Later that afternoon the two men climbed aboard the tiny runabout that would take them to New Vulcan. Spock gave Jim the window seat, and sat carefully beside him. They braced for a moment as the craft left the hanger deck and exited into space.

"You sure you don't want the window seat Spock?" Jim felt guilty having such a great view.

"I am sure, Captain. It is more important that I take this seat to protect you from possible attack," Spock pointed out. Jim's jaw dropped.

"First off, we're not on the Enterprise, I'm in jeans, so I'm Jim. Second, we're not on the Enterprise, you're not my second-in-command, so you don't have to protect me from unseen threats. We're just two guys off to see the new colony." At Spock's long glance, he repeated in a heavy grunt. "Me Jim. You off-duty."

"Very well. Jim. Did you bring sun protection and were your allergy shots updated by the doctor before you left?"

Jim did a very deliberate face-palm and growled softly. "Yes, Mother, I packed my sunscreen and I had my shots. Jeez!"

Spock smiled very briefly, although Jim did not catch it.

"Captain, you have a proven track record of being cavalier when it comes to preparedness," Spock began. "I am simply endeavoring to protect you from the very real consequences you will undoubtedly face when your lack of concern comes back to 'bite' you." Jim's response was to kick Spock in the leg.

Spock thought for a moment, then: "Jim," he corrected himself.

"Thank you. And Spock, for heavens' sake, I'm not as bad as all that. I forget things, yes, but it doesn't mean I don't care or that I'm out to do myself in. I just get so wrapped up in excitement that it slips my mind." Jim stretched a bit. "What in the world could I be allergic to on New Vulcan? Dust? Building materials? Are there any plants I could possibly come in contact with that will start my allergies? Why does it matter that much, anyway, Spock?"

"The way Dr. McCoy carries on, one would think your allergies can be started by oxygen itself, Jim. So traveling to a planet I have not scouted previously would be an instance where caution is the better part of valor." Spock raised an eyebrow smugly at Jim, who pulled his shirt up at his neck and settled down in the seat.

"Whatev's. I'm going to take a nap. Night, Spock."

"Good night, Captain."

There was a violent kick to the seat.

"Jim." It was a game to Spock now.

As Jim drifted off into sleep, Spock relaxed into a light meditation. Trying to keep his senses aware, he thought for a while on the matter of how he was going to explain to Jim why he invited him to the colony. It may not be exactly welcomed to say I am attracted to you. The captain may not be bisexual. The captain may be bisexual, but not interested in Spock. The captain may actually take regulations seriously and refuse to date anyone below him.

Spock had never been cussed at and glared at quite in the manner Dr. McCoy had when Spock had asked him if he were in a relationship with the captain.

"Elf-eared, green-blooded bastard! What the hell do you mean, 'are you in a relationship with the captain?' Of course I'm not in a relationship with the buttmunch, he's like a brother to me! What the hell is your problem? What, are you jealous?"

Spock had not dignified that last question with an answer. The answer would have been 'yes.' Spock sighed and began to draw himself out of the meditation. It wasn't a fruitful one, after all.

Suddenly, he became aware of Jim's breathing, which had grown shallow and rapid. Spock flew back into awareness and glanced over at the young man. His eyes were screwed shut tight; he was perspiring, and panting lightly.

"Jim?" Spock called out. Jim shook his head, and his hand flew up. Not thinking, Spock grabbed it. Their fingers locked together, and Jim cried out.

"Spock!"

"I am here, Jim. Wake up."

"Nero…" Jim moaned. Spock's heart clinched in sympathy. Apparently he wasn't the only one with bad dreams still. Spock touched two fingers to Jim's temple and projected feelings of calm and peace. Presently, Jim began to relax. He melted back into the seat with a small smile on his face.

"Love you, Spock," he mumbled, and Spock's eyebrows flew up. Had the captain just admitted his feelings for Spock? He could only be so lucky. Maybe humans thought that way about friends. Maybe it was just part of the dream. This was in no way an answer. But it sounded nice to Spock, anyway. He regretfully let go of Jim's hand.

A/N: Okay, guys, I need to ask you a huge favor. This is not my first story posted on , although it's the first working WIP. I need to know - how am I doing? Does it suck? Is it too slow? Do the characters sound funny? I need feedback, because while I do derive great satisfaction from seeing you jump in and follow my story, I'm left wondering why. Did a piece of dialogue strike your fancy? Are you just a huge K/S fan? Speak up! Let me know! Please review, even if it's just "Yeah, I read it." I feel like I'm drowning in no-man's land when nobody says anything to me. /end passionate plea