Alright, since I won't be able to update next week because of my moving apartments, you guys are lucky! (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it...) You get the last two chapters today, the final chapter and the epilogue.

I just want to say that I feel so lucky to have so many people read and review this story, and I'm so happy that it had so much success, because I certainly didn't expect it. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your reviews and words of wisdom, and I hope that I have entertained you for a time.

Enjoy the final two chapters, and happy fourth of July!


Chapter 9

I Live Through Your Love

After finishing their shower and dressing, Spock was privy to the warm happiness of Jim's mind as they walked towards the stables. They walked closely, Jim's hand tucked into the crook of Spock's elbow, the Vulcan's fingers of the opposite hand resting lightly on his knuckles. Jim was broadcasting joy of both where they were headed, as well as the presence of Spock as his side, and it made Spock feel an odd sort of satisfaction.

"Will you ride with me, Spock?" Jim asked as they walked onto the dusty concrete floor inside the stables.

Spock couldn't help the faint smile. "Yes, I have already had a horse chosen for me. Perhaps this will be a chance to gain more experience and lessons on the art of being an equestrian."

Jim opened his mouth with a look of confusion on his face, and then there was a flash of guilt and sorrow in his mind before he pushed it down. Spock passed the pad of his thumb over Jim's temple, pressing reassurance through the light link he initiated. "Do not feel guilty, t'hy'la." he murmured. "What is done is done. We must not dwell on the past when we have much to look forward to in the future."

A smile was his answer. "You're right, as usual."

Their moment was interrupted as a nearby door came open and Dak stepped out, a smile coming onto his face as he saw them. "Hey, I was just thinking about contacting you two! How are you doing, Jim? Healing up alright?"

Jim's smile widened. "Yes, I'm doing a lot better. Leg's a lot more healed, even though I still need a little help. I don't need the cane anymore, though, so that's a plus." He shrugged a shoulder. "All in all, it's like four days ago never happened."

Dak grinned in response, clapping a hand on Jim's shoulder that made him start slightly, though he returned the grin with one of his own. "That's good to hear, Jim! I suppose you've come for another ride, and to get the Commander on horseback without stress added?"

A nod was his response. "I only wish I could see him ride; it would be a singular sight indeed. How's Light doing? I still feel bad about what I made him do."

"He's a tough thing, he's doing just fine. He was a bit shaken, but a couple of good days of rest and he was perfectly fine. And he's been missing you, I can tell." Dak said with a lopsided grin, a hand on Jim's elbow to lead him forward. Spock followed behind quietly, content to watch the glow that settled in Jim's skin as they got further into the horse-smelling environment.

Light slung his head over the plastic covered chain as they came closer, letting out a soft whinny as he did. Jim's smile was bright and happy as he extended his hands carefully, settling his fingers against Light's neck. The horse rubbed his head against Jim's side as the blond petted his golden coat, cooing to him softly.

Dak gestured to Spock. "We keep Thunder just down the way; he's three stalls down from Light. Would you like me to help you get him ready?"

Jim waved a hand behind himself. "I'll help him out, if you don't mind."

"Sounds like a plan. I'll go ahead and leave you two alone, I'll be in the office if you need me." Dak replied, turning and striding away from them.

A smile was turned in Spock's direction, and Jim tilted his head. "Thunder?"

"It is the name of the horse they have given me. His full name is Rolling Thunderstorm." Spock replied. "I am unsure as to his breed, but he was easy for me to ride with my limited knowledge."

Jim smiled. "I'll bet I can figure him out. Why don't you introduce me to him?"

Spock lifted Jim's hand, gently tangling their fingers together as he led Jim down the aisle. The bright happiness that drifted through their touch made it well worth it.

Thunder looked towards them as they came towards him, snorting faintly. Jim's hands were gentle as he passed his fingers across the animal's muzzle and neck, feeling down his body and through his mane. His smile was warm. "I've never seen one of this breed, but I know what you are. He's a Friesian, a good choice for you. They're very gentle, but powerful animals; a good choice to carry you."

"I was quite satisfied with his performance in the crisis; he remained calm and responded well to my admittedly less than adequate training when dealing with horses." Spock added, unable to resist the faint smile that passed briefly across his lips as Thunder lowered his head in a plea to have Spock scratch behind his ears. The Vulcan hesitated briefly, but then raised a hand, patting Thunder's neck gently before shifting to pet through the thick mane.

Jim turned to flash a smile in Spock's direction, still carding his fingers through Thunder's wavy mane. "Shall we get him ready then? Why don't we bring them both out into the aisle and tie them next to each other so we can help each other?"

Spock nodded. "That is a logical idea." He reached out and unhooked the chain keeping Thunder in his stall before taking Jim's hand and leading him backwards, the large black horse following them as they returned towards Light's stall. Spock helped Jim lead the Quarter Horse out into the aisle and tie him beside Thunder.

The grooming and tacking went quickly, and soon the two of them were standing in the arena, Jim already on Light's back while Spock readied himself to mount. Thunder stood patiently, one large brown eye on his rider while Spock lifted his foot and placed it in the stirrup before lifting himself into the saddle. It was a different experience, mounting while not under the stress and worry of Jim being missing.

Jim smiled in Spock's direction, and then pressed Light into a walk around the arena, turning his head as he heard the heavy steps of Thunder coming up beside him. The horse was abnormally tall for a Friesian, though only about an inch or two taller than Light, bringing Spock's knee into contact with Jim's. The touch was a point of simultaneous warmth and coolness, something that sent a shiver down Jim's spine.

"I have been informed of a location that I believe you would enjoy, Jim. Perhaps we could ride there together?" Spock turned to look at Jim, a flood of affection blooming in his stomach as Jim looked towards him with surprise on his face before a smile spread across his lips.

"Really?" Jim asked brightly before his smile fell slightly. "Are you sure that it's… safe?"

Spock raised an eyebrow. "There is no reason for you to be concerned, I am with you at this time, there is no danger." He reached out to glide a hand over Jim's knee. "I believe it will be helpful for you to be out in the sun."

Jim smiled. "Alright. Did Dak tell you about this?"

"He did. After the… incident he told me that it would be a place of interest for you. He did, however, suggest that a line between our horses would be a logical plan in case something does go wrong." Spock replied.

Another smile greeted him. "Yea, I think I agree with that one. Light's a good horse, but there might be something out there that would startle him. I'm assuming since Dak suggested this it's pretty much safe for me, what…" he gestured to his eyes. "…with my blindness and all."

Spock again stroked his hand over Jim's knee, and then dismounted more gracefully to open the gate and lead them from the arena and into the sunshine. Jim raised his face to the sky, closing his eyes with a smile as they rode away from the stables, Spock quietly leading the way. Thunder responded wonderfully to his commands as they moved past a stand of trees and further into the mountains.

Jim suddenly blinked in surprise, tilting his head. "Is that... a waterfall I hear?"

Spock looked to the blond. "Your hearing has quite improved, Jim. It is indeed; we are nearly there."

The smile breaking across Jim's features was quite wonderful, and Spock momentarily allowed himself to bask in that expression. Jim was broadcasting so many emotions through their light link that Spock had to stop and briefly examine each, finding joy, a hint of fear, pure elation, and a mix of affection and love.

After tying the horses to a nearby post no doubt put here for that purpose, Spock led Jim to the edge of the lake that they had come to; it was small, as was the waterfall, but it was beautiful none the less. Spock smiled at the feel of Jim's delight as they sat at the edge of the water and let their feet soak, the blond leaning into Spock's side as they rested.

"It sounds beautiful..." Jim murmured after a moment, resting his head against Spock's shoulder. "Maybe we could come back after I've regained my sight, so that I could see all of this..."

Spock briefly considered, and then passed a fingertip over Jim's temple. "It is possible for me to show you now, if you wish it."

Jim shifted away slightly to look at him. "A meld? If it felt anything like the last few times, I would kill for it. I've never felt anything so... right in my entire life."

"An accurate way to phrase it." Spock replied with a faint smile before pressing his fingertips to the meld points. Jim's mind blossomed beneath his touch, welcoming him with love and warm, golden light.

The images passed between them, and Jim marveled at each one, blue eyes wide and filled with a sort of wonder. "It is beautiful..." Jim murmured as they eased from each other's minds, his blind eyes fluttering open to scan Spock's features before him. The blond lifted his hands, pausing before pressing them to Spock's cheeks.

The Vulcan went absolutely still, chocolate eyes watching Jim's features as gentle hands glided over Spock's face. Jim's fingers moved over the sharp lines of Spock's face, passing over closed eyelids and down to warm lips before Jim leaned forward with a smile, connecting them with infinite care.

"I love you." Jim whispered as they parted, resting their foreheads together. "Hell if I know when or how it happened, but I've never been more sure of anything else in my life."

Spock gently entangled their fingers, pressing a human kiss to those exquisite lips even as their fingers danced in a Vulcan kiss. "Taluhk nash-veh k'dular, t'nash-veh ashayam." Spock replied, his voice warm.

Jim tilted his head, blinking as he processed the words. "Okay, that sounded amazing, but I have no idea what you just said."

A rumble in Spock's chest was his answer before the Vulcan translated fondly. "I cherish thee, my beloved."

His answer was a brilliant smile and a wave of love from Jim and the blond wrapped his arms around the Vulcan's neck.