Author's Note: Good afternoon, everyone. I've been looking forward writing this. I really have. Happy Friday and enjoy the chapter!

Disclaimer: "Honestly, it's not mine!"

The floodgates had opened and even if she wanted to break the Meld, she was certain that she wouldn't be able to. Her mind had been holding back for so long that the moment Octavian's consciousness had joined with hers had felt near orgasmic in its relief. No more hiding, no more lies and omissions. Whether he rejected her or accepted her was of no consequence for the moment because he finally…knew.

She was also deeply grateful to him. Although they were no longer outright banned, engaging in a kash-nohv was still considered a risky move, a move saved for times of grave need. Incorrectly done or done without consent, the practice could lead to irreparable damage to both emotional bonds and even physically. Pa'nar Syndrome could set in or at minimum severe headaches and hallucinations based upon images shown. More importantly, Amanda had been concerned that the emotional transference would unduly influence Octavian's decision on what they were going to do next. She desired him as her k'diwa but she wanted it to be of his own volition…

The feeling of him deepened suddenly and then, she was looking at her through his eyes. She could see the first time he had seen her through his 2 year old eyes, her newly born self resting against her mother's chest. She could see them running through the corridors of the Enterprise at ages 5 and 7, her tripping on the hem of her skirt and him catching her without breaking his stride. She saw them exploring the countryside in Russia and the marketplace of New Shi'kahr…

A tendril of crimson snapped towards her and she accepted it, recognizing the color from her own mind. She saw his regard for her mind, his fondness of her outspoken ways, appreciation of her physical form. She saw…

…Octy?, she questioned slowly, gently tugging on the brightening opal thread between them.

His response slammed into her and she felt herself begin to melt, her body warming and her mind succumbing to peaceful clarity.

I love you.

/

When the Meld ended, Octavian felt himself begin to drift heavily to the left, towards the edge of her bed. Strong and gentle hands caught him and he shivered hard as their eyes met. Amanda's were wide with astonishment and bloodshot with tears, the pale green making the deep honey of her irises stand out like amber. She sniffled and used the back of her hand to wipe his own tears, each touch feeling like sparks from a flame.

"Are you damaged? Did I hurt you? Please tell me that I haven't hurt you…"

"I'm…wonderful."

"You are?"

"The woman I'm in love with just showed me that she is, too. Vividly. I'm wonderful…and my head hurts a little."

"I deeply apologize for that."

"You warned me."

"I did."

Octavian rubbed his eyes and watched as she laid down on her side, drawing her legs up into a loose fetal position. Following his instincts, he laid down next to her on his back, amused at the way his feet hung ever so slightly over the edge of the mattress. She moved closer and raised his arm just enough for her to slip underneath, her head going to where his calming heart was beating. Giving into the impulse, he pressed a tender kiss to her temple and she squeezed him just enough for him to feel it but to not be in pain.

"Is it all right if I rest here for a while?"

"More than all right. Mid won't be back for another 2 hours and curfew isn't for another 6."

"Mm…Mandi?"

"Yes?"

"What do we do now?"

"The only logical thing to do. We take it a day at a time and see where it goes."

"I like that idea."

"So do I…Octy?"

"Yes?"

"Promise me that even if we don't work out and even if we do, that we'll remain friends first. Our friendship is much too precious to just discard…"

Shifting so that they laying facing each other, Octavian kissed her tenderly. Amanda let out a noise that was a cross between a moan and a purr before responding. Her tongue traced his lip gently and he parted them, allowing her access. Her left leg hitched over his hip and gentle fingers trailed up the long, strong limb, her toes curling deep into the material of his trousers. He laughed against her lips as she leveraged them forward, putting him fully underneath her. Breaking the kiss for air, she pulled out a large black corkscrew pin from her hair and it unraveled before his eyes, her eyes near black with focused want…

The door hissed open and his eyes shifted to an oblivious Midori, absorbed in whatever was on her PADD.

"Mandi, are you in…oh."

She was the epitome of Vulcan calm and dignity, only a faint green tint to her cheeks betraying any hint of emotion. Mid's wide eyes flicked between them and the bed before she just shrugged, heading for the closet.

"Hello.", she greeted.

"Hello.", they replied in unison.

"I take it that you two finally talked?"

"We did."

"And?"

"In the words of Aunt Carol, we're going to make a go of it.", Amanda declared with a prim nod.

"Really?"

"Yes."

Midori grinned and started jumping up and down in place, an actual squeal escaping her.

"I'm so proud of you, Mandi. Both of you. You'll be great together."

"From your mouth to God's ears…Mid, we're kind of in the middle of something right now.", Octavian commented meaningfully, jerking his head towards the door.

"Ah, yes. Don't mind me. I just came back to get my katana. Cassius and I are sparring.", she replied cheerfully, shaking the retracted blade slightly.

"Is that what they're calling it nowadays?", Amanda called after her with an 'innocently' raised brow.

"Shut up, Mandi!", she hollered before the door hissed shut behind her.

"Apparently, yes.", she deadpanned, setting them both off into deep mirth.

~*Vulcan Translations (Found on the VLD) *~

kash-nohv: mind meld

Pa'nar Syndrome: an incurable degradation of the synaptic pathways caused by a telepathic practice

k'diwa:shortened form of address for beings who are each other's k'hat'n'dlawa; equated to the Terran term "beloved"