Happy Valentine’s Day

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

“This is nice.”

Jim looked around the outdoor restaurant Spock had brought him to for dinner. He’d thought it odd that they had outdoor restaurants on Vulcan but this was by far not the only one.

In deference to Jim, Spock had requested a table with shade, so it was fairly tolerable.

“Just nice?” Spock sounded dismayed by that assessment.

Jim picked up his giant glass of iced boba tea. “More than nice. When we say…nice…”

“It seems quite unenthusiastic.”

Jim laughed. “It can be. But it’s not what I meant in this case. I like it here. It’s serene. Quiet.”

“I had hoped you would find it romantic,” Spock admitted.

“I’m unused to a Vulcan considering romance. Isn’t that illogical?”

“Not entirely,” Spock said with a shrug. “My father spent some time wooing my Human mother.”

“Aren’t Vulcans bonded in childhood?”

“Preliminarily, yes. My father did have a prior wife before my mother. And they had a son together. The relationship ended went they both went against Vulcan modern teachings and the marriage ended between them. My father has been estranged from Sybok ever since.”

“And yet he romanced your mom?” He sipped his tea.

“Indeed. When in Rome I believe the Earth saying is. Anyway, he succeeded in obtaining her hand in marriage.”

“Aren’t you bonded? What about those others outside the café?”

“My bond was severed when my betrothed, T’Pring, requested it be so. She preferred another mate and I did not object given my own preferences.”

Jim nodded. “I see.”

“As for those other Vulcans they don’t seek any sort of permanent connection to you.”

He laughed again. “They just want to sleep with me?”

“Correct.”

“And you don’t?’

“It would be disingenuous of me to claim otherwise, but that is not all I am interested in. In fact, I would like you to meet my parents.”

Jim choked on the sip of tea he’d just taken. “Uh. Yeah, no. No offense or anything, Spock, but I don’t meet the parents on first dates. Or right after.”

Spock nodded. “I understand your hesitation. When would be an acceptable time?”

“I don’t know, but I’ll let you know.”

Spock leaned down and retrieved something out of a bag, which turned out to be a heart-shaped candy box. He handed it to Jim.

“A Valentine’s Day gift?”

“Rumor has it you have a great fondness for chocolate covered almonds.” He paused. “These are vegan, of course.”

Jim’s lips twitched. “Of course. Thank you, Spock. I don’t have anything to give to you.”

“I am pleased you accepted my invitation to dinner. That is all the gift I require.”

Jim shook his head and smiled. “Well, okay then. Let’s see where this goes, shall we?”

“I would like that.”

“Me too.”