#soval x reader

[crowfootwrites]

I would let Soval do terrible things to me. Anyway, here's the corn:

Kinktober Masterlist

Taglist: @horta-in-charge

Day 9: Naked/Clothed - Soval x Fem!Reader

Warnings: MDNI; insecurities in an established relationship; otherwise, just some good ol' fuckin' | Words: ~760 | Song: Last of My Kind (feat. Paul Cauthen) - Shaboozey

Something had been off with Soval lately. Given his Vulcan nature, he’d been denying anything being wrong for days, and used arguments of logic to “prove” that there was no reason for anything to be wrong. After that, he started meditating for longer periods, which was a sign that something was wrong to you, but again, Soval denied it. 

There seemed to be some kind of pent up… something, constantly rolling off him in waves. He seemed tense, easily irritated (by Vulcan standards), and hesitant around you. Your shared home became quieter and you became more unsettled. 

You worried about Soval and whatever was going on with him, of course, but another frustrating side effect was the lack of intimacy. It had been difficult to navigate a Vulcan/Human relationship with Soval in the beginning, but in the year that you’d been together, things had smoothed out considerably. 

Emotion, touch, telepathic communication had all become commonplace; you were happy, and you’d assumed Soval was as well. But in the last few weeks, the normal level of passion in your relationship seemed to fall off and Soval seemed almost insecure.

And you were determined to do something about it. You wouldn’t lose this good of a thing without a fight.

***

Soval was truly Vulcan in his punctuality, so you knew he’d be home any minute. You bit your lip as you adjusted yourself again atop the soft, freshly washed bed linens, soft against your bare skin. You rolled onto your side and propped yourself on your elbow, trying to find a sensual but not painfully uncomfortable pose. If coming home to you, completely naked in his bed didn’t make him feel more secure, you weren’t sure what would. 

You heard the front door open and close beyond the confines of your bedroom and held your breath, suddenly feeling a little insecure yourself. What if you’ve been reading too much into this? And blaming emotion where there is none? And all of this offends Soval’s Vulcan sensibilities? Nervous thoughts whirled in your mind uncontrolled and, given your mating bond with Soval, you knew he could hear them from the other room.

By the same token, however, you could feel the tension radiating off of Soval through your bond as he walked through the bedroom door. You could also feel the way his resolve snapped when he found you naked in his bed.

His face was an impassive mask, but you caught the hunger storming in his eyes as he strode to the side of the bed, his hands already reaching for you.

Wordlessly, he yanked you to the edge of the bed by your bare legs, his hands rough and firm against your skin.

He leaned over you menacingly, capturing your lips with his, your mind suddenly overwhelmed with the heat and desire burning in him. You felt a little like a tree caught in a wildfire, sparks lighting up your skin until you were engulfed.

Distracted by the ardor in his kiss, you whined unsuspectingly as his fingers trailed through the slick gathering between your thighs. Soval’s lips traveled down, kissing along the curve of your shoulder, placing searing kisses along your skin before taking a nipple in his mouth. 

He didn’t even bother with his clothes; you could feel the tenuousness of his control, the desperation in his movements and thoughts.

Take what you need from me, my love, you thought, urging him forward.

With distracted hands, he rearranged his robes to pull his lok out, its deep green flush making your hips roll instinctively. He wasted no time sinking into you, stretching you around his length, a heated groan tumbling from between his lips. He fucked you hard into the mattress, your cries and the rustling of his robes filling the air around you.

There was something erotic, you found, about the sensation of Soval’s clothing against your skin, about the vulnerability of being completely bare while he remained clothed. The sensation in your telepathic bond felt almost feral as Soval bore down over you, pressing you deeper into the mattress and burying his face against your neck, panting and groaning. The fine embroidery on Soval's sleeves brushed against your sides as he wrapped his arms tightly around you. 

You could tell he was close, and you rushed to meet him, letting the fire in your bond pull you closer to your climax. 

You tipped over the edge just as your mate did, your paired cries echoing in the sparsely decorated room, your fingers twisted in the coarse fabric of Soval’s robes. 

[ensignsimp]

Oh may I please request some romantic headcanons with Spock and Soval?

Romantic ENT Soval HCs:

A/N: I haven't done a lot of Enterprise stuff so I figured I would just stick with that since I'm running out of ideas for Spock rn.

He struggles to show you "emotional" gestures of affection.

He prefers to show his love in quieter softer ways.

Sometimes he will present you with flowers, each arrangement proclaiming a deeper vibrant message.

Other times he displays his affection by "indulging" in your earthly pleasures; food, entertainment, etc.

He enjoys Jane Austin Novels. You let him borrow one of your copies and he was fascinated by it.

On the rare occasion, he does perform public displays of affection, he will either offer you an ozh'esta or hold your hand. It is easy to hide under long sleeves.

When you wear traditional or popular Vulcan clothing he has to work twice as hard to contain himself.

He does like to indulge in Earth's pleasures but he's a mess when you embrace his.

During meditations, he will allow you to spend time near him as long as you are silent.

It is difficult when you tempt him away from his practices.

He is such a sugar daddy.

If the two of you are going to an important event together he will have you dressed in nothing except the finest.

He insists it's to make sure you both make a good impression.

But he in reality just likes to show off his cute human (husband/wife/partner) to make other diplomats jealous.

He may not indulge his other emotions externally but that doesn't mean he doesn't indulge his pride.

And you are his absolute pride.

[starfleetimagines]

Help I’ve read all of your Soval stuff and I need more. Do you have any recommendations ? :)

I don't think I've written anything for him?

But definitely check out the soval x reader tag! There seems to be a good number of fics there! Sorry that's not very specific. I haven't really read anything for him so I don't have any particular fics I recommend.

[hamyheikki]

Fic/ao3 Writing Ask Game!

Got tagged by @autisticwriterblog! Thanks, mate!

1. How many works do you have on AO3? 108 works in total, on my main account. Some more in another side account and then a few in anonymous collections.

2. What's your total AO3 word count? 232,664 words on my main account.

3. What fandoms do you write for? It appears that I have 16 fandoms listed on ao3. Currently tho, I am doing mostly SINF (Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel) stuff, and I wanna really get back into writing my niche pairs for other fandoms, like Kled x Heimerdinger for League of Legends. Or some completely new pairs, like Soval x Maxwell from Star Trek. My interests tend to bounce around, so who knows what I end up actually finishing in the end. But mostly it is just rare pairs. They intrigue me.

4. Top five fics by kudos? Oh boy, this is gonna be a blast from the past. - Number 1: Butter Cake and Pie, (The Shape Of Water fic) - Number 2: One of Those Nights (Simpsons fic) - Number 3: Infection (Pacific Rim fic I feel guilty for not finishing to this day. I really need to get it done at some point, it has been eating away at my already small storage of sanity) - Number 4: Night Of Terror (Spiderman fic) - Number 5: Movie Night For All (Spiderman fic)

5. Do you respond to comments? Always! I find it fun, I adore the interactions, and I feel it's the least I could do for people who were kind enough to leave a comment.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? This would be much easier if I actually remembered half the stuff I have written xD But I would venture a guess that the fic I did for @three-two-six's OCs called "From Start to Finish" might be the one. It has actual death in it, after all.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? I really can't say, looking at this list I have up for my ao3, most of these have a very happy ending. Of the ones I remember writing. No idea what goes down in half of these, to be honest.

8. Do you get hate on fics? I cannot recall ever getting any hateful comments. I write for such niche pairings that usually people are very pleasant and fun, and seemingly greatful to get fics written for their pair. Very nice folks all around.

9. Do you write smut? ... Maybe. Shh though!

10. Craziest crossover? I don't remember ever writing a crossover. They are not usually my cup of tea.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? Hah, no :D I don't think they are really succesful enough to be worth stealing.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? No, again, they are not really good enough for that. Plus the fandoms and pairs are I write for tend to be quite small, and/or the original content is already in English, so most readers can read them in the original language.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? No but they do sound like fun, if you manage to find a fitting writing buddy.

14. All time favourite ship? In general, or from the ships I personally write for? Either way, I find it very difficult to pick. They come and go in waves; one month I can be obsessed with a ship, then move on to another one, then come back like half a year later, and the circle just goes on. BUT few of the most permantent ones are: - Hermann & Newton from Pacific Rim - McCoy & Spock from Star Trek - Ackroyd x Strickland from Vampyr (... does anyone else ship them? Come on, they are RIGHT THERE, enemies to lovers! ... no?) - Soval x Maxwell from Star Trek - Julian x Garak from Star Trek ... Considering I have never watched a season of any Star Trek series from start to finish, or written any fics for that fandom, it is quite heavily featured here.

15. What's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will? I've had this HUGE and long CONTROL fic in works, focusing on getting Dylan saved and using Hartman to do it. But I kinda lost steam on that one. Maybe when the sequel to the game comes out and I see the characters again, I get the shot in the arm that pushes me to actually finishing it.

16. What are your writing strengths? I wouldn't call it a strenght necessarily (because I am a Finn and bragging is something we can't have) but I do like to write dialog and character -focused pieces.

17. What are your writing weaknesses? Discipline, to actually get ANYTHING on the paper, and in terms of writing itself, moving the characters around. You can only have so many basic "X walked across the room" sentences in one paragraph before you and your readers want to cut your fingers off.

18. Thoughts on dialogue in another language? If another language is a vital part of the character and they generally use it in the original material as well, I feel it's important to add. I usually try to find a person who actually speaks the language I wanna write, because Google Translate can be a real imp at times, and people in places like here in Tumblr tend to be very friendly when asked for help.

19. First fandom you wrote in? Star vs The Forces of Evil. Another show I never finished but managed to write stuff for anyway.

20. Favorite fic you've written? Butter Cake and Pie. It is such a niche pairing (Dmitri x Giles), for a small fandom, but I feel on technical level, it is the best fic I ever wrote. Now if only I could somehow recapture that skill, please. Please. What do I have to do?

This was really fun! But for the life of me, I cannot remember which ones of my mutuals are major fic writers :D SO if you follow me and are a fic writer, consider yourself tagged!

[leopardcoffee]

🫧𝕎𝕖𝕝𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕃𝕖𝕠𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕔𝕠𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕗𝕖!

🫧𝕄𝕪 𝔸𝕠𝟛: 𝕃𝕖𝕠𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕔𝕠𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕖

~🫧 𝕀 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣 𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕤, 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣 𝕋𝕣𝕖𝕜, 𝔼ℕℍ𝕐ℙ𝔼ℕ, 𝕊𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕪 𝕜𝕚𝕕𝕤, 𝔸𝕋𝔼𝔼ℤ, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝔹𝕠𝕪ℕ𝕖𝕩𝕥𝔻𝕠𝕠𝕣!!!

~🫧ℝ𝕖𝕢𝕦𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕦𝕝𝕖𝕤, 𝕟𝕠 𝕨𝕒𝕪:

𝔼𝕩𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕠𝕝𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖, !𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕥, 𝕒𝕘𝕖 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕪, 𝕟𝕠𝕟-𝕔𝕠𝕟, 𝕖𝕥𝕔.

~🫧 𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕖𝕝𝕤𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕗𝕒𝕚𝕣 𝕘𝕒𝕞𝕖, 𝔻𝕄 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕒𝕕𝕕𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕪 𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥!

~🫧𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕞𝕪 𝕓𝕦𝕓𝕓𝕝𝕖𝕤 <𝟛

𝕊𝕋ℝ𝔸𝕐 𝕂𝕀𝔻𝕊:

🫧Chan🫧

~ Your lips, my lips, apocalypse- 2 shot

~Part 1

~Part 2

𝕊𝕋𝔸ℝ 𝕋ℝ𝔼𝕂:

🫧Star Trek DS9:🫧

Ashayam, I despise you- Solok/Reader

I've got the bull by the horns- Solok/Reader 1/5

I've got the bull by the horns- Solok/Reader 2/5

🫧Star Trek VOY:🫧

Not that innocent- Vorik/Reader

🫧Star Trek ENT:🫧

You’re the ghost in the room- Soval/Reader

𝕊𝕋𝔸ℝ 𝕎𝔸ℝ𝕊:

🫧The Bad Batch:🫧

I ‘love’ you so- Tech/reader

[starfleet-jelly]

Could you do head cannons for Admiral Forrest Daughter x Soval? It would be cool if she used her mom’s maiden name so people don’t treat her differently due to her dad.

Soval… my beloved

Hope you enjoy… I hope it’s something you wanted

* They meet at a holiday party at the embassy

* It’s not something Vulcans really enjoy however as ambassador Soval feels it’s his duty to attend

* It’s loud, there’s lots of foods and drinks and lights. Soval really just wants to go home

* Soval breaks off the little group of Vulcans, who are probably just standing in a corner watching the humans interact with each other.

* Forest’s daughter was standing by the fruit punch when Soval walked over.

* “Cheery Evening, isn’t it?” The happy young woman asks Soval.

* As they begin to talk Soval realizes he likes talking to her.

* Soval had seen her before, maybe a secretary of Forest’s

* After the party Soval seems to noticed the girl more often, giving compliments on her apprentice, something he’s seen that is a common behavior among humans

* Every time Soval was around the girl, he found himself more drawn to her. His face would feel warm and his heart fluttered in his chest.

* Eventually Soval realizes his feelings, it’s illogical to deny them.

* He asks her out and they have a few dinners together, a couple walks in the park around the ambassador’s busy schedule.

* Soval doesn’t look like it, but he really does love to cuddle. He’ll mask it as “human need for touch” but he wants it just as much as her.

* He’s an excellent cook, and when he isn’t busy, he is cooking meals, and impromptu dinner dates

* It isn’t until months after the forming relationship when Soval finds out that she is Admiral Forest’s daughter.

* They shared some likeness, however didn’t share a name

* Soval is unsure of how to feel about the situation

* Soval feels almost as if he’s betraying his friend.

* After a talk with his friend, Forest is a little annoyed, it is his daughter, and the ambassador is even well over his own age. But he concedes, his daughter is happy, and he trusts his friend.

[poetictrekkie]

Drabble: Soval and T’Pol + Vulcan

Anonymous said: 13 T'Pol and Soval teaching the Vulcan fanboy/girl of a reader something about their culture.

Location prompts (hyperlinked) and all other requests are open!

Being Earth’s ambassador to Vulcan had its perks. Ever since you were young, the Vulcan culture and traditions had interested you. Your counterpart on Vulcan, Ambassador Soval, had offered to host you while you were visiting his planet. While his emotionless demeanour had unnerved your predecessors in the job, you had grown used to the behaviours of Vulcans, and even attempted to suppress your emotions when around them.

However, when Soval and another of his officers, a Vulcan woman named T’Pol, opened the doors to one of their monasteries, you couldn’t suppress the wonder that was bubbling inside you. The statues towered above you with serene, marble faces, and the ceilings were high and arched. Every inch of the space was a marvel of architecture.

“Fascinating,” you reluctantly distilled all your astonishment into a word often used by the Vulcans. Both Vulcans nodded, and you thought you saw a hint of approval in their eyes– although that must have been your imagination.

The monastery was silent, save for the echoes of a hymn behind some distant door, as Soval and T’Pol led you to a small alcove. There was a candle burning in front of three thin cushions that were placed in a line on the floor.

“We will guide you in a traditional meditation,” Soval explained, lowering himself to his knees. You followed him, letting the beauty and the light wash over you, as you prepared to learn about their culture as no other human had: first-hand.

[trekgenderr]

Can i get a really cute and fluffy Kov x reader where she admits she likes him? I didn't pay TOO much attention to him in the show, but your writing has made me change my mind!

ofc !! sorry this one took so long i rewrote it like 5 or 6 times

Pairing; Kov x Reader

Vulcans.

“a warp-capable humanoid species from the planet Vulcan. They were widely renowned for their strict adherence to logic and reason as well as their remarkable stoicism.”

or so you thought. In your few months serving on the NX-01 under Captain Archer, you had only interacted with two vulcans, sub-commander T’pol and Ambassador Soval, aka, ambassador pointy. Both being incredibly logical and mentally disciplined, especially T’pol. You thought all vulcans were as mentally disciplined as those two, especially from what you’ve heard by word of mouth and textbooks from your Starfleet training. 

To say you were surprised when you heard about V'tosh ka'tur was an understatement. It was even MORE of a shock getting to meet them and talk to them once they boarded the ship to talk to Captain Archer. You stood along the sides of the catwalk, along side your superior, Charles Tucker, but that was too formal. Everyone called him Trip.

“Well would ya look at that...” Trip trails off, “Rejecting almost all tradition. Good for them.” You couldn’t tell if it was meant to be said in a sarcastic manner or not. “Well, Chief, we can know one thing. it’ll be a treat getting to know them.” You told him, not taking your eyes off of them as they got off their ship. “I sure do have some questions for them.” Tucker admitted, also fixated on them as they greeted Captain Archer. It was odd seeing them smile and laugh and using expressions like “it’s wonderful”. But intriguing, nonetheless.

-

It was just after showering when you went to the cafeteria for dinner. Walking in, you noticed the tables were crowded of vulcans and humans asking one another questions, maybe even dipping into the more taboo parts of one another’s culture. You nodded to the chef just as you got your serving of food. You made it halfway to the table before an unfamiliar voice perked your ears up.

“Is that meat?”

Looking over your shoulder, you smile at the person who asked the question. He’s a Vulcan, but not like any vulcan you’ve seen. his clothing was asymmetrical, his hair a tad messy, and he wore a slight smile on his lips.

“yeah, chef made meatloaf tonight.” you coaxed him to walk with you. “I’m assuming you’ve never had any before?” he shook his head. “we never ate meat on Vulcan.” you nod with a small pause. “I’m (Y/N).” he smiled before replying “I’m Kov!” he held out his hand for a handshake. Before even thinking, you shook his hand, “wait, don’t vulcans avoid..” Kov nodded, “normal vulcans do avoid shaking hands, but i’m V’tosh Ka’tur!” you mentally slapped yourself for forgetting that little nugget of information. “While most vulcans reject all emotion, we believe we should balance emotion and logic.” you nodded, “What other traditions do you not follow?” he smiled, “how much time do you have?”

-

It has been a very educational 2 days. You learned a lot about both vulcan culture, and v’tosh ka’tur! How traditional vulcans don’t eat meat, all about pon farr, all about things like the Vulcan Forge and Kolinahr. Kov was a very good teacher and rather endearing. He wasn’t like any other vulcan you’ve met. he wore a smile on his face, he was more than happy to answer any questions you had about anything, and he was rather adorable too!

On top of learning all about Vulcan culture, you also had learned one thing about yourself. You had grow quite fond of the curious, non traditional Vulcan. The repairs on their ship were nearing completion, and you had a day off that you planned to use in the most productive way possible. You stood in front of the guest quarters, your heart pounding. You pushed the button.

“Come in!” as soon as Kov saw you, he smiled, setting down a PADD. “Oh, Ensign! What can i do for you?” he coaxed you to step inside. “I wanted to thank you for sharing so much about your culture with me, i’ll miss you when you have to go.” You stepped in before the door closed behind you. Your body felt hot and cold at the same time.

“So, Kov,” you got his attention “remember how i told you about that old term humans used in the 21st century to describe an infatuation with someone?” Kov racked his memory for a second “ah! yes, a crush. i remember.” he smiled the realization not hitting him. “Well,” you sat down on his bed next to him, “these past few days have been really nice between the two of us. I’ve learned a lot, like the history of your world, important parts of your culture, and most importantly how fond ive grown of you.” His cheeks flushed a light green as a smile graced his lips. “A crush?” he inquired

You nod. “Yeah,” you smile, “a crush. I thought you deserved to know before you left.” his smile remained, but his eyes went sad when he was reminded of his eventual departure. He avoided your gaze for a moment before asking. “(Y/N),” he hesitated, “i remember telling you about how Vulcans kiss, but it slips my mind on how humans kiss.” You must have been blushing, his expression gave it away.

“I’d be more than happy to show you.” he nods at your request

You scoot closer, leaning into a soft and shy kiss. His lips were as soft as he was hesitant, for fear of offending you. Soon enough, while still kissing, he slid his hand into yours, trailing up your palm with his index and middle finger, bringing them to your index and middle.

A Vulcan kiss.

((girl i’m so sorry this took forever i’ve rewritten it so many times because it didn’t seem right but i’m so sorry it took so long :(

[crowfootwrites]

Kinktober 2024 Masterlist

For all of my fellow Star Trek fans, here is my first ever attempt at Kinktober! There was no way I would be able to do something for every day of October, but I picked the topics I was most inspired to write about and tried to do all of those. I actually wanted to do more but ran out of time. Y'all it is HARD to write (almost) 30 days worth of smut that's original and interesting and not repetitive. I hope I did the month and these characters justice. 😅

IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT ALL OF THESE PIECES ARE NSFW; MINORS DNI, PLZ. It also feels important to state that all of these pieces, regardless of content, describe consensual encounters.

I'm using this Kinktober prompt list. Some of these are more like drabbles and others are longer. I also inevitably wind up listening to a song on repeat to help me get into the zone, especially when I'm writing smut, so I've included the song I listened to for each piece if you're interested!

Day 2: Against a Wall - Commander Shran x Fem!Reader

Day 3: Orgasm Control - Glinn Daro x Fem!Reader

Day 5: Praise Kink - Trip Tucker x Fem!Reader

Day 6: Thigh-Riding - Vedek Bareil x Fem!Reader

Day 7: Risky Places - Kimara Cretak x Fem!Reader

Day 9: Naked/Clothed - Soval x Fem!Reader

Day 10: Knife Play - Lon Suder x Fem!Reader

Day 13: Oral - Julian Bashir x GN!Reader

Day 17: Biting - Legate Damar x Fem!Reader

Day 20: Facesitting - Vorik x Fem!Reader

Day 21: Masturbation - Taurik x Fem!Reader

Day 22: Breeding Kink - Gul Dukat x Fem!Reader

Day 23: Bondage/Restraints - Gul Macet x Fem!Reader

Day 24: Dom/Sub Dynamics - Reginald Barclay x GN!Reader

Day 25: Impact Play/Spanking - Vreenak x Fem!Reader

Day 27: Choking/Breathplay - Solok x Fem!Reader

Day 30: Hair Pulling - Letant x Fem!Reader

Day 31: Aftercare - Phlox x Fem!Reader

[deepspacedukat]

A Queen’s Throne

Please be gentle. I’ve never written any Pre-Surak Vulcans before, so uh...we’ll see how this goes. I’m kind of also writing this as a test for a long-form, multi-chapter Pre-Surak!Soval fic that I have in the works. Just as a note, it was stated in one of the ST series that before Surak, Vulcans were polytheistic, so that’s where mentions of ‘gods’ come from in this fic.

Day 10: Cock Warming

SoC prompt list here. SoC Masterlist here. Cross-posted to AO3 here.

~*~

Pre-Surak!Soval (ST:ENT) x Reader

[A/N: This is smut, so 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI!!!]

Warnings: Interspecies sex, Human/Vulcan sex, although Soval thinks she’s just an odd looking Vulcan, cockwarming, public cockwarming, dirty talk, possessive language, public sex, claiming sex, slightly dom!Soval, slight breeding kink, exhibitionism, voyeurism, biting, unprotected sex, creampie.

~*~

“Be still for me,” Soval murmured against the shell of my ear. One of his hands gripped my hip beneath the table to hold me in place atop his lap. It wasn’t as if any member of the crowd seated in the great hall was unaware of what he was doing. We’d been officially bonded earlier today, and as such, there were certain...expectations to be fulfilled.

Whenever the head of a clan was bonded with a mate, they were expected to make a show of marking their territory. Soval was no exception, even if this wasn’t the Soval I was used to. Oh no, the Soval I had known for years was elsewhere - in a parallel universe which used to be my home. He was proper and dignified, wearing only formal robes and keeping the hair on his head neatly trimmed into the standard Vulcan bowl cut that I was so familiar with. He betrayed no emotions beyond a sharply lifted eyebrow which was somehow condescending and amused simultaneously.

This Soval, however, was different in almost every respect. He was rougher around the edges...savage, just as I’d heard so many Vulcans describe their predecessors before Surak’s existence. His hair was just as silver, but it was longer with a small braid woven into the strands near his left ear. His voice was perpetually permeated with a gravelly undertone, as if he’d spent too many hours shouting orders in battle. While the Ambassador had been clearly a man of diplomacy and calm, Soval the clan leader was a man whose passions ran deep and a person whom battles had forged into a keen strategist.

As his callused fingers grazed lightly up my throat, coaxing me to tilt my head back, his length twitched inside me.

“Look at them,” he whispered as one of his hands caressed the dip between my breasts. “Each of them wanted the chance to claim the odd little Vulcan, but we both know why they couldn’t, don’t we?”

I nodded my head silently, but a sharp nip met my earlobe.

“Speak aloud.” His correction was no louder than anything else he’d said, but his tone was much sterner than before.

“Yes, we do,” I murmured, and Soval grasped one of my breasts lightly, giving it a gentle squeeze that sent heat surging between my legs and across my face. To keep myself steady on his lap, I grabbed at his thighs, marveling silently at the sinewy strength of the muscles beneath me.

The meal had ended a short time ago, but somewhere around mid-way, my new husband had coaxed me onto his lap, not-so-stealthily slipping his hand beneath my skirt and moving the fabric out of the way just far enough for him to impale me on his lok.

“That’s my good girl,” he whispered before raising his voice. “The gods only send women like you to leaders who have shown restraint, wisdom, ruthlessness, and courage in the correct proportions.”

Several of his men made sounds of approval at his statement despite their own jealousy. As they did, Soval leaned back in his chair, pulling me with him to half-lay against his torso. The warmth of his skin where his tunic parted to expose part of his chest was almost soothing amidst this public chaos. The hair across his pecs tickled my back where my ceremonial clothing left me exposed.

“A reward as precious and fragile as this is only meant for those who demonstrate that they can cherish it,” he continued as he wrapped one arm solidly around my waist. With a savage sort of smile, he made a show of pushing his free hand beneath my skirt and rubbing my clit. Whimpering and shutting my eyes to block out the rest of the guests, I tried to focus only on Soval, his hand touching me, and his lok stretching me. “How many instances have there been in our history involving the gods giving their most trusted leaders a mate with rounded ears and red blood? How many times have such fertile, delicate miracles been granted? Four? Five? We’ve all heard the legends. Those who prove themselves worthy of such partners have long, strong lines and are blessed beyond measure, and now...now, we can behold living proof of the gods’ generosity.”

Loud cheers met his declaration, and Soval smiled wolfishly into the crook of my neck as he throbbed within me. I whimpered and arched in his grasp as his fingers swirled unrelentingly over and around my clit. Ever the strategist, Soval had stirred his clan members’ excitement as steadily as he had my own pleasure, and we were all heading toward a breaking point.

“Before the members of my clan and my gods, I claim this woman as my mate,” he called, and right on cue, the taught string of building pleasure in my abdomen snapped, drawing a shout of his name from me as I convulsed around his lok. Several raucous yells and cheers erupted from the others, but all I felt was Soval holding me close and playing my body expertly like a musician with an instrument. His teeth clamped onto my neck as he thrust roughly up into me once, then twice before spilling his seed. He growled against my skin as the crowd that was gathered in the hall watched on, palming their own growing arousal and looking eagerly at their partners.

Reaching back and burying a hand in Soval’s long, surprisingly silky, silver hair, I tried to catch my breath, savoring the sensation of his lips leaving wet kisses across my jaw.

“When we get back to our room tonight, I’m going to prove to you that I’m worthy of you,” he whispered as he nuzzled into my hair. Until then, I basked in the safety that being in his arms afforded me, even amongst such an unpredictable group of beings with three times my strength. This savagery wasn’t as difficult to adjust to as the Ambassador had made it out to be.

~*~*~

Taglist:

@android-boyfriends @attention-bajoranworkers @bigblissandlove1 @darkmattervibes @emilie786 @horta-in-charge @live-logs-and-proper @slutty-slutty-vulcans @starrynightgardens @toebeans-mcgee

[deepspacedukat]

One-Way Mirror

This one is way longer than I anticipated, which is the last thing I expected given all the crazy things that happened all at once in the last few days. (Good things, I promise! Just a lot of them lol.) If anyone wants to see the version of Mirror!Shran that I’m writing about, @thylekshran made a gorgeous edit which can be found here. Also, I realize all three of these bois served on different ships/in different places, but for the sake of the story/smut we’re going to pretend they were all on the ISS Enterprise. As usual, italics indicate flashbacks. Anyway, enjoy!

Day 4: Come Inflation

SoC prompt list here. SoC Masterlist here. Cross-posted to AO3 here.

~*~

Mirror!Shran (ST:ENT) x Reader, Mirror!Soval (ST:ENT) x Reader, Mirror!Trip (ST:ENT) x Reader

[A/N: This is smut, so 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI!!!]

Warnings: Interspecies sex, Human/Andorian sex, Human/Vulcan sex, exhibitionism, voyeurism, come inflation, dirty talk, being allowed to watch as an incentive to keep a secret, all acts are consensual, slightly subby!Soval, oral sex (female receiving), mind meld, telepathy, brief mention of torture, Mirror!Archer being prejudiced against Vulcans, transporter accident because of course, Andorian orgasms are...prolific, suspend thy disbelief.

~*~

“I think it’s time you thank your hostess for so graciously allowing you into her quarters, Crewman,” Shran called from his seat on the bed directly behind me. Soval’s eyes were locked with mine as his hands slowly caressed my legs. “Go on. Give her what she needs.”

Kneeling between my open thighs, the Vulcan gripped my hips to keep me steady and licked his way up toward the dampness between them. Whimpering as his slightly-rougher-than-a-Human’s tongue finally began exploring my labia, I let my head droop backward onto Thy’lek’s shoulder. A rough moan from the side of the room reminded me sharply of Commander Tucker’s presence.

How had things spiraled out of control so quickly? One moment I was escorting Ambassador Soval back to the Enterprise from a diplomatic mission, and the next, I felt as though the air had been stolen from my lungs.

I’d swayed as the transporter room materialized around me, my surroundings flickering from the familiar bulkheads and deck plates to something...slightly off. Just before I could topple over atop the transporter pad, though, a pair of strong arms wrapped around my middle, steadying me.

“Are you alright, ma’am?” Soval asked from behind me, and when the world stopped spinning, I opened my eyes. Why did Soval have a goatee? He hadn’t had one when we requested to be beamed back aboard the Enterprise, and why the hell was he in a Starfleet uniform? He’d been in robes only a few moments before. At my confused expression, he looked almost alarmed. “Do you require medical assistance?”

“No, no, I’m fine. I...I just got dizzy for a second, there,” I answered as I attempted to steady myself on my feet.

“Are you sure? We wouldn’t want someone as important as you collapsing on us,” a second voice called, and I looked over to find Captain Archer at the controls, also wearing a different uniform. There were leather straps and odd metallic embellishments. I glanced down and saw that I was wearing something odd, as well - a pair of low-rise uniform pants and what was essentially a cropped uniform top. What the hell was going on, and why was the Captain treating me like I was dignitary? He made sure all his officers knew that we were important, but everything about this seemed wrong, including the giant yellow insignia behind him where the Starfleet logo should be. “I doubt the Emperor would forgive us for allowing his niece to be injured as soon as she beamed aboard.”

Emperor? What Emperor?

As soon as I straightened up, Soval’s hands fell away and he took a hasty step away from me as he averted his eyes.

“Another second and I’d have had to put you in the agony booth, Crewman. You should know better than to touch a Human without permission - especially that Human,” Archer said, and I blinked in confusion.

“My humblest apologies, Commander.”

“You’ll still be punished, of course.”

“No, actually, he won’t be punished. Soval, you didn’t do anything wrong,” I blurted looking between him and my Captain. Was this man really my Captain, though? And was this really Soval when he acted so subserviently? Everything seemed so strange. “He doesn’t need to apologize, and he definitely doesn’t deserve to be disciplined for helping me.”

After a slight hesitation, Archer stood straighter and nodded his head.

“Understood, ma’am. If you’ll come with me, I’ll show you to your quarters,” he said walking around the edge of the control station and offered me his hand. “There are a few propositions I’d like to discuss with you.”

“Actually, I think I’d prefer if Soval showed me the way,” I said, and both men looked at me oddly. “Unless you object...?”

“Not at all, ma’am. I’ll alert the General about your arrival. I’m sure he’ll be pleased to see you again,” Archer said as he turned to the Vulcan. The venom was evident in both his voice and his expression. “Try not to embarrass us, Crewman.”

The Captain Archer that I knew would never treat anyone with such blatant disrespect and hatred. Whatever this was that I’d stumbled into, I needed to find a way home. Quickly.

Soval had led me down two long corridors before he worked up the courage to break the silence.

“I do not mean to speak out of turn, ma’am, but I am grateful for your intercession on my behalf,” he said, and I looked up at him as we stepped into the turbolift together.

“I only did what was right, but you’re welcome.” We walked quietly for a few more moments before a scream echoed down an adjacent hall. Alarmed, I grabbed Soval’s arm and sprinted in the direction of the shouts until we came across a group of officers watching as a man screamed inside of a clear tube. Was that the Agony Booth that Archer had mentioned? A torture chamber? Stopping short, I felt my heart clench and my face twist in horror. What sort of hell was this?!

Silently, Soval placed his hand on my shoulder and turned me away, coaxing me down the corridor back the way we’d come before anyone even noticed we’d been there. Soon, we’d reached the door to what I presumed were my quarters, and the Vulcan had ushered me inside.

“Ma’am, if I may say so, you seem...unsettled,” Soval said, and I looked over at him as my breathing sped up. “Are you certain that you do not require medical assistance?”

“Of course I’m unsettled! The whole universe has gone insane in the blink of an eye!” I snapped, and Soval flinched as if he was afraid I was going to slap him. My frustration drained away, and I placed a hand softly over his chest. Lowering my voice, I spoke as carefully and deliberately as I could, apologizing in his own language. I hoped that would convince him of my sincerity. “Ni'droi'ik nar-tor. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lost my temper.”

“Du stariben Vuhlkansu?” He whispered as he blushed a deep emerald green. ‘You speak Vulcan?’ I’d been learning the Vulcan language in an attempt to show Soval that...well, that I was dedicated to learning more about the galaxy and about his people. The Ambassador didn’t seem to be the same person as the Soval in front of me, though.

“Ha, osu, tonk'peh goh wuh pi’.” ‘Yes, sir, but only a little.’ Despite my lack of further knowledge, Soval seemed pleased by the information.

“It is an honor that you would know even a single word, t’sai,” Soval murmured with something nearing adoration. “May I ask how you learned a language that is frowned upon by your own people?”

Well, this was the moment of truth. Taking a deep breath, I looked up into his eyes.

“I learned a few words from the wisest man I know - a Vulcan Ambassador named Soval...from you, osu,” I admitted, watching as his lips parted in silent surprise. “The rest I learned with some assistance from my ship’s first officer: Sub-commander T’Pol.”

As I spoke, Soval blushed and ducked his head.

“No Vulcan since Solkar has ever been an Ambassador to Earth, nor could one hold such a high rank within Starfleet. You are mocking me,” he murmured looking more hurt than I could have imagined.

Even now, I couldn’t help but marvel at the openness of his expressions. The look of near reverence that Soval gave me as he made me convulse on his tongue was so unlike that of his counterpart. His neatly-trimmed goatee tickled my skin just enough that I trembled at the sensation.

“What a sight,” Trip murmured as he palmed the bulge in his uniform. Seated on a chair not far from us, the Chief Engineer watched with rapt attention as General Shran’s lips trailed down my neck.

“Beautiful,” the Andorian breathed as he repositioned me. Soval laid back on the bed, and I was lifted onto his lap so that I could straddle his hips. The tip of his leaking lok jutted hot and ready up from his groin, pressing insistently against me. The Vulcan grasped my waist, letting out a whimper as I guided him to my entrance.

“I’m not mocking you, Soval,” I’d promised grabbing his wrist lightly with one hand and using the other to coax him into looking at me again. “Look within my thoughts. See the truth in my memories. I know you can, because you have done so with me before.”

“You speak of forbidden knowledge and acts which have been banned in the Terran Empire. You claim to know me, yet prior to today, I have only ever seen your image in reports regarding the Empire’s success,” he stated sounding shaken but hopeful. “It is...not logical to assume that you are telling the truth. You are attempting to trick me...to find a reason to punish me.”

“I’m not, Soval, I promise.” Lifting his hand to the side of my face with my own, I noted that his breathing had sped up. “Please...”

Cupping the back of my head with his free hand, Soval began to whisper the phrase I’d heard from him back home on more than one occasion.

“My mind to your mind...your thoughts to my thoughts...” Memories flashed through my consciousness as he sifted through them, then they paused on the day that I met Ambassador Soval. A wave of emotion floated across our connection, and this Soval’s voice came out rough and quiet. “That is me, but...how...?”

Eventually, he severed the meld and looked at me in wonder.

“You...are not the Emperor’s niece. You are the woman I just saw...a Lieutenant from another place...another universe in which...all species are equal,” he whispered as if it was some terrible secret. Given everything that I’d seen so far, I supposed that it was. “More than that, you care for the Soval whom you showed me.”

Nodding my head silently, I stood on the tips of my toes and kissed away the single tear that had fallen before wrapping my arms around him. He’d hesitated for barely a breath before returning the gesture and holding me close.

The contrast between Vulcan strength and the gentleness of Soval’s touch was evident then just as it was as he whimpered and groaned beneath me. Lifting his hands to my lips, I kissed his fingertips and skimmed my teeth gently against his palms. A pair of blue hands wrapped around my hips, taking turns strumming my clit. 

One of Soval’s hands slid up and cupped my cheek, easing his thoughts into my head.

“Ashaya, I give myself to you in the hopes that you find me worthy,” he thought at me just before he gave a strained shout. With a few final, stuttered thrusts, he buried himself inside me as deeply as he could and released, pulling me over the edge with him.

When I finally melted back against Thy’lek’s chest, Trip moaned, and the three of us looked over to see him masturbating to the sight of the three of us.

“It seems we have a captive audience,” I murmured, and a light, airy laugh breezed across my neck from the Andorian holding me.

“Well, ain’t that cute?” Soval and I both started at the sound of Commander Tucker’s voice. Turning slightly, I saw him leaning against the doorway that presumably led to the bathroom. That was definitely Trip, but something had happened to his face. A plasma burn? The aftermath of an explosion? Despite what may have caused it, half of his face was one big scar. My stomach churned at the sight of a man who was my friend looking so injured and...well, menacing as he pointed the tool he was using at me. “I woulda never thought the Emperor’s favorite niece was soft for Vulcans. It would be a shame if the General found out. After all, your fiancé isn’t exactly an understanding man.”

Fiancé? What the hell was he talking about? Swallowing nervously, I tried to logic out how I should approach this situation, but Soval spoke up before I could.

“Then I suppose Captain Forrest and Commander Archer should be notified of your indiscretion with T’Pol,” he stated sounding more confident than I’d yet heard him.

“You keep your pointed ears out of this, Crewman,” Trip snarled leveling a glare at him before turning back to me. “Now, how about the two of us discuss this situation like civilized Humans?”

“How about you go fuck yourself?” I retorted taking a small step toward Trip. We were so busy getting ready to tear each other to pieces that none of us heard the door to my quarters open with a hiss.

“Having a party, are we?” The three of us turned at the question, and my eyes went wide at the sight of Thy’lek standing in the doorway. He was here in this strange place - yet another familiar face playing an unfamiliar part - but more than that, he looked different. He was missing his right antenna, his left eye was a milky white that spoke of blindness, and a scar stretched across it vertically from brow bone to cheek. He took a few steps inside the room, glancing between myself, Trip, and Soval.

“Sorry, General. I’m just finishing up a repair on this shower unit. I should be finished in just a moment,” Trip said gesturing to the panel that was still hanging off the wall. “Unless you’d prefer I finish later–”

“No. Carry on, Tucker,” Shran said quietly, never taking his eyes from me. “And the Vulcan?”

Soval didn’t seem especially ready to speak after his burst of confidence moments before, so I answered in what I hoped was a steady-ish voice.

“I felt a bit dizzy getting off the transporter pad earlier. Soval was kind enough to make sure I got back here safely,” I said, and he glanced over at the Vulcan for a moment. Soval’s eyes were still downcast, as if he was in a room with superiors, or something. He’d said something about Vulcans not being equals in this Empire, so I suppose this sort of behavior was conditioned into him.

That didn’t mean I had to like it, though.

“Yes, I was alerted about your unsteadiness almost as soon as it happened,” Shran said turning his attention back to me and closing the distance between us with a few final steps. Reaching out and moving a lock of hair behind my ear, I couldn’t stop the way my breath hitched in my chest at the tenderness of his movements. Thy’lek looked at me curiously for a moment before carefully cupping my cheek. After the confusion and fear and harshness that was prevalent in this strange universe, I welcomed this instance of gentleness, closing my eyes as I leaned into his touch. When he spoke again, his voice was so low I nearly missed it. “You’re not afraid of me anymore...?”

The ease with which this Thy’lek was able to make me feel comfortable and safe was almost startling. Apparently, no matter how many iterations of him I encountered, I was bound to feel like I belonged around him.

As he lifted me off of Soval’s lok and swiftly slotted himself inside of me, I whimpered at the sensation of being stretched in an entirely new way. I didn’t get a chance to look at what exactly he was hiding beneath that uniform of his, but it was a very different shape than what I was expecting.

“Are you alright?” Thy’lek whispered, pausing to give me time to adjust to him. He trailed kisses and barely-there bites down my shoulders. It struck me that even this battle scarred and hardened version of my friend was gentle and considerate. There wasn’t a question in my mind about whether or not I could trust him not to hurt me.

My eyes snapped open at his question, but I didn’t pull away from his hand. Had the other me really been afraid of him?

“Should I be afraid of you?”

“No, but...that never stopped you before,” he murmured. “I have never known you to be afraid of anyone or anything...except me, of course. Was it my eye...my scar?”

This whole universe had to be composed of opposites. I had always felt safe with Thy’lek. Reaching up, I braced my hands on his shoulders and kissed his cheek.

“I think it makes you look strong. That scar is a physical reminder of the difficulties you’ve overcome, the things that you’ve survived. If I was afraid of you before, then I was an idiot,” I whispered as his eyes widened.

“...Are you sure that you’re my fiancée?” Shran asked in an awed sort of voice. “I realize that the emperor ordered you to agree to this marriage. Despite rumors to the contrary, I have no intention of harming you. You’re not obliged to lie to me about how you feel.”

“Thy’lek...I’m not afraid of you,” I promised, and almost before I stopped talking, he was on me, kissing me as gently as I always imagined that my universe’s Shran would.

“General, I never pegged you as the type to be on the side of a Vulcan sympathizer,” Trip called from the side where he stood with his arms crossed and smug smirk across his lips.

Ah, shit.

The Andorian in my arms pulled back slightly, looking between myself and Soval with a renewed type of understanding in his eyes.

“There’s a first time for everything, Tucker,” Shran responded drawing himself to his full height and grasping my hands. “I’ll protect both you and Soval.”

“Why?” I couldn’t stop the surprised question from tumbling between my lips.

“You’ll be my wife in a few weeks. Besides, I’m the one who was given this betrothal as a favor from your uncle. The least I could do is protect the gift I’ve been given,” he murmured, and I blinked up at him.

Soval finally raised his eyes and looked at my fiancé in astonishment before taking a slow step toward us.

“Do you care for her, Crewman?” At Soval’s blushing nod, Shran smiled. “Then spend the evening with us. Andorians are used to having four people in sexual encounters. Three isn’t so different of a number, as long as you’re alright with that, of course?”

I was already in an upside down universe. Why not? What harm could it do to enjoy myself while I was trapped in this hell of a place? Both men were attractive in their own ways in my universe as well as this one. Besides, getting home would be difficult. If I didn’t manage it, at least I’d have cultivated some positive companionship.

“I look forward to it,” I murmured as I met Soval’s gaze, feeling my heart speed up in my chest.

“As for you,” Thy’lek growled as he walked toward Tucker, pulling his ushaan-tor from its sheath. “You have two options. The first is that I tear your head from your shoulders and claim you assaulted the emperor’s niece. Not a soul would dare question me. The second is that I give you an incentive, and you remain silent and alive. Choose. Now.”

“Do I get to pick the incentive?” The Engineer’s eyes bounced between the man and the blade.

“Choose your next words carefully, or they may be your last,” Thy’lek warned, but ‘careful’ didn’t seem to be in this Trip’s vocabulary.

“You and the little princess seem to have chemistry. Since Pointy, here, is allowed to stay for the show, I want to stay, too,” Tucker said looking me up and down. “Never seen a gal take both an Andorian and a Vulcan before.”

The General let out an incredulous huff of laughter.

“Is that all? Poor boy. Did your little Vulcan beauty give you up after her pon farr ended? You must not have been that good of a fuck, then,” Shran crooned as he pulled me into his arms. The wide-eyed look of embarrassment plastered across Trip’s face made the General laugh. “Oh yes, the whole ship knows about that. Ah well, I don’t see the harm in indulging you. Better to keep the troops happy than to have them stab me in the back. Unless, of course, you’re not comfortable with that?”

Directing his last question at me, Thy’lek gave me a smile that was eerily similar to that of his counterpart. I gave in instantly and dragged him into a kiss.

Soval sat up beneath me, and his lips met mine just as Shran’s met that sensitive spot just below my ear. As the Vulcan’s fingers brushed over my clit, I let out a muffled shout against his mouth. The General gave a few rough grunts, then stilled inside me, filling me more than I thought was possible. Looking down when I felt my abdomen grow taught, I noted with an exhausted sort of disbelief that there was a slight bulge where he’d fucked me full of his seed.

Trip let out a strangled shout from his seat as he came as well, but none of the three of us paid any attention. We were too busy catching our breath and melting into one another.

“You’re not her, are you?” Thy’lek murmured against the side of my head a few moments later as Commander Tucker took his leave. I froze. Soval’s eyes met mine, and he seemed as curious as I did about what the General would say next. “You keep looking at me like...like you’re surprised that I look this way...as if I’m not worth less than you just because I’m Andorian. She hated me simply for existing as I am. You can’t be her, so...who are you?”

“I’m her, only I’m from another place...some sort of parallel universe, I think.” I felt his breath gust over my skin at my answer, and he held me just a little tighter. “I don’t know how I got here.”

“Then I’ll try my hardest to get you home. If...If I can’t–”

“If you can’t, then I’ll at least have you and Soval to protect me,” I replied kissing his cheek. “I only hope that my counterpart hasn’t caused too much damage in my universe...”

~*~*~

Vulcan Words:

Ni'droi'ik nar-tor. = I am sorry.

Du stariben Vuhlkansu? = You speak Vulcan?

Ha, osu, tonk'peh goh wuh pi’. = Yes, sir, but only a little.

t’sai = lady, madam

~*~

Taglist:

@android-boyfriends @attention-bajoranworkers @bigblissandlove1 @darkmattervibes @emilie786 @horta-in-charge @live-logs-and-proper @slutty-slutty-vulcans @starrynightgardens @toebeans-mcgee @wafflingchemist

[deepspacedukat]

Okay, I was scrolling here throw some star trek x reader fics and, when I saw the post about Soval and Shran with a child reader, the image of these two singing Hell's Greatest Dadfrom Hazbin Hotel came to my mind

I haven't seen Hazbin Hotel, but I did look up the song on YouTube, and...honestly, I can see it. Thank you for putting that mental image into my brain, Nonny!

[deepspacedukat]

Begin Again - Part 6

I’ve been enjoying writing this waaayyyy too much. Koss is just such a perfect target for teasing and...yep. Anyway, enjoy!

Part 1 here. Part 2 here. Part 3 here. Part 4 here. Part 5 here.

Cross-posted to AO3 here.

~*~

Koss (ST:ENT) x Reader

[A/N: This is smut adjacent with mentions of innuendo, so 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI!!!]

Warnings: Mutual pining, mild innuendo, discussion of a wet dream, ozh’esta (Vulcan finger kiss), public flirting Vulcan style, Soval gives The Pon Farr Talk, one of the two idiots begins to put two and two together.

~*~

I really should have taken Koss’s robe back to him the next day. That would have been the logical, polite thing to do, but I didn’t. The night he’d lent it to me, I fell asleep wearing it. I didn’t mean to, really I didn’t. I laid down - just for a few minutes to attempt to process what had happened between us - and the comforting, familiar scent of my neighbor on his robe lulled me to sleep before I could even consider taking it off.

Embarrassingly, even my dreams weren’t free of his influence. My subconscious mind had latched onto the sensation of Koss sweeping me up in his arms as if I weighed nothing at all. The soothing sturdiness of his warm, strong chest against my bare skin and the heady realization that we were entirely nude while in such close proximity had made my head spin in the moment. In my dreams, that became the main focus.

Images of impassioned kisses and breathy moans against burning skin flashed through my mind, making for a rather rude awakening by my morning alarm. Waking up hot and bothered was one thing, but to do it while wrapped in Koss’s robe? That felt entirely scandalous.

My morning routine was a blur that day, and when I got to the Embassy to start my shift, I realized I’d tossed Koss’s robe on over my uniform tunic instead of my own. Leaving it draped over my chair in my office, I tried to get through the day without anyone being the wiser about my little mix-up. Soval even caught sight of it once, but if he recognized the robe as Koss’s, he didn’t give any indication of it.

One Embassy employee must not have liked my perfume, though. He gave a little sniff when we were in the lift together, and he promptly turned a rather dark shade of green as he averted his gaze. Huh. Oh well. That wasn’t the weirdest thing to happen to me. Making a mental note to wear a different perfume on my next shift, I brushed that off and got on with my day.

A few evenings later, I prepared to give the borrowed robe back to my neighbor. There had been several opportunities to return it to him, but...well, I just couldn’t seem to bring myself to do it. I was almost embarrassed that I’d waited so long. After all, it wasn’t as if Koss was my partner. How could I excuse my behavior? Surely it would seem illogical to a Vulcan if I said ‘I kept your robe a little longer than I should have because your scent relaxes me.’ That would only make Koss think I was some kind of creep.

The evening that I was determined to return it to him, I washed it by hand and took the time to examine the fabric more closely. The deep, brown cloth was soft and well-worn. Koss had clearly spent many hours nestled in its warm embrace. There were many places along the robe’s length where Koss had mended tears and holes, but the bottom hem near one of the corners was beginning to come undone. A small smile made itself at home on my lips at his attention to detail where he’d sewn the robe back together. He’d matched the stitching exactly.

Attention to detail seemed to be a common theme with him. Even when it came to our socializing, Koss always made sure that I was comfortable and that my needs were met. I really needed to find some way to thank him.

As I folded the worn material, I had an idea. Hurrying downstairs and over to Koss’s door, I took a deep breath and rang his door chime. Koss looked thoroughly surprised to see me smiling up at him when his door slid open.

“Hi! Sorry, am I bothering you?”

“I always welcome your presence, but you do not typically visit me in the afternoons. Is everything alright, ashaya?” He asked as he stepped aside to allow me into his home.

“Yeah, I’m fine, I promise. I just wanted to, um...” I stammered, but I trailed off as I caught sight of his living space. Memories from the last time I was here swept up to greet me, and I blinked in surprise as I realized that being here again felt like coming home. Noticing how long I’d been silent, I cleared my throat and turned to face Koss. “I remembered that I still had your robe, so I’m here to return it.”

“Thank you, but there was no rush, I assure you,” he said walking over to me and accepting the folded robe. “Was that...all you came here to do?”

“No, actually. I was wondering if you were familiar with any farmer’s markets around here?” At his look of confusion, I tried to clarify. “A place that sells fresh local produce.”

“Ah. Yes, I am. There is one not far from here. Why? Are you not receiving adequate food supplies?” He seemed utterly alarmed and protective at the prospect, but I placed a calming hand on his arm.

“I’m well-fed, I promise. When it comes to Vulcan produce, though, the variety offered by the Embassy provisional department is a little limited. I wanted to try my hand at a sort of fusion cuisine, but I can’t seem to find the right kind of fruit. I was hoping a local market might offer something I haven’t had the chance to experience yet,” I explained, and Koss relaxed substantially. Even if he could never feel the same way that I did, it was sweet how much he cared for his friends. “You said there was one nearby?”

“Yes, it is a short walk from here. I can escort you there tomorrow morning, if that is convenient.”

“That’s very sweet of you, but I’m sure I can find my way without you having to play tour guide. Surely you have better things to do?”

“It is no bother,” Koss said setting his robe aside and taking a step closer to me. “Besides, I would happily be your ‘tour guide’ if you’d allow me.”

Did he look hopeful or was I projecting my own emotions onto him?

“Alright, then. I accept your offer.” Koss nodded his head in approval just as a small thump came from the door at the back of his home. We both turned to see I’Tol sitting with his big, fluffy paw against the glass.

“Your introduction to him was not...entirely pleasant. Would you be comfortable if I allowed him inside? Or would you prefer that I wait until you depart?”

I looked over at him and smiled.

“Oh, he’s just a big teddy bear. Go on.” At my permission, Koss walked over to the door and slid it open, letting the big fluff inside. Much more sedately than our previous encounter, the sehlat walked over and flopped on his back in front of me again. As I knelt and rubbed his belly, Koss strode over to us and sat beside me.

“How odd. I’Tol never behaves this way with others, yet he has done so twice with you,” he murmured, and I looked over to find my neighbor already observing me closely. Blushing under his intense gaze, I looked back at his saber-toothed bear.

“Maybe he can tell that I’m good with animals,” I suggested, but Koss just slid a little closer to me. “On Earth, there are people who believe that pets, especially dogs, can instinctively tell good people from bad.”

“If that is true of sehlats, then you are undoubtedly an exceptional person,” Koss murmured. When I looked over at him, he was wearing an expression that was so open and full of kindness that my breath hitched in my throat. He really meant it.

With a rustle of fur, I’Tol stood and padded off to a large cushion at the side of the living space that appeared to be his bed, and Koss and I got to our feet.

“Thank you for letting me see him again. I’ll um...I’ll leave you in peace. See you tomorrow?”

Koss agreed and walked me to the door. As I made my way home, I wondered what that look of his had meant.

--

The next morning, I donned a set of lightweight robes for the trek to the marketplace. It turned out to be a shorter distance than I’d anticipated. How had I not found this place sooner?

What must have been dozens of stalls were set up with vendors selling produce and pieces of local craftsmanship. Vulcans of every shape, size, and color milled about examining various items and speaking quietly amongst themselves.

As Koss and I chatted and made our way through the crowd, something bounced off my leg with a little grunt. Looking down, I spotted a young girl looking up at me with wide eyes.

“Ni'droi'ik nar-tor,” she stammered as if she was afraid that I’d hurt her. I supposed that my ears didn’t help. Bumping into an alien in the middle of a Vulcan market must have been startling. Releasing Koss’s arm, I smiled and helped her carefully to her feet. Brushing a bit of dirt off her robe, I noted that she didn’t appear hurt, at least.

“T’Ria,” a voice called, and the little girl called back. A Vulcan woman made her way through the crowd as I stood straight again, and she glanced between myself and her child. The two exchanged a few quiet words in Vuhlkansu, and the mother gave me a small, respectful nod of her head. “Lesek, t’sai...osu.”

We returned her gesture and the two went about their business. When I looked back at Koss, he was examining me as if he was attempting to decipher a puzzle.

“Did I do something wrong?” My voice seemed to knock him back to reality.

“No. Not at all,” he said, but his voice sounded rougher than before.

Once we returned to our path through the stalls, we finally found the section that would hopefully yield the results I wanted: the fruit stalls. I didn’t recognize the majority of the fruit being displayed, so I quietly asked Koss what they were.

Several sounded intriguing, but it wasn’t until we reached a vendor selling little yellow i’su’ke berries that I knew I’d found what I was looking for. Koss described them as being tart, but pleasant if accompanying something sweet. The bright pink ones beside them were called g’teth berries, and they were, apparently naturally sweet.

Perfect.

Removing my hand from his arm to examine the fruit, I purchased just enough to make the surprise I was planning, plus a little extra. There was something to be said about having a little more than you needed when experimenting with a new recipe. Mistakes were bound to happen, after all.

Exchanging the correct amount of currency with the kindly vendor, I stowed the fruit in my shopping bag. When I turned back to where Koss had been standing only a moment before, he was nowhere to be seen. Glancing around, I spotted his broad shoulders moving back through the crowd toward me with something in his hand.

He led me to an empty side section of the market before speaking again.

“Forgive my absence, ashalik. While you were occupied, I made a small detour to another stall. Would you indulge me for a moment by turning around?” I looked at him curiously, but I did as he asked. Why wouldn’t I? The warmth of his presence moved closer to me, and his arms reached around me.

Within his grasp was a silver chain with a deep, red stone - I took a guess that it was a garnet or something similar. The way the light reflected and refracted off the stone’s many facets put any other jewelry I owned to shame. Once the necklace was secured around my throat, Koss swept my hair out from under the metal to its former position. Was I imagining things or did his fingers linger just a beat longer than was necessary over my pulse?

“I thought this pendant appropriate for one whose passions have carried her across the stars,” he murmured somewhat closer to my ear than I had expected. This felt like more than just a casual gift from a friend, though. I knew what I so desperately wanted it to be, even if it was impossible. “You are an admirable, venerable woman, and knowing you is my greatest pleasure.”

I didn’t know what to say. What could I say in the wake of such a sincere compliment?

Before I could find my voice and the correct words to say, part of the crowd moved closer to us, and Koss grasped my hand lightly to guide me away. A few moments later, he pulled me carefully to a stop outside a small shop with his hand still holding mine.

“Would you like to share some tea before we return home? I am familiar with this particular tea maker. He is quite skilled.” He looked so hopeful. How could I possibly refuse?

Smiling up at him, I agreed, and Koss escorted me inside.

“Shif pasu.” The waiter nodded his head at Koss’s request before leading us to a table for two in a secluded little corner. This felt surprisingly intimate, just like many of the other things we’d done together. Was I crazy or was there more to our interactions than I’d previously assumed?

When we were served a single, slightly larger than normal cup of tea, I looked at Koss curiously.

“Is this a Vulcan custom?” A hint of green dusted his cheeks at my question.

“It is, ashaya. However, if you would prefer a second cup–”

“No, no, this is perfectly fine. I was just curious. I’m afraid I don’t know as much about your culture and customs as I should outside of the diplomatic arena,” I explained, and he visibly relaxed.

“I would be gratified to teach you whatever you wish to know,” he said gesturing for me to take the first sip. As I did so, he continued. “For example, this particular custom is traditionally a gesture of trust and familiarity between two individuals. This tea shop is often frequented by couples beginning a courtship.”

“Really?” I asked as I set the cup back down in the middle of the table. “May I ask why that is?”

“To share food and drink - resources which have been scarce throughout our planet’s history - signifies one person’s desire to ensure the survival of the other,” he explained before taking a sip of the tea.

“So...the pair two tables to our left is sharing a cup, as well. Are they...’courting,’ as you called it?” The term sounded rather Victorian, but I wasn’t about to criticize them. I was just happy to be learning something new about Koss and his people. He glanced over at the table I’d indicated, then back at me.

“I have no doubt that they are,” he replied sounding certain of the fact.

“But they’re behaving just like anyone else. Besides the tea, I can’t see anything that sets their behavior apart. What makes you so sure?” I asked curiously, and the barest hint of mischief sparkled in his eyes.

“Look at their hands,” he instructed quietly. I did so as stealthily as I could manage, and I saw that atop the table, the man’s first two fingers were resting over the same fingers on the woman’s hand. When I looked back at my companion, he must have realized that only raised more questions than it answered. “That is quite intimate physical contact.”

What? But Koss had held my hands much more firmly than that tiny, little point of contact. Why was that so different?

“How so?” At my question, he blushed more prominently.

“Lay your hand on the table in the same position as theirs,” he murmured, and I did as he said - of course I did. I trusted him, after all. Delicately, Koss laid his hand on the table, allowing two of his fingers to lay atop mine. A soft, pleasant, dizzying sort of warmth wound its way up my arm from the point of contact, and I looked up at my neighbor curiously. “This is a variation of a gesture called an ozh’esta.”

“Does it always feel like...like this?” I had no idea how to describe the sensation he’d thrust upon me, but I had to assume this was normal for this particular gesture.

“I do not know. What are you feeling?” He asked looking almost surprised.

“Warmth, I suppose, but that doesn’t quite describe it fully. This feels different somehow,” I murmured, realizing how ridiculous I must have sounded.

“I...was unaware that Humans could experience what we do with the ozh’esta. Your species has no telepathic ability,” he muttered. Telepathy? Was that why Vulcans dislike physical contact? Tilting his head curiously, he blinked and the warmth his touch had inspired changed to a subtle, pulsing, tingling sensation. “And now?”

I described it to the best of my ability, and Koss’s eyes darkened as his pupils dilated. After a short burst of what felt like pure pleasure, he removed his hand from mine and took a bracing sip of tea.

“Forgive me. I should not have behaved so inappropriately.”

“You didn’t, Koss, I promise.” I touched his wrist lightly, and he looked at me with surprise written all over his face. Giving him a small smile, I tried to reassure him. “You were teaching me. Thank you for the lesson and for the insight into your culture.”

“You...are welcome,” he said just above a whisper as I sipped our tea. Once our cup was empty, Koss paid the tab and we made our way back toward home.

We paused outside my door moments later, and I turned to face him. He was already looking at me with an expression that - if he’d been Human - I’d have described as softly affectionate. But he couldn’t feel that way about me.

“I just want to thank you for today. I know you probably had better things to do, but I really enjoyed myself. I mean, that’s no surprise, really, because I always enjoy spending time with you, Koss.”

“As do I, ashaya,” he murmured as his eyes skimmed my face.

“You know, if you come by after your evening meal tomorrow, I’ll have a surprise ready for you,” I said with a little wink. Koss tilted his head curiously, but before he could ask what I meant, I stood on my tiptoes and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. “See you for a swim tonight?”

“I...Yes, of course,” he stammered, and I gave him one last smile before heading inside. Now, all I had to do was make sure the recipe would work the way I wanted.

--

The next day, Soval and I arrived in the Embassy lobby at the same time. We offered each other the ta’al salute as usual, and made our way to the turbolift.

“I take it you had a pleasant day of rest?” Soval inquired as the lift began moving. He sounded almost amused.

“I did, but what’s with the tone?” I asked curiously, but all he did was raise an eyebrow.

“Koss escorted you to the market stalls yesterday, did he not?”

“He did, but how did you know that?” There was no reason for my cheeks to start burning, yet they did. We hadn’t done anything wrong.

“I saw a pair resembling the two of you. The male seemed to be quite a dedicated provider,” Soval stated, and my cheeks heated further. “You were aware that his behavior is that of a male who wishes to win a potential mate’s affections, were you not?”

“I...Soval, you’ve got it all wrong. Koss doesn’t see me like that. I’m not a Vulcan woman.” We stepped out of the lift and started walking toward our shared office. “We went shopping and shared some tea. That’s all.”

“Do you view him as a potential mate?” He asked, and I stopped in my tracks. I had strong feelings for Koss, that much I was certain of, but I knew he could never reciprocate them. Why should he?

“I like him probably more than is proper, but, ultimately, it doesn’t matter,” I murmured resuming my stride, and the Ambassador gave me a quizzical look.

“Explain.”

“Vulcans abhor emotional behavior. I’m a Human. We’re pretty damned emotional. I highly doubt that someone as illogical as I am would be seen as a viable choice for a romantic partner for a man like him.” The door to our office slid open, and we both stepped inside.

“But you do desire to be seen that way by him?” I barely managed an embarrassed nod of confirmation. “I submit to you that he already sees you as such.”

“Your evidence?” I expected no more than a knowing glance, but he surprised me.

“You wore his robe to the Embassy while it still held his scent. He would not have given that to you if he did not wish to express a desire to protect you. His scent was mixed with yours for the duration of the day. No doubt anyone who encountered you that day is now aware that you are under a Vulcan’s protection. Accompanying you to the market, adorning you with a piece of jewelry he’d purchased, and sharing tea with you in a public area - all are actions which illustrate his desire and ability to provide for you. Such behavior would be quite obvious to a Vulcan female as that of a male desiring courtship, because those traits are ones heavily and instinctively sought after in a future mate,” Soval said, but I could do no more than blink in surprise. “Has he attempted to demonstrate his physical fitness to you?”

Memories of our swims together flashed through my mind’s eye, including the time he’d swept me up in his arms so easily. Perhaps his teasing wasn’t quite as innocent as I’d previously assumed it to be.

“Should I take your silence as a confirmation?” I nodded my head silently, then another thought occurred.

“What...? I mean, does serving someone breakfast count as a demonstration that you can provide for them?”

Soval’s eyes widened almost comically.

“I will not ask how that particular opportunity arose, but if he did so unprompted, then yes. I believe it was,” he said with a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

Oh my god, had Koss been trying to flirt with me the whole time? Was I really so oblivious? Had I done anything to make him think I was rejecting him?

“Ambassador, I should warn you that Vulcan males can be quite single-minded when they have decided that someone would be their ideal mate. If you wish to dissuade him, you must do so clearly and quickly–”

“What if I wanted to reciprocate?”

Soval leaned back against his desk with an almost proud tilt to his chin. Had he been hoping for this outcome?

“It would appear that you are already doing quite well on your own, despite not being fully aware of the implications of your actions,” he stated tilting his head slightly. “By allowing him to complete these tasks and showing your gratitude for them, you have demonstrated that you are open to - and accepting of - his attentions. However, it is likely that he is aware of the vast cultural difference between your species. As such, he may not view these reciprocal gestures as intentional. You may need to be a bit more overt in your own actions.”

At his advice, a plan began to form in my mind. Maybe there was a way I could show Koss how I felt.

“One last concern, which I suspect will become relevant soon: how much do you know of Vulcan biological cycles?” The deep, emerald blush that ignited to the tips of Soval’s ears made my eyes widen. At my confused look, he set the office door to conference mode so that we wouldn’t be disturbed. Clearly, whatever I knew wasn’t as thorough as whatever he was about to tell me. “We do not speak of such things publicly or to outsiders, but yours is...a unique situation. Every seven years...”

~*~*~

Vulcan Words:

ashaya = love

ni'droi'ik nar-tor = I am sorry

lesek = thank you

t’sai = Lady (as an honorific title)

osu = sir

ashalik = darling

shif = pair

pasu = table

[deepspacedukat]

Begin Again - Part 3

Well, welcome to the next part. Let’s see how Koss handles his new acquaintance.

Cross-posted to AO3 here.

Part 1 here. Part 2 here.

~*~

Koss (ST:ENT) x Reader

[A/N: There will be smuttier stuff in later chapters, but this is going to be a slow burn.]

Warnings: Mild angst, mild pining, mentions of nudity, Koss is oblivious, so is the reader, cultural differences, mildly suggestive language.

~*~

Koss straightened his tunic and readjusted his grip on the bottle in his hand. Pressing the Ensign’s door chime, the architect prepared for an entirely new experience: dinner with a Human.

Under normal circumstances, offering food and drink was considered an overture in Vulcan society, but the Ensign had made it quite clear that this was simply her way of repaying a debt. He’d come to two realizations once he’d accepted her invitation.

The first was that he was disappointed that she hadn’t meant the invitation to be an overture in the first place. The second was that he had no logical reason to be disappointed over the former revelation. She was Human. He doubted any overtures or flirtations on her part would be intentional.

Their species were so different. Commander Tucker had made that quite clear when Koss met him. What troubled him was why he would be disappointed about the lack of flirtatious intention on her part. It implied an investment in her attentions that he simply didn’t have. He couldn’t.

He wasn’t quite certain whether this meal would be a positive event or a negative one. He’d heard quite a bit about Humans from others of his species who’d worked with them or encountered them, and everything brought him to the conclusion that Humans were chaotic. Even the Ensign’s behavior with I’Tol had been unconventional. He still needed to ask her about the strange way she’d been speaking that morning.

When the door slid open, however, Koss caught sight of a pair of bright eyes that quickly wiped his mind blank. All potential topics of conversation and relevant comments he could make were swept away by the sight of his new neighbor smiling up at him.

What an odd phenomenon. He’d never experienced this sensation before.

“Hi, Koss! Come on in,” the Ensign said stepping aside to let him pass. With a polite nod, he stepped through the doorway and into the house that had been meant for a very different resident. Knocking those memories away with a swat of his suppression techniques, Koss stood a little straighter.

“I have brought a small bottle of Vulcan port. From what I have been told, our alcohol is stronger than yours, so I would recommend caution. While Vulcans do not drink often, we do make exceptions for special occasions. I thought it logical that we share a drink to welcome you to your new home,” he said offering her the bottle. The vintage was a good one, a fact that was due, in no small part, to his father’s former position in the High Command. He still wielded enough influence to obtain rare items from time to time.

Her eyes lit up, and Koss felt an odd constriction in his lungs. He could find no reason for his reaction, so he pushed it aside as she graciously accepted the port. When she went to retrieve glasses for them both, he took the liberty of examining her living space more closely.

There were a few small decorations in place, but it was quite clear to him that she had come here mostly with her clothes and just a few small mementos. There was, however, a prominently-displayed, framed image of her with Captain Archer, Ambassador Soval, and an Andorian with whom Koss was unfamiliar. One of the Captain’s hands was ruffling the Ensign’s hair while she leaned jauntily against the Andorian’s shoulder. Standing beside Archer, Soval seemed almost amused by their behavior. This was a rare photograph indeed.

“That was the last day I was aboard Enterprise. The Captain and Commander Shran wanted to give me a proper sendoff before I was stationed here on Vulcan with Soval.” Koss looked up to see the Ensign mere feet away holding two glasses. He hadn’t meant to be so obvious about his curiosity, but there was no logical reason to deny it now that she knew.

“I see. You appear to be close with your former shipmates.” Koss observed, turning to gauge her reaction. A fond smile stretched her lips.

“Yeah, we went through a lot together. These last few weeks have been an odd transition. I keep expecting to turn a corner in the Embassy and see Commander Shran or the Captain,” she admitted with a sheepish little laugh. “I know that’s not logical, but I got used to being around them.”

Koss followed her over to the table where she’d set two places.

“If I may ask, your previous career with Starfleet and your current occupation in the Embassy seem...very different. What made you desire the transition?”

“Oh, well, I actually started out at the Vulcan Embassy on Earth. My father had become acquainted with Soval through his work there, and I ended up learning diplomacy from both of them. My formal training was followed up with personal tutelage by Ambassador Soval, and when the Xindi situation arose, he recommended that I be placed on Enterprise,” she explained as he took a seat. Retrieving a few full bowls from the kitchen area, she laid them on the table as she continued her story. “I stayed on Enterprise until a couple of months ago, because that seemed like the best place for me at the time. Then Soval told me about an open position in the new Earth Embassy here on Vulcan. I jumped at the opportunity. Even though I made a lot of friends, life on a starship wasn’t exactly what I signed up for when I started my training.”

Something sparked in his memory. He’d been acquainted with Soval for quite some time.

“I assume you were the promising young apprentice the Ambassador mentioned several years ago. He speaks quite highly of you.” She paused in the middle of laying out dishes of food to look at him in surprise.

“Really? I always thought I fell rather short of his expectations,” she murmured almost to herself. Seemingly shaking herself out of that thought, she took her seat. “I had no idea that you knew the Ambassador. Apparently, everyone knows everyone here. Soval said he even knew the architect who designed this place.”

Halfway through opening the bottle of port, Koss glanced up at her. Did she not know? Curious about her opinion, he raised an eyebrow as he poured their drinks.

“I didn’t know what you liked, so I made a few different things. Plomeek soup is to your left - I got the recipe while I was on Enterprise. Pok tar is in the center. This is my first time making that particular dish, so I can’t promise how traditional it is. The dish on the right is one from Earth called a Caprese salad.”

Her explanation was impressive. He hadn’t anticipated that she would go to such effort over a simple meal.

“It was quite unnecessary for you to go to such lengths, but I am grateful. Thank you.” Vulcans were taught not to complain as a guest at someone else’s table, so usually that meant suffering through a single dish, no matter how unpleasant.

“You’re very welcome,” she said as Koss served himself some of the pok tar. She poured a ladle of plomeek soup into her bowl.

“If I may ask, in regards to your new home, how would you assess the architect’s work?” Hearing truly honest feedback was a rare opportunity. If she didn’t know she was speaking to the man whose work she was critiquing, then she wouldn’t be afraid to tell him things she might not say to him otherwise.

“Well, I have to admit, I don’t know anything about Vulcan architectural norms, but this place is beautiful. A lot of thought and careful attention went into the layout and details of this home.” Koss sat a little straighter, trying not to seem too obviously pleased about the praise. “I wish I knew who they were so I could thank them in person for all the hard work they did and ask them a couple of questions.”

“I believe I can assist you. I am the architect responsible,” he stated, and her eyes widened. She froze with her spoon of plomeek soup half lifted to her lips.

“You? Oh, Koss, I had no idea or I would’ve come talk to you about it sooner.” She had obviously been curious about certain design points since she moved in, because, at an amusingly rapid rate, her questions came spilling out.

Holding up a hand and very nearly cracking a smile, Koss succeeded in halting her questions just long enough to attempt to answer them. Despite her earlier protestations about her lack of knowledge of Vulcan design, she was able to compare a few elements to some intriguing Human architectural parallels.

Once her curiosity was satisfied, the Ensign was able to answer a few of his questions regarding her own species’ designs. As they ate, Koss made a mental note to conduct further research on the topic the next time he had cause to travel to the Embassy. He had a few contacts there who would find it agreeable to obtain a few data PADDs for him.

“How have you found the transition between Earth’s climate and Vulcan’s? I have heard that Earth is quite different.” Koss changed the topic just as they were finishing off the last of the Caprese salad.

“I have to admit, that’s been the only really difficult change. Even Enterprise’s environmental controls were set to be similar to that of Earth. Vulcan is much hotter,” she explained. “Outside of showering, it’s been a little difficult to cool down.”

“Has the temperature of the underground spring been of no assistance to you?” At his question, she tilted her head. “Surely you were informed of the cavern below?”

“The what?”

Koss froze in the process of setting his empty glass back on the table. Had the Ambassador neglected to tell her of the most important feature of her new home? Had she been living here for nearly a week without any relief from the heat?

“May I show you?” He offered, and she eagerly accepted. Since they were both done with their meals, Koss stood and led the way to a door that was almost hidden behind the staircase.

Using the control panel, Koss opened the door for her and activated the lights for the stairwell. The descent was long, but not overly so - just enough to put the two of them well below the ground. When they neared the bottom, the light was much dimmer, but it soon gave way to a smooth, carved stone passage leading to a large, natural cavern. Embedded in the dark stone along the way were streaks of bioluminescent crystals which shone so brightly that additional lighting wasn’t needed to navigate.

A quiet gasp came from his companion when she caught sight of the sparkling pool of clear water before them. The crystal deposits were visible even from below the surface of the swirling liquid. A small waterfall came from the back wall of the cavern, keeping the pool filled with cool water.

The whole cavern wasn’t filled solely with water, though. A large swath of smooth, natural rock formations surrounded the spring, and against the wall to the left of the entrance they’d used was a small gathering of furnishings that Koss had set up long ago. There was a mass of soft cushions, a small comm unit in case one needed to answer a signal, and a small cluster of candles that Koss used to meditate. A small cabinet sat at the side which contained clean, dry towels.

He swallowed silently, not giving voice to his regrets regarding his original intentions for this space.

“Oh my god, I’ve been missing out on this? It’s breathtaking!” His new acquaintance exclaimed as he watched her step carefully into the space. Shoving the past aside, Koss allowed himself to focus on her reactions. “It’s too bad that I didn’t think to bring a bathing suit down here with me. It’d be nice to cool down after how hot it was today.”

“What is a...‘bathing suit’? I’ve never heard that term before.” Koss’s brow furrowed, and she turned to look at him with wide eyes.

“It’s...well, it’s a garment you wear when you go swimming,” she said, but Koss just raised an eyebrow.

“Vulcans do not wear any clothes when we swim.” Rather alarmingly, her cheeks darkened several shades and she looked away from him. Had he said something to embarrass her? “Forgive me if I overstepped. Does the subject of nudity embarrass you?”

“No, it’s a natural thing, I...guess I just didn’t expect to be discussing it tonight.” Her voice shook just enough to concern him. Before he could ask her about it, however, she changed the subject. “Where does that lead to?”

On the far end directly opposite where Koss and the Ensign stood was a twin staircase carved in the stone.

“Just as your home has access to the spring, so does mine,” he answered before showing her how to access the panel to the communications unit in case she needed it. “If you prefer privacy for your use of the spring, I’m certain we can work out a schedule. Usually, my own use of this space is limited to evening meditation, but that does vary occasionally.”

“Oh no, I’m perfectly fine being down here with you. I don’t require extra privacy unless you do.” His stomach performed a startling little flip when she tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. The words he was about to say were seemingly caught in his throat.

Clearly he needed to make an appointment with his physician. He must be unwell.

“Neither do I,” he eventually choked out as he mentally tamped down several less-than-appropriate thoughts. “Forgive me. I have taken up enough of your time. I will take my leave of you now. Thank you for your hospitality this evening.”

“No problem. It was my pleasure, Koss. Thank you for allowing me a chance to get to know you better,” she replied with a bright smile.

He gave her a polite nod of his head before bidding her goodnight, carefully stepping around her, and making his way toward the opposite staircase.

Later that evening when he was meditating, Koss couldn’t find peace. His mind kept returning to his evening with the Ensign. She’d proven quite definitively that Humans were more witty and charming than he’d thought they could be. Rumors about Humans being barbarians were seemingly just that: rumors - unfounded gossip started and perpetuated by those who had not taken the time to get to know the people whom they were so summarily judging.

Commander Tucker had suggested that Koss broaden his horizons, and his opportunity to do so was now his next-door neighbor. Perhaps one day she would even consider him a friend. Her disposition was clearly gentle enough to allow for such a closeness to develop.

And her eyes... They were even more arresting than he remembered them to be from his previous encounters with her. Every time he allowed his own eyelids to close, all Koss saw was her smile and the joy in her eyes when he’d told her that he was the one who designed her home.

Giving up on meditation after a long hour filled only with daydreams, he set an appointment with his doctor for the next day and attempted sleep. Clearly, he was ill in some way if a simple smile was enough to unsettle him this severely.

[deepspacedukat]

Begin Again - Part 8

Pon Farr has finally entered the chat! This chapter is basically just dirty, nasty smut. So uh...yeah. Enjoy! If you want to be added to or removed from my taglist, please let me know!

Part 1 here. Part 2 here. Part 3 here. Part 4 here. Part 5 here. Part 6 here. Part 7 here.

Cross-posted to AO3 here.

~*~

Koss (ST:ENT) x Reader

[A/N: This is dirty, nasty smut, so 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI!!!]

Warnings: Interspecies sex, Human/Vulcan sex, pon farr, biting, marking, hickeys, oral sex (male receiving), oral sex (female receiving), possessive language, dirty talk, unprotected sex, mild breeding kink, mating bond, creampie.

~*~

For once, I arrived at the spring before Koss. That was odd. I’d never gotten there first. For a while, I wondered if he’d changed his mind...if his illness wasn’t actually the pon farr and had instead forced him to reconsider.

After a short wait, he rounded the corner, but something was wrong. He was sweating and breathing heavily. The fabric of his tunic - the same one he’d been wearing earlier - clung to his frame damp with patches of perspiration as he walked into the cavern. Alarm bells sounded in my head. Was it supposed to be this severe of a condition? Soval had mentioned that Vulcans could die from this if they didn’t receive assistance, but I hadn’t pictured the symptoms being this...visible.

Was this confirmation that my earlier suspicions about Koss’s illness were correct? ‘Burning’ was how Soval had described their pon farr. Was that why Koss had a fever? Or was I entirely wrong? What if he really did just need a doctor?

“Ashaya, my apologies...for my tardiness.” He sounded almost dazed as he called out to me. Stopping barely a few feet from the staircase leading back to his home, Koss quietly knelt and bowed his head.

Why was he so far away? Walking slowly toward him, I fiddled with the sash keeping my robe closed. If this was the mating drive that Soval had mentioned, I wasn’t losing my chance. Even if my friend was wrong and Koss didn’t see me as a potential mate, I had to at least try. I wouldn’t be able to stop wondering what might have been, otherwise.

And what could really happen? Koss wasn’t a fool. If this was the pon farr, and he wasn’t attracted to me, he surely wouldn’t be foolish enough to let himself die rather than make use of the person offering him assistance. Sure, my feelings would be bruised if that was the case, but I’d rather deal with a little emotional fallout than watch my friend die. Even if this wasn’t the pon farr, I would simply be embarrassing myself by trying to seduce a man who needed medical treatment.

I dropped to my knees directly in front of him and reached carefully out to cup Koss’s cheek. He looked startled by the contact for a moment before hesitantly nuzzling into my hand.

“It’s okay...It’s all going to be okay. I promise.” Despite my attempt to comfort him, he squeezed his eyes shut even harder.

“I wish you were correct.” His husky words made my heart clench. What did he mean by that? “Ashaya...I must tell you something that might be...unpleasant for you to hear.”

“You can always tell me anything, Koss, you know that.”

He nodded his head in a somewhat sharp, jerky motion.

“I...have not been able to determine the most delicate way to say this given the divide between our two cultures, so I am hopeful that this will make my meaning clear,” he began sounding breathy and nervous. I gave him an encouraging nod and moved a little closer to him on my knees. “In the time that I have known you, you have filled a void in my life. Your gentleness, compassion, intelligence, and exuberance have become welcome additions to my days.”

His hands trembled somewhat as if he wanted to reach for me, but he clenched them into fists and rested them atop his thighs.

“I realize that you likely desire a mate from your own species, but if I have a chance at all of being worthy of you, then I must tell you how much I...” He took a deep, steadying breath. “Forgive me, it is difficult for my people to speak of that which we seek to hide from view. I believed that what I first felt for you was merely an infatuation, but I was incorrect. I know now that what I feel for you is only felt when one finds the twin to their katra.”

Tears burned in the corners of my eyes as Koss bowed his head.

“I have been unable to remove you from my thoughts since you took up residence next door. Spoken language cannot adequately express my affection for you. I consider you k'hat'n'dlawa - half of my own heart...of my own soul,” Koss murmured before looking into my eyes with passion roaring in his irises. “I do not know if you will have me, but I humbly declare koon-ut so’lik - the desire to be your mate and husband.”

He’d barely finished speaking before I threw my arms around his neck. To his credit, he caught me easily, wrapping his large, sturdy arms around me after only a minor hesitation as I found myself unable to do more than sob the word ‘yes’ over and over against his shoulder. After so long wondering whether he could ever feel the same, tears were inevitable. He clung to me just as tightly as I did to him, as if I’d disappear the instant he let go.

Digging one hand into his hair and clutching at his tunic with the other, I trailed soft kisses up Koss’s neck to the corner of his jaw then made a detour toward his lips. Before I could reach them, though, I found myself flipped onto my back with his hand cushioning my head against the stone.

“So eager,” he growled as he grazed his teeth over my chin. As if it took all his effort, Koss paused and forced himself to pull back just a bit as he spoke. “I appreciate your enthusiasm and affection, but you must be certain of what you are choosing. I am Vulcan. As such, there are some biological concerns which you may not have considered.”

“Like your pon farr?” I asked, and Koss froze above me with wide eyes. “Soval knew how I felt...that I’d fallen in love with you, so he gave me a bit of forewarning.”

“And you still wish to be with me?” He was obviously amazed by my decision. “You still...love me?”

“Of course I do,” I crooned reaching up and pulling him into a tender kiss. Reciprocating the best he could given that he’d never kissed anyone before, Koss moaned against my lips. “That’s what this is, isn’t it? The beginning?”

He nodded his head as his breathing grew heavier against my lips.

“Yes. I Burn for you, ashaya. I wish to be part of you always. I...n-need...” Koss dropped his head into the crook of my neck, inhaling deeply before nuzzling the top of my robe aside and leaving small nips on my shoulder. He drew the lower half of my body closer to his, grinding his hips between my legs. “Please...”

Holding him close, I bit my lip at the sensation of his erection between my legs, covered only by his pants. The thin fabric barrier needed to go. Releasing my grip on him, I untied my robe and let it slip off my sides. Koss moaned at the sight of my nude body.

“I am for you, Koss of Vulcan,” I promised as I reached up and cupped his cheeks tenderly in my palms. Shifting his weight onto his knees, Koss knelt between my legs, keeping my thighs spread around his hips as he covered my fingers with his own. His eyes roved the length of my body with such intense hunger that my mouth went dry. I felt like a feast on the verge of being devoured - prey about to be caught by a predator - and I welcomed my fate. Koss would be merciful in his consumption of me. He would be delicate even in his dizziest desperation. I trusted him with my life, and he’d earned that trust dozens of times over.

As his hands glided down my arms and explored my body in a way that he’d clearly wanted to do for some time, I arched encouragingly into his touch. Seemingly needing to be closer, he leaned down and mouthed gently at the corner of my jaw.

“My robe...I could smell you on it,” Koss rasped against my ear as his hand delved between my legs and found me soaked because of him.

“But I-I washe–”

“Your pheromones are potent, my mate,” he murmured as his teeth scraped lightly over the shell of my ear. A ragged whimper escaped me when he gave my clit a slow caress. “Were you this prepared for my lok when you dripped on my clothing?”

“Yes.” The word felt like fire as it burned its way out of my throat on the back of a desperate breath.

“What inspired your lust?” Closing my eyes and burying my face against his shoulder as my hips gave an involuntary roll, I voiced my guilt.

“This. The idea of you...wanting me...like this...” I admitted as my cheeks burned, and Koss rewarded my honesty by drawing firm, deliberate circles around my clit. His fingers were coated in my slick, making lewd squelching noises as they glided between my legs in rhythmic movements. “It was a dream. You touched me...made me yours...”

My neighbor - my normally calm, collected neighbor - growled and dipped his head to nibble at my neck.

“Is that what you want, k’diwa? Do you wish to be mine?” I nodded my head almost frantically at his question, but he wasn’t done yet. “Do you wish to take my lok? To allow me to please you and provide for you? And...”

He paused, swallowed heavily, and gave a low moan against the mark he’d been placing on me.

“And...?” At my prompting, Koss pulled back just far enough that I could see some slight anxiety in his expression.

“If I were to...if we...” his breathing sped up as his pupils dilated more completely than before. Koss braced one hand on the stone beside my head as the other lifted to cup my cheek, sending images from his mind to my own.

I saw him bury his length completely inside of me; him bowing his head and reverently kissing my abdomen; my body changing as a new life grew within me.

Oh. He wanted...?

Smiling up at him, I wrapped my arms around him, drawing him into a kiss that I hoped conveyed how receptive I was to the idea. Before I could do more than blink, Koss had straddled my waist and grasped my jaw firmly with both his large hands. 

With my lover above me, it started like a spark gliding down through his palms, my jaw, and straight into my mind, paralyzing me with a gasp. Electrical shocks coated in honey and affection flowed into me faster and faster, choking my thoughts until all I could feel was Koss above me, and in me, and surrounding me entirely.

All at once, everything receded into a quiet buzz at the back of my brain. Gasping, raspy breaths echoing through the caverns met my ears, sounding much too loud and forcing my eyes open again - when did I close them?

“Ashaya...” The word floated through my mind, but I still didn’t know what it meant. Or did I? “Beloved...Darling...A term of endearment. Insufficient. The love I feel for you is much stronger than words...”

Confusion lanced through me as my eyes met Koss’s. He was still hovering above me, but a small, adoring smile stretched his lips.

As if from the outside, I watched as my fingertips glided over his mouth, caressing the most beautiful smile I’d ever been graced with.

“I am gratified that my body pleases you, my mate.” That was Koss’s voice, but his lips remained stationary. Ah, this was a further demonstration of his telepathy, then.

“That’s an understatement. Although,” I began as I sat up and fiddled with his tunic, “I would like to see more of you.”

Pride and hunger practically radiated off of him as he gently swatted my hands away, stood, and deftly stripped himself of his tunic and pants. With the familiar expanse of his chest laid bare before me, I rose carefully to my knees in front of him, putting me level with his throbbing lok.

Koss had every reason to be proud of his body. I’d seen him flaccid and at half-mast before when we stripped down for our evening swims, but this was different. My mouth watered at the green-tinted length swaying in front of me between my lover’s legs.

He stood panting hungrily down at me, waiting for me to make the next move. His restraint was faltering - I could feel it through our bond.

I wanted to make it shatter. I could take whatever he gave me.

Carefully, I reached out to skim my hands up and down his muscular thighs. I heard his breath hitch in his throat when I laid kisses in the path that my hands had taken: from knee to hip on his right, then the same on his left. Precome leaked from his head, and as I looked up, I saw that his cheeks were covered in a beautiful, deep emerald blush.

Keeping eye contact with him, I caught the latest oozing drip of precome on my tongue, following it up his length to his head.

“You...ashaya...!” Blinking innocently up at him, I swallowed the liquid gathered on my tongue and leaned back barely an inch.

“Do you need me to stop?” Wordlessly, he shook his head and stroked my hair. In reward, I took his tip in my mouth, swirling my tongue around the head. His hips gave a minuscule thrust when I sucked him deeper in my mouth.

Encouraging Koss’s pleasure, I moaned around his length and started sucking him off in earnest. Relaxing my throat and using my hand on the rest, I took him as deeply as I could until both his hands were buried in my hair and animalistic grunts poured from his throat without further inhibition.

Gripping the back of my neck, Koss pulled my mouth off of his lok and urged me to my feet. He guided me quickly to the sleeping area in the corner of the cavern and spun me to face away from him.

Landing on my hands and knees amidst the pillows, Koss’s fingers spread my thighs as something warm and wet met my dripping center with a growl. Barely a moment passed before he pulled away.

“Forgive my haste, I nee–” He broke off with a loud, broken moan as something much larger prodded at my entrance, stretching me impossibly wide as his hands gripped my hips. “Yes...Yes, mine! You stretch to fit me so perfectly. Oh, to have any other besides you would be illogical...a denial of Sha-ka-ri when it is so freely offered...”

After a few slow, experimental thrusts, Koss pulled me back against his chest and held me steady with his arms around my waist and shoulders as he began to rut into me. All I could do was grip his arms as he mouthed at my neck and fucked urgently into my wet heat.

Our moans blended together as our bodies became one. Adding to the nearly blinding pleasure was the mental stimulation afforded by our telepathic link. Every dirty fantasy that we’d ever had about each other was now accessible, and Koss made it clear that we would accomplish every single one even as he sent me screaming into orgasm after orgasm. When he finally spilled inside me for the first time, I was folded nearly in half on my back with Koss above me, a savage growl of my name scratching its way out of his throat.

Releasing my legs, Koss dipped his head and caught me in a leisurely open-mouthed kiss that slowly devolved into him nipping at my lips and jaw, culminating in a hard bite over my collarbone that send me squealing as I gripped his hair.

The first of many marks claiming me as his that I would receive.

The days blurred together. Night and day seemed to become one, and at some point when I was asleep - the first night, I think, but I couldn’t be sure - Koss carried me upstairs into his home. I awoke with gentle sunlight tickling my nose and two large, warm arms holding me protectively against a very solid chest.

The only moments of calm came when we needed to eat, when I’Tol needed to be fed, and when we required sleep. Even those moments bled into one another as our thoughts merged and blended, desires uniting as passionately as our bodies did.

By what I guessed was the third day when I was drawn out of sleep by a pair of hungry lips savoring the softness between my legs, it occurred to me that Koss might just know my body as well as I did. His tongue sought to soothe my abused lower lips and draw more pleasure out of me. Both were objectives which he accomplished with expert precision - a fact that didn’t surprise me in the least. After all, my mate was nothing if not a quick and attentive study.

‘Mine.’ That word repeated over and over as he encouraged my pleasure with his mouth and skilled fingers. He was mine. After all this time, he was finally mine.

And I was his.

~*~*~

Vulcan Words:

ashaya = love

k'hat'n'dlawa = a person who is half of one’s katra

koon-ut so’lik = marriage proposal

lok = cock

k’diwa = a shortened version of k’hat’n’dlawa

Sha-ka-ri = Heaven, source of all Creation

~*~*~

Taglist: @horta-in-charge​ @toebeans-mcgee​ @emilie786​ @darkmattervibes​

(If anyone wants on or off my taglist, please let me know!)

[deepspacedukat]

Begin Again - Part 5

For the sake of this chapter, we’re gonna assume that Trip and T’Pol have already moved to Earth or some far corner of Vulcan with their daughter (who totally lived) and that’s why they’re not there for the only part of this chapter where it would make sense for them to be present.

Source used for Vulcan translation here. These chapters have gotten steadily longer as I’ve written them. So uh... that’s a thing. Whoops. 😅

Cross-posted to AO3 here.

~*~

Koss (ST:ENT) x Reader

[A/N: This is smut, so 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI!!!]

Warnings: Nudity, sexual tension, masturbation, Vulcan flirting, sexual fantasies, mild angst, guilt, Koss is an idiot but he’s tryin’ real hard, emotional realizations, Koss pretty much goes through the five stages of grief over being in love, not actually unrequited love, they each think their feelings are one-sided but they’re just idiots, mentions of a nightmare, Soval interfering for their own good, protective Shran, Koss has inappropriate thoughts.

~*~

Koss kept replaying the moment in his mind. Just as the Ensign had begun to fall asleep, he’d given in to an almost impossibly strong urge. He touched her cheek. He’d wanted to feel her soft skin again almost constantly since the first moment she’d taken his hands to step into the water. The ghost of her touch had been seared into his palms.

The words had fallen quietly off his tongue almost without his knowledge of their departure.

“Du nam-tor wuh tehvar tor t’nash-veh ozhika,” he’d said. You are a danger to my logic.

He’d meant it, even if he hadn’t intended to admit such a thing aloud. The Ensign tested his control every moment that he was in her company, but he found himself unable to stay away. He liked the way she tested his resolve, even if she was completely unaware that she was doing so. With that realization, Koss finally entertained the idea that his doctor might have been correct, after all.

His difficulty breathing, his heart palpitations, his persisting thoughts about her - all those concerns he’d laid before his family’s physician. The doctor had asked for the circumstances surrounding the appearance of each symptom. When he’d explained, all he received in response was a raised eyebrow and an order to continue as normal and monitor his condition. There was supposedly nothing wrong with him beyond a rather intense infatuation.

At such a declaration, Koss hadn’t been able to contain his surprise. How could he not be ill? Was he truly to believe that this was the fault of no more than a mere infatuation? Admitting to himself the possibility that the doctor might be right made something snap into place in his mind.

After the pair had eaten breakfast that morning, Koss had reviewed his conduct from the time of his doctor’s appointment to the present, and he was alarmed to recognize several instances of overly-familiar courtship behaviors. He hadn’t even realized he’d been treating her with such a casual lack of propriety. This problem was even more severe than he’d previously thought.

He’d taken a deep breath that night to calm himself. Infatuations tended not to last. They were fleeting, transient attachments. This one, despite its unusual strength, would also pass. All Koss had to do was wait and meditate until he no longer desired to do those things which a Vulcan should only wish to do with their mate. He reasoned that distance might expedite the process of untangling himself from those feelings she’d cultivated within him.

Thus began his new plan. For nearly a week after they’d fallen asleep together, Koss forced himself to meditate in his bedroom. He didn’t allow himself to venture down to the spring at all, despite how much the desire to see her again tore at him. His thoughts kept drifting back to the way her wet hair dripped over the curves of her shoulders and the way her bathing suit clung to her figure so precisely that it emphasized her every curve.

The first two days of his self-imposed absence were unpleasant, but bearable. He’d caught himself in the process of walking to the caverns to seek her out more than once - to speak to her, to ask her something he was curious about, to seek her advice. Each time, turning away sent a pang through him.

The rest of the week, every time he sat at his desk to work, all he could see in his mind’s eye were her eyes...her smile. Every time he took a deep breath, all he could smell was her scent which lingered in his memories as if he had been branded with it. Each night as he laid down to sleep, the echoes of her quiet laughter rang so loudly in his head that he felt almost physically ill. If this was what it felt like to distance himself from someone he was merely attracted to, what would it be like to break a bond between a couple that was truly compatible? The severance of his bond with T’Pol had caused temporary physical discomfort, but nothing more. Why was this so much more severe?

The fifth night away from her, Koss jolted awake from a nightmare. In the dream, he’d gone to the Ensign’s door, found it already open, and discovered that she was lying injured on the floor. He’d rushed to her side, but he knew he was too late to be of any assistance. Her eyelids fluttered shut, and he’d snapped bolt upright in his bed with an anguished shout of her name. He went to the window facing her home, and in the early morning light, he saw her silhouette shuffling through the house as she readied herself for her day. Relief had rushed through him, and he berated himself for having such an illogical reaction to a dream.

In response to this latest development, naturally, he took the most logical course of action: he stopped trying to sleep. Vulcans could go for two weeks without sleep if the situation warranted it, and in Koss’s considered opinion, this certainly met the criteria for such an occurrence. Choosing instead to meditate or work through the nights, the architect finished the planning stage for one of his newest commissions much earlier than the expected deadline.

The more exhausted he became, the harder it was to convince himself that this pain was necessary. Never had he found it so difficult to control his emotional responses, not that it mattered much in the privacy of his own home.

His solitude wasn’t to last, though. Koss received a summons from Soval requesting that he come to the Embassy at midday on the final day of the next week. The Ambassador gave no indication of a reason, but Koss had been acquainted with him for many years. He had no reason to question the older man’s motives. Soval most likely wished to discuss the construction progress on the new wing of the Embassy - which was almost completed.

Would the Ensign believe it to be an efficient design? He had meant to seek her advice for some of the details, but since he’d been isolating himself, he’d had to make certain choices based solely off of her reports from her time on Enterprise regarding the Andorian people. Would she approve of his selections?

Shaking that thought away, Koss hunched over his desk once more, pencil scratching away as he began the long wait for his appointment with Soval.

--

On the day that the Ambassador had indicated, Koss gathered the appropriate data PADD, made himself presentable, and arrived at the Embassy on time. By then, it’d been nine nights since he’d slept - not long enough to impair his judgment or mental functions, but just the right length of time to make him feel sluggish and to slow his reaction times.

Soval met him in the lobby but proffered no explanation as he led him up the stairs and into one of the conference rooms. Belatedly, Koss looked around and noticed several Starfleet officers in their dress uniforms. That was odd. He took a seat where Soval indicated and glanced around the room. Captain Archer sat a few chairs away chatting with an Andorian who looked somewhat familiar. Several other Humans there were engaged in conversation with each other, as well as a couple of Vulcan Embassy staff members.

Koss straightened in his seat. What was going on?

The door opened once more, and everyone went silent at the sight of whoever had just entered. Koss turned in his seat and his jaw fell open.

The Ensign stood just inside the doorway wearing Vulcan ceremonial robes...and she looked so beautiful that Koss’s face burned with a very bright, very obvious blush. For once, he didn’t even consider shoving his feelings aside. How could he in the face of such radiance?

As she took in the sight of the people gathered before her, she looked just as surprised as Koss felt.

“Ensign, report to Admiral Gardner. Everyone else, stand to attention,” Captain Archer ordered, and the Starfleet officers in the audience got to their feet. Koss followed suit when the other Vulcans in attendance stood as well. The Ensign made her way forward toward Soval who stood at the front of the room beside a stoic, older-looking Human - presumably the Admiral that Archer had mentioned. The man in question cleared his throat as she reached his position.

“State all ranks that you currently hold and your assignment here at the Embassy,” the man ordered.

“With Starfleet, I hold the rank of Ensign. With the United Earth government, I am a diplomatic trainee in the position of Adjutant to Ambassador Soval of Vulcan, sir.”

The Admiral stood a little straighter and lifted a data PADD to read from it.

“Though your Starfleet rank will remain the same, I have been authorized by the United Earth government to issue you the following notice: As of this date, you are hereupon conferred the rank of Junior Ambassador as per the personal recommendation of Ambassador Soval. He has certified and confirmed the adequacy of your abilities and the completion of your training. You will have all the authority and privileges granted by your new position,” he read, and Koss watched as her eyes widened. A swell of pride rippled through him at her success. “It is my honor to notify you that you are hereby requested and required to represent the diplomatic interests of the people of Earth. You’ll be working alongside Soval and his colleagues as an equal. Congratulations, Ambassador.”

The audience applauded as the Admiral stepped up to her, pinned a new rank insignia on the lapel of her robe, and shook her hand. Koss joined them without hesitation. Soval placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned in to say something to her. Whatever it was clearly pleased her. He’d never seen her smile so widely before.

Her former crewmates went up to congratulate her, each in turn sharing a hug and a short conversation. As she pulled back from an embrace with the Andorian officer, her eyes skimmed the crowd and landed squarely on Koss.

The surprise and elation that spread over her face made his breath hitch. Any resolve he may have felt about avoiding her until he had rid himself of this infatuation was promptly wiped from his mind. She was mere feet from him after so many days of being out of her presence. Every molecule of his being screamed and clawed at him to go take her in his arms, bury his face in her hair, and promise her that he’d never leave her again.

“You look as though you have not slept for many days, and she has been despondent this week,” a voice at his shoulder murmured, and Koss turned to see Soval giving him a look filled with a little too much perception. “As you are her neighbor and her friend, I must ask: have you any idea what might have caused such a low mood? Might there be some...connection between your loss of sleep and her emotionally downcast demeanor?”

Koss was ashamed of his actions. He hadn’t intended to cause her pain. In truth, he’d assumed she wouldn’t even notice that he was gone. Fool that he was, he hadn’t even considered the impact that his absence might have.

“No, I...do not believe there is,” he lied. “I have been busy with my work this week, so I have not had a chance to properly assess her mood.”

“I see. The Ambassador seems to be in higher spirits now, however. I wonder, what could have caused such an expedient change in temperament?” The elder Vulcan looked overtly suspicious.

“No doubt it is a result of her promotion and reunion with her crewmates. Judging by her reactions, it would be logical to conclude that both were a surprise,” Koss responded, but Soval’s eyes narrowed. “You find fault in my logic. Do you have a different explanation, sir?”

“I–”

“Excuse me, Ambassador. I’m sorry to interrupt, but may I borrow Koss for a moment?” His heart sped up as he recognized her voice and the feeling of her hand touching his arm over his sleeve for barely a second. Though it was through a cloth barrier, the contact felt as though it was branded into his skin.

After raising an eyebrow at his reaction to her touch, Soval excused himself, and Koss turned to see the newly-minted Ambassador smiling up at him with a warmth that left him speechless for a moment. Quickly he gathered his thoughts and forced his tongue to work again.

“Congratulations, Ambassador. You have put much work into your occupation. I’m certain you will fit this new role to perfection,” he said, and he watched as her cheeks went a few shades darker.

Why had he been so opposed to this infatuation again?

“Thank you, Koss. I didn’t know about any of this. Soval just told me to wear my dress robes, and I arrived to all of this. I, um...to tell you the truth, I’ve missed you, but I’m so glad you came today. It really means a lot that you’re here to share this with me,” she said, and the guilt came rushing in twice as strong as before. He couldn’t bear to see the joy on her face crushed, so he swore to himself that he’d never admit that he’d been avoiding her. She must never know. He couldn’t bear to hurt her like that. “Apparently there are refreshments being brought up. I know you’re probably really busy, but...would you like to stay and meet my friends?”

Her eyes were innocent and hopeful. How could Koss refuse? He owed her that and so much more after what he’d done.

“If you wish it, ashalik, I will stay.” The smile that lit up her face was worth it. Offering her his arm, he allowed her to lead him around and introduce him to the various Starfleet personnel. He knew others would likely have heard his familiar form of address, but at the moment, all he cared about was ensuring that the beautiful woman at his side was happy.

Captain Archer remembered him, but all the others were new acquaintances. The communications officer, pilot, armory officer, and doctor were all perfectly polite. Then they reached the Andorian officer, Commander Shran. His eyes narrowed almost immediately when the Ambassador presented Koss to him.

“Is this the neighbor you mentioned, Ensign?”

“Yes. Be nice, Thy’lek.” Koss was surprised at her tone, but the Commander dialed back his posturing somewhat. He didn’t seem any less suspicious as their conversation continued, but he never resorted to outright hostility. Captain Archer joined them and slipped his arm around the Commander’s shoulders.

“Sizing him up, are you?” Archer murmured, and Shran looked away sheepishly. “I’ll take that as a ‘yes,’ then. Don’t worry, Koss. He just wants to make sure his friend is in good hands.”

“I am, thank you very much,” she piped up, and all three of them looked at her. Shran and Archer were likely surprised at her emphatic tone, but Koss was simply amazed that she trusted him that much. “Unless the Commander doesn’t believe me. In which case, I assume he’d want to challenge me to a rematch?”

“No, no. I’ve lost quite enough antennas for one lifetime, thank you,” Shran said before looking sternly up at Koss, “but if you hurt her, Vulcan, my ushaan-tor will be the last thing you see.”

Koss certainly understood protectiveness when it came to his ashaya. 

“I assure you, Commander, I have no intention of causing her harm, either emotional or physical,” Koss replied in his calmest tone. Shran antennas lifted slowly and begrudgingly from their pinned back position - a better reaction than he had initially hoped for.

The rest of the afternoon passed pleasantly. Koss didn’t leave her side once, but she seemed quite content with his presence. She even sneaked away with him once, leaning against his arm and smiling up at him. ‘For a breather,’ she’d justified, but Koss didn’t care why. He was just content to be in her presence again.

Eventually, Soval informed the pair that the new Ambassador had no further obligations for the day. Archer and his crew needed to return to their ship and head toward some distant star cluster for a mission, so after she said her goodbyes, Koss offered to escort her home. She accepted gratefully, and when the pair stopped outside the door to her home, he turned to look into her eyes.

“I just wanted to thank you for today. I know you’re a really busy person, so for you to take time out of your day for something so trivial...well, it just meant a lot to me, that’s all,” she murmured, and he lifted her hands carefully in his own.

“Your promotion was in no way trivial. You have accrued not only valuable experience in your field but Soval’s trust as well. As the Admiral stated, he made the recommendation for your advancement personally. You deserve to have your achievements recognized and celebrated.” He allowed his thumbs to skim over the tops of her knuckles as he spoke. “Besides, I discovered that in the absence of your companionship, there was a distinct...hollowness embedded in my days which I had not noticed before. Spending time in your company today restored my balance.”

Her eyes widened, but Koss didn’t shy away from his admission. Logically, it was best to face reality head on. He could no longer deny how he felt. He just hoped he could convey his feelings in a way that would bridge their two cultures.

“I felt the exact same way,” she said just above a whisper as her fingers gave his a gentle squeeze.

“I am gratified to hear that,” he stated before glancing at her door. “I wish you a restful evening, Ambassador.”

“You too, Koss,” she called, and he waited until she was safely inside to make his way inside his own home.

He removed his outer robe, leaving him in his tunic as he went to feed I’Tol. As he approached, his sehlat walked up to him and nuzzled at the arm the Ambassador had grasped nearly all day. A small smile spread his lips as he realized her scent must be mingling with his own quite thoroughly. I’Tol let out a curious sound and flicked his tail.

“We will both undoubtedly see her again. She is our neighbor.” At his words, the sehlat let out a happy little growl and bumped his arm affectionately. “I am glad you approve, my friend. She is most impressive.”

--

That night, Koss debated with himself for a long while before deciding that he couldn’t go another night without visiting the caverns. There was no logic to remaining in his room now that he’d acknowledged how he felt. He didn’t know if she would bother going to the caverns, though, after such a lengthy absence on his behalf.

Just as Koss reached the bottom of the stairs and turned the corner, he saw that the Ambassador was doing the same. His eyes met hers and he drew himself up a little straighter. He was wrapped in one of his robes as usual - this time it was the dark brown one that he’d worn nearly threadbare. It was soft and comforting - qualities which he’d denied himself during his isolation.

Koss’s breath caught in his throat when he saw that she was wearing the same robe she’d worn two weeks ago. Had it really only been two weeks since they’d last ventured down here together? It felt like nearly three times as long.

“Good evening, Ambassador. I did not dare hope that I would see you tonight.” The smile that spread across her lips sent his heart thrumming in his side. The last dregs of his logic whispered that he really should rid himself of this infatuation.

But she made it so difficult just by smiling. What power did she hold over him? How had she managed to snare his body and mind so easily? She made him wish never to be free of her.

“Admittedly, I was going to try for an early night, but the rain was getting kind of loud, and...” She trailed off as they both approached the center of the cavern. Koss looked at her curiously, wondering what she had been about to say. “Tonight seemed like a good night to try new things.”

“To what are you referring, ashaya?” He barely managed to keep himself from wincing. There was that word again. Koss didn’t even remember when he’d started calling her that, just that it felt right to use it with her.

She took a deep breath and untied her robe as she spoke.

“Since I’m officially one of Earth’s Ambassadors to Vulcan, now, I thought I should learn more of your customs...maybe even try a few out starting with one that you introduced me to.” She sounded breathy and nervous. Koss had just opened his mouth to tell her that there was no need for her to feel obligated to follow Vulcan traditions. Before he could get out the first word, her robe slipped down her shoulders, and Koss froze.

She wasn’t wearing her bathing suit tonight.

Koss’s mouth snapped shut as he processed what he was seeing. Her every curve and dip sent his thoughts racing to places they shouldn’t. He took a slow, careful step forward, lifting his eyes to meet hers which were wide as she waited for his assessment. He’d become lost in those irises dozens of times before, and tonight he struggled with all his might to stay focused.

Why had he ever wanted to rid himself of his attachment to her?

“I...am honored that you have chosen to trust me with this. I doubt this is an appropriate observation, but you are even more beautiful than I expected,” he murmured earnestly. Was this meant as a flirtation? Surely not. He’d only just accepted his own feelings for her. She couldn’t possibly know of them already. Clearly, she was just trying to learn about his culture. He would behave himself tonight even if it took all his remaining control–

“That’s very kind of you. May I?” She asked, and he became acutely aware of her fingers on the lapels of his own robe. Breathlessly, he nodded his head, holding himself perfectly still as she untied the sash around his middle. His breath caught in his throat as her hands brushed over his chest, coaxing the fabric off of him. When he was nude before her, she grasped one of his hands and looked up at him. “Swim with me?”

Needing to do something with his energy besides ravishing her where she stood, Koss raised an eyebrow and swept her up in his arms. She let out a startled little yelp, wrapping her arms around his neck as he carried her to the spring. Her momentary alarm transformed into a giggle that trickled lightly over his ears. The cool water did nothing to dampen his enthusiasm or diminish his body’s reaction to her.

By the time she was ready to retire for the night, their interactions had returned to some semblance of ease. Though he’d been half-hard for the majority of their time together, he hoped beyond hope that she hadn’t noticed.

Or...Or did he want her to know what she did to him? Barely aware of what he was doing as he contemplated the question, Koss watched her dry off as he did the same. She glanced around, but couldn’t find where she’d tossed her robe. Without a word, Koss picked up his own and draped it around her shoulders, mentally noting how the soft fabric accentuated her curves. Returning her favor from earlier, he tied the sash around her waist.

Once she’d thanked him with a bashful smile and started up the stairs, Koss conducted a quick search and picked up her robe from amidst the pile of pillows where she’d tossed it earlier.

A wave of her scent lingering on the fabric washed over him as he lifted it, and Koss dropped to his knees. He was fully hard now. Fantasies he’d repressed before raced through his imagination, and his lok throbbed in time with his heartbeat. A small moan tore from his throat, echoing through the cavern and startling him. Had that really come from him?

This was wrong. He should return the robe to her and beg for her forgiveness, but after all his sleepless nights, Koss’s control had finally shattered. His desire to see her in his clothing was selfish and possessive, not to mention disrespectful given that she had no idea of its significance. To think of her like that when she most likely felt no more than friendship in regards to him...that was an unforgivable liberty for him to take. She would surely hate him if she knew that he was seeking self-gratification whilst imagining himself pleasing her as a mate would.

Koss imagined dropping to his knees - much like his current position - and begging her forgiveness, but the image of contrition swiftly changed. The thought of reverent caresses between her legs and whispered apologies against her abdomen made him gasp out her name. So vivid was his fantasy that as he imagined her gripping his hair and calling his name, he reached his end. His groans were loud and damning as his pleasure spilled out of him.

As he caught his breath, Koss made sure her robe had not been stained during his lapse in judgment. As his spunk cooled on the stone floor beneath him and over his fingers, his heart sank.

What had he done?

~*~*~

Vulcan words:

Du nam-tor wuh tehvar tor t’nash-veh ozhika. = You are a danger to my logic.

ashalik = darling

ashaya = love