A note: To whoever is posting mean reviews: I understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But if you do not like my stories, do not read them. I know by posting my stories here that they are subject to criticism. But the way you say it is very hurtful. If you don't have anything nice to say, please don't say it at all...and again don't read my stories if you disagree with the way I write the characters. Fanfiction exists for a reason. It's where people can have their own ideas and plots and share them with others. I enjoy writing it very much and it is very disheartening to find I have a review, only to see it is mean-spirited. I admit Khan has certainly a lot to learn but the story has only just begun. I delete them anyway and will continue to do so if you carry on like this. So please be considerate. Thank you.

For the rest of you: I hope you continue to follow and review (in the good way) my story. Enjoy this next chapter. I love you guys. :)

Reyne's lungs felt like they were going to burst and her face might very well catch fire. She was no stranger to attention, unwanted attention at that. The last kiss she'd had had been a year ago at a party when Kirk had a bit too much liquid courage on New Year's Eve. Reyne had responded by splashing her drink in his face.

But from someone like Khan to make this sort of move, Reyne was too overcome with shock to even move at the moment. It was a simple straightforward pressing of his mouth to hers, not even trying to get his tongue in her mouth or any indication that he was enjoying it. He was completely straight faced as he finally released her and resumed eating his sandwich.

"…Why?" was all Reyne could manage. Though it was far from the worst kiss she'd ever had, embarrassment, confusion and anger weren't enough to sum up her feelings.

"Is that not how one expresses gratitude on this planet?" Khan said.

"….What?" Reyne swallowed.

"The phrase 'I could kiss you', is that not on this planet?"

"That's….that's…that's just an expression" Reyne said slowly, trying to not do anything rash.

"Well judging by your dilated pupils-"

Reyne suddenly banged her fist down on the floor. She was shaking. Khan's words seemed to slightly echo. Oh no. She focused on breathing, slowly flexing her fingers. One at a time, into a fist and then out into a slowly open palm.

"You...bastard" Reyne breathed. She knew she was not even remotely capable of engaging Khan in combat...but still.

"Lieutenant this is hardly worth a combative response" Khan said.

"Mr. Singh…" Khan tilted his head in response to her pause. This small movement sent a wave of irritation and anger. The way he looked at her as if she were some strange foreign thing.

"God help me" she snapped suddenly, quickly getting up, turning on her heel and made for the bathroom, slamming the frosted glass door shut behind her. Khan for at least a brief few minutes was alone again.

Until along came Captain Kirk with an expression on his face as if he had just swallowed something unpleasant.

"Good evening Captain" Khan took his gaze away from the door and turned his attention to Kirk. For a moment they just stared at each other.

"Do. Not. Touch. Her"

"And yet you foisted the Lieutenant upon me in a useless endeavor to test my moral boundaries. You might have expected what transpired moments ago to occur then. And yet here you are. I assure you I was merely expressing gratitude for the repast Lieutenant Winters was good enough to share. I can only presume the reason you grace me with your presence to be covetousness"

"I am one step away from getting a muzzle" Kirk snapped.

"You put the lieutenant in this situation, judging by her reaction just now, that clearly makes her uncomfortable. Tell me when did she reject you?"

"Let's get one thing straight. You are a criminal. I watched you murder innocent men and women. I was authorized to end you! And the only reason you are still alive is because I am allowing it...So Shut-your-Mouth. "

Khan merely stared at the ceiling listening to the Captain's empty threat, allowing himself the tiniest hint of a smirk. Kirk could only stare with undisguised loathing before the bleep of the intercom drew both of their attentions.

"Captain you are needed on deck" Spock's voice was as unperturbed as ever.

With one last murderous glare at Khan, Kirk turned on his heel and left Khan once again.

Khan frowned. Perhaps he should apologize. Yet perhaps it would be best to wait until Reyne came out of the facilities of her own accord. His eyes fell on the small neatly-stacked pile of books.

After ten minutes, it appeared to Khan that he might be waiting quite a good while.

He picked up Jane Eyre, simply because it was the thickest of the lot. He couldn't remember the last time he'd actually read something other than war plans, blueprints, complex equations, and the like.

Halfway into the book, Khan looked up. It had to have been at least twenty minutes. This was quite childish of the lieutenant. Perhaps he should speak to her after all. Besides this book was, while mildly entertaining, a bit depressing.

Khan had just made up his mind to knock on the door when a blaring alarm, accompanied by a synthetic male voice of caution, sounded;

"Warning: Approaching asteroid field. Please buckle up"

Even in light of Khan's seemingly indestructible physique, it didn't mean he was partial to being slammed into walls, around his cell, unable to maintain a steady position.

He didn't even knock as he quickly entered the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

Sitting on the tiny sink, Reyne's eyes blazed as he stood there.

"Have you no concept of boundaries?" Reyne snarled.

"Have you no concept of asteroid field navigation? Perhaps a dislocated limb or even a broken cervix might be to your liking?" Khan retorted, opening the door. Reyne merely glared at him. He shut the door again, frowning when he saw that there was no lock in the door.

Turning, his eyes swept the entirety of the small space. A toilet, small sink, a towel rack containing a single towel and a shower weren't much to look at. But he figured he'd have to pick one to stare at, lest he rile the Lieutenant even further.

Reyne was just about to take her chances in the cell, figuring she'd just cram herself under the bench when the ship gave a lurch. Reyne fell into the shower area while Khan's hand slammed in an unfortunate move against the tiny panel of shower settings.

Reyne barely had a chance to get her bearings before a steady stream of water gushed down over her.

"Fff-!"

Almost immediately, Reyne found it difficult to breathe. Something was cutting off her airway. Reyne noted with shock and confusion that it was a security stick. The kind you'd use on a prisoner. Her hands scrabbled, trying to loosen it, her mind a whir.

Shit. No. Not again. Not this.

The cold water stung her eyes, her face, filling her with the strange notion that she'd never be warm or dry again.

"Well you've had a drink. 'Ow 'bout something stronger love?" The water was replaced as a mouthful of cheap whiskey burned a path down Reyne's throat.

NonononostopitstopitSTOPIT.

"Oh I don't think she likes that bud. Mind if I help?"

"Nah I get first dibs on this 'un. Come on love. Don't be shy"

Reyne finally managed to dig her nails into the skin of someone's face. She landed on the tiled floor, yet was so soaked with water; Reyne could barely muster the energy to get up.

"So you like it rough darling?"

Reyne wanted to say no. Instead it took all of her will to make it onto her hands and knees. Then a blow from the stick came down on her spine, sending her right back down again.

Please just kill me. Kill me kill me kill me DON'T TOUCH ME.

She choked and sputtered, wondering if a scream would be worth the effort.

"Oh look you've worn her out" one of them laughed. There were three of them. Shivering, naked, terrified, Reyne couldn't help it as she started to cry.

Quickly turning off the stupid shower, Khan bent down next to Reyne, now on her knees, hyperventilating. It took several moments for Khan to realize that the lieutenant was having a flashback.

They were both soaking wet. He reached out to touch her shoulder before thinking better of it.

"Where are you?" he asked slowly.

Reyne could hardly open her mouth. He reached over for a towel, gently pressing it to her face.

"Shhh"

Reyne shook her head, though it wasn't a question. Her rigid shaky disposition had lessened just a bit.

As though it would help, Khan slowly edged her out of the shower area so she sat against the door of the bathroom. Her fingers dug into his hand as he sat next to her, making no sudden movements.

It must have been a small cluster of asteroids because soon Reyne's head was on his shoulder, her breathing calm and even. Neither of them said a word.