Chapter Text
Ever since their embrace during Hemmer’s funeral things have been… awkward between them to say the least. Now, Christine prided herself on being a consummate professional. As awkward as things had become, real life still needed to resume despite how she felt. Work was work and pleasure was pleasure. She had plenty to keep her occupied. But every now and then
The whispers of how strong his arms felt wrapped around her played on a loop in her head. She missed the quiet comfort of his company. That's partially why this fellowship was so appealing. Not only would it be amazing for the trajectory of her career, but it would give her a bit of respite from the halls of the enterprise which were beginning to feel a bit claustrophobic.
In regards to Spock there was also an added layer of respect for his relationship. She knew that despite whatever it was she was feeling for him there was absolutely no room to voice that as long as he was with T’pring. Christine Chapel would not be a homewrecker. She didn’t want to disrespect either of them that way. All in all the best thing for everyone was distance. She would go back to the old Christine. Friendly with a bit of harmless flirting, but absolutely no real feelings. Having solidified this in her mind, Christine made her way to med bay. Excited to begin her duties but also to inform M’benga about her application.
The swoosh of the bay doors opening met her as walked into the room. Along with the whimsical alerts of the medical equipment. Of course it was just her luck that Spock was sat there looking just as displeased to see her as he had been the past few weeks.
“Isn’t that typically his line” she cheekily quipped to M’benga as Spock made his hasty and untactful exit out of the room.
“It's just that when he saw you, I…” M’banga started, but Christine wanted to hear none of it. Boundaries. Nothing but healthy boundaries from now on.
“I’m going to have to replace you, aren’t I ?” he lamented after she shared her news about the fellowship. If she was lucky enough to get it, her genuine rapport with Joseph would definitely be what she missed the most.
“It’s two months on Vulcan. You’re not getting rid of me that easy” she threw back with a loving pat to his shoulder.
This is for the best, she thought. Boundaries.
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I waited…I waited…I waited for you….
Everything was numb, yet everything hurt at the same time. She could faintly feel the pressure of hands brisky pushing down on her chest. Finally, she felt herself painfully gasp for air. When she gingerly opened her eyes she saw Spock holding himself above her, distress clearly evident on his features. A single tear fell down his right eye. Christine couldn’t believe the sheer amount of emotion he was allowing himself to express. Wanting to console him she reached up to wipe the tear away with her thumb, lightly stroking his ears and face in the process. They seemed to be cemented in that moment for eternity. Just the two of them. She was fading back into unconsciousness but she held onto the comforting feeling of his body hovering over hers.
When she was deemed fully recovered and able to return to duty, Christine was able to read the full report on what happened. The full story was beyond shocking to her system. Vulcans really can surprise you. How exactly was she meant to feel? He knowingly risked intergalactic war waiting for her safe return. Herself and Dr. M’benga…but still. This couldn't be the same man who couldn’t stand to be in a room together for more than 3 seconds. Was it possibly no longer just a one sided situation? This confirmed in her mind that he must at least have some inkling of feelings for her, be them romantic or not. This was not how it was supposed to be. Actually feelings were not meant to be at play here. She just wanted to harmless flirt with the handsome Vulcan shipmate and not begin to fall in love with him. There go those boundaries she promised.