Spock does something that he fears may cause some trouble in his new relationship with Jim. He goes running to Bones for help. Jim isn't actually in this fic, he's just mentioned. Late Valentine's Day fic. I don't own Star Trek. Enjoy!

Priority

Spock set his bags on the floor of his quarters. He had quite a problem. He had just returned from shore leave on New Vulcan, spent with his father. He had been contacted at the last minute, just as he was getting ready to go to Iowa with Jim.

They had only been a couple for three months, and were taking things rather slowly by human standards, but Jim wanted Spock to meet his family. It was considered quite serious in a Vulcan courtship to let the family meet the prospective mate. It showed that Jim wanted his family to know that their relationship was not a short, casual one, and that he was open to the possibility of a bigger commitment. On top of all of that, Valentine's Day was about halfway through their leave. They were going to spend a very romantic human holiday with his family. Spock had been secreting sweating underneath his mask of Vulcan stoicism, pondering desperately over how to impress the Kirk family and make their first Valentine's Day special, had been torn. Jim, however, had not.

He immediately told Spock that he understood, and offered to arrange a transport for him. Spock had accepted, and he and his father had spent two weeks discussing their recent exploits. Spock had informed him of his relationship with Jim. Sarek, while surprised, had been very accepting of his decision. All in all, it had been a good trip. The only negative part in all of it was the guilt he was feeling over backing out of his plans with Jim. He had therefore, cut his trip short two days, and was waiting to surprise Jim by being there when he got back in twelve hours. A very human gesture, but he was concerned that he might have damaged their relationship by changing his plans. He was also concerned by the way Jim had just allowed it without any protest, like he didn't think he had a chance at all.

He knew that Jim often tried to keeps his expectations low, due to poor treatment in the past. He had serious rejection and abandonment issues, and Spock certainly didn't blame him. After the death of his father, his mother spent as much time in space as she could, away from him. And when it became too much to stay in the same house as their stepfather, Jim's older brother had left too. Jim had since made peace with both of them, but there were still some emotional scars left over. Now Spock had to wonder if Jim was expecting similar from him. To be pushed aside in favor of his own interests. If that was the case, then they were in serious trouble.

Spock spent the next six hours in deep meditation. Afterward, he decided to go to sickbay. He had a physical coming up, and he might as well get it done while he wasn't busy. McCoy was already there, having arrived earlier in the day, and was working on some paperwork. He looked up as Spock walked in.

"Spock! Back from leave early?"

"Indeed, Doctor." Spock said. "If you are not too busy, it might be more convenient for both of us if we complete my physical now."

"Logical as always." Grumbled McCoy without malice. It had taken Spock quite a while to get used to the doctor's strange, yet harmless attitude. He knew he couldn't be that bad, if he was Jim's best friend. Then, Spock had an idea. Doctor McCoy often displayed an abrasive personality, but he knew Jim well. Spock also had to admit that McCoy had something that humans often referred to as 'folksy wisdom.' He might be able to give Spock some useful advice.

"Doctor," he said, causing McCoy to pause in his search for a piece of equipment, "You have known the captain significantly longer than I have. I am wondering," he trailed off, uncertain about how to word his question.

"You're wondering if you made a mistake and upset Jim by changing your plans." Finished McCoy knowingly.

"Yes." Admitted Spock, rather grudgingly. Why was everything he did with Jim so predictable to the doctor?

"I think I know how it happened. Jim didn't give you a chance to reason out why you should or shouldn't go, just sent you on your way. Am I right?"

"Very much so." Spock replied, surprised. McCoy smiled.

"Let me tell you how I know that. Our first holiday at the academy was Thanksgiving. We planned to just get drunk in our dorm room, but at the last minute, my ex-wife called with a change of heart about me coming there for the holiday. Before I could even say anything, Jim was practically packing my bags for me, like he didn't expect me to take him into consideration at all. I went and spent Thanksgiving with my little girl. When I got back, I was ready to apologize and explain myself. I didn't get a chance. Do you want to know why?" Spock cocked his head slightly.

"I would not have asked your advice if-"

"I know that!" Snapped McCoy. "It was a rhetorical question. I never got a chance to say what I wanted because Jim cut off every attempt I made. When I asked why he was so cool with me leaving, he told me that he could never be friends with a man who'd rather get drunk with a buddy than visit his kid. That people need to have their priorities in order. And family should always be someone's top priority." Spock looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded.

"I believe I understand. Thank you, Doctor."

"Any time." Replied McCoy with a grin. "Now, let's get your physical done with."

Afterward, Spock returned to his quarters. He did understand. Jim had expected him to visit his father, not because he felt that he meant less to Spock, but because he believed it was the right thing to do. Especially considering the fact that Spock's mother was gone and Sarek had such little contact with him due to their respective careers. He still wanted to talk to Jim when he got back, to let him know that he understood. Spock sat in front of his personal computer, intending to use the time until Jim returned to work. His last thought, before his mind turned to reports was the hope that Jim would someday be able to consider himself an official member of that top priority.

End

Yeah, I know. I wrote a K/S Valentine's Day fic without any K in it. I just wanted to show Spock learning a good thing about Kirk. I really didn't put a lot of work into this, it wasn't even originally a Valentine's Day fic, so I understand if it isn't that popular, but please give me some feedback!