I think a lot of contemplation happens in bathtubs. It does for me. Nothing like a hot bath to ease the tension and think about what's going to happen next. Sarah McLachlan

They took the elevator up in easy silence, exiting when they reached the top floor. Jim went to the desk, his mind already returning to try and determine why the ledgers were not reflecting his expectations.

Spock kept going, disappearing for several minutes. When he returned to the living room, he was naked, not that Jim noticed. At least not until Spock leaned against the arm of Jim's chair, reaching past him to lower the top of his computer and then close the ledgers.

"I was working," Jim protested, looking up at Spock's impassive face. Meeting Spock's eyes was currently preferable to noticing the other parts of Spock's anatomy which were much closer. And far more tempting.

"You worked this morning. You worked 15 hours yesterday. Today is Sunday. It is not a day to spend working," Spock said sternly.

"When did you become the boss of me?" Jim asked, his amusement fighting his indignation, the amusement leading.

Spock did not respond except for taking Jim's hand and pulling him into the bathroom where the water was still flowing into the bathtub. There was a ridiculous number of bubbles covering the surface and fragrancing the air. Spock striped Jim, admiring his beautiful body as more and more of it was revealed.

"Once we finish our swim, will you allow me to go back to work?" Jim asked as Spock's hands traced down his legs while lowering his pants. The sensation was as distracting as it was delicious.

"Perhaps," Spock said in a completely non-committal voice.

"I really have a lot to do," Jim protested mildly.

"As my mother often said, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," Spock quoted. He entered the bathtub and sunk down under the bubbles, looking up expectantly at Jim. Jim conceded to the inevitable and entered the tub with him, settling between Spock's widespread legs and leaning back against his strong, warm chest.

"All work and no play, huh?" Jim said, wrapping Spock's arms around his own stomach. "That's a strange thing for a Vulcan to say." He could feel Spock's body tense against his own and he turned to look at Spock's face. Spock was clearly trying to decide how to respond to Jim's words. Jim waited. What Spock said was up to him.

"My mother is not Vulcan," Spock said in a quiet voice. It was one of consideration. And possibly…regret? Sadness?

"Oh," Jim said, unable to think of anything else to say.

"She is Human."

"Isn't it unusual for a Vulcan to marry a Human?" Jim asked. He was pretty sure he knew the answer but he wanted to afford Spock the opportunity to talk about it if he chose.

"My parents' marriage is unique," Spock confirmed. "As am I."

"In many ways," Jim told him warmly.

"On Vulcan, however, I was not… celebrated. I was considered…."

"I can imagine," Jim said. "I'm guessing you were…bullied."

"Much as you were," Spock agreed. "Fighting is…strongly discouraged. However, there are times that fists can be far more effective than words."

"I can testify to that," Jim said.

"While my parents understood, my father especially disapproved of my altercations. My mother also regretted it but knew that my Human side would not allow her to be disparaged."

Jim nodded, his hand stroking Spock's thigh underneath the water. "Your parents aren't on Earth, are they?"

"They are on Vulcan," Spock said. "I came to Earth alone."

"Why?" Jim asked, hoping Spock would answer. If he didn't, Jim would respect that choice. But he did want to know how someone as smart as Spock ended up as a prostitute.

"I came to Earth to attend college," Spock said, his voice distant as he recalled the series of events that led him to his mother's planet. "Prior to that time, I had taken the necessary examinations to be admitted into Vulcan Science Academy. My application was accepted."

"But you didn't attend," Jim said. It wasn't a question but he couldn't help to wonder about the circumstances that kept Spock out of that very prestigious school.

"During the final interview stage, I was congratulated on my academic success, 'despite your disadvantage.'"

"Your disadvantage," Jim repeated, feeling the tension seeping from Spock.

"When I requested clarification as to the disadvantage to which they were referring, the response was 'your human mother.'"

"No," Jim said, shaking his head. "They actually said that to you?"

"They did. With my father present," Spock said softly.

"No," Jim repeated.

"I declined their offer," Spock said, a note a triumph in his voice.

"What did they say to that?" Jim asked.

"That no Vulcan had ever refused admittance."

"Did they really think that would be reason for you to accept?" Jim had to ask. "They had just insulted your mom. Are they that stupid?"

"Apparently. I may have had an emotional reaction," Spock confessed.

"Who could blame you? Did you throw something at them? Or break someone's nose? Because I would have."

"I told them to live long and prosper. I was later told that it sounded much more like I had told them, to put it crudely, to eat shit and die," Spock admitted. Jim couldn't tell if he were more satisfied or embarrassed. Jim thought that was a mild response considering what they had just said to him.

"Then what?" Jim asked in coaxing.

"I had received an offer from UCLA which I accepted."

"UCLA," Jim repeated, considering that bit of information.

"They provided me a scholarship for tuition, books, fees, all things academic," Spock said.

"I see," Jim slowly said. "Not room and board."

"No. It was assumed students would be assisted by their families. I worked on campus but never earned…quite enough. My studies began to suffer. Eventually…."

"You were expelled," Jim said sadly.

"Yes. I was casual friends with another off-world student who told me about all the money he made on the weekends. He said that if I wished, he would introduce me to some of his clients."

"So you did it," Jim prompted gently.

"I did," Spock agreed. "I…saw few alternatives at the time."

"I can understand that."

"I earned enough to pay room and board but when I was expelled, the scholarship was withdrawn. I could not pay for everything." Spock stopped, having said everything he had to say about his situation. He'd made his choices. He wasn't going to apologize for them.

"You had to survive," Jim said. He felt Spock shrug behind him, the casualness of the gesture not fooling Jim for a moment. "Do your parents know…where you are?"

"I speak to my mother on occasion. When Sarek is off-planet. She does not know where I am living or what it is I am doing," Spock said quietly.

"When was the last time?" Jim asked.

"The last time?" Spock repeated.

"That you spoke to her?"

"Twenty one months ago. It was her birthday. Vulcans do not traditionally celebrate the anniversary of one's birth. My mother misses hearing those sentiments," Spock said.

"Why doesn't she come here? To see you?" Jim asked.

Spock considered the question with the seriousness it deserved. He knew Jim wasn't asking out of inappropriate curiosity but out of a deep-seated need to fix things, make them right. "Sarek disowned me when I left. He would strongly disapprove of my mother's contact with me."

"You're his son," Jim said in indignation. "And he keeps you away from your mother. Even for a Vulcan that's cold."

"Sarek is a man of immense strength. Once a decision has been made, it cannot be unmade," Spock said.

"That's b-b-bullshit, Spock," Jim said, his anger vibrating through his body.

"You say that only because you have never met Sarek," Spock responded calmly.

Jim took a deep breath, making himself relax. He didn't like what Spock's family had done – was doing to him. Nor was it likely he could change it.

"Do you speak regularly with your parents?" Spock asked. That there was no challenge in his tone was a credit to his Vulcan heritage.

"My father died while I was being born. One of the few men to ever die during childbirth," Jim joked with a mirthless laugh. "I'm much closer to Mom now than when I was growing up. We had our differences. I guess every family does. I thought she blamed me for Dad's death even though it was a stupid car accident as he was driving to the hospital. Thank God he didn't have Sam, my brother, with him. Or he'd have died too."

"Where is your mother now?" Spock asked.

"She teaches Physics at U of I."

"Did you have her as an instructor?"

"I wasn't allowed to be in her class. But that didn't mean she couldn't force me to be her lab tech," Jim laughed. "She paid me in lasagna and apple pie."

"Seems a fair trade," Spock agreed.

"More so for her than me. I told her she doesn't have to keep teaching. But she enjoys it. And Sam lives nearby with his wife and children."

"An excellent arrangement," Spock said.

"It is."

"What does your brother do?" Spock asked.

"Teaches Physics at U of I," Jim laughed. "I guess you could call it the family business."

"One which you did not choose," Spock noted.

"There were already enough Kirks cluttering up the hallways," Jim laughed. "Sam's wife Aurelian teaches there too. She teaches phonetics."

"Did she help you control your stutter?" Spock asked.

"No. I had learned the coping mechanisms by the time Sam met her. My nephew Peter stutters when he gets really excited. Riding his horse does it almost every time. Aurelian says he'll grow out of it and he knows I stutter. That helps Peter make it okay."

"Do you have many opportunities to visit with them?"

"I would if I chose to," Jim laughed. "At least according to my mother."

"Indeed," Spock responded. "Was your discussion with Dr. Pike fruitful?"

"It was. I believe we reached a mutually agreeable…agreement. He's going to talk to Phil about it. Which is one of the reasons we're going to dinner at their house tomorrow."

"Dinner will be an informal affair, correct?" Spock asked to make sure.

"Completely. Chris doesn't stand on ceremony. Even if he tried, Phil wouldn't let him."

"They seem to balance," Spock agreed. "I would like to express my appreciation to you for informing me that you are in fact Doctor Kirk."

"Sarcasm? Vulcan sarcasm?" Jim asked, laughing at Spock.

Spock refused to respond to that, instead electing to distract him by kissing Jim on the neck. His ploy was successful as Jim scooted back even closer to Spock.

"Mmm….that feels really good."

"I should refrain then," Spock said, licking the spot just below Jim's ear.

"Yeah. It's what I deserve."

"May I make a personal inquiry?" Spock asked kissing that particularly sensitive spot once more.

"Since we're chest deep in the same bathtub, I think permission is a foregone conclusion," Jim said with a smile.

"Why did you hire me? You are beautiful, smart, rich, charming. Why was it necessary for you to 'rent' companionship for the week?" Spock waited after he finished, alert to any signs of Jim's possible anger.

Jim remained completely relaxed and Spock could see him considering the question.

"Altogether, we employ approximately 5400 people. As you discerned, I work more than I take time to myself. The number of people I know who don't work for us and aren't related to me is probably in the very low double digits. Not only does all work and no play make Jack a dull boy, it makes him a lonely one," Jim admitted, shifting enough to be able to see Spock.

Spock nodded at that, turning the words over in his head. "There are 5400 people dependent on you for their livelihood?"

"That's the number directly employed by our companies and their subsidiaries. All of those have suppliers. And so it goes from there. Fortune Magazine said in a typical year, we directly or indirectly impact the employment of over 300,000 people. That's equivalent to 10% of the population of Iowa," Jim said. He was not bragging, only stating the facts. And he sounded…tired when he said it.

"You said we employ," Spock said, his question unstated. But Jim understood.

"Dr. McCoy and I own the companies. As he's a medical doctor, he oversees of all of the pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution. There are about 2000 who report directly or indirectly to him."

"And you oversee the rest?" Spock asked.

"Yeah. Plus all those things Bones can't stand – public relations, governmental relations, any subsidiaries that aren't pharmaceutical in nature."

"You work together seamlessly?"

"We've had our disagreements, if that's what you are asking," Jim said. "It doesn't impact our profits. We keep our arguments out of the office. It's much simpler now that it's just the two of us."

"The two of you," Spock repeated. He did feel Jim tense at that but he still answered.

"The press had a field day. I thought you would have heard about it," Jim said.

Spock shook his head. "No. I know nothing about you except what you have told me."

"We originally had a third partner, Kevin Mitchell. He wanted to take the company international but Bones and I weren't ready. We fought about it constantly for nearly a year. I finally became so tired of the drama, I forced him to leave. Bones sided with me so Kevin was left with very little choice."

"You fired him?" Spock asked.

"In a manner of speaking," Jim agreed. "We offered him a very large settlement. At first he refused it because he wanted to remain an officer of the corporation. I could not handle the idea of having to face him every day. I told him he could accept our offer and be on his way. Or not accept and still be on his way."

"Indeed," Spock said, his voice very carefully neutral.

"I know. It makes me a bastard. The press made sure I was aware of that and little else for 18 months. Nearly every financial publication, broadcast, and website found an excuse to revile me. I want to believe Kevin was flaming the fans. Fanning the flames," Jim said correcting himself with a bitter laugh. "Bones was willing to accept more than his share of the blame but he isn't as cold-hearted as I am. No one would believe it had been his decision."

"I would imagine a certain amount of ruthlessness is required to be as successful as you have obviously been."

"I suppose. I try to be as fair to everyone as possible. Bones keeps me balanced which is one of the reasons it works so well."

Spock considered all that Jim had said, still one question lingering. "Dr. Pike clearly enjoys your company. I am unclear as to why you thought he had the expectation that you would be accompanied by anyone."

"For one thing, Chris and Phil are both cranky busy-bodies," Jim laughed. "They want everyone to have what they have. Every time I meet with them, Chris tells me about their latest hires. I've been on countless dates with the people they thought were good prospects for marriage. Obviously none of their match-making was successful."

"You do need someone besides Dr. McCoy to ensure that you care for yourself," Spock said, wondering where those words had come from. He was certain that was not what he intended to say when he opened his mouth to speak.

"So he tells me," Jim laughed. "This water's starting to get a little cold, isn't it?"

Spock hummed in agreement, kissing his neck one last time. "Wait here a moment," Spock requested as he slowly stood behind Jim.

"Where are you going?" Jim asked after Spock had dried off under Jim's appreciative gaze.

Spock did not respond, merely kissing Jim on the top of the head before pausing by the linen closet for one of the hotel beach towels. His beautiful body disappeared from the bathroom, Jim waiting for his return.

Jim chose not to consider all the truths that he had revealed to Spock. He knew if he thought about it too much, his panic would start to build. His overactive brain would decide that it was only a matter of time before Spock decided he wasn't worth the effort, just like almost everyone else. In fact, he thought that the chances were better than even that Spock had left the bathroom and kept going. Why would he chose to stay with Jim after all that he had learned?

Jim gave a tiny jolt when Spock returned to the bathroom, still wonderfully bare.

Spock studied him silently before holding out one hand to assist him out of the tub. "What has caused you to be distressed?" Spock asked before Jim could pull his hand free.

Jim silently shook his head, no answer to provide that would make any sense to either of them. "I'm fine," he said softly, meeting Spock's worried brown eyes.

"If you are certain," Spock said, reaching over for a fresh towel, as soft as duck down. Spock dried Jim thoroughly and tenderly, Jim enjoying the sensations. When he was dry to Spock's satisfaction, he hesitantly accepted Spock's offered hand to go with him into the bedroom, where the beach towel was spread out on the bed. Jim carefully kept his thoughts and feelings corralled so they would not leak over to Spock.

"Lay face down," Spock whispered into Jim's ear. Jim nodded, doing as instructed, his head cradled on the one flat pillow remaining on the bed. The bed shifted beneath him as Spock climbed on, straddling Jim's hips, Spock's weight supported by his knees and heels. The massage oil which poured over Jim's back was warm and fragrant, made even warmer and more welcome by Spock's hands working it into Jim's muscles.

"Can you hear my thoughts?" Jim asked lazily, not concerned one way or the other.

"If I attempt to do so, I can," Spock said. "During intimacy, I have some trouble reinforcing my barriers against a mind as dynamic as yours."

"Do you glean secrets from other clients?"

"Occasionally," Spock said. "I have been hired by Betazoids on three occasions. We try to prevent our minds from seeking out one another but it can be very difficult."

"I always heard they can't come without the telepathic link," Jim said.

"That is untrue. They are capable of performing sexually without involving their minds."

"Like most men," Jim laughed.

"Yes," Spock agreed. "When they bond, the link ensures their mutual pleasure."

"Can a Betazoid cheat on their spouse?" Jim asked.

"Some can block. But the block itself transmits to their spouse. And once they are bonded, unbonded sex becomes merely another type of physical activity."

"The ones who hired you. Were they unbonded?" Jim asked.

"They were. One had recently lost his wife. I was hesitant to agree to have sex with him for fear of a spontaneous bond forming. He was seeking physical relief, not mental solace."

"Do you prefer women or men?" Jim asked, knowing it wasn't his business and figuring his discomfort at asking was transmitting itself to Spock through his knowing fingers.

"Men. I am not adverse to being hired by women. Or those with no specific gender."

"Mmm…" Jim responded, barely able to make that much of an acknowledgement. "Are you planning to have sex with me later?"

"Once you wake up," Spock said, returning to work on the bunched muscles in Jim's neck and shoulders.

"Not sleepin'. Too much to do," Jim murmured, sighing and falling asleep. Spock remained where he was, watching Jim sleep until he was certain leaving would not disturb him. He carefully climbed off the bed, pulling on Jim's sweatpants and sweatshirt. Only by using all of his Vulcan restraint did Spock prevent a smile at the sight of Jim sound asleep and completely relaxed.

Spock wandered into the living room, requesting dinner from room service. He ordered food for them both, thinking that Jim would sleep for only an hour.

That done, Spock sat behind the desk, intending to use Jim's computer to find the best beach to visit the next day. He'd visited many of the beaches but he wanted one that would not be overly crowded and had access to vegetarian restaurants close by. It didn't take long for him to determine his destination and he began to close the laptop. The ledgers Jim had been reviewing were still open and despite knowing it was undoubtedly a breech of Jim's privacy, Spock began to study them. There were three screens of figures, all related to profits and losses, arranged by quarters and areas. He assumed areas were sections of Jim's companies or investments or….he did not quite know.

He stared at the screens for several minutes, wondering why the numbers did not seem to reflect their expected outcome. He could not pinpoint an error but there was something amiss with the rows and columns of figures.

Thinking the answer might be in the bound paper ledgers, Spock opened those, going to the door when the bell rang to accept their dinner. He thanked the server, signing the slip where indicated and immediately returned to the desk. He was still comparing the spreadsheets on the computer screen to those in the ledgers when Jim entered the living room wearing a thick white bathroom, his fingers pulling through his hair.

"You're still here," Jim said, only a little of his surprise showing through.

"Where would I have gone?" Spock replied.

"Never mind. Watcha doin'?" Jim asked, leaning against the arm of the chair to kiss Spock on the head, effectively changing the topic of conversation.

"I originally was using your computer to decide on a destination for tomorrow. These spreadsheets caught my attention and I have been attempting to determine why they do not balance."

"Good luck with that," Jim said waving at his computer in dismissal. "I've tried for two days and still don't know what's gone awry." He wandered over to the counter where Spock had placed their dinners, smiling at the delicious aroma. "I thought I heard the doorbell."

"I ordered you a cheeseburger," Spock said, looking over at Jim, an appreciative gleam in his eye. "It should still be warm."

"What's this you're eating?" Jim asked, lifting the silver lid to sniff at the soup in the wide white bowl.

"Plomeek soup," Spock said, going over to stand pressed next to Jim. "It is a Vulcan delicacy."

"You're welcome to it," Jim laughed, shaking his head.

"The reaction most Humans have to it," Spock confirmed.

"I bet. Must be an acquired taste," Jim decided, taking his plate and Spock's bowl to the table. "Will you get me a Pepsi?" Jim asked. Spock was still standing by the bar as though in a trance. In fact, he was mesmerized with watching Jim's movements – fluid, strong, sure. "Spock?"

"I apologize. Yes. A Pepsi," Spock agreed, getting one out of the well stocked refrigerator.

"I can't believe you made me take a bath and then put me to bed," Jim said with a determined scowl on his face.

"It is Sunday. You have done little but work since I met you," Spock reminded him.

"Yeah. But…."

"I will not force you to relax again," Spock promised, nearly smiling at Jim's laugh.

"Until we're both ready for bed," Jim said, leaning closer to whisper those words into Spock's ears.

"Indeed," Spock agreed. "The 'areas' on your spreadsheets. Those are sections of your company?"

"Some are. Some are companies all on their own."

"How many do you own?" Spock had to ask, not fooled by Jim's dismissive shrug.

"A few."

"There are 23 areas on the spreadsheets," Spock commented.

"Yeah. Diversification. That's where the real money is."

"I see. It is understandable that you employ such a large number of people," Spock said, studying his soup intently.

"I can practically see the cogs turning in your head. Tell me," Jim said, watching Spock.

"Who records those figures?" Spock finally asked, his head slightly tilted to the right as he waited for the answer.

"My CFO. She's brilliant."

"She records them?" Spock asked.

"I think so," Jim said, now not so certain. "Maybe she oversees them. She has several assistants who may do the actual data-entry."

"I take it you trust your CFO?"

"Implicitly. If there is a problem with the books, it is not Christine Chapel's error," Jim stated emphatically.

Spock nodded at that, turning the puzzle over in his head. He was missing something. He was certain of it. Numbers were numbers, finite and never-changing. One and one always equaled two. It was logical and certain. "May I continue to study the figures tomorrow?"

"Be my guest. These are copies. I generally spot check them once a quarter. One of those things Bones refuses to do," Jim said fondly. "I can't take the time to review them tomorrow."

"If I were to discover the problem, would you want me to call you?"

"You can. Or you can just wait until tomorrow night. I'll come here to change then we'll go to Chris and Phil's."

Spock nodded again, putting aside thoughts of anything that had to do with ledgers or profit and losses to focus solely on Jim. He was much more appealing than even a finally crafted ledger or exquisite scientific equation.

When they finished eating, Spock broke his 'no more relaxing' promise, easily coaxing Jim into the sitting room where he found an old movie for them to watch. It was entirely fluff, romantic and sweet, warm and in many ways a fairy tale enacted by real people.

As the movie progressed, Jim leaned more and more heavily against Spock until all of his weight was being supported by his Vulcan pillow. Jim thought he should be a little embarrassed at how good it felt to be so physically close to another being but he decided not to ruin the feeling by over-analyzing it.

Spock sensed Jim getting closer to sleep and was fine with letting him use his body as a prop. Their clothes prevented Jim's thoughts from seeping into Spock's consciousness. And although Spock generally shunned physical contact, he found having Jim so relaxed practically on top of him was both logical and… pleasant.

"Jim," Spock whispered into his hair when the movie ended. "Wake up."

"Uhn," Jim grunted, barley moving.

"It is late. It is time for us to both go to bed," Spock said, his warm arms tight around the relaxed Human.

"Hmm…" Jim hummed, finally getting his eyes open to gaze sleepily up at Spock. "Could stay here."

Spock shook his head, untangling himself from Jim to stand, offering Jim his hand. When Jim put his hand in the warmer one, Spock was startled by the flood of thoughts crossing over to him, Jim's restraint weakened by his state of near-sleep.

"I'm sorry," Jim said, seeing the surprise on Spock's face. He tried to withdraw his hand but Spock held tight.

"They are not displeasing images," Spock assured him. The glimpses he caught were mostly of them together, in bed, on a beach, in the water. "Your mind is extraordinarily active."

"Yeah," Jim agreed, slowly standing. "I'll try to exercise more restraint in future."

"There is no need. I was startled but I am not disturbed."

Jim nodded, following Spock into the bedroom and further into the bathroom. Jim brushed his teeth as Spock took care of the demands of his body, Jim enjoying the quiet contentment of being so comfortable with another being.

When they were both finished they stripped down to bare skin and got into bed. By silent, mutual consent, they lay curled up against one another but made no effort for intimacy. They chatted briefly, whispered words of confirmation and best wishes for a restful night. And then they were asleep.