Merry Christmas, my present to you a sweet little bit of Salen/Joanna fuff. Hugs to you all!!!
Chapter Eight
"Joanna?"
Joanna startled at hearing her name. Turning around she discovered one of the other medical students standing behind her. She smiled and tried to play off being caught off guard, but it didn't work. Her friend gave her a critical look of medical disapproval.
"You've been really jumpy lately." Diane commented.
"It's nothing."
"What happened to your lip?"
"I said it's nothing." Joanna self consciously rubbed at the spot where Salen had bitten her.
"Did someone do that to you?" Diane pressed. "You've been acting a little 'off' for the past few days."
"It was just a little misunderstanding."
"It was Langin, wasn't it? That bastard bit you and you decked him."
"What? No. What are you talking about?"
"Langin came in here beaten bloody, but he won't tell anyone how it happened."
"I wish it had been me. That guy's an asshole."
"No arguments here." Diane smiled. "But you're sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine, really."
"Okay."
The truth was that Joanna was not as stable as she wanted her classmate to believe. Her mind kept wandering back to Salen. She hadn't heard from him in nearly a week and she was starting to worry about him. The past few nights she'd had nightmares about not being strong enough to free herself from his amorous attack. He had begged her for her forgiveness and she had gladly given it to him, but that was the last she'd heard from him.
Joanna hated that she had conflicting emotions over the fact that he hadn't come to see her. She knew he was back at the Academy, she had looked up his status in the medical computer. Part of her missed him, the other part was afraid that whatever had caused him to attack her would happen again. She had the sudden realization that maybe Salen was afraid of the exact same thing.
"I wish I could help you." Joanna sighed to herself.
Having just pulled an all night shift at seven am Joanna was more than ready to go back to her dorm and sleep the rest of the day away. Getting to her room she kicked off her shoes and fell into bed fully dressed in her uniform. She quickly fell asleep. It seemed like only seconds later that the door communicator buzzed.
"Go away." Joanna muttered at the intruder.
"Yes, of course, I...I am sorry." A mournful voice replied over the intercom. "I will not bother you again."
"Salen?" Joanna jumped out of bed. "Wait!"
By the time Joanna made it downstairs to the door Salen had already started walking away. She called out for him to stop and he turned around. Joanna smiled brightly, and Salen rewarded her with a shy smile of his own. He had a bag slung over his shoulder that he was carrying as though it held something delicate.
"Salen, come back here."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course."
"I just wanted to apologize...again."
"Come inside, please."
"I should not," Salen flushed slightly "but I would like to."
Joanna held her hand out to encourage Salen to step closer. He approached her, but did not take her hand. Understanding she turned around and lead him up to her room. Her heart was racing as she sat down on the bed, quickly rethinking that move she got back to her feet. Salen didn't seem to know where to stand either.
"This is silly." Joanna sighed.
"You have every right to be afraid of me. My conduct is unforgivable."
"I already forgave you."
"And for that I am grateful. However, I believe I must ask for it once again once you know the truth."
"You told me you were sick...is that true?"
"Yes and no."
With his eyes locked on the floor Salen told Joanna the truth about pon farr and the true reason for his journey to Natala. Joanna couldn't hide her shock at hearing that Salen was suddenly going to be a father. At first she was a little hurt to hear that Salen had lied about running off to have sex with a stranger, but she could see how miserable it had made him. As he finished his explanation Salen looked as though he expected her to come over and beat him.
"I felt that you deserved the truth." Salen whispered with his head still bowed. "I understand if you wish me to leave you alone."
"Well, if I understand this correctly I'm safe for another seven years." Joanna tried to sound light hearted.
"You are safe forever. Now that I understand this need I will ensure that you are out of harm's way the next time I lose my mind."
"At least we have some time to plan next time."
"Does this mean I still have your forgiveness?"
"Yes, Salen."
"Your answer pleases me."
"I'm just glad you came back."
"I promised you I would." Salen brought his dark eyes up to meet her aqua ones. "Besides, I still can not swim."
Joanna chuckled and Salen visibly relaxed. She offered to take the bag he was holding onto so that he could stay awhile. Salen gasped as though he had forgotten something. He carefully set the bag down and knelt down to rummage through it. Finding his prize he looked up at Joanna with a nervous smile.
"I have brought you a gift."
"A gift?"
"Yes."
Salen lifted a crystal ball out of his bag that was about the size of a large grapefruit. Standing up he offered it to her. Joanna gasped in shock as she realized what it was. What she had thought was crystal was actually a round glittering forcefield. Suspended inside was a small plant with four broad deep green leaves and a single stalk that held five perfect bright purple flowers.
Joanna was almost hesitant to take the delicate plant from him. When she could see that Salen was becoming nervous again she reached out and gently took the orb. Holding it close to her chest she gazed at the stunning flowers. There was a small amount of clear gel that surrounded the plant's tendril like roots. The container was self sustaining and the tiny plant could survive for decades incased inside without care.
"Salen...it's beautiful."
"You like it?"
"I love it."
"It was the only purple one the grower had. He was very proud of it."
"He should be, this is a very rare orchid. It must have cost a fortune."
"Being an Admiral's son has its advantages." Salen smiled.
"It is amazing, thank you so much. How did you know I love orchids? Did my father tell you?"
"No, I am fairly certain Dr. McCoy wishes me to stay far away from you. It was Captain Kirk who told me that you enjoy purple orchids."
"My mother used to grow them."
Joanna carefully set the orchid down on her window sill where it could soak up the morning sun. She walked back over to Salen and pushed herself up on her tip toes to kiss his cheek. Salen smiled and reached up to brush her hair out of her eyes. Joanna put her hand on his chest, noting the fact that she couldn't feel his heartbeat since his heart was down lower in his ribs. He took a step back to break contact with her.
"Salen?"
"I do not understand the emotions I have when I am with you."
"Oh?" Joanna asked.
"It is a unique mixture of serenity, exhilaration...and fear. No one else has ever affected me this way."
"As long as you enjoy it."
"It may sound illogical, but I enjoy the sensation immensely."
"Salen, will you teach me something?" Joanna asked suddenly.
"Of course."
"How do Vulcans kiss?"
The tips of Salen's ears turned green and the scars on his face practically started to glow. He hesitated for a moment before holding his hand up with his index and middle finger extended. Joanna mimicked his hand position and waited for the next cue. Salen stared at her delicate hand before gently brushing his fingers against hers.
Joanna could see the effect the subtle contact had on Salen. He closed his eyes and took a deep slow breath. Joanna found the touch to be surprisingly intimate. She drew the edge of her fingers against his which sent the young Vulcan into a light trance. She could see the tension leaving his taunt shoulder muscles. Joanna smiled and move in closer.
"I enjoy seeing you this relaxed."
"I did not know that this was so enjoyable." Salen admitted.
"Wait...you've never kissed a girl?"
"Not like this."
Feeling her heart beginning to race once more Joanna dared to close the small space the separated them. Salen wasn't the only one who experienced the odd mix of pleasure and anxiety when they were together. Keeping their hands in contact she nuzzled his cheek so that he would bring his head up slightly.
Allowing her to guide him into a more traditional human kiss Salen returned the affection with a touch of hesitation. Chuckling quietly at Salen's innocents Joanna took the lead and increased the passion behind the kiss. When she broke away from his lips Salen was panting slightly for breath, but he had a smile on his face.
"Did you enjoy that?" Joanna asked quietly.
"Very much." Salen admit. "Would you be interested in having dinner tonight?"
"Like a date?"
"Is that what it is called?"
"Yes."
"In that case: yes, like a date."
"I would love to. Perhaps we can take a swim afterward."
"I would like that." Salen nodded. He glanced over at the clock strip and muttered a quiet curse.
"Something wrong?"
"I have a meeting at 0900."
"You'd better get going then."
"I am not even sure if I want to go."
"Is it important?"
"It might be."
"Then you should go."
"I have heard it said that humans kiss for 'luck', perhaps..."
Before Salen could finish Joanna cut him off with a kiss that was a little more involved than ones given for luck. Salen didn't know the difference and enthusiastically accepted her touch. Fearing she was going to make him late to his meeting Joanna put her palms on his chest and pushed him away. Unlike last time he was easily pushed back.
"Good luck, Salen."
"I will see you tonight."
"I can't wait."
