"Well, your vitals seem to be functioning properly, as usual, Spock," said Bones, nodding to Nurse Chapel to record the data of the check-up.
"As I had anticipated, Doctor," said Spock, straightening his sleeves and making his way to the door.
"Not so fast. I have something I want to ask you."
Spock pivoted to face the doctor. His asking for advice was both unexpected and seemingly groundless, as his voice had shifted from a professional tone to an attempt at friendliness.
"Yes, Doctor?"
"Jim's birthday is next week- surely you know that."
"I was not aware."
McCoy's eyebrows furrowed, a wave of confusion washing over his face.
"I find that hard to believe, Mr. Spock."
"And why is that?"
"Well, it's no secret that you're closest to Jim."
"Yes," said Spock, a familiar hesitancy in his voice, "the captain and I have a close friendship."
Bones raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment.
"Anyway, his birthday is next week. I was wondering if you… had any ideas for what to get him."
"Are you asking for my advice, Doctor?"
The doctor's habitual expression of annoyance reappeared as a slight sigh escaped his mouth.
"You very well know I am, Spock, no need to rub it in."
"Earth customs commonly involve small celebrations and gifts on the anniversary of one's birth, correct?"
"You mean you don't celebrate birthdays on Vulcan?" Said Bones, unsurprised but upset by this. There was something about everything Spock did that was just a bit irritating, this unexcluded, but there was also some kind of endearment to his ways- something that Bones would never fully understand, much less admit.
"Negative, Doctor. I believe that I have established that Vulcans do not celebrate in the same manner as humans; we prefer much more logical methods-,"
Bones opened his mouth to interrupt but was instantly quieted by Spock's continuation.
"-but seeing as how Jim is human, I agree that we must indulge his human expectations. What do you suggest?"
"Well, I don't know what you're doing, but I'll probably get him a book on the federation's history- I swear, if I have to listen to another word of his 'federation trivia,' I'll-,"
Spock's thoughts fleeted from the doctor's ramblings; he had researched Earth's customs regarding birthdays, but hadn't considered its effects on his relationship with Jim. He had only known him for a year, but felt an obligation to him- not a restraining one, but an accepted one, of sorts. Something he desired to be obligated to do. He wanted to make him happy, even if he himself could not be, even if he didn't understand why it pleased his captain. He wanted Jim to be happy.
"Doctor," Spock said abruptly, unaware that he had just interrupted McCoy's complaining, "I request your assistance in this matter. What is an appropriate gift for one's captain?"
Bones simply shrugged with a prolonged blink.
"That's the hardest part about birthdays," he said, a smile twitching at the corner of his mouth. Spock's concern was truly amusing, but he'd never let the Vulcan know that.
Spock looked down, nodding to himself a bit.
"Thank you, doctor," he said, and with that, walked briskly out of the sick bay.