Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. Thank you so much to Fameanon (and Sorak), Ahlysha and the anon reviewer(s) for reviewing!
Sorak knocked on the door to Mina's house and waited for almost ten minutes with no answer. She was probably asleep, though he found that unusual considering that her sleep cycle was normal and she did not take naps at this hour. In the five months he had known her, cooking for her and doing odd jobs around the house when she needed him, he had become acquainted with her normal routine.
He knew the precise location of her spare key and fetched it from the hidden capsule in the "garden gnome", unlocked the house, then replaced the key and went inside.
He looked all around for her, in the kitchen, the living room, the basement, and finally found her sleeping in Lucy's room, the sheets in disarray. She was shivering yet her body was glistening with sweat, and he rushed to her side.
"Mina," he whispered, forgetting himself. "Mrs. Hardister?"
She sniffed. "I think I have the flu, Sorak," she murmured, and he automatically stroked her hair and lightly pressed his hand to her forehead. She was burning up, and he frowned.
"How long have you had these symptoms?"
"Since yesterday evening," she breathed, and he frowned. He carefully picked her up and carried her downstairs to his aircar, then set off to the nearest clinic.
He kept her in the heated aircar until it was her turn to be seen. He picked her up and nestled her head to his chest, keeping the chill out by covering her with his robes. He set her gently on the exam table and stood next to her, fighting the urge to take her hand.
"She has a virulent form of the flu," the doctor said after examining her. "I'm going to give her an IV drip of some fluids, and some medicine, but I'm afraid she'll have to ride out the worst of this." He turned to Sorak. "If her temperature rises to 103 and stays there, you'll need to take her to an emergency room. If her temperature goes to 102, try a baking soda soak. I know it sounds old school, but it really does help."
The physician handed him a data chip. "This is for pain, nausea, and one for congestion. It hits hard for about three days, but she'll get better. If she isn't feeling better on the fourth day, bring her back." Sorak nodded.
"Hope you feel better, Mrs. Hardister," the doctor said cheerfully, then glanced at Sorak. "A nurse will be in to give her the IV fluids. It'll only take an hour." He left the room, closing the door gently behind him.
Mina groaned and rolled over, looking up at Sorak. "You're an angel, sir," she murmured before closing her eyes.
When the IV drip was completed, he gently picked her up and carried her back to the aircar, and he made sure she was comfortable, shucking his robes so she could stay warm while the car heated. He drove to a pharmacy and picked up her medications and some water, obtained some vegetables for a light dinner for her, then got back in the car.
"Here, take these," he murmured, handing her some pills and a bottle of water. He started the vehicle and took off, glancing over at her as she downed the pills. She looked pale and her forehead was still sweaty. He reached over and carefully lifted a corner of his robes, then tenderly wiped the sweat from her forehead.
"You'll be fine, Mrs. Hardister," he said in a soft, gentle tone. "I'll take care of you."
When they arrived back at her home, he stripped the bed of the sheets and put clean ones on before putting her back in bed.
"Now, you rest here while I do some laundry and fix you some soup. I'll draw a bath for you as well. Is there anything you need before I leave you alone for a while? I'll only be perhaps half an hour."
"No, that'll be great." She stretched and huddled herself into a small ball. "Actually, if you could please get me a bucket and line the bottom with paper towel...that'd be wonderful..."
He obeyed immediately and set it by her bed, and she sat up. "You might want to leave this room," she murmured, and he saw an expression of disgust on her face. "Seriously, Sorak, you probably want to leave."
"Vomiting does not bother me, Mina," he murmured, sitting next to her on the bed. She groaned and retched, pushing her hair out of her way.
"Sorry," she croaked, but he simply stroked her hair and held it back out of her way as she retched again.
Her muscles relaxed after about ten minutes, and he stroked her hair and wiped her tears. "There, has it passed?"
She nodded, and he pushed her back down so she could rest while he cleaned out the bucket. He returned it to the side of the bed, and he informed her of its location.
"If you'll excuse me, I have to make a call. I'll only be a minute. Is that all right? Will you be all right on your own for a minute?"
She nodded and waved him away, and he went downstairs to make a call on his PADD.
"Osu," he said, leaving a message with Soval. "I will be out of the Consulate for the next...five days. I will explain when I return."
He went back upstairs and found her resting, and he quickly checked her forehead, suspecting her fever to be at 101.5. "I've noticed that you need clean night clothes, Mina," he whispered. "I'll have some brought here for you, and you'll be more comfortable. Would you like me to draw you a bath? Perhaps put one of those amusing videos in for you to watch...anything, Mina?"
"Maybe tomorrow," she whispered, lightly patting his shoulder. "Go do what you need to do. I'm going to sleep."
…
She awoke perhaps several hours later, and he was sitting across the room from her, reading a PADD. She felt a little better, though smelly and wet with sweat.
"Did you say you were willing to draw a bath for me, Sorak?" she whispered, and she was surprised that he looked up and seemed to understand what she had just said.
"I did."
"I'm taking you up on that. There...there are some bath salts underneath the sink. Could you put in the ones that smell like menthol? I think they're sort of tan."
He obeyed immediately and helped her to the bathroom when the tub was full, and she shook her head in disbelief. He said he had already put her pajamas into the dryer for a while to warm them, and he had soup and water waiting for her so she could keep hydrated. The man was waiting on her hand and foot!
She relaxed into the tub and wondered what she had done right to get an angel like Sorak helping her out. She shook her head at his almost child-like eagerness to tend to her needs, and she admitted it was a nice change. It felt good to plan something for him in return for all that he was doing, and she racked her brain for possibilities.
"Sorak?" she called weakly. "When's your birthday?"
"I was born on the 5th day of the month of Tasmeen. I think that translates to June in your calender."
She nodded. "Thank you!" she replied, her voice still weak. That was too far away...
"When did you become an aide to Soval?"
"Twenty-six years ago next week."
Perfect. She would probably be back on her feet by then, and it was high time for an anniversary party.
"Mina, the temperature of your bathwater is not sufficient anymore. I could refresh the water with warmer water, but I suggest we get out of there and dry you off. Your pajamas are warm and ready for you to be in them."
When she was ready he opened up a towel and helped her up without looking at her. He sat her on a pad on the top of the toilet and left so she could dry off, leaving the warmed pajamas at her side. "It is also time for another dose of your medicine, but I would have you eat some of these saltines before you take them so they do not upset your already fragile stomach."
"Yeah, you're getting something for this, but I don't know what quite yet."
She sighed and changed into her pajamas, snuggling into the warmth like a contented kitten, and she was smiling by the time Sorak returned.
"Your wife must be a very lucky woman," she murmured, and his face fell. She frowned.
"Did I say something wrong?"
He shook his head. "My wife left me to walk the path of kolinahr, and to do so means she had to shed all relationships. I am...unmarried, Mrs. Hardister."
She bowed her head. "I'm sorry..." She wanted to say that his woman had completely missed out, but she knew that would be rude. She put her hands on his shoulders to get up, but when she was on her feet, she only dropped one hand and squeezed his shoulder. "Thank you, Sorak...for all this...I've never been so pampered in my life."
"It is my privilege to aid you, Mrs. Hardister." he said, his warm golden gaze capturing hers. "My wife," he continued, lifting her up to carry her to bed, "was not, as you humans would say, a fan of me. She was not agreeable to the bonding, never was. She felt the path of kolinahr was her calling." He placed her in her bed, and she sniffed, smelling eucalyptus and mint on the pillows. "I have put the sodium crackers here. I will aid you with the soup, it is light...but you should have a little something in your stomach before I give you your medicines."
Even the pillows were scented...she felt like a princess, and it was strange. She willed herself to sit up, digging her nails into the mattress. He helped her and sat on the edge of the bed, feeding her crackers and soup. She opened her mouth for him, too tired to hold a bowl and lift a spoon, and she smiled wanly at him when it was gone. He made her drink some water, then gave her the medicine, and finally she could lay back down again. She felt cooler than last time, but it could just be the new sheets he had put on the bed, and the soothing smell of eucalyptus and mint in the pillows.
"Sorak...I need to know your favorite food, your favorite beverage, and if I can find them on Earth."
He placed the thermometer in her ear and looked at the register. "100 degrees...good progress," he murmured. "My favorite food and beverage? I enjoy pizza, of course no meat, but the vegan one with the soy cheese. It is very palatable." He leaned in and lowered his voice. "But if I have one in private, sometimes I will indulge in real cheese." He placed a finger to his lips as if to say it was a secret. "I also enjoy your earth teas. Green tea is very good, and the chai blend as well."
He sat down in the chair and steepled his fingers. "But I am agreeable to many dishes. I cook my own food mostly. When you feel better, I will make you some food I think you will enjoy."
"No, no, no, mister," she said. "Not until I do something for you." She poked him in the chest. "I heard that transmission to Soval. You're taking five days off of work just to see to my needs, you wait on me hand and foot and make me soup. You take me to the doctor, you mow my lawn and fix everything mechanical around here, you clean my house...it's high time I started paying you back."
He shook his head. "You owe me nothing."
"I owe you something, mister, and that's final. Pizza and green tea...not a common combination, but I think it might be nice...you haven't lived until you've tasted my vegan pizza."
Sorak looked down at the ground. "I did not mean you to hear my communication. I have not taken more than ten days off in twenty-six years, so I am sure by some standards I am due some time off." She thought she saw the shadow of a smile on his lips.
"But I must say in all seriousness," he continued, "fixing me food and giving me beverages..." He swallowed, green frosting over his cheeks and over the tips of his ears. "How much do you know of Vulcan culture, Mrs. Hardister?"
"Not much. Only what Lucy has told me." She sighed and snuggled into the sheets. "Really, Sorak, I should do something for you. I should think that making you dinner is only the start. I don't know what else I can do for you, but I'll think of something."
She saw the look on his face and frowned. "Honey, it's high time you got something. I was miserable today, and you've cheered me up. It's not every day I feel as cared for as I have today. You deserve something for this, even if I have to march into Soval's office and demand he give you a pay raise. I will do it."
"Take what I offer in the spirit in which it was given, without expectation of giving anything in return. The honor and reward is spending time with you." He cleared away the dishes, "Now, Mrs. Hardister, you look fatigued...please...rest."
She shook her head and settled back into the pillows, falling into a deep sleep.
…
She opened her eyes and felt tears coalescing as her stomach churned. "Sorak!" she called out automatically. "Sorak...please come here!"
The door opened and he padded across the room, and she wiped away her tears. "Sorak, if I sit up, I'm vomiting all over the bed. Could you..." She felt more tears come on, but she was resting against him with a bucket in front of her before she could finish the sentence, and she did her business as he stroked her hair back away from her face, getting it out of her way.
He held her until the retching abated, and she leaned back into him. "Thank you," she croaked, tears still streaming down her cheeks. He wiped them away and gently laid her down.
"Rest," he whispered, checking her temperature again. Her throat felt like sandpaper, and she reached for the water glass by the bed. He picked it up before she could reach it and handed it to her, helping her drink.
"I need to call a physician," he said, taking the now-empty water glass. "I will get you more water, then make this call."
She nodded back off and drifted back to sleep, unable to keep her eyes open.
…
She awoke to someone putting her in the aircar, and she moaned. "Sorak..."
"Here, Mina." She heard his soft baritone voice in her ear. "Right here. Your fever is up. I'm taking you back to the hospital."
"Ok...I'm still paying you back for this..."
The ride was a blur, but she felt herself put down on a soft bed. The lights were dimmed and the room was warmer than she expected, and when she opened her eyes again, she saw the blurred outline of a Vulcan man bending over her.
He spoke some in Vulcan to Sorak, but she closed her eyes and willed away the pounding in her head. Her entire body was aching, her throat was sore and scratchy, and she bet she smelled like a hot mess. She winced as an IV needle was inserted into her arm, but she fell asleep soon afterward.
"Sorak," she murmured as sleep overtook her, and she felt a hand on her hair as she gave in to sleep.
She awoke when she felt herself settled into the aircar again, and he made her arm still so the IV drip could do its job. They were in the air a few minutes later, off to her house again.
"Sorak."
He turned to her, and she opened her eyes.
"Sorak, in my culture, when a man bends over backwards like you've done for me, the very least thing a woman can do is fix him something, whether that be dinner or a nice cup of tea. Giving food or drink to people you appreciate is a common practice among my people, and I ask you...as a friend...let me at least fix you dinner. It's the least thing I can do."
"You say least thing," he murmured. "May I ask what is the most that is socially acceptable?"
She blushed. "I don't want to talk about that."
He was silent for a few minutes, then his eyes widened. "Oh, you are saying that my least is your most socially...I understand now." he looked away and blushed. "We seem to be at a strange impasse: feed me and I will assume you wish me to be your mate, reward me in the maximum way for humans and we become mates." He shook his head. "Some thinking to amuse yourself with as you recover. It is an amusing impasse."
"It's a frustrating impasse. I want to thank you, Sorak...you've been so kind to me, and there has to be something I can do to repay you."
"Why, Mina? I do not wish repayment. Spending time with you is payment enough."
She blushed. "Look, I know of absolutely no human man who would go through all the trouble you've put yourself through to help me. If I explicitly tell you that I don't mean this as a romantic gesture, will you accept pizza and some green tea at my house next week, as a celebration of your twenty...twenty-seventh year on Earth? Sorak, please...I need this."
"I can deny you nothing, Mina. I will accept anything you give me with any spirit you offer it."
She smiled in victory as he carried her back up to bed, and she found her thoughts lingering on the strength of his arms. She immediately turned off the thought and settled into bed, though he took the blanket from her.
"I will be right back," he assured her, and returned five minutes later with a hot blanket in his arms. She snorted with laughter, but it was cut off with a cough.
"Dear sweet angels give praise, Sorak, you are something else...tell the Lord Almighty I said hi when you go back to heaven."
"I don't understand."
"You're an angel." She felt tears spring into her eyes, and she took his hand. "Sorak, I don't know what I'd do without you." She sighed and squeezed his hand, the tears streaming down her cheeks. She wasn't sad, simply very moved that he was taking the time to do this for her.
"I will repay you," she promised, closing her eyes. "It's the least I could do."
She silently cried herself to sleep, and she felt her grip relax as she drifted off into a fitful dream.
She was walking alone through her house, trying to find Gabriel so they could leave for a function. She could not find him, and she suddenly realized that he was dead...but she kept looking, kept searching, but for who, she didn't know. She thought she heard Lucy and Strom in the living room, but there was no one there when she looked. So she walked upstairs to the guest room, and it was dark, but someone was there...she had been looking for them...
…
"So we're on for next week?" she said gently, leaning against the doorpost. She was feeling much better than she had two days ago, thanks to him.
He nodded somberly. "Yes, we're on...does that mean we are agreed on this arrangement?"
She grinned despite herself. "Yes, that's what it means." Her eyes swelled with tears again. "Thank you again so much for your help...you're a life saver."
Mina noticed a minty green flush settle over his cheeks and the tips of his ears, and she smiled, thinking it looked endearing. "I am doing my duty, Mrs. Hardister."
She squeezed his shoulder. "I hope you like artichoke hearts and spinach," she said with a wink. "I'll see you next week, all right?"
He nodded and bid her farewell, and she closed the door and went to Lucy's room, knowing she should probably change the sheets. Sorak had tried to do it for her, but she insisted that she leave her something to do. She wasn't an invalid, just tired...and, if she admitted to herself, still grieving. This incident with Sorak made her feel strangely guilty, but she couldn't find the reason why. Gabriel was always kind to her when she was sick, and took good care of her, but something in the way Sorak held her and helped her in every way...
She banished the thought and went upstairs, getting herself back in business.