A/N: I can't believe this is it! 6 months of work and 70,000 words later, I've finally finished a story. It's been quite a journey, but I'm satisfied where it's ending. I may choose to continue it in the future or even write a sequel. It's been amazing to rediscover my love of writing, just for me, even if nobody else reads it. I appreciate the support on the story.

While Vulcan would have reached its warm rainy season, Earth grew cold. Nia pulled her jacket tighter around her as a chill broke through the numbness. SHe took one last look around her childhood bedroom in the house she grew up in before taking her suitcase and rolling it out to the stairs. It didn't feel like home anymore. She couldn't see the mountains in the red sunset anymore, or hear the sehlats howling in the distance. The call of the mal-tor-pah didn't greet her when she walked outside in the morning. Her cousins didn't ask her how she'd slept.

Pushing her thoughts away before she began to feel again, she dragged her suitcase down the stairs. She found dark humor in the fact that she'd wished for jeans and a T-shirt a week ago, but now she'd give anything to be able to go back home and wear her robes.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, her father came out of the kitchen and back into the living room. At a glance, he almost appeared human in his winter coat, hat, jeans, and sturdy boots. The news had nearly broken her and she couldn't imagine the pain her father must feel, though he never showed it to her. Instead, they'd both retreated despite being all they had left of their clan. He meditated for hours in the evening and Nia lost herself in old movies and shows that had brought her comfort as a child. Guilt tightened her throat when she saw the darkness under his eyes.

"Do you have everything you need?" He asked.

"I think so." She sighed. A thin layer of dust coated most of the surfaces in the house and she could hear the wind whining through some small slit in the windows. He nodded and walked back towards the front door, his boots heavy on the hard floor. Her cousin's face floated through her mind and how proud he'd been of himself to begin his kahs-wan. She shook her head again.

A cold breeze flushed her cheeks as they walked to the car — still running to stay warm. After loading her bag, she sat in the passenger seat. She was emotionally exhausted already. Though she'd been sleeping a lot she never felt truly rested. She leaned her head against the window as he pulled out of the driveway. Leaving didn't hurt. It didn't feel like home anymore anyway.

They sat silently. Nia picked at her dinner mostly, though her father wasn't much better. Mostly, he was grateful she ate anything and had chosen to sit with him. Their room was small, but they were fortunate enough to even get a room. The Vulcan embassy had been inundated with refugees following the attack. Until an apartment or house could be found, the hotel was their temporary home.

The meal, a spicy and flavorful veggie curry from a place down the road, seemed bland. She'd managed a few bites before to lessen the guilt when she felt her father's eyes on her.

"Nia, tomorrow we will go to the gardens downtown." He left no room for argument.

"Okay." She agreed. There was more silence as she nibbled on a piece of pepper.

"I understand how you feel." He broke the silence again. Nia paused the hole she'd buried the rest of her pepper in. She knew he did. He was probably even more affected than she'd been. "It is painful and difficult. It is easier to push away and shut down what you are feeling rather than face those difficult feelings and begin healing." He continued. She looked up and saw him clench his fork tightly as he looked down at his food.

"I have lost many I care about." He finally looked her in the eyes. "But I'm thankful I at least have you still." They sat like this for a moment and Nia could feel her throat constrict as tears built up. She looked down at food again and swallowed hard.

"I'm here. And when you are ready, I'll still be here if you want to speak." He put a lid on his food and placed it in the mini fridge.

"I'm going to meditate. Please stay here." He waited until she nodded in agreement before leaving, though she didn't understand the need for him to say it. Where would she go? She'd been more or less glued to her bed.

Once he was gone, Nia boxed up her food and placed it in the mini fridge. Pulling up a random movie on her tablet, she cozied herself under the covers of her bed. She couldn't bear the thought of seeing the news. The first few days it was all she did. She was hopeful that someone she knew had survived. 3 days straight of fruitlessly scanning the list of names the Vulcan Embassy updated every day had broken her down. As the intro played, she yawned. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep again.

A ringing caught her attention somewhere in her dreamless sleep. Rubbing her eyes, she was grateful that she hadn't dreamed of their faces again. She squinted at the unfamiliar number that scrolled across the screen. She must have taken too long to answer, because the call ended before she could answer. Her movie resumed and she lay her head back down. If it were important they'd leave a message or call back. Not even a minute later, the same number flashed across her screen as they called back. Confused, she sat up and answered the call. Video calls had been disabled on most devices due to lack of bandwidth until things could be adjusted to take the influx of refugees into account.

"…. hello?" Her voice was a little hoarse from sleep.

"Nia?" A familiar voice cut through the fog of sleep and sent a jolt through her. She didn't want to hope… "It's good to hear your voice." He sounded relieved.

"Torin?" She whispered, gripping the comforter tightly.

"Yes."

She let out the breath she'd been holding and covered her hands over her eyes in sudden relief.

"Nia, are you there?" He asked. She could hear a mild panic in his voice.

"Yes, I'm here." She answered quickly, her voice shaking a little. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear your voice." She half laughed and half cried.

"I think I have some idea." He joked. Nia giggled and somehow kept it from devolving into a sob.

"I thought you and everyone else…"

"I know, I know." He soothed. Guilt quickly followed. She'd lost so much family that she'd only recently rediscovered. It felt wrong to feel even a little happy. "I was with the children I tutor. We were fortunate enough to make it to an escape pod. It started in Shi Kahr. It gave us a little extra time…" he trailed off. She could hear the guilt in his voice and couldn't imagine struggling to acknowledge your own survival while billions died.

"Where are you now?" She asked. She mentally calculated how upset her father would be if she left tonight to go to Torin.

"After registering at the Vulcan embassy, I was sent, along with the students until any surviving family is found, to a temporary shelter in Texas." There was noise around Torin and he muted himself for a moment.

"Torin?" She asked.

"My apologies, I'm here."

"Where in Texas are you? I'm in Arkansas, we could be close." Anticipation made her impatient as already started forming plans.

"There is other news." He changed the subject suddenly.

"What? Is something wrong?" She wasn't sure she could take any more sudden news.

"Nia?" A relieved voice came over the call now.

"T'Mir?" She gasped. "I'm so glad to hear your voice too!" She was fully crying now.

The door opened and her father walked in, stopping immediately in his tracks when he saw her crying on the bed. He heard T'Mir ask if Nia was okay and walked quickly over to where the tablet sat. He sat on the edge of the bed and turned the tablet to face them both before speaking hastily in Vulcan. Nia didn't mind, it gave her a moment to compose herself. Her father turned to her after a few minutes and spoke.

"Torin has been given priority due to the children in his care. There is one other adult assisting him, however they have been informed there is a home they will be moved into until they are able to procure permanent lodging themselves. Or until all the children are in the care of their family."

Nia recalled the young students she'd seen the day of her test, when he'd tried teaching her to draw. Guiltily, she reflected on how young they were to have lost everything.

"Dad, when can we go see them? We could leave tonight." She offered. Now, hope gave her energy and she suddenly couldn't bare the thought of staying in the claustrophobic room any longer.

"No, not tonight." T'Mir spoke up.

"Why?" Nia protested.

"We're currently staying in a large building with multiple others. We haven't received lodging information yet and will no until, at the earliest, tomorrow. Even then, we cannot guarantee when we will get it. For now, we have to stay where we are, as should you two." Torin cut in.

"Torin?" Her father asked.

"Yes?" Torin spoke briefly with him in Vulcan. Already tired of being left from the conversation, Nia jumped in again.

"So when?"

"We can visit them once things have calmed down." Her father looked towards her as he spoke. Nia sighed deeply at this and disappointment cut deep. Despite the good news that they were alive, she couldn't hide her upset at not being with them. Silently, she pouted.

After a minute she looked up and saw her father observing her.

"T'Mir, do you have any contact information you can forward me so I may call you privately?" He asked.

"Yes, I'll forward it." Shortly after, her tablet pinged. Her father must have forwarded the information to himself because he put hers down, walked over to grab his own, and headed towards the door.

"I'll speak with you later, Nia." T'Mir said.

"I will be back." He called as he left. Nia realized then that he was giving her the privacy to speak to Torin alone. Smiling gratefully, she readjusted herself to a more comfortable position.

Then, there was silence.

Nia suddenly felt self-conscious and didn't know what to say. What do you say to someone you thought dead? Taking a deep breath she broke the silence.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what to say. I think I'm just still in shock." She admitted. She picked at a loose thread on the comforter as she spoke.

"I understand." He was quiet, hesitating, before speaking again in a soft voice. "I'm sorry you can't come immediately. I wish you could as well." His words sent a warmth through her that settled nicely in her stomach.

"I missed you too. I… I was starting to lose hope. I was devastated when I heard the news. Knowing you and T'Mir are alive have helped more than you know." She quietly admitted.

"I have not heard anything from anyone in my clan yet. It has been… difficult. But the children have given me a purpose, which helps. Knowing you are alive eases me as well." His voice became strained as he spoke and Nia wanted nothing more than to comfort him. While she hadn't known him long, she felt like she'd known him her whole life. They'd grown close quickly.

"I'm sorry Torin. How are the children doing?"

"As well as they can. It is… an adjustment. I am thankful to have another adult with me to assist." He sighed. They sat in silence again, though this one less awkward — mainly taking in each other's presence again. Nia laid down, the tablet resting beside her head.

"I wish we could video chat." She mumbled.

"As do I." He agreed.

"What's the first thing you want to do when we finally come to visit?" Nia asked suddenly.

"Can you clarify your question? With you? Or in general?" He asked.

"With me? What would you do with me?" Nia asked. There was silence over the call and Nia realized how it sounded and covered her mouth.

"I mean… that's not what I…" She stuttered.

"Would you like me to answer?" He interrupted. She felt her face flush hotly and the warmth spread down her neck into her chest. She had the overwhelming feeling she was quickly treading into unfamiliar territory. But, curiosity got the better of her. Biting her lip in thought, she knew she couldn't keep him waiting. And her father would be back soon.

"I would like to know." She answered. Her heart sped up and she sat up, holding the tablet with both hands in anticipation. She could practically see the almost-smile on his lips, one eyebrow lifted in amusement.

"I believe the customary greeting would be a kiss." He answered. She felt the same warmth from before spread throughout. For a moment, she felt like a normal girl talking to her boyfriend and flirting. Torin must have felt similarly. Nia clung to the tentative normalcy.

"I wasn't aware it was customary on Vulcan to kiss in greeting." Nia teased.

"Are you referring to a human kiss or a Vulcan kiss?"

"Human."

"I see. I confess I have not experienced a human version of a kiss, but I am interested in further research." Nia laughed outright at his bold statement.

"Well I look forward to providing any research assistance you may need."

"Be cautious in what you promise." He warned, though she could hear the flirty tease in his voice. Nia covered her blushing face with her hand.

"True. Maybe I don't know what I promised. It's an area I'm lacking in." She confessed. This seemed to surprise him.

"I apologize if I have been too forward. It is not my intention to make you uncomfortable."

"No, no! You haven't, I promise."

"Please tell me if I cross any boundaries." He insisted.

"I will, I promise." She smiled. "When do you think things will calm down?"

"I'm not sure. I will look into my housing arrangements tomorrow. We must be patient in the meantime."

"That's difficult." Nia sighed.

"I know."

"I have to leave soon." She could hear the reluctance in his voice to admit it.

"Oh. Okay." She tried not to let her disappointment show in her voice, but he knew her well enough at this point to easily catch it.

"We will meet again soon. I promise."

Loneliness began to fill in the cracks where warmth had given her renewed hope.

"I know. It's really admirable of you to take care of those boys." She added.

"To have your admiration is an accomplishment." The earnest way he spoke made her smile. She closed her eyes and soaked in the warmth of his voice.

"Flatterer." She joked.

"It is the truth. But I must go now. I will call you again tomorrow if the signal allows."

"I'll look forward to it." She wanted to say it. Her heart sped up, those 3 words on the tip of her tongue. Instead, she said "goodbye." It felt awkward and formal.

She stared at her screen for a few minutes after the call ended. Not much later, her father returned.

"Are you well?" He asked, seeing her sitting on the bed with her tablet blank.

"Yeah." She sighed. "I'm okay. Maybe even a little happy." She climbed off the bed and stood by her father who, for the first time in a week, looked relieved.

"I feel like I need to say sorry." Nia cautiously began.

"You have nothing to apologize for."

"Maybe not to you, but I feel like I need to say it." She paused to gather her thoughts. "I know it's been hard on you too. I'm sorry I pushed you away. It was just… hard. I lost the place I'd just started seeing as home." She began to tear up and nearly stopped. Before she could make an excuse to go to the bathroom, her father reached out and pulled her into a hug. He held her tightly and it only took a moment for Nia to return the embrace.

Her father pulled into the driveway, next to another vehicle already parked. In her excitement to see their new home, Nia paid no attention to it.

The house had a stone facade and reminded her vaguely of the clan home, though surrounded by more green and far more flat. There were similar stone pathways in the gravel with similar scrubby bushes. It had plenty of windows to allow natural light. It was their new home, for now.

"Are we here?" Nia asked eagerly.

"Yes."

"As soon as the words left her father's lips, Nia was pushing the door open. While not a ton of large, open land was available, they'd secured a nice plot of land and a house to go with it in rural Texas, courtesy of the Vulcan embassy. The front door opened and T'Mir stood in the doorway. Without hesitating, she ran as fast as her jellied legs would allow and threw herself at T'Mir into a hug. It was happily returned.

"Go through the living room into the kitchen." She whispered. Releasing her, Nia gave her a confused look.

"Trust me." T'Mir gently pushed her towards the front door. Confused but compliant, she went inside while T'Mir walked over to her father.

The living room was simple. The lack of decoration made the space feel like it came straight from a catalog. Texas was still cooler than Vulcan, but the warmer climate was appreciated. A doorway to her left was ajar and Nia could see stairs leading up to the second floor. If she remembered correctly, there were four bedrooms and two full bathrooms upstairs.

She strolled into the kitchen to the left of the den area and stopped. Torin turned towards her from the counter where apples, carrots, and cucumbers lay on a cutting board. She stood in shock for a moment, not anticipating seeing him today as they moved into their new home. It didn't last long and she launched herself at him. She gripped him tight and he readily embraced her with equal vigor, pulling her tightly against him. He leaned down and rested his nose in her hair while she leaned her head against his chest, soaking in his warmth and comfort where their bodies touched. He smelled like incense, smokey and fragrant. They remained like this, taking in each other, silently voicing their relief in surviving.

He gently pulled back and rested his hands on her upper arms to keep her close.

"What are you doing here?" Nia asked breathlessly. He rubbed circles with his thumb as he scanned her face.

"Would you prefer I leave?" He asked quietly.

"No!" She could sense his amusement at her quick response.

"T'Mir arranged this…surprise." He clarified. "I wanted to assist in helping you settle. I came early and assisted in carrying in the furniture."

"That's sweet of you. I'm happy to see you." She smiled. His gentle, absentminded caresses were beginning to distract her and she felt her chest warm. Her thoughts drifted back to their conversation a few weeks ago.

"So.." she trailed off. He raised an eyebrow at her questioningly.

"So?"

"So, here we are… greeting one another." She could see the realization light up on his face and, perhaps, a slight green flush.

"Yes. I have thought of our conversation frequently. Would you care to help further my research?" He asked. Anticipating her response, he leaned a little closer, though there wasn't much to begin with.

"I'd be happy to assist you. It's the least I can do after all you've done." She teased. The corners of his eyes wrinkled lightly as his lips turned up in a faint smile. His eyes remained on hers as he leaned in, closing them as their lips touched.

Nia had considered how kissing might work with Vulcans being touch telepaths. She had been ready for discomfort and even pain, her past experience coloring her perception. She'd even worried about casting her thoughts to him unintentionally and ruining the moment with some random thought. But she was caught off guard by how good it felt.

There was no discomfort or pain. She could sense him at the edge of her mind, sense the shield around his own mind as well as his own surprise. Grief hid away in the corner of his mind, strong, but pushed back by the emotions he felt for her in the moment. It was a dizzying experience.

His hand rose to cradle the base of her head while the other remained on her arm. Nia rested one hand on his hip while gripping his shoulder with the other, not realizing how tightly she held him. The kisses started light and tentative, each adjusting to the new experience, but the warmth grew into a heat the longer they touched — never raising to discomfort.

He pushed more firmly on her head, deepening the kiss. His own desire echoed inside her. She pressed closer to him as he moved his hand from her arm to the small of her back and she could feel the warmth spread into her stomach and further-

Torin broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers, his hand coming to rest on her cheek. He lightly rubbed his thumb against her skin, sending tingles down her spine as she leaned into his touch as they caught their breath. She could feel their brief connection start to ebb away and she already missed the closeness she'd gotten a taste of.

The sound of the front door opening made Nia jump and pull away. Reluctantly, Torin released his hold.

"So." Nia cleared her throat and prayed her face didn't appear as flushed as it felt. Torin looked her over, lingering on her lips, before finally speaking.

"I'm making the children a snack, if you would like to assist."

"Of course.'' Nia joined him at the counter, having found another knife, and began cutting up an apple into slices while Torin sliced the cucumber. She felt hyper aware of his movement and how close he stood and tried to clear her head.

"So did that little girl end up with her sister?"

"Yes. All that remain are the two brothers." He placed the sliced cucumber on a plate before grabbing the washed and peeled carrots. "They trust me. I am willing to keep them with me until family can be found."

"You're a good person for that." Nia said quietly. She looked up at him and he paused arranging the carrots. Nia could feel herself lean towards him.

"Your luggage is in." Her father spoke as he entered the kitchen. He eyed the lack of space between them. Quickly getting the message, he grabbed the apple slices off Nia's cutting board and slid them onto the plate. Picking up the tray he greeted her father.

"Good afternoon sir." He nodded respectfully as he spoke before exiting out the back door onto the patio where the two young boys sat reading.

"Nia, would you like me to show you to the bedrooms?" T'Mir joined them in the kitchen.

"One moment please, T'Mir." Her father interrupted, "Perhaps you can finish unpacking your things and Nia will join you momentarily. I trust you will have no need of my assistance?" He gave her a pointed look that Nia didn't understand. Seemingly unbothered, T'Mir bowed her head slightly.

"No, uncle. Thank you for your assistance." She glanced at Nia quickly before leaving again. Her father took a few steps towards her and gathered his thoughts.

"Nia, I understand you… may have missed Torin…" Nia swore his face flushed green.

"Dad, I know." Nia raised her hand to interrupt him. "It was just one kiss." She defended. His eyebrows shot up, caught off guard by her open confession. "I know how be careful. Believe it or not, the educational system on Earth has a very comprehensive sex education-"

"Perhaps," he interrupted, "you should go assist T'Mir." Smiling at her ability to successfully change the conversation, she left to find T'Mir. Behind her, she heard the door open and shut.

Unsurprisingly, T'Mir waited at the bottom of the stairs for her.

"Do you think he'll lecture Torin about…you know…" Nia whispered. She sensed amusement from T'Mir.

"Possibly."

Nia chewed her lip nervously. That would be an uncomfortable conversation later, she was certain. "Let's take your things up."

T'Mir sat at the desk watching Nia unpack. A quiet melancholy had overtaken the room once their amusement of the situation wore off.

"Are you okay?" Nia asked. T'Mir was quiet.

"I am uncertain." She admitted. "It is something that will take time." Nia looked down at her hands folded in her lap as she sat on the edge of her too-soft bed. T'Mir had lost her parents, her little brother, friends, and the rest of their family. And they'd both lost Satok.

Nia thought about how hard it would be if she'd lost her father. There was no hope of her younger brother having survived the attack. He'd been in the wilderness on his Kahs-Wan when it happened.

The only other family that possibly survived would be their cousin N'Vea, her husband Turak, and their 5 year old daughter Saya. They'd been at the hospital. N'Vea had been getting a check up, having recently announced to the clan she was pregnant. Though, her father had tried to temper their optimism and urged them not to have high hopes, as much as it pained him. Nevertheless, every day she and T'Mir checked the Vulcan Embassy site for the daily survivor update.

Grief began to settle in her chest. Poor Senak had been alone in the wilderness. She thought of how scared and confused he must have been. Tears welled in her eyes. Then there was Satok. They'd only just rekindled their friendship and he and T'Mir has practically been engaged.

The bed sank as T'Mir sat next to her and linked her arm around Nia's.

"Entire clans have been wiped out. I have lost a lot." She spoke quietly and Nia could hear her voice catch towards the end.

"We all have. But I'm thankful to have some family to support me."

Nia couldn't hold back anymore. She leaned her head on T'Mir and gently held onto her arm.

"I'm thankful for that too." Nia agreed. They sat silently together for a while before T'Mir broke their reverie.

"Let's discuss something more positive." Sitting up, Nia wiped her eyes.

"Okay… So why did my father give you that look earlier?"

"I may have had unnecessary requests for assistance in order to give you time with Torin." She admitted. Nia giggled.

"Thanks. But he tried to give me the 'safe sex talk' because of you." T'Mir raised an eyebrow at Nia.

"I did nothing. It was you who were caught doing something that required that conversation, in his opinion."

"We were just standing close together!" T'Mir clearly didn't believe Nia's protests.

"We just kissed." She admitted, though T'Mir looked dubious.

"I cannot fault you for that given the circumstances."

"I just don't know how he knew we did something."

"He probably smelled Torin on you." The casual tone of her voice as she spoke contrasted sharply with the look of shock on Nia's face. "You are also unskilled at shielding your thoughts and emotions. He likely sensed your…interaction." She added.

"What do you mean he smelled Torin on me?" Nia sputtered.

"Vulcan's have a sensitive sense of smell. It is an evolutionary adaptation in order to find water." Nia felt her face grow hot in embarrassment. "Nobody has ever explained this to you, truly?" T'Mir asked.

"No." Nia rubbed her face. "Well, anyway, thanks regardless. It was nice to speak with him alone in person."

"Of course. We are family." T'Mir's expression softened.

"Let's go downstairs. I'll finish this later."

At the front door, Valok finished tying his boots as Nia and T'Mir approached.

"Dad, where are you going?"

"I've received word that N'Vea, Turak, and Saya are alive and well. They've secured use of a transporter. I'm on my way to retrieve them." Standing now, he shrugged on a jacket.

"That's fantastic!" Nia exclaimed.

"I'm unsure when I will be back. I transferred credits to your account for groceries if needed." Without waiting for a response, he left.

Torin walked in, two young boys trailing behind him. Her heart fluttered when his eyes met hers.

"Guess we're sharing a room again T'Mir." Nia smiled.

Warmth and contentness filled Nia. The outdoor dining table on the back patio was only just large enough to hold them all. Turak, N'Vea, and Saya sat close together. Tucked under Saya's arm was a hand-sewn stuffed sehlat, given to her by a kindly human grandmother during their time in the refugee housing. Her parents had elected to allow the comfort object, having nothing left of Vulcan but the clothes on their back.

Torin sat flanked by the two boys, while Nia sat across from him sandwiched between T'Mir and her father. Nia glanced up and met Torin's eyes. She gave a small smile when the younger of the two, Zerin, asked him if he was certain broccoli was safe to eat. Solen, the older, dutifully reminded him of it's important nutritional value. She drifted back to the conversation she'd had with her father earlier. There was talk of moving Torin and the boys in since they were now clanless.

Saya, having been too young to receive any formal training on meditation and emotional control, giggled loudly as she fed veggies to her sehlat. This was as close to normal as any of them had ever had in nearly two months.

Content, Nia leaned back in her chair. With time,things would become easier. This was a new normal she could get used to.

A/N: And there we have it folks. Again, thank you for the support and staying with it this long with me.