The Cadet

Bloody Teeth

EVELYN POV

Once we were out of eyesight of anyone Spock turned to look at me, worry set in his eyes. Sometimes I am amazed just how human he could be.

"Are you alright?" He asked, his fingers gingerly touching my arm. I was thankful for the heavy coat I wore, I couldn't handle skin-on-skin contact with him right now.

"I'm fine. I've been hurt worse." I replied, not really understanding why I was still upset with him. Considering what happened in the elevator, you'd think I would be more than willing to get in a car alone with him. But something kept nagging at me, telling me he was just going to step backwards again.

I didn't miss the guilty look on Spock's face as we got in his car. His overwhelming scent turned something in my stomach, but I pushed the feeling away as he pulled out onto the road. Snow was just starting to litter the ground, but not enough to stay. I snuggled into my coat, thankful for the warmth. My ribs ached it was hard to breathe, but the comfort of the seat and the warmth taking over my body make me sleepy. I ended up dozing off, and woke up to someone carrying me.

"You know, you're a lot nicer than you let on." I mumbled, nuzzling my face into his shoulder.

"How dare you, Cadet. I have reputation to uphold." He joked, carrying me up the stairs with little effort.

"Why would you want to be an ass?" I quipped moving my head to get a better look at him. He gave me a soft smile, something I could never get used to. It's times like these that make me forget he's Vulcan.

"Is your roommate home?" He asked, arriving at my door. It was late, no one else was in the halls.

"No. She's out with her girlfriend." I answered.

He reached down, opening the door to my dorm. I patted his shoulder before sliding out of his arms. My ribs screamed in protest but I stretched my limbs out.

"Do you need anything?" Spock asked, watching with interest as I reached my arms above my head and stood on my tiptoes to fully stretch my body.

"No, I'll take a shower and then go to sleep. I'm beat." I replied, offering him a small smile. "Thank you."

"Goodnight, Cadet." He said turning to leave.

Cadet. I hate it when he calls me that.

"Commander."

Spock froze, giving me a serious look as I formally addressed him. Even before everything, I refused to call him 'Commander' because I knew it would mean surrendering whatever power I had over him.

"I'll see you in class tomorrow." I finished, giving him a pointed look. Something flashed across his eyes, but it was gone too fast for me to register. He knew exactly what I meant.

"Evelyn-"

"Spock, you are right. I can't risk my license and you can't compromise your position. I'm sorry I've been stubborn. It won't happen again." I said, turning my face away.

"For some reason," he started, his long legs losing the space between us quickly. "I don't want that."

I met his eyes, their dark and piercing stare holding me in place. I was afraid to ask what he did want.

"Goodnight, Commander." I stared, crossing my arms across my chest.

Spock didn't reply but simply left, leaving me more conflicted than I've ever felt. How is it that days before he's telling me basically the same things, and I'm pissed off? But now? Now I'm the one telling him to keep away. Is that really what I wanted?