I moved my king out of check from Jim's rook though he could move it right back. "I believe we have come to a draw."
Jim flashed me a brief smile but said nothing.
"You are troubled," I observed. Jim nodded. "If you are willing to share your thoughts, I would not be adverse to listening."
Jim looked up at me, and when he met my eyes, something in his changed. "I don't know how you'll take hearing what I want to say."
"Of course, you would not know until you tell me, Jim."
Jim smiled incredulously and shook his head. "Spock, are you and Uhura still together?"
"No, though I do not see how that is relevant to the conversation we were having."
"It is relevant. Trust me. Why did you two split up?"
"It was a mutual decision. We both knew that neither of us could give one another what we truly needed. Though we have not discussed it, I believe both of us had already become interested in another person."
"So, you are interested in someone?"
"Yes, Jim."
"Can I ask you who it is?"
"You can ask. I may not answer."
"Well?"
"I do not believe it would be wise to reveal that information at this time."
"I like to think that we can tell one another anything."
"And yet you are also unwilling to disclose what is troubling you."
"I intend to get there Spock. I just have one more question."
"I suppose it will be of no use to refuse you, so I will allow you to indulge."
"Thank you, Spock. Have you ever been attracted to a man?"
The question gave me pause. I decided to answer. "Indeed. In fact, the person I am currently attracted to is male, but I am uncertain as to whether he shares this preference."
"It seems we have a similar dilemma. The same one, perhaps."
"Jim? Do you mean to suggest-"
"That I'm troubled by the fact that I really like you, and I'm scared you'll reject me and it will ruin our friendship?"
"You are attracted to me, Jim?"
"Implicitly."
"Fascinating. I believe that I no longer have any qualms over admitting my attraction to you."
"I'm pleased."