"Want to try one of my buffalo wings?"

"I am a vegetarian." Spock replied.

"By choice," said Pike. "I know for a fact that Vulcans can eat meat."

"I know for a fact that human cadets can eat paper."

"Touché, would you like to at least try an onion ring?"

"Captain Pike,"

"Yes Spock?"

"Why must you insist on sharing your meal with me?"

"You order the house salad every time we eat here, wait, you order the house salad everywhere we eat. You need to try something different."

"A house salad is healthy and satisfies my hunger."

Pike took another bite of his food. He chewed slowly, musing over a wild idea. "How about this," He paused. "I'll get you a new grant for your satellite research if you break out of five of your comfort zones."

Spock raised an eyebrow. His satellite research was breaking new ground and he could easily get sponsors if he asked the right people; On the other hand, he was never good at writing grant proposals. After five minutes of deliberation Spock responded pensively. "How much is the grant?"

"So you'll consider it?" Pike asked excitedly.

"How much is the grant?" Spock repeated unrelentingly.

Pike sighed. "Five thousand dollars give or take."

Spock's interest plummeted. "That will barely cover the energy bills."

"What is wrong with you scientists, I could requisition at least ten new hand Phasers with that money. Ten!"

Spock couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Pike, he was so animated. "I will consider your offer."

"Yes!" Pike discreetly fist pumped underneath the table. Then he thought about what Spock just said. "Wait, what do you mean 'you'll consider it'?"

"I will first need to evaluate the risks in proportion to the gain."

"No." Pike said unquestionably.

"Why?"

"Because it defeats the purpose!"

"And?"

"The point is to get you out of your comfort zone."

"I thought the point was to earn a research grant."

"You're so stubborn sometimes."

"I know." Spock said tauntingly.

"So will you break out of your comfort zone? For me?"

Spock just raised his eyebrow.

Pike rolled his eyes. "For the $5,000?"

"If the risks are tolerable-"

"No, you have to trust me."

"Trust you?"

"I promise the trials will not be physically dangerous," Pike raised his hand. "Scout's honor."

"Are surveyors very honorable?" Spock asked earnestly.

Pike paused, realizing his blunder. "I uh," Spock listened intently. "Just trust me ok?"

"Fine." Spock raised his eyebrow as Pike cheered silently.

oo0oo

Author's Note

Inspired by my first fanfic with Spock and Uhura – "More than a Mentor". Can't wait to write more, I know it's a little OOC but it's fun having Pike and Spock interact as such.