Kirk slid into the small space between his first officer and the edge of the bench, allowing his hip to press against Spock's. The officer's lounge was empty except for them.

Spock's eyes widened marginally, and then they narrowed—just as marginally—as he moved away until they were no longer touching.

"Spock," Kirk said, doing his best to keep his amusement cloaked. "We need to discuss some of your recent conduct."

He silently congratulated himself for his acting skills when his first officer's vague expression of reproach shifted into one of apprehension.

"Has my performance as first officer been unsatisfactory, Captain?" Spock said.

"That's not what this is about."

Spock gave him a look that wasn't exactly a frown, but wasn't anything else either.

"You've been avoiding me." Kirk made a motion from Spock to himself. "I thought we'd gotten past that."

"Your assumption is false. I have not been avoiding you. It would be impossible for me to do so seeing as how both of our presences are required on the bridge, and—"

"You know what I mean." Kirk glanced at Spock, and decided that he couldn't tell if that was actually true or not, but he pressed ahead anyway. "We're supposed to be friends now, and friendship implies some sort of," he searched for the right word, but when it eluded him he gave a small shrug, "friendliness."

"I do not see the advantage in treating one individual in a different manner than I would any other. According to Starfleet legislation, discrimination—"

"Stop." Kirk held up his hand. "Look, I realize that if I want our interactions to have a more human element, then it's only fair that I reciprocate, which is why I did some research on Vulcan Culture."

Despite there being no outward change, a haze of skepticism seemed to envelope Spock.

Kirk continued quickly. "I know now that the things you've expressed to me, the times you've put a hand on my shoulder, or when you called me 'Jim' where actually pretty big deals. Not to mention what happened in the warp core, because that was big even by human standards. And you were the first to visit me in sickbay when I awoke from my coma."

"It was my duty."

"I was unconscious for two weeks. If every officer in Starfleet showed that kind of vigilance—"

"I was given some advance warning from Doctor McCoy on when you would be expected to revive."

Kirk smiled, undaunted. "And I also understand that you deny things out of some static sense of propriety."

For a moment Spock silently considered him.

When trying to read Spock, Kirk found it was fastest to make a guess as to what he was likely to be feeling, and then attempt to match it to minute clues in his body language—which were actually there, regardless of what people thought. It usually only took a few tries until something fit. The problem with this method though, was that if his initial assumption was incorrect it became very easy to arrive at a very inaccurate conclusion.

Like right now, he'd like to think that he'd wowed Spock with his insight, but his stiff posture, and suspicious, scanning eyes didn't particularly support that.

"I am due to return to my station," Spock said. He moved as if to stand.

Kirk put a hand on his forearm to halt him. Spock's jaw tightened, but he complied with the nonverbal request, and resettled on the bench.

There were some advantages to being Captain.

"This won't take long." Kirk did his best to project a friendly, non-threatening, confidence that he hoped would improve the odds for what he was about to do. "But it's important that you know that this—thing—goes both ways."

Kirk drew one of Spock's hands toward him. He knew he had a limited amount of time before Spock stopped him, but he was banking on the bizarre factor peaking Spock's curiosity enough to let him finish.

A glance at Spock confirmed that he was either baffled into immobility or had fallen into scrutinizing paralysis, or maybe both. Whatever it was he didn't resist.

"I know what the significance of this is to your people." Kirk unfolded Spock's hand, isolating his index and middle fingers, and then pressed the pads of his own two fingers to them. "And I mean it. There is no one else I'd rather have at my side."

Spock went completely still, even his breathing stopped.

Kirk felt a warm, pleasant tingling where their skin touched. It made an interesting contrast to the Vulcan's cool skin.

After a moment Spock opened his mouth, but no sound came out. It was the second time Kirk had rendered his first officer speechless. Not many could claim that distinction, and it had him grinning with a bit more cockiness than was appropriate for the moment.

"You don't have to say anything." Kirk broke contact and stood. "I understand."

An emotion flickered through Spock's eyes, impossible to read, but telling that it was there at all. That his captain had taken the time to learn the Vulcan Oath of Friendship must have been more than Spock had expected of him.

Not that he could entirely blame Spock for doubting him. Kirk hadn't realized that Vulcans even valued friendship until Lieutenant Uhura had tipped him off about it. Ever since she'd broken things off with Spock she'd been making a solid effort at strengthening relations between members of the Bridge Crew. He appreciated any officer capable of that level of professionalism. He resolved to thank her for her advice about the oath next time they spoke.

Kirk made his way back to the bridge. He didn't notice that Spock made no move to follow him.

Kirk's gesture of friendship must have made an even bigger impression on Spock than he first suspected, because there was a definite improvement in the friendliness factor. The change was subtle, but distinct in the weeks that followed. He no longer felt Spock was trying to end every interaction before it began, and he seemed more tolerant of Kirk's personality quirks—or well, of Kirk in general. Although sometimes he caught Spock looking at him like he was some type of mystery, or alien even, which was saying a lot considering where they worked. Not that Spock was being obvious about it, but sometimes he seemed to pause when looking at Kirk, and the circuits in his head could be seen firing behind large, dark eyes.

Was Kirk really so oblivious of alien cultures that he sent people into a shock-type response when he attempted to reach out? He'd have to do something about that image if he didn't want to start an intergalactic war during the next five years.

So as part of his whole growing as a person thing, particularly into one unlikely to inspire cross-cultural mayhem and doom, he made a point of spending time with Spock on his terms. He toured the science labs, sparred with him in the rec room, and even learned to play chess. Joining him for meals became somewhat of a regular thing. He'd even tried some of the weird soup Spock liked. Although only once because he'd bitten into something that wobbled like nothing should ever wobble, and decided that there were limits to what he would do even for things like interstellar peace.

So, with all this one-on-one time with his first officer, he really shouldn't have been surprised by what happened next.

Unlike Kirk, Spock had never been one to frequent the rec room. He'd made the occasional appearance in the beginning of their voyage, maybe out of some sense of obligation to crew morale, but the reality of a room full of humans and their vices was apparently enough to discourage him from making it a habit.

Tonight, however, Spock was there in the seat beside Kirk. It had happened almost accidentally, as if he'd been too absorbed in their conversation to notice where Kirk was going, and then once he remembered his decision to stay had already been made by default.

But considering Spock's notable observation skills, Kirk was starting to think that wasn't the case at all. Especially, since it was the third time this week.

So even if Spock would never admit that he was coming here just for the sake of their friendship, Kirk decided he would do the whole alien perspective thing, and forgo some of his own vices for the evening.

"Captain," Uhura said as she approached. Her smile transferred easily from Kirk to her ex. "Spock."

Spock tensed, which was unexpected since their break up had seemed amicable. At least, they'd always behaved politely on the bridge.

"Lieutenant." Kirk gave her a friendly nod.

Spock said nothing, which was again, odd.

But Uhura only shook her head at Spock, as if at some private joke.

"You just missed McCoy," she said to them. "He was sent a care package from home with a lot of tiny, little Kentucky Bourbon bottles inside. It's been like Christmas." She produced a few small bottles. "Want to try one?"

"I'll pass. I'm sure he'll corner me with it later, anyway," Kirk said.

Uhura gave him a look of mock surprise. Inexplicably, there seemed to be a layer of gloating underneath it.

"Not drinking anymore, Captain?" She winked at Spock who still wasn't meeting her eyes. "And I noticed you've been eating healthier lately."

It was amazing how he could make a secret resolution, and then not even three minutes later be challenged on it.

Kirk shrugged. "I don't feel like it."

Spock glanced at him, and he thought he detected a note of approval. It was almost enough to dispel the irritation he felt at Uhura's next words.

"You don't feel like drinking?"

Which was completely unfair, because sure, before he'd taken command of the Enterprise he'd had some incidents at some bars, well maybe more than some, but he'd been careful not to have any mishaps recently, and Uhura—of all people—knew that.

"Lieutenant," Spock said in a voice somehow flatter than normal.

Kirk found himself cringing at the coldness of calling her that when she'd been "Nyota" so recently. Even Uhura seemed to wilt.

"The captain has proven to be responsible both during and off duty since his promotion to his current position. There is no justification in insinuating otherwise."

"Spock—" Kirk faltered over whether to thank him for sticking up for him, or to reprimand him for his rudeness.

Uhura rolled her eyes. "Well, I'll just let you two get back to," she made an incomprehensible gesture between the two men, "what you were doing."

"That would be wise," Spock said.

Kirk was too stunned to say anything, such as apologize, before she walked away.

"What the hell was that about? Since when do you have a problem with Uhura?" he said, turning to face Spock.

Spock gave him that look, the one with the innocent raised eyebrow—not the superior one, he was probably saving that for round two—that meant that if Kirk failed to clarify quickly he was going to be hit with an I-don't-understand-your-illogical-human-reference diversion tactic.

"I thought you were friends?"

Spock inclined his head slightly, as if he still found something in the question puzzling.

"It is important to me that you do not think my allegiances are changeable in nature."

Kirk fidgeted with a deck of cards that someone had left on the table to give himself a moment to figure out what the hell Spock was talking about. His allegiances to what? The ship? But that would have been more relevant when they were still a couple. Unless—had Uhura shown interest in getting back together, and Spock was afraid that if he did so the "changeable" nature of the relationship would reflect badly on his career?

Kirk frowned at the idea of them resuming their relationship. He'd never admit it aloud, but he'd been a bit relieved when they'd broken it off.

"So," Kirk said as he began to deal a game of Gin between them. "You're afraid that it'll look bad if you get too friendly with Uhura because of your history with her?"

"While I would not attribute fear as a factor in my reasoning, I do admit to harboring some apprehension as to the negative effects of resuming a—a degree of personal association."

A degree of personal association? Kirk suddenly had an idea of where this was going.

"So it's not a relationship Uhura wants, but something like—" Kirk stopped himself from using the term fuck buddy, "something a bit more—casual?"

While Spock didn't look any less confused, his body language at least managed to indicate that he was confident he would soon comprehend the strange Earth-speak Kirk was spewing at him.

Kirk wished he could say he had the same faith in his future experiences with Vulcan communication.

"As long as you're both interested in nothing more than a friendship," Kirk said. "Then there's no problem in finding physical—satisfaction—in each other's company."

Spock's expression darkened. Kirk didn't really think that was fair considering he'd used a lot of euphemisms to avoid scarring his Vulcan sensibilities. He'd never really understood why they were all such prudes anyway. Sex was a biological function, and being able to talk about it as such seemed only logical. But maybe it was more of an avoiding-stirring-up-pesky-emotions kind of thing, and less of a moral one.

Spock took a small breath. "I was under the impression that human mating customs, while not as rigid as those of Vulcans, did share the basic requirement of fidelity."

"They do, mostly, but it varies between individuals, and even cultures. For some it's all about the emotions. Loving one person doesn't mean you can't love someone else different in the future, and there are relationships that are physical only, and others that involve love but no sex. Some people love one person, but are intimate with others, and everyone is totally ok with that. Humans are pretty messy with the whole thing."

Kirk glanced at Spock to see if his explanation of the varieties and alternatives to monogamy was being well received, and discovered that either he was attaining new proficiency in Spock deciphering, or he'd managed to scandalize him into a near open display of shock.

"But," Spock said, his tone inaccessible, "you would not want me to engage in a casual, physical relationship with Lieutenant Uhura. Is that correct, Captain?"

Kirk flinched, but then did his best to mask it, because that was a totally unfair reaction to his buddy's request for reassurance while walking out of the prude box. His only obligation was to make sure Spock did what was best for him, and it was most certainly not to care who Spock slept with.

Except, he realized, he absolutely cared anyway. He didn't want Spock to sleep with Uhura; he didn't even want him to spend more time with her because that meant he'd be spending less time with him.

Damn. This was exactly what he should have expected to happen considering his history. While his reputation suggested he lacked discretion in sex partners, he'd always thought of himself as just more open-minded than the average person. He wasn't going to put limits on attraction with arbitrary things like species –although he preferred humanoid, of course—or gender.

Spock had interested him from the beginning, but his personality—not that his prim demeanor didn't beg to be thrown down and kissed right off—had made it clear that it was never going to happen. Kirk was only willing put so much effort out when he knew he was going to be shut down, especially if it risked a professional relationship.

But apparently while his brain had decided Spock was off limits, the rest of him had plotted mutiny.

Spock was still staring at him. He needed to buck up and at least act like he wasn't the worst possible friend ever.

Kirk straightened in his seat. "As your captain, I have no objection to you engaging in a casual, physical relationship with anyone, provided it has no negative impact on your duties." Kirk tried his best to keep the but please don't do it part out of his voice, but he wasn't sure how successful he was, because Spock was looking at him in a way that was—relieved? No, that didn't make sense. Pitying, maybe?

"I commend you on your rationally derived position on the topic, Captain." Spock gave him a slight nod. "Your opinion is unusually aligned with Starfleet regulations. Although at this time I have no interest in engaging in casual relations with Lieutenant Uhura, I will, however, keep your views in mind should future opportunities arise."

Kirk obviously wasn't as good at reading Spock as he thought he was, because it almost seemed like he was mocking him, and everyone knew that Vulcans had no sense of humor.

It took Kirk a moment to notice that Spock was extending his fingers toward him under the table in an attempt to perform the friendship oath.

So he was teasing him. Well, at least if he was aware of Kirk's attraction to him he wasn't willing to let it get in the way of their friendship. Kirk joined his fingers to the Vulcan's. He smiled at the familiar buzz.

It was such a curious little gesture. Kirk was used to it now, but at first he'd been surprised by how often it needed to be redone. Apparently it was like some kind of secret handshake among Vulcan friends. It would have been nice if it had been a little less secret though so that he'd have learned about it earlier. He still wasn't sure how good of friends you had to be before initiating it either, so he didn't know if it would be a good idea to use it with visiting Vulcan officials or not.

"Enough regulations talk, we're in the rec room, so we need to do some recreating," Kirk paused uncertain if that was actually a word before deciding he didn't really care. "Ever played Gin before?" Kirk motioned at the cards in front of them.

"No, although I am acquainted with the rules."

"Well, don't expect that to help you, this is all about playing the person, and not just following the rules."

"I anticipate imminent victory then."

Kirk shook his head, grinning. He waited while Spock drew the first card.

But despite what he'd said, he wasn't surprised when only eight minutes later—Spock won.