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Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 23:27:54 -0600
Subject: [ASCEM-S] New TOS "Tempting Fate on Squeaky Springs" 9/9 (Mc/Sa, K/S) [NC-17]
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Chapter 9/9 - See all warnings and disclaimers in Chapter 1

The day after Christmas, Jim and Spock left to go back to San 
Francisco.  Jim had a meeting scheduled on the twenty-seventh 
with the new Chief of Starfleet, Admiral Morrow, to update 
him on the progress being made on the training cruise.  Being 
named its captain, Spock had to report back to the Enterprise 
and oversee all that was transpiring on the ship.  At least Jim 
had seemed a lot more relaxed when he left.  Leonard was 
certain that one encounter with the new administration would 
probably take care of that.  From everything Leonard knew 
about him, he suspected that Morrow was a stickler for the 
rules.  Then he remembered that Jim had a birthday coming up.  
The BIG one!  The BIG FIVE-OH!  God help them all!
 
He and Sarek had stayed on until the thirtieth.  Although he 
found that he missed his friends when they left, the days alone 
with Sarek had been wonderful.  In truth, had they not been 
faced with various construction crews throughout the week, 
they may have never left the bed.  Those mandatory breaks in 
their lovemaking had given Leonard a chance to do a little 
cross-country skiing, and for the two men to get to know even 
more about each other.  It was, for all intents and purposes, 
their honeymoon.  The bond that had been formed between 
them strengthened throughout the next days, even to the point 
where it had been necessary for Sarek to start teaching Leonard 
how to shield his thoughts.
 
Shielding wasn't something that Leonard found enjoyable, or 
particularly easy.  In those times when he succeeded, he felt 
terribly alone.  However, considering they couldn't stay here 
forever, as much as both would have wished it, it was 
necessary.  Too, he soon discovered that those times of mental 
silence that existed between them, made the opening up again 
that much sweeter.
 
By the end of the week, he had learned to manage, if not 
master, several shielding techniques.  Sarek assured him that 
what he had learned in a week, took some years to accomplish.  
'It's nice to know that Sarek can admire me as much for my 
brains as my body,' he thought, chuckling to himself.
 
//Indeed, I find both *most* desirable,// Sarek responded 
mentally.
 
Opps!  He needed to work on those techniques a bit more.
 
The repairs to the cabin were completed, just in time for it to be 
closed up once more.  As they loaded the last of the containers 
and cases into the shuttle, it was a feeling of melancholy that 
seemed to settle over Leonard.  What they had found together, 
they had found here.  He couldn't help but wonder how 
returning to San Francisco would change that.
 
He stood on the porch, absorbing one last look of the expansive 
view, when he felt the warm arms encase him.  "You are 
troubled," Sarek stated.
 
Leonard shook his head, and then laid it back on Sarek's 
shoulder.  "No, not really.  Just sad that we have to leave."
 
"We knew the day would come."
 
Leonard sighed.  "Yeah, but that doesn't make me wish it didn't 
have to end."
 
Sarek turned him in his arms.  "My ashaya, nothing is ending.  
I believe this to only be the beginning.  Actually, I have been 
exploring possibilities."
 
"Oh, yeah?  What possibilities?"
 
"In three days, I must leave for Beta Antares.  I shall be away 
no more than three weeks."
 
"You have to leave in three days?  When you get back, that's 
just about the time we leave on the training mission."
 
"Yes, which is to last six weeks, correct?"
 
"Right."
 
"During those weeks, it is my intention to go to Vulcan.  Then, 
upon your return, I believe I may have some information for 
you."
 
"If you think you're gonna keep me hangin' for over two 
months, then you're outta your mind!  C'mon.  Spill."
 
Sarek smiled at him.  "Thee are a most curious lover, my 
ashaya."
 
Leonard placed his hands on Sarek's sides, just above his waist, 
purposefully digging his fingers in slightly.  "I also know where 
you're ticklish.  If you don't tell me, then..."
 
"Since you are not above resorting to torture, then I suppose I 
must.  I am going to approach Amanda about dissolving the 
bond between us, leaving me free to choose another as my 
bondmate."
 
Leonard's mouth dropped open.  "Is that possible?"
 
"It is not something that is common.  It has, however, been 
done on occasion when there are extenuating circumstances.  
Since Vulcan is a matriarchal society, and since it was my wife 
who requested that I leave the family home, if she makes the 
request that the bond be severed, then there are ways."
 
"That's a pretty big 'if'.  Do you think she will?"
 
"I will not know until I speak with her.  However, in any case, 
there is another matter that we need to decide."
 
"What's that?"
 
"Our place of residence.  I assume you do wish to reside 
together?"
 
"Absolutely!  I just...wasn't exactly sure how to bring the 
subject up."
 
"Considering you are not a Vulcan National, you cannot reside 
at the embassy, and your apartment is much too small for the 
both of us.  I will need a place where I can set up an office.  
Therefore, in your absence, if you would not mind, I will begin 
the search for a house.  I, of course, would make no decision 
until you had the opportunity to give your approval."
 
Leonard moved one arm to the back of Sarek's neck, the other 
he wrapped around his lover's waist.  "Of course I wouldn't 
mind.  Just make sure it has a big bedroom, one that will hold a 
nice, comfortable bed, preferably one with squeaky springs," he 
grinned.
 
"Indeed.  I, too, believe that to be a requirement," Sarek smiled, 
as he pulled his lover in for a kiss.
 
Before things could become too heated, Leonard breathed, 
"Ready?"  Leaving this place no longer made him feel sad.  
This was only the beginning for them.
 
"Yes, Leonard, I am ready," Sarek replied.  "On one condition."
 
"Placing conditions on me already?" Leonard smiled.  "What?"
 
"That you keep your speed-to-distance ratio within the legal 
limits."
 
Leonard burst out laughing as he released his grip on his lover.  
"I'll give ya my heart, my mind, and my soul, but now you're 
askin' the impossible!"
 
"I am beginning to suspect, Leonard, that a life with you is 
going to be most challenging."
 
"Yeah, I think that's a most logical assumption!  By the way, 
what are you gonna be doing on Beta Antares?"  Leonard asked 
as they walked to the shuttle.
 
"It seems that the Iotions of Sigma Iota II have been stirring up 
trouble in the quadrant lately.  There are reports that in recent 
years the Iotions have made some extraordinary technological 
advances.  It is a situation that must be dealt with."
 
"Iotions?  Technological advances?  Oh, shit!  It was only a 
communicator, dammit!" Leonard moaned, as he pulled the 
hatch closed and powered up the shuttle.
 
 
********************
 
A month later, Leonard and Sarek stood facing one another on 
the red sands of Vulcan.  The fal-tor-pan and been successful, 
however Spock still had a long way to go.  It was still unclear if 
he would ever be the man he'd been before.
 
The precious link that had united Leonard and Sarek was gone.  
Whether a result of carrying Spock's katra, or a result of the 
refusion, Leonard didn't know, but in the face of all that had 
happened, it no longer seemed to matter.  Unfortunately, the 
events of this last terrible week had done nothing to stem the 
love he still felt for Sarek.  Nor, if the look in those dark, 
chestnut eyes were to be believed, for the feelings that Sarek 
still held for him.  What they felt for one another, however, was 
not a consideration.
 
"So you're returning to the home you share with Amanda?" 
Leonard asked.  There was no accusation in his voice.
 
"Yes.  It has been decided that peace must be made for the 
welfare of our son.  The months, and perhaps years, ahead are 
going to be difficult for him.  What the future holds, only time 
will tell."
 
"I know.  She's willing to overlook...everything?"
 
"She has accepted that which is.  She knows that she is, once 
again, the only one who shares my mind.  She accepts that she 
will always have to share my heart.  Concessions have been 
made, on both sides.  The line in the sand, no longer exists.  
But, Leonard, what of you?"
 
"Me?  My best friend's a broken man.  I'll be there for him, as 
much as he'll allow it.  Beyond that, I have the welfare of the 
crew to think about.  They gave up everything to save 
Spock...and me.  My first priority is makin' sure they're taken 
care of.  None of us knows what's gonna happen next.  If 
Starfleet gets their hands on us, it'll be sixty years of mining 
borite, and that's if we're lucky."
 
"I will do all in my power on behalf of the crew."
 
Leonard looked up at him and forced a small smile.  "Thanks, 
Sarek, but I don't think even you can get us outta this stinker.  
Besides, even if worst comes to worst, Spock's alive, and 
maybe, someday, he'll be whole again.  In either case, it was 
well worth the price."
 
"Where will you go now?"
 
"Jim wants us all to stay on the ship.  I think it's best.  Maybe 
he can find his way back to us by pouring all of his energy into 
it."
 
Sarek nodded.  "Then, I will take my leave of you."
 
Leonard blinked back threatening tears.  If he wasn't mistaken, 
there was moisture gathering in Sarek's eyes, as well.  "It's not 
where we'd planned on bein', is it?" Leonard asked, trying not 
to choke up.
 
"No...it is not."  It seemed that Sarek was beyond the ability to 
say more.
 
Leonard nodded, and swallowed the lump in his throat.  "Good 
luck to you, Sarek.  I mean that.  I hope you find happiness."
 
As the expression on the face became stoic, it was as if Leonard 
was watching the Vulcan facade descend over the man he 
loved.  "Happiness is an illogical emotion, Doctor McCoy.  I 
shall, instead, seek contentment.  Live long and prosper, 
Doctor."  He raised his hand to display the ta'al.
 
Having given up years ago being able to make the sign, 
Leonard just nodded.  "And the same to you, Ambassador 
Sarek."
 
For the sake of their son, Sarek and Amanda had agreed that 
they would have to make peace in their marriage, accepting that 
which had previously seemed unacceptable.  It was a decision 
that Leonard both understood and respected.  Acceptance, it 
seemed, had become necessary for all involved.  As he turned 
and walked away, Leonard felt the last thread that had joined 
his heart to Sarek's, break.  Fate had triumphed.
 
 
< finis >
 

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



 
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