AN: Okay. So. Around the middle of December something happened with my laptop's boot sectors and I had to reformat my drive. In the weeks since, I have been trying to get the entire system I have up and running again. Thankfully, I seem to have done it now. So this update is dedicated to Myrrh, my tech-support junkie. This update is also dedicated to Zelda12343 and IchigoPudding, who have read and reviewed all the chapters of this story. Thanks you two.

Pavel obediently trailed after the taller male. The asphalt of the parking lot scorched the soles of his bare feet as they walked. A simple black towncar was waiting for them, a man that was presumably the driver standing at the passenger side door. The driver had scruffy blonde hair and blue eyes that latched curiously onto Pavel's naked form.

"Thank you for waiting, James."

"Of course, Master Spock." The blonde man inclined his head and opened the door. "Will the boy be riding with you, or is he walking behind the car?"

Spock's implacable black eyes turned and looked Pavel over. The slave ducked his head, looking down at his bare toes.

"He will ride with me, James. I will not make him walk barefoot."

"As you wish, sir." Spock slipped easily into the car and motioned for Pavel to step in after him. It was a relief to have soft, luxurious carpet under his feet instead of scorching pavement.

Pavel almost made it onto the seat before Spock's fingers dug into the wounds on his back, sending him to his knees. "On the floor, boy."

"Y-yes Master," he gasped out, his gaze turning to the carpeted floor of the car.

The car hummed to life under them as Pavel sank to his knees. The engine practically purred as the towncar pulled out of the lot, carrying Pavel away from the home he had known for the past few months. He stared down at the carpeted floor, not sure if he should cry at the loss or for the fact that he was out of there.

Spock rested one hand on the boy's tousled curls. Pavel's head snapped up, blue-green eyes startled and wide. "You will not have to return there, boy. You are away from that life now."

"I understand, Master."

Spock's almost emotionless face twitched into something that was almost a smile, and the hand on Pavel's head withdrew. "You may rest, if you wish. The drive is long, and James is not a fast traveller."

Pavel curled up on his side and pillowed his head on his arms. With a glance up to the dark-haired, impeccably groomed male sitting over him, he closed his eyes and surrendered himself to sleep.