Hot, naked, wet, and aroused Spock, reaching for her?  Usually Nyota welcomed such a delicious opportunity and didn't resist.  If only she hadn't felt tired and slightly more hungry for food than another coupling with her husband. 

The warm fingers encircling Nyota's ankle were still damp from the shower.  The light from the lamp near the bench turned the beads of water on his muscles into shining crystalline drops. Spock moved forward and kissed her, his big hands caressing her body through the silky fabric of her robe.  His hardness pressed into the satiny cloth covering her belly as he bit her neck.  Nyota's  wish for a meal and quiet conversation faded despite her weariness.  The inner fires of Spock's ponn farr were surging, and he would pull her down into the flame with him.

"Mine," he repeated. "Va'ashiv (again)."

Nyota appealed to the rational Spock within this altered version of her bondmate.  "Sweetheart, listen. It's not that I don't want you -- my body's not ready yet. Wait, don't enter me."

Spock froze. "I will not hurt you."  He looked serious for a moment, then smiled slyly. "I will make you ready."   Lifting her easily, he turned her on the bench, pushed a long cushion beneath his knees, and parted the dark pink fabric of her robe, exposing her legs. 

"Ashayam, I thought we'd rest first, eat, and..." she shuddered beneath the first stroke of his tongue against her sensitive folds. 

"Eat later. Taste you now."  Suddenly, Nyota didn't care if she fainted from hunger, as long as Spock's mouth and fingers were the last thing she remembered.

I'm losing my mind, obviously. We did this earlier today but I can't get enough of him.

Their telepathic bond conveyed her thought to him, and he responded with something like a laugh producing a slight vibration that plunged her further into erotic delirium. 

Cool night air lightly teased her skin. "Honey - oh - the window's open -" 

"Mmmmm?"  he growled.

The vibration overtook her senses again.  After she regained her train of thought, Nyota gasped,

"Somebody will hear us -"

Muffled laughter, which gave her another little thrill and made her writhe.

"Hear? Vi (Who)? Only the night creatures and the other bondmates coupling in this valley will know.  Let all hear how much I please you. Let them know my power."  He smiled arrogantly, his lips and chin wet and shining from her, and lowered his head again, licking, coaxing, alternating his fingers and his mouth. 

Her fingers tugged on his hair, sought the curve of his ear and fondled it. Spock responded with a long, deep moan before he intensified his efforts, controlling her again, biting, sucking. Two fingers slid deep inside her and pressed into her sensitive spot, making her hips jerk upward.

Nyota panted on the cushioned bench.  Her sweat-dampened robe was bunched up uncomfortably under her back and thighs, but she didn't want to stop and take it off. 

How did he ever get so good at this?

"Frequent practice, and your loud feedback," he replied in an amused murmur.

Spock climbed onto the bench and turned her so that she lay along its length.  He planted one knee on either side of her thighs and turned his head to the side, wiping his damp mouth against his shoulder.

"Now I know that you are ready for me.  If you want this, I will take you."

In that moment she wanted to give and have everything. "Yes."

Wet noises sounded as he plunged inside her, withdrew, and plunged forward again.  He still felt hotter, harder than usual.  One hand gripped her hip, while the other moved over her skin, teasing her clitoris, sliding upward to tease her nipples, then back down for an affectionate squeeze of her belly. One moment, her eyes closed with pleasure; the next, she fought to keep them open so that she could see his enraptured face and the steady rocking of his hips. He  watched her watching him.

"T'hyla, this pleases you." It wasn't a question.

"Yes!  But I don't know how much more I can take --"

"Shall we see?"  He grasped her thighs and changed his angle, lifting her legs so that her calves rested on his shoulders.  Nyota gasped as he slid in deeper.

"Good?"

Unable to speak, she responded by tightening her inner muscles around him and was gratified to see his eyes roll backward for a few seconds.  In the next second he grinned wickedly at her and began a deep, rhythmic pattern of strokes that set both of them to moaning.

She felt completely feminine, completely carnal and open. 

I never do this.  I never give in to feelings like this, unless we're completely alone.  Or I'm alone and wanting him. So much for being a nice girl. A nice girl who's lost all shame and decorum.

1. The bench creaked with the force of Spock's thrusts. Rough feelings of passionate abandon    flowed from him across the telepathic mating bond.

"You are free to do anything you want with me now," he panted. "As I am with you."

I only want this, and you.

"Take it all," he growled, and his fingers stroked over and around her clitoris again.  Her overly sensitized body reacted explosively. Nyota cried out as pleasure swept over her again, leaving her trembling.

Spock shouted, and she felt him give in to his own pleasure, his muscles tightening before going limp.

They lay beside each other, drawing in lungfuls of the fresh air from the open window.  Spock trailed a finger lightly over her shoulder.

"Nyota." She looked into his eyes; although they were slightly dilated, the expression in them indicated the return of the man she knew. "Are you well?"

"Yes.  This is strange, but I'm not afraid. What about you?"

"Physically I am well, but I am not concerned about myself.  Have I been too rough with you, ashayam?"

"No, I'll survive. I've got a few sore muscles, but it's all well earned."

Spock kissed her shoulder. "Order me to stop immediately if I cause you pain or frighten you."

"Love, will you really be able to stop if I ask?"

"I will try. Each time I join with you, it must be with your consent.  Our telepathic mating bond will be...damaged...fouled if you are unwilling when I take you.  If I truly lose control of myself, do not hesitate to summon help.  During my previous ponn farr I used a drug to help calm myself when meditation failed me.  I will take the drug again if it keeps you safe."

Nyota caressed him reassuringly. "Take me instead of the drug.  I have a personal alarm that I can use, although I'd rather tie you down."  He gave her a curious look.  "I brought along some Vulcan-approved, locally made, strong restraints. Strong enough even for a big, healthy, sexually aroused Vulcan like you."

The sudden quickening of his breathing was subtle, but she felt it.

"When you spoke of restraining me before, I believed that you referred to intimate play," Spock said.  "I expected that we would amuse ourselves after my Time had ended.  If you bind me now...it may become more than a game, I warn you."

"I'll take that chance," she said with bravado she didn't really feel.  "You've been behaving normally for some time now. How long will this last? Do you remember much of how you felt last time?"

"Lonely...afraid.  There is no comparison to my  experience of it with you."  He sat up. "I know that you are hungry.  We should eat now." 

"Ooh. I'm more tired and hungry than I realized." The room tilted and she closed her eyes.  Concerned, Spock knelt before her.

"Lie down, ashayam.  I will bring food and water to you.  You will not come to any harm if I can prevent it."  He kissed her forehead and went into the bathroom.  Nyota heard him washing up before he returned bearing one small towel dampened with cold water, another with warm water.  Spock gently cleansed her with the warm towel, then placed the cold towel on her forehead before pulling on his meditation robe and going into the kitchen.

Unwilling to give in easily to temporary weakness, Nyota sat up. She was determined to tough this situation out, even if she eventually fainted from the physical demands of her bondmate's ponn farr.  Her awareness of him went beyond the telepathic mating bond they now shared.  Something new in her soul burned for Spock, for their union.  Muscle soreness, bite marks, and light bruises didn't stifle her desire for him. Here was something different from her usual desire for Spock as her partner, some strange new aspect of love and attachment.  She couldn't explain it to herself or say exactly when it had begun. 

Spock returned with water and two ready meals, high-protein dishes with vitamin packs on the side - one marked for Vulcans, the other for humans, each bearing a telltale Starfleet logo on the back.  Apparently Sarek had had a private chat with Dr. McCoy.  Bless these considerate men in my life, they move fast and think of everything.  She'd thank them profusely once this was over.

Nyota was so famished that she ate not only her own meal, but half of Spock's.  He said that he wasn't hungry. 

"Not for food," he murmured, crossing his arms as though to contain himself.

"You wear your robe.  Will you meditate now, tal-kam?"

"Yes, in order to allow you to rest." He frowned and clasped her hand.  "Do you consider my behavior barbaric or irrational?"

"No, sweetheart." She squeezed his hand. "You've been careful with me."

"And when I am not so careful?" He looked tense.  "I fear that I will do something which disgusts you, or makes you want to leave me."

"Honey, I'm not leaving you!  Please relax.  We'll survive this together."

Spock closed his eyes, then stood up abruptly.  "I will attempt to meditate now."

Nyota spoke soothingly. "Go do what you need to do, Spock." She rose and faced him. "May I touch you? Kiss you?"

A hint of sorrow showed in his face. "A small kiss; otherwise, you may need to untangle yourself from me."

"Oh, sweetheart."  Sometimes, her mother and Auntie ‘Chelle had warned her, men could be a bit fragile. She gently touched his cheekbone, leaned forward, and brushed his lips with hers. "Hold on to that for a little while.  Be at peace."

"Dungi tu sahrafel? (do you trust me?)"

"How can I not?"

Spock gave her one more burning look before he turned away and strode into the room where he had set up his firepot. 

Moody Spock for a few days, in between bouts of ponn farr.  I‘ll be patient.

With a sigh, Nyota cleared away the remains of their meal, cleaned her teeth and showered.  She put a fresh sheet on the enormous bed and collapsed into it, asleep almost before she could cover her bare shoulders.

...

During the first several minutes of his meditation, Spock felt as though the flame burned inside his body instead of the firepot.  He managed to control himself and focus his mind. 

Seven years earlier, without a bondmate or any physical outlet but himself, he had meditated until his body protested. Strenuous suus mahna routines, repeatedly performed under a blazing desert sun, barely controlled his raging emotions and desire to mate. 

During that lonely ponn farr, frightening images disturbed his meditation. The feelings of rejection, self-doubt, and loneliness he'd experienced on Vulcan, Earth, and elsewhere were gathered into a heavy, oppressive mass, bringing forth a dangerous emotion: despair. 

No one would ever love or befriend him on Vulcan; someone on Earth might seek out ways to harm or destroy him.  He would be alone forever. He would die alone in the desert, mourned only by his mother and father.  Perhaps his death would not be such a terrible thing.  He was tired of the loneliness, the Vulcans who refused to take him seriously.

What do you call Spock after he has received the highest academic award provided by the Vulcan Association of Physical Scientists?

A half-human freak of nature. What else?

The true power of his mind and some innate will to live had somehow broken through his despair.  The hurtful memories meant less and less as the hours passed.  He calculated the likelihood of a positive, or at least tolerable, future for himself. 

Post-Surakian Vulcans did not share human attitudes toward divination, and were dismissive of the human party games used to predict one's future lover, job prospects, or personal happiness. Spock couldn't have imagined Nyota and her acceptance, interest, and delight in him.  If he'd been able to foresee her presence in his life seven years ago, he might have danced for joy on the desert sands. 

...

Exhausted, Nyota finally began to lock Spock out of the bedroom for periods of time so that she could sleep, and he could struggle to meditate.  They both ate little but drank what seemed like gallons of water.  Even Spock's physical energy seemed to flag a few times, but the sight of Nyota wearing her waist beads or lingerie revived him.  When her mind desired him but her body couldn't keep up she reached for the lubricant.  Their mental bond remained off-kilter, made strange by the intensity of emotions Spock usually expressed in calmer ways.

Spock had periods of lucidity. He talked and ate with her, kissed and massaged her, poured water for her, cared for her.

Nyota sent brief, modestly worded messages to Sarek, her mother, and McCoy. We are both well and being careful. I will let you know when our return seems imminent. 

Each time Nyota reached into her traveling bag, remembered the restraints.  Spock was roughly enthusiastic sometimes, but he maintained some control.  There was no need to tie him down yet.

"What is it about you...about us?" Nyota sighed during the predawn hours of one indistinct morning. "This ponn farr will drive me crazy.  It's like I'm always in the mood.  Do you know that every time you come to me, my body responds?"

Spock turned his head on the pillow to raise an eyebrow at her. "Of course, because I am so very good at this." 

He ducked, smirking, as she thumped him with a pillow. "In reality, ashalik (darling) Nyota, the telepathic mating bond influences you.  Its effect on humans has never been studied, but it is possible that you respond the same way a Vulcan or other humanoid would. You are more aware of my heightened desires and emotions. Your own desires are reflected through the bond, and I perceive them more intensely."

"So the more you want me, the more I want you.  It's a wonder that we don't just combust."

"It excites me to see you openly express your desire and pleasure, Nyota, with or without the influence of my Time.  Nor do I have any complaints about the strength of your libido under normal conditions."  He leaned down for a kiss.

"Mmm.  Likewise; I'm happy with your desire for me.  I do feel the difference, though...now all you want is sex and a little sleep and it's all that I want, too."

"Sex alone is insufficient," he said gravely. "I could have found someone to lay with during my previous ponn farr, but it would have been insufficient. Meditation and the drug would still have been necessary.  Sex with a bondmate improves the likelihood of surviving ponn farr."

"You're not...safe yet?"

"I sense that the end of my Time is near; however, I am not completely finished."

"Three days have passed."

"Four days and eight hours, if I may offer an alternative chronological accounting."

"How will I know if something's wrong...if the ponn farr lasts too long?"

"My behavior will make that clear.  Do not hesitate to protect yourself, even if you must injure me."

"Sweetheart, don't talk that way.  Here...will you rub this cream on for me? It's for treating bruises."

He smoothed the cream in, his breathing changing each time he encountered a new bruise.

"I appear to have bitten or sucked you eighteen times with sufficient force to leave a mark."

"Marks fade.  My trust in you won't.  Anyway, you never broke the skin.  Relax, angel.  Trust me, I'll tell you if you hurt me.  Severe pain doesn't turn me on." She sat up, rolling her shoulders and stretching.  "Now you lie back, I want to count yourbruises...twenty-five...ooh, I bit you there?"

"It was a fascinating sensation. I am not averse to being bitten there again."

"Uh, maybe if I feel really ferocious some night." Her fingertips tapped his skin again, twice.  "Twenty-seven.  Goodness, I had no idea I'd been this wicked."

"I am at your mercy, adun'a.  Perhaps I ought to hide the restraints you brought here.  One can hardly imagine the outrageous liberties you will take with my body if I allow you to use them on me."

She giggled at the hopeful mischief in his expression. "Adun, you're trying to seduce me into putting those restraints on you."

"Perhaps. Circumstances will determine whether or not you make me your captive."  He pulled her close to him, cuddling into a spooning position. "I can feel your desire to sleep now.  Perhaps it is best that we both do so, while we are able?"

...

Spock secluded himself to meditate later that morning in an effort to calm his renewed agitation.  After a shower and food, Nyota set her padd to play music - recorded ka'thyra and kora songs, stringed instruments whose tones alternately settled and stimulated her mind.  She chose a sunlit area of the window seat and threaded a needle, ready to mend the placket of the dress Spock had torn from her body when she arrived.  Patiently, she reattached the small buttons.

Occasionally Nyota looked up and admired the view or the bands of pale color in the stone walls.  For the last couple of days she hadn't paid much attention to anything but Spock and the responses he drew from her body, and Nyota felt a sense of discovery as she finally took time to examine her surroundings.

Sometimes a person needed a quiet place of escape.  Perhaps Sarek or T'voria could tell her if these cave houses were available for use as anything other than ponn farr hideouts.  During their normal intimate life, both she and Spock were what Gaila referred to as ‘screamers'.  Sometimes when she attempted to stifle her cries of ecstasy, Nyota bit permanent wedges into the foam of Starfleet-issued pillows. Spock had more faith in the Enterprise soundproofing, and held nothing back.  In this valley, there were few ears to hear, and even if they did hear, a few shouts from  bondmates might be considered normal.

A soft rustle in the meditation room, and along the telepathic mating bond, informed her that Spock approached.  Vulcan meditation robes were not intended to make a man's body visually appealing, but the cut and flow of the cloth affected her anyway.  A feeling of heat spiked in him as he responded to her awareness of him, and he almost swaggered toward her.

Interesting. How will he behave this time?

 "You are well, adun?  Come sit with me."

"Ha (yes). I am well."  He sat facing her on the window seat, his body posture unusually open and seductive. "This sunlight gilds your skin in a most admirable fashion."

"Why, thank you, Mr. Spock." Nyota fluttered her eyelashes at him theatrically. "How flattering.  I assure you, I didn't choose this seat so that I could fish for compliments more easily.  I was attracted to the warmth and light."

"Is there any harm in fishing?  I find your lure irresistible.  Your net may hold a bigger catch than you expected." The front of his robe opened as he shrugged, revealing an expanse of dark chest hair. 

Nyota's hand paused mid-stitch. 

Why can't I control myself around him? Only a few hours ago his chest hair was pressed against my bare skin. Now I want him again.

"Sanoi ( please), do not control yourself.  Your eagerness benefits both of us." He half-smiled flirtatiously and rubbed his fingers over his exposed chest.

I know where this is going. 

Nyota sipped water and popped an energy gel, the sort designed for marathon runners, into her mouth.

"I want one," Spock said with mock petulance, leaning forward expectantly.

"Certainly not, you rascal.  You've got more than enough energy for the both of us.  I need to fortify myself so that I can keep up with you.  If you eat an energy gel, I'll probably faint from overexertion."

"If you faint I will care for you.  I am a responsible lover." Warm fingers moved beneath her hem, bared her calf.

"Indeed, you are very thorough.  You leave no detail untouched."  She winked at him.

"You are safe with me. Unless, of course, you prefer me to behave dangerously. I am willing to do so."  More sunlight fell across Nyota's leg as he pushed her hem up to her thigh.  "Mirable visu (wonderful to behold)" he whispered, and bent down to plant little kisses along the length of her shin.

Nyota set her sewing aside.  Light glinted on her bondmate's dark hair as he caressed and kissed her skin. She gasped when he lifted her leg and turned his head to lick a tender spot on the back of her knee.

"We're right in the window for all to see," she said a bit breathlessly.

"I will pull the windows in closer.  The coatings prevent anyone from seeing inside."

Long minutes later, they lay entwined in a pool of brightness from the window.

"Greedy man," she said, and licked the tip of his ear so that he shivered.

"Yes," he said in a husky whisper, "and I know you like me this way."

The sparkling notes of the music changed as the ka'thyra and kora played a duet.

...

Pain suddenly moved through Nyota's hips, and she bit back a cry as her fingers clutched a handful of bedsheets.  Attuned to her responses, Spock quickly recognized the difference between a cry of pain and a cry of pleasure.  Quickly, he pulled out of her.

"Olau tu has-bosh ha (Are you ill)?  Nyota, have I hurt you?" He briefly touched her temple, then reached down to massage the area where her hips and thighs met.  "Tal-kam, I am sorry."

"Oh, Spock, it isn't you."  She tried to ease the pain by stretching her legs out straight, but the deep soreness persisted.  "The last time I had this problem, I was running on the track team at school.  It feels like it might be my IB band."

Spock continued to gently rub her hips, squinting as he tried to focus his thoughts.  "Perhaps our activities strained your iliotibial band.  We have used the only same eight positions during the previous thirty-six hours."  He climbed down from the bed.  "Would you like cold packs for your hips?"

"Not yet, love, but thank you.  The pain's going away.  What position could we possibly try that won't hurt?"  She watched him pacing the room.  He picked up the restraints from where she'd left them atop her traveling bag and examined them thoughtfully. "Nice idea, but I think that if I'm on top with you harnessed to the bed, it may still hurt my hips. They're going to be a little sore for a while."

"I had a different idea, although I do enjoy being strapped to the bed.  If my understanding of the design of this harness and its additional straps is correct, it converts to a swing."

Spock looked up. Nyota ‘s eyes followed, and she noticed the heavy metal rings driven into the ceiling in a part of the room clear of all furnishings except a thick rug and some large cushions.

"Oh."  Her gaze moved down and met Spock's: he stood nude before her, hair rumpled, his face and chest and thighs still slightly flushed.

"Shall we?" 

The adjustable swing and its thigh straps made it possible to angle one's body so that little weight pressed down on one's hip joints.  Nyota was tilted slightly backward, but not so far that blood rushed to her head, nor so far that she couldn't watch Spock's face and body.  He could see her just as easily.  It was a pleasant sensation of near-weightlessness, with steady pulses of force coming from Spock's pelvis as he thrust into her, murmuring lustful phrases in Vulcan. She answered in Standard or any tongue that came to mind.

...

The adventure in the swing was pleasurable, but Nyota's hips still ached afterward.  Even a hot shower with Spock did little to ease the pain.

She washed her front, gritting her teeth as she faced away from him. Spock's big hands slowed as he rubbed soap over her back, buttocks and hips. 

"Tal-kam, why do you so seldom complain of your physical discomfort?  Please do not deny it; I sense it through the mating bond."  He turned her to face him, his hands continuing to move efficiently but tenderly. "You continue to experience pain in your hips that detracts from your enjoyment of an activity you usually enjoy."

Nyota sighed, spearing her sudsy fingers through Spock's chest hair. He was so appealing when he was soaking wet and being affectionate.  If only she didn't ache.  Instead of placing her palms against the stone wall, wiggling her hips, and giving him a sultry look over her shoulder, she just wanted to lie down.

"It does hurt, but complaining won't help. Uhura women are pretty stoic; we don't make noise about kitchen accidents or cramps.  Starfleet likes its women tough, right?  I'm not used to talking about pain."  She changed the direction of the spray, rinsing their bodies. " Anyway, honey, we aren't through with your ponn farr yet."

Spock bit his lip and raised both eyebrows. "To be quite precise..."

Nyota looked at him curiously. "It's over?"

"Not yet, but it fades.  My understanding of its progress goes beyond calculations to...a feeling."

"Not that I doubt you, sweetheart, but are you quite sure? The swing - you were so passionate."

Spock shut off the water and rested his fingertips against her temple.  "Sanoi, ashayam...if you will permit me to show you?"

Nyota smiled and closed her eyes. Spock's heart seemed to swell illogically as he sensed her trust in him.  He kissed her softly, rested his forehead against hers, and opened the mating bond wide.

Nyota gasped as Spock's emotions rushed forth.  After a few minutes he eased the meld, moving his fingers away. 

Nyota looked up at him. "You're right.  The ponn farr fires are fading, I could...kind of see the change.  The passion is just...you."

"I enjoy unrestrained and passionate sexual activity with you, as you already know.  Our recent work schedule aboard theEnterprise, and the criminal activities taking place during our visit to New Vulcan made intimacy with you difficult.  Here we are able to cast aside the restraint of several weeks.  In addition," he said wryly,  "it is unlikely that we could enjoy sexual abandon beneath the roof of my father's house."

"Soundproofing wasn't enough?" she giggled.

"It would have been inadequate for the responses I hoped to draw from you."

Nyota smiled and opened the shower door. "You needed psychological distance."

"Sometimes that is neccessary."  He pulled the towel from her hands before she could dry him off and rubbed it over her body. 

"I like this cave house," she said as he moved the towel across the small of her back.  His fingertips felt hot through the cloth. "We've been comfortable with each other here.  Maybe we could rent it again for a few days during our next visit."

"Your suggestion is agreeable," Spock said.  One drop of water glittered on her collarbone.  Instead of wiping it with the towel, he bent down and licked it, enjoying the taste of her skin.

Nyota's hips still ached, but her thoughts took a carnal direction again.

Enough already! My hips will never get better as long as I keep wanting him between them.

Spock took note of her thoughts, smiled, and swept her up into both arms. He carried her through the arched doorway leading back to the bedchamber.

"Why, Mr. Spock, are you taking me back to bed?" She fluttered her eyelashes at him.

"Affirmative, Lieutenant. You need rest. "

"Aren't you going to dry off first?"

"You like me wet, Lieutenant."

"And when we reach the bed, what next, Commander?"

"Cold packs." He set her down carefully, smoothed the sheets in a touchingly domestic gesture, and moved her into a reclining position. "Treatment of muscle strains sometimes involves elevation of the injured area.  I could put a pillow beneath your hips...but I will let you sleep instead."

Not yet.  A feeling of languid sensuality flowed through her, and she stretched her arms above her head.  "I may be lying down, but I'm not sleeping. Not yet."

Spock's eyes followed her breasts as they moved. "I will...go seek medical information...about muscle strains," he said distractedly.

"You could help me relax. Unless you feel tired, of course."

"Are you certain that penetration will not be painful for you, ashayam?"

"I had something else in mind, Spock."  She leaned on one elbow and patted the bed. "Lie down beside me.  Other way, upside down. Toe to head."

An anticipatory smile spread over his face.  He helped arrange the pillows so that she could rest on her side, then stretched out and rubbed his cheek against her thigh, gently scratching her with a light growth of stubble.

His eyes shone with a playfulness that she always loved to see. "You continue to enjoy my efforts to pleasure you this way?"

"Some people say that men never get tired of it.  They should know that women never get tired of it, either." She caressed his thigh. "As long as we've been together, my toes still curl even when I just think about your mouth on me."

"I have similar responses to my thoughts of you. We should endeavor to give each other a wealth of memories to draw upon," he said, and each of them turned their heads to the side.

...

Her muscles warm and orgasm-loosened, Nyota dozed.  Spock quietly washed up, pulled on a loose shirt and trousers, and went into the large parlor of the cave house.  He secured a private data connection with his padd and sat down at a low table. 

Information about the cave house appeared quickly on the first level of the connection; Spock chose a more secure option and inquired about the availability of  similar cave houses in a region that was open to Vulcans who were not experiencingponn farr.  Several cave houses were available for private ownership. 

Spock gazed out the window, considering Nyota's comment in the shower, and the way her enjoyment of their private time together went far beyond wifely duty.  Any danger might befall them within the next seven years, and he wanted to take actions beneficial to their relationship.  Spock reviewed holos of the available cave houses and selected one which seemed particularly secure, aesthetically pleasing, and well adapted for humanoid occupation. Its interior walls were carved from the same subtle striped stone as those in the house they now occupied.  There was even a small private garden with heat-resistant plants. It was highly probable that both of them would find the cave house agreeable. 

Spock entered certain relevant information, sent it to the seller, and moved on to his next task.

Doctor Leonard McCoy looked surprised. "Mr. Spock!  Are you all right? Where's Uhura?"

"Greetings, Leonard. I am well, and hope you are the same.  My bondmate sleeps. Is this a convenient time?"  McCoy's office and the dimly lit sickbay beyond, were quiet, his desk piled high with a stack of padds.

"Of course.  Have things, uh, finished?" The Doctor noticed a hickey the size of a ripe green gage plum on Spock's neck. There was no polite way of mentioning it, so McCoy didn't.  Baffled, he observed Spock's relaxed body posture and the slightly dazed expression on the usually impassive face of his First Officer.  Land sakes.  Ponn farr must make one heck of an endorphin cocktail.

"I estimate that it may end within the next thirty-six Standard hours.  Are you free to discuss a private matter?" 

McCoy gave directions to the computer to soundproof and secure the office door, then nodded at the screen. "Go ahead, Spock."

"Nyota is experiencing pain."

Leonard frowned. "Now listen here, Spock, you promised not to hurt her.  Are you getting her full consent each time you approach her? ‘Cause I'll hightail it right back to New Vulcan and whup yer ass in the town square if you ain't treatin' her right. "

Spock  frowned. "Out of honor and respect for my wife and all women, I would never harm her, Leonard.  Surely you are aware of this."

"Sorry.  I just feel protective of my crew, you understand."

"Indeed?" Spock growled.  "Do you feel equally protective of crew members who are not my bondmate?"

"Whoa, back off, Spock.  I'm not after your wife.  I don't pick peaches from another man's tree."

"Forgive me, Leonard.  I am not quite myself - I do not know why I misinterpreted -"

"Forget it, Spock, it's okay.  Ponn farr makes male Vulcans possessive, as I recall. Tell me how I can help Uhura."

"Understood.  Nyota has muscular pain and discomfort in her...hips," Spock mumbled, blushing green as he provided details about her symptoms.  McCoy listened, nodded, and launched into a recitation of advice.

"I'd need to examine her to be sure, but it may be muscle strain. Y'all have First Aid kits with painkillers and cold packs there, right?"

"Yes, we are already using these items."

"Usually I recommend following the ‘RICE' acronym. Rest.  Ice. Compression. Elevate.  So rest the strained muscles - you'll need to avoid repeating the specific activities or positions that led to the strain."  The disappointment on Spock's face was so obvious that McCoy nearly smiled. "No other painful activities or positions. Put cold packs on her hips, not directly touching her skin, every twenty minutes while she's awake.  Compression bandages probably won't fit easily around the affected areas, so skip that one. Last, elevate the area to reduce swelling...that usually applies to legs and arms.  In this case lying down flat should do it." 

"Thank you very much, Doctor."

"Look in the kitchen for anti-inflammatory meds.  I worked out things with Sarek, had ‘em sent in along with the vitamins.  Nyota should have some other meds in her bag. If her pain increases I can provide therapeutic ultrasound treatment here aboard the Enterprise."  The professional tone in McCoy's voice lessened.  "Please contact me again soon and let me know how she is. If she's really bad off, we'll beam her up. I really do want to see you two come out of this safely.  Tell me, are youall right, Spock?"

"Yes.  This time, my experience of ponn farr, while difficult, is not as distressing as seven years ago. Nyota is unwavering in her support of and care for me.  I am - Vulcans do not typically use the word fortunate, because it is illogical, but - perhaps you understand."

"I getcha, Spock.  You're a lucky man.  Judging by that faraway look on your face and the unruly state of your hair, this particular ponn farr ain't such a hardship."

Spock heard Nyota moving in the other room, and unconsciously half-turned his body towards her.  "My wife awakens.  Please excuse me, Leonard.  Thank you very much for your advice, and for speaking with me."

"You're welcome.  Be careful and make sure one of y'all contacts me soon."

McCoy shook his head in amazement.  Goodness only knew how Nyota would look when she checked in.  He quickly searched his computer for his "Shore leave/honeymoon cures" file and tagged it for rapid retrieval. 

...

Nyota found time to send another message.

All is well.  Expect to return to city soon, then Enterprise.

Privacy was essential, but she wished that she had some way of unburdening her thoughts and feelings beyond keeping a journal.  Spock would have listened if he were truly himself, but at moments when the fires overtook him he seemed like a different person.  That person was interested in one thing, and it wasn't talking.

If only she could speak with a woman about how odd it felt to cast ladylike behavior to the winds and admit that she enjoyed much of her husband's ponn farr.  She didn't know T'voria well enough.  Even her open-minded Auntie ‘Chelle might be shocked and tell Nyota's parents to come and take her back home for a psychological evaluation.  Maybe Gaila could be sworn to secrecy - but would she really understand, considering her scorn for certain human rules about gender roles?  Nyota's fingers hovered above the input of her padd, ready to tap in the command to active her friend's contact information. 

Deep in thought, Nyota didn't hear her bondmate approach.  She jumped a little in surprise as Spock's warm fingers caressed her shoulder. 

"Va'ashiv (again), adun'a?"

...

Nyota awoke hours later, blinking into the dark.  Spock had shut the bedroom door, and a glance up through the skylight revealed a greyish sky of indeterminate hour.  Two cold packs rested on the bedside table, beside an anti-inflammatory med packet; Spock had checked in on her while she slept.  Already her hips hurt less.  She turned on the bedside lamp, washed and drank water along with the meds, and looked through her bag for something to wear.

Among her lingerie Nyota found one of her more alluring pieces, a black and silver slipdress with transparent panels. She pulled it on and added a pair of low-heeled boots. 

Nyota suspected that many Starfleet members had at least a mild erotic interest in boot-wearing sexual partners.  After spending his youth around women in long Vulcan dresses, Spock developed a fond interest in legs.  Nyota enjoyed learning how boots focused that interest.  Her bondmate might enjoy seeing her in this outfit as a sort of reward for letting her sleep. There was no point in donning proper clothing, as they were probably going to remove it at some point during the day, night, or whatever this time was. 

She flipped open her communicator.  The screen was blank. She set it into its recharger, but nothing changed. Broken?  Prickling sensations crept down her neck and spine, but she tried to dismiss her sense of unease. Surely Spock had brought his own communicator with him; she'd ask later.

It would have been easy to check the chronometer in the kitchen, but Nyota didn't bother.  Some odd tension in the air told her that the real time would make little difference. 

The cave was profoundly quiet except for the soft strike of her feet on the cool stone floor.  The open door to the meditation room revealed only darkness, as did the bathroom and kitchen.  Nyota remembered the last room where Spock had awaited her on the day she arrived.  It was a strange room, large and sparsely furnished - a waist-high platform, exposed ceiling beams, big wedge shaped pillows -

Oh.  Nyota hesitated before the closed door.  I get it.  Whoever designed this house thoughtfully included a room equipped for intimate activities too acrobatic to be confined to a bedroom. 

Nyota opened the door and peeked inside.  Spock, shirtless and wearing a pair of black shorts, stopped arranging the wedge-shaped pillows atop the platform and looked at her.  Spiky tufts of hair stood out on his head as though he'd run his hands through it in agitation.  Spock's gaze lingered on the low neckline and side slit of the slipdress, then moved down her legs.

"Kluflar (boots)," he said. "It is clever of thee to indulge my appetite."

Something wasn't right. He was Spock, but it wasn't him, not as she knew him.  Nyota rushed back to the bedroom and snatched up the restraints from the shelf.

Now what do I do? Go back and face him? Lock myself in the bedroom?

Better to face him, or this version of him.  Nyota held the restraints inconspicuously at her side and strode back towards the room of questionable purpose. 

Spock's chest was like a warm stone wall; her determined momentum led her to crash into him in the open doorway.

"Brave enough to return, I see. How gratifying.  I did not take thee for a coward, woman," the man awaiting her said in a rough, vernacular form of High Vulcan. "Fetch the lubricant I brought."

It was pointless to argue, but her temper flared. "Did I just hear you order me to bring you some lube?  Fetch it yourself.  Anyway, no lube is going to be used here unless you ask me first. Let go of me." 

He grinned, surprised, and she twisted out of his grasp, the restraints swinging from her hand.

"Restraints?  How efficient.  Give me.  I will bind thee." He grabbed one of the straps and  looped it around her wrist, but she stepped back, pulling free.

"Rai (No)."

"Po (why)?"

"We haven't even...no foreplay, or anything,"  she said in frustrated Standard. "Neither one of us can possibly be ready to...I don't want to be bound, not like this."

"Yet thee brought these straps to me." He moved towards her. 

"I brought them only because I thought I might have to bind you.  Adun, you do not behave like yourself."  Nyota realized he was backing her into a corner, and scuttled back into open space, looking around for something she could tie him to. Of course, he was so strong that her plan would likely fail.

Who are you?  she almost asked.  The mating bond was active, if twisted, and he sensed her apprehension.

"I am thy bondmate.  Why dost thou say me nay?"

"Give me your arm," she insisted. "Don't make me bind you." She tilted her head toward the wall. "There are metal rings set into the stone, and I'll attach you to one of them until you calm down."

Spock smirked. "Nam-tor nanlar riozhikaik heh vlitaya tsuri kodonuhk (Threats are illogical and payment is usually expensive)."

"Oh! I didn't threaten you.  I just don't know what to do with you."

"So in thy indecision thou thinks it best to bind me?" he scoffed.  "No, thou wilt extend thy arm." His voice changed, took on a coaxing, seductive tone. "I promise thee delight."

"Let's be logical about this, please.  I want you in these restraints because -"

"Confessing thy true tastes, my lady? Thou wants me in restraints. So having a man at your mercy heats thy blood?"

 It did, but she wouldn't say it.  "Why do you not listen to our bond? I want you in restraints because I can't keep up with you, and you're stronger. "

"Of course, thou art correct." He flashed a placating, contrite smile and held out his hands in front of himself.  "Thou may bind me."

Cautiously, Nyota drew near. "This had better not be a trick, Spock."

Both eyebrows lifted. "Trick?  Vulcans do not play tricks."

Nyota glanced down for only a second as she widened the loop on one strap and slid it over Spock's long fingers.  That bare second was long enough for him to move his other arm around her back and pull her against his body.  He leaned down and caught her gasp of surprise in a hard, quick kiss.

Pulling away, he lifted her onto one shoulder.  "We have not yet made use of this room.  There is much I would show thee."

"Spock, you cheater. Put me down!"

His hands paused in mid-squeeze on her thighs and bottom.  "I go no further without thy consent."

Hesitating, Nyota wondered if she should go through with it. This was still her husband, an altered version.

"Tell me thy choice.  Thy behavior in the next three seconds determines which of us shall take command." His lips moved against her neck, making her knees tremble. "One of us shall act at the other's will and pleasure. Thou, or myself?"

 ...