Disclaimer: I don't own "Star Trek Enterprise" or any of its characters, wishful thinking aside.

Authors Note #1: This is a Soval x Amanda Cole fic, the 4th in a series of drabbles titled: "Hearsay." This one inspired by the following prompt: "It was the most dramatic coffee shop she had ever set foot in." But can also be read as a standalone fic.

Warnings: mild language, canon appropriate violence, drama, mild flirting, other Vulcans being dicks.

Animus

It was the most dramatic coffee shop she had ever set foot in. That was the first thought that managed to permeate through the heavy gravity, heat haze and the sudden knowledge that absolutely every Vulcan inside was looking at them.

The second was it wasn't actually a coffee shop. It was a tea shop. And frankly, everything from the elegant silk bags and piles of aromatic leaves to the clothes everyone was wearing told her she could probably afford about a single fucking cup in the entire place.

But before she could back out, Soval's hand brushed her lower back. Encouraging her forward so he could enter behind her, apparently unmoved by the fact that the entire shop was still staring. Expression serene and unflappable as he signaled to someone she couldn't make out. Forcing her to slip off her sunglasses and slowly get used to the low amber lights.

She was quiet as she observed the dynamics of the room. Aware of how much power and respect there was behind Soval's reputation when the owner came to greet them personally. Bowing respectfully and greeting her in the Vulcan way as she mirrored it and inclined her head. Showing them to a secluded corner booth as the weight of a couple dozen eyes followed them openly. Not impolite. But clearly curious.

"You are uncomfortable," he observed when they were alone. The cool, red-stone walls disgustingly complimentary when set against his tan robes. Looking like a god damned Vulcan vision while she quietly sweated her ass off. Feeling about ready to fling herself into the nearest lake - which Soval had pointed out was actually acid, so- go figure. "Would you like to leave?"

She shook her head automatically, pride bristling.

"It's not that, lookie-loos I can deal with. But when I said lets stop for a drink, I guess I had something a bit more...affordable in mind," she admitted. Longing for her old watering-holes in San Francisco and Boston. Places where cheap beer was always the flavor of the month and everyone knew everyone's name.

"You are my guest," Soval told her, tone probably as near a frown as he'd ever get. "I brought you here so you could experience what is perhaps the finest Vulcan tea in the capital. As for the cost, it is of no concern. I am a regular customer and money is of little object in my clan."

She raised her eyebrow.

With anyone else she would have figured they were bragging or trying to impress her.

But not Soval.

This was just a statement of a fact.

Still, must be nice.

"I appreciate it," she answered. "I just didn't want you to think I was taking advantage."

"You are not," he answered swiftly, like that settled things. "It is my wish to provide."

The last part seemed formal somehow. Almost ceremonial. But before she had a chance to ask, the owner swept over with a jug of water and two clay mugs.

She was in love with this place already.

She busied herself with her mug while Soval and the owner spoke quietly in Vulcan before she nodded and moved away again. Long robes swirling in a way she couldn't help but watch. Seeing a clear difference in the quality of the cloth in this sector of the city as apposed to the clothing worn near the embassy.

"What was that about?" she asked, trying not to drink the contents of her mug in one shot. Reminded of the briefing before she left. Vulcans were kind of weird when it came to water. Unlike on Earth, it wasn't as common. Water was a big deal on Vulcan. As it was, she hadn't had a real shower in weeks. Just sonics. Ugh.

"I took the liberty of ordering you a selection to try so you can make a decision yourself," he answered. Steepling his hands in front of him as if in deep contemplation. Looking completely unbothered by the muted hush of conversation that had slowly started up again.

"Sounds good," she replied. Quietly casing the mood of the room as a smile twitched across her face. "Though, I'm getting the impression I'm not exactly welcome here."

Soval actually bristled. Spine somehow managing to straighten impossibly more as the silver metal-work embroidered into the cuffs and collar of his robes caught the light.

"As you are no doubt aware, this particular establishment is not within the approved sector for foreigners," he admitted impassively. "It is quite possible the patrons here are unused to seeing humans, or off-worlders of any species."

She snorted softly.

She knew him well enough to know bringing her here was a statement. But of exactly what she wasn't sure. Soval could be decidedly cheeky when he wanted to be. Though, she was sure he'd take issue with the term.

"However, as my guest, save for some of our more sacred temples and military areas, you are permitted to accompany me or even move freely as you wish. Though, I would caution you against traveling without an escort. As you know, my staff and attendants are at your disposal."

Uhuh.

"I'm a big girl, I can handle myself," she reminded. Half in irritation, half teasing. Knowing Soval was well aware of that fact, but enjoying the familiar back and forth anyway.

Soval, as she was discovering, could be downright territorial sometimes.

Something which never failed to both thrill and put her back up.

God, what the hell was she doing?

Downright flirting with a Vulcan.

An Ambassador.

That was bold, even for her!

She was almost grateful when the owner, K'Tol, set a gorgeous stone tray in front of her. Displaying a perfect semi-circle of five little cups, each one steaming and fragrant.

"I'm not sure where to start," she admitted. Staring down at the small bowl inside the semi circle where an arrangement of flatbread-like crackers were half-sunk in a smooth purple jelly that smelled strangely similar to passion fruit and a granny smith apple.

"In this particular configuration, you sample from left to right," Soval informed her, gesturing at the cup nearest her left. "They range from mild to bold in that order. Typically, between each variant you take something to cleanse your palate. Such as the Plomeek flower and Rillian teaberry preserve here."

She looked over at the larger mug steaming in front of him. Openly curious.

"Which kind did you get?"

"The Tono'pak berry blend, second to the end. It is similar to your Rose Black Tea on Earth, I believe," he replied.

In the end she liked all of them except for the last one. Too bitter for her tastes. The first one however was a clear favorite. Bursting across her tongue with a thick, buttery sweetness that reminded her of real vanilla ice cream made right from the bean. Absolutely catering to her sweet tooth.

Soval seemed pleased when she made her selection and so did K'Tol. Though that might have been due to the serious heaping of praise she'd tacked on at the end. Able to say honestly that it was the best tea she'd had in her entire life.

Whoever said Vulcans were immune to flattery was a god damned idiot.

Especially considering the size of the silk bag the woman had given her to take home.

She was going to have tea coming out her ears for years.

They were discussing their plans for the evening when an unfamiliar Vulcan woman swept over to their table and greeted Soval with a familiarity that immediately put her back up.

Now, she couldn't say she was a good reader of Vulcans, per-say.

But she was a good reader of Soval.

She knew his moods and tells better than probably anyone.

And what was immediately obvious was that he was not happy to see her.

"Sorena, this is Corporal Amanda Cole, she serves with the MACO unit on board the Enterprise. She has been part of my security escort on missions and various functions numerous times." Soval answered, introducing her immediately after returning the woman's initial greeting. Tone flat, but clearly not offering to find another chair so she could join them.

Which, in her opinion, was everything she needed to know right there.

The woman nodded at her, head tilted regally, before dismissing her just as quickly.

"Surely not today, I would think? You are not in danger here, Kuramano. Unlike...some places you frequent," Sorena inferred, rich purple robes cut slim and form-hugging. Drawing the gaze to long legs, perfect hips and a slim waist. Hair swept up in an elegant knot and pinned with simple, but obviously expensive golden clips.

All in all, she was easily the most gorgeous Vulcan woman she'd ever laid eyes on.

Except, she was also the type that knew it too.

Which soured things before any good opinion could be started, to be honest.

Not that the witch had given her the opportunity to form one.

In fact, if she hadn't been so busy trying to keep her face expressionless she would have raised an eyebrow at the clear disdain dripping from the woman's voice. Okay, maybe more than just raised an eyebrow.

"Corporal Cole is my guest," Soval responded, far less patient this time. Displeased by the woman's clear jab at her and Earth. "As well as my companion this afternoon, we were just leaving."

It was like watching a bird of prey when she verbally pounced.

"A human? As your guest? That seems...irregular. Surely she would be more comfortable among her own kind, at the Terran Embassy? You are too generous, and indeed too busy to entertain such frivolities. I will speak to my father and have alternative accommodations arranged on the human's behalf."

Hold the fuck on.

But before she had a chance to open her mouth, Soval was already speaking.

"Your interference is not required," he returned bluntly. Borderline rude - for a Vulcan anyway - as they stared at one another unblinkingly. "My clan is honored by her presence. Indeed, I enjoy Corporal Cole's company. I find it most refreshing."

The women's gaze narrowed.

And that- well, suddenly all that petty bullshit made sense.

She was fishing.

She didn't know why, but that much was obvious.

This chick was looking for something, maybe an angle, maybe something worse.

But she was looking, that was for damn sure.

She considered the situation quickly. Watching them between careful sips of tea. Aware that the soft conversation in the shop had muted slightly. As if everyone was collectively holding their breath.

Who was this woman anyway?

Soval's body language was closed off, enough that she knew better than to offer anything up. Not even to explain that she was actually here to attend a workshop in Vulcan fighting techniques and they'd met by chance when she'd disembarked her shuttle. Getting the distinct impression he wanted the woman to know as little as possible.

Mum's the word.

She could work with that.

Obviously realizing this line of questioning was going no where, the woman changed tactics and turned to her. Giving her a clear once over and the distinct impression she found her wanting before she started up again.

"I see you're enjoying the slor-tukh dyrk theris-masu blend," Sorena remarked, addressing her for the first time. Something predatory and smug flickering in the back of her eyes as Soval watched them closely. Clearly ready to intervene if necessary.

"Yes, it is delicious," she answered. Almost relieved to actually get a word in edgewise. "K'Tol was kind enough to prepare me a bag to take home. My family will love it."

Sorena nodded, somehow managing to make even that look serene, before soaring in for the kill.

"Indeed, it is quite popular...with Vulcan children. It is fascinating that human tastes seem to be on par with our infants. Particularly when they are at a stage where their palates are not as...refined."

Her palm tightened around the warm clay of her mug.

Did she seriously just get- tea shamed?

Her eyes flicked over to Soval only to find Sorena already looking at him. Watching for a reaction as his face remained impassive. Engaged in some sort of internal tug-of-war she knew she had no chance at playing. It was obvious this wasn't about her, not exactly. There was history here she wasn't privy to and the woman was using her to try and dig something out of Soval. Maybe it was personal. Professional. Political. It didn't matter. It ceased to be private the moment she decided to insult Soval by insulting her.

So, instead of struggling to keep up, she changed the rules completely.

Two could play this fucking game.

"Oh, I agree," she replied sweetly. Slathering the 'fuck you and the nasty-ass cart you rode in on' attitude so thick it couldn't be mistaken for anything else. Forcing the woman to tear her eyes away from Soval as the tension ramped up another notch. "I'd even go as far as to say that what someone enjoys is a testament to their character. Therefore, I can only assume you prefer none of these blends. Because maybe my little human taste-buds are failing me, but absolutely none of these teas tasted that petty. But then again, maybe like your personality, my palate just needs cleansing. Cracker and jam?"

The silence was dead and breathless as she calmly offered her the bowl. Smiling pleasantly as something twitched across the woman's expression like a god damned spasm.

'Play bitch games, win bitch prizes.' she thought smugly.

Soval, however, looked positively stunned.

For a Vulcan anyway.

Not to mention the tips of his ears seemed to be a bit more green than usual.

She couldn't help but wonder what that meant.

The woman drew herself up stiffly. Smoothing the drape of her robes with a false fastidiousness. Ignoring her completely as she nodded to Soval. Gaze stinging and pointed, like collecting the pieces of her tattered pride wasn't something she was used to.

"As you are soon to leave, I will not keep you. However, my father requests your presence before you return to Terran. Please honor him with a visit."

The silence stretched for another handful of beats after the woman swept away.

Long enough for her to suck a breath between her teeth and start second guessing herself.

Crap.

"Can't take me anywhere," she joked, attempting to kill the awkwardness. Hoping she hadn't gone too far or read the situation wrong "I'm sorry if that was out of bounds."

Soval exhaled in a slow, barely-there hush before clearing his throat. Catching K'Tol's eye in a clear signal to come by with whatever the Vulcan equivalent of the bill was.

"On the contrary, I believe your response was warranted, if not overly emotional," he allowed, before fixing her with a look when she laughed and shook her head.

"Well, if I was 'overly emotional' then so was she," she pointed out. "Because you have to be feeling something pretty damn strong to hold a grudge on someone you haven't even met. I mean, it's pretty clear you two have some history."

His head came up sharply.

"I mean, I'm assuming anyway," she added carefully, swirling the dredges of her tea as the sweet scent made the corners of her lips tick up in a momentary smile. "Whatever it is it's pretty obvious it didn't end well."

It really was good tea.

"Her comments and behavior were inappropriate and unbecoming," he returned stiffly, as he took a data card out of his pocket and placed it on top of the small wooden tray K'Tol had left for that purpose. "I apologize."

She shrugged.

"Her behavior isn't on you. I had it handled. Besides, it looks like you have a problem on your hands," she pointed out. Curious and worried, but mostly curious. Actually, maybe a bit jealous too.

Jesus.

Get a grip, Cole.

"It's a private matter." Soval returned, unwilling to elaborate as K'Tol swept up with a different data pad and placed it on the table before bowing slightly.

"And I get that. Its none of my business, but that seemed downright hostile, Soval. Speaking as someone who knows what she's talking about, I really don't think you should go to her place alone," she replied softly when they were alone again.

It was an exaggeration, but it got the desired effect. Only making her feel a little bit guilty at the subtle manipulation as he quickly shook his head and started to explain.

"Your concern is not required. Though your professional advice is noted. Their clan and mine have long been close, often connected through marriage. It has been this way since before my grandparent's time. When my wife passed, her family and mine entered into negotiations for a union. It is not unheard of in Vulcan culture for one's extended family to take care of such arrangements on a widower's behalf. However, I refused their offer and I believe Sorena did not agree with my reasons."

She held back a snort, but only just.

I'll bet she didn't.

"She is quite ambitious, especially politically. However, our aims are strikingly opposite. As are numerous other qualities. Considering I had little interest in her machinations and desire for status, it was not a good match. So, logically, I informed all parties. Which is unfortunate as her father and I have long been friends. He understands, but it has caused considerable strain. This is the first time he has reached out since and I plan to attend."

She covered her expression by adjusting her hair.

Sure that wasn't the half of it.

Still, a jilted lover?

It made sense.

She was still thinking about it as they left the restaurant. Neither of them talking about the gentle, barely there press of his hand on the small of her back as they joined the controlled chaos of the busy city street. Slipping on her sunglasses as Soval lifted his communicator to order a transport for them.

She wiggled her eyebrows as a wicked thought occurred to her as they waited.

"In that case, you might want me to come along after all. She isn't the type to let an opportunity like that slip through her fingers. So, you'll probably need backup. And besides, she might just run away screaming if I tag along."

Soval's eyebrows made a bid for his hairline before smoothing back into his usual brooding calm. But it was the words that really made it. Everything she'd come to love about him all wrapped up in a inflectionless deadpan tone.

"On second thought, your presence might be worth considering."

Her laughter carried far in the dry, alien air.

A/N: Thank you for reading, please let me know what you think. There will be more to this series.

Reference:

- Animus: a strong dislike or enmity; hostile attitude; animosity. Or meaning purpose; intention; animating spirit.

- Kuramano: Vulcan honorific for 'ambassador.'

- slor-tukh dyrk theris-masu: sugar-cream tea (this is me just putting words into the Vulcan to English translator so this is by no means official.)