Oh shucks, people actually liked the last chapter.

I'm open for any situation requests (telling parents, awkward Bones moments, etc.) So feel free to tell me what you want. Or give me ideas? I didn't really plan this out.

In this chapter Spock is referred to as prince - this is like prince consort not son of the king. I think the Xiili will make more sense if you get that. If not, ask. I don't bite. Promise. c:

So, without further ado, I give you... chapter two.

February 12, 2262

Even since the landing party had walked into the room, Spock could tell something was off. His thought processes were no longer functioning at full capacity. It was getting difficult to remain fully in control of his emotions. His inhibitions had decreased. His eyesight had however, increased. Which was puzzling the Vulcan more than he was comfortable with.

Actually, now that he began to really notice, all his senses had increased in efficiency. With an inconspicuous intake through his nose, he could smell every individual in the room. And several who had clearly used the space within the last few days. He could pick up the minute changes in scent which indicated a shift in emotions. Nyota was feeling excited. Jim, curious. Dr. McCoy was clouded in the scent of anxiety.

It was fascinating.

If Spock's calculations were correct -and they always were- his hearing had increased by a radius of 13.85 metres. Even through the thick stone walls. Although their party was currently located in a cavernous, underground room. The vaulted ceiling allowed sound to disperse but there was a slight echo.

Spock briefly found himself wondering how the Xiili, a large, feline type species, dealt with the excess noise. Their hearing was certainly more sensitive then his own. It mattered little and he couldn't seem to keep his brain focused. Regardless, it probably had something to do with their speech. It was comprised predominantly by complex tail and forearm movements -discussion was about the only time the species spent bipedal- accompanied by low vocalisations. Jim found that it most closely resembled sign language. An observation Spock agreed with.

As it was, Spock was the only being aboard the ship who could understand and fluently 'speak' the language. Disregarding the tail movements.

The Warrior King arrived just as Spock began to catalogue the 'improved' sensitivity of his telepathy and he stepped forward, taking his place beside Jim. Any personal concerns had to be pushed aside for the time being.

"Greetings, honourable King. I am the warrior known as Spock, second in command." From the smooth tail movements, Spock concluded that the meeting had come off to a good start. He knew that first contact had been tiresome for all involved. Humans didn't posses the right vocal chords for the aural aspect of the Xiili language.

"Greetings warrior Prince. We welcome your clan to our home." The low grunts were accompanied by a soft purr and sweeping tail movements. The Xiili King was, indeed impressed. Unbidden, pride rose up within Spock. If this mission went well, and it was shaping up perfectly, the admirals would have further evidence of Jim's competence as captain. It would bring Jim happiness. Spock found he liked this. A lot.

"Man Spock, I don't know how you do it." Jim grinned across their shared sleeping quarters, catching his eye. In the semi darkness, Spock could make out Jim's every feature. From the golden glow of his hair to the bright blue of his eyes or the deep black of his regulation sleep wear.

For a moment, Spock was mesmerised. An occurrence which was growing more and more frequent in Jim's company. Although, this was the second time -the first being the Kobayashi Maru trial- it was due to his physical attributes.

"Captain, I confess I am uncertain of your meaning. Please elaborate." Spock watched as Jim turned on his side, peering at him through the dim lighting. The way he held himself was most intriguing. It took considerably more effort to ignore the unconscious positioning of the body separated by little more than a single metre; 1.19 to be exact.

"Speaking Xiili. I've tried and it's impossible. You took like, a day to learn and speak it perfectly." Jim's eyes were wide and innocent looking. In fact, he radiated a similar aura to young ensign Chekov. Had Spock still been feeling the effects of, what he'd learned was incense meant to boost awareness through long meetings, he would probably feel a similar 'hero worship' emanating from his captain's prone form. The implication of Jim's high regard was rather pleasing. Spock felt honoured.

Although, he reminded himself, he could only guess at Jim's thoughts. Which was an incredibly hard thing to do. Jim followed a path of logic more commonly found in ancient Vulcans or possibly Romulans. It was sharp instinct, impressive knowledge of body language and experience. While Spock remained impressed by all of his captain's attributes it had taken several meditation sessions to dilute the... anxiety surrounding the events in which a young James Kirk could have gained that experience.

"As Vulcans are descended from feline ancestors it is logical that I retain the ability to make the vocalisations required to communicate. Furthermore, our sharp senses and warrior inclinations provide me with a knowledge of the correct posturing and movements to understand the Xiili." Before he could finish, Jim had shot up from his lying position and moved closer.

"Wait! Vulcans are cats?" If Spock were more Human he may have been inclined to 'face palm'.

"No, Captain. In the same way Humans are not apes, Vulcans are not 'cats'." Spock could feel the huffs of air as he watched Jim try to control his silent fit of giggles. Some times Spock wondered about Jim's mental well-being. Perhaps he would have to speak to Dr. McCoy.

"Jim, Spock. When we're not on shift call me Jim. Hell, when we're sharing a bed call me Jim. Or babe. Sex muffin. Gorgeous. Surprise me." Spock had to make a conscious effort to raise his left eyebrow.

"Surprise-Me is an odd choice of name, Captain. Although, I will endeavour to accommodate your wishes." Spock felt the blankets shift beside him as Jim leaned closer.

"I was asking for that, wasn't I?" Jim's voice was quieter, his chuckle sincere but lacking it's usual warmth. It sounded sad.

"I do believe you were... Jim." Feeling the shift in atmosphere, Spock pulled the array of thick blankets up higher and settled down more comfortably on the mat. Beneath him the stone floor was hard and cold. It briefly brought back memories of a cave on Vulcan, curled up in I-Chaya's fur. He could almost mistake the warmth of the Human body beside him for that of his old friend.

"Night Spock." Jim whispered into the darkness.

Spock lay awake. It was hard to determine what he had done wrong. No one aboard the Enterprise understood the subtle Vulcan humour. It was fact. However, it was Jim who most often understood when he was joking. If Jim could read him so well, why was he still failing to apprehend Jim?

February 13

Returning the next morning brought better results.

The air still provided a stimulant to Spock's sensitive senses. It also seemed to relax the Xiili. A most interesting effect.

Jim was more than happy with the outcome of their talks. Due to the Xiili's feline nature, they required both time alone and time with their mate or close family relations. The frequent breaks, happening every one and a half hours, made the process take longer than necessary but worked in favour of the Humans.

It was during the third and last break before the evening meal that the Xiili King made his way to where Spock and Jim were seated playing chess. After watching the interaction, tail twitching in amused curiosity, he invited them to partake a traditional custom between King and Prince.

Spock turned and relayed his message to Jim who signalled his own acceptance, before packing up the board and standing beside his captain. The Xiili watched them for a moment longer, distinctly pleased, before turning and leading them deeper into the underground system.

Several times Jim sent Spock inquisitive glances. They had taken more then six different tunnels and come across very few Xiili.

"Spock, you don't happen to know what's going on, do you?" Jim whispered, leaning in closer than really necessary. His hand rested lightly on Spock's biceps and even through cloth he could feel Jim's emotions and quick fire thoughts. His mind positively whirred against Spock's own. Dizzying in intensity yet soft and warm. Something in Spock rose up, wanting to connect that mind to his own.

He shook it off quickly but made no move to move to break contact. His shields were still intact.

Spock glanced up and met the eyes of their host who was watching their interacting with rapt attention. No doubt because Spock had already informed them that neither were receptive to touch. Jim was allergic to the feline fur, of which the Xiili were covered. Spock had also mentioned his telepathic powers and their increase while in contact with their incense.

With a small, upward twitch of his tail (approval) he continued to lead the way.

It wasn't much longer before they arrived. The room was spacious and dark. Dark enough that when Jim's hand came into contact with his arm, he didn't shake it off. The small party stopped and without further communication he and Jim were left alone.

"Well, this is unexpected." Jim's voice was quiet. Much more subdued than usual. In fact, he seemed to be pushing his body much closer to Spock's own.

Spock looked down at his Human counterpart and raised an eyebrow. Normally it was enough to get Jim to explain himself. Now though, now Jim seemed scared. A quick intake of breath and his theory was confirmed. He smelt of fear. Which was... which was. Spock couldn't really remember.

He could feel Jim. His mind against his own. Comforting. He should comfort Jim. Jim was his to keep safe. Jim was his... his what?

A shudder rolled through Spock's entire body. He felt his controls begin to break down. He needed them to break down. How else could he take Jim's mind with his own and make him better?

Clarity hit him with enough force that he pulled away from Jim's grasp. He ignored the frightened whimper and walked backwards. He needed to be away from Jim. He'd been so close to betraying his friend. He knew Jim sought privacy at all times. If he didn't, others would know about his life before Starfleet. Spock would know Jim, certainly better than he did now. He wouldn't -couldn't- take something like that from his friend.

With that thought in mind, Spock continued to backtrack, heading further into the centre of the darkened space. Eventually he would have to hit the back wall or another exit or...

His feet fell out from beneath him and suddenly he was falling. For a few precious seconds he was worried. For Jim, about Jim. Never for his own fate. Then, he was submerged. The liquid was thick and clung to his body. His vision winked in and out. His control on his bodily functions shot. It took a moment to surface and when he did Jim was there. Spock surged forward, reaching for Jim. Their hands touched, fingers interlocking, minds no longer separated and everything went black.

I feel evil. The next chapter will be a continuation of this.

I hope that eventually the story, as a whole, will make sense.

So, penny for the song, lovely? Or thoughts? Mistakes? Ideas?