"You're trying to give me advice?" he didn't mean to sound cocky, but he hardly needed advice with anything concerning romance.

"Yes. Who do you think you're talking to? I literally invented Vulcan-Human relations. I practically wrote the book." She crossed her arms and smiled. "Actually, I did write a book, if you wanna borrow it."

"…Yeah, actually, I do."

He dropped all cocky façade. She was right, and he could admit it. He may have romanced countless humans, and even a few aliens, he'd never romanced a Vulcan. And they were truly different.

Amanda gave and excited squeal and clasped her hands together. "Come with me." She led him to what he assumed what her and Sarek's bedroom. The bed and curtains matched, a thick light colored material meant to keep out the heat. The walls were blank, save for what looked like a shield with Vulcan writing, hanging above the bed.

She went to the shelf, which was also mostly empty. There was a pain of something in Jim's heart when he thought about how much they lost when Vulcan was destroyed. His pain was pushed back when she turned around holding what looked like a leather-bound diary.

"I re-wrote it recently, since I lost my old one." She handed it to him and he hesitantly took it. "It was sort of a blessing. I got to organize it better, and I got to update a lot of the information." He looked up from the cover to see her smiling at him in a nervous sort of way. "I hope it makes things easier for you."

He opened it and peered down at the first page. He could see tight, neat handwriting, occasionally punctuated by blots of ink on the paper. He caught a few words like "Vulcan", "Emotions" and "Love" before he closed it again, his face reddening from more than just the heat.

"Thanks, Amanda." He smiled back, feeling a little awkward.

"Now, remember, this is just a generalization, and you should use proper judgement when you follow these tips. I can't guarantee anything, just because it worked for me and Sarek."

"Results may vary?" he smirked.

"Right." She nodded with a smile. "Results may vary."

Amanda Grayson surviving Vulcan's destruction was not an act of luck. It was not an act of fate. Is was the doing of one Jim Kirk. Jim wasn't even cleared to be aboard the Enterprise when they were responding to Vulcan's distress call, but thanks to Bones, he made it on and was there to step onto the transporter pad with Spock before he beamed down.

"What are you doing?" Spock asked, glaring over at him.

"I'm coming with you. And before you say anything -I'm not even cleared to be on this ship, so me getting off the ship to come with you isn't a problem. And you don't have the time to change my mind, so, logically, shut up." The half-assed excuse sort of came out in a rush, having literally been made up as he went along.

Spock didn't say anything, he just looked at Jim a moment later, before turning back to stoically face the front. The energizing beam was warm and cold, until he was just warm. Vulcan air was thick and hot, and the atmosphere made him feel as if the air was being sucked from his lungs.

When Spock ushered the Vulcans from the building out towards the extraction point, Jim was feeling as if he was useless. He was glad it was going so smoothly, but he was feeling as if he added nothing. The air made it hard to breathe and even running, he tagged near the back of the group just behind Spock's mother. He recognized her not just because she was human, but because her eyes were like a softer less-hostile version of Spock's.

For a split-second, Jim wondered if Spock's could be just as soft, but he'd only known the Vulcan for less than a day, and that time had mostly had been at his academic tribunal. Spock didn't take cheating lightly, apparently.

His thoughts were snapped back to reality as they all came to a halt at the extraction point. Jim rested his hands on his knees and tried to gain his breath. He gasped as a tremor shook the ground below him. It was must stronger than the ones before, and his eyes widened as the ground began to crumble.

Spock's mother screamed as the ground she was on crumbled, its loosened rocks falling into the wide ravine below. Out of the corner of his eye, Jim saw Spock reach out, but his hand missed hers by far. The beaming sensation started up again, just as Jim jumped over the ledge and into the ravine after her.

He wasn't exactly sure what compelled him to do it. Maybe he was thinking of his own mother. He was pretty sure she'd jump over a cliff after him. He thought of his father, who, in a way, already did.

He could feel himself start to dissipate into the beam. His eyes locked with hers, and he saw pure fear as the chasm below began to engulf them. He reached out against the air's resistance and closed him arms around her just as the beam pulled them away.

They landed on the transporter pad in a cloud of Vulcan dust. His arms slipped from around her as he struggled to breathe. Jim couldn't see anything from the dust in his eyes.

He blindly stood up, hacking and coughing up dirt. When he finally had a clean breath, it dawned on him what he had really done. He slowly turned around and looked down. Spock's mother was still where she had fallen, her hair loose and her face covered in dirt. He hesitantly offered her his hand and helped her up.

"You saved her." Spock approached him, his voice the softest he'd ever heard it. Somewhere in his peripheral vision, he could see Sarek come over and lead his wife away.

"Well, you know…it was no big deal." He said awkwardly, feeling all eyes, both Vulcan and human, on him. He just tried to brush the dirt off his clothes and not look at anyone.

"It is a big deal." Spock's voice was tight with something Jim didn't recognize straight away.

When Spock pulled Jim into a hug, it was the most awkward hug of Jim's life. The only saving grace was that it was genuine. With Vulcan strength and momentarily unsuppressed emotion, Spock squeezed Jim tightly and actually lifted him off his feet.

When he set Jim back down, everyone was still staring, even more so now. But Jim actually didn't notice them anymore, because he was finally getting an answer to what he'd been thinking about earlier; Spock eyes were definitely just as soft as his mother's.

After the entire incident, Jim was pleasantly surprised to be appointed Captain of the Enterprise. He was even more pleasantly surprised when Spock stuck around as First Officer. Things turned tense once more as time went on, but for a different sort of reason.

Jim was a little desperate to see that softness in Spock's eyes again. He found himself following Spock around on duty and observing his work more so than with anyone else. Spock didn't seem to notice, or if he did, he apparently didn't mind.

"Your orders, Captain?" Spock would ask, suddenly stopping in his tracks and turning to face Jim, who would quickly skid to a halt to avoid crashing into him. Had he really been following so closely?

So Jim would put on his stern face, turn towards the bridge crew, and give orders. Nine out of ten times, those orders would end with him turning back to Spock and saying "Stay with me."

Maybe it was just the slightest bit of abuse of power, to want to be so close to him and use his position to get it, but he knew when to let up. He knew when Spock's expertise were needed elsewhere, or when Jim needed to pursue alone.

Those times of separation were like a constant thorn in his side. He always pushed it back, not daring to think about what it meant. He only knew he was in hot water when they were reunited after a scare; lost communicators meant Jim had no idea if Spock was alive. When he found himself beamed to safety, and standing on the pad beside his first officer, the look of relief was just over the top enough for a suspicious look from McCoy.

Other than that, it was smooth sailing.

The first real shore leave was coming up, and Jim didn't even get a chance to consider other plans before Spock approaching him early the morning before they docked.

"Captain, may I have a word with you?"

"Sure." Despite answering eagerly, he was a little taken aback about being approached so suddenly.

"It is about the upcoming shore leave." Spock's posture remained as straight as ever. "My parents have recently settled on the new Vulcan colony, and my mother is insistent that I spend the leave there."

"Oh." He blinked. He was glad to hear things were settling well on the colony, but his little imaging of the two of them sprawled out on some beach together quickly dissipated. He hadn't even realized he'd been thinking of it, really. The sun on Spock's pale skin. The waves crashing in time to the thundering in Jim's heart when he looks over at his First Officer –

"Captain, are you listening to me?" Spock inclined his head just a tad.

"Yes! Yeah…absolutely. The Vulcan colony. Sounds like a great time." He nodded, attempting to will down the flush on his face.

"There is…another matter." Spock's tone shifted into something a little awkward, intriguing Jim. "My parents have asked if you would accompany me to their home and stay for the leave time."

"Really?" He didn't have to ask why. He knew the answer was because of what he did for them. He still woke up sometimes from dreams of falling down over the cliff's edge.

"Do you except the offer?"

Jim watched Spock closely, trying to pick up on any subtle facial cues that gave away if Spock actually wanted him there or not. After a second of scanning his face (something he wouldn't admit he'd done before) he figured Spock was indifferent.

"Sure. That sounds fun." He gave Spock one of his over the top grins, and was pleased with the tiny emotional response it got, even if it was just the slightest verdant tint in Spock's cheeks.

"Very well. I will inform my parents of your acceptance. Good day, Captain."

"Right back at 'ya."

That's how Jim came to find himself rooting through his closet for his best sweater. It matched his eyes perfectly, and he'd been waiting for a special occasion to break it out around Spock.

With his back to the door and his body half-way into the closet, he didn't look around to see who was chiming to enter. "Yea, come in."

"You packing for leave?" It was Bones.

"Yea…Found it!" He pulled the sweater out from under a pile of clothes at the bottom of the closet. Somehow it'd fallen of the hanger. He held it up and realized he'd probably need to iron it before packing it. He turned and tossed it on top of his duffle bag on the bed.

"You're taking a sweater to the beach?"

"Nope. I'm going to New Vulcan with Spock." He ducked back into the closet and started looking for more stuff to pack.

"Can't say I'm surprised." His amused tone was discernable even though Jim wasn't looking.

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"I wasn't born yesterday, Jim. I know you have a thing for him."

Jim stood up abruptly, hitting his head on the clothes rod. In pain, he dropped the boots he was holding and cried out when one landed on his foot. After finding his footing, he backed out of the closet and glared at his friend.

"I'm sorry that your life is so empty and boring that you have to make up your own gossip." He turned back and gathered up his boots and a wad of clothes before taking them to the bed.

"Deny it all you want, but I see the way you look at him."

"Do you see the way I'm looking at you, now?" Jim took a break from shoving clothes into his bag to give Bones his best death glare. The doctor was unfazed and just laughed.

"I'll leave ya' alone, then." He smirked, clearly enjoying Jim's discomfort. "But just a tip. You might not want to take a sweater. It's really hot there."

"But it matches my eyes…" Jim whined.

Apparently there was some certain way Jim looked at Spock without really realizing it. After a surprised handshake from Sarek and a crushing hug from Amanda, they all had dinner outside at a big glass table.

Sarek quickly had Spock invested in a conversation about the new irrigation systems being put in the colony's fields, so Jim just spent the time watching Spock. The way his eyes lit up just slightly, and his eyebrow went up when something particularly fascinating was mentioned.

Jim jumped when he felt someone lightly kick his leg under the table. He jumped and looked across at Amanda. She was smirking at him.

"What?" he asked, glancing sideways at Sarek and Spock, who didn't seem to notice the disturbance at all.

"Oh, nothing." She smiled and reached for her glass of water.

"What?" He asked again, hoping it was the Vulcan heat that was making his face flush.

"Nothing." She assured him, unable to stop smirking. "Just…I want to show you something after dinner, is all."

After dinner, Amanda pulled Jim into the living room out of everyone else's earshot and started berated him with questions. It was the second-most awkward time in his life.

"Does he know?" she asked, practically giddy.

"No. At least, I don't think so…" He scratched at his wrist in a nervous habit.

"How long have you felt this way?"

"Since…he hugged me." Jim blushed at recalling the first-most awkward time in his life.

"That is so….precious." She sighed, resting her chin on her hands.

"Yeah, yeah." He said quickly. "Are we done with this weird interview, or what?" Not even his own mother took so much interest in his love-life.

"Just one more thing…"

That's how he emerged from the bedroom carrying Amanda's very own hand-written guide to Vulcan romance. There was no way he was going to start reading this anywhere that wasn't in the cover of the dead of night behind a closed door.

He went to the guest room he was staying in and glanced around for a hiding place. He'd just shoved it under the mattress when he heard someone approaching.

"Captain, would you care to take a walk with me to the greenhouse?" Spock asked.

"Huh? Oh, yea sure." Jim felt his heart race and mentally cursed Amanda and Bones for making him so aware of himself. "Just let me change first."

"Certainly. I will change also, and meet you in the kitchen." Spock departed.

Jim closed the door and locked it before reaching for the notebook under the mattress. He spared a quick glance at the first page while he toed off his boots to get changed.

"Many Vulcans take up a certain interest that they love to talk about. Try asking them about what they're interested in. Trust me, once you get them talking, it'll be hard to get them to shut up!"

Jim changed into a white t-shirt and pulled his blue sweater on over it. He figured he could stand the heat just for a little while. After all, it made his eyes absolutely dazzling.

When he found Spock waiting for him, he actually had to avert his gaze to keep his face from giving anything away. Spock had changed into what was apparently traditional clothing. A long black robe over dark pants made Spock looks exceptionally attractive. Jim realized this was the first time he'd seen Spock out of his science blues.

"Shall we depart?" Spock asked, his usual stoic expression on his face.

"I'm ready when you are." Jim nodded.

"We will return before dark, father." Spock said to Sarek, who was standing with Amanda at the kitchen counter.

"Remember what we talked about, son." Sarek gave a small nod. He looked just as stoic as Spock did. Amanda's knowing grin seemed to seep into Jim's soul.

"I will, father. Come, Captain. Let us depart." Spock led him outside and Jim gave a small wave to Spock's parents before closing the door behind them.

They started down the sidewalk, and after making a turn at the end of the road, Jim could see the greenhouse in the distance.

"Is this planet like Vulcan at all?" Jim asked him. His only real impression of Vulcan before its destruction was red. This was red too, but he's sure there was much more to it.

"I admit the resemblance strong." Spock nodded. "However, somethings cannot be replaced."

"Yeah, I get it. Nothing can replace what Vulcan meant to everyone, but I'm glad they were able to find something good." Jim remembered what Amanda's notebook had said about engaging them in interests. "So, what was Sarek telling you about the irrigation system at dinner?"

"Ah, the most interesting thing. My father informed me of a new system meant to tend to crops at the correct intervals, using a mix of water and special minerals meant to emulate Vulcan soil. In fact…"

Jim tried to soak up as much of what Spock was saying as he could, but it was hard when the subtle qualities that he loved about Spock's face were showing. His eyes would light up, making him resemble his mother. He looked so wonderfully emotional. The longer he stared, the more he realized he wasn't paying attention, but he couldn't help it.

"It truly is fascinating." Spock sighed, the smallest smile crossing his features.

Jim had had the slightest urge in the past to kiss Spock, but this was the strongest one yet. If there were no risks at all, he still wasn't sure he could do it. It was weird to admit that, as he'd never been cowardly before. On the contrary, he was quite the opposite.

They arrived at the greenhouse and Jim actually gasped from the heat as they walked in. He tugged at the collar of his sweater and glanced at Spock. He seemed utterly unaffected, as he went to the nearest plant and started explaining its medicinal purposes.

Jim nodded along, rolling up his sleeves and tugging at his collar. He could feel sweat beading at his forehead, but he was sure that half had to do with the way Spock's eyes glowed with interest.

"With carefully introduction of hybrids, we could produce many herbs with the same medical benefits of the lost Vulcan plants." He explained. "I suppose that shows those Vulcans who had a certain…distain for hybrids before."

"Did you just make a joke?" Jim's eyes widened and he broke out in laughter.

"Of course not, Captain." Spock said, though Jim swore his voice was playful. "I am completely serious. It is literally hybrids that are saving the species, me being one of those hybrids."

Jim knew that was a joke. A wonderful, glorious joke. Even if Spock did feel like it was sweet revenge that those who'd mocked him now replied on hybrid medicine, he'd never express such dark emotions. That's what made it so funny. It was gloriously un-Spock.

He laughed, slumping against the glass wall. After a second he gasped, the thin Vulcan atmosphere seemed to pull the air straight from his lungs. His laughter turned into a fit of coughing.

"Captain, are you alright?" Spock approached him, and Jim glanced up and saw unmistakable concern.

"Yeah, yeah…" he wheezed. "I'm fine."

"Perhaps we should return, and I could give you one of the hyposprays Dr. McCoy provided me with."

"Bones gave you medicine for me?" Jim's eyebrows went up.

"Yes. He entrusted me with something to help you adjust to the atmosphere. Are you feeling feverish?" Spock slowly reached up and touched the back of his hand against Jim's cheek. Jim stiffened and tried to keep from freaking out, but all his brain was doing was screaming Oh my god Spock is voluntarily touching me!

"I…I don't know." He glanced into Spock's eyes for just a moment, before chickening out and fixating his gaze just to the left of his ear. "Am I?"

"Perhaps a tad." Spock pulled back his hand and nodded. "Let us return."

The sun was just starting to set as they returned to the house. Spock beckoned for Jim to follow him to his room so he could get the medicine. Jim leaned against the doorframe and took a look around Spock's room.

It was pretty much the same layout as the other guest room he occupied. The only main difference was that Spock already unpacked in an organized way, as opposed to just dumping his bag on the bed the way Jim had. One thing Jim noticed was the singular padd on the desk. Had Spock really brought work with him on vacation?

"Here you are, Captain." Spock went to the desk drawer and came back with the hypospray. "Do you need me to administer it?"

"No, no. I can do it." Jim said quickly. He loved Spock touching him, but he did not love Spock shoving sharp objects into his neck.

"Very well." Spock handed it to him, and he winced only slightly when he gave himself the shot.

"How are you feeling?" Spock inclined his head in the way that reminded Jim of a puppy.

He took a few breaths and noticed it was easier. "Better. Thanks. I'm gonna go take a shower." He was already a few steps down the hallway, with his sweater half tugged over his head, before he called back. "Hey Spock?"

"Yes Captain?"

"None of that. Don't call me Captain while we're here. This is vacation, and your parent's house. Just call me Jim."

"Very well, Jim."

Spock waited until he heard the bathroom door close before he went to his father's study. Sarek was sitting at his empty desk, his fingers tented in his usual posture of deep thought. Spock stood politely until his father looked over.

"How was your evening?" Sarek asked, folding his hands in his lap and turning to give his son his full attention.

"I initiated physical contact with Jim, as you suggested." Spock stepped further into the room and gently shut the door behind him.

"What were the results?" Sarek sounded as if they might just be discussing a science experiment.

"His pupils did dilate, indicating possible romantic interest." He knew it could also be attributed to other factors as well, none of which sounded as nice.

"I took the liberty of placing the padd on your desk. In it you will find all of the notes I have compiled for you on presuming a human bond-mate. I do hope you find them helpful."

"I must admit, father; I did not foresee your willingness to do this for me." Spock remembered their hushed conversation after dinner when Jim and his mother had been in another room. Spock had expressed his romantic feelings for Jim, and his father had suggested physical contact.

"Are you sure, father?" He'd asked, somewhat taken aback.

"Do you doubt my expertise, son?" Sarek's eyes actually gleamed. "You seem to be forgetting that I am the first Vulcan to successfully maintain a romantic relationship with a human. I am completely qualified to advise you."

"Yes father…" He'd nodded, taking the advice in consideration.

He was glad for it now, as even though Jim's response was a sign of nervousness, nervousness in of itself was usually exhibited around someone for whom one holds romantic feelings.

"It is of no inconvenience. It is actually in the contrary, I want nothing more than for you to live and prosper in the way that makes you happy."

"Happiness is an emotion."

"Are you attempting to outwit me, Spock?" Sarek's eyes were still gleaming.

"No, father."

"Then please leave me to my studies. I have much work to do, and as I understand it, you have much resting to do. You are on vacation."

"Yes, father. Live long and prosper." He gave his father the salute before returning to his room.

He was grateful his father had been easily accepting of Spock's feelings for Jim. He knew his parents held the Captain in high regards because of what he did for them, so he was never worried he father would be upset. He just hadn't expected –what was by Sarek's standards –such an enthusiastic response.

The only things Spock could articulate was that these feelings developed shortly after the entire incident. He seemed to notice a frequency in the Captain's presence, one that was not unwelcome, and was rather quite comforting. The Captain was not a very cautious person, but he always made sure to keep Spock by his side in danger, another thing that would imply there was a level of caring.

The only way to be sure was for Spock to read everything his father compiled. Human mating customs as well as what was unique for inter-species relationships. With the addition of anecdotes from his parent's marriage, it would be quite a lot of reading, but Spock was more than willing.

Spock's last thought before settling down to read that night was that the sweater Jim had been wearing matched his eyes perfectly.