Author's Notes: I just wanted to make sure you know something. When you see single quotation marks, it is someone's thoughts. Also, I apologize for taking so long to update my story, but I have been very busy with other things. Thank you.

Chapter 4: The Effects of Coffee

Like the previous morning, Spock awoke to find Faith snuggled against him. One of her arms was resting on his stomach, and she had placed her head on his shoulder. Spock could sense that Faith truly loved him, and that was why he never objected to her incessant desires to be close to him.

Spock was due on the bridge in less than an hour, so he eased Faith off of him and went to prepare himself for the day. While he was in the shower, Faith awoke and discovered Spock had already gotten up. She looked around and tried to discover his location. When she heard the sound of the water running in the bathroom, she jumped out of bed and ran to the door, knocking as loud as she could.

'Faith requires what little love I can give her. I must hurry and see what it is she wishes of me now,' thought Spock, as he rinsed off his hair.

Soon he was dressed, and he stepped out of the bathroom. He nearly tripped over Faith because she was right in front of the door. She flung her arms around his waist and hugged him good morning. Spock picked her up quite easily—Vulcan strength was useful—and held her, albeit tentatively. She rested her head on his shoulder again.

"Good morning, Faith," Spock said.

Faith planted a kiss on his cheek. "Good morning, Spock."

He walked over to his armchair—Faith still in his arms—and sat down, letting her get comfortable. They sat in silence for a good fifteen minutes before Spock broke the ice.

"We are going down to the bridge today," Spock said. "Before we go, is there anything you wish to do or ask me?"

She nodded. "Do you love me?"

Spock hesitated. He knew she was acquainted with the habits of Vulcans, but was unsure if she knew about their mating routines. He decided to answer honestly, since Vulcans do not lie.

"I know you are on familiar terms with my lifestyle," Spock said. "I also realize that you have acquired strong feelings for me."

"You do not love me?" she asked sadly.

"I did not say that," Spock said, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "I care deeply for you and do not wish you to be hurt."

Faith smiled up at Spock. "I love you."

Spock set Faith on her feet and stood up. Before she could reach for his hand, he held it out to her. She immediately grabbed it and they left his quarters.

When they arrived, the first thing to happen was for Spock to be summoned by Dr. McCoy. He just happened to be making a routine check of the bridge's personnel. Faith was left to her own devices, and she wandered around the bridge. She went over to Captain Kirk's vacated chair and discovered his partially full cup of coffee. Faith had never tasted coffee before, and was unaware of its effects. She sipped at it cautiously, for it was still hot. Faith soon learned that coffee is very bitter and strong—not at all tasty if you are not used to it. Yet, she kept drinking it, because she was thirsty.

Meanwhile, Spock and McCoy were discussing the best way to break Spock's findings to Faith. Both men agreed on one thing—that Faith must be told before the arrival at Vulcan.

McCoy was also trying to figure out why Faith was so close to Spock. He was assuming it was because she had lost her parents—although temporarily—and needed someone to close the doors of loneliness.

"Hey," McCoy said. "Where is your shadow, anyway?"

Spock raised his eyebrow. "She is right…here?"

He saw Faith still standing by Kirk's chair. "What are you doing over there?"

She ran to him and wrapped an arm around one side of his body. She had a huge, unnatural grin on her face from the coffee she had drunk. Spock's other eyebrow soon joined its partner when he saw how hyper Faith was. She ran around the room at light speed. She tried to use Spock's body as a jungle gym. She tried to tickle Dr. McCoy.

Spock's head began to pound. "I am getting a headache."

"You are not the only one, Spock!" McCoy almost yelled. "Where did she get all that energy, anyway?"

Spock saw the cup that had held Captain Kirk's coffee. It was lying on the floor, having been knocked to the ground when Faith had run by. He picked it up and sniffed it, smelling coffee.

"Faith has been drinking what you humans refer to as coffee," Spock said. "Its effects have taken a toll upon her, and she is very wound up."

"Great!" McCoy said sarcastically. "Just what we need, a hyper six-year-old roaming around the ship!"

Spock raised his eyebrow. "I shall tend to her."

"Good luck," McCoy said.

"Faith, come here," Spock said. "It is time for us to return to my quarters."

She came over to Spock, looking up into his eyes sleepily. It seemed the first round of the coffee's effects was wearing off, because she was now very sleepy. Spock led her off the bridge. When they were a few feet away, Faith became too tired to walk, so Spock picked her up. Along the rest of the way back, she let her head slump onto Spock's shoulder and fell asleep. Once they were back in Spock's quarters, he realized she was asleep, and tried to think of what could be done. He did not wish to risk putting her in his bed like last time; for fear that she might wake up. Spock sat in the same chair he had used earlier in the day, and held Faith as she slept off all the caffeine.

Roughly an hour later, she woke up and found herself nestled in Spock's arms. She pulled away slightly and looked into Spock's eyes.

"Where am I?" she asked Spock. "What happened?"

"You have had an overdose of caffeine," Spock replied. "It made you become overexcited. Also, it made you exhausted, and I brought you back to my quarters."

"Oh," said Faith. "What's caffeine?"

"It is a substance used in certain types of hot drinks," Spock answered.

"What's it for?" she asked.

"It makes you wake up if you cannot do it on your own," Spock said.

"Oh," said Faith, leaning on Spock's shoulder again.

He raised his eyebrow. "Were you unaware of its effects?"

"Yes," said Faith. "Spock, I am sorry."

He cupped her chin with one hand. "It is quite alright, my dear. You were oblivious to the effects, and will know in the future not to drink anything with caffeine in it."

Later that night, while Faith was asleep—snuggled up to him, of course—Spock reflected on the events of the day. The sight of Faith trying to use his body as a jungle gym had been very amusing. Spock smiled a rare smile, and fell asleep.