Chapter 10: Confessions

The sand crunched under her black boots as Nyota walked down the city streets of Shi'Kahr. Her long black ponytail swung behind her and her green dress floated around her shapely thighs. Black eyes looked around in curiosity and a half smile curved her full pink lips. She had been sightseeing around the city since she had been on shore leave. The capital city had many wonderful and fascinating places to visit. There were different types of museums, shops, gardens, and even an advanced communication conference was being held on the planet. She had been quiet interested in taking the tour of the forest near the city. Sulu had mentioned in enthusiasm that there was interesting plant life and creatures in the forest next to the city. He and Chekov were suppose to join her on that outing, but had become indisposed somehow. Although knowing those two, she bet they gotten into some kind of mischief. Probably Scotty was involved or maybe McCoy. Luckily Christine Chapel had been free to go and was going to meet her at the tour place. Glancing at her watch, she had about two more hours before she had to meet her there. Loud rambunctious laughter echoed nearby and she looked around in confusion. Nyota couldn't help but notice something was familiar about that laugh. There weren't too many humans wandering around and she was doubtfully that it was a Vulcan. She finally spotted the person and stopped. Her black eyes widened in surprise.

Captain Kirk stood next to Spock and was chatting with him near a cafe which was nothing out of the norm. The two of them had begun to spend more time together recently and seemed to be developing a good friendship. It was the unguarded attentive expression on Spock's features that had caught her attention. She had never seen Spock look that way with anyone but her before and it made her a little jealous. When Jim placed a hand on Spock's shoulder and the Vulcan didn't move away, bitterness hit Nyota hard. It had been a few years since they had broken up amblically, but still the hurt lingered. She decided it was time to go before either of them spotted her. Now wasn't the time to make small talk.

"Uhura!"

Stopping in her tracks and thinking the gods were against her, Nyota turned around. The Captain was motioning her over to them. She let out a sigh and pasted a fake smile on her face.

"Hello Captain, Spock. Are you two enjoying your shore leave?"

A huge grin lit up the Captain's features. "I have to say it has been the most enlightening and interesting shore leave I have ever been on."

Nyota was puzzled by the Captain's response. "I see."

An awkward silence descended on them and Nyota shifted uncomfortably. It was still to soon to be near Spock since things between them was still so strained. She could tell Spock was uncomfortable as well judging by the way he wouldn't look at her.

Jim almost sighed in annoyance. His day had been going pretty well when he had asked Spock to show him around Vulcan II. Finally things were settling between them and there friendship was starting to flourish. They had been discussing what to eat for lunch when he had seen Nyota. He had thought it was would be nice to invite her to eat with them, but apparently that had been a bad idea. It looked like those two were still avoiding each other like the plague. He had hoped they had finally settled things, but it didn't appear so. Nyota looked like she was being forced to face an unwanted relative she hated and he could feel Spock's tension emitting off him in waves. Thank goodness Spock had shielded on his side of the bond since he really didn't want to feel whatever was causing that tension. Growing more annoyed by the second he decided it was time to make them deal with this. Normally he stayed out of ex-couples disputes, but dammit they were on his ship, and he didn't want this to affect them if they were sent on a mission together. Emotions were hard to control normally, but when there was some bitterness, or unresolved issues it could cause serious trouble down the road.

"Alright you two need to settle your differences." Jim said determinedly. He watched them both start in surprise. "And don't give me a lie about there being nothing wrong. The tension between you is so thick you would need a phaser rifle to cut through it!"

"Captain I don't see how any of this is your business." Nyota spoke angrily.

"Yes it is! If this is how you two act now then what about when you are on a mission?" Jim glared at Uhura until she flinched. "Can you honestly say you two could work together right now without it causing you trouble?"

Jim waited for either of them to respond, but wasn't surprise when they didn't. They both had to know he was right and they needed to resolve this issue. He looked at Spock and noticed he was regarding him with a reserved expression. Jim was unsure what Spock was thinking. There friendship was still to new for him to be able to read his expression or body language. Squaring his shoulders he looked at them both.

"I want you two to take a walk and settle this situation right now."

"Jim…."

"Captain…."

"No buts! Settle this now that's an order!" Jim all but shouted. He glared at them both before stalking off. Hopefully they would settle this situation because he sure hated getting involved.

Spock watched the Captain stalk away and his lips turned down a bit. He had enjoyed showing Jim the sites around the city, discovering new places, and spending time with his bond mate. Things between them were finally smoothing over since there talk and there budding friendship was flourishing. He had thought he would be spending a relaxing lunch with Jim and getting to know him better. It hadn't turned out that way when Jim had spotted Nyota. There were many unresolved issues between them and he knew he should not have left it alone for so long. It was illogical to let feelings affect there working relationship, but sometimes emotions could overrule logic. Perhaps the captain was right and it was time for them to talk about it.

Nyota seemed to be thinking the same thing as she pointed across the street. "Should we talk over there Spock?" Nestled in between two buildings was a rock garden that was deserted. "Our discussion would be more private."

"Agreed."

The two of them walked across the street and entered the gardens. Huge rocks with different minerals embedded in them, were arranged along the pathway and a few benches were scattered around.

Nyota stopped near a bench before looking at Spock. "The Captain is right even though I hate admitting that."

Spock inclined his head. "Yes he can be infuriating when he wants to be."

"I am sorry Spock." Nyota said suddenly. She was looking down at her boots. "It is my fault that the tension between us is so bad. I should never have let my feelings affect our working relationship."

"It is illogical to only blame yourself Nyota. I am also at fault for letting things deteriorate so badly between us."

"No this time I have to take the blame Spock." Nyota said sadly. "I never gave you the chance to explain your side of the story. I was to hurt to listen to you and to angry to care at the time." Determined black eyes looked at Spock. "Can you tell me the reason now?"

"You wanted more then I could give you Nyota." Spock sat down on the bench. "I was not ready to form a lasting commitment with you even though I knew it was something that you wanted."

A tear slid down Nyota's cheek. "Yes it was because I loved you. I wanted to spend forever with you."

"I cared for you as well Nyota."

"You can say it Spock." Nyota sat down next to Spock. She draped her hands on her knees and looked at the dusty ground. "I kept pushing you to much to get you to commit and backed you into a corner."

"It was frustrating that you would not give me the chance to explain to you."

"Yes I was too emotional to listen and then I ended it." Nyota whispered. "I destroyed our relationship in my anguish and stupidity. I didn't seek you out and let you explain because of my foolishness." A warm arm encircled her shoulders and she leaned against him. "I am so sorry Spock I wish hadn't done that."

Spock hugged her gently. "It is alright Nyota. Human emotions can be quiet illogical at times."

Nyota let out a tear filled chuckle at such a logical response. She wiped a few tears away and moved away from the hug. Nyota did feel better after hearing Spock's side of the story at last. Even though her foolishness had cost her a good relationship, she was glad that she now understood why Spock hadn't wanted to marry her. If only she hadn't kept pushing him for a response and had instead listened to him with her head and not her emotions. Taking a deep breath, she held a hand out to him. "Shall we start over Spock and become friends again?"

Spock clasped her hand warmly. "I would be honored."

Jim strolled along the street peering into the shops curiously. He had been wandering the streets for over an hour since leaving Uhura and Spock. Hopefully those two settled things or else he would sick McCoy on them. Nothing like having an evil doctor breathing down your neck to make people see reason. He knew Bones loved to torment people especially Spock. His stomach decided to let out a vicious growl and he decided he better find something to eat soon.

"Hello Jim." said a deep gravelly voice.

Turning around, Jim's smile became brilliant and he leapt at the older Vulcan. "Spock it is good to see you!"

"It is good to see you as well." Spock hugged Jim in return. "You have forgotten I am called Selek now."

"Oops I did forget."

He needed to remember to call him Selek now and not Spock. It was less confusing for everyone in the long run, but it was going to be difficult to remember. A discreet cough jerked them apart. An older Vulcan woman was looking at them in disapproval before walking away. Jim looked at Spock and let out a laugh. Vulacns never did like public displays of emotions.

"I guess this isn't the most appropriate place to hug you."

"Indeed. We will gain more disapproving looks if we continue to display such emotions." Selek gestured to a café nearby. "Would you care to join me for a meal?"

"I would be delighted."

The two of them sat down outside and quickly ordered what they wanted. Once the waiter had left, Jim looked at Selek happily. The Vulcan had more grays added to his black hair, a few more lines on his face, but the eyes still shown with intelligence. It had been a few years since he had seen Selek and although they kept in touch through messages it just wasn't the same. Seeing each other in the flesh was a thousand times better then on a view screen.

Selek took a sip of his water. "From our last correspondence you did not mention your visit to Vulcan II."

"Ya I didn't think I would be coming out this way anytime soon. Starfleet decided to release me on good behavior."

Selek gave him a disbelieving look. "Somehow I find that hard to believe."

Jim grinned innocently, "I was surprised to see you on Vulcan II aren't you suppose to be off world or something?"

"Yes I returned ten days ago from a trip to Earth."

"Still doing administrative work for the ambassador?"

"Yes Jim." A small smile appeared on Selek's thin lips. "It is not very stimulating job but it has its rewards."

Jim gave Selek a skeptical look but made no comment. The waiter reappeared and placed there food on the table. Jim couldn't help but grimace at the sight of Selek's food.

"Plomeek soup? Why do you both like that stuff?"

"It is quiet good Jim and nutritious." Selek arched a slim eyebrow, "Have you partaken it?"

"Hell no it smells bad and it's orange!"

Selek sighed. "It does not as you say smell bad and the color is pleasing to the eye."

"Pleasing to the eye?" Jim chuckled and pointed at the soup. "It such a neon orange that I am surprised it hasn't blinded you."

Selek let out a suffering sigh. The soup was quiet pleasing to the palette although he did agree that it was a bit bright.

Jim speared a piece of veggie that reminded him of purple broccoli. He began to crunch on it while gazing at Selek. It was great to see his friend again and he should visit him more often. A sudden thought popped in his head. He had not informed Selek of his bonding with the other Spock yet. There had been no time and of course a few days ago he had thought it could be broken. He still wasn't ready to inform anyone at this time besides those who needed to know, but maybe he could ask Selek a few questions. Hopefully he wouldn't ask him why he was being so nosy. He just had to be subtle to avoid being asked questions, but he sucked at subtle.

"Selek where you ever bonded to anyone before?"

"Briefly." Selek looked at him in puzzlement. "Why do you ask?"

Jim threw Selek an innocent smile. "Oh no reason I am just curious." He could tell Selek wasn't really buying that comment. "Was it a male?"

Dark brown eyes widened in surprise. "No it was a Vulcan woman and her name was T'Pring."

"Ah." Jim took a deep breath and decided to just be blunt. What could it hurt? "Were you ever bonded or in a relationship with the other Jim of your time."

Selek carefully placed his spoon down into the bowl. Dabbing at his lip with a napkin, he eyed Jim curiously. He wondered about the questions and why Jim was asking them. It was most odd. "No. We were close as brothers but never did I entertain the idea of being in a relationship with him."

Damn! Looks like he couldn't ask Selek any more questions now. He had been hoping that Spock and Jim from the other universe had been in a relationship. Then he could have asked questions.

"What's this about Jim?"

Jim looked into concerned dark brown eyes and sighed. Guess he had better tell him. No use beating around the bush anymore since his unsubtle questions had probably confused the poor guy. Jim explained to Selek what had happened between him and his younger counterpart. The bond, the problems, and of course there budding friendship. He finally came to the end of his story and waited for Selek to reply.

"It seems that you and my younger version have had some interesting adventures recently." Selek said dryly.

"Yes good times. I know I signed up for some perilous and entertaining missions, but this takes the cake." Jim said jokingly.

"Indeed."

"I was hoping that you and the other me were in a relationship." Jim smiled at his friend. "That way I could ask you for some advice."

"What kind of advice my friend?" Selek asked curiously.

A blush tainted Jim's cheeks. If he couldn't tell this to Selek then who could he tell?

Normally he would have spoken to Bones about something this important, but not now. He had already confessed about the dreams to Bones which was bad enough, but not about this new budding attraction that he was developing towards Spock. It was to embarrassing at the moment to confess to his oldest friend and he was in no mood to deal with a hysterical doctor.

"I have had a feel intimate dreams about your younger self and of course kissing his hand was a bit of a shock."

Spock looked at him in bemusement. "I see."

"And I don't know what's going on!" Jim let out an explosive sigh. "It's been driving me nuts for a while. Are the dreams and the kiss telling me I am attracted to Spock? That I want a relationship with him other then friendship? And here I thought I only wanted women."

Selek was not upset by this revelation and was more surprised then anything. Who would have thought that this Jim and Spock were bonded? This alternate universe was developing in a most fascinating manner. He wondered what his Jim would have thought about this situation and he could imagine his friend laughing hysterically over it.

""It is alright Jim." Selek waited until Jim looked at him. "There is nothing wrong with being attracted to my younger self. You are probably discovering things about him that are stimulating to you and the dreams are a way for your subconscious to let you know." A quiet chuckle left Selek. "And as for women I doubt you have stopped finding them attractive."

Jim smiled lopsidedly at Selek. "Thanks Selek. Sorry for dumping this all on you. I just didn't know who else to turn too."

"Then it is good that I was here for you." Selek gently grasped Jim's hand. "Jim take your time to grow accustomed to these new feelings. Do not rush them and let it happen naturally."

Jim nodded. "Oh don't worry I am in no rush. Plus we are slowly developing a good friendship and I don't want to jeopardize it."

"Jim there is one thing I haven't asked you."

"What is it Selek?"

"Do you know if my younger self feels the same way?"

Jim contemplated the question for a moment before slowly nodding. "Yes I think so. He didn't jerk his hand away when I kissed it."

"Then do not worry everything will work out fine."

"I hope your right Selek." Jim smiled brightly. "Now eat your Plomeek soup before it gets cold."

Selek arched an eyebrow. "But Jim it's supposed to be cold."

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TBC