For the rest of the crew of the Enterprise, the unscheduled stop on Vulcan was little more than a surprise chance at shore leave. If they wondered about the whereabouts of their captain, first officer, CMO, and head nurse, they quickly learned asking the Vulcans was useless. They would simply have to make up their own stories and then pass them on as fact.

Inside Sarek's study, Spock and T'Pring simultaneously opened their eyes. Each felt a sense of relief that they would not admit. As T'Pring had felt Christine's influence in Spock's mind, he had felt Stonn's in hers.

The healer nodded solemnly. "It has been completed."

T'Pring left Sarek's home a free woman once more, though Spock knew she would not remain so for long. No doubt the contact with his own burning had stirred her. But he no longer wished to think of T'Pring. All his thoughts now were for Christine.

Amanda had suggested that Christine observe Spock and T'Pring with the healer so that she might have some idea what would happen. Christine had admittedly felt far more interest in Spock's betrothed than in the process they were undergoing. She couldn't help but envy the other woman's trim form, sleek hair, and piercing dark eyes. Still, she trusted Spock when he said that he wanted only her.

"It's natural for you to be afraid, Christine. You're facing a great many unknowns all at once. Just remember this: right now, with his control so weakened, Spock is terrified. I felt it during Sarek's first time with me. He was ashamed of his weakness, afraid he would hurt me, terrified that I would no longer look at him the same, that I wouldn't love him anymore. Spock will be feeling the same. You need to be the strong one for him. We humans are better at pushing on despite fear than Vulcans are." Amanda had taken her hand then and Christine had squeezed it, as if she could absorb some of this woman's strength. "Once the bonding has been performed, I doubt Spock will be able to wait for you any longer. You'll be escorted to your chamber. You'll stay there until it's over. Don't worry, my dear. I've learned a thing or two over the years and I've made it as comfortable as possible for you."

With the memory of Amanda's words firmly in her mind, Christine emerged from her hiding place and seated herself next to Spock, across from the healer. The human custom of holding hands was frowned upon here, so she chose instead to touch her fingers to Spock's in the ozh'esta. Even without their minds linked, Christine could tell the contact relaxed Spock, if only a little. She nodded at the healer.

At first, Christine felt nothing. Strange, dry, cool fingers were pressed against her meld points, but nothing seemed to be happening. Then, Christine felt almost as if a butterfly had landed in her consciousness. She seemed to feel the healer's approval. This was apparently a good sign.

Slowly, Christine became aware of new thoughts, Spock's thoughts. They were twining together easily, as if they were already familiar.

It appears we are a good match, k'diwa.

For the first time, Christine didn't have to ask for him to translate the Vulcan word. She repeated it back to him. Beloved.

A/N: I can make no guarantees that my brain will continue this. I never feel confident in attempting a full-length story. I'm far more comfortable with little moments like this one. And boy do they need this beautiful feeling before heading straight into the madness of Pon Farr.