A/N: For Watersong77, whose puppy-like enthusiasm prompted me to post ONE MORE TIME! (sorry for the O'Reilly reference). ALL of you who have reviewed are beyond awesome and you're making a writer's first time at a WIP not as scary. Thank you so much. More Spirk for you!

Spock let Jim sleep for another three hours before the shuttle began its approach to New Vulcan. Shaking him gently, Spock woke the captain up.

"Hmwah?"

"We are approaching New Vulcan, Captain."

"Report," Jim croaked, still asleep.

"No, Jim, we are not on the ship. Wake up."

Jim opened one eye and then yawned. "Man, that trip was easier than I thought! Hey, I didn't drool on you, did I?" he joked. Spock looked appropriately bored by the captain's humor, and the runabout dropped easily into the atmosphere. Jim looked out the window eagerly. "Spock, you can't even see any evidence of the city! Guess Vulcans do environmentally friendly well, huh?"

Spock was only half-listening to the other man, focusing mainly on the pilot calling out landing coordinates and instructions. The landing didn't worry him, so much as seeing the colony made him uncomfortable. He still felt he should have been there, helping rebuild. Again, his counterpart's urging rang though his mind and he wondered if it was all a part of a grand scheme, for him to fall for his captain. Life-altering indeed.

"—and then we had sex." The younger man finished whatever tale he had been telling and Spock realized with a start that he had totally tuned him out.

"I beg your pardon? Who?" he asked, in shock.

"I was kidding, Spock, I just wanted to mess with you. You were a million miles away. What's up?" Spock practically scowled at Jim, and Jim raised his hands in mock surrender. "I give. I'll shut up. Sorry." His apology shamed Spock.

"Ca—Jim. There is nothing for which to apologize. Seeing the colony reminds me of the duty I shunned to come aboard the Enterprise. It is slightly unsettling. I should not have taken it out on you, however." Spock closed his eyes for a brief moment, and Jim noticed the tension lines on his face.

"Jeez, this is really getting to you! Should we not have come? I didn't mean to pressure you into something, Spock," Jim whispered.

"I would have had to make this trip regardless. My father insisted that I come see the new colony at my earliest convenience. This may not have been the earliest instance; however it was the most logical."

"Did you want to come alone?" Jim asked honestly.

"No." The answer came more forcefully than Spock intended, and he cleared his throat. "What I mean to say is…." He trailed off.

"Spock you don't have to say it. I prefer not to go home alone either. Bones usually went with me while I was at the Academy. That's why I was staying on the ship this break – nobody to join me. So I totally get it, Spock." Jim patted his forearm gently. "I've got your back," he whispered.

The runabout landed and for a moment there was only dust. Then it settled and Jim was amazed. The city was beautiful, not as austere as he expected. Indeed, it was kind of inviting. Spock got up and stood at the front of the craft. Jim got the feeling if Spock could tap his foot he would. This was not going to be a pleasant trip, he could tell.

Jim thought of all the times in the past year and a half he had faced uncomfortable situations. Talking with Komack and Nogura. Oh boy, those two could make him feel an inch tall. Facing alien leaders when entering negotiations. Writing those dreaded bereavement letters to the (thankfully) few crewmembers' families for those who wouldn't be returning. Yet he got through it.

But how did he get through it? He wasn't drinking over it. He wasn't starting random fights anymore. Bones was pretty busy with Sickbay, so he couldn't unwind by telling him all about it. No, nowadays he told … Spock.

That was it! Spock had taken every one of his burdens and eased them somehow. Did Spock realize how much he meant to the captain? But it wasn't just at work. They played chess together, Spock was teaching Jim different martial arts, and they ate every meal together. They couldn't be any closer if they tried. Of course, he could try to date Spock. That would be closer.

Spock might really kill him, then. Did Vulcans have gays or bisexuals? They might think it was illogical. Especially now. No little pointy-eared babies.

"—and then we engaged in intercourse."

"What?!" Jim sputtered, pulled hastily out of his reverie.

Spock was the picture of serenity. "The pilot gave us permission to disembark five minutes previously. You were distracted. I chose to return the favor." He tilted his head briefly and handed Jim his carry-on. "After you, Jim."