#more notes: I like to give spock hints of humanness even though he’s mostly vulcan appearing. one way I do that is round out his ears while

[archersartcorner]

Went and redrew an old sketch I had with Vulcan biology headcanons :-] + mouths and teeth! Cus I like em!

Also disclaimer I am NOT a biologist, it’s all vibes folks!

[lucycola]

Hey could you do a Spock X reader where she knows nothing about Vulcans and like keeps accidentally doing taboo things e.g touching hands or touching his ears

I thoroughly enjoyed writing this! I accidentally made it gender neutral, because I forgot what pronouns, you used. I’m sorry! I hope you like it.

WARNINGS: Fluff, affection, ignorance of affection in Vulcan culture idk. Maybe Spock is slightly OOC but who cares. I took a little liberty of giving the reader a pinch of background.

To say you were oblivious was an understatement. You weren’t a complete idiot, or anything, just innocently scatterbrained. Perhaps that was the explanation why you didn’t flinch when every you were chastised for a mistake or given a strict order by your commanding officer. As a blue shirt, you fell under the command of the Enterprise’s first officer, and his reputation as a stony, unfeeling, authoritarian preceded him. You were never bothered by this. He was most terrifying, others noted, when Captain Kirk left him in charge when unable to take the chair. You were warned about him-to never cross him and always do exactly as he said. Spock was a hard-ass. He was handsome and perhaps at first you wondered, but it had been made clear to by others he wasn’t interested in anyone.

You had met more terrifying people. You had nine brothers and a strict, often unfair and bully of a father. Commander Spock was a piece of cake. It was in your nature to be gentle, welcoming, and comforting despite the constitution of your upbringing. It was your personality. You didn’t like to let people bring you down.

You were elated alone to be living your dream, anyway. You weren’t going to let the attitude of anyone around you affect your nature or happiness.

You obviously didn’t know anything about Vulcans either.

The first touch was accidental. It always is.

You never took the Vulcan to be clumsy, but on one occasion while discussing your current assignment in passing he dropped his holotape. You both reached  for it, and in a cliché manner brushed hands. While your boss pulled away, you did not and picked up the tape.

“Here ya go!” You cheerily patted the tape in his hand for good measure, “I’ll have that report in the morning like you’ve requested, sir.”

Bypassers gawked as you cheerily skipped away. Your commanding officer only quirked a brow and went on his way.

The next time was less on purpose and more out of your kindness as your commander internally lamented about his captain’s safety during an emergency situation. He had donned the chair and even while appearing composed and direct you had an eye for spotting worry in well kept men. In an brief moment you pressed your hand to his wrist and said softly, “He will be okay. You’ll make sure of it.”

He tensed under your touch and you removed your hand a smiled.

“Report to your station, Ensign,” he said in his usual tone, no hint of distaste or approval in his voice.

“Yes sir.”

The third time was even worse. Somehow you had been suckered to prompting Spock by Doctor McCoy into reporting to an impromptu physical. Confidentiality be damned, the Vulcan’s stress levels were unusually high and it was affecting his demeanor. You accidentally overheard the nurse and the doctor whispering something perhaps about pon farr happening again, but no it hadn’t been seven years yet. Whatever that was.

“I don’t think he’ll listen to me, but if you say it’s important, I’ll try.”

“You’re his favorite, so you’re my best bet.”

“Mister Spock doesn’t have favorites,” you laughed, “But I’ll do it anyway. Someone has to draw the shortest straw. I never mind it being me.”

“Thankyou, Ensign. And good luck.”

You skipped along to the your commander’s quarters. You had never been inside and only rarely had delivered your reports to him in person when requested. He couldn’t always come to you and that was understandable.

At the chime the door slid open and though it was subtle, your boss clearly wasn’t expecting you.

“Hello, Mister Spock,” you greeted, “Doctor McCoy-”

“I am aware of the doctor’s request. As it is not mandatory  I do not find it necessary to attend.”

It wasn’t like him to interrupt you. He was tense and though he stood perfectly erect like a statue there was a little shake in his right hand. Without thinking, you grasped it to still the quiver.

“Are you alright?”

Many would expect his to snatch it away, but he didn’t and stood there. If he was caught off guard, it wasn’t apparent. His expression was unmoving and his eye contact never wavered.

“I am fine, Ensign. Report back to your duties.”

“Doctor McCoy said it was important.”

“I am not here to entertain the doctor’s every illogical human whim.” He pulled his hand away, “There is no empirical evidence to suggest I am ill.”

“You’re shivering.” You put your hands on your hip and gave him the most mothering look you could muster.

“Multiple factors such as the natural low temperature of deep space can illicit such a reaction,” he retorted.

“It’s broiling in your cabin, Mister Spock. Only people with fevers do things like that.”

“Humans, Ensign. Humans,” he corrected, “I deduce you are not aware of Vulcan biology or customs.”

“Please don’t lie to me,” you requested softly, “How am I supposed to work efficiently under an ill commanding officer?”

The way you spoke nearly convinced him to do your bidding, but still he remained stubborn.

“I do not comprehend how that would deter your work efficiency.”

You grabbed his hand again, “I am going to worry myself to death if you really are ill and you’re just trying to act like you’re alright. That will keep me from working like I’m supposed to. Efficient crew needs an efficient captain.” You winked at him.

“But Captain Kirk-”

“It’s a metaphor, Mister Spock. Now please come so the doctor can stop paging me and I can work on my report concerning the Althenian plant’s healing properties and various uses from its sap.”

“I yield,” he said after a small beat and without releasing your hand, followed you to the medbay. More people inwardly gawked watching to drag him down the hall. His face was tense, albeit slightly amused.

After reaching your destination you waved him and the doctor off sweetly and made your way back to the lab. You heart wrapped around the thought of him being ill and you hid that worry ill. A little heat bloomed in your chest at his previous touch. You brushed it away. No, you told yourself.

The doctor was only a little surprised. His suspicions were confirmed.

“I had my doubts at first, Spock, but now I see it’s true.”

“Despite Vulcan’s telepathic abilities, I cannot automatically read your mind. Elaborate, Doctor.”

The doctor chucked, “That ensign is your favorite.”

“I do not understand.”

“Who else could have convinced you to come here to let me scan you? Probably not even Jim-”

“I am inclined to follow the captain’s every order.”

“You don’t let anyone touch you like that. Especially not for a long time. If I’m not mistaken you two were practically kiss-”

“That will be enough elaboration, doctor. Please proceed with your medical assessment, as I have much work to attend to.”

The doctor chuckled again. “It’s too bad I can’t tell with that one. They act like that towards everyone.”

“Everyone,” Spock repeated flatly although it was intended to be a question.

“Sweetest soul I’ve ever met. Lights up a room as soon as they enter it.”

“Indeed,” Spock nodded, familiar with the colloquialism.

The doctor’s eyebrows raised and he grinned, “I knew it.”

You of course were oblivious to all of this as you continued through your work, happy as a clam.

After some deliberation one of your coworkers decided to explain the delicacies of Vulcan culture after viewing a friendly hand grasp as a greeting between you and your commanding officer. You were elated to see his shivering had stopped and once again he tensed under the touch, but nodded his head at your greeting. You had blushed while doing so. It was sweet, but your coworker had to break it to you as they had before when warning you last time about him not being interested in anyone.

“Vulcans don’t like to be touched, you know,” they said to you, taking you aside.

“What do you mean?”

“They’re very sensitive to skin to skin contact. They guard themselves mostly, but hand touching is extremely taboo the way kissing in public or other sexual acts are.”

“You mean...” you blushed, “I’ve been--! I hope he’s not offended.”

“Normally he’s not afraid to explain things or clear up-“ you coworker coughed,”-unwanted affection. I’ve seen plenty girls get a talking down to.”

“What are you saying?”

“Perhaps he’s forcing himself to be polite.”

“Oh, I’ve got to apologize right away!”

You felt so stupid! How could you be so offensive to him or his culture? You should have read up on his customs before truly interacting with him. It would seem like a smart thing to do-but you were so lost to the world it was embarrassing.

You paused in front of his door for the first time in your life, afraid to speak to him.

The door open quickly and you stepped back, surprised. He had looked like he had been going to leave and you sheepishly smiled, “I’m sorry for interrupting you, sir. I need to speak to you.”

“Come inside.”

You blushed at the request, wringing your hands as you entered.

You turned to him and blurted, “I had no idea what I was doing, sir, I swear. Had I known that touching you was wrong I would stop. I’m so used to being touchy-feely on Earth I forgot that not everyone-”

“Ensign,” he said firmly.

“Yes?” you squeaked.

“Had those interactions provoked me I would have made it known. I should be the one offering an apology. I should have explained what such interactions mean on Vulcan before anyone else claimed the opportunity. I assume someone took the liberty of doing so.”

“Yessir. I’m sorry.”

“Do not apologize.”

“Why not?’

“Because your actions did not provoke me, but precisely did the opposite.”

“What-what do you mean?” Your face was fully red and you obscured it with your hands. He let out a sound that was the closest Vulcan thing as a sigh and stepped closed to you.

He grasped your hands and lowered them from your face. His eyes were soft and the most vulnerable as you had every seen them.

He pressed his right hand that was shivering terribly to the side of your face. It stilled instantly.

“I am aware of your affection for me and I return the sentiment.”

You couldn’t find your voice and after a long moment of studying your features he leaned down to give you a kiss, warm and firm.

You gasped into his lips and pressed back.

He released you and you looked at him starry eyed.

“So it was true, what the doctor said, you said in a hushed tone.

Spock’s arms were around you gently, “Elaborate.”

“I am your favorite.”

“Affirmative.”

FIN

[kinetic-elaboration]

August 28: 3x05 Is There In Truth No Beauty?

Several days later, coming back to write up these Star Trek notes. I feel like I never got to talk this episode through properly, or even think through it properly by myself, because mom went right into watching AHS on Thursday, and I was too tired to even sort through my thoughts and when we talked yesterday, it was… entirely about other things.

So, here at least are my liveblog thoughts, and maybe I’ll remember some more as I write.

Right off the bat, this is such a cool concept: the friendly alien Ambassador who no one can look at because his form is not fit for human eyes.

Love Spock’s silly looking little visor. Not sure I get why he’s wearing it right now, when the Ambassador is in his box, but okay.

Dr. Jones is so beautiful. I love her dress.

I’m sure Spock is thinking “If only all Ambassadors could be put into little boxes like this.”

Okay, Ambassador’s coming! Everybody quarantine!

Right, I JUST remembered the significance of the dress.

Spock has experience with mind links with other creatures—a lot of experience that ho. Is he thinking about the pleasure of connecting to Kirk, that “dynamic individual”?

“My life is here.” With the Captain???

I feel like this episode is implying, all but stating outright, that Spock is very good at mindlinking. Like maybe even more so than the average Vulcan. Which makes sense because he does it so often. And yet he still messes up with AOS!Kirk.

I love the effects for the Ambassador. I’m not even being sarcastic; I think they get across the experience of looking at him quite effectively.

Hmmm, some non-touch telepathy. I know Spock has a little of that. I guess it’s mostly him reacting to Miranda, though.

Gotta get a dig in at Dr. McCoy before he leaves lol. Spock, so predictable.

Kirk’s flirting is off the charts today omg. Tone it down man.

SCOTTY IN A KILT aw yeah.

She learned from the Vulcans how not to read thoughts. Exactly!! Their telepathy is such an underrated part of the whole Vulcan thing, including why they remain ‘emotionless.’

She’s so jealous of Spock.

Honestly this whole scene… there’s a lot going on here! I’m trying to pay attention to the Vulcan telepath stuff but the men won’t stop flirting at 11. Especially McCoy, laying it on extra thick.

She does hold her own very well, though.

A preference for beauty—one of our last prejudices.

“Sleep well.” So cute. (I’ve already forgotten but I’m pretty sure this is Kirk.)

“We’re all vulnerable in one way or another.” KIRK SHUT UP I LOVE YOU.

Girls don’t like guys, girls like Medusan ambassadors.

This guy is so jealous. I barely know who he is lol; this comes out of nowhere.

Interesting angle on the hallway shot. I feel like there are a lot of those in this ep, like these weirdly long shots of the hallways… Maybe I’m just not used to seeing them with one or no people in them.

Kirk and the squad. Work work fashion baby.

“Larry? Marvick? Why?” Okay that is some real Shatnerian inflection there.

SCOTTY FIGHT SCENE.

*Ship veers obviously*

And look at this weird-ass view of the bridge. Like what the hell, where is the camera? On the lift? It’s so disorienting!

Spock needs to fix some stuff, calls for his protégé Chekov, of course.

And this funky music. So bizarre.

WE’LL BE SAFE AT THE BOUNADIRES OF THE UNIVERSE. Drama queen

This is a nutty view, this “unknown void.” Like one would think beyond space there’s… just more space, not a Windows 98 screensaver.

Space time continuum?? They didn’t time travel (again), did they?

“He just simply died.” How convenient.

“An entertaining suggestion, Mr. Chekov, but not very helpful.” Honestly, I do think he’s entertained. Spock has grown so much over the course of the show.. like I know there was controversy with his IC-ness this season but in this case, I really do think it is growth. Compare this to the Corbomite Maneuver, where he had a sense of humor but it was… a little mean, a little arch. There’s a certain warmth to him now.

Her mind must be so engaged that she doesn’t notice the plan for Spock to meld with the Ambassador = Kirk will seduce her. Lol. Of course. Everyone’s favorite honeypot.

He has absolutely NO shame.

The man sure does love his flowers, though.

She’s never been to Earth. So she’s a human born on a colony, I guess? That’s such a throwaway line, but so interesting. Could that be part of how she’s telepathic?

Oh no! A thorn!

“Violent emotion is a kind of insanity.” Can I steal this?

Too ugly to bear or too beautiful to bear?

Let me spell it out for you: this is romantic. (Again, I’ve forgotten what this refers to, but I’m going to assume it’s something Kirk said.)

Lol Bones just dropping truth bombs. How did he know she was blind? Did he recognize the dress or does he have access to her files as the ship’s doctor?

And Kirk accepts it immediately. “Of course! It’s the only reasonable explanation as to why you weren’t attracted to me.”

The Ambassador is brought to the bridge and placed behind a covid wall, I mean, protective barrier.

And now, we meet the Ambassador for real.

“THAT’s Spock!” Bones is so happy. He’s really not comfortable with Spock being all… smiley and flirty. Or rather, someone in Spock’s body, I should say.

Kollos is VERY flirty. And he and Miranda have chemistry for sure. It’s weird, because I don’t get any sense of that between her and Spock (rightly so) but Spock as the Ambassador and it comes right out.

I love the characterization of him. The idea that the Medusans’ thoughts are supposed to be particularly nice to engage with…. I really see how that would be. He’s so soothing.

Kollos is enjoying his time in a human body, I think. Mostly. Not all of it. (I got a little teary at the part about loneliness, ngl.)

Time to go back? So soon?

Noooo the shield! It’s like forgetting your mask when you enter a building.

[Spock wails]

Honestly, even seeing the steps to the upper level of the bridge is really weir. Like, I’ve always known there are steps there… but I’ve never thought about what they look like.

Kirk is so skeptical about all of this. Spock is in danger and his brain immediately goes to the pessimistic scenarios—very unlike him!

He’s freaking out nervous.

“Are we supposed to wake him with a kiss?” Idk, it’s worth a try. Why doesn’t Kirk give it a go?

Does Kirk have a game plan with Miranda here, or is he just honestly freaking out?

…The answer is honestly freaking out, which is rather a disappointment.

Trippy.

Spock has a necklace version of the IDIC symbol this time.

Everyone’s exchanging all these highly formulaic, formal goodbyes and Kirk’s like “Peace.” Wow, really trying hard with that one. Still rattled, I guess.

Also speaking of these formulaic exchanges—this fits very well with the HAICG-verse. Just saying.

This episode was really good! I loved Miranda, I am a huge fan of the underlying sci fi concept, and I though the Spock characterization and the hints of Vulcan culture were very interesting (and very in keeping with my own characterization and world building, imo).

The only thing I didn’t like was Kirk’s characterization. He felt like a stereotype, like who AOS thought TOS Kirk was, rather than himself—the over the top flirting, the dramatic rage, how he didn’t really seem in control of anything or on his game at all.

But, even though he’s my fave, the interesting Spock characterization made up for that, and I really appreciated these insights into him, interacting with someone who, while not Vulcan herself, had a Vulcan cultural background, someone he approached similarly to how he would one of his own people. It was very polite but with a lot of unsaid beneath the surface, which is how I imagine Vulcans are.

The introduction of IDIC truly was pretty random! I did like the idea of Spock trying to compliment her and not really landing it, because that’s just the awkward nerd sort of thing he would do. But it’s weird that the phrase has never been introduced before, and also that even within this episode, it’s only obliquely explained.

I’m not actually sure if I’ve seen the next ep or not. I don’t think so, but it’s possible I did and just don’t remember it very well…

[theoneandonlyowengrady]

Points

Spock and Uhurha’s daughter + Kirk’s son (Avarak and Porter) Requested by: Anonymous Title: Points

Authors Note: The format for this is weird and there might be some errors because I was a little too lazy to proofread. Enjoy!

(In the Perspective of Spock’s daughter)

I knew the Enterprise inside and out, better than I knew my own home on Earth, which I had only seen the few times we returned to get new missions. Space was my home, constantly moving and exploring was where I was comfortable. Uncle Bones had been teaching me medicine since I could pick up a tricorder, and not to brag, but, I was becoming quite the junior medical officer here aboard this ship.

We had been parked at a station, gathering new supplies for a few days. Not moving made me anxious. I avoided the windows, because when I saw anything other than the stars, I felt locked up, tight.

“Hey, Points!”

I felt my heart sink. I was finally able to find a quiet spot, and let myself fall neck deep into into this wonderful old play my father had downloaded as part of my schooling. Just leave it to Porter Kirk to find me and in less than 1 nanosecond, and to ruin my entire mood.

“What is it?” I asked, placing my tablet down beside me. I took a deep breath.

“Let’s go explore the station! There’s so much out there. And there’s no Ferengi out there, so there won’t be any accidents like last time-”

“Porter, I’m studying.”

“C’mon, Points, loosen up, live a little! We still have a whole day to kill before we get moving again, and I wanna see if there’s any old tech here I could add to my collection.”

“You’re collection is getting really full,” I sighed, standing. Porter had this obsession with old technology. He loved seeing evolution through different technology, discovering how things were pre-warp.

“So? Maybe there’s something I haven’t found yet.” He shrugged, leaning against the wall. He pouted.

“Don’t be pathetic,” I groaned, standing, “if I go with you, do you promise me some peace and quiet so I can read later?”

He smiled- that smug, I-always-get-what-I-want smile that both him and his father shared. Him and Captain Kirk, when broken down, were exactly the same person. Porter had his eyes, his blonde, messy hair. He was built strong naturally, had a stiff, square jaw and thin pink lips. I could see the hint of stubble on his jaw, that I was positive he noticed when he woke up, but neglected to shave because he wanted people to call him a man. We grew up together.

He held out his arm to me, “where shall we go first, miss?”

I rolled my eyes and kept moving forward. “First, I’m going to tell my father where I’ll be.”

He sighed, jogging to catch up with me. “Really? But Spock-”

I shot him a look.

“Mr. Spock never lets us do anything.”

“No, he’ll let us go onto a space station. He never lets you lead an away mission, go on an away mission, suggest an away mission, suggest anything-”

“Okay, okay, okay, I get it.” He said, sighing. “One day, I’ll be a Captain, and I’ll make decisions for myself-”

“Oh no, Captain Kirk, Part two.”

“First Officer Spock, volume two.”

I almost laughed, “you’d never want me as your first officer. Aren’t you sick of me yet?”

He wrapped one of his long arms around my shoulders and pulled me close, “Kirk and Spock stick together, right? My dad died for yours once.”

“He hardly died,” I said, “they saved him. Bones saved him.”

“With Khan’s blood, right?”

“Yes,” I said, “with Khan’s blood. You get an A- today.”

“Why A-?”

“Because you should know how they saved your own father's life without asking me.”

“I knew it-” He tried.

“Then be confident with it!” I said, laughing, “knowledge is power, it’s what separates us!”

I could feel him watching me, but I elected to ignore it. He did that a lot. He’d stare at me. Like he was memorizing me.

“Avarak.”

I jumped, turning around. “Dad.”

“Where are you going?” He asked, taking notice of Porter standing next to me.

“I was just coming to find you,” I said, “we had this idea that we could go see the culture on the station. Perhaps we could learn some things.” I said, crossing my hands behind my back and standing up straight.

I could almost see the flicker of a smile on his face. “Be careful,” he said, and then turned to Porter, “and keep an eye on him, Avarak. Don’t let him cause any trouble.”

I smirked, looking sideways at Porter, who seemed slightly offended. Dad turned and left.

“And we’re off,” I chuckled, turning back and walking towards the lift.

“Why does he do that to me?” He asked, catching up with me once again.

“Because he’s best friends with your father.”

“What about my father?” He crossed his arms, bowing some hair out of his eyes.

“You’re just like him.”

“So?” He huffed.

I laughed. “C’mon, you wanted to go so bad, didn’t you?”

-

The station was crowded. I didn’t like it.

“Why can’t you do your little exploring by yourself?” I groaned, shifting my weight between my feet.

“Because you’re my two, Points,” he smiled- that big, Captain Kirk smile that always got everybody. But not me. “We’re in this together.”

“In what together?”

He threw his arm over my shoulders again. “Everything, Points. Since we were born.”

“I’m older than you. And stop calling me that.”

“By, like, three months, you are. That’s barely anything. And I’ll never stop calling you that. I don’t remember a time where you weren’t Points.”

I shook my head, tucking my hair behind one of my ears. I had my fathers ears- a constant reminder of my Vulcan ancestry. Of course, I was mostly human on the inside. Sure, I was smart, logical. My emotions were stronger than average, and my father taught me how to meditate to control them. But- thank God- I had a human hair cut.

“I don’t have a nickname for you.” I said, my voice low.

“It’ll come, one day.” He said, tucking his free hand away in his pocket, “oh, look at that beauty!”

I raised an eyebrow- which was pointed much like my ears, another reason for my nickname- and hurried to keep up with Porter as he ran.

“It’s a real car- a real twentieth century car!” He reached out to touch it, but a tall, lanky man with ridges on his nose slapped his hand away.

“You touch it, you buy it.” The man said.

I stood behind Porter, who was practically bouncing. “How much?”

I grabbed his shoulder, “Porter, no.”

He shrugged me off of him and held out his hand to keep me back. “How much?”

The man looked between the two of us and shrugged. “Your girlfriend doesn’t seem to want this treasure, son.”

Porter glanced at me. “She’s not my girlfriend.” He looked back at the car, shimmering blue, “how much?”

The man looked at the car for a long moment before he let himself speak. I could see the wheels working in his head. He was trying to see how much he’d be able to get from a desperate teenage boy. “One thousand credits.”

Porters face melted. “I- I have-”

“It’s not worth that much,” I said, “twentieth-century cars are collectible, but they no practical use whatsoever on a spaceship. I wouldn’t pay more than 500 for that, max.”

Porter looked at me, wide-eyed. The man did as well, his thin lips curling at the edges.

“And tell me,” he said, “what do you know about cars, young lady?”

“I know they are inefficient and harmful to the environment, but I also know Porter likes them for whatever reason, and if for some reason he actually buys this thing, I won’t let him waste one thousand credits on it.”

The man leaned against the door of the car, “you should work on your negotiation skills, dear.”

I shrugged, “Porter, we should go.”

“But- but it’s so beautiful- look at the paint, look at the- the-”

“Porter.” I said, grabbed his arm with all the strength I could muster. That was one thing I hadn't gotten from my father.

He sighed, defeated, “you’re right, dad would kill me…”

I half-smiled at the man who returned a bored looking shrug. “Porter, there are other things here. Like- look at those tapestries. Or the fabric. It’s all gorgeous.”

“I guess,” he said.

“C’mon, Porter. Look, look, it’s- uh- uh-”

“It’s alright, Avarak. You’re right, anyway.”

I smiled, giving his arm a little punch, “there’s so many different people here.”

He nodded, “but no Ferengi.”

I laughed, walking off into an empty corner, “God, that’d be rough. Let’s take a break.”

“But we just got here!” He groaned, though he was still smiling.

We found our way over to a small, empty corner behind a few hanging tapestries. I let myself fall against a wall, exhausted. “Being around people exhausts me.”

Porter laughed, “I like it. It’s energizing. Nobody even knows who we are, so we could be anything, and they’d believe it. It’s like its own kind of escape from life on the Enterprise.”

I rolled my eyes, “I prefer it there. Everybody knows everybody. There’s no surprises or fears.”

He stood beside me, watching me as I fiddled with my uniform. I could feel his eyes moving around my face, searching me.

“Can I tell you something? Something we can forget later?” He asked, his voice low.

I shrugged, turning towards him, “yeah, sure. What is it?”

“I think you’re really beautiful,” he said, looking over me again.

I felt my eyes widen and my cheeks flush. “Porter, what’re you doing?”

He smiled to himself, looking down now. “I just think you’re pretty cute and I thought you should know.”

“You think everybody is pretty cute,” I said, shaking my head.

He reached up and tucked some of my hair behind my ears. “Can I say one more thing before we leave?”

I sighed, “sure, why not?”

He took my head in his hands and pressed his lips against mine. He was warm, and soft, and gentle. And when he pulled away, I didn’t know what I wanted to say.

“I hope Mr. Spock thinks I’m good enough for his only daughter.”