DARK FRONTIER (DS/TOS Crossover), pt 21
From: JM Lane
Date: Tue, 29 May 2001 18:41:12

To Christine's relief, the others, including Spock, were too occupied with Barnabas to concern themselves overmuch with her or what might have transpired between them on their date. Even at that, she considered it best to be ready when the questions did come--and they *would* come, sooner or later, if only from Spock.

So far the changeover was proceeding as intended, but McCoy sternly warned both Collinses that the regimen of one injection every three days *must* be followed faithfully or else. No one needed to voice the consequences of *that* oversight, that was for sure...and both concerned declared that they would do their best to see to it that it never happened. Once Barnabas had recovered and made his departure, Spock chose that time to approach Christine. When she heard his voice, she braced herself, telling herself that she was ready for anything Spock might say.

"Christine, may I speak with you?"

"What about?"

"Your date earlier today...and ours tomrrow. May we go somewhere to speak privately?"

"My room?"

"Acceptable."

With that, the pair went to Christine's room and she poured them each a glass of Altair water, similar to Terran mineral water, the two making themselves comfortable on her small couch, drinks at their elbows on the end tables. Once they were settled, Spock took a deep breath and said, "Was your--date earlier...enjoyable?"

She smiled and nodded.

"What did you do?" he asked carefully, forcing her to speak.

"We talked, listened to music, had a picnic--and incidentally, *he* liked my cooking too," she finished quietly, taking a swallow of her drink so she wouldn't have to look at him.

She was quiet for so long that Spock sensed that she was concealing something. "Anything else?"

The silence lengthened even further before Christine spoke again ...and when she did, her voice was so soft that even Spock's keen ears barely heard it.

"Yes."

"May I ask what?"

"I--refused his marriage proposal. Would you like to know why?"

Spock nodded, hoping that it was for the reason he assumed.

"Because I told him that I...loved *you*."

This time the silence was on Spock's side,and nearly as lengthy as Christine's.

"Do you--truly mean that?" he finally forced out.

She reached to cover his hand with hers. "Of course I do. I always have meant it and I always *will* mean it." Christine raised her hand to Spock's chin and brought his head up so that their eyes  met. One look and Spock's question was answered, for now and all time.

"How could you ever doubt me?" she asked. "I haven't been treating you right lately, I know, but I *do* intend to make up for it now... if you'll let me. No matter how it may have seemed, I've never stopped loving you, and I never will. What more proof do you want?"

He set his glass aside and moved closer to her. "This," he returned quietly before again gathering her into his arms and kissing her deeply and thoroughly. For a timeless moment, the entire world was blotted out by the warm honey of Spock's lips and the gentle strength of his embrace--but when she least expected it, he released her and gave her a questioning look, having seen the memories of her rendezvous with Barnabas in her mind.

"If you love me, then why did you share physical love with Barnabas Collins...not only once, but twice?" His tone was soft but stern.

"The first time, I was so unsure of where I stood with you that I needed to have someone else affirm that I was an attractive woman. The second time, he asked me to do it in order that he would have something to remember me by. I have no intention of doing it again, however; you may be certain of that." The Vulcan looked at her skeptically until Christine said, "Do I need to prove *that*, too?"

Spock raised a hand to stroke her cheek with his fingertips, allowing himself a smile in her direction; his brown velvet eyes  seemed to glow with warmth. "No, that is not necessary. I believe you."

Christine returned his smile. "Thank you." She then reached up to cover his hand with hers; he raised an eyebrow but did not remove his hand or snatch it away.

"What holovid would you like to see?" he asked.

"I'm sure that whatever you choose will be fine," she assured him.

"I wish to be certain that you will find my choice enjoyable," he gently insisted.

"As long as we're together, virtually anything would be enjoyable," she returned firmly.

"Indeed? Even something you ordinarily disliked?"

"In that case, you would at least...make it tolerable," she answered. "And if it was something I liked, your presence would make it even *more* enjoyable."

"Then I assume you mean that you will accept anything I choose --within reason," he replied.

"Of course," Christine affirmed.

"What kind of dinner would you prefer?" he inquired.

Christine shrugged. "Couldn't say for sure right now. I think I'll decide when we get there. Why do you ask?"

"Simple curiosity," he claimed.

"Then may I ask you the same question? Have *you* decided what to eat yet?"

Spock looked almost sheepish. "I have not."

"Then we'll both decide at the same time," she determined. "Meanwhile, however..." The fingers of her left hand stroked the back of her companion's neck to make him shiver. "...we have bigger and better things to do," she crooned before moving to show him exactly how sincere her feelings for him were. After a few minutes, both had forgotten that there was anything in the world but the two of them.