Chapter Two: Games

Calypsa sauntered down the stairs lazily, admiring the Vulcan's simple tastes. After a lifetime of glam and glitter, simple elegance was a relief. She had changed into a peach evening gown that was form fitting. It had a v-neck and left all of her back from her neck to just above her rear, exposed. It was a bit racy, she had to admit but, she wasn't really sure where she stood with this guy yet. She entered the rather impressive dining room noting that the table could probably seat at least 20 people. Jaref was waiting for her, his face set in an inscrutable mask; the table was already set for them at the far end. She found it amusing that there was so much space for two people.

"Your dress accents your complexion well." Jaref said blandly, trying out another compliment. He just hoped the source he'd found on Terran mating rituals had been trustworthy, how many different ways were there to say someone was aesthetically pleasing? Apparently a large number…

"Thank you, you look very attractive also." She was trying to seem flirtatious but it was true, he was a handsome guy, freaky eyebrows and all. She didn't want to throw anything too forward or complex out there, this guy was obviously quite sophisticated.

Jaref had not said that she looked very attractive but he had read that contradicting someone repeatedly was considered very 'annoying'. "You sit there, and I here. We will eat in silence as is customary."

Calypsa nodded; this was…odd. Dinner was usually when all the men she had been with wanted to talk her ear off about anything they could think of. It was usually when people tried to pretend they liked everybody they were with. It was slightly awkward but she busied herself with staring at various objects like the gothic chandeliers and thinking about whether her Returian rat was happy in his new home. He'd seemed healthy when she'd let him back into is large glass cage; his antennas turning every which way in curiosity. Datie was usually pretty cheerful though. She finished her meal that had contained things she was pretty sure were noodles but it was best not to think about it. Jaref was already finished and had begun to tap his fingers on the table. She looked at him expectantly, noticing for the first time that his eyes were not dark brown but an extremely dark blue, a much darker shade than hers. "I've decided you can call me Calypsa, for now."

Jaref had been thinking about where he should take Calypsa out tomorrow, since all the vulcan males with Terran females had been given the day off. He had no idea what she would find interesting, he would have to find out. "I see, than I shall refer to you by that name; however in the presence of others it is only appropriate that I call you Ms. Reynaldi. Have you ever played three-dimensional chess before?"

Calypsa smiled. The two things she was good at, sex and three-dimensional chess. Her grandfather had taught her to play when she was very young; he always went on about how smart she was. "I have, I'm actually pretty good. Why do you ask?"

Jaref stopped himself from raising his eyebrows. He had not expected that she had ever played it, much less that she was practiced. "Indeed? I am considered quite skilled at the game myself. Would you like to play? I must warn you that it is not likely that you will win."

Calypsa grinned at his arrogance; she had never been around someone so blunt before, it was entertaining. "I'm pretty confident I can…take you."

"Is that an affirmative?"

"It is."

Jaref took them into a room that appeared to be some kind of study and an hour later the game was over and Calypsa was laughing. Calypsa didn't want to offend him but couldn't help it, he was just sitting there staring at the chess pieces, he had been ever since she'd said 'checkmate'. It had been a close game to be sure and she had been worried for a while that she might lose but then figured out a loophole. She was proud of herself; she'd beat a vulcan geneticist at three-dimensional chess, surely she deserved a medal or something. "Are you going to stare at it all night?"

Jaref did not respond to the ludicrous question. He was still trying to figure out how she had defeated him. He had used perfectly logical reasoning. He went through each move in his mind trying to find his error. The only conclusion he could make was that she had a much more logical mind than he had anticipated. This would be a fortunate trait to pass on to their children. He wondered if compliments on one's mental prowess were as satisfying to a human as compliments on one's appearance. Judging by her gleeful expression he anticipated that she would appreciate such a comment. "Your logical reasoning is quite remarkable for someone of your species."

"Why, thank you. I must say I have never had so much difficulty winning a game before though."

"Of course not; you have never challenged a vulcan before."

Calypsa thought she saw a mischievous glint in his eye but she could have been mistaken. "That must be it."

"Why have you never attended college? I can easily ascertain that you have the mental capacity."

"I guess I never really got the opportunity." She hoped he would not ask about any other part of her past.

"That is unfortunate. Do you desire to further you education?"

"I don't think I will have a chance to now." She tried not to think about how her life could have been, things were what they were.

"My question was whether or not you desired to."

"Sometimes, I guess. I never even finished high school though."

"I could find a tutor to ascertain your skill and knowledge; then you would have the chance to pursue a higher education here on Vulcan. I believe your friend Gwen that you mentioned, will be attending university on Vulcan."

Calypsa was wary now. "What would you expect from me in return?"

Jaref thought it an odd question. "I would only expect you to perform in your studies to the best of your ability."

"There's no catch? Aren't we supposed to help you find a cure for the disease? That can't possibly take years."

"It actually has already taken years. There is no 'catch', as you put it. Would you like me to contact a tutor?" Jaref was attempting to evade the other subject she had brought up.

"I don't want to be a burden, are you sure there isn't something I could do to repay you?"

"You would not be a burden. I do not require compensation from you, except perhaps the occasional game of three-dimensional chess. I will contact a tutor tomorrow."

"I will be staying here with you the whole time?"

"That was the original plan however, if you do not wish to live with me, I am sure a different residence could be found for you." It would just make it more difficult to court her.

Calypsa was very confused. Something was really off. "Isn't college really expensive?"

"No, one only has to pass the entrance exam."

"Oh." This was so surreal. "Where is your bond mate?" She knew it was an out-of-the-blue but, it had been nagging at her since she arrived.

"She is currently off planet, our bond has been severed. She was however never truly my bond mate; we had yet to consummate the union."

Well then… Calypsa was at a loss. "So how exactly will we be aiding your people?"

"I am unable to tell you that."

Of course you are, she thought. "Oh, well, I think I'll just stay here at your place. It is…peaceful."

Jaref studied her for a moment, it seemed difficult to anger her; he was grateful for this. "It will be convenient to have you here, as I have been intending to court you."

"When did you decide that you wanted to court me?" She asked, leaning around the three-dimensional chess board, resting her chin in her hands.

"I began considering it before you arrived on Vulcan but, after meeting you I decided it was definitely the best course of action."

Calypsa wondered if he knew that the twinkle in his eyes was betraying his stony expression. "I'm going to pretend that was a compliment."

"In that case, I have given you no less than four compliments today. Is that a satisfactory amount?" He truly was curious; he didn't know what the expected number was.

She leaned closer, she liked this guy; he was dead-serious about everything. "Yes but, I think a physical display of admiration is in order." She thought she was beginning to understand how this guy's mind worked. She didn't really care about sex but, she was curious about how a Vulcan would respond to some encouragement.

Jaref thought he knew what she required; the first-date-goodnight-kiss. Terrans had so many unusual customs. He knew that kissing involved pressing one's lips against the other person's but, the few examples he had witnessed were much more intimate than that. He had a fairly good idea of what to do but he wasn't sure which 'type' of kiss she wanted. He definitely didn't want to kiss her across the table; that would be uncomfortable. "Very well, stand-up." He rose from his chair and walked over to where she was sitting.

This was gonna be good, she thought as she rose from her chair, facing him. He seemed to be staring at her lips, deep in thought. She decided to take the initiative. She wrapped her arms around his neck; she saw an eyebrow dart up but quickly return to its original position. "Now you're supposed to put you arms around my waist."

Jaref obliged her, placing his hands on small of her bare back. He was able to block all emotions but one from her; she was content. He was also able to read that she wanted him to kiss her. He attempted to do so, unsure of himself. He brushed he lips against hers gently at first finding it to not be an unpleasant sensation; he kissed her harder and felt her lips responding to his. He decided the sensation would be more pleasant for both of them if they were not standing; the height difference was irksome. He guided her gently to a light blue sofa-like object, never releasing her lips.

Calypsa wasn't sure what he was up to but he didn't seem like the rapist-type so she allowed herself to be dropped onto the couch as he crawled on top of her, his hands now pinned on either side of her. She ran her fingers through his stupid haircut, sliding her hands down his shoulders. She brushed her tongue against his inexperienced lips and he immediately parted them for her. Their tongues intertwined, she lifted her hands to his ears, massaging the tips gently.

Jaref understood at last why this was such a popular pastime but was aware that it was getting late and he should probably let Calypsa sleep soon. He released her mouth, pulling away and felt a faint pulse of disappointment from her. "I believe it is time you went to bed Calypsa." He whispered, removing her hands from his ears. "Humans require more sleep than Vulcans."

Calypsa stroked his neck fleetingly with two fingers and sat up. "I expect you are right." She said distantly, unable to stifle a small sigh. It hadn't exactly been arousing but it had been soothing. It surprised her; she usually didn't care for people touching her. This had been her idea though and somehow that was different.

Jaref stood up, straightening his shirt; he knew his hair must be a mess now. "I trust you can find your quarters?"

"Yup. Sweet dreams, Jaref." And she meant it.

"A curious expression, sleep well Calypsa." He left her in the room and went to his quarters, the projection of her emotion had almost been a threat to his own restraint, and meditation would be necessary.