A weeks paid shore leave, and his mother was practically stalking him about coming over for the holidays. Which was surprising since Winona never talked about having a traditional thanksgiving before.

Jim remembered the last time she tried, and it was awful; course, they were only kids then and after that their Uncle never really celebrated it with them since their mother was off-planet.

But when she told him his brother Sam, sister-in-law Aurelan and kids were coming. That his grandma would be there too, it was one invitation hard to pass up or ignore.

So, he agreed to visit.

Fuck my life.

He thought, begrudgingly, sitting alone at his desk in his quarters. He'd ask Bones to accompany him, but, he'd be visiting his daughter and parents for the holidays.

12:10 p.m, and he might as well pick up some lunch at the mess and beg Bones one last time in vain. So, with some rush to his step he made a bee-line straight there. Hoping not to run into anyone, and dodge out of his duties…if only for 30 more minutes before returning to the bridge.

Plastering on his warm smile and cocky disposition he strolled on out into the mess, officers nodding at him with respect here and there. Chekov smiling, "Good afternoon, keptin."

Spock and Bones sitting across from one another at the usual spot, although the Doctor seemed to be engrossed in his work, and Spock blank as drywall.

After a small visit with the replicator Jim sauntered his way to the table and sat down with a plop, trying to make his presence known with the splat of his tray. "Captain." Spock nodded, Bones practically ignored him, sending a small terse nod his way and returning to the PADD next to his own barely-touched tray.

"God, you two, really? I mean you both are quieter than Chekov at the Con…" Spock seemed barely amused, eating so eloquently and poised.

"You know what Jim, you're not the one who has to deal with these shore-leave vaccinations and the paper-work that comes with it…driving me insane! I'll tell ya…"

Jim groaned and messed with his tomato soup a little, not all-too hungry, even as he smashed a slice of grilled cheese into his gob like a hungry lion. Spock looking at him, completely not amused.

"Captain, consuming food in such a grotesque manner will only increase your chances of choking."

Jim only shook his head and smiled, mouth half-full, only replying after swallowing. "No exact percentages this time Spock? I'm shocked." He feigned surprise slowly slurping on his meal.

This gained him a small brow raise when Bones broke the silence, "Could you pipe down a bit, trying to work here."

Aaaand silence, again.

Till Jim broke right through it, "What are you doing for shore-leave Mr. Spock…" he was sort-of interrupted by bones who smacked down his fork on the tray lifted it up and began to stomp off. "Okay, I'm done here… you guys carry on your small talk."

"Jesus, what crawled up his…" "Captain." "What?!"

Silence again, till this time, Spock answered.

"I will not be taking my shore-leave captain."

"W-what?! Why? Why not go to New Vulcan and visit your dad… I'm sure he misses you."

"I find that highly improbable as I saw him merely 3.4 weeks ago, Captain."

Jim rolled his eyes, dropping his spoon since he lost his appetite.

"Okay, but you need to take shore-leave Spock…you haven't taken shore leave ONCE and were 3 years into our 5 years…"

"There is no logical reason why I cannot stay here…"

"Yeah there is, I order you too go on shore leave, commander."

Jim could swear there was a jolt of fear that flashed on the Vulcan's expression. Mortification on his brow, "Captain I…"

"No, I'm not accepting any arguments Mr. Spock, one weeks shore-leave or I'm making you spend a week off duty when I come back."

Spock stopped eating completely, staring down at his food.

"Yes, Captain."

It was mortification, and now…sadness.

"Spock, what's wrong with a little shore-leave? huh?"

There was no reply, only a very solemn looking Vulcan, "If I may be excused Captain.."

Jim stopped him, reaching up to grab his arm when golden brown eyes formed on his own electric blues. Pools of human emotion, that no one else saw. "Wait, Spock…seriously, sit down, and talk to me."

He kept his voice quiet, not wanting to cause a scene.

It seemed to have worked, as Spock slowly returned back to his seat; however his gaze remained on the dish in front of him.

"Spock, what's wrong."

"Nothing, Captain."

"Jesus…call me…"

"Jim, I apologize…"

"No its fine, its whatever… like… really…"

"Jim, I have nowhere to go for shore leave."

Blunt, to-the-point at least; Jims heart broke in his chest, feeling as if someone dumped dry ice down his throat.

"God…shit…" Spock was about to intervene when Jim looked to Spock with apology in his eyes. "No, Spock, I'm sorry and…" His eyes looked up, hopefully, at the Vulcan in front of him.

"Come with me on my shore leave, Spock."

"Jim I…"

"Come on, I'm inviting you…"

" I do not wish to intrude…"

"It won't be, Spock, I want you to be there…"

"Jim…"

"Spock." Jim answered cockily, eyebrows wiggling around as if proving a point.

"Join me for Terran Thanksgiving; I'm sure my family would like to meet you."

It was quiet besides the bustle of officers in the mess hall, most leaving as others came for their own set lunch schedule.

"Ahh, I gotta get to the Bridge, Spock, just think ab…"

"I will accompany you for shore leave, Jim." Spock resigned, standing up with his tray. "And to the bridge, if you are amenable."

Jim couldn't help but smile brightly, nodding, "Really!?" He coughed out and dimmed his smile a bit, nervous, embarrassed that the Vulcan held so much of his reaction in hand. "That's great, Spock…sure!" He too, rose with his tray, tossing it in the recycler before waving to the door with one hand, "After you, Mr. Spock."

"Captain." he nodded, and they both made way to the bridge.

What the hell was he thinking?