Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. Thank you to Ahlysha, Caren Rose, maba7x, mintandtea, bina W, 2redbird, escape5 (have some more!) and the anon reviewer for reviewing!
Genie walked into the Consulate and went straight to Sorak's desk on the third floor, and she leaned against it as he finished up a report.
"Is Soval in?"
"He is in a tutoring session with Sarek," he replied, and she smiled ruefully.
"What's your opinion of him?"
Sorak raised an eyebrow and turned to his report. "He is young. I will say no more."
She giggled. "Ok...don't worry, I won't tell anyone. From what Soval says, this guy is nearly royalty on Vulcan."
"He is as good as. He is directly descended from Surak himself."
She raised her eyebrows. "And here I got the impression that Surak was a humble and wise philosopher."
Sorak raised his eyebrows, "He was from what we know of him, but his original writings are lost and what we have is the translations of his writings from his followers." He smirked, "He could have been a womanizer, I could be his descendant."
Genie burst out laughing at Sorak's comment. "Sir, if I had a hat, I would tip it to you. Nicely played, Sorak, nicely played."
"Or at a certain age he could have been what humans call...a jerk. It is not known." He stood and smoothed his robes, "I will let Osu know you are here." He bowed his head to Genie and then entered Soval's office.
Sorak stood and waited for Soval to acknowledge him.
Soval paused speaking to Sarek who was pacing his office and turned to Sorak, "Yes?"
"T'Sai Forrest is here, Osu."
Soval nodded and looked to Sarek, "Take your mid-day meal, Sarek." He stood from his desk.
Still giggling, she turned and saw a young Vulcan male, perhaps in his 20s, exit the office, and she looked at Sorak in incredulity. She was expecting a boy, not a young man, though thinking back, she remembered that Soval never told her Sarek's age, only that he acting as if he were a child. Sarek approached her and raised the Vulcan salute, and she returned it.
"I am Sarek, of Surak's clan. And you are T'Sai Forrest?"
"In the flesh," she said, not sure what to say to him. "Um...I think Soval's expecting me."
"It is agreeable to meet you," Sarek said eying Genie, "Is it true, from what I have seen in the Earth media, that you might become telsu to Soval?" He raised an eyebrow to her, and leaned in. "You know how old he is, do you not?" He leaned back again, smirking slightly.
Sorak cleared his throat. "T'Sai, the ambassador is waiting for you. Sarek, come with me and we will have our mid-day meal."
Sarek eyed Genie. "Are you going to the ball in New Berlin?"
"Rule number 1 while on Earth...sir...don't believe everything you hear. Yes, I am going to the ball. You have a nice day."
"My name is Sarek."
She turned. "I know. But you're the bees knees on Vulcan, and as I understand it, you don't just throw around first names on your world. And yes, I know he is older than my father. I don't give a damn."
"Sarek, take your mid-day meal," she heard Soval say behind her, and she smiled as she turned to him.
"I do not understand the meaning of "bees knees". I know the bee is an insect on your world, but they do not have joints like animals. I do not understand."
She giggled. "Look it up, sir."
Soval came to the door, hearing the exchange between Sarek and Genie. He looked directly at Sarek and his nostrils flared, "Mid-day meal, Sarek. There is nothing more to see here." He moved in the door so Genie could come through, once he he shut the door behind him. He turned to Genie and his face slacked from the tension in his jaws.
"What brings you here today, ashal-veh?" he said in a tone of voice much softer than he had just used on Sarek. "Not that it isn't always agreeable to see you, but I was not expecting a visit." He pulled out a chair for her to sit and waited for her to take it before sitting himself.
"I needed to get out of the house and get around some rational people. Dad invited all the captains over for lunch, and I decided to skip out. I'm scared he'll let it slip that we're dating, and Archer, Gardner and Robinson would never let me live it down. And besides, Duvall is the only sensible guy in there, but he's more interested in warp theory than talking about my love life. I don't think he has an opinion on you one way or the other...he's kind of boring, really."
She looked back over her shoulder at the door. "I was expecting a ten-year-old by the way you talked about him."
Soval smirked, "It is as the humans say all down hill for you if you wish to escape your own race and choose vulcans as your haven." He stood and offered her his fingers, "Would you care to take mid meal with me then? There is a shop around the corner that makes agreeable hummus."
He looked toward where she indicated, "He is twenty five, but ten years of age would describe him well." he said flatly. "He is simply arrogant, Genie, and thinks he is infallible in his logic. He no doubt has the thought he would be agreeable to get to know you better, if his line of conversation is any indication. " He sniffed slightly and put on his overrobes. "I did hear you are able to come to the ball in New Berlin. This pleases me greatly. Your father and all of those men who you mentioned are also going. I think they will be made aware of our status then, if your father does not let the feline out of containment."
She giggled. "The cat out of the bag, you mean?" He nodded, and she quickly squeezed his shoulder. "You're getting better at using all those idioms. Anytime you get confused, ask, and I'll help you out." She winked and thought about the ball, then shook her head.
"Archer is a child, Robinson is just annoying, and Gardner...he gives off some major creepy vibes. I don't know why, but I feel the need to shower after being near him. Dad doesn't see it, and he treats him like he's family, but I try to limit my contact with all three of them."
She sighed. "Sarek reminds me of the neighborhood boys I was talking about, only worse. He completely ignored you and Sorak. I could call him the appropriate name, but that would be rude of me. I'll hold my tongue." She noted his expression and giggled.
Soval lead her out the side door and walked with her down the street, "I am not agreeable to Gardner either, though Robinson and Archer both strike me as overzealous. A human trait I've discovered that is common among your people. I have no doubt that our status will be made known soon enough, Genie, and when it is we will both have to deal with the repercussions. I have made my family aware, and they see the logical wisdom in me taking a human mate." he glanced at her, "Do no be offended by that pragmatic look on things. Eventually, if you consent to being my mate the high command will need to be notified. I am unconcerned. What is, is and we will deal with the issues that crop up as they come up."
He opened the door to the cafe for Genie and let her walk in first. "They have vegan sushi rolls here that I am fond of, but order whatever you wish." He approached the counter, ordering a pot of tea and a ten piece vegan sushi roll sampler. He then moved aside for Genie to order.
"Same thing as he's having," she told the sushi-ya, who nodded and fixed her order. She sat down across from him. "Yeah, Archer and Robinson aren't too bad. I'm glad you're family is ok with this...what are they like?"
He poured her some tea, which she took with a smile, and she inhaled the fragrance of the liquid before blowing gently on it and taking a sip. It calmed her nerves and made her feel relaxed, and she looked up at Soval with a contented grin.
"Has anyone ever told you that you have the most beautiful hazel eyes?"
Soval choked slightly on his tea as she complimented him. "No, Genie, no one has said that to me before." a mist of green coated his face and he cleared his throat, "Thank you, I am grateful you find my eyes aesthetically pleasing." he set his tea down, "As far as my family, they are all very hard workers. My father was in the military, and is currently on staff teaching at the military academy. My mother runs a small farm in Gol. My family is not large...we do not have a clan per say, though we are thought to be an off shoot of the T'ua clan, some generations back."
She giggled as he took another sip of tea, and her expression faded to one of concern as he cleared his throat a second time. "You ok, Soval?"
He nodded. "You surprised me."
Genie did a little dance her seat, picking up a piece of sushi. "That's a first."
Soval nodded. "I doubt it will be the last time given your...just who you are." He looked at his sushi rolls, picked up his chop sticks then one of his rolls. "Please refrain from shocking conversation now, I'm about to eat." He smirked slightly before putting a roll in his mouth.
"I can see the headlines now: Vulcan Ambassador Dies from Asphyxiation in a Sushi Bar, Admiral Forrest's Daughter Blamed For Death..." She considered what else he said, then grinned. "You think I'm surprising? Soval, you just made my day. I think I might go back home, and the captains will wonder why I'm glowing."
She placed a roll of sushi in her mouth and moaned in delight. "This is delicious...do you come here often?"
"I come here once a week, usually on Wednesdays. I made an exception today for you. I am glad you find it agreeable as well." He paused and took another sip of tea. "You are surprising, Genie. I have never received a valentine before and I have been on your planet for 27 years, that was surprising, and you have not stopped surprising me since." He set his teacup down. "While we are here and alone, I would know your thoughts on the matter of your future plans," he paused a moment, "for your career."
"You know," she said, sipping her tea. "The more I go forward with the MACOs, the more I think it's not for me. I like it, sure, but...I feel there's something else I should be doing. I thought about diplomacy, but then, you always have to go where you're assigned. I'm trying to further my career without having to be separated from my family and you for too long. A few months, ok. Years, no. So I was thinking...what if I were to be a cultural ambassador of some sort? Don't they have that sort of thing in diplomacy? It'd be cultural anthropology, I guess...and yet, that would still separate me from you and the family for a long time with each assignment."
"It seems you are having a conundrum." He said with a soft frown, " It is important to me that you pursue something that fulfills you. Are you planning to go to college this fall?" he asked as he sipped his tea and placed his napkin over his empty sushi plate. "That could afford you some time to decide on a career path."
"Yes, I've applied at all the local Bay area colleges, and I think I've been accepted into all but one. Berkeley hasn't written back yet, but I should have an answer soon. I don't know what to tell dad, but I'll think of something."
"Why should he not be proud of you for all you are accomplishing?" he protested, and she smiled softly. "He has an intelligent daughter. There is no need for him to be anything but supportive." He leaned forward, and she leaned in as well. "I believe your father will be proud of whatever you decide to do."
"Thank you, Soval," she said, her gaze softening further. She copied him and but her napkin on her platter, and she lingered over her tea.
"What was your diplomatic career like? You never tell me, but I want to know."
Soval leaned back and looked at her, "My career is satisfactory, Genie. I have been on Earth for a long time now, it seems this is where I will be perhaps until I retire. It will expand of course when your people go into space I'm sure."
He stood and waited for her to stand so he could walk at her side. "I am unsure what you want to know about my career. You may have to ask me specific question for me to answer properly."
"Well," she said, standing and walking out with him (apparently he had a tab in the joint, not too surprising), "how long have you been an ambassador? Not ambassador to Earth, but an ambassador? Was this your first assignment? Where was your first assignment as someone in the diplomatic community? Like when you were a low-level aide or something to that effect."
The Consulate was just down the street, and he let them in that same side door, punching in the code to unlock the door. Soon they were sitting back in his office, and apparently Sarek and Sorak weren't back from their mid-day meal. The only disadvantage this arrangement had was that he was at his desk, and she was in a chair in front of it. She wanted to be close to him, to kiss him the Vulcan way (and the human way).
"I have been in service now for fifty years. I began service right out of the military, and my first assignment was on Mazar, as a junior diplomatic attache to the ambassador there. My first primary assignment was on Risa, where I was for fifteen years before being recalled to Vulcan to learn your Earth Standard language as well as take courses on Earth cultures. The rest of the time I have been here on Earth, though I have brokered treaties with Andoria, and taken other temporary assignments. My primary assignment is Earth." He leaned back in his chair. "Few Vulcans do well in close contact with your people for an extended period of time. Though, we are finding a select group that is agreeable to working on Earth. Sorak's twin brother Sirak just took a teaching position at Berkeley, he is agreeable to humanity, as is Sorak. Adviser L'Vek was against coming to Earth, but is slowly becoming acclimated, while his assistant Meral..." he shook his head, "is most disagreeable, but he is here and will be here as long as L'Vek."
He paused and looked at her, "You look lost in thought. Is there something wrong?"
"I was listening," she said. Her gaze had been focused on his fingers, and her mind had subconsciously been tracing them back and forth. Her fingers itched for another touch, and she looked into his eyes.
"Mazar, Risa – and you thought the locals too...friendly – then recalled to Vulcan to learn about Earth. And you've been here ever since. Tormenting the locals with your good looks and impeccable logic," she murmured, a wry grin gracing her lips. "I was thinking about...your fingers, actually..." She left the rest unsaid, but looked pleadingly into his eyes.
Soval stood and walked to his door which he locked. He went to her side, picking up her wrist his eyes sparkled with approval when her first and second finger stiffened. He caressed the backs of her fingers with his, slowly bringing them around to her pads where he swirled his fingers over hers with great care.
"Is this what you were thinking about my fingers, Genie?" he purred, still swirling his fingers counterclockwise over the tips of her fingers before sliding them down the backs again.
She gasped in delight as his fingers locked with hers, and she allowed her eyes to flutter closed, her lips parting of their own accord. She let a tiny moan of approval escape her lips as his fingertips caressed the pads of hers.
"Yes, this is what is was...oh..." She pressed her fingers hard to his, relishing the erotic shock that pulsed down to her core, setting her thighs to a gentle throb. "Soval," she pleaded, somehow wanting more. She acted on instinct, gripping his hand so their palms were touching, and she pressed, gasping when even more electricity flowed through her fingertips and palm. Her fingertips were tingling so much it nearly hurt, but it was the most wonderful sensation she had ever been exposed to, and she quickly retreated back to the two-fingered stroke, confidently moving her fingers over his. She was glad she was sitting, because her kneecaps felt like water and her head felt light.
Soval's hand slid around her waist bringing her into him his eyes never left hers. He slowly swayed with her as his fingers lingered over hers, "I have been practicing my dancing for you, Genie. So I may participate in a dance with you at the ball. It may be in private, but we will be in view of many people. As I wish to honor your culture."
He danced with her slowly around the office. He slowly bent to kiss her, when a banging came to his door. His eyes smiled at her. He pecked her lips, and then turned from her to answer the door, but not before looking back at her with a small smirk.
Sorak was standing outside the door with his hands folded behind his back, "Sarek approaches, Osu, I thought I would give you both warning."
Soval nodded, "Genie, I should walk you to the front door."
Sorak retreated to his desk, and Genie blinked rapidly, coming out of the warm haze of his touch, of being in his arms. It was everything she had imagined, only warmer. His body temperature was higher than hers, and it was like being surrounded by direct sunlight. Stepping out of his arms, and the arrival of Sorak and the news of Sarek's approach, was like a chilly wind coming off the sea. She could even feel goosebumps crawling over her arms and legs.
"Great, you can probably smell me from across the room," she muttered, and he raised an eyebrow.
"Smell what, Genie?"
She raised her eyebrows. "Uh...you know..." His eyes darkened, and she shook her head. "Can other Vulcans smell it? I know you said your ladies have a greater sense of smell, but can other males smell...you know..."
"Yes, which is why we will make haste before Sarek returns."
He pulled her quickly down the hall with him missing Sarek perfectly. He paused near the door and bent whispering into her ear, "When I claim you, your scent will change, Genie, and you will be known as mine."
He pulled away, and his eyes were dark as he looked down at her. He turned away from her, seeming to gather his control, and then he looked back. "Thank you for your visit today, Genevieve Forrest. It was very agreeable." He bowed to her slightly. "I will com you this evening when I am finished with work."
"I look forward to it," she said. "Thank you very much for lunch. The food was delicious, but the company even more so."
He looked slightly amused, and she grinned as she waved goodbye, exiting the Consulate and retrieving her bicycle from a bike rack down the street.
…
When she got back home, Archer and Gardner were still there, lingering over beers and arguing over warp theory. Genie stopped by the cooler unit and got herself some iced tea, then retreated to her room. She had a project in mind and didn't feel like hanging around the two most insufferable men in Starfleet, but Gardner called her back before she could escape.
"Where have you been all day, missy?" he asked with a wry grin.
"Out," she said curtly.
"Visiting your new boyfriend, Genie?" her dad said with a grin.
"Yes, he took me to lunch. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things to do."
"How is he, Genie?"
She twirled around. "Fine. Still frustrated with his guest, but fine."
Archer stepped up to her. "New boyfriend?" he said playfully, pouting his lips. "Genie, I thought your heart was mine."
Gardner scoffed, "Please, John."
Abigail stepped out with a tray of food. "How's Soval today, sweetie? I just saw that he'll be doing a press conference at 1500. You'd better record it."
She smiled and kissed Genie's cheek. She paused and whispered into her ear, "You smell like his cologne, Genie." She winked as she pulled away. "Did someone get a little kiss?" she said soft enough the guys couldn't hear.
"Mom, may I ask how you know what he smells like?" she muttered back, waggling her eyebrows suggestively. Her mother kicked her butt as she passed, but grinned wickedly over her shoulder.
"Well, he does smell rather nice."
Archer came forward and sniffed at her incredulously. "Did somebody get a little wild today?" He paused, frowning in comprehension.
"Tell me it isn't true."
"Archer," she growled.
"You're dating Soval?"
She laughed in his face. "Jon, when are you going to learn what's your business and what's not?" She patted him on the cheek. "I have a letter to write, so if you'll excuse me...thanks for letting me in on that, he didn't tell me."
…
Soval returned to his office where he caught Sarek sniffing the air. He cleared his throat, ignoring the young man's predictable behavior.
"Tell me about this press conference, Sarek. Inform me what it is about and what you think I should say." He sat down and waved his hand indicating he should speak. "And then I will tell you how wrong you are, and why."