Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed.

"And avoid any strenuous activity for at least two more weeks." Dr. Avarak took the cane from Soval, then looked sternly at me. "I would appreciate it, Ms. Forrest, if you would make sure he does not overexert himself."

"Don't worry, doctor," I said with a nod, gently grasping Soval's shoulder. "I'll keep him in line." I turned to him with playfully narrowed eyes, but I couldn't hold it for long, and grinned at him. He simply raised an eyebrow, looking slightly amused.

"Then you are discharged from my infirmary. Good day, Osu. Should you require assistance, do not hesitate to contact me."

Soval bowed his head and turned to me, gesturing for me to accompany him out the door. Automatically, I looped my arm in his, and he made no gesture to stop me, or dislodge himself from my hold. He glanced down at our joined arms with a smirk.

"Are you frightened that I will stumble?" he said, his voice almost a purr. I swallowed thickly.

"Not really, but...you know...just to be safe..."

The ambassador nodded. "I would not want to have a setback just as I am cleared to leave the infirmary." He and I stepped as one into the turbolift, which was thankfully empty. "Sorak is coming over tonight to prepare dinner. I hope you have no objection."

"Of course not," I replied, patting his arm. "I think that's very good of him. I wouldn't want you to worry about dinner when you should be focusing on getting better."

He nodded again, and I glanced up under my lashes to find him staring resolutely at the door. I let my eyes roam over his face; his complexion had returned to normal, and though he still looked a little wan, his gaze was bright and focused. His eyes found mine, and he raised an eyebrow.

"Did you wish to say something?" he asked, and I shrugged.

"Just looking you over. You look much better." I sighed. "I'm just glad all of this is behind us."

His gaze softened, and he bowed his head deeply; the rest of our ride passed in silence, until we stepped out of the turbolift and made our way back to our rooms.

I gently separated our arms, but hovered at his side until he sunk into the couch, sighing as he leaned back into the cushions. I joined him, breathing out slowly in contentment at finally being back in a more comfortable environment. My neck twinged a bit, and I rolled it from side to side and rubbed it in an effort to relieve the pain.

"Is your neck hurting, Genevieve?"

I glanced over at him and shrugged. "A little...those infirmary beds are way less comfortable than you'd think."

"May I?"

His hand hovered above my shoulder, and my eyes widened. "Oh!" I said, surprised and touched by his silent suggestion. "Well, if you want to. You don't have to though, I can just-"

But he was already moving my braid out of his way. "Turn away from me, Genevieve, and relax," he murmured, his voice soft and soothing in my ear. I sighed and obeyed. "Lean forward a little...now, this may hurt at first, but when I release my fingers, it should relieve your pain. Breathe in...and out...are you ready?"

I nodded and breathed deeply, my eyes fluttering closed as his fingers gently caressed my skin. I was about to tell him that this didn't hurt one bit before his fingers pressed firmly into the back of my neck.

I flinched, and my breathing was immediately thrown off, but I felt his other hand ghosting over my shoulder and down my arm, his touch warm and slow and deliberate. "Breathe," he whispered in my ear, and I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding in.

He maintained the pressure at my neck for almost thirty seconds, but it felt like far longer before he let go. All at once my shoulders slumped and my head tilted to the side, allowing him better access to my skin. "Oh my god," I groaned. "That felt amazing."

"I am going to continue down one side, and then the other. Are you ready to continue?"

I nodded, and this time I was prepared for the pressure, and leaned into it. After the third time, I was starting to like it, and wondered how this would feel all the way down my back. I'd probably fall asleep right here on the couch.

"Do tell me if I'm pressing too hard." His voice drifted out of the darkness, a deep, gravely rumble, and I didn't even bother opening my eyes.

"Mmm," I mumbled in reply, my head drifting forward.

"Is this helping?"

"Mmm-hmm." I smiled and nodded slightly for emphasis. "This feels really good..."

"I am pleased you are enjoying this," he cooed, and switched to the other side of my neck.

"Thank you for...oh..." My words came out slurred, and I couldn't even finish my thought as he released the pressure. My bones had seemingly turned to mush, and I could hardly think.

I was about to be disappointed when he reached my shoulder, but then I felt myself being guided into a prone position, and I relaxed into the couch as he rubbed his hands gently up and down my back.

"Genevieve?"

"Mmm?"

"Do you mind if I reposition your shirt? The neuropressure will be far more effective on bare skin."

"Sure thing," I breathed, folding my arms so I could rest my chin on them. I felt completely at ease, drifting away on a cloud of peace...until he shifted one leg in between mine, and straddled my leg to give him easier access to my back. My heart thundered in my chest at the sensation of his legs brushing mine, but I tried to ease my pulse with deep breaths in and out.

He pulled my shirt up to my shoulders, and, as if I might break under his fingertips, traced down my back with the lightest of caresses. I shivered; this wasn't helping me seem calm and relaxed, on the contrary. I felt more nervous than before.

But then I felt that wonderful pressure at the top of my back, in between my shoulder blade and my spine, then further down, his fingers turning me into putty.

I had thought, when the painkillers worked their way out of his system, that Soval would return to the level of touch we had shared before Christmas. I had thought at most that I might receive a friendly pat on the shoulder, a gentle squeeze of the arm, nothing more. This level of touch made my head spin, and I could think of nothing appropriate to say. I didn't want him to stop, but to have this sort of contact after so many years by myself, and with him of all people, an alien ambassador...it thrilled and terrified me. What was he playing at that he would extend a full massage to me? Did he expect anything in return?

I hated to break the peace I was under, but I needed to know what he was getting at, for my own peace of mind.

"Soval?" I murmured, opening my eyes and staring at the arm of the couch.

"Yes? Am I hurting you?"

"No, I was just wondering...um...why are you doing this? Not to say I'm not enjoying this, it feels fantastic, I just...it doesn't seem like you to do something like this. I..."

"Genevieve," he said softly, then paused. "Am I making you uncomfortable?"

"No, no, I just...I don't know why..." I huffed in frustration at my inability to adequately phrase my thoughts. "This is just...very unlike you, and I just wanted to know why you would go out of your way to do this."

"Genevieve, you have spent almost a month at my side, in less than ideal conditions. It is because of me that you are in pain. The least that I can do is offer you this." He paused again. "I can sense that you are nervous, but I assure you, my aim is to relax you and relieve your pain, nothing more."

"Okay," I replied, settling down again and closing my eyes. "Thank you...for doing this." I took a deep breath. "It feels incredible."

"My pleasure," he murmured, his voice a low purr. I smiled into my arm.

He worked up and down my back, and I could feel myself drifting off to sleep. I adjusted myself, blinking my eyes to stay awake.

"Some rest would do you good," he said softly, and his voice sounded like it came from far away. "Don't resist this, Genevieve, go to sleep..."

I felt him pull my shirt back down to cover my back, then I gave into the waves of drowsiness washing over me, drifting easily off to sleep.

…

When I woke, I could tell from the light in the room that I had slept at least a few hours, and I rolled onto my back expecting to be cozy in my room. But then I remembered that I had fallen asleep on the couch and that Soval couldn't move me, least he hurt himself.

I sat up and stretched, and looked around the room. Soval worked quietly at the table, his eyes scrolling up and down over his PADD. He must have seen me move, as his gaze quickly found mine, and his expression was calm and soft.

"Was your rest restorative, Genevieve?"

I nodded and leaned back into the couch cushions. "Best nap I've had in a while. Man...that felt amazing, Soval. Where did you learn to do that?"

"Neuropressure is a common technique on Vulcan. Most of my people are trained in the art form. I am pleased it benefited you so."

I thought for a moment, rocking my head from side to side. My neck didn't hurt anymore. "Can anyone learn it? Or is it like some super secret Vulcan thing I'm not privy to?"

His eyes flashed, but then he smirked. "No, Genevieve, it is no secret." His eyes bored into mine. "I would be happy to teach you, if you would like to learn."

"Would I?" I smiled. "Of course, I'd love to learn! When can you teach me?"

"I have some free time next week. We will begin our lessons then."

"Awesome!" I let my gaze soften into gratitude. "Thank you...it's about time I made more of an effort to learn about your culture."

He sighed. "We both must learn more about each other." He paused and glanced at his PADD. "Senator McCabe sends his warmest regards for my recovery, and extends an early invitation to the Spring Gala."

I frowned. "So soon?" I asked aloud. "You've just now gotten back in the swing of things and we already have to think about this Gala?"

"Genevieve, February begins in ten days. The Gala is the third week of March. It does not seem so presumptuous to send out invitations so soon."

I shrugged in silent acknowledgment. "I suppose...are you okay with going?"

"Are you?" he asked, raising his eyebrows. "You sound concerned."

I sighed and shook my head. "It's nothing...I guess it's just that I feel like it was just yesterday that you were shot, and it still seems like too soon to be out and about, you know?"

He stood from the table and walked over to me, kneeling before me with an unreadable expression in his eyes.

"Genevieve...there is no need to be afraid. Nothing will befall you whilst you are in my care. Have I not told you as much countless times?"

"I wasn't worried about me, Soval, I'm worried about you! What happens if whoever tried to kill you tries again? What happens if they succeed?" I closed my eyes. "I couldn't stand to lose you, ambassador. Not after everything we've been through. And I know you can't live your life in constant fear, but I just can't shake the feeling that out there isn't safe for you, and someone could try something at the next big public event or at this Gala...I just..."

He remained silent for a while, and then his hand gently grasped my knee, caressing me slowly. "Genevieve, your concern for my welfare is...touching, and I appreciate it more than you know." He leaned forward, and I reluctantly met his gaze. "But you are correct in that we cannot live our lives in constant fear. And consider, if you will...Vulcan security is on high alert, and your human authorities are still pursuing my case. If someone were to make another attempt on my life, I assure you, Vulcan and your own security forces would not stand for it. We are safe, Genevieve...please trust me in this. I cannot bear the thought of you exhausting yourself with worry. I am safe, and you are safe with me. Please...trust me."

I sighed. "I do trust you, just..."

He raised an eyebrow, as if in warning. I placed my hand ever so lightly over his.

"Just be safe, and careful, okay? For me?"

"Yes, Genevieve, I will do that. For you, and for myself."

I stared into his eyes, willing myself to believe and trust that all would be well. I couldn't seem to look away, and I noted with a thrill that he had made no motion to move my hand away from his. I imagined, for a moment, what it might be like to kiss him, and his eyes flashed. I frowned, but I had no time to contemplate his actions, as his gaze flickered down to my lips, then to my eyes. He leaned forward ever so slightly, and I felt my lips part in surprise, in anticipation.

The moment was broken with a light rap on the door, and Soval quickly stood, gently removing his hands from mine, and I shook my head like a dog shaking off water, my heart hammering in my chest. The ambassador answered the door and welcomed his loyal aide into our quarters, and I stood from the couch, suddenly wanting to be alone for a while.

"Hey, while Sorak fixes dinner, I'm gonna go shower, okay?"

Soval raised an eyebrow at me, but nodded in acknowledgment and released me.

…

The next day, I slept far past my usual time to get up, and I was grateful I didn't have any classes. I suppose it was because of this that Soval didn't disturb me. Despite the more than ample amount of sleep I had gotten, I still felt tired, and stumbled in to the living room, rubbing my eyes and yawning.

"I'm so sorry for oversleeping, I was just..." I was interrupted by another yawn. "...tired..."

"Do not apologize, Genevieve," Soval said gently, placing a bowl of plomeek in front of me. "I am pleased you are regaining all the rest you were denied in the infirmary. Please, eat." I nodded and picked up my spoon, digging eagerly into the breakfast he had prepared. "Would you care for some tea?"

"Please, and thank you," I said, looking up at him with a weary smile. "You're so sweet to me, you know that?"

He made a small noise of acknowledgment, but simply grazed his knuckles down my arm and retreated to the stovetop, fiddling around making me a cup. I dared a glance over at him, watching him work for a while until he turned around. I looked back to my breakfast and continued eating.

"There," he said, placing his hand gently on my shoulder and set the tea next to my bowl. "What are your plans for today?" He slipped into the chair next to mine and stared at me intently, his hands folded neatly on the table.

"I need to work on my thesis," I replied, silently cheersing him as I brought the tea to my mouth. I took a sip and smiled at him in thanks. "I don't regret staying with you in the infirmary, but I really need to edit this down, and I need to wrangle all of my sources and notate them properly." I sighed. "And I'd like for someone impartial to read over my work and see if there's anything I can improve, but it's seventy-three pages long. I don't think I know anyone who has the time to slog through it all if they're not being paid to do so."

"Send it to me. I will review it for you."

I lowered the bite of soup I was about to eat, letting the spoon rest in the bowl. "Ambassador, that wasn't an invitation for you to take on more work. I was just stating facts. I would hate to burden you or inconvenience you."

"Firstly, my name is Soval. Secondly, you underestimate my reading ability. Seventy-three pages is nothing when I am given a few hours and little to no distractions, and considering I have time after my work is completed each day, I could have this reviewed for you by the end of the week. Send it to me."

I opened my mouth to protest, but it seemed he knew I would do so, and gave me a warning look. "Okay, fine, I'll send it your way, but only if you promise to be really impartial and give me a critical, honest review. I don't want to have much to fix after I get it back from preliminary review in March, okay?"

"I assure you, I can give you a thorough critique of your work if you wish it. It is the least I can do for you, after all you have done for me."

I stared at him a moment longer, then looked down at my soup, taking a slow bite. "Thank you," I said quietly after a minute of silence. "I appreciate you taking the time."

"Of course," he said, his voice gentle again. "I am pleased I can assist you in this manner. And I look forward to reading your work after you have put so much time and effort into composing it."

I nodded in thanks, and we dropped the subject. I didn't really feel like going anywhere today, and Soval was far too bogged down with work to think about any sort of outing, so for the rest of the day, I worked on and off with my thesis, and during my breaks, I continued reading the works of Surak.

Soval fixed dinner that night, and for some reason, I didn't have much of an appetite. I felt tired and worn, and despite the ample rest I had achieved over the past few days, I still felt sluggish, like I was trying to wade through fog. Maybe the weather was about to get strange and I was feeling the first symptoms of it. Or maybe it was something else. Either way, I made my excuses and scraped my half-eaten plate back into the pot, then wished him goodnight.

…

The alarm read 0216 when I woke, and I immediately winced at the gurgling in my stomach. I took in a deep breath, willing myself to sit up, and I somehow managed whilst still holding in last night's dinner. With slow, deliberate steps, I made my way to the bathroom, knelt quickly in front of the toilet, and with a sigh of relief, emptied the contents of my stomach into the bowl.

Tears streamed from my tightly squeezed eyes, and my nose wrinkled at the foul smell of vomit, but I continued to hover over the toilet, waiting for the next pass. I didn't even know he was with me until I felt his hand moving my hair out of the way.

"I'm so sorry, did I wake you?" I managed, then turned and hurled again, wishing this was over so I could go back to bed.

"No, I was already awake," Soval whispered, stroking my back. "Why did you not call for me?"

"I managed to get to the bathroom without an accident, thank God. I guess I'm not going to class today..."

I hurled again, and I noted his hand had gone from stroking my back to nearly bracing my body, his fingers wrapped firmly around my upper arm. He murmured something I didn't understand, but I appreciated the sentiment, whatever it was. Even after the last wave passed and I sat there shaking, he gently guided me back against his chest, and continuing cooing indecipherable words to me. It was only after listening a little more closely and focusing on the sounds that I realized he was speaking his mother tongue. Admittedly, the soothing sound of his voice invited waves of exhaustion to wash over me, and I leaned further into him, half wishing I could just go to sleep here on the bathroom floor. But he nudged me awake, and I realized as much as I didn't want to get up, I would have to, because Soval couldn't carry me anywhere with his current medical restrictions.

"Come, Genevieve, back to bed," he whispered, and I sighed and slowly pulled myself to standing, pausing only to flush the toilet.

"Sorry about the smell," I said, wiping my mouth and moving to wash my hands.

"There is no need to apologize," he assured me, and I nodded as I dried off my hands. I was far too tired to argue.

He put his arm around my shoulder and gently steered me back to bed, and tucked my hair behind my ear. "I will call the doctor, and then I will return. Go back to sleep, Genevieve. I will not be far."

"Okay," I conceded, and then closed my eyes and willed myself into a fitful slumber.