Chapter Text
You flushed deeply, nerves fluttering around in your stomach and threatening to crawl out your throat in a whimper. It was your first day at your new posting. Previously, you had been an ambassador’s assistant to Lwaxana Troi, she was easy going and nothing but pleasant, if a little intense at times. But recently, you’d been promoted to a lieutenant, assigned to whatever ship the ambassador would be on to assist and protect them. Reading your transfer information the night before had made you shiver. You’d heard about Lojal from other ambassador's assistants. Cold. Overbearing. Patronizing. Critical. Being a relatively sensitive person, a posting with a Vulcan who was known to be belittling was a nightmare.
You wrung your hands and waited as patiently as you could outside his office for him to arrive. Prepared as you were, it still bothered you that he might be able to catch you off guard. Not that any of it really mattered, you guessed, since he’d probably find you insufficient anyway and send you off shortly. Methodical clicking sounds and the gentle brushing of robes along the floor made the hair on the back of your neck stand up, he was likely just around the corner.
“Lt. L/N, I was not expecting you to be timely.”
Of all the things you’d been told, no one had seemingly bothered to tell you he was striking. Tall and wiry, with thick glossy black hair that was perfectly trimmed. He had deep, soulful eyes and a soft voice. His robes were the perfect shade of deep reds and yellows, each of his pads were meticulously stacked, everything about him was just flawless.
“It is typically a courtesy to respond when one is addressed.” Lojal stopped an appropriate distance away and quirked an eyebrow at you.
“M-my apologies sir, I was just lost in thought. I’ve gone over your itinerary for the day and planned your meetings accordingly.” As you switched into your work mindset, your anxiety quickly dissipated. Something about professionalism took the bite out of people, you’d found after many years of coddling pompous dignitaries. His entire demeanor changed when you immediately dived into the logistics of the day while you were still standing outside his locked office early in the morning.
“You are… well prepared. That is a sought after quality, do not lose it. We will begin at 0800, you may get yourself acquainted with your new working environment until then.” Lojal tipped his head to you and you stepped aside to let him unlock the door to his office. Stepping inside after him, you tried to contain a quiet gasp. Every inch of his office was bare, his walls blank and desk spotless. There was no change in tone, no personal elements of any kind, just his desk and chairs. How did he manage to work every day in such a lifeless environment?
“You are surprised.” He said, setting down his materials and taking a seat, gesturing for you to do the same. “Why?”
Clearly you had not contained it as well as you thought you had. “Nothing sir, I am simply used to Madame Lwaxana’s grandeur. I have come to expect excessive personalization and downright gaudy interior decoration.” You stated, placing down your own materials.
“I do not bother to decorate, I am too busy with my work. Now that I have you, perhaps I will consider some aesthetic additions. I assure you, Madame Lwaxana’s tastes will not infect my office.”
You laughed lightly before you could think better of it, and you thought you noticed him lift the corner of his mouth ever so slightly. He didn’t scold you as you had expected, merely nodded along to your laughter. This made you feel much more relaxed. Glancing down at your chronometer, you noticed the two of you had around 10 minutes until 0800, why had he asked you here so early?
“If I may sir, it’s very early, do you always start at this time?”
“No, I start promptly at 0800 every morning. We are here early today so we can become familiar with each other. It is imperative that my assistant be not only efficient, but agreeable as well.” Lojal said, leaning forward ever so slightly. “I picked you for a reason. My previous assistants have all been young cadets not yet prepared to be posted on a star ship, your seniority makes you a logical choice. Your record is impeccable, your academy grades exceptional, and your recommendations flattering. I expect nothing short of what I have been told about you, Ms. Y/N.”
“That’s very kind of you sir, I promise I do not disappoint.” You said, flushing deeply at his praise. It was undeniable now that you were attracted to him. He was handsome and respectful, and whatever odd charm he seemed to possess was certainly working on you.
With that, the two of you settled into your work for the day, trading the occasional comment as needed. Lojal worked through his reports and you copy edited them as he did, silently correcting anything he may have missed. A few hours or so in, he set his pad down and looked expectantly at you.
“Yes sir?”
“It is mid afternoon, I understand humans require a break around this time for optimal performance. Come with me.” He said, moving to stand. You followed obediently as he guided you through the embassy hallways, away from his office.
“You do not need to walk behind me Lieutenant, I am not so grandiose.” Lojal remarked, and your hurried to catch up and meet him in stride.
“I admit sir, I figured you were not, but after so many years of service to the most pretentious people in the galaxy one must air on the side of caution.” The ambassador’s lip twitched ever so slightly, and you felt yourself glow with pride. This was going far better than you had ever anticipated, you had not expected him to be nearly so agreeable. Everything about him was so unlike how he had been described. Lojal simply exuded an aura of pleasantness that one was simply lucky enough to be born with. His logic was not overbearing or condescending as you knew most humans tended to expect when they meet a Vulcan. His demeanor was understanding, he knew that you lived differently and respected it.
The ambassador turned a corner and led you to a private sitting room in one of the embassy’s quieter halls. Gesturing for you to enter before him, you grinned politely and tried to ignore the flush it brought to your cheeks. Lojal took a seat across from you and allowed you a moment to get settled before engaging in conversation.
“I take it you are pleased with your new posting? I find you to be most competent, I should like you to continue your service with me. You will be a great asset once we begin off world diplomatic missions.”
Burning heat flooded your whole body as he hit you with flattery after flattery. Never had you felt so appreciated or seen for your work. “Yes sir, I’ll say at first I was apprehensive, but so far I am enjoying this.” You forced the words out without a stammer, it was in your best interest not to let him know how flustered you were. Developing these reactions was a bad sign for you, clearly inappropriate feelings were in the cards, but maybe that wouldn’t be such a terrible thing.