Author's Note: Nearing the end of the perpetual edit cycle. Am now only partially stuck.

Commander Spock's Quarters - The Playground

Whatever was happening inside their quarters Grayson experienced with sheer delight. Uhura knew this because her own desire to giggle was uncontrollable. She looked a right idiot, she thought, moving down the hall towards home with a grin as big as space on her face for no apparent reason.

Welcome home

Welcome, indeed she replied as the doors opened. Their living area was, simply put, a mess. Pillows and cushions, inflatable toys, stuffed animals and Grayson's socks were being hurled across the room. Rather, Spock was hurling and Grayson was deflecting, sometimes with his hands and naked feet and sometimes with his mind, and laughing in unfettered childhood glee. Uhura prefered order but decided they could clean up later.

Children aren't children forever...

Leaning against the door jamb out of harm's way, Nyota watched her boys at play. Grayson wasn't the only one growing up on this space adventure. Innumerable experiences; many sad but some great and a few glorious. To her mind this qualified as glorious.

Are you having fun?

Yes they answered in tandem. Grayson had intercepted a message meant for his father. Again. The conversation about psi etiquette rose to #3 on the To-Do list. The shielding for their bedroom walls rose to #2..

Grayson, that was for Daddy, not you. Honey, it's not nice to listen in on other people's private conversations The boy's lower lip trembled a bit. Large dark eyes glistened with approaching tears.

I'm not upset sweetie. We all have a lot to learn even after we grow up. Okay? Uhura smiled to take the sting off her discipline. He smiled that smile back at her. She recognized it immediately. That was Jim Kirk's smile!

Yes Spock joined in I noticed it too. In fact, were it not for Grayson's ears... Uhura ignited at Spock's accusation. She turned - temper stoked, eyes narrowing - and caught his... broad smile. Getting wider by the moment.

I believe the phrase Jim uses is "Gotcha! " Was I successful?

She took a calming breath before answering. You might want to save that for people you don't sleep with.

If I understand your meaning, what fun would that be?

With dinner chores finished, Grayson helped his parents clean up his toys before going to bed. Lifting the furniture with his mind seemed easier now. He got lots of practicing trying to lift the containers off of Uncle Jim, although they proved too heavy. Tomorrow he would visit Uncle Jim for a playdate. Uncle Jim promised to teach him how to play a new game called poker.

Happily exhausted, the family began their bedtime ritual. Grayson yawned when his father picked him up, nodded off as his mother bathed and clothed him and was already asleep resting on his father's shoulder when they took him to his own bed after story time. He awoke as Spock gently laid him down, reaching up to smother the face above him with sleepy kisses. Most Vulcan's stiffened at this breach of personal space; Spock was not one of them. Through Grayson's deep yawn Spock listened for his favorite end of shift message - Love you, Baba. May we go to the gardens tomorrow after lessons? Uhura listened too, as she had every bedtime since Spock's return.

They never made it back to their bedroom after putting Grayson to bed. Stretching, Uhura rose and donned her robe. Loosely knotting the sash, she threw sleeping pants to Spock then returned to his side. She didn't want their 4 year old walking in on his parents inflagrante delecto. She epecially did not want to explain the bruises. Smiling, her thoughts drifted to the passion marks on her body and how they got there. It's been a long dry spell...

Spock sank into her relaxed, satisfied mind.

Did you speak with him?

Um-hm. Mental mumbling; all she could muster after the night's exertions.

Where you successful?

Spock, the last thing I want to discuss... She stopped herself. Avoiding conversations about Kirk had become a habit with her. That needed to stop immediately; he was family and deserved better.

I think so. I think he was touched, grateful. He seemed more at peace. There is no question of commitment - he loves that little boy.

And he loves you. Spock paused; then asked, more gently... Did you think I did not know?

She sighed. I thought it a bit odd that you wouldn't, given our bond. Does it upset you? She retained a vivid memory of how his repopulation-of-Vulcans marriage pissed her off. Including right now.

He sighed. His finger gently turned her face towards his.

K'diwa when I was not, could not...

He composed himself.

...be with you, Jim Kirk kept his promise to me to keep you safe. Not just your body but your mind, your spirit, your heart. He saved your lives. Jim kept you both safe. And he never took advantage, even though he knew I had no right to make demands of you.

Spock stroked her hair. A finger caressed her temple, amplifying his words in her mind.

How can I judge him? You two shared a most intimate adventure. Being with you, taking care of you under those circumstances, during that time, in that way, he fell in love. I understand his difficulty because your effect on me is identical.

Spock? Why won't you tell him that you know, about everything, and that's it's o.k.?

Because underneath his rogue personna, Jim is an honorable man - a fact he tries very hard to hide. How could he reconcile being in love with his best friend's wife when his best friend knows? He would either transfer us to another ship...

Uhura shuddered involuntarily at the thought.

...or he would relinquish the Enterprise - both less than optimal outcomes. No, Nyota, this plan is better. We will keep him close to us and give back to him some of those things Nero took many years ago.

Spock? Uhura turned over to lay on Spock's chest, facing him, propping her chin on her hand for support.. She did not "speak" until his eyes met hers.

There was never a choice. For me, I mean, with Jim. You know that, right?

There's was more there, in her mind, regarding this. Not shielded so much as still under consideration. If she needed time to sort through all that had transpired, he would be patient and give it to her. It had been hardest on her.

He surprised her by smiling. I know. She caught a trace, a wispy thought of longing in his mind that made her curious.

Penny for your thoughts? It was an old Earth saying she was often asked by her grandmother.

I was thinking that it has been quite some time since we had an infant to care for in our home. It would be pleasurable to be with you for the entire adventure this time.