Divided Loyalties

Part 11

True to his word, Spock lectured Kirk on what he had done at the first opportunity, making sure that the Captain knew that the Vulcan was most dis- pleased with the Human's actions against Christine, even knowing it had been done out of love--or what he believed was love. Of course, he didn't mention this to Kirk at first...simply that he wanted to speak to him about something important. Unfortunately for the Human, it wasn't about what he thought it was. Spock had decided that he would see to it that Jim knew that if anything like that happened again, their relationship would change...and not for the better.

The Vulcan shielded his thoughts so Kirk couldn't prepare himself as he had done on numerous occasions in the past. Spock didn't ordinarily do that, but suspected that that was how Jim had gotten around him on those other occasions. It would not happen again; he couldn't afford to risk Christine's or their child's lives again. He might not be so fortunate as to have McCoy get to them in time to save them again.

Even as much as Spock loved Kirk, he had to set limits, or else only Vulcan knew what the Human might do in the name of "love". He disliked the idea of what he might have to do, but a lot of necessary things were unpleasant. Kirk had to be made aware that there were some things that Spock absolutely was not going to overlook or allow, no matter how close they'd been or how much they'd shared.

The buzzer at his door brought the Vulcan back to reality; he sensed through the bond that Jim had arrived. "Come," he called, then Kirk stepped inside, smiling warmly at his Vulcan bondmate. It faded when he sensed Spock's displeasure.

"Is something wrong?"

The First Officer's eyes hardened to steel. "I want you to answer a question for me."

"Of course, anything. What did you want to know?" Kirk asked innocently.

"Did you know why Christine had collapsed?"

There was a long, awkward silence as the two exchanged heavy eye contact; Kirk suspected that Spock would know if he tried to pretend that he hadn't known about Christine's illness--so he had to tell the truth, whatever the consequences. "Yes, I knew why," the Captain reluctantly confessed.

"And you chose not to tell me?" Spock's eyes grew colder. "Do you realize she could have died...and what is worse, lost our child?"

"I didn't know she was really ill," Kirk returned lamely.

"You said Dr. McCoy had told you," Spock pointed out.

"He did, but I--didn't believe him. Didn't want to believe him. I'm sorry. I let my jealousy get the better of me."

"You certainly did," the Vulcan confirmed, ice edging his voice. "I cannot allow this incident to pass unpunished."

Icy fingers of fear shot through Kirk's body at the frigid tone. The Human knew that Spock meant what he said--and didn't want to think what the repercussions might be.

"Whatever you think of her, Christine is my wife and carrying my child. You had no right to withhold information about her and her pregnancy from me," Spock continued, his voice dangerously quiet. "At one time, you would never have lied to me, not for any reason. It is most regrettable that you have chosen to do so now, when you know how I abhor deception. I had enough of that from T'Pring; I will not tolerate it from you." Spock took a breath, then went on. "You may consider yourself fortunate that Christine insisted that I think of all we have shared together and keep in mind how much you love me--or more accurately, profess to love me...before making a final judgment.

"I do not give my trust, or my heart, easily--and when we bonded, you promised to always be truthful with me, no matter what...to always put my wishes first--and always be faithful to me. Because of your actions in this matter, my trust and belief in you has suffered a great deal. True love is unselfish, putting the loved one first, even to one's own emotional detriment. Christine has always done this for me, even when I was in no position to appreciate it. She has endured much because of my relationship with you, but never has she taken advantage of my feelings for her, as you have. Neither has she ever deceived me or put your life in danger, because it is not in her nature. Nor did I think it in yours...but you have, unfortuny, py, proven me wrong."

"What do you want from me, Spock, blood? I already said I was sorry." Kirk sounded very much like a spoiled child prevented from having his own way for the first time.

"An apology to me is not enough this time. You endangered Christine's life and that of our child, so she is the one to whom further apologies are owed."

"What else?" the angry, hurt and fearful Human asked. "By the way, you've been keeping your mental shields up for the last two days. I had no idea what you were thinking."

"I had no wish for you to 'get around' me this time, take advantage of me again. In addition, I will
not convey the message of apology this time; you must do it in person. It may be difficult for you,
but perhaps it will teach you the folly of deception for your own gain. I have also decided to change
the terms of the agreement--at least for the time being. Because of your actions, I find it necessary to...look after Christine personally for at least the next week, until I am satisfied that she is fully recovered. As a result, I will be unable to spend time with you as before. I suggest you use that time
to mend your ways if you wish our bonding to continue.

"I will speak to you as our duties require, but will allow no physical contact--which includes physical love
--between us for the duration. That shall be your punishment, including the public apology to Christine
...which shall be made in my presence. And most of all, keep in mind that you have no one to blame for this but yourself. Do not make matters worse than they already are by contemplating revenge of any kind. Do I make myself clear?"

Kirk hung his head. "You do. Now, may I hold and kiss you one last time?" His voice was so remorseful, penitent and pleading that Spock weakened slightly, deciding to allow the contact, albeit briefly.

"Very well--but do not touch me intimately otherwise...not even a mind-touch," the Vulcan admonished.
"If you attempt it, I will block you." Spock's voice was stern, but his eyes had softened somewhat.

"I understand, Spock." Kirk tentatively approached his bondmate, hesi- tantly holding out his arms. Spock moved slowly but inexorably forward; soon, they were in each other's arms. Kirk rested his head on Spock's shoulder, arms locked around the First Officer's slender waist. He felt the rapid beat of Spock's heart, but dared not put his hand over it as he normally would. The Human's eyes filled with tears as he held his beloved after their brief but tender kiss, but he forced them back. Spock was right; he had brought his punishment on himself and deserved every moment of its consequences.

"I'll miss you, Spock," the Captain whispered.

"As I will miss you," the Vulcan confessed. "But if you 'learn your lesson' from this, we may become even closer as a result. Meanwhile, we will go to Sick- bay and I will observe your apology to Christine. Dr. McCoy tells me that she is greatly improved and should fully recover; he is likely to release her tomorrow, but does not want her on full duty again for at least another week. That is why I must be
with her, to ensure that she does not overtax herself."

Spock slowly released Kirk; he responded in kind--then the pair left the Vulcan's quarters adjoining
the Captain's and headed down the corridor for the nearest turbolift which would take them to Sickbay.


Part 12

Spock sensed that Kirk's discomfort was growing geometrically the closer they got to Sickbay, but refused to allow himself to feel much sympathy for him. The Human had brought on his misfortune
and present predicament by his own actions. The Vulcan also vowed to never allow the Captain to use his feelings against him or take advantage of him again if he could help it.

Upon arrival, the two greeted McCoy normally and asked to see Christine. The Chief Surgeon smiled.
"Your timing's perfect. She just woke up from a nap and is about to have dinner."

"We will not be long," Spock assured him, his implacable face and penetrating eyes forcing his Human companion to keep moving. In moments, they reached Christine's bedside. She smiled upon seeing Spock, the smile somewhat forced when she realized Kirk was with him. However, the Vulcan acted like they were alone--crossing fingers with and kissing his patient, long-suffering wife. "Greetings, my wife.
I hope you slept well."

"Yes, I did. Thank you. I even felt the baby kick a few minutes ago." She put a hand on her swollen belly, which Spock covered with his own for a moment as he allowed himself a smile in her direction.
"What brings you two here now?" she wondered. "I'm just about to have dinner."

"I know; we will not keep you long. Jim wishes to apologize to you."

"For what?" she asked, knowing how difficult this had to be for Kirk. She would not have expected it of him; only Spock could have prompted him to do it. It was either that or lose him.

"For being so careless and thoughtless with your life," the Captain interjected. "I should never have kept the details of your...illness from Spock, but as God is my witness, I had no idea you were really ill." Kirk hung his head, unwilling to face her, somehow knowing that her forgiveness would be harder to take than her anger. "When Bones told me, I thought he was exaggerating in order to bring Spock to your side. That you were somehow--faking illness."

"You thought--? But how could you? You know that Leonard would never lie about a thing like that...and neither would I," she informed him.

"I know. I've been a jealous bastard, not thinking of anyone but myself, doing everything possible to keep Spock away from you. But I never meant to risk your life or that of your child, I swear! Please forgive me." There was an uncomfortable silence for the next several minutes while all present waited for Christine to speak again. When she didn't for at least five minutes, Kirk continued. "I wouldn't blame you if you never forgave me, considering how I've treated you, but you know I'm not used to sharing Spock."

Christine smiled and nodded, but still didn't speak.

"I've also--hated the fact that you can give Spock children and I can't. I...also used to think that he'd only married you to have children for him, but now I know better. I don't expect you to overlook this, but I do hope you can understand that I love Spock, too. I don't want to lose him."

"You won't lose him," she said finally. "Not if you learn from this incident and try to understand that I'm not trying to take him away from you. All I want is equal time."

"Then you--forgive me?" The Captain was hopeful but uncertain.

"Let's just say I forego all charges up to this point," she returned with a smile. "Yes, I forgive you." She reached out for Kirk's nearest hand and squeezed it, then released it and looked up at Spock, meeting his eyes. "Will you stay and have dinner with me, Spock?"

"Of course," the Vulcan smiled. "If you will excuse us, Captain?" He gave Kirk a meaningful look.

"Oh, sure. See you later." Kirk nodded in their direction before depart- ing.

The Vulcan gave orders that his dinner be sent to Sickbay, then a tray was set up for him next to Christine's bed...and they held hands while eating--their left hands, that is, since both were right-handed. Somewhat tricky, but they managed. Upon finishing, Spock raised her hand to his lips. "I am...pleased that you and our child are going to be all right. As I said, I will not allow even Jim to threaten your lives."

"I'm glad to hear that," she answered, knowing he meant what he said--at least at this point in time. But she had learned the hard way not to hold him to his promises where Kirk was concerned...simply
to make the most of what time was granted her to be with Spock. As long as she could spend a few passionate nights with him, know some moments of tenderness, such as what had occurred a few minutes ago--she would make herself be content with that as well as the fact of her pregnancy.

He would be upset with Kirk for a while, but she was certain that Spock could never stay angry with him for any considerable length of time. Certainly not long enough for there to be any drastic change in their relationship, at any rate. After their dinner plates had been cleared away, she fell back asleep again, with Spock still holding her hand. Her face was decepti pea peaceful and serene, at least for a time.

Bse ose of this, Spock assumed she would have an uneventful sleep and thus began to put half his mind to work on something else...that "something else" being what else she could do to actually please his long-suffering wife for a change instead of using her or taking advantage of her feelings at every turn. But the other half of his mind monitored her subconscious, where dreams originated, soon becoming a host of disturbing images which first ran through her mind, then his--disturbing images which soon graduated into a full-blown nightmare.

**She had just had the baby, a son who was the image of Spock...and remembered what he had said about going to Vulcan and showing off their child to his parents and the planetary population before having him officially christened. However, she was in for an unpleasant surprise when she mentioned it to him.

"'We' are not going. At least not 'we' as in you and me, at any rate. Jim is my bondmate; it is he who will accompany me."

She was stunned speechless for a while, then said, "But I'm your wife, the mother of the child!"

"You were simply the means by which I conceived a child. Any woman could have carried it; you were simply the most logical choice."

"Not to mention convenient," she threw back bitterly.

"Jim is my official bondmate in the eyes of my people," Spock told her bluntly.

"So what does that make me?" she demanded, her eyes boring holes through him, though he didn't flinch.

"Oh, you are still my wife," he admitted, albeit reluctantly. "However, Vulcan law only recognizes the longest mental, physical and emotional relation- ship--and that is the one between Jim and myself."

"But they surely know that he could not have had a child," she pointed out.

"Technically, yes, but that is irrelevant. He is my official mate, and therefore goes with me to officially christen the child. In cases like ours, it is sufficient that one of us fathered the child."

"And the mother's contribution doesn't matter. Is that what you're saying?"

Spock didn't answer for a long time, then said, "I am granting you the right to assist me in raising my son, and for him to acknowledge you as his mother. Until and if something happens to Jim, that is the most I can offer you. If you pressure me..." He trailed off ominously.

"If I pressure you, I lose all rights and access to the child, not to mention my job. Is that right?" she threw back coldly.

"In essence, yes," he admitted.

"So essentially, I'm supposed to put up and shut up--or lose everything." She sighed. "Great choice.
I suppose you'd transfer me out, renounce me as your wife and mother of the child, then take full custody and tell him that I died or something...anything but what kind of two-faced, hypocritical pervert you really are. If you can do this to me, I don't put anything past you!"

"Christine, if you say one more word..." The Vulcan's voice was icy.

"All right, all right! I'll go along with it--but don't expect me to like it."

"I am not asking you to like it, only to accept it...and live with it."

"I still don't see why I can't go, if only as an observer," she groused.

"Only those directly involved may participate," he stated flatly. "In addition, Jim is uncomfortable in your presence, and what is more, you would be--"

"Superfluous," she finished. "Not surprising. A mere mother of your child would be unnecessary, even expendable, since she's so easily replaceable." Her voice was thick with resentment and pain.

"Christine, that is enough. I told you not to pressure me." Spock walked over to her, dark eyes staring frigid daggers through her. "Get out. I renounce all ties to you...and will never allow you to see the child again, nor ever work on a Federation starship again. From this moment on, you will be as dead to us
as if you never existed. If you try to come back or attempt to see the child, I will call Security and have you charged with harassment and attempted kidnapping."

"Spock, no! No, please! Anything but that!" she pleaded upon realizing he meant what he said.

"Get out before I have you put under arrest," the Vulcan bit out. "Get out and do not come back. I will have Miss Uhura bring you your belongings. She will also assist me in raising the child."

*Do not come back... do not come back... do not come back...* ran through her head like a litany.
She walked out of his quarters, head held high-but only got a few feet before collapsing against the bulkhead in a shaking, sobbing heap.

"Oh, Spock, please, no! Don't do this to me, beloved! I'll do anything--only please let me stay... Don't go--don't leave me--don't take our baby...No! No! Noooo..." **

Her thoughts dissolved into incoherence, pain and anguish all he could discern in her mind, inconsol- able pain and unimaginable anguish at having lost him and their child forever.

The Vulcan looked at her in astonished horror as she shot bolt upright in bed, tears streaming down
her cheeks. "Spock, my love, please don't go! I'm sorry for all I said... Please--don't take our baby. Please, God, no! Please...I can't live without you... Please!" she cried out before collapsing back onto the bed, sobbing uncontrollably.

He could hardly stand to see her like this, and because of him. He had to do something. She fought him, being in the midst of her nightmare, thinking he was leaving her behind and taking their child away to give to Kirk. Not even at the height of their cold war had Spock ever considered such a thing. Sharing the child with him, perhaps, but never would he renounce her and certainly never take the child or her job away from her. But how would he ever convince her of that?

"Christine, stop! Please stop! You are having a nightmare!"

She made no reaction except continuing to struggle, and was still sobbing uncontrollably. It was several minutes before she realized Spock was really there: really holding her and trying to console her.

"Oh... Spock... You're really here? You didn't leave me? You didn't take our baby and give it to the Captain?"

"Christine, you had a nightmare. I saw it all in your mind. I do not blame you for what you said. You are still pregnant; our child will not be born for several months yet. And no matter what happens between us, I would never take our child from you. I will never leave you. You are my wife, the mother of my child; you and you alone will accompany me to Vulcan for the christening. Jim may be my bondmate, but you are the one who belongs at my side at that time. No one else." His voice was almost a croon.

Once the truth sank in, she began crying again--but tears of happiness and relief. "Oh, my love. What a terrible nightmare! Thank God it wasn't real. Thank God, thank God, thank God..." She buried her face in his chest, arms tight around him. "I couldn't stand it--couldn't stand to lose you..."

Spock held his wife gently but securely, brushing tousled hair out of her eyes, then kissing the top of her head and resting his cheek on it. "Calm yourself now, m'chejan. It is over. Everything is all right."

She finally settled down again and fell asleep as he continued to hold her. After a time, McCoy quietly approached. "What happened, Spock?" he whispered, noting Christine's wet face.

"She had a nightmare, Doctor, but I managed to calm her. She has fallen asleep again," the Vulcan explained.

"I wonder what caused it," the Doctor remarked. "She hasn't had one for a long time."

"I am not certain, but will try to find out. Do not concern yourself. She will be all right. I will see to it," Spock assured him.

"If you say so," McCoy returned dubiously. "I'm going off-shift now. If Chris needs anything, give me a call."

"Of course," the Vulcan agreed.

"Good night, Spock. I assume you're staying here with her, then taking her back to her...your quarters in the morning after I release her?"

"Affirmative."

"See you then." With that, the Chief Surgeon departed and Spock allowed himself to fall asleep after removing his boots and jacket, then drawing the blankets up over himself and his wife upon carefully maneuvering them so they were lying down.


Part 13

With her husband's loving attention, Christine healed rapidly, both physically and mentally. Knowing where his main affections lay, she vowed to enjoy his attentiveness to her for as long as it lasted. Unfortunate that the previous night when he had taken her back to her/their quarters and placed her
in bed, then pulled the covers up over her, she had been unable to ask him to stay the night because McCoy had told her that she would be unable to engage in lovemaking for at least another week.

She reached to stop him from leaving. "Please stay a little longer, Spock."

"What do you wish, Christine?" He turned around and squatted down beside her.

"I...wish you could spend the night." She raised a hand to his cheek after stroking his lips with a finger. "But Dr. McCoy says no 'fun and games' for at least another week."

"I know," he returned gently, his voice laced with tenderness and regret. "Unfortunately, I cannot stay. I have to be on duty soon. If you like, however, I can return this evening and play my harp for you."

"I'd like that," she smiled. "In the meantime, could you at least kiss me goodbye?"

Spock looked into his wife's eyes, able to see as well as sense how much she wanted him--as much as he wanted her--but the most they could do was exchange a kiss. He changed position slightly so that he was kneeling beside her, then bent down like Prince Charming leaning down to kiss Sleeping Beauty. The similarities between their situation and the old French fairy tale did not escape Christine.

It wasn't as comfortable a position as they would ordinarily assume, but she was in no position to object...all she could do was lift her arms and lock them around her husband's neck to draw him down to her. She made the most of the kiss, putting all the love, tenderness and desire she possessed into it. It was incredible how warm and sweet one man's (or Vulcan's) lips could be. However, she thought it kindest to keep that to herself. Vulcan males had enough women chasing them without that knowledge being spread around!

"Thank you, Spock," she whispered. "I'll see you tonight," she told him as he got to his feet. "Though that couldn't have been comfortable for you, having to bend over as you did."

"There are more comfortable positions," he agreed. "Meanwhile, I must go on duty." "I think I'll get some sleep now," she told him.

He raised her hands to his lips and kissed them. "Sleep well, my wife."

"Have a good day, my love."

The Vulcan allowed himself a smile in her direction before turning to leave. "I will return at 1900. That is shortly after I get off-shift, at 1845."

"I'll be waiting." With that, she turned over and went to sleep. He again allowed himself a smile at her, then swung around on his heels and left.

**********

It seemed an eternity before they were actually able to be together and share some private time
alone. Unfortunately, when they did, it fell on one of the days that technically belonged to Kirk...but
he couldn't afford to protest, not after what he'd already done, something he'd just barely managed
to escape serious punishment for. Besides, neither Spock nor Christine were likely to be in a forgiving mood if he should screw up again.

Of course--he smiled at this in spite of himself--Spock would surely make up for it by using one of Christine's days, though she wouldn't like it any more than he did, particularly if they'd planned their first night together after her collapse and near-miscarriage for that night. Still, he had some idea of how Christine must have felt during the three weeks he had all but monopolized Spock not too long ago, after spending two weeks virtually alone while the Vulcan was nursing his wife back to health.

Spock had warned him of this, so Kirk forced himself to live with it...but it was the hardest and longest two weeks of his life, so he could imagine what it must have been like for her. For that reason, he must think twice before disturbing them during one of her days--or nights. They just might decide to take revenge on him when he least expected it, and that was something Kirk didn't care to contemplate, especially after what had so recently happened. Neither did he care to think about what they were probably doing right about now...and as it turned out, with good reason.

***********

Of course, it started out perfectly innocent. The couple had had dinner in their quarters, then cuddled together on the couch after Spock had played his Vulcan harp for a time. He had set it aside and Christine had turned on some romantic instrumental music--some recordings of the most beautiful music ever written, covering several Federation planets and five centuries. In fact, that was the name
of the set: "The Most Beautiful Music Ever Written," the liner notes in half a dozen Federation lang- uages, including Standard English, Vulcan, Tellarite and Andorian. One was especially beautiful, but didn't sound like anything she'd ever heard. Could it possibly be--Vulcan?

"Indeed," Spock said from over her head, answering her unspoken question as his chin rested on top of her head. "It is very old, too. The First Language translation of the title is 'Ainama Forkiya A'Aisha', or 'Beautiful Music of Love'."

Christine snuggled closer, tightening her arms around her husband's slender waist. "Oh, it's certainly
all that...and more. But then, a lot of beautiful, wonderful things come from Vulcan. Like you, for instance." Spock was glad she couldn't see him blush, but she seemed to sense it just the same. "Sorry to embarrass you, Spock. Sometimes my mouth and emotions run away with me. I'll keep my thoughts to myself after this. In fact, I can think of something very beautiful I can do which doesn't require any words."

She moved away from him, then reached one hand up to lift his head so that he faced her--then leaned over to kiss him warmly, if tentatively. At first he was too surprised to respond, then recalled how long it had been since their last physical joining...and what she had said several nights (almost
a week, in fact) ago when he had first brought her back here. He had wanted her even then, as he wanted her now. Before, they had been unable to indulge their desires-but earlier this evening, Dr. McCoy had finally certified her physically fit--which meant they no longer had to restrain themselves.

This prompted him to reach out to her, gathering her into his arms as he gradually deepened the kiss and tightened his embrace. "Christine..." he whispered huskily against her lips as his own became hungrier and more passionate.

"Spock...beloved..." she returned, his passion inflaming her own.

A moment later, he reluctantly tore his lips from hers to find the pounding, throbbing pulse in her throat. His sensitive nose took in the intoxicating scent of both her silky skin and her womanhood;
he felt light-headed at her nearness--almost drunk. He once again found her lips, gently parting
them so their tongues entwined even as his hands reached to open her blouse, then slide it off her shoulders.

"My husband..." she breathed, her heart-rate going into the stratosphere at his action.

"My wife...I need you..." His lips moved down to nuzzle between her breasts even as he deftly opened her bra.

She moaned and her head fell back even as the bra fell away to reveal her creamy, rose-tipped breasts--one of which the passionate Vulcan of her dreams and fantasies gradually drew into his hot, delicious mouth, beginning to gently suckle shortly before circling her nipple with his tongue...then touched it with same. She softly cried out at the contact, not having the chance to catch her breath before he did the same with the other. Not long afterward, her hands stroked lightly down his neck and back; he shivered as she did so, then gasped in astonished pleasure as she began to pull up his sweater and undershirt. He reluctantly released her so she could get it all the way off--then prepared to take her into his arms again.

Instead, she again stroked the back of his neck, then his bare shoulders and down his chest, her fingers stroking through the soft but wiry mat of hair before finding his nipples and fondling them. He gasped at her touch, then she dropped her hands and moved to lick and kiss them. This provoked a squirming action and a moan from his lips.

"Ohh...Christine..." This time, he knew his own heart-rate was going into orbit.

A moment later, she pushed him back onto the couch and positioned herself on her knees, straddling him. Her hands then reached to open his pants, soon revealing his large, achingly hard and very green erection.

"I must--be inside you soon," he entreated, barely able to control himself.

"I know, love," she crooned. "And you will be, shortly."

She was reaching for her shorts when he said, "Allow me, Christine."

As his s res reached to open, then pull her shorts and panties down and off, he could feel her wet heat, then she moved to place him at the entrance to her body and began to impale herself on him. Soon he was inside her, and she began to move up and down on him, even as he thrust his hips up
to meet her. He held her in place with his hands, both quietly moaning with every movement which stimulated certain sensitive areas of their bodies. With the passage of time, each began to move harder and faster--until Spock knew he was on the brink...and that Christine wasn't far behind.

Their orgasms hit both of them hard, so intense that they were left momentarily weak and limp. Christine barely managed to keep from collapsing on top of him. Instead, she gently lay on top of
him, her lips nuzzling his throat, her breasts flattened against his chest as his hands cupped her buttocks.

"Thank you, love," she murmured against his lips after kissing him again. "I've needed that for so long."

"As have I," he agreed, returning her kiss.

"But it's not enough, is it?" his wife guessed. "You still want more."

"Yes." The Vulcan blushed in spite of himself, but was unable to deny his intense desire for her.

"Well, I'm not saying no, am I?" she laughed. "Let's get up and move to the bed, then we can do it again. Are you game?"

Spock wasn't exactly sure what she meant by that last statement, but guessed it meant, was he willing? So he answered accordingly. "Yes, I am 'game', as you put it," he assured her.

"Then let's go for it," she remarked with a sly smile.

With that, the couple rose from their couch and retired to the bedroom to finish their night together--and by the time it was over, both were once again exhausted...but sated, at least until the next time.


Part 14

Upon moving to the bedroom, they did all they had not done before, such as oral sex (both kinds)
and another joining, this time from behind and beside her, all the while his hands were caressing her breasts.

Once on the bed, Christine took the initiative, again pushing him back onto the pillows and beginning to kiss her way down his belly until just above the groin area. A gentle touch on his right thigh parted his legs sufficiently so that she was able to plant kisses just above the pubic area, then he drew a sharp intake of breath when she moved lower, an action which wasn't lost on Christine.

"I promise it won't hurt, love. In fact, I can guarantee you'll enjoy it."

"I know," he returned quietly. "It is only that--" He broke off abruptly when she took him into her hand and planted a kiss on the ultra-sensitive head...then gently sucked it into her mouth and lightly traced it with her tongue.

He groaned at the sensation in his body at the feel of it, squirming as she began to suckle a little harder and he felt himself move closer to the edge with every passing moment. Just as Spock felt himself near the brink, he gasped audibly when she fondled his egg-shaped testicles. He continued
to moan and squirm as she continued to suckle and caress his verdant shaft with one hand, squirming which increased geometrically as her deliciously supple fingers inflamed him almost to fever pitch.

"Christine...please, I must--"

"I know, love. Don't worry. I'll take care of it. Just lie back and relax."

With that, she resumed suckling,okinoking and fondling--and approximately five minutes later, he grabbed hold of the sheets beneath them and held on in a death grip, arching his back and crying out as he felt himself coming...and knew he would be unable to stop for a long time, as did Christine. She smiled inwardly as his sweet nectar filled her mouth, then she swallowed it.

Spock took a deep breath, then sank into the pillows after Christine released him. This came only ten minutes after his initial arousal, and only a couple of minutes since he had finished coming off in her mouth. Once he had recovered, she crawled up beside him and snuggled close as he put one arm around her. After sharing a lingering kiss, the Vulcan gave his wife a smile.

"You are an artist, Christine," he observed. "That was extremely pleasurable."

"I knew you'd enjoy it. You always do," she recalled with a lascivious smile. He blushed again, but she only laughed and squeezed him. "Oh, my love, you are a walking contradiction!"

They held each other for a time, then he ruffled her hair affectionately with one hand and kissed her temple as he reached between her long, lovely legs to stroke the wet warmth there meaningfully with the other.

"I take it you want to return the favor," Christine continued knowingly even as she squirmed in his arms.

"The thought had crossed my mind," he returned blandly.

"No problem, then," she replied, moving to turn over on her back, her legs sweetly spread and ready for him.

He smiled and began kissing his way down her body, also trailing kisses across the top of her pubic area as she had done to him--then he moved lower, fingers gently parting her warm, wet folds again before his lips and tongue began to lick and suck. Not too long afterward, Christine was holding her husband's head between her legs as she moaned and squirmed, feeling a sweet pain in her groin as she felt herself ready to come, his delightfully dextrous tongue teasing her most sensitive spot.

"Oh, my God...ohhh..." she whispered. "That feels so wonderful I can hardly stand it..."

Spock made no discernible reaction, simply went on with his exquisite torture, unable to get enough
of her sweet juices. Scarcely a minute later, she mirrored his earlier actions, arching her back and releasing his head to cry out in ecstasy as she got a death grip on the sheets as well.

Christine bucked and jerked against his lips and tongue one last time, also unable to get enough of
his incredibly pleasurable ministrations. She also sank into the softness beneath her when he finished, limp as the proverbial dishrag and totally drained of energy--but with a feeling of total and complete satisfaction, satisfaction which she had rarely known before...satisfaction which only Spock could give her.

The Vulcan moved to gather his wife into his arms and pull the comforter over them. "Are you ready for sleep now, my wife?"

"More than ready," she agreed with a yawn. "But thank you, beloved. That was incredible. I came clear down to my toes!"

He simply raised one winged eyebrow, but that elevation spoke volumes.

"I'll explain later, Spock. Let's get some sleep now. Again, thank you for a most stimulating evening. I had no idea how much I'd missed it until now."

"You are most welcome, m'chejan. Good night now. Sleep well."

"Good night, my love."

With that, the couple exchanged a goodnight kiss and both were soon deeply asleep--a state of being which, unfortunately, could not be said for the Vulcan's other lover.


Part 15

In fact, the Captain didn't sleep a wink, able to sense what was going on, even feel the sensations to a certain extent. He was sure they would make up for it at the earliest opportunity, but in the meantime, Kirk tossed and turned, moaning in both agony and ecstasy as tantalizing yet painful images ran through his mind and affected his body to the extent that he found himself becoming aroused as well, the pain in his groin almost unbearable as he reached to manipulate himself to climax.

He wished all the while that it was Spock's hands doing it, however--or best of all, his lips and tongue
...that was second only to feeling blissfully impaled by the Vulcan's large, hot, delicious cock in his hungry ass--then feeling him come in his ass: or even feeling himself inside the Vulcan's beautiful ass, not to mention coming off inside him as he licked, suckled or fondled some other part of him. *Oh God, Spock, how I wish you could be here doing this...*

Kirk moaned and squirmed as he moved one hand up to fondle his painfully hard nipples while the other manipulated his equally hard cock and full, throb- bing balls. If only Spock could have been here with his delicious tongue to lick and suck his nipples...or do the same with his balls. Even when he came off, knowing how much of a relief it was, he knew at the same time that it wasn't the same. There were some things that simply could not be duplicated--and Spock's caress or kiss, not to mention the way he licked or sucked his nipples, cock or balls, much less the way he moved so delightfully in his Human lover's ass, holding his hips with warm, gentle hands-were just a few of them.

Kirk was one of only two who knew the active volcano hidden behind Spock's seemingly emotionless exterior, so he knew that if he could get through this endless night, he could get through anything
...then be able to look forward to the real thing.

**********

Things improved for both, at least to a certain extent, during the next several months...and over time, it be eas easier for Spock to divide his time and affections more equally between his wife and bond- mate. Part of the reason was because Spock had never entirely forgotten Kirk's deception, which had nearly cost him the lives of Christine and their child. Another was that Kirk himself had kept in mind the consequences of deceiving Spock in any way for his own gain--and even though he had been tempted many times in the course of the last several months, he had never yielded. It wasn't worth the risk to their relationship. They'd been together far too long, been through too much.

Of course, he was unsure of how long either would last if something happened to one of them, par- ticularly himself. Spock at least had his wife to fall back on. Kirk would have no one if he lost Spock, had had essentially nothing but Starfleet since he'd joined. If he lost Spock, there would be little point in his either remaining alive or in Starfleet. Not even his command or other friends could begin to compensate for that loss.

Spock was part of his heart, his mind, his very soul. Maybe the Vulcan could divide himself between two lovers, but Kirk had never been able to do that once committed to someone...and never would be. What was worse, Christine was nearing her due date, so that would mean Spock would feel obligated to spend even more time with her and their child--so he had better make the most of what little time was left to them before then.

**********

To the Captain's dismay, the first night he had spent (or tried to spend) with his Vulcan bondmate in days was aborted in the middle because of Christine going into labor and Sickbay calling shipwide.
"Sickbay calling Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock. Dr. Chapel is going into labor and is calling for her husband... Repeat, Sickbay calling Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock. Dr. Chapel is going into labor and..."

Both had heard the call, but Kirk chose to ignore it, cursing the interruption. Nothing ever went right
for him any more, that was for sure! He just couldn't win, at least not where Spock was concerned. He privately wouldn't put it past Bones to induce labor, but forced the thought away as soon as he thought it, praying that Spock hadn't picked it up. Otherwise, he'd be in hot water up to his ears!

The couple was in bed, having just finished making love, when the call came. In fact, Kirk still felt exhausted and sore from Spock's strong thrusts, not to mention still feeling his overflow trickling out
of his body and between his legs, cheeks and over his balls. He had planned to have Spock lick and suck it away, possibly even arousing him sufficiently to make love to him again--but there would be
no further opportunity for that now, because of the announcement...certainly not for the foreseeable future, at any rate. He had to keep in mind that babies usually came when they chose, so he couldn't blame Christine. She was simply doing what came naturally.

Spock was almost as tired and as sore in the same spots as Kirk, but was already sitting up in bed and reaching for his robe to head for the bathroom and a shower. Kirk glared after him, but knew better than to stop him. Ten minutes later, the Vulcan came out, fully dressed though his hair was still damp.
"Are you coming, Jim?" he askedhe she stood at the entrance to the bedroom in Kirk's quarters.

"Tell them I'll be there as soon as I can," Kirk said. "I'm not exactly in uniform, you know." He smiled knowingly.

The Vulcan allowed himself to return the smile, then leaned down to warmly kiss his bondmate and cross fingers with him. "I am sorry our evening together has been interrupted."

"No more sorry than I am," Kirk replied. "You'd better go now. Christine needs you."

Spock sighed. "Indeed. I will see you as soon as you can arrive." With that, he called Sickbay. "Spock here. I am on my way, and shall arrive shortly. The Captain will follow as soon as he can."

"It's about time you called in! I've been broadcasting shipwide for the last fifteen minutes," McCoy groused. "Chris needs you, Spock."

"I know, Doctor. I have been...indisposed," the Vulcan explained.

"No doubt," McCoy returned dryly, knowing all too well what Spock meant. "But the fact remains, Chris still needs you. At the risk of sounding autocratic, I must insist that you get a move on before some- thing goes seriously wrong. On the double, Mister!"

"I will be right there, Doctor. Calm yourself. Spock out."

"Problem?" Kirk asked from behind him.

"Just the Doctor's impatience. I can handle it. I must go now. Please come as soon as you can."

"Don't worry, I will. Now get going." The two exchanged smiles again and Spock departed for Sickbay.