It feels good to come back to this story! It's only been a few months since the first story was finished, but I couldn't get this one out of my head. I have a lot pre written already and plan to update weekly. I really want to explore the theme of growing up and finding yourself... and I want to explore Torin and Nia's relationship more as young adults. As always, thank you for the support.

Nia sighed quietly and massaged her hand, glancing at the time on the digital clock.

23:49

Less than 30 minutes left. She picked her pencil up and continued, sighing as she did, silently cursing how old-fashioned her instructor was. He insisted that doing tests on paper prevented cheating and "built up your perseverance and work ethic," but Nia wasn't entirely convinced. As the only Vulcan, well, half-Vulcan, in the program, he had high expectations for her specifically. She heard others sigh and shake out their hands too.

The RN program here was one of the best — and most challenging — in the entire state of Texas. In her 2 years here she'd never been more frustrated, challenged, and tired.

20:01

She turned her attention back to her test.

'A client is to receive 120 mL of normal saline per hour intravenously. The drop factor is 15 drops per mL. What drip rate should you set? Record your answer using a whole number.'

Furrowing her brows in concentration, she put pencil to paper and forged on.

Bleary eyed, Nia shielded her eyes from the sun as she waited for her eyes to adjust to blinding rays as she walked outside. Year 2 of her 3 years accelerated program was drawing to a close. Her instructor had reminded them at the end of their clinical hours needed before they graduate. 400 hours seemed like an eternity and she sighed thinking of all the paperwork and applications she still needed to submit.

Her tablet chimed as she walked towards the transport station to head back home for the day, her only class done, as the early afternoon sky shined down on her. The weather was beautiful and the sky was clear, a perfect spring day.

The first year in general had been difficult as they mourned the clan and, while it still hurt, the second year had been a little easier so far. Christmas had been bittersweet as they celebrated the family they had — her own family embracing the spirit of Christmas and allowing Nia to decorate and celebrate as she saw fit — and mourned the anniversary of Vulcan's destruction with a quiet day of fasting and quiet reflection.

Sitting on the bench, she pulled her tablet out and opened the message from Torin.

'Meet me at Cafe Damask for lunch.'

She couldn't help but smile. It was a favorite spot for them to meet up when the universe deemed them worthy and their schedules aligned. It had a pretty good vegetarian selection and Nia was a fan of their espresso. With his new job and work schedule and her classes, lunch dates were few and far between anymore. Torin had his own apartment now, too, but he still spent significantly more of his time at her house. Not that she could blame him, he grew up surrounded by family and living on his own wasn't something he was used to or likely wanted. There was comfort being surrounded by people who care about you, blood or not.

'Can't wait to see you, I'm on my way.' As she sent her reply, the transport glided up. Anxiety over her classes aside, life had settled into a semi-predictable rhythm and life was good.

If she'd known he'd reserved a private table in a romantic corner, she would've worn different clothes. Her outfit consisted of old jeans with holes in them and an oversized sweater she'd stolen from Torin that had the logo of the college he'd finished his classes at emblazoned on it; and some tennis shoes. She'd received more than a few double takes dressed like a casual human while looking Vulcan, but she'd reached a point in her confidence that such looks no longer bothered her. And she was comfortable.

Torin had come straight from work judging by the black dress pants, light blue button up, and gray blazer. He stood and pulled out her chair for her as she approached.

"Thank you. If I'd known it was a romantic actual date I would've dressed up a bit more." She teased. He looked her up and down for a moment as if just now seeing her outfit.

"You appearance is always pleasing, your outfit is of no consequence." He replied. Her face flushed at the compliment and she gave a smile as he took his own seat across from her. An older couple smiled fondly at the gesture from another table.

"And you always look nice as well." she complimented.

"Thank you."

They sat in silence as they looked over the menu, though it was mostly show since they would end up ordering their normal meal.

"What's the occasion?" She asked finally.

"I wanted to have lunch with you." He did not elaborate further.

"This is reserved seating."

"I made a reservation."

"For lunch?"

"They are usually busy, I did not want to wait." His more formal way of speaking tipped her off that something was amiss.

She shook her head, knowing she wouldn't win this one.

"Well, it's nice to get lunch. It's been a while since we've been able to." She closed her menu and sat it aside, taking a sip of water.

"Yes. I apologize I have not been more free. There's a large project I have been assigned that has been very time consuming." He laid his menu on top of hers before folding his hands on the table and giving Nia his full attention.

"How are your classes going?" He asked.

"Pretty well. I think I did well on the test today. That study session helped a lot, thank you… I still don't know why he insists on paper and pencil." she explained.

An easy conversation followed, only broken by ordering and eating and small talk about work, life, family, and the future.

"-and I have to have 400 hours to finish the program." She sighed. "It feels like so much."

"If you work 8 hours a day it will only take 50 days. That is less than 2 months." He pointed out.

"True." She agreed. "It doesn't sound so bad when you break it down like that."

"You are very close to finishing your degree." He pointed out.

"I am… it's crazy to think I'll be a full registered nurse in a little over a year. I'll have my career." She smiled. "It feels like the last 2 years have gone by so fast. It feels like just a few days ago we met." She could sense the warmth of affection that softened his expression as he looked at her.

"As you gain life experience your perception of time changes." He acknowledged. "Though I never wish for my time with you to go by quickly."

Nia laughed quietly and shook her head as she watched him.

"Me either." She agreed. The future had seemed so far when she first arrived on Vulcan 2 years ago and even farther when they had made Earth their new home. The idea of a career and family seemed far-fetched. Looking at Torin and reflecting on how they'd supported each other through the challenges thrown at them, 2 years was nothing, but it felt like they'd been together much longer.

"What are you thinking?" He broke her trail of thought. She looked down, suddenly shy under his scrutiny. The silence hung between them comfortably. Feeling mischievous, she eyed the trimmed black facial hair he wore regularly now.

"I'm a fan of the beard. You trimmed it, I see." She noted.

"I keep facial hair for a variety of reasons." He took a sip of water and looked back at her. "Is there something troubling you?"

"No, just thinking about how lucky I am."

"In what way?" his lips quirked in that almost-smile she loved so much.

"To have such supportive people in my life. To have you." He went to speak, but the waiter brought their bill then, which Torin took immediately before Nia could attempt to offer.

"I have the next one." She offered, though it was an empty offer since Torin never let her pay.

It's the offer that matters.

"I have another outing planned." He announced.

"Yeah? Where are we going?"

"You will see." He answered cryptically. Unable to resist the allure of a mystery, and Torin's charm, Nia raised an eyebrow at him and held back a smile.

"So you just wanted lunch?" She asked innocently as Torin drove them through the downtown traffic.

"Yes. And now I wish to have an outing with you. Would you prefer to go home?" He asked.

"Of course not, you know I enjoy spending time with you, I'm just curious."

Nia finally began to recognize her surroundings.

"Oh, the art gallery?" She asked excitedly as the building came into view.

He pulled in and circled the lot for a spot.

"I'm lucky as well." He said before unbuckling his belt.

"For what?"

"I've lost a lot. I'm thankful to have you and your clan to help support me." He reached over and rested his hand on hers.

A swell of emotion warmed her. He'd been through so much, he'd lost his entire clan. It was scary for a while right after it happened; he'd retreated from her as he mourned. Eventually, he came back. But she'd never left. Her father had taken him under his wing and then, finally, he returned to her. She didn't know what they talked about in the meditation room all those afternoons, she never asked and didn't want to pry, but it had helped him.

She squeezed gently in a show of affection and felt the familiar tingle up her arm and in the back of her mind as they became more aware of each other with the physical contact — her heart sped up. His own mind echoed her affection and happiness.

"We should go." He said gruffly before removing his hand from hers. She wasn't offended though, the lingering feel of his mind had a faint sense of desire too and she knew he was probably right to pull away…. as much as she didn't want him to.

"There's a new exhibit." He explained in Vulcan after purchasing their tickets. She furrowed her eyebrows for a moment as she attempted to translate his words.

"A new…show?" She asked in Vulcan.

"Exhibit." He corrected.

"Ah, okay." She looked around trying to find an ad for the new exhibit when a swirling font caught her attention.

In honor of Vulcan

"Wait…" She repeated the phrase to him.

"Yes. All proceeds go to assisting refugees. It's an exhibit featuring Vulcan artists."

"Did one of your pieces get selected?" She grabbed onto his arm excitedly. A few humans cast her an odd look at her excited countenance and physical contact.

"One did, yes." He confirmed.

"That's wonderful! Why didn't you tell me?" They walked towards the exhibit, Nia's arm wrapped around his.

"That defeats the purpose of a surprise." He said quietly.

"So you did have more planned than just a lunch date." She pointed out triumphantly. Realizing he said too much, he elected to change the subject.

"I think you'll see which piece is mine immediately." He commented. Mostly humans, and a handful of Vulcans, perused the room and the various statues, paintings, pottery, and woven tapestries around the large display room. A quiet sadness settled over her seeing some of the traditional artwork, calligraphy, and weaving. Others must have felt the same because there was a respectful silence that filled the room. She could feel the tinge of grief when she neared the other Vulcans. In a way, it was soothing to be around others who understood. Though she herself felt an odd guilt for feeling sad for a home she hadn't had very long when others lost their entire lives on the planet.

She released her arm from his, wanting to avoid glances from other Vulcans at the public display of affection, but stayed close enough their arms occasionally touched.

They joined an older Vulcan man at a painting depicting the Voroth sea and Nia felt emotion stir her, tightening her throat. It was part of her namesake — her birth name — and she would never forget seeing the beach with her father. Her chest ached knowing she'd never see it again. The man beside her sighed quietly and glanced at her.

"I grieve with thee." He said quietly. She looked at him and realized she was likely projecting far too much emotion and quickly tried to shield them like her father had shown her. While not particularly skilled at it yet, she was decent enough to make a difference. She looked at him then and nodded in acknowledgment. No other words needed to be said. The man turned towards Torin and said something in a dialect she couldn't understand, but Torin nodded and replied to him before the man nodded once more at Nia and left the exhibit.

"What did he say to you?" She whispered once he had gone. Torin glanced around before leaning in towards her.

"I'll tell you later." Confused by his cryptic answer, she let the subject drop.

They made their way around the room slowly, taking in each display of art. Then they came across a small statuette displayed with a few other carved and clay figures. Recognition immediately struck her and she looked at Torin quickly, gently nudging him.

"This one is yours! It's Reah." She smiled. It looked almost exactly like the original one she'd seen in the open market the day they first met. Warm nostalgia filled her thinking back on it. "I told myself I would go back and get that carving of her you did — that day in the market."

"I remember you were fascinated by it. I had the intention of giving it to you, but never had the chance. Creating her again seemed fitting given the circumstances."

The carved woman, Reah, the goddess of death and bereavement, stood as lifelike as ever.

"Death isn't always bad." She murmured. "Death can also mean the chance to create new beginnings."

Torin was quiet for a moment.

"What new beginning do you envision for yourself?" He looked at her now. She met his gaze and knew his question held a serious note to it and she considered his question carefully. What do I see in my future?

"Well…I'm not sure where I'd like to end up. But I do know I want my family in my life. And I want you there, too. You're always there when I imagine my future… What do you picture?" She asked.

"You are there, of course, and a home with an art studio. I would be comfortable in my career and support us while still maintaining freelance art as I desired." He answered.

"Two pretty simple dreams." Nia grinned.

"Easy to accomplish, then," he agreed.

A human couple approached them, standing near to see the sculpture.

"Let us go." Torin nodded towards the remaining pieces they had yet to see.

Nia sat back in the seat with a sigh.

"Thank you for bringing me. The exhibit was lovely!" She smiled and buckled in.

"It is good to see Vulcan work again." he commented as he buckled himself in. Nia scrunched her face for a moment as she worked to translate his words.

"Work?" She repeated the word back after a moment.

"Work. In this context, art work." He explained. She repeated it back one more time, nodding.

"Oh, what did that man tell you?" Nia asked, suddenly remembering the odd dialect she'd heard. His face flushed a faint green.

"Are you embarrassed?" Nia teased. "What did he say?" Curiosity was eating away at her now and she scooted closer to him on the bench.

"He said… he wishes us a prosperous future and many healthy children." Now Nia felt her face flush hotly.

"Oh." She could feel his embarrassment ebb away into amusement that she, too, was unsure how to respond. "What did you say to him?"

"I thanked him for his well wishes and wished him a healthy and prosperous life as well." He stood up from the bench and faced her. "There is one more thing I would like to show you." He ushered for her to follow him back to the car.

"More?" She laughed. "What's the occasion?" He looked at her and cocked an eyebrow as if she should know exactly what was going on.

"What?" She asked, thinking for a moment. Suddenly, realization dawned on her and she nearly smacked herself for being so stupid. "Wait! It's my birthday!"

"You forgot your own birthday? I was under the impression it was a big deal to humans."

"Well, most humans do celebrate it every year. I didn't growing up, we never really made a big deal about it. Didn't even celebrate it the last 2 years. Besides, I was worried about my test."

"Well, we will celebrate it this year." He ushered for her to follow him and, together, they left. Nia felt a giddiness she hadn't felt since she was child.

"That's really sweet of you." She smiled. "It's been too long since we've been able to get out and spend the day alone together."

"It is unsurprising your family doesn't let you far from their sight. Were we on Vulcan still our dates would be supervised." He noticed her grimace.

"The idea of going on a date with my father tagging along sounds…awkward."

"There are ways around it."

"Have experience with that, do you?" She laughed.

"We're here, unsupervised, aren't we?" He pointed out.

"True, but I also didn't really tell my father I was going out." She paused for a moment realizing she hadn't heard from him all day, really. "It's really odd of him not to check in on me when I'm not home at my normal time. One time he called me because I was 30 minutes late — my transport had a malfunction."

"Perhaps he is preoccupied."

"Maybe." Nia pulled out her tablet and typed a quick message to her father before getting into the car.

'I'll be home late today, sorry I didn't say anything sooner. I got lunch with Torin and went to the art gallery. He surprised me for my birthday." She read over her message and decided to delete the part about her birthday. She didn't want her father to feel bad if he'd forgotten. She'd just say she was on a date with Torin. It didn't take more than a few minutes for him to respond.

'Thank you for telling me. Be safe.'

"I'm surprised he didn't imply I shouldn't be out alone with you." She muttered. He'd been the definition of a helicopter parent since she and Torin had grown closer. They were never alone more than a few minutes at the house — despite her reassuring her father she, as a 20 year old, was capable of making responsible choices. It wasn't lost on her that she lacked life experience, it was something she'd quickly realized once she was no longer under her mother's care. At times, her father's attempts at protecting her felt… suffocating. Besides, it wasn't like helicopter parenting actually prevented any shenanigans from going on. It just meant she and Torin were more creative. Outside, the city gave way to open plains of scrub grass and, in the distance, mountains. It made her homesick for Vulcan.

"Hey Torin," Nia asked softly. "Do you think my father will ever….ease up?" He didn't respond as he pulled to a stop at the light.

"Eventually. Remember Vulcans are not typically considered adults until approximately 22. It is not unfounded for him to see and protect you as though you are a child. He needs time to see you are capable and that things are different on Earth." He replied.

"I hope so. I love him, don't get me wrong, and I understand why he's so protective…but sometimes I feel like he'll never see me as an adult." She sighed.

"He will in time. Likely sooner rather than later."

Nia didn't say anything. It was a bittersweet desire to be treated and seen as an adult, but the idea of being solely responsible with no help from her father was terrifying.

"We're here." Torin announced as he pulled into a parking space.

"Tonkawa Nature Trail." Nia read. "I don't think I've been here."

"It's fairly new."

The pair began walking along the winding dirt path of the state park.

Aside from being cooler, if she didn't think about it too hard she could imagine she was back on Vulcan taking a walk with Torin. They hadn't walked too far, she wasn't prepared for a long hike. Grass and cactus lined the trail on either side as they walked the slight incline towards a smaller trail leading between two large rocky hills, sheer and gray. It was still a little too green to be Vulcan, and the rocks weren't the same dusty red. The early evening sun hung low in the sky and promised a beautiful sunset.

"So why this?" She asked. Torin held out a bottle of water for her that he'd brought along from the car. "Thank you." Nia gratefully took a long swig.

"You'll see."

"So mysterious today." She smiled and she handed the bottle back to him. He cast her a look and she could sense his amusement as she playfully bumped into his arm. He "accidentally" brushed his hand against hers in retaliation.

"See this is why my dad doesn't let me go out unsupervised." She teased.

"My apologies for attempting to defile your honor. I will be an exemplar of proper behavior from here on out." He promised.

"Well.. maybe you don't have to be an exemplar." She corrected as he took a few steps away from her.

"I assured your father he would have no worries when you were in my presence and I would treat you with the utmost respect."

"Yeah? Is that why when we were alone in your apartment when I was helping you move in you initiated some making out?"

"Such a crass term for a show of affection."

"You're lucky my father didn't see when he walked in with that last end table."

Torin didn't say anything and Nia smiled in victory — a rare treat for her.

They'd reached the top of the hill now as the remaining trail winded off up and around the mountain further up. Without warning, Torin took her hand and led her to the edge as the sun began to set. The view took her breath away and made her throat tighten with sudden emotion. It reminded her so much of her view from the back patio at the clan home. Scrubby brush and cactus dotted the landscape and in the distance a red haze bled into orange as the sun began its descent. Below, a small river ran, breaking the illusion.

"It reminds me of home." She whispered, her voice cracking. He released her hand and brought his own to rest on the small of her back instead.

"Yes." He agreed. "Sometimes it's almost enough."

"Almost." She repeated. She closed her eyes and took in the warmth as the sun peered from behind a few wispy clouds; she could picture herself standing on the balcony with T'Mir as they sat quietly after a long day. Torin removed his hand and Nia sighed, opening her eyes once more as she looked down at the valley again.

"This is a really nice place. Thank you for bringing me here, this is the best birthday I've had in a long time." She smiled.

"Good. I admit I am unfamiliar with human birthday traditions."

"Well, spending the day with you was perfect."

"There is one more thing." He turned towards her and Nia looked at him incredulously.

How many surprises does this man have?!

"Torin you-"

"One moment, please." He raised his hand to cut her off. "This is part of the birthday tradition." She smiled and waited for him to continue. "It is tradition to offer a gift for your birthday." He reached into his jacket pocket and brought out a small, black rectangular box.

"You didn't have to get me anything." Nia insisted, though she couldn't contain the eager excitement as she looked at the box in his hands.

"There is something you should know, first." He took another step towards her and Nia paused at his serious face.

"What is it?"

"There is something you don't know about Vulcan culture." He began. She sensed…was he nervous? "Humans offer rings while Vulcans typically offer necklaces."Her breath caught in her throat and she looked quickly at his hand reaching into a pocket to pull out a small box. He opened the box to reveal exactly what he'd said — a necklace. On the end of a braided silver chain was a pale blue gem the shape of a diamond. It was set against a silver pendant and interlocking diamond-shaped metal descending down on the pendant and below the gem

"Torin, it's beautiful." She whispered.

"Do you understand what I mean?" He asked quietly. Nia stared up at him, her heart pounding and feeling desperately afraid she would assume wrong.

"Are you…proposing?" She asked.

"Yes." Relief lessened the clench in his jaw, but his anxiety remained easy to sense as he waited for her response.

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise and, while she'd always assumed he'd propose one day, she was caught off guard. His nervousness snapped her out of her surprise and she realized he likely hadn't been anticipating her to take so long to answer.

"Yes." She said. It didn't feel quite real. "Yes, I'll marry you," she laughed. Relief and happiness radiated then and he carefully pulled out the necklace and shoved the box back into his jacket pocket. She lifted her hair as he clasped it around her neck. Goosebumps broke out along her arms as his fingers brushed against her neck.

"It was difficult to find, but this is a genuine gem from Vulcan." Goosebumps broke out on her arms hearing his husky voice suddenly so close to her neck. His breath fell across her skin pleasantly and she had to resist the urge to turn and kiss him there. She lightly touched the pendant now secured around her neck.

"How did you manage to find it? I hope it wasn't too expensive." She suddenly felt guilty at the thought.

"It is a traditional gemstone to give. We may not have Vulcan, but we have a piece of it. I want this to be kept and passed down. It was well worth it"

She teared up at the sentiment. The thought of someday passing it down to her own children…

My own children… our children. She'd never seriously considered having her own children, they thought more of a vague future far beyond the present, but there was nobody she could think of that she'd rather have a family with than Torin.

She pressed herself against him, wrapping her arms around him, and hugged before she could let her emotions get the better of her. He gladly reciprocated, leaning his face into her hair.

She didn't know how long they stood there, but eventually he pulled back.

"I need to get you home." He explained. "Your father has allowed me only so much leeway."

"My father knew about this?" she asked.

"Of course. You have no matriarch, so I asked his permission."

"How long have you been planning this?"

"Long enough." He ushered her back the way they came. "Besides, we don't want to walk back in the dark."

She took his hand in hers as they walked. There was no need for her to say I love you. They could feel it dancing along their fingertips and buzzing in the back of their minds. They knew.

I took a few months off for writing so I might need a minute to "warm up." I'm really excited for future chapters and really exploring how their relatinship develops.