So sorry for the late update. It's almost the end of my marking quarter and I have 248932748972 million tests to study for. It's almost my spring break (I'm going to Cali!) so I will be able to right a lot. Thanks so much for keeping up with my story! Enjoy! (I don't own ANY part of the Star Trek Franchise. i only own Stella, no one else.)

P.S. I just saw Captain America: Winter Soldier, and boy it was absolutely amazing. My OTP will always be Captain America and Natasha! I encourage you guys to all see it!

I took his hand with ease, trying not to feel nervous and irritated at the same time. I was the last one seated, so conveniently I was an option. I wanted to feel insulted but it was the same in the other way. How embarrassing it would be to remain seated without a partner while everybody else danced.

His hand was gentle, as if holding my own was uncomfortable for him, however as we walked towards the other dancers he seemed to loosen up. My hand was on his shoulder and his was placed on my waist. And it was not as stiff and uncomfortable as I thought it would be.

I didn't make eye contact with him for a while but soon I began to think how down right rude that was. I looked up at him, and he looked down at me a few seconds later.

"So, Commander, how are you these days." He looked at me, unchanged yet his face slightly more relaxed than usual. I wasn't sure if it was because it felt so nice in his arms are if the wine was beginning to take effect because I was feeling looser than usual as well. But I couldn't deny how soothing it was, albeit foreign, to have his hands around me.

I snapped out of those thoughts quickly. Absolutely not, Stella. Not after last time.

"If by 'these days' you mean these past weeks than I have been fine, thank you. And as long as we are on casual terms currently, I request you call me Spock."

I smiled slightly.

"Alright, then, Spock."

A few minutes passed, with me in his arms and I felt my resolve begin to weaken.

He looked extremely handsome, more so than usual but maybe that was just my nerves speaking. His hair was perfect and straight as always, his eyes were stern but gentle, and his lips, oh his lips. I just wanted to lean in and kiss them-

I swallowed and my face burned a little. I told myself repeatedly to stop, and when I finally looked up at him, I saw an emotion.

Amusement, it seemed.

"Is something funny, Spock?" He seemed to tense up again and his hand tightened on my back.

"Of course not." He said plainly, but I could still see it in his face. I began to wonder if the wine he had drank was beginning to get to him, although I knew Vulcans didn't get drunk from the alcohol humans consumed.

"I assume your work is going well?" He asked. I nodded, pondering whether or not I should elaborate on my silent response. I decided I should.

"Yes, quite well actually. Mr. Sulu and I have been making much progress lately."

He nodded, and silence fell upon us again until he spoke.

"I do not recall ever offering a former apology for the irritation I have caused. If the time is appropriate, I would like to do so now."

I blinked and looked up at him, confusion blooming inside me. He had already apologized for the way he had ignored me, so I was speechless as to why he was saying sorry and why now, at this of all times.

"Spock, you don't have to apologize." I said finally, and I saw his brows was clearly confused.

"Stella, I have recently been informed that my actions have caused you pain, which was never my intention."

I was beginning to put the pieces together. Obviously Kirk (my best guest), fed this information to him. Kirk had seen right through my barrier of protection, and he saw I was hurt. He also knew the way to fix it, and probably told Spock. Spock, now seeing that I have denied the apology, was confused because he thought that it was all I needed to be better. I didn't know whether I was annoyed or love sick by the thought of that, but I knew I was becoming more and more annoyed by my weakening strength to stay way from and forget Spock. I was being silly again.

"No one ever means to hurt someone they care about." I said, and he looked me straight in the eye. "But Spock," I had to do this. Now or never, and to get it off my chest. "I care about you more than I should, and that's my fault. I let my heart get ahead of my mind and that led to me getting upset for this silly reason."

It was silent between us, and I had averted my eyes to avoid looking at his face. Was he confused? Was he emotionless and didn't care for my confession?

"Stella,"

I looked at him, forcing myself to do so.

"If this is not the appropriate time to apologize to you, would it be the proper time to kiss you, if you permit me to?"

My heart slowed down for a few seconds before speeding up to a rate that went beyond my normal speed limit. I wanted to make sure he was serious.

"Spock, I don't understand, w-what do you mean?" I stuttered. He was being far too out of character and yet, when his lips touched mine I stopped thinking about those things. It was just us, his soft lips and his warm body and strong hand against my waist. His fingers tightened against my hip as he pulled me closer, pressing his lips against mine more forcefully. I pulled away, albeit not too happily. My breathing was slightly heavy. We couldn't be so indecent in public, and my cheeks were burning from both the kiss and the fact we were in a room with so many people.

"Have I misinterpreted your wish for a romantic relationship with me?" I heard concern in his voice, as if he felt he had nothing to hide from me and showing his emotions more was alright. I smiled slightly, cheeks still hot.

'No Spock, that's exactly what I want. But not here, not now with so many people around." Our faces were still close together, as were our bodies.

But I couldn't help myself, even with so many people around. I stood up on my toes and kissed him again, and melted into his body as his lips moved against mine. I smiled into the kiss, truly happy with where I was. With him, with my voice, and the way we fit together as we danced for the rest of the evening.

I am extremely sorry for the delayed chapter. I am just far to busy with school, sports, and my choir practices. and honestly, I feel like my interest in this story is dwindling. I don't think I will end it here just yet, but there is a possibility, because I don't think I've left a lot of cliff hangers. I know many of you don't like Parmen, but if the story ends here then you can all accept that people can change, haha. Please review and maybe if you have interest in the story, I can give you the rights to it if I really end up finishing my part in it. If no one wants to take over it and I really do end it, then I promise an epilogue. And as always, please review, favorite, and follow! (Again, nothing is written in stone and I may continue it.)