Disclaimer: I still don't own Star Trek, Spock, or Nyota. I just like to play in that universe and do mean things to the characters.

A/N: Hey everyone! I've been absent from the Spock/Uhura scene for a while...I've been working on my Sarek/Amanda fic instead. But this idea REALLY wouldn't leave me alone.

This is not in any way connected to my previous fics for this couple. So you don't have to read those to read this. This is inspired by two TOS episodes- "The Naked Time" and "This Side of Paradise". So in this chapter, Spock will be out of character.

I don't know yet how long this will be. It will span over a few months, exploring the complications introduced in this chapter. Spock and Nyota will not be together right away, despite what happens in this chapter. As you will see, their relationship is going to be very complicated. And I am trying to handle this as realistically as possible- so there will not be any head-over-heels in love any time soon.

I once swore to myself that I would NEVER write a Spock/Uhura origins fic unless I had an original idea for it. Let's face it- there are A LOT of origins fics out there. While they are all good, they tend to seem a lot alike. Hopefully, this will result in at least a semi-original beginnings for the couple.

Anyway...on with the chapter!

Chapter 1: Inhibitions

The first time they were together was an accident.

Nyota Uhura had been invited to the event by an instructor- and she was one of few cadets present. Only the top academy students had been asked to come to the Starfleet banquet held to honor officers killed in action.

It was a new idea- this was the first banquet and it was being held at the suggestion of one of the survivors of the Kelvin incident- but the event was not only to honor George Kirk. It was for all heroes, from the very beginnings of Starfleet to the present. It was an excellent idea- a wonderful way to celebrate the lives and achievements of those who deserved their honor. Nyota didn't know how no one had thought of it before.

Looking around the crowded room, she observed what was going on around her. A large viewscreen filled one wall, displaying a slideshow of holographs depicting each fallen officer. A long buffet table stood off to one side, the rest of the space occupied by dozens of round tables draped in white cloth and set for ten people each. Soft music played from a group of musicians on a platform opposite the viewscreen.

Starfleet officers- from Admirals to lowly Ensigns and a scattering of honor-roll cadets- mingled and talked. The mood was somber, respectful- and yet also social. Although it was held for the grim purpose of memorializing the dead it was still a social event.

Nyota looked closer at her fellow attendees. She didn't personally know many of them- only the cadets and a few instructors, although she did know several of the high-ranking officers by sight. Then her eyes fell on one man in particular- or one Vulcan.

She'd been in Commander Spock's Subspace Communications Simulations class for a total of sixteen weeks now- having taken both required quarters of the practical application course back to back instead of split up throughout the year, like her fellow linguistics students. The quarter was drawing to a close in a few weeks- and then she would begin her final quarter at the academy and move on from his class.

She had to admit- she would miss having him as her instructor. He had a no-nonsense curriculum and a grading scale that challenged her. He was by far the best instructor she'd had in simulated communications. She felt that she'd learned more from him than she had from the other instructors- and he was not even a linguistics instructor. He spoke several languages of course- but his area of expertise was computers and the programming of the communications consoles the students used. He knew all about subspace communications- but she knew he was a scientist. Not a linguist. She wondered why he'd even accepted the communications class.

Part of her reluctance to leave his class may also have had something to do with the fact that he happened to be the best-looking instructor- perhaps even officer- in all of Starfleet.

She felt no guilt over that. She wasn't alone. Every breathing female in existence thought the Commander was sexy. It was a rarity when Nyota could appreciate a man's looks- and body- as well as his brain.

As she watched, the Commander spotted her as well. She didn't think he would come over to her- so she was surprised when he did.

"Cadet Uhura," he said with a curt nod as he stopped three feet away from her.

"Commander," she said, nodding back. He wore the stiff blue dress uniform of a science officer but it looked amazingly good on him. She didn't think anyone else could pull it off.

"I have been told you were accepted into Commander Ripley's advanced communications course next quarter. I believe humans often congratulate one another when such an accomplishment is achieved. It is well-known that Commander Ripley's course is especially difficult to be accepted into."

"Thank you sir," Nyota replied, smiling. He raised one slanted eyebrow.

"I did not yet congratulate you, Cadet. I merely stated it is a custom. Congratulations."

"Thank you again, then." Nyota's smile widened. He did not speak again for several seconds, instead gazing at her steadily. She wondered if congratulating her was the only reason he'd come over.

Not knowing what else to say, she cleared her throat and looked down at the glass of blue-green kaasa juice in one hand. She didn't know what to talk about- she really didn't know Spock that well- didn't know his interests. Their relationship was purely professional and she'd never seen him outside of the simulation room or his office before. He'd given her academic advice- he had been the one to bring Commander Ripley's advanced course to her attention- but that was the most personal thing that had ever passed between them. She was only another of his students after all- one of hundreds.

This did not in any way prepare her for conversation with him in a sociable setting such as this. What could they talk about here that they hadn't already talked about in class the day before?

"Cadet, I believe it is also customary to inquire whether you are enjoying yourself," he said. "Have you found this evening satisfactory?"

Nyota suppressed a smile. It was somewhat amusing to watch the Vulcan before her try to be polite in the human way.

"I think this banquet was a great idea," Nyota replied. "They should have done this sooner. The bravery of fallen officers should be appreciated more often. That being said...I don't know many people here, and I've already spoken to all of them. I'm actually rather bored."

"I find social gatherings tedious as well," Spock admitted.

"Oh, don't get me wrong, sir- I usually love social gatherings. It's just not any fun when none of my friends are here."

"Fun?" Spock repeated, that jet-black eyebrow rising once more. "I was unaware that socializing was meant to be 'fun'. Admittedly, I do not understand the human concept of 'having fun' at all. Socializing is meant to build relationships between people who may be beneficial to you in some form. In this setting, it would be to establish ties with higher-ranking officers and fellow Starfleet personnel."

"I wouldn't expect you to understand, Commander," Nyota said with another smile. "Anyway...I was actually about to walk back to my dorm. It's getting late."

"I was preparing to leave also," Spock replied. "The cadet dormitories are not far from the graduate residences. As it is a Saturday evening, there are undoubtedly intoxicated cadets about. It would be logical for you to be accompanied across campus in case of danger- alcohol tends to make humans aggressive."

Nyota was slightly taken aback by this offer. While it was true that there would be drunk cadets about, she didn't really believe them to be a threat to her. But something in his gaze told Nyota that the Commander would not easily accept a refusal.

"I see no reason why not," she said, shrugging before setting her glass down on a nearby table. Most of the guests were leaving now anyway- after the dinner and several long-winded speeches they were ready to go.

Spock did not reply- instead he turned to head toward the exit, obviously expecting her to follow. Slightly annoyed by this, Nyota did as he expected.

The banquet had been held in a building on campus, but it was clear on the other side from the dorms. Nyota had worn high heels with her red dress uniform, and she knew her feet would ache after walking that distance. Resigned to her fate, she folded her arms in an attempt to shield herself from the chilly mist rolling in off the Bay.

Silence stretched between them as they walked along the brick path that ran underneath a line of trees. The leaves rustled together as the slight breeze stirred them and her heels clicked against the ground rhythmically. But neither of them spoke.

It was beginning to be disconcerting. Surely Nyota could think of something to say- she was a linguist after all. Yet what could one say to a Vulcan? They did not engage in small talk, that much she knew- talking just for the sake of talking was illogical. Anything even remotely personal was out of the question- Vulcans were extremely private people. That left only academics, a subject they already discussed during class.

Nyota had always been somewhat put-off by his unemotionalism- and yes, she did find him to be slightly intimidating at times. He was the only Vulcan she had ever met and while she would love to take this opportunity to study him and learn more about his language- she was wary of doing so. She didn't know him very well and she knew he was not someone it would be easy to get close to.

They were walking by the campus greenhouse now. It was a large structure and housed hundreds of plants- non-Terran and Terran alike. Although not particularly interested in botany, Nyota often went there to walk among them. She felt the urge to go there now- she especially enjoyed the section that grew African flowers.

"Commander, if you want to go on ahead you can. But I want to stop here." Nyota stepped toward the greenhouse entrance.

"Cadet, it is late. You can visit the greenhouse tomorrow," Spock replied.

"I can't explain...but I want to go there now," she said, looking over her shoulder at him. "I come here when I want peace and quiet. Have you ever been inside?"

"I have been here to study new specimens from other planets. Cadet, you can come back at any time. For now, I suggest you continue to your dorm."

"You can go ahead, sir- if that's a suggestion and not an order," Nyota said, pulling the door open. The smells of fertilizer and green vegetation mixed with the sweet aroma of flowers rolled over her and she inhaled deeply. There was a pause- and then she heard footsteps behind her.

"I will stay. You will still require an escort back to your dorm." His voice was very close to her, and she felt his hot breath on the back of her neck. She started- she hadn't realized he was that close to her. She could feel the heat radiating from his body against her back and she quickly suppressed the inappropriate thoughts now filling her mind. He was her instructor. She repeated this to herself several times- she couldn't let the way he affected her body control her, or else she would jump him right then and there.

Moving into the warm greenhouse lit softly by ultraviolet lamps, they let the door close behind them. Nyota made her way down an aisle and she heard his quiet footsteps on the earthen floor behind her.

"You know, Commander, this place is actually very peaceful. The pleasant smells, the seclusion from the rest of campus- and everyone from every corner of the galaxy can find something familiar to them. When I first came to the academy I was homesick for Africa. So I came here often."

She wasn't sure why she was divulging such private information- she doubted he cared. He likely didn't even understand what she meant by "homesick". It wasn't logical to miss a place which she could return to at any time and which would always be there.

"I find the plants themselves to be more interesting," Spock replied.

"And that's the difference between a scientist and a linguistics expert I suppose," Nyota sighed. She glanced at him and saw his eyebrows draw together.

"There are many differences between two such individuals, Cadet Uhura," he replied. She laughed softly as she stopped to examine a large plant she'd never seen before.

"I wonder what this is? It must be new. They're always getting new specimens imported in from new planets," she said more to herself than to Spock, who stood beside her.

"I suggest you not touch it, Cadet. If it is a new import, it has likely not been thoroughly studied. It could be toxic."

"I may be human, but I'm not that unintelligent, Commander," Nyota said. She leaned closer to look at the plant. It was nearly as tall as she was with broad, green, purple-tinged leaves. Dark red tubular growths sprouted from the stalk and what appeared to be yellow stamen peeked out of them.

"Interesting," she heard his smooth, deep voice utter. A smile spread across her face and she looked over at him. He was leaning over the plant as well, peering at the red growths.

"I don't know about you sir, but-" Nyota was stopped abruptly by a tickling sensation in her nose. She drew away from the plant hurriedly, just in time to sneeze- one, two, three, four times. By the time she recovered she found the Commander looking at her quizzically.

"Are you well, Cadet?" he asked.

"I'm fine. I must have inhaled some pollen, that's all," Nyota said. Spock straightened from bending over the plant, hands clasped behind his back.

"An interesting specimen. I must study it in my spare time. The tubular growths and what appears to be filaments and anthers are strange. They are quite unlike any I have ever seen before."

"Well we should go now," Nyota said. She didn't feel too good all of a sudden. She was lightheaded as they turned toward the doors. She no longer really wanted to look around the greenhouse. Spock was right- she could come back tomorrow.

"Are you well, Cadet?" Spock asked several minutes later as they walked along the path once more. Nyota felt almost as if she were drunk now...

"I'm fine," she muttered. She looked over at him. Her vision swam and Spock's form was blurry around the edges. "I think," she added.

"We must get you to your dorm. Or perhaps to medical," Spock said. She shook her head, and her vision doubled temporarily.

"No, I'm okay."

She stumbled slightly and his hand shot out to take her arm. His skin was hot- much hotter than her own. His fingers were strong as they wrapped around her upper arm and supported her.

"I insist, Cadet," he said in a quiet voice she had never heard him use before. He was rubbing her arm slowly now, reassuringly. His voice seemed to caress her, and she moaned. She leaned against him and felt his warm body. He was so hot- so strong- and she wanted nothing more than to just kiss him...to rip his clothes off his body and have her way with him right there on the grassy quad.

"Cadet...I find that I wish to do the same to you." His voice was silky, deep with desire...Nyota was startled at first- but then remembered...Vulcans are touch telepaths. Had he heard her thoughts?

She found that she was not disturbed by the idea that he had.

"Call me Nyota." She didn't know why she said that. She did it because she wanted to, she supposed. And why not? Why not do whatever she wanted? She wanted him- that was for sure. She'd wanted him since the day she walked into his class and he stood at the podium in that tight-fitting instructor's uniform. Oh, she was very career-oriented and wanted nothing more to succeed- and she got top grades- but that didn't stop her from having sexual thoughts and desires.

"Nyota..." he whispered. The way he pronounced it- so exact, with almost a tender inflection- made her shiver delightedly. She felt herself heating up all over...something told her something was not right- that something was wrong with her...but all that mattered right now was that his voice was so deep, inviting...his body hot and his muscles deliciously hard as she pressed herself against his chest.

One of his warm hands moved up to cup her cheek, and the other pressed against her back firmly, bringing her closer to him. His eyes were smoldering when she looked into them. They were full of lust, just as she knew hers were.

"I feel funny," she murmured. "Do you feel it too?"

"I admit I am not myself," he replied, his voice low. "I am...struggling with my control. I do not currently possess the mental faculties required to examine why."

"Does it matter?" she asked, standing on tiptoes so her lips came close to his. She felt him shudder at the near contact, at the closeness of her body to his. The hand now resting on her hip squeezed gently.

"You are my student," he stated. He was trying to regain control over himself- she could almost sense it. But tonight was not a night for Vulcan control, she decided. A voice whispered in her mind, telling her...do what you want. There is nothing to stop you. You've wanted the Commander for months. This is your opportunity. Go for it.

It was compelling her to give in...to give in to her desires. The rational part of her brain did not respond. It was already gone.

"Does that matter either?" she asked, rubbing her palms against his chest, feeling the tense muscles ripple under her fingers. His grip on her tightened, kneading her muscles gently. His breathing was becoming harder than usual- so was hers.

"No," he said, his voice low and full of heat. "It does not. I want you. That is what matters."

So much for Vulcan control. It was now nonexistent.

His powerful hands lifted her almost off her feet- lips and tongues and hot breath met, mingling ferociously as he pulled her against him and kissed her deeply. She moaned, fingers clutching onto his blue uniform jacket. Earlier, she had admired the uniform on him- now she wanted to admire it off him.

This desire must have transmitted to him over the weak empathic link.

"My quarters are close to here," he said breathlessly, pulling away. "Come with me."

She'd never, in a million years, thought he would say anything to her even remotely resembling that. The thought that he had admitted he wanted her- that he wanted her to come with him to his quarters- made fire spread throughout her body and her legs go weak.

"Oh, yes. Please," she breathed. He emitted a low growl as he pulled her against him again, kissing her hotly. Oh, God...she'd never in a million years thought he could kiss her like this either. She was wrong. So, so wrong.

They stumbled toward the shadows of the graduate building where instructors lived. It didn't matter to either of them if they were seen- luckily it was dark and everyone was either in bed or still at the banquet. Nyota didn't know how they even managed to get inside and to the turbolift without tripping- they were paying far more attention to their lips and hands than they were to where they were going.

Once in the turbolift, Spock pushed her against the wall, holding her arms above her head as he continued to kiss her fiercely. His tongue was hot and slightly dry against hers, but oh so good...as he pressed against her she could feel his arousal and wanted nothing more than to have them both naked as soon as possible.

"I estimate 1.2 minutes until we are in my quarters and you are laying on my bed, your clothing shredded," Spock said against her ear.

"Not soon enough," she growled. She felt a sharp pain and she gasped- he'd bitten her ear lobe. Somehow she found this indescribably sexy and her temperature rose higher.

The doors slid open onto a thankfully empty hall- although the occupants of the lift hardly noticed either way. Their inhibitions were gone. Shredded. They were giving in to their every whim- they could feel each other's desire over the shared contact link, as well as their own. It was too much. Her body burned with it, her breath was ragged and her heart pounded in her chest.

Spock pulled her down the hall by her waist, loathe to part his body from hers for even a second, still kissing her along the way. Nyota pushed at his shoulders- slamming him against a door. She kissed him hard- sucking on his lower lip, her tongue fighting his.

He reciprocated by pushing back- pressing her against the door opposite. His hands were everywhere- hot and skilled and perfect. He knew exactly where to touch her, where to kiss her.

"Voice print analysis," Spock said hoarsely in between kisses. The door beeped and suddenly swished open, and she stumbled back- pulling him roughly through the doorway with her. The door slid shut behind them.

They lay in a sweaty pile of entangled limbs on the bed three hours later. The desire had calmed...now Nyota only wanted to rest and lay against his too-warm body. His arms were around her, holding her close against him.

Now that the all-consuming fire was gone, they were much more at peace. Nyota's mind was still in a haze...the rational part of her mind still gone. The consequences of her actions had not yet sunk in. Nor would they for a while.

"Spock," Nyota said sleepily. Her body ached from their strenuous activities of the previous three hours, but it was a satisfied ache. "How did you end up in Starfleet?"

She didn't know why she wanted to know. She just did. So she asked.

"I made the decision to join Starfleet rather than the Vulcan Science Academy," he replied, eyes still closed- his words slightly slurred. "They insulted my mother- a human. It angered me, as she means much to me. I took great pleasure in the action of turning them down and have not regretted it since, even though it did disappoint my father."

He'd never spoken so plainly before. This intrigued her dimly, although she was unable to analyze the personal information he had bequeathed to her at the moment.

"Your mother's human?" Nyota asked dazedly. She struggled to understand the implications of this. Her brain didn't seem to want to work right...but that didn't matter, did it? She had what she wanted. She was beside Spock. Her instructor, her superior...and now her lover.

"She is. It has not been...easy for me. I am the only Human-Vulcan hybrid in existence. I spent much of my youth shunned by my classmates. I belong neither on Vulcan...nor here. I am alone, Nyota. I am tired of being alone."

His voice sounded sad. It occurred to her that she had never heard emotion in his voice before. It made him seem less like a Vulcan.

"I'm so sorry," she said. And she was.

"There is no need to be. There is now you. You accept me, do you not?" he asked in a low voice.

"Of course I do," she replied without really knowing what she was agreeing to. Her brain was still just so foggy...if only she could think clearly.

"I have never discussed such things with anyone before. My loneliness is something I have kept to myself. Not even my parents realize how alone I feel, my Nyota...but with you, I am not alone. I have been with women before, in my early years at the academy...but none were like you. I never felt this way with any of them. They were only experiments. You are different. You are special...I have known this since you first walked into my class. I have watched you closely, Nyota. My desire for you has grown into something I cannot control. And now...you are here. I cannot remember why I did not pursue you sooner. Perhaps I have seen reason."

"Mmm." Nyota's eyes were closing again. This feeling was rather nice. She knew he would not normally say these things- never speak so candidly about his feelings. She liked it. It made her feel like she knew him.

"Sleep, Nyota," he whispered, his lips hot as he kissed her forehead tenderly. Yes...this was nice. Very nice. This is exactly what she had wanted.

Nyota sat bolt-upright.

She was naked. She was in Spock's quarters. In Spock's bed. They'd slept together- oh God! They'd slept together! She'd slept with her instructor!

Her mind was clear now. Whatever had affected her was gone. Rationale was taking over. And she knew- they had just made a huge, huge mistake. And if she could remember every single detail- he would too.

She looked over at him. He was still asleep. She had probably not been asleep long herself- the sun was not even rising yet.

The sheet barely covered his hips and he slept on his back. His hair was in disarray- a phenomenon she had never thought possible. His bare chest was scattered with black hair, and well-sculpted due to Starfleet training...but instead of being turned on as she should have been- she panicked.

She had to leave before he woke up. She couldn't bear facing him after what had just happened- it would be mortifying. For the both of them. They had not been in their right minds. If they had been- this definitely wouldn't have happened.

Scrambling out of bed, she hunted for her dress uniform. She found her shoes flung clear across the room...but let out a groan when she found her long red skirt and uniform jacket. Both were ripped- no, shredded. Her underwear was nothing more than strips of cloth. Just as he had promised.

Heart thudding in her chest, she looked around. The bedroom was plain- decorated in muted browns, blacks, and grays- as she had expected of the enigmatic Vulcan Commander. There were a few strange sculptures and stone tablets engraved with Vulcan glyphs...and a closet stood open on the other side. She rushed toward it- her brain screaming at her to hurry up. She had to be gone when he woke up- and that could be at any time.

As she pulled on a pair of his black slacks- which were way too long and loose but would have to do- she brushed tears away from her cheeks. She had made a complete mess out of things. Why did she insist on going to the greenhouse? Why did she have to stop and inspect that particular plant? Why did she have to lust after her teacher?

Nyota threw on a dark blue button-down she'd found in the very back of the closet and buttoned it up as she slid her feet into her high heels. They were the only remainders of the outfit she'd worn to the banquet. Too bad they wouldn't help her flee any faster.

She threw another look at the sleeping Commander. He looked peaceful- quite unlike the passionate, emotional man of the night before, yet not quite like the stern, unmoving instructor she'd known for the last few months. She felt a pang shoot through her- perhaps she should stay and talk things out with him?

But no. She couldn't. All that mattered was getting the hell out of there- and to hope he would pretend they hadn't spent a night having hot, wild sex while under the disinhibiting effects of an unknown plant.

Breathing hard, Nyota squeezed her eyes shut. This was, by far, the worst thing to ever happen to her. She recalled how careless they had been the night before- someone could have seen them. She and Spock could both be in deep, deep trouble. Their careers could end. All because she'd insisted on going to that damned greenhouse.

Opening her eyes, she allowed herself to take in the image of Spock one last time- so peaceful, so beautiful...so lonely. She would never see him like that again. She couldn't. He was her instructor...she shouldn't even be here, in his quarters. This was a disaster.

Knowing she still wouldn't be able to escape the consequences, she turned around and left.

A/N: I would appreciate it if you left comments and feedback, if you have the time. I'd like to know what everyone thinks about this so far.