Starfleet was many things, an efficient military, steadfast protectors and scientifically full of curiosity. It was also the fastest biggest rumour mill in the entire quadrant, a officer told their friend, who told a friend, who told a lover, who told an cadet and then it was a free for all of make believe and snippets of truth. Kirk would know, since that was how he had become the 'lady killer' the man who could have a woman in a blink of an eye, or discard her in the same breath he used to kiss her. He and those who were close enough to him knew it was false, he hadn't had a partner in over a year (until Spock that is) and if he was flirting for a mission it was all fake charm and using his smile.

Unfortunately once something enters the rumour mill it tends to grow out of control and is almost impossible to stop, the press would snag on to anything he did and make a credit exaggerating it for the public. Mostly Kirk didn't let it annoy him, it wasn't too close to home for him since his crew knew it wasn't true. It had never bothered him until Space Station 'Gamma 12 (Rupollan)' where on shore leave, sitting in the mess with Spock and Bones he had heard someone say "who do you think he's with? Bet you a credit it's the doctor" "what no no! It's obviously the Vulcan, I've heard he broke protocol for him" "wow that's a big thing to do for a fling"

Suddenly his coffee didn't seem so appetising, and Bones and Spock teasing didn't sound as hilarious. As he drank what was left of his coffee he wondered just how many people assumed he wasn't serious about Spock, did his crew? He knew the higher up crew members knew him well enough, but the ensigns? The ones he didn't see often? Did they think he was just using Spock? Did Spock doubt for a moment that he was what they said he was? A serial dater with no compassion?

Sliding closer to Spock he gently pressed his thigh against Spocks, nothing showy nothing that would startle him, just a soft pressure to remind him he was there. He was staring so hard into his empty cup he missed the look that flickered between Bones and Spock, too caught up in half listening to the betting going on in the distance that he missed them stop talking to each other. Then he was shocked out of his own thoughts by Spock dragging a finger down his knuckles "Jim, they are insubordinate and highly misinformed about your character" he said quietly and in his "I'm right" voice. "Yeah Jim can't let some snivelling cadets get on your nerves, we all know you're sweet on Spock, it's sickening honestly how much you like him" Bones said, his gruff tone belied by his soft blue eyes and the light tap of his boot against Jims.

"yeah your right" Jim replied smiling, betting cadets far from his mind "do you wanna go see the movie playing in the rec room? I hear it's actually pretty good!" he continued standing up and taking Bones and Spocks plates and his cup to the replicator. He never knew that the cadets ran out of the room when faced with twin glares.