Kennidy and Hannah here! We hope you enjoy the chapter! And we really appreciate everyone's reviews and kind words! We forgot to do the disclaimer last chapter, but I think it's fairly obvious neither of us own Star Trek in and way, shape, or form. Let the reading commence!

T'sah-veh katelau kin-

Chapter 2: Peculiarities

Spock blinked at the peculiar human before returning the gesture. "Indeed they are. However, those particular words are typically used as a dismissal. Only in exceedingly formal situations does one say such as a greeting. If I am not mistaken, I do not believe this situation fits the criteria. My name is Spock. Please, come in." Spock stepped back to allow the humans into his new home. "Mother, Father, we have guests." The words were spoken normally as there was no need for shouting. There was an 87.589% chance that his parents were already nearly to his location. There was also the fact that Sarek, being a Vulcan, had sharp hearing, and his mother had to hone hers if she desired to be evenly levelled with a planet of over six billion Vulcans.

As the humans stepped into his new domicile, he took the time to study them. The woman was aesthetically pleasing, he supposed. She was homely but her dark tresses added an air of mystery around her that was… intriguing. George Kirk was large. Not fat, but bulky. He was obviously very muscular, and despite his young appearance, he held himself in a way that made Spock think perhaps he had experienced much hardship. Jim was by far the most aesthetically pleasing of them all. His eyes would have cinched it if nothing else did. When Jim looked at him, his stomach experienced the most peculiar feeling. He was unsure how to describe it. Jim's body only added to his appeal. One could tell that he took care of it, both by athletics and hygienically.

Spock blinked away his illogical desire to stare and instead shut the door just as his mother appeared around the corner. She gave a dazzling smile. "Hello! You must be our neighbors. My name is Amanda Grayson, it's a pleasure to meet you." The two human adults awkwardly tried to separate their fingers to perform the Vulcan greeting. His mother laughed. "I appreciate your efforts, but I'm human, I was raised around here so I'm perfectly content with shaking hands." She reached out a hand almost as proof. George and Aurelan looked relieved and took turns clasping his mother's hand. Spock couldn't help but twitch in displeasure. It was a bit illogical, but it almost felt as though his mother was kissing someone other than his father.

Amanda turned to reach for Jim's hand but retracted when Jim politely stepped back and bowed. Spock arched an eyebrow in surprise. How exactly did this human know so much of Vulcan customs? Sarek rounded the corner to the sight of Jim preforming such an action and silently questioned his son with a slight twitch of an eyebrow. Spock responded with an equally silent blink.

"So polite!" His mother was obviously already fond of the human adolescent.

"Greetings." George and Aurelan started as they obviously did not notice his father's entrance. Jim however, calmly rose from his bow and preformed the same sign as previously. His father returned it while the human adults clumsily attempted their own gestures. "You are well informed about our customs I see. Might I inquire as to how you came across such information?" Jim grinned easily at Spock's father.

"When I was in second grade I did a project on the Vulcan species. I just research thoroughly, sir." Sarek eyed the adolescent thoughtfully.

"Fascinating." Spock's eyes widened slightly. He had not meant to utter that statement. Jim sent a brilliant smile towards him, reawakening that undefinable feeling.

"Indeed," Sarek said while glancing at his son, "My name is Sarek. I welcome you to our home, though it is not quite adequately…put together."

Aurelan practically beamed at Sarek. "My name is Aurelan Kirk, this is my husband George Samuel Kirk, and this is his younger brother, James Tiberius Kirk. We wanted to welcome you to Iowa." Spock noticed Jim-James's miniscule flinch at his full name and for once, did not think before he spoke.

"If I am not mistaken father, I do believe that James prefers the moniker 'Jim'." James blinked rapidly and looked to Spock with that mischievous glint in his eyes.

"I'd say that you aren't mistaken Mr. Spock." Spock outwardly nodded in acknowledgement yet inwardly his stomach was becoming increasingly…..active? Strange? He couldn't quite think of an appropriate adjective.

"Aurelan, George, would you perhaps share some tea with Sarek and I? Spock can show Jim around, right Spock?" Spock merely nodded in acquiescence. "Great!" Amanda swiveled and briskly began walking down the hallway and to the left, into the kitchen, the three indicated individuals following. Spock and Jim were left in silence. Of course, this silence did not last long in any sense.

"So, Mr. Spock," a wink was performed here, "how do you like lovely Iowa so far? I'd think the weather kinda sucks for you." Spock raised an eyebrow at Jim's grammar.

"Seeing as we are neighbors and are likely to see each other somewhat often, I believe it is prudent to address one another without formal…titles." The blonde sent a bright smirk hurtling towards him. "As to your query, I have only been present in Iowa for 3.46 hours, thus I have yet to form an educated opinion. However I find myself confused as to how weather could 'suck' as weather is ina-"

"Alright then, Spock," Jim somehow managed to cut in politely, "Wanna show me around your humble abode then?"

"I apologize, but I have yet to thoroughly explore this house myself, therefore I only have a vague impression of where everything is. I will not be the most adequate guide." Spock didn't quite understand how (and why, for that matter) this golden human was snickering in a way that wasn't offensive….it was merely...companionable.

"Let's explore together then eh, Spock? I can tell you all about what's around here."

"That sounds agreeable." They both exited the entry hallway into a room directly to the right. "This is the room of living." The living room was fairly big with a fireplace, and a very large, very empty bookshelf. The spiral staircase was to the left and led to the second floor.

Amanda, Sarek, and Spock had always had an illogical preference for actual books in place of the data on their PADDs. There was something pleasing about holding a book in your hands and feeling the texture of paper. Sarek and Spock were aware of the illogicality…they just smoothly ignored it. Spock was inwardly musing on which books would go where and under what organization method. He was interrupted by the snort from the human to his right. He turned and raised an eyebrow. Jim acknowledged his silent question and answered.

"I think you mean living room, Spock."

"That is what I articulated. Room of living."

"A- never mind. Show me the rest of the house?" Spock merely headed for the staircase in response, the blonde following behind him faithfully. The tour lasted for maybe a half hour. The rooms were all mostly unfurnished so there really wasn't much to see. The only room that seemed to be of any interest was Spock's chambers. "Your house is really similar to mine. It's almost a mirror of mine with a few small differences. I'm correct to assume that those stairs right there lead up to your little tower room? Mine does."

"You would not be incorrect." Jim didn't reply but instead scuttled up Spock's stairs. The Vulcan's eyebrow twitched but he followed nonetheless. He entered his chambers to find his neighbor staring at the picture he had painted of his family.

"Oh wow….Spock, did you do this? This is beautiful!" And it truly was. His mother was in her lace wedding dress with the wind mischievously playing with the tresses of her hair. Sarek was dressed immaculately beside her, their fingers clasped in a Vulcan kiss. Spock was standing in front of them as a small child, looking curiously at his surroundings. The colours were bright from the use of oil paint and it was honestly Spock's best piece as of yet. Just by looking at it, one could see the life in the painting. Vulcan was bright and striking in the background, but paled in comparison to their family.

"I did, you have my gratitude." Jim whirled to face Spock, eyes sparkling madly.

"Art is your hobby then? That's pretty damn impressive. I've never met someone who could paint like that." Spock fidgeted slightly- but only slightly. Fidgeting wasn't something Vulcans made a habit of. Jim seemed to notice his discomfort and desisted. "So," Jim carelessly flopped on Spock's bed, "What do you want to know about Iowa?"

"I suppose, what knowledge do you have pertaining to Iowa's School for Scholars?" Jim sat up and quirked an eyebrow at the Vulcan.

"You're enrolling in ISS?"

"If by ISS you mean the aforementioned school, then affirmative." Jim gave a short bark of laughed and gave a soft smile to Spock that made his side feel fluttery again.

"ISS is cool I guess, it's not overrun with assholes like you'd think. I mean, of course it has its jerks, but for being a school of the academically elite, it's not as snobbish as you'd think. It's pretty small, there's like, 400 students there. Uhh, the chess club is pretty damn good. So is the football team. One of the best around here. The music courses are surprisingly advanced, along with the art classes. And almost all of the teachers know their subject, even if some of them are d-err well, not the nicest. It's fun enough. There are some interesting people there. If you go to ISS then it's better preparation for Starfleet, so it's pretty picky about who it accepts. You must be damn smart if they accepted you. But I guess that's not really surprising."

"Are you referring to my Vulcan heritage?" Jim gave him a cocky grin.

"Nah. It just figures that you'd have brains as well as looks." Spock blinked as that feeling returned to his side. He decided to change the subject.

"You speak as if you know the school intimately. Do you also attend?" Jim nodded slowly.

"Yeah, I take Advanced Musical Techniques, Advanced Subspace Geometry, Introduction to Advanced Warp and Transporter Theory/Introduction to Temporal Mechanics, Advanced Xenolinguistics, Advanced Astrophysics, Advanced 2D and 3D Art III, and the new class, Interspecies Ethics and Culture…" A dark eyebrow was arched very high, and Jim waited for the 'whoa really? You come off as an idiot' spiel.

"Is the Advanced Xenolinguistics class taught by a competent teacher?" Jim blinked in befuddlement before giving another soft smile.

"Yeah, my friend's dad teaches it, he's highly competent. His class always takes effort, which is a pleasant experience. He taught Xenolinguistics at Starfleet for like, ten years before he moved out here. He knows upward of 100 languages, I think. Are you taking Xenolinguistics too?" Spock nodded and at silent urging relayed his courses.

"I will also be taking Advanced Musical Techniques, Advanced Anthropology, Advanced Organic Chemistry II, Advanced Forensic and Cognitive Psychology, Interspecies Ethics and Culture, as well as Advanced 2D and 3D Art III." Despite himself, Spock was pleased by Jim's approving smile.

"Fantastic! I bet we'll have some classes together. Maybe you'll make the classes more enjoyable." Spock sat on his window seat and ignored the wink Jim gave him.

"You have a schedule revolving mostly around mechanical endeavors. Is that what you wish to do?" Jim shrugged before flopping back on Spock's bed.

"I dunno. My ambition is to become a captain in Starfleet. But that's clearly a long way into the future, so, obviously I'm going the command route in Starfleet, but maybe I'll get to play with mechanics along the way. It'd be nice. What about you Spock? You have Science-y stuff. Are you planning on joining Starfleet?" The Vulcan debated upon his answer before speaking.

"My endeavor is to be accepted into the Vulcan Science Academy. However…I still have two years before I must decide ultimately." Spock furrowed his eyebrows minutely. What had possessed him to say that last part? All he had been focused on was being accepted into the Vulcan Science Academy. Now he was debating it?

"Hey Spock, wanna eat lunch with me tomorrow?" Spock looked closely at the blonde.

"What is it that cements your belief in us sharing the same lunch period?" Another cocky grin.

"You're a junior, right? Juniors have their own lunch period," Spock nodded despite the lack of his neighbors gaze, "So eat lunch with me tomorrow?"

"That would be acceptable."

"Fab-"

"Jim! It's time to go, kid! You have to feed Spike," Jim sighed and stood up slowly before stepping forward the few paces that led him to stand in from of Spock. He smiled that soft smile that made Spock feel weird before holding up his hand in a Vulcan salute.

"It was great meeting you Spock. We're going to have a fantastic time together; I know it. So I'll see you bright and early tomorrow, right? Am I correct in assuming that tomorrow will be your first day of school?" Spock nodded and returned the Ta'al.

"Indeed. I shall see you then, Jim." And then Jim was out of his room and out of his house. It was a strangely uncomfortable feeling. He had just met this human and he was already…attached. It was incredibly irrational and yet, he found himself almost not caring. Perhaps there was something in Earth's air. He never acted or felt like this on Vulcan. Or maybe he really was coming down with something. It would be reasonable considering he wasn't exactly used to Earth's atmosphere, nor was he used to Iowa's air.

There was this part of Spock –the human part, perhaps– that was positive his unusual symptoms were due to the climate change. A more reasonable part of him dryly told him that he was fooling himself and demanded that he be rational and admit that Jim Kirk was making him feel quite bizarre. Typically, a Vulcan would consider bizarre of any kind to be distasteful. However, Spock felt the contrary. As odd and reproachful to his culture as it was, Spock found himself wanting to be immersed in Jim's vibrant presence. Which was completely and utterly unacceptable.

Spock had known the boy for approximately 1.428 hours. That was certainly not enough time by any measure for him to have such a…a predilection towards Jim. It was unheard of for a Vulcan. A niggling voice in the back of his mind reminded him that he wasn't completely Vulcan, now was he? The majority of Spock's mind batted that thought away and instead focused on some light meditation.

Spock was broken out of his meditation 0.928 hours later by a knock on his door at the bottom of his stairs. "Spock?" His mother peeked her head in and locked eyes with him. "Come downstairs, we're going to eat dinner now."

"Yes mother."

After dinner, his family was sitting at their kitchen table idly discussing various subjects as was typical for them. Spock decided that he would wait to speak to his mother or father about the abnormal feelings he was experiencing; if they did not desist, he would inquire about it. Until then he would stay silent on the subject matter.

"Sarek? Dear, what do you think of the Kirks?" Spock turned his head to look at his father. He was also curious as to what his father thought. Sarek continued sipping his tea before he set it down and exhaled slightly. Showing a rare expression of contemplation, Sarek rested his elbows on the table and then sat his chin on his clasped hands.

"The boy, James Kirk. It is peculiar how he is so knowledgeable about our customs. It is not easy to access the information he has. Nor should a child be able to access it. The encryptions and security is extensive. I am perturbed as it makes me wonder if our security is lacking." Before his mother could say anything, Spock spoke.

"Father, if I may, Jim appears to be a very intelligent human. He attends Iowa's School for Scholars, and from the information I have gathered, he is taking exceedingly advanced courses. Introduction to Advanced Warp and Transporter Theory is an example. In the hour that I conversed with him, Jim appears to be more advanced than many adult humans I am acquainted with." Spock hesitated for a moment. "He has impressed me." That statement shot Sarek's eyebrows up and extracted an inhalation of breath from his mother.

Spock did not know exactly why he felt the need to defend Jim. The urge was just too overwhelming to deny. He knew his father wasn't expressing any kind of negative opinion towards Jim; he knew his father had no quarrel. There was something inside Spock that was just screaming that he needed to defend his neighbor. It frightened Spock, that a boy he just met was influencing him so radically. It truly was peculiar, and if it continued, Spock would have to take up counsel with his father. This was too intense, these strange feelings had no business badgering him as they had been.

Spock suddenly felt uncomfortable, uncomfortable to the point of desiring to flee. As such, he did.

"Mother, Father, I wish to depart to bed. May I do so?" Amanda exchanged a glance with her husband before smiling brightly at her son.

"Of course, dear. I'll see you in the morning at 0530, okay?" Spock nodded in acquiescence before turning sharply en route to his room. He needed to think. A sonic shower would perhaps refresh him.

The sonic shower did, in fact clear his mind to a small degree. Enough so that he decided he was not going to circumvent Jim Kirk. Instead, he decided that this reaction was interesting, and he was going to see where this…friendship led. As Spock stepped into his room he headed straight for his newest sketchbook and upon grabbing it (and a pencil), sat down on his bed. Spock stared at a blank page for a few moments before pressing his pencil to the void and letting go.

An immeasurable amount of time passed before a knocking on his window brought him out of his trance-like state. Spock blinked for a moment before setting down his sketchbook and glancing at his bedside clock, noting it was 2338 before walking to his window.

Brilliant aqua eyes met him, as well as a warm grin. The male motioned for Spock to pull up his window. Spock arched an eyebrow at the human. Was it not abnormal for humans to knock on others windows long after dusk? Despite the oddness, Spock opened his window anyway. Jim leaned out of his own slightly, grin steadily widening.

"Hey Spock, what's up?" Spock blinked slowly before relaxing his rigid stance. Some part of him had thought perhaps Jim would be canceling their minute plans for the following day, of course there was still a possibility he would, but his wide grin and warm eyes indicated he would not. Instead it suggested he was simply talking for the sake of the action.

"I am unsure exactly what you mean by 'what's up'. I am assuming you are not being literal, in which case, I must assume you are inquiring as to my wellbeing. Is this wrong?" An arched eyebrow accompanied the words. Jim laughed and smirked at Spock.

"Yeah, Spock. I'm inquiring about your wellbeing." Spock tilted his head slightly in though.

"I am in sufficient health, if not optimal. I am emotionally sound as well." This, for some reason seemed to be exceedingly amusing to the blonde human. "Do you require me for a particular reason, or did you merely desire conversation?" Jim blinked at the sudden change in topic before adjusting easily.

"Actually, I wanted to ask if you'd like to ride with me to school tomorrow," he hesitated, "I have a motorcycle, it's pretty entertaining. I know you aren't big on touching people, but I thought maybe I'd offer anyway." Spock's first instinct was to decline, however he tilted his head and mulled over it instead. Yes, Spock did not particularly prefer to touch others; however, Spock couldn't bring himself to immediately decline Jim's offer. As he thought about it, it really didn't sound so unpleasant. Their bare skin would not be touching, so no emotional transference would occur, and Spock could have someone direct him to the front office so to pick up his schedule. Despite the reasoning, Spock responded slowly.

"That sounds…agreeable. I thank you for your consideration. It is much obliged." Jim's face, which had been progressively looking more and more nervous and unhappy, burst into an expression of delight.

"Great! I mean," Jim cleared his throat and attempted to lower his volume, "That's great. Would 0630 be a good time to pick you up tomorrow?" Spock couldn't quite put his finger on it, but Jim almost looked…shy.

"0630 sounds to be an acceptable time. Thank you, once again." The blonde's smile turned almost teasing.

"Spock, your thanks is illogical. Sweet Dreams." And then his window was shut and Spock was alone again.

Despite Jim's farewell wish, Spock did not have sweet dreams. Nor did he have unpleasant dreams. He simply did not dream at all. But his rest was sufficient and that was all he desired. The raven-haired Vulcan opened his eyes approximately two minutes and forty-eight seconds before his mother was due to awaken him. As such, Spock immediately got up and began his daily routine. He meditated for exactly seventeen minutes before taking another nineteen minutes to improve his hygiene and dress for the day. He took his remaining twenty-six minutes to travel downstairs and begin eating his breakfast his mother had prepared for his consumption.

"Mother. I will be traveling with Jim Kirk today to school. Your services are unneeded but appreciated." Amanda looked at her only son in surprise.

"Oh? When did you decide this, dear?" Spock speared a melon and replied slowly.

"At approximately 2343 hours yesterday. Jim obtained my attention and offered his aid." Amanda shot her stoic son a mischievous and mirthful smile.

"Alright baby, but if you need me, you have your PADD, right?"

"Indeed, mother." An irritating melody rang out shrilly, reminiscent of the previous day. "There is a 89.456% probability that Jim is at the door now. Have a pleasant day mother, father. I shall see you again after academics. Farewell." Spock stood abruptly and with his satchel, strode towards his front door. Upon opening it, he was greeted with a smiling face and confirmation of his previous conjecture.

"G'Morning, Spock." At this, the confused Vulcan raised an eyebrow.

"My apologies, is that a human nicety? I fail to perceive what makes this morning noble." At this, Jim threw his head back and laughed.

When he regained control he looked at Spock with shiny eyes. "Sorry, Spock. Yeah, that's a human nicety. Are you ready to go?" Jim broke into slight laughter every other word.

"Indeed, I am prepared."

"Great," at this, Jim handed him a gray helmet, "I'd think you'd want one of these. Follow me." Spock did so and came to stand in front of a rather attractive motorcycle. It was a dark red, almost crimson, and looked like it had been recently polished. The Vulcan ran a hesitant hand over the vehicle, finding it both adequately clean and in perfect condition. In short, it was safe for him to ride.

"So, I assume you haven't ridden on a motorcycle before, right?"

The dark-eyed youth shook his head. "I've been on Vulcan vehicles quite similar that give the same exhalation and thrill, but, never something human made, such as a motorcycle."

Jim gave a relieved grin. "Ah, at least you're not a total beginner. Once you get that helmet on you get on." The blonde-haired male straddled the machine, revving the engine to start. Spock took one last glance at his reflection in the helmet before strapping it on. Checking to make sure the strap was adequately buckled, the Vulcan swiftly sat on the motorcycle, hands at his sides.

"Hey, Spock, if you don't grab on to me, you might just fall off. I doubt your parents would be happy if I returned you covered in skid marks."

Spock had never felt more of an urge to laugh, but instantly composed himself. "As much as I… appreciate the sentiment, Vulcans are naturally agile and graceful. Excluding extreme variables, the odds of me falling off without your assistance are about .8%. But, if it will appease your fears, I will hold on."

Jim merely shook his head in exasperation. "Whatever makes you happy, Spock."

The Vulcan looked at him quizzically but decided against pressing the boy for further information. Instead, he wrapped his arms around the lithe youth. Warmth radiated from the man and Spock couldn't help but quirk his lips as they took off, speeding down the quaint little road. Jim followed every road rule and speed limit, to the Vulcan's surprise (he had always heard that human teenagers tended to disobey every rule laid down to them—whether it be for their safety or not) and the fifteen minute ride to the school passed by quickly, both enjoying the silent company of the other.

Parking near the front of the school, Jim immediately hopped off, proffering his arm. Spock raised an eyebrow at the gesture but took it anyway, swinging one leg off of the motorcycle before landing on his feet.

"I am very grateful for the ride, Jim. Thank you." With those few curt words, the Vulcan pulled out a map of the school and his schedule from his satchel. "I know I am already in your debt, but, could you possibly show me the proper way to each of my classes?"

The cerulean-eyed man let out a hearty chuckle, clasping the Vulcan's shoulder. "Of course! What are friends for?" Before Spock could respond to such an illogical question, Jim ushered him through the main hall of the school.

The school was astounding, to say the least. When they walked through the glass doors Spock was met with a peculiar sight. Most human high schools generally had the same layout: lockers down the hallways, classes arranged by subject, and generally had neutral colours painted on the walls. ISS was very different. The main doors opened to a large, communal area. It seemed almost archaic to the rest of the technologically advanced school; it was homey, with old, rustic tones. People sat and chatted amongst themselves in the leather sofas and armchairs.

As they walked further, Spock was met with one of the largest libraries he had ever seen. Rows upon rows of holodiscs, as far as he could see, made up an entirety of the school, mahogany shelves brimming full of information. It appeared to be organized by subject and then alphabetically by author.

"It's a little weird, but the main office is through the library. Oh, obviously this is the library. As you can see, it's pretty expansive. It mostly has holodiscs that you can rent and hook up to your PADD, but over in the restricted section there are a few books. You have to have a really good reason to use those though." As Jim continued chattering Spock took in his neighbor as well as his surroundings. Jim was still the catalyst to those peculiar warm feelings in his abdomen. As Spock watched the sunlight flit across Jim's features, unbeknownst to him, a part of him—the primal Vulcan part that his entire species endeavored to suppress—claimed Jim as His. No being would ever harm his golden neighbor. To do so would spell out their certain death.

Kennidy's postscript: Heya! I really hope you enjoyed this chapter. I wanted to make it longer since it felt a little like a filler, but I mean, setting up the relationship is necessary. Next chapter, we get to actually meet people! Woohoo! But yeah, hope you enjoyed the fluff. Kennidy out-

Hannah's postscript: Ello! It's mostly my fault the chaps take so long to be written :P sorry! Anyway, I'm glad you guys seem to enjoy our story; we promise more fluff and angst to come! And as usual, reviews are loved! Thanks!