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Chess is damn hard, you thought, almost breaking a sweat during your game with Spock. You used to play in college, back when you thought playing chess made you better than the people that party instead. You had gotten pretty good at it back then, even making rent money in a few competitions. However, chess with a Vulcan is very different. You had, by no means, any expectation of winning (or even coming close to winning for that matter). Taking this into consideration, you were doing quite well.

“Your technique is quite different than Jim’s.” Spock noted, moving another piece. You knew in a couple more turns he could win. His comment went unnoticed by you, who had never focused on something quite as much as this game. You might have let out an acknowledgement, something like “Mhm…” but it was merely an automatic response. Carefully moving a piece, the only piece you could move, you knew it was over. Spock was quick to enact the obvious move for him, and after your next turn, he had beat you.

“Checkmate,” he said, his tone the same as always. He stared at the 3D board, something obviously in the back of his mind. You had leaned back in your chair, realizing just how tense you were from the game.

“Is your injury fully recovered?”

“Just about.” Placing a hand over the freshly scarred wound, you remembered the night you had to stitch it up.

“(Y/n)...” Spock looked as if he was about to say something, and for the first time ever, you were watching a Vulcan looking for the right words to say.

“We would like you to become a regular nurse on our missions. To assist McCoy, of course.”

The request took you aback. You had gone on a few missions before, on the Challenger, although they were never quite eventful as the ones on the Enterprise seemed to be.

Spock continued, “I am well aware of your exceptional self-defense skills. However, if you choose to accept this proposition, we have deemed it necessary for extra training.”

Overall, it sounded great to you. The scars that you had already accumulated from missions, and even just working in Med Bay each had their own story, and although they hurt, you weren’t saddened by them. They are a small price to pay for doing what you love.

“I’m in, I’ve always wanted to go on more missions.” You smiled at Spock.

“Excellent. We can begin training next week. In the meantime, would you care to play another game?”

Just the thought of another game fried your brain, but you did not want to say no to the Commander. You at least needed a short break before playing another game. You also needed an excuse for that break that made it seem like that game didn’t just use up all your brain cells.

“Of course, I just need to stretch my legs, I’ve been sitting in this chair for too long.”

You went to get up, simultaneously smacking the bottom of the table with your knee and using too much pressure on the chair, which slid it backwards. Chess pieces were bumped off the board, and onto the table and chair. You had also fell to the floor with a loud thump. Luckily you stayed upright, but you still had that dull pain in your bottom. Spock was quick to stand and help you up.

Saying you were embarrassed would be an understatement. Your ears and cheeks turned bright red, and after Spock helped you up you covered your face.

“I can’t believe I just did that.”

“Are you alright?” he asked, concerned. He stood close, looking for any signs of pain or injury. Other than a big red spot on your knee, you were okay.

“I am, I’m so sorry.”

“There is no need to apologize, Do you need to sit down?”

You nodded, head still covered by your hands.

“Covering your face is not needed, I assure you there is no threat.”

“I’m just embarrassed, Spock.” You looked at him through your hands, and felt it was okay to let go. He was closer than you thought he would be, but it was welcome.

“Although Vulcans are significantly less likely to be involved in accidents similar to this one, it is still possible. I have heard sharing embarrassing anecdotes gives others comfort. For instance, I once miscalculated the force needed to open a bottle of liquor, which resulted in elbowing a quite muscular man in the face.”

You giggled at his attempt to comfort you. Most of the pain had dissipated, now you were just left with the memory of embarrassing yourself in front of the commander.

“Let’s get these chess pieces picked up,” you said, trying to get rid of that memory. Carefully bending down near the table, you picked up several of the pieces you had bumped off. As you stood up, you noticed Spock was rearranging the ones that had fallen onto the table, and took the ones you set on there from the floor as well. However, you noticed when you stood up, you must have crawled closer to Spock. You were only a few inches away from him. It surprised you, and you went to take a step back. Spock quickly put his arm around you, under the assumption you were going to fall again.

“Would it benefit you to have your balance tested? Perhaps new shoes?”

You giggled again, noticing the slight hint of sarcasm. It was very slight, considering it was Spock. Not a thing crossed your mind; perhaps a voice yelling “Bad Idea!” should have, because in that moment, you were close to Spock and did the only thing you thought to do. You kissed his cheek. You didn’t notice the points of his ears turn green.

“I’m sorry, Spock, I had no idea what I was doing.”

“Interesting.” Spock looked more in thought than he did surprised or upset. He didn’t look upset at all.

“Perhaps we should postpone our next game of chess.”

You were sweating now. Anxiety-stricken, you nodded and said you would leave. Spock, as always, offered to walk you to your room. You denied tonight.

“Thank you for the chess,” you said, gathering whatever common sense you had left.

“Thank you as well, you make a fitting competitor.”

As you stepped out of his room, Spock stopped your hasty exit.

“(Y/n),” Spock grabbed your wrist, “I hope that this does not come across as harassment, but I would like to kiss you goodnight, as Terrans do.”

It seemed so unlike Spock, because it was. It had your heart speeding up, and he probably already noticed your pupils were dilated. You had no idea what to expect. Suddenly, he kissed your forehead. He wished you goodnight right after, and left you to walk back to your room in a daze. Your roommate would love to hear about this.