Another mission complete, and behind them, they both settled together for a pleasant game of chess. It was a tradition, that had begun not too long after they had tried to cross the great barrier.

James Kirk grinned as he looked at his calm science officer, and close friend.

Tonight the game was played in the Captain's quarters. Jim had already won two games when Spock had not won one. Wanting to tease his friend Jim was about to mention that Spock was not on top of his game.

But there was a reason for it.

Spock felt uneasy. He couldn't seem to concentrate on anything, except the scent that traveled around the room of Jim's quarters.

It was such a distraction that Spock never heard Jim asking him a question, until he asked it a second time and placed his hand on his friend's wrist.

The mere touch sent a shiver through him that traveled from the point of contact to Spock's brain releasing pleasurable endorphins. He let out a low moan. Desperately, trying to find his logic he closed his eyes and concentrated. He was brought out of that concentration by the words of his friend.

"Spock? Are you all right?" Jim spoke concern in his voice.

"No, I am not." Spock said it. He couldn't lie, he had to know.

"What is wrong?" Jim asked his features tense.

Spock couldn't deny what he thought he felt in the room. Someone had been here. Someone Jim knew. A faint scent of perfume mixed with Jim's cologne had remained.

He had to ask. He had no choice.

"Jim, has their been another occupant in your room recently. A female perhaps?" Spock asked curiously.

Kirk's face turned beet red as he felt shy for the first time in his life.

He regained his composure somewhat, and answered his friend's question with another.

"Why do you ask?" Jim's voice was barely heard, almost a whisper.

"I do believe there are trace elements of pheromones in the room. Am I not correct?"

"You are. I had someone here, yesterday."

"May I ask whom?" Spock spoke softly.

Jim responded quickly hoping that it would be the end of it, but it was only the tip of the iceberg.

"It was Deela."

"I see. You engaged in coitus, did you not?"

Anger rose in Jim and he exploded without due cause.

"I don't believe that is any of your business Mr. Spock."

"It does Jim. I cannot explain it, but it seems she is the catalyst."

"I don't understand." Jim responded perplexed.

"I believe that the time we have spent together as friends has now ended. I desire more, I desire you, Jim. Mind, body and soul."

Jim stared and could not say anything.

Things were just going to get more complicated.