A/N: Okay I don't know when Sybok was supposed to have left home in the cannon but here I'm gonna make him about 7 years older than Spock and leave at 17. The circumstances are gonna be my own too cause tbh Memory Alpha's a tad sketchy on the subject. Wanted to include it cause the departure of a brother is kinda a big event in a person's life and that's partly what this series is about. On with it!

The act of 'missing' someone was an emotional state. It was not, however, one that Vulcans thought of as illogical. After all, it was perfectly logical to crave the company of those with whom one shared sympathies and interests. At least, that was what Sarek had said to Amanda when she had teased him about reciprocating her statement that she would 'miss' him when he departed for Desaaarii Minor's peace talks. Spock was also becoming familiar with the feeling. After six months of his cousin's lively company, her father's project ended and she had to travel back to Earth with her family. Initially, Alex's interruption of his normal life was rather distracting but he had grown to enjoy it. Rarely had he felt so readily accepted as he did with her. She was boundlessly curious rather than judgemental and her sunny attitude was very pleasant to be around. Spock thought that Alex's friendship was one of those unusual things that are easy to obtain but still hold great value. It was also quite possibly the first and certainly the closest such connection he had ever had, being the target of taunts or avoidance among most of his peers, especially Stonn and his group. Even T'Pring was less than agreeable to him, in spite of the fact they had been intended for each other when they matured. Incidentally, this was one of the few aspects of Vulcan culture Alex had shown an active dislike for, especially after finding out the girl who had shown such scorn towards her on her visit to the Youth Academy was to be her 'cousin-in-law' someday. Most of his other social ties were older children or adults who did not look on his mixed heritage as a disadvantage.

Then there was Sybok. Spock had always shared a certain empathy with his older half-brother because they were both unusual specimens of the Vulcan race. Spock may have been half-human but Sybok's peculiarity was more obviously apparent and a conscious decision on his part if one discounted the influence his mother and her family might have had on it.

His eldest son's semi-official membership of and sympathies for the V'tosh ka'tur had always been a thorn in Sarek's side, especially when he seemed to be attempting to convert his younger brother to the group that advocated emotional expression among their fellow Vulcans. "Really, little Spock! Why do you torture yourself so? Trying to live up to an ideal you'll never achieve in their eyes? If only you'd just let go and be more human, honour your mother's heritage. Maybe they'd even respect you more." This confused and conflicted Spock but he still enjoyed his sibling's company. He was one of only two, now three, people to show him open affection, although he was definitely more melodramatic than his mother who he treated like his own (she explained that teenagers in more emotionally expressive species often were) and certainly provided his young mind with food for thought. Not that he had any desires to join the 'Vulcan's Without Logic' as they had been called by mainstream society (a not entirely accurate title as they sought to combine emotions with logic).

As Sybok got older, he became more extreme in his views. A few months after Alex had gone home, it was quickly becoming apparent that Sybok and Sarek were "no longer compatible as members of the same household" as Sarek put it. In other words, they were at constant loggerheads. Eventually, Sybok packed is belongings and left Vulcan for good, much to Amanda's sorrow as she had great affection for the young man. Sarek, too, was displeased with this turn of events and seemed to have resolved not to discuss his older son.

So Spock found himself compelled to contact his cousin. The comm. was answered almost instantly. "Hey, Spock! What's up?"

"How do you know that something is amiss?" replied the boy.

"I didn't. Figure of speech but now you mention it, is everything ok? Your Mum and Dad alright?" she replied, dark eyes immediately concerned.

"They are both well. However something rather…unpleasant has happened. Sybok has decided that the conflict of political and cultural views between himself and our father prohibits his continued residence here"

"He ran away?!" asked Alex, shocked.

"That is the essence of his actions yes" the young Vulcan agreed.

"Where'd he go?"

"I am unsure. I believe he mentioned Orion as a possible new home. He and I did not have the opportunity to speak about it before his departure". Indeed, Sybok's only words had been "Well, I expect I'll see you one day, little brother. If you decide the Vulcan way no longer suits you, find me". Spock hadn't had time to point out how difficult that might be.

"Surely he told your Dad?"

"I do not believe Father would show interest in the information".

'Wow' thought Alex. The father son relationship had never been great but she had never thought it would get this bad. She had liked Sybok. He had always had time for her when she stayed on Vulcan which was more than her human sister ever did. It had got worse since they returned to Earth and Alex was glad of Spock's call. "Do'ya miss him?"

"I admit the lack of our conversations have left a noticeable void in my social interactions" the boy mused.

"Well, I'm always here for a chat if you want" Alex's words felt woefully inadequate in her own ears but they were sincere and that would appeal to the Vulcan boy.

"I…appreciate that, Alex. And our friendship." Spock responded.

Alex started at that. That was the closest she'd heard him come to verbal affection for anyone save Amanda and that meant a lot. "I'm glad I got you too" she said finally.

After a brief pause between the cousins, Spock said "I believe the appropriate phrase is 'so how are you?'"

A/P.S. Not sure if this one's so good but like the cousin cuteness at the end. The chronological gaps will leap a bit more from now on. Again, not sure when I can update again. I've got another one shot idea so not sure when I'm gonna get round to it between uni work and working my way through series 3 of Heroes (seriously, check it out, it's awesome!). Anyway tell me what you think and see you next time. Sweeney out :)