A/N: Random drabble is random. Enjoy anyway. :D
There is a quote by one Edgar Guest which floated in the space between young James Kirk and Spock Prime that caught Jim's attention during their hasty mind meld. It drifted to him and latched on, and he could almost hear it being spoken in his own voice, albeit an older-sounding tone added to it. And it makes the young captain wonder: had his friendship with Spock progressed in a way that made him quote the long-since-dead man?
It also makes him wonder what would happen if he were to quote it again in this reality.
After all, it has been a few years since he and Spock had gotten off on the wrong foot; perhaps now, through what they've accomplished and endeared together, it's appropriate to bring up the quote.
And so, during one of their routine chess matches in the lounge, Jim decides to spark conversation with it.
"You know, Spock," he begins as he moves his knight onto a higher level of the chess board, "It was once said that sometimes what we feel cannot be expressed through our own words, so we have to look to others to say it for us."
The half-Vulcan inclines his head slightly as he moves his rook. "I have indeed heard of such a phrase. It is only logical that humans use this expression as their reasoning for the old-fashioned celebratory cards for birthdays and other Earth holidays. Why are you mentioning this now, Jim?"
"Because, I've thought of something that someone else once said that I feel applies to us," he murmurs softly, and slowly, he recites, "'I'd like to be the sort of friend that you have been to me. I'd like to be the help you've been glad to be. I'd like to mean as much to you each minute of the day as you have meant, old friend of mine, to me along the way.'"
One of Spock's eyebrows quirk characteristically with intrigue. "And you truly feel this way, Jim?"
Kirk grins. "Of 'course. I wouldn't say it otherwise."
A miniscule, nearly invisible, smile leaks through Spock's emotional shield. "In that case, I would like the sentiment to be reciprocated, although I fear I don't have a quote that quite matches that one."
The grin broadens. "The fact that you feel the same way about our friendship is enough, Spock. Now then, shall we return to your ass whooping?"
"I do believe it is I who have the upper hand in this game," the other retorts with mild amusement.
"We'll see," Kirk continues casually, but inwardly, he's glowing with a new light he didn't know could exist. And, touched in a similar way, Spock sits in silence to absorb that light.