock? So many doubts were swimming around inside his head, and it was a good idea for him to see his father; to have those doubts be pushed back with logic.
"Is there anything I should know in advance, Spock?" asked Ellara, concern filling her voice.
"To what are you referring to?" inquired Spock.
Ellara sighed, slightly disappointed that she'd have to explain when she was already feeling apprehensive. "About the culture; are there things I should and shouldn't do? What's the planet like? What are the customs? What am I not allowed to talk about?"
Spock stared at his girlfriend as though she had grown three heads. "Although greatly appreciated, you have no reason to bother yourself with that. Vulcans do not often have visitors from other planets, that is true, however they do tend to keep their culture private. If they had wanted others to behave as they had, they would give more information. If you so desire, I may tell you the basics so as to not be too disrespectful, but otherwise, do not fear that you shall offend my father. He is, after all, Ambassador to Earth."
Ellara nodded her head as she processed the information, but gave a double take at that last bit. "Wait, what? Your dad's Ambassador to Earth?"
"Yes." Spock raised a brow. "Have I not told you that?"
Shaking her head, Ellara replied, "No, you didn't. I-" she stopped herself short. "I mean, it is fairly important information, but I can see why you didn't tell me."
"Why is that?" questioned Spock.
Ellara thought of her answer for a moment. "Well, I mean, you never really talk about your family. So it makes sense why I wouldn't know."
Spock pondered about what she had said. It was true, he did not speak of his family very often. Thinking back on it, he was quite closed off about his life outside of Starfleet. Maybe he would rectify that during shore leave. "Do you have the appropriate clothing for visiting Vulcan?" asked Spock.
He watched as Ellara blinked once, twice, before opening and closing her mouth like a fish. "What exactly does that entail?"
"Vulcan is much warmer than Rendoria, especially considering Rendoria is slightly colder than Earth." Spock supplied.
Ellara mentally sifted through her wardrobe and put together some suitable outfits she could wear. "I think I have the necessary clothing."
The two stood in silence for a moment before Ellara walked forward and outstretched her arms. Spock understood and reciprocated the action, embracing her. Ellara slowly began swaying, pressing her face to Spock's chest and breathing him in. He smelled like whatever cologne he used, as well as soap. It was a strange smell, but comforting to her. "I love you." she whispered, disentangling herself.
"I love you, as well." replied Spock, watching as Ellara leaned back on their footboard.
She gave him a small smile, and tapping her hand against the wood as she stood back up and said "Gonna start packing."
"So, this is Vulcan." Ellara commented, placing her hands on her waist. Not even five minutes on the planet and she was sweating. She was thankful for her decision to get changed on the shuttle over. "It's hot."
Spock shot her a small smirk, beginning to walk forward. "I told you, did I not?"
"Don't get sassy, mister." teased Ellara, pulling her luggage behind her.
Up ahead, she could see a large building with a large balcony surrounding it. By the entrance, she could see an older Vulcan man standing with his arms placed quite formally in front of him. Although Ellara was quite a distance away, she could see that this man bared quite a resemblance to Spock. She could only assume that this was Sarek, his father.
They finally reached the house, and the older Vulcan male said, "Spock."
Spock nodded his head and replied, "Father."
Ellara was mere seconds away from making a joke, however she kept it to herself, feeling as though her present company might not appreciate it that well. Sarek then turned to her, and tilted his head very minutely. "You must be Miss Lat'toy."
Ellara's cheeks flushed at being called by her last name. It didn't happen often, especially not without a Counsellor in front of it, and it reminded her of when she was in school and the teacher was telling her to stop doing something. "If it's alright with you, I would prefer Ellara." she said, quite quietly if she had to say so herself.
However, knowing Vulcan's had superior hearing to that of Rendorians, Ellara knew that Sarek had heard and he nodded his head. "Ellara, then. I am Sarek, Spock's father. Please come in."
He then turned and opened the door for Spock and Ellara. Spock could feel Ellara standing tensely next to him, so he placed his hand on the small of her back as they walked in to reassure her that everything was alright. It seemed to have worked as he felt her back muscles release and her steps became lighter. Looking at Ellara from the corner of his eye, he could see her eyebrows slowly pull apart and the corner of her lips tilt up. Spock was shocked at how one simple touch from him made her react so; he was awestruck by how much she relied on him, how much he affected her. Ellara truly was a miracle.
"I trust you remember where your room is, Spock." Sarek spoke as they paused in a quite large room.
It consisted of a large set of stairs leading to a second floor, with a large light fixture hanging from the ceiling. The entirety of the second floor was visible from their vantage point, as it was open, with a simple railing surrounding it. Ellara was taken away with the beautiful architecture; she had briefly studied it during high school in a compulsory art class, and although she found it beautiful, had not taken more lessons due to the fact that she already knew her career path in Starfleet.
Spock nodded, and led both him and his girlfriend through the giant home. His childhood room had been redecorated to serve as a guest room, but if he focused hard enough, he could see an echo of himself working in a desk in the corner, meditating beside the bed, and writing complex equations on a whiteboard that had been taken down from the wall. This, however clinical, was home to him.
Beside him, Spock could see Ellara gazing around the room curiously. He could practically feel the question on the tip of her tongue. "It did not look like this when I lived here."
Ellara's cheeks flushed once again, this time at having been caught, and she gave him a small nod. "I see. I guess sentiment isn't as present in Vulcan homes as it is in that of Rendorian's."
"It is not, no." Spock replied, admitting it.
"It's nice, though." commented Ellara.
Spock raised an eyebrow at her. "I saw at least three guest rooms, but this one is still yours. There's at least a small amount of sentiment in that."
Thinking it over, Spock realized that she was right. He voiced his thoughts, "You are correct."
Ellara smirked, muttering, "Of course I am."
Spock gave a small smirk at that. Ellara, although very caring about the feelings of others, could still be slightly obnoxious when she wanted to.
He was going to mention it when he saw how vulnerable Ellara looked in that moment. Spock was honestly shocked; she looked borderline terrified. She was hugging her midsection and if he focused hard enough, he could see her shaking. Spock realized that she had never had to experience this, and that her fear of his father disliking her was giving her anxiety. Without speaking, he walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her. In such close contact, he could feel every tremor that went through her body, feel the moment when she finally stopped shaking, and he could feel when she slowly removed her arms from herself and hugged him back.
The two stood like that for a moment, Spock waiting to make sure that she was calmed down, and Ellara just basking in his warmth. Finally, he pulled away, but made sure to keep his hands on her shoulders, so that she would remain close. "Are you feeling better?" he asked quietly.
Ellara took in his deep and clear voice, closing her eyes and breathing deeply before opening them and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."
"Are you ready to go out?"
Another nod.
Spock repeated her action in agreement, and put his arm on the small of her back as he led her out.
"I see you have both settled in." Sarek commented, putting down the book he was reading.
"We have." Spock replied, taking the initiative.
Sarek held out his arm, indicating for the two to sit on the couches that were there.
Ellara took a quick glance at the room, absorbing her surroundings. It was a beautiful home, full of deep and rich colours, and had a very open concept. The couches were placed on top of a beautiful rug, and there was an abstract coffee table in the middle.
She was brought from thought, however, by Sarek's next question. "Ellara, Spock told me you have been previously engaged. May I ask what ended the relationship?
(Real quick; I meant to update the 21st but completely forgot to publish it after I added it to my docs) Again, vv sorry for being late. I just wanted to make sure I wrote the interaction between Sarek, Spock and Ellara correctly(also I've been busy with a gif rp blog but shhhh).
Love. Fiction. 2016: Heheh thanks!
Bookl0ver1998: Nice!
- fangirl0012345
Updated February 23rd, 2017.