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

My journey back to our quarters, against my hopes, was not devoid of people. I joined two Vulcans on the turbolift, one of whom was one of Soval's aides, and the other was Siv, one of V'Las' entourage. When the turbolift stopped on the fourth floor, the unknown Vulcan departed with a nod, leaving myself and Siv alone in the turbolift.

"You seemed out of sorts at the reception," he said once the doors were closed and the ride resumed. His shocking gray eyes bored into me, and I looked down at the floor, unwilling to meet his gaze. "Are you quite alright?"

"I am, just..." I sighed and looked over at him. "I apologize if you can't discuss the matter with me, but was the administrator serious when he said I might be reassigned?"

Siv raised an eyebrow. "He was serious, and he has yet to announce that decision." He tilted his head. "You do not seem enthused."

"I'm not," I said firmly. "I'm perfectly happy where I am."

He stared at me. "Even the ambassador was concerned that you were displeased with this assignment. Is it a matter of being far from home? Your profile indicated that you might enjoy a different environment, so I fail to see what has changed."

"I..." My shoulders slumped as I sighed. "I don't mind being far from home, but I hope the administrator can see that I've already built a rapport with Soval, so I fail to see why he would want to move me and have me start all over. That seems remarkably inefficient."

"It is not inefficient if it produces results," Siv replied, his gaze growing harder. "And you have failed to produce results with Soval. Perhaps he does not fully appreciate the importance of this exchange."

"He appreciates it far more than you realize." I stormed out of the turbolift as soon as the doors opened, shoving past a gray-haired Vulcan woman waiting to go down. I did not even pause to apologize, but marched directly to our quarters, leaving Siv behind.

I took a deep breath as soon as the door was shut, and I took an uneasy seat on the couch, at a loss for what to do at this point. If I was reassigned to Vulcan, would I be able to keep in contact with Soval? What would happen with him here? He had often said that my presence was better than the solitude he had known before, even if we argued sometimes, and I couldn't imagine being ripped from him like this. Didn't I get any say in who I finished out the exchange with?

Tears welled in my eyes as I imagined leaving, but I quickly scrubbed them away, determined to stay calm. Soval would surely handle this misunderstanding and everything hopefully would go back to how it was.

For an hour, I sat and pondered and worried, until finally a knock came at my door. I hesitated in answering, but after a moment I went to the door and frowned at Siv.

"Can I help you?" I said quietly, and he raised an eyebrow, almost smirking at me.

"The administrator wishes to meet with you again," he replied simply. "Please come with me."

I tilted my head, confused and suddenly rather nervous, but I obeyed, closing the door behind me.

When we reached the third floor, he did not lead me back to Soval's office, but rather we turned right at the turbolift, walking a little ways down to a meeting room. The wall between the room and the hallway was made of glass, and I could see Soval leaning over the table, talking and making emphatic gestures to V'Las while Timok and Sorak looked on, their gazes placid. The ambassador seemed almost livid, his brown eyes narrowed dangerously as he made a gesture towards the hallway, and V'Las turned in that moment and looked straight at me.

"They're expecting you," Siv said, and lightly put his hand on my back to guide me into the room. I stiffened, crossing my arms across my chest, and I moved away from the administrator's assistant as soon as I stepped through the door.

"Ms. Forrest," V'Las greeted with a slight nod, standing from his chair at the head of the table. "Please, have a seat."

I made a beeline for the chair next to Soval and sat down, glancing over at my roommate for any idea of how his private conversation had gone. But the ambassador was silent, only giving me a nod as I took a seat.

V'Las watched me in silence for a full minute before finally speaking. "I have interviewed some of Soval's aides regarding your time here, and it seems my initial impression that you were unhappy was not unfounded."

I twisted in my seat and looked over at Sorak and Timok; the elder Vulcan raised an eyebrow at me, seemingly unaffected by my openly angry glare, and Sorak bowed his head, refusing to meet my gaze.

"However," the administrator continued, "the ambassador takes full blame for the lack of results thus far and has convinced me that another chance should be given before I permanently remove you from this Consulate. You will have until the end of this exchange to fulfill its conditions, otherwise I will reassign you to another exchange partner on Vulcan, as was the original plan for you. Am I understood?"

"Perfectly, administrator, thank you," I said. He stood and nodded to the assembled aides and left with Siv, and Timok and Sorak followed suit, leaving me alone with Soval.

I wasn't even aware that my hands were shaking before I reached up to dash away the tears on my cheeks. "So...I'm going to stay here, correct?"

"Yes," Soval replied, his hand gently gripping my shoulder. "I managed to convince the administrator that it was the best course of action."

I sniffed and stood, scrubbing more tears off my face, and Soval braced my shoulders, his thumbs caressing my shirt. I took in a deep breath, closing my eyes in an attempt to control myself, and Soval gently linked our arms and steered me out of the room.

I managed to hold it together until we reached our quarters, but the minute the door was closed behind us, I pulled Soval into a tight, desperate hug.

"I don't understand," I groaned into his chest, making bunches of his robes in my fist as I clutched at him. His arms encircled me, gripping me tightly, and I screwed my face up against a fresh onslaught of tears. "Is it me? Am I doing something wrong?"

"No," he murmured gently, his hand stroking my hair. I held him tighter, breathing deeply in an effort to stem my tears, and he shhed me, his voice a gentle purr in his chest. "No, you have done nothing wrong, Genevieve. I am to blame for this."

"In what way?" I leaned back and stared up at him, frowning at the openly exhausted look in his eyes. "What are the stipulations the administrator is so worried about?"

"That is..." He sighed heavily. "It is a sensitive matter, and is currently marked as classified, but I promise you...when the need arises, I will tell you everything."

I shook my head. "It's classified, you say, but it directly involves me if we don't meet these secret stipulations. In what world is that fair?" I huffed in frustration. "Why can't you just tell me?"

He lifted a hand and gently brushed my cheeks, wiping away my tears with a surprisingly tender touch. "This entire situation is hardly fair, Genevieve, but I promise you this...even if we do not meet the stipulations of this exchange, I will make certain you are not reassigned. I swear on my life you will not have to face that."

I opened my mouth to reply, but then snapped my mouth shut and closed my eyes. He had not removed his hand from my cheek, still diligently catching every tear that fell. I breathed in deeply through my nose, suddenly drained and exhausted. I pulled him back into another hug and buried my face into his chest, breathing in the masculine scent in his clothes, relishing the contact even though my hands still shook.

"I couldn't stand to lose you, Soval," I whispered, "and I don't want to see you get in trouble because you didn't follow the rules." I looked up at him with a pleading gaze. "When can you tell me what's going on? I know we haven't known each other forever, but...you know you can trust me, right?"

"It is not a matter of whether or not I trust you, Genevieve," he sighed, his hand drifting down my arm. "I do not want to burden you with this. It is classified for a reason, and I would not want to add undue stress on you in revealing unnecessary information."

"It's not unnecessary!" I countered, clutching at his arms even as he made to step away. "It was important enough that the administrator of the High Command came sixteen light years to admonish us for failure to comply! How is that unnecessary?"

He shook his head. "I will tell you everything you need to know when the time is right. Please, Genevieve...trust me in this."

"You ask me to trust you when you won't trust me in return?" He narrowed his eyes, and I sighed, leaning my head into his shoulder. "You're as stubborn as an ox sometimes, you know that?"

I could have sworn he chuckled. His warm fingers gently gripped my chin, and I glanced up at him, suddenly very aware of how long we had been touching.

"You humans," he grumbled, "are far too inquisitive for your own good. What is your human axiom, curiosity killed the cat?"

I smirked. "The full quote is curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back."

His lips twitched upward. "Thank you for elucidating that for me, but my mind has not changed. I promise you," his voice grew soft, "if all goes according to plan, you'll be informed of everything."

I sighed heavily, but conceded with a nod. He dropped his hand from my chin, but drew me back into a gentle embrace.

"I am very pleased you are not going to be reassigned," he whispered, and I nodded against his chest, the strength sapped from my limbs from the stress of the day. He gently guided me backwards until my legs hit the couch, and he helped me sit. "I will fetch you some water. Or would you prefer some tea?"

I sniffled and wiped away the last of my tears. "Whatever's easiest. I'm not picky."

"Then I will prepare some tea."

I leaned into the cushions, relaxing into the familiar couch as Soval tinkered in the kitchen, his movements as methodical and deliberate as always. He glanced back at me, raising an eyebrow at me, but I simply smiled and watched him work.

He returned with two cups, one for each of us, and he joined me on the couch, sighing heavily as he leaned back with me.

"So..." I croaked, then gulped down some tea to lubricate my throat. "I know V'Las isn't thrilled with us, but do we have any other meetings with him? Or am I free to relax now?"

He glanced at me, frowning as he took a small sip of the brew. "We are meeting him for dinner tonight, and he will leave tomorrow morning."

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "Okay...should I change or...?"

"What you have on is perfectly acceptable. I have no intention of changing clothes."

I nodded and took another hearty gulp of tea. "Did Timok and Sorak really think I wasn't happy?"

"They reported what they believed to be true," he countered, and I stared down at my lap. "Though...I hope you were sincere in saying that you are happy here with me. That is all I have desired since you came here, Genevieve."

We shared a long, silent glance, and a slow smile crept across my lips. "I am happy that I'm here with you, Soval. I can't imagine being anywhere else."

He bowed his head. "I find it agreeable that you have come to that conclusion."

"More than agreeable," I retorted, my heart pounding in anticipation. I cupped the bottom of my teacup with my free hand just so the thing wouldn't rattle and give away how nervous I was. Something in Soval's eyes had changed, and it occurred to me that he hadn't taken his gaze off of me since he sat down. I took a deep breath, steeling my nerves. "I meant everything I said to the administrator, you know. You are very dear to me."

His lips twitched slightly, as if he were fighting a smile. "I am pleased, Genevieve. I find the prospect of the loss of your companionship most unpleasant."

"I'm glad we can agree on that." I reached out and squeezed his forearm, and he raised an eyebrow at me.

"Genevieve…do you require me to embrace you again?"

I swallowed thickly, tempted to acquiesce, but I shook my head, my nerves failing me in the moment. "Not right now, but I might need one later. We'll see how this dinner goes."

"The administrator does not bear you any ill will," he insisted, and I stood, draining the rest of my tea. "I know he is not pleased with me, but he is not here to pass judgment on you. I made it abundantly clear that you are not at fault."

"I appreciate that, but…well, I'll be alright so long as you're there with me." Although part of me wanted to escape the unspoken crackle of tension that had formed between us, I forced myself to look at him and meet his unwavering gaze with a sincere smile. "I couldn't do this without you, Soval. Thank you for facing this with me."

He stood and braced my shoulders, and I noted his thumbs tracing little circles on my arms as he held me. "There is no need to thank me." He paused, drawing in a deep breath, and for a moment I thought he was drawing me closer. But then he stepped back, still bracing me; the intensity in his eyes had cooled slightly. "I must meditate before we depart, Genevieve. Please…do not waste your energy on worrying. You are safe here, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure we are successful in this endeavor."

I nodded, and he released me, his fingers trailing along my arm before retreating. Was it just me, or did he seem reluctant to let me go?

He finally turned and slipped into his room, and I placed my teacup in the sink and returned to the couch. My thoughts replayed the moments where he had touched me over and over again; we had grown closer and more comfortable over the last month or so, but something about his behavior today seemed beyond simple friendship and camaraderie. I wasn't the best at reading his moods, but even I could tell the difference in the way he had looked at me, in the way that he seemed reluctant to stop touching me. I was thrilled and more than a little nervous, but I assured myself that I would examine things more closely once the administrator was gone. V'Las' presence in the Consulate hung over our heads like impending rain, and I felt I would be more comfortable broaching the subject of Soval's changed behavior without the thought of the head of the High Command lingering in the back of my mind.

…

As we had discussed, both Soval and I left our quarters in the same clothes, the two of us keeping stride with each other as we walked towards the turbolift. Our ride was silent until we reached the next floor, where two of V'Las' entourage joined us, along with a few of his private security detail.

I felt like I was being watched as the turbolift continued its way down to the first floor, where a more formal dining room was awaiting our arrival. I chanced a glance at Soval, who stood beside me with eyes closed; he looked to be deep in thought or meditation, and I dared not disturb him.

The doors opened on the first floor, and we passed some of Soval's staff just now getting done for the day; the ambassador exited before V'Las' people, steering me forward with a light hand on my back.

The room awaiting us was far smaller than the reception room, with space for a long rectangular table that seated about fourteen people. V'Las stood at one end, quietly conversing with Siv, and I noted as I glanced around at the other attendees that I didn't recognize anyone else but Soval, V'Las and the aides that had come with him. Neither Timok nor Tos were present, and Soval's usual group of aides were noticeably absent.

"Welcome, my dear," the administrator said once we drew closer. He smirked slightly, pulling out a chair for me to sit in, and pushed my seat in for me once I was seated. "Thank you for joining us for dinner – I realize it's been a rather long day for you, and I appreciate you making the effort."

"Of course," I replied, eyeing Soval as he sat beside me. V'Las raised an eyebrow, but retreated towards the head of the table. The others began to seat themselves, and one of the security officers took the chair beside me, and I could see his large hands resting on the table in my periphery. I looked away, noting that V'Las took the head of the table, and Siv was seated directly across from me.

I glanced at my roommate and sighed to myself, and accepted that this dinner was likely going to be tedious and uncomfortable. But at least the ambassador was here with me, and I could take solace in that fact.

My heart sank as a familiar blue liquor was distributed to the table, and I frowned as I realized I had been given as much as everyone else. My gaze was nearly panicked as I looked to Soval, who noted the amount of port in my glass. He nodded to me, taking my cup and pouring half the liquid into his own glass, leaving me with a far more reasonable amount.

"Are you going to be okay drinking that much?" I whispered to him. He raised an eyebrow at me.

"It is more than I would usually imbibe, but nothing close to what would be needed to impair me."

"Alright," I said, and patted his knee under the table. "And thank you."

"Of course," he murmured back, his gaze growing slightly softer. "I come to serve."

A quiet hum of approval escaped my lips, but I covered it with a sip of the port; I swallowed thickly as my mouth watered at the smell of the liquor, and I hastily put it down despite the urge to guzzle more of it.

"So," V'Las said from the head of the table. "What are your plans for the rest of the semester?"

"Oh, um...we have a few trips planned for Spring Break and beyond, and I think I'm supposed to accompany you to a few functions on First Contact Day, right, Soval?"

"Correct, that is our tentative plan," he replied smoothly, taking a sip of his drink. "I am sure the admiralty will have no objection to your presence."

"I should hope not, with her father being such a prominent member of Starfleet," the administrator said, his blue eyes fixed on me. "If they have any objections, Soval, do let me know and I will make our displeasure known."

"Thank you, administrator, but I doubt there will be any issue."

We were spared any questions for a bit as the food was brought out, and I waited for everyone to receive their plate before glancing at my roommate.

"Am I supposed to...?" I hissed, and he nodded. I glanced around, making sure everyone had been served, and looked to the administrator as well, who nodded. I took a bite of my food, and everyone followed suit, eating in silence for a several minutes before V'Las spoke again.

"Where are you planning to go on this Spring Break trip?"

I set down my fork. "I think we might go hiking, or at least that's what we had discussed. We haven't made any concrete plans just yet."

"Well, that certainly sounds like a very engaging experience," he said with a slight smirk. "I'm pleased you're finally making an effort to spend time together."

I simply nodded, not wanting to cause an argument by pointing out that we had made such an effort for months now. Soval cleared his throat beside me, but simply took a sip of his port and made no comment.

I managed to shovel a few bites of food into my mouth before V'Las asked another question. "I understand you were instrumental in helping Soval recover from his injuries." I frowned at the administrator, but V'Las pressed on, his cold blue eyes gleaming with an unreadable expression. "Dr. Avarak reports that you hardly left his side. Such loyalty is quite commendable, Ms. Forrest, you are a testament to your race."

I swallowed thickly. "Thank you, administrator, but it was no trouble."

"Oh, give yourself a little credit, my dear. I know old Vulcans like Soval can be most disagreeable as medical patients. I'm sure it wasn't as easy to look after him as you claim."

I looked at my roommate, who raised an eyebrow at me. "It really wasn't all that bad," I insisted, smiling at Soval. "I would gladly do it over again if I had to."

I caught Siv shifting in his seat as I turned to look at V'Las, and the aide looked rather disgruntled. I looked away, unsure what to make of his clearly displeased expression, and I focused on the administrator once more.

"She truly does seem devoted to you, Soval," he practically purred, and I could feel my cheeks flush. "And to think your aides thought she wasn't happy here."

"They were obviously mistaken," the ambassador retorted, his voice tinged with a harsh bite. I stared at my plate.

"Yes, as you have informed me." I chanced another look at V'Las and found him staring at me. I shrugged my shoulders and took a hasty bite of food.

The administrator said something in Vulcan, and I glanced around the table to see all those gathered staring at me and nodding, apparently in agreement. Soval swallowed down a good portion of his drink, his nostrils flaring and his jaw tightening.

I gently placed my hand on his knee again, and he seemed to relax, taking in a deep breath.

"But, we all know Soval will do better now that he understands the importance of the exchange," V'Las said, switching abruptly back to English. His cold blue gaze found my roommate, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Isn't that right, ambassador?"

"Yes, Your Excellency," Soval replied stiffly, and I squeezed his knee before retracting my hand.

My gaze shifted to find Siv was still staring at me, and I looked down at my plate, scooting a vegetable from one side to the other. My appetite was gone, and the tedium of the dinner weighed on my mind. Soval seemed uncomfortable, and the longer I sat at the table, the more I felt like I was being watched.

I looked around the table again, and the reality made my stomach sink; the majority of the men present were openly staring at me, and I set my fork down and leaned back in my chair, wishing I could evaporate.

The dinner dragged on in silence for a while, and I winced as a bolt of pain stabbed my left side. I shifted in my chair, wondering if perhaps I was due to start my period and was feeling the first wave of cramps. But no, I had just had my period two weeks ago, so I doubted it was menstruation.

The only other option that came to mind was an onset of appendicitis, and although the prospect of surgery frightened me, it was best not to sleep on these symptoms.

Through another wave of pain, I dimly noted the man to my left had inched closer to me, and I could hear him take a deep breath.

I glanced at Soval, who turned to me and frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"Genevieve?" he whispered, leaning close. "What is it?"

I flinched as another stab of pain spread under my ribs. "Um…I don't know? It might be nothing or it might be serious, I'm not sure."

"Do you need to go to the infirmary?"

I nodded, and he stood abruptly from his chair, pulling mine out from the table so I could stand.

"Forgive us, administrator, but she is in need of medical assistance. I will speak with you in the morning."

V'Las stood up, followed by Siv. "Administrator, I can escort the T'Sai-"

"No," Soval said firmly, glaring at the younger man. "She is my responsibility and I will escort her."

Siv narrowed his eyes, taking a few steps to come around the table, but V'Las held up a hand. "Go on, Soval." His eyes found mine, and he frowned in what looked like sympathy. "I do hope this is nothing serious. Someone will be by to check on you later."

Soval rounded on the head of the High Command, but I wrapped my arm around his and pulled him towards the door. He looked down at me and saw the expression on my face, and the hardness in his eyes died, replaced with concern.

"Come," he said simply, and steered me out of the room. We were halfway down the hall before he turned to me again.

"Are you well enough to walk? I can carry you the rest of the way if it is needed."

"No, I can walk," I said quietly, gripping his arm as another wave of pain washed over me. "I'm having sudden pain on my lower left side, which says appendicitis to me. Period cramps would be all across my stomach, and not this intense, I don't think."

"That is quite serious, if that is what is wrong," he said, and he walked faster down the hall, unlinking our arms so he could brace my shoulders, almost marching me through the corridors. "But Dr. Avarak will know for certain."

"I know." I leaned into his touch, squeezing my eyes shut against the pain. "And I'm glad you're here with me."

He held me tighter at that, and we proceeded as quickly as we could to the infirmary.