withalittlehelpfromamother

With a little help from a mother
TOS A/U
S/Ch
NC17

Disclaimer: Paramount, and so on and so on...

Note: I have written this story in a foreign language. It is simple and plain schoolenglish. My apologies. I hope it is not that bad. And forgive the many, many errors.

This story takes place right after the events of ' Journey to Babel'.

Now that Sarek was safe, Amanda had an urgent matter to discuss with her son. Every time she visits Sarek in Sickbay, she had noticed that Head Nurse Christine Chapel. She was very competent and caring and seems very nice. Always a smile on her lips, even then, when Spock treated her as she was nonexistend. And that circumstance disturbed Amanda very much. Amanda knows her 'men'. Spock was hiding something. But she would be a bad mother, if she let it go. She always wanted happiness for her family. But Spock was different from his father. He was much more stubborn, to admit that he has feelings. Especially towards a woman. And therefore, she has to talk to Miss Chapel first. There must be something, why Spock is acting that way towards her.

Amanda walks through the corridors of the Enterprise, until she finally arrives to her destination. Nurse Chapels quarters. She buzzed the doorchime and waits for entrance. The door swooshed open and there stood Christine, a bit puzzled, to find the Lady Amanda waiting.
"Hello Nurse Chapel, may I have a talk with you, if your time allows it, of course?" Amanda asks politely.
"Well, I have time, but if you want to talk about Ambassador Sareks health condition, Dr. McCoy would be the better choice."
"No, that is not the matter, I wanted to discuss with you; it is Spock. Better spoken, the relationship between you and my son." Amanda says matter-of-factly.
Christine stood a bit in shock. That was a surprise. How could Spocks Mother know about her affection for him? So Christine stood there, almost a minute in silence. Amanda waited patiently. Then Christine gave herself a mental shook, and invited the Lady Amanda in.
"Please, have a seat. Can I bring you anything?"
"May I have a cup of tea, please?"
There was a little chitchat about Christines quarter interior and her work as the Head Nurse. Christine liked the smalltalk, they had, but she died of curiosity. She had to ask the Lady Amanda right now.
"Please forgive me, but I like to know, why do you think, there is something like a relationship between Spock and me?"
Amanda smiled.
"My dear Miss Chapel, a mother's intuition. I looked in your eyes, when you talked with Spock and when you fostered him in Sickbay. You are in love with my son. You care for him very deeply. But why does he avoid you? Like you have a disease or something? Anything happened between the both of you?"
Christine blushed a little. She was not used to speak of her feelings in front of a stranger. Amanda was very nice, but nevertheless a stranger to her. And she was Spocks mother. But she was human. Maybe she understands...

"Well, some time ago the crew of the Enterprise was threatend by the PSI2000 Virus. And out of odd circumstances I told Spock, that I am in love with him. I would never have done this without the influence of the virus. I have to much respect of his vulcan ancestry. From that day on, he avoided me, where he could. Sometimes he was also very brisk to me. It hurts to be treated that way, but I can't help myself for being in love with Spock."
Amanda listened carefully, she was about to speak, when Christine continued.
"I know that I am acting like an adolescent teen, sometimes I hate myself for being so stupid. I should go on with my life."

Now there where tears in her eyes, and she looked away, because she was very ashamed at that moment. But Amanda saw it instantely and took one of Christines hand.
"Miss Chapel, you have so much love to give, don't be ashamed of it. We know each other about two weeks now, and I have great respect for you and your work. Simply said, I like you. And I will help you by speaking to Spock. I could tell by his behaviour he is afraid of his feelings for you."

There was a tiny smile on Christines lips. Amanda understands her. If Amanda is going to speak to Spock about her, he would be honest. He admires his mother very much, and Amanda is clever enough to get the truth out of him.

"I shall leave you now, Miss Chapel, and have a conversation with Spock. Have a good night. And don't worry anymore. I have a feeling, everything will going to be very fine."
"Good night, Lady Amanda. And thank you very much for your help."

With that, Amanda leaves Christines quarter heading for Spock. She expected a long discussion-night. It was always quite difficult to get Spock out of the corner of his 'feelings-are-not-logical-defense'. But she certainly has her ways. Amanda has reached her destination. The quarters of her son. After a short moment of reassamblence she buzzes the chime.
"Come!"
The door opened, and reveald Amanda. Spock had been meditating and was in his sitting position, yet. At the sight of his mother, he stood up immediately and greeted her.
"Mother, please come in. What brings you here at this hour?"
"An absolut important matter, which demands an immediate attention."
That sounds very urgent, Mother, please take a seat, is something wrong with Sarek?"
"No, Sarek is fine. ...But not Miss Chapel."
She paused a few seconds to watch her sons reaction to the mention of Miss Chapels name. His face turned to stone. Then she continued.
"Don't worry, she is not ill, she is fine, physically. I talked to her earlier, because I didn't liked your behavior towards her..."
The colour drained out of Spocks face. He was pale as a ghost now. This would be indeed a long discussion-night.
"So, what is yor excuse, Spock?"
"I do not know, what you are referring to, Mother."
"Don't you?"
Now she was getting angry.
"I am your Mother, Spock, I know you better than you realise, and don't play games with me, I hate this!"
Spocks mind was whirling. He was in deep trouble now.
"Well, I am waiting, you didn't answer my question yet. What is your excuse? Why do you treat Miss Chapel that way?"
No answer. Spock stood there in silence.
"Spock!"
"I am sorry, Mother. I was thinking. May I ask, what Miss Chapel has told you?"
She wouldn't make this easy for him.
"What do you think?"
"I gues, I know. The PSI2000 Incident. When she told me her love. It is illogical to fall in love with a Vulcan."
"Where is your brain, Spock?"
Yes, where was his brain? His thinking was not logical anymore. How could it be? The loss of control was not a pleasant experience. Love is not logical. He never dealt with such an emotion.
"Again, I must apologize."
"It is time for the truth now, I am tired."
Spock never fools his mother. She was always the only one, who could see trough the fassade of his vulcan behavior.
"I know, I treated Chris... Miss Chapel not very well. Simply because, I wouldn't admit, that I liked her feelings towards me. It was out of selfdefense."
He knew, his mother would keep this converstion a secret and so he continued more easily.
"I do love her. But love is not logical. My mind is confused. How can it be? I am Vulcan. I am supposed to have control over my feelings. But the meditating doesn't seem to help anymore. Everytime I am near Miss Chapel, it's, getting worse. The longing is eminent and I am ashamend of this desire. It is not the vulcan way, because it is not logical."
"Logic? Do you think your father married me out of pure logic? At the end it was the most logical thing to do, but first there where feelings. I am human, Spock, and I would never have married a man, who doesn't love me. Even if he never told me with words. But through our bond Sarek let meknew that he loves me. And out of this live it was very logical to marry your father. I think, you want to be more vulcan than other Vulcans. That won't work. Especially not for you. Never forget, you are my son. Please consider my words carefully. All i ever wished for is your happiness. And besides, Miss Chapel is a real nice person. I like her very much. She is intelligent, competent, caring, funny and she would make a splendid daughte-in-law. And most important of all, she loves you."
With this last remark there was a smile on Amandas face. Spock knows, when Amanda teases him and didn't respond to this remark. Besides he was busy now. He has to clear his mind. All of what Amanda has said was true. Why couldn't he confess this to himself? Aah, yes, his stubborness! But maybe itis time to act and think different now. His parents have a happy life, and Sarek is a highly acknowledged member of the clan. There was never any disrespect towards him, despite the fact he married a human woman.
It is not the feelings that make one Vulcan or Human. It is how you deal with them. Of course every Vulcan has feelings, too. Some deal with them, better than others. And his mother was absolutely right, when she said, he wanted to be more vulcan than other Vulcans. And that makes him feel lonely for some time now. He has come to a point where he needs compenianship. But how could he start a new beginning?
"You are right as always, Mother. Your thinking is very logical. But I am at a loss now. Logic has dictated my life. And now this logic failes. A lot of damage has been done by now. Is it possible to repair the relationship between Christine and me?"
"Christine? Well, that is a progress. Let me think... Do you want her love? If ist is that what you want, you must act about it. Tell her about your true feelings. And ask for forgivness. You have hurt her feelings badly, and you must reestablish the truth between both of you. And tell her, that you love her. Women like that, if it is meant honest."
"As I said before, I do love her, and I will take your advise. I shall talk to Christine tomorrow, at a more appropiate time of hour. Thank you for your help, Mother. It is late, you should retire now."
Eyes, it had been a long day and evening, I fell tired. I am glad, I could help you both. Godd Night, Spock. And keep me informend. Besides, I like happe endings."
With that, Amanda rises from her chair and headed for the door.
"Sweet dreams, my son."
"Godd night, Mother."
Alone again, Spock was reflecting. What attempt should he make to gain Christines confidence? First of all, he would greet her more friendly, of course. How was the Captain handling women? Yes, an invitation for dinner. He wonders about Christines reaction. Spock sighs. Sleep wouldn't come easily tonight.
The next morning Spock wanted to pay visit to his father, who was still in sickbay. But that wasn't the only reason. The main reason was, Christine would be there, too. Spock is no coward, but now he would need all his courage. Inhaling deep, he entered Sickbay.
"Mr. Spock! You? Here in Sickbay? Voluntarily? I thought this day would never come."
Dr. McCoy was teasing him as always.
"Doctor, don't you exeggerate? I assume, you know, why I am here."
"Not for your physical, I guess. Excuse me now, I have a lt of work to do."
Spock headed for his father with the hope to see Christine.
"Godd morning, Father. I trust you are well?"
"Godd morning, Spock. Yes, I feel quite well."
The further conversation went on in vulcan, until Amanda arrives.
"Hello both of you."
Amanda greeted Sarek as it was common among noded Vulcans and continued.
"Your visit is quite early today, Spock. A busy Schedule?"
Amanda smiles broadly.
"Yes indeed, I have a lot of important things to do today."
"Then, I would say, don't let us slow you down."
"You do not slow me down, Mother."
"Oh Spock, go ahaed and find the real reason for your presence here".
"Very well, Mother, Father, have a pleasant day."
As Spock leaves, Sarek turned to Amanda curisously.
"Care to join me in?"
"Of course, my t'hy'la."
Where was Christine? Maybe in the Lab. Unfortunately he had to ask Dr. McCoy.
"Doctor? I am searching for Miss Chapel. Do yo know her whereabout?"
"Yes, of yourse, I know where she is. She is my Head Nurse, after all!"
"Where may I find Miss Chapel then?"
"She is in the lab, to do some testings. What the devil do YOU want from her?"
"Thank you, Doctor."
What the heck, was that? Spock came to Sickbay, to pay a vivit to Christine? Odd, very odd.
Arriving at the lab, Spock looked through the window, to be safe, to find Christine alone. And she was. He entered und stood there in silence for a few seconds, watching Christine. She was to busy to notice him, and startled by his voice as he speaks.
"Good morning, Miss Chapel, how are you?"
Oh, that was quick. She didn't expected him right in the morning. Amanda must have spoken to him immediately after she left yesterday evening. His Mother must have a big influence over Spock.
"Godd morning, Mr. Spock. I am fine, thank you. What can I do for you?"
"I wonder, if you would have dinner dinner with me?"
There, it was out. Now he waited for her response.
"You are inviting me for dinner? What's the occasion?"
A smile crossed Christines face.
"No special occasion is required,to invite you, Miss Chapel. Do you accept?"
"Actually, I am free this evening. Yes, I accept your invitation."
"Shall we say at 2000 hours, my quarters?"
"Thats fine with me, I'll come."
"Thank you Miss Chapel. Have a nice day."
"Same to you, Mr. Spock, good bye."
The first step was done. And it was quite easy. Maybe there was hope for both of them. The time crawled this day. They both thought their shifts waould never end. After this awfully long shift has finally ended,both returned to their quarters, to prepare for the evening.
Christine was nervous. First of all, she would take a real nice shower to calm down a bit. Finished with this, she stood in front of her wardrobe, But what to wear? Uniform? No! Something seductevly and sexy? No! Dress, trousers, sportswear? She couldn't decide. Think, Christine! Or you're going to be late. Something that feels comfortable to her. That's it. Just black jeans and white blouse. And black slippers, of course. Looking in the mirror in full clothing now, she smiled. Not that bad.
Meanwhile Spock has replicated the light meal. Vegetarian Lasagna, salad, bread and wine. No synthehol, but the real stuff. Now he has to choose what to wear. But he only owns his uniform and a few vulcan robes. Since this should not look like a staff meeting, he would wear one of his shorter vulcan robes with black slacks. Finished with everyting, he waited for Christine. She Should be here any moment now.
Christine walked through the corridors, heading for Spocks quarters, lost in her thoughts. She didn't even notice Dr. McCoy and the Captain coming along.
"Hello Christine, care to have a drink with us. Nyota will be coming, too."
"What...? Sorry, what did you say, Leonard?"
"I was asking you, to join us. We could spend the evening together. You, Jim, Nyota and me."
"Yes!"
The Captain beamend.
"And I woulkn't be all alone, with Bones and Nyota together, flirting unconscionably. Please come with us."
"Oh, Captain, I am sure you have no problem to find other company, because I won't be availabel this evening. I've got an invitation for dinner, and if I do not hurry up, I will be late. Sorry."
"But the messhall is in the other direction."
Dr. McCoy was suspecting something. Odd things are going on here.
"This is a private dinner, Leonard. Will you excuse me, please. Good evening and have fun, greetings to Nyota."
With this, she continued her way to Spock.
"What's wrong, Bones? You seem to be worried. She is a big girl. She can date with anybody she wants to."
"I know. I have a suspiion with whom she is dating tonight. I wish her all the best."
"What are you talking about?"
"Guess, who came this morning to sickbay, to speck to Christine? Your first officer!"
"Your kidding! Tell me all about it on the way to the messhall."
Christine was standing in front of Spocks quarters. Now or never. She buzzes the door and entered when Spock opens it.
"Hello, Mr. Spock. I hope, I am not late."
"Hello Miss Chapel. No, you are right on time. Please come in. How was your day?"
"Oh, nothing Special, the usual, a broken arm, a broken wrist, a cold and a lots of physicals. How was yours?"
"Also the usual. But I don't want to speak about work this evening. If you don't mind. I would like to start with the meal right now, before it is getting cold."
"No, I don't mind at all. Actually, I am starving. What's on the menu?"
"Vegetarian lasagna. My mother's recipe. I hope, you like pasta?"
"I almost eat anything, but I never tasted vegetarian lasagna. It smells wonderfull."
"Please, have a seat, Miss Chapel."
"If this is meant a private dinner you can call me Christine, if you like, Mr. Spock."
"I'd like that very much, and please, cut of the Mr."
They started to eat in silence, as it was custom on Vulcan. It was very impolite to speak with your mouth full. But a few stolen looks were allowed. Christine looked beautiful in civilian clothes. Why didn't he never noticed? He must have been blind. She chooses her clothing very well. Although, her uniform revealed almost everything, she looked more feminine in this. Thie opening of her bluse showed a wonderful sight. A lots of bare skin. She must have wonderful formed breasts. Her hairstyle looks more natural. Christine noticed his looks. He looked very handsome in his vulcan robe. More relaxed than ever. She wondered, what would come, after the dinner.
"The meal was deliciuos, Spock, but I couldn't eat one more bite now."
"Why don't we go over to the living area and share a bottle of wine?"
"Yes, that would be lovely."
"You do drink alcohol, Christine? Because it will be all that I have."
"This is real wine? I thought you do not drink alcohol?"
"Only on special occasions and when I can share it with special "friends". You are very special to me, Christine."
Christine has to sit down due to the last statement. Did she hear right? Why the sudden change in his behaviour? This might be indeed an interesting night. Spock took a seat opposite Christine an poured some wine into the glasses. He held one of them out to Christine and with a deep look into her eyes he proposed a toast.
"To an amazing woman. To you, Christine."
Christine blushed a little.
"Thank you, Spock. And to you, my dear friend."
Both drunk up their glasses at once, because of their tensness. It was time to change their relationship, or lack of relationship, now. Spock gathered all of his courage and began to speak.
"Christine, I presume, you are wondering, why I invited you this evening for dinner. I know, my Mother spoke to you earlier, and she did speak to me as well. She sensed a deep tension between us."
He paused a little to think how to continue. The truth. He must tell the truth now. Or he will loose her eventually.
"I dinied it at first. We were talking about feelings. You know, that it is not easy for me to talk about feelings. I'v always avoided such discussions, because of the lack of experience with feelings. I', quite uncomfortable right now."
"Oh Spock, you don't have to be. I understand you..."
"Please, Christine, let me speak to the end. My Mother was right, when she said I wanted to be more vulcan than other Vulcans. I suppresed the feelings that I had, out of the fear to fail. That was wrong. Maybe it is wiser to learn how to deal with feelings, rather to suppress them. But I don't know how. So I've hurted your feelings very badly. You are so emotional. That is not a bad thing, but I didn't have the expereince to react to your emotions properly. So I ignored you, I ignored me. I ignored my needs completely. You are my need, Christine. Please teach me, how to feel. If you can forgive me."
It was out now. Spock hoped, he had said the right things, and Christine had understood him. It was her choice now. He has made the first step, will she make the second? Christine has all the right to reject him. For the first time in his adult life he felt fear of disappointment. If he would believe in a god, he would pray to him. All he could do in this situation, was, to hope. Which was very unvlucan. Spock could watch the trouble, to find the proper words. He had totally surprised her with his speexk. Now she surprised him.
"Could I have more wine, please? I need it now."
More alcohol? Was this a good or bad sign? Spock doesn't know. It was certainly a delay to her reaction. But she has waited even longer for his statement, so he poured some more wine in their glasses. Christine drunk hers half empty immediately, and began to speak.
"Well I must confess, I am a little at a loss of words right now. That was quite unexpectable. Especially from you. I never knew you were in such a trouble. You hided it very goog. If it is true, what you told me, I will try to forgive you. But how so sure I still have feelings for you?"
"A logical conclusion. You wouldn't have accepted my invitation, and my mother told me so."
Awkward silence fell into place. Neither of them knew how to continue this conversation. Both didn't declare their love to each other, yet. Will it be unspoken? If they really want to change and develop their relationship, one of them has to act. Were they both cowards? Therefore Spock hat distressed their relationship, it should be him to do something. He did the first step, now he has to make the second step as well, despite his discomfort and inexperience to deal with women.
Slowly he stood up, walked over to Christine and sat sown. Shyly Spock took one of her hands in his own and looked in her eyes. And there he saw a mix of insecurity, fear and love. Most of all love.
"I cherish you, Christine. I always have, always will. Would you allow me to show you my love for thee?"
All she could do was tod nod. Spock dropped to his knees in front of Christine without loosing contact to her eyes. Slowly he leand over to give her a light kiss on her lips. She didn't resist. A shiver went up and down her spine. Was this really true? Spock placed his free hand on Christines tigh, bent over again, to give her another kiss. This one more intense. He parted her lips gently with his tongue. They both explored each others mouthes intensely. Spocks hand travelled slowly further up her leg. Their passion began to grow. If they didn't stop soon, all rationality would be gone. And neither of them wanted this to be rushed. But Spock has no experience in love, so it had to be Christine, whe should end this for now. Somehow she managed to break free from Sprocks kiss. She was gasping for some air before she could speak.
"Spock, please, this is going to fast!"
Spock looked a bit disappointed and uncertain.
"Did I offend you in some way? I thought you wanted this? I must apologize."
"No, no, Spock, you didn't offend me. I really want thit. But we should take aour time. You said earlier, you wanted me to teach you. Do you trust me, Spock?"
"I do, and yes, please teach me."
"Do you want to gain me trust und my love?"
Spock nodded. So he would be a student and Christine his tutor. He loved her, and he would do anything to get the opportunity to show her.
"I love you, Spock, but I'm not ready to go into a physical relationship, yet. This has to be bould step by step., to make sure we both want this equally. Out of free will, not out of the heat of the moment. Are you disappointed now?"
"No, not at all, you are absolutely right. Qour thinking is very logical, Christine. I'll follow your lead."
"Well then, we should call it a night, now. It is late, and we both have a lot to think about. But I like to see you tomorrow again. What do you think?"
"Agreed, tomorrow we will be docking at Starbase 1. Maybe we could visit thestation together, after duty?"
"That sounds lovely, Spock. I wish you a good night then. Spleep well."
Christine stood up and headed for the door. Spock followed her instantely and before she could leave him, he took her into his arms and gave her a sweet kiss.
"Good night Christine. This was a nice evening. I enjoied it very much. I'm looking forward to see you tomorrow."
She gave him a beauteful smile and left.
This evening went quite well for both of them. Sleep should come easily tonight, now that the most important matter was settled. To declare their love to each other. Soon arrived in her quarters, Christine shed her clothes of und fell happily on her bed. Her mind was spinning around. Her dream was about to come true. Spock wants a relationship with her. That's unbelievable. He was always so distant, so emotionless, so logical. And now this. All it took, was one word with this mother. If she had known sooner. With that thought she drifted of to sleep.
Spock was relieved, that the evening has developed this good for him. He sould speak to his mother again, tomorrow. To get some advice. Dating a woman was all new to him, and he doesn't want to make any mistakes, Especially not with Christine. She was very precious to him. His mother would know what ot do next. Tonight fe felt not the need to meditate. His sleep was already coming. Tomorrow will be a good day.
The next morning Christine appeared very cheerful to Sickbay.
"Hello Leonard, a wonderful morning, is'nt it?"
"Good morning, Christine. What has happened last night? I thought you were dating this pointed ears? It can't be, becaouse you look definitely happy this morning. Spock can't be the reason of your happineyy, can he?"
"Maybe you've got a wrong impression of Spock. And that's all what i say."
Christine turned to attend one of the patients.
"I'll be damned! This green-blooded first officer is full of surprises."
At another corner of the Enterprise Spock was about to have breakfast with his mother. As he entered the Messhall, he saw his mother sitting at one of the tables.
"Good morning, Mother. Did you sleep well?"
"Oh, good morning. Yes, fine, and how was your night?"
"I shall tell you, after I got some breakfast for us. Do you wish something special or the usual?"
"Just the usual please."
After Spock has picked up the breakfast and sat down, Amanda has to satisfy her curiosity.
"Okay Spock, I don't want to talk around the subject. How was your evening?"
"Honestly, it went far better, then I could hoped for. You that I am quite unfamiliar to speak of my ...feelings. Christine made it easy for me. She accepted my apologies and we declared our ... loves to each other. I am glad to found someone, so understanding. And..."
"And?"
Spock hesitated, he had never ever spoke of such things before.
"Hm... we ... kissed ..."
"And? Go on!"
"Mother, this is between Christine and me, but I can assure you, that nothing serious happened."
"Why?"
"Why? Christine stopped me. We've decided to take this slow. We don't want a relationship reduced only to the physical side."
"That's very wise. You've got to know

tbc