This chapter took way too long to finish. A) My computer is a little booger and doesn't cooperate. B) College started so now I have less time to myself. C) I didn't know what to do with this chapter. But there is good news! I know the direction I want the story to go in (finally) so I can hopefully get chapters out more quickly. But I do have another ST story I need to finish first before I can put up chapter 15, so please be patient until then.

I'm hoping the content of this chapter makes up for the wait. The K/S-element of this story has been very slow moving so far, but it's going to pick up, along with the plot. That's always exciting, yeah?

Anyway, thank you again for the reviews and support. You're all such wonderful and amazing people, and I hope that you'll all stick with me through to the end.

P.S. I've never played poker in my life, so if I messed up on some technical element, please let me know. And go ahead and identify any other mistakes.

xxxx

Chapter Fourteen

xxxx

Spock was cautious as he entered the recreation room. It was not a place he often visited. In fact, it was a place he never visited. He was only able to find it because Nyota had told him where to find it.

He soon realized that he was not the only one in the room who felt awkward because of his presence. Scotty, Pavel and Hikaru, who were involved in a discussion, quieted down when Spock approached the table. Nyota and Jim were the only two smiling amongst the many confused faces.

"Er, hello, Mr. Spock," Pavel nervously greeted.

Jim clapped a hand on his back. "No need to be so serious. He's going to join us in our game of poker."

That caused a few eyebrows to rise. Bones crossed his arms and gave Spock a contemplative look. "You play poker?"

Spock, who was still standing before them with his arms placed stiffly behind his back, replied, "It is not something in which I have ever engaged, yet I am familiar with the rules. Considering it is a game that does not require logic or puzzle solving, I presume it to be fairly simple."

That deserved an eye roll from Bones, but Jim's smile just widened. "Go ahead and have a seat. We haven't started yet."

"I'm glad you decided to show up," Nyota told Spock. "Who knows, you may end up liking it." She smiled to let him know that she was teasing him.

Spock doubted it, but he knew that he would delay the game if he continued speaking. Instead he took a seat next to Jim, who was obviously saving it for him, and looked up at the curious faces that still faced him. Christine was apart of the group that stared at him, but she was doing it for other reasons. She coughed and averted his gaze when his eyes met with hers. Dismissing her actions with not even a single eyebrow raise, he spoke, "Shall we begin?"

The game didn't last very long, and Christine was out of chips (which were replicated only because they didn't have anything else to use) before anyone else. Scotty soon followed, who was rather upset, claiming that he'd never been out of a game that fast before. Nyota assured him that he would have better luck next time they played.

Jim wasn't upset at all when he lost, considering he had a competitive nature. He was too happy to care. He was in the company of his friends, and he didn't have to wear that awkward captain mask. It only took a couple of months, but he could sit in the company of his colleagues and be able to call them friends. Sure, Pavel took some time getting used to him, but he soon learned that Jim wasn't one of the overly pushy and stuck up captains. Instead he treated all of his crew as equals, and everyone contributed something as equally important as the last person.

Of course, Jim's mood was greatly affected by Spock's presence. He would admit that he and Nyota had their doubts asking the Vulcan to join them, but he was glad they at least tried. Even though Spock still referred to him as 'Captain' in the company of other people, there was still a wall that was laid to rest. Jim, who had been staring at the table, looked up to see Spock, who was dominating the game along with Pavel, and hid the smile that attempted to break through. This is probably the first time he's ever put work aside to just have some fun.

Spock sensed the few seconds Jim's eyes were on him and looked up to meet the gaze. Jim gave a small, embarrassed smile before turning to Bones, who sat right next to him, to engage in some sort of conversation.

Spock also quickly returned his attention back to the game. He wasn't sure why he was so easily distracted lately. It was very unVulcan-like of him. But when he considered that most of his distractions were because of Jim, he figured he could forgive himself.

In the end, Pavel took home the prize. Some had to suppress a giggle when he claimed to be 'wictorious.' He was honestly working on his v's, but he was still unsuccessful in uttering the correct sound.

Spock was still seated when most of the table had cleared. Jim still remained by him, speaking even as a few more people were getting up to leave. "Maybe you'll win next time."

"Perhaps."

Jim realized that meant that Spock was considering playing it again and grinned. "Well, I'm glad you had fun."

"Jim," the room was empty save for the two of them, "Vulcans do not 'have fun.'"

"Sure you don't," he said as he pushed himself out of the chair.

Spock was going to make a comment but thought better of it. Anything he said wouldn't have persuaded Jim to believe him. He also stood up and once he was by Jim's side, they left the room together.

Jim found the evening to be extremely enjoyable, and for once he wasn't too worried about his job. He was even more pleased to see that Spock didn't hate being in the company of humans, and that he actually enjoyed the game. Though it made Jim curious— what other things did he enjoy?

"So, Spock, what else do you like to do, besides work?"

"If you are referring to hobbies, I do not have any."

"Nothing? Not even something like reading?"

Jim wasn't sure why it took Spock so long to respond, but he eventually did. "I once played a Terran game called chess. I have not had the chance since that time, but it was… mentally stimulating."

Ah-hah. "Let's play it sometime."

Spock's lips twitched into what Jim identified as a very suppressed grin. "Inform me of the next time you want to play a game, and I will see to it that my schedule is free."

"Will do."

Spock began walking ahead to the turbolift and Jim quickly followed.

"Oh, Spock, one more thing."

"Yes, Jim?"

Jim wasn't sure why it made him so happy to hear Spock breathe his name, but it did every time. "Since we still have time, do you mind helping me compose a message to Starfleet about the base on Vulcan?"

Spock showed some surprise, believing that Jim had abandoned the idea, but he acquiesced anyway. "I have enough time to assist you."

"Great. Let's head to my quarters, then."

xxxx

Jim sat back to examine the message he and Spock had composed in the last hour. It would have been done sooner, but brilliant minds tend to butt heads over the smallest details, so Jim was spent editing and changing most of his request with reluctance. However, the result was satisfactory, and Jim was confident that he couldn't be refused. Well, fairly confident. Spock was still doubtful but Jim informed him that humans have this thing called 'hope,' and that it sometimes helped in situations like the one they were currently in.

"So, is everything to your tastes, Spock?"

Spock dismissed the sarcasm and reviewed the message yet again. After scanning it, he nodded his head. "If Starfleet does refuse your request, it will not be because of the way you worded it. I see no flaws."

A satisfied grin flashed across Jim's face. "Good." He had returned his attention to the screen when he became aware of just how much he relied on Spock, causing him to feel the need to apologize. "Hey, Spock."

"Yes, Jim?"

"Sorry for always wasting your time like this."

"It is illogical for you to apologize. I am your first officer, and I am required to assist you in any matters you find necessary of requiring my help," Spock quickly replied without missing a beat.

"Still, I shouldn't be so…" he paused, sighing when he found the right word that described his actions, "so dependant."

"Jim." This time, the tone in Spock's voice caused Jim to stop his thoughts and pay full attention. It wasn't that Spock was angry— no, not an ounce of anger was in his voice. There was a sense of urgency in it nonetheless. "Do not feel sorry. I could have easily refused to offer my help, but I did not. I also do not regret lending you my time. If you ever require assistance, do not hesitate to ask me because you believe that I will be too occupied with something else, or whatever excuses you believe I may make. You are my captain, but you are also my—"

Spock's mouth ceased moving, his tongue and lips still in the position of the word he wanted to utter. His eyes, which were previously focused on a point past Jim's face, now turned to look directly into his captain's eyes. He swallowed as he attempted to finish his sentence. "You are also my friend."

Jim couldn't possibly continue the argument, not after that. He couldn't even continue to breathe, let alone think. He didn't realize he had held his breath before Spock finished his sentence until he was forced to feed oxygen to his brain. He released the breath from his mouth and he looked at the floor, feeling somewhat embarrassed, yet privileged, to see such a vulnerable side of Spock. Even when he managed to put his thoughts back in order, he failed to find a decent reply.

Along with his embarrassment, he felt shock. He often told Spock that they were friends, but Spock had never fully acknowledged that friendship until now. Yet his ears didn't deceive him—Spock referred to him as a friend.

The train of thought that tumultuously traveled through Jim's head further left him speechless.

Friendships meat a lot to Vulcans.

Spock was a Vulcan.

Jim was Spock's friend.

Jim meant a lot to Spock.

The full meaning of those words hit Jim and his heart throbbed with… excitement? Joy? Relief?

Spock was worried he had overstepped a line when Jim remained quiet for so long and began to speak up. "Jim?"

Jim quickly lifted his gaze from the floor, and Spock saw the smile that was lighting up Jim's features. It was the smile reserved only for him, though Spock wasn't aware of that little fact yet.

"Spock…" He didn't know which words he wanted to say, but he felt that no matter what he did say, Spock wouldn't get scared or offended and retreat into that hard, stubborn shell of his. "Your friendship means everything to me," he admitted quietly, the softness in his voice wrapping itself around Spock's heart.

The terminal screen still glowed faintly, having dimmed down to conserve energy. Neither of them had noticed though, because the warmth in each other's eyes as they regarded each other still glowed brightly.

Jim's chest had subsided from the throb of joy that encompassed it earlier, but Spock's had only just begun to feel nervous. He told himself that if he could just pull his eyes away from Jim's, he would be able to breathe normally again, but he was trapped, and the rest of him showed no interest in getting out of that enticingly enjoyable trap.

Jim also showed no interest in looking away. The deep brown eyes before him were completely open to him, and it was something he hadn't seen in what felt like forever. There was a human soul in those eyes, and it was reaching out for him, pulling him closer…

What neither of them had realized was that they were physically moving closer. Even the hot breath running across Jim's cheeks couldn't pull him out of his trance, and he was completely unaware of the near contact his and Spock's lips almost made.

Their lips had barely brushed when Jim fully realized what he was doing. The ephemeral moment ended when pulled away quickly and almost cursed at himself. This wasn't what Bones had meant when he said 'be a good friend.' His eagerness to touch Spock's skin was too much, though, and he found that it had almost physically hurt him to pull away from Spock like that.

Spock was still stationary, and Jim could almost see the circuits connecting in his head, trying to make sense of what exactly had just occurred. When Spock still hadn't said a word, Jim took it as a sign to apologize. "I'm sorry, Spock. I shouldn't have done that."

Spock's eyes snapped back into focus, but they hadn't lost their warmth and vulnerability. They were still open and calling to Jim. Jim soon doubted if he had done the right thing by pulling away or not.

Spock hazardously reached his hands out and placed them softly on Jim's shoulders. "Jim," he said, though Jim was almost convinced that Spock hadn't said anything; that his lips had just moved in the shape of his name and he filled in the silence with his own audio.

Spock didn't continue. His mouth moved as though he were about to say something but changed his mind the last second. Jim's scared breathing was the only sound to fill the room as Spock held onto his shoulders. When Spock had given up on telling Jim whatever it was he wanted to reveal, he finally broke the eye contact and turned his head away, dropping his hands from Jim's shoulders in the process. He regained his stiff posture and glanced at the formal request to Starfleet, still waiting to be signed and sent.

Jim closed his eyes for a moment and sighed. Perhaps he did screw up. Again.

Spock didn't follow the usual routine though. He didn't make up an excuse to leave Jim's presence, and he certainly wasn't fidgeting or acting wronged in any way.

He was just pensively silent. Contemplative.

Jim cleared his throat and decided it was time to break the silence. "We should get some rest now. Let's just finish this up and get it sent out."

"That would be wise."

Adding the finishing touches to the message, Jim turned his terminal off and stood up from his chair, turning away from Spock. Spock followed his actions and returned his chair to the desk on the other side of the room. He glanced at Jim's turned form but he didn't motion to leave the room. He remained standing in his spot, still attempting to form a sentence that would ease the uncomfortable silence that had settled between the two of them.

Jim felt the eyes on him and turned to meet them. He almost thought against posing the question, but he brought it up anyway, desperate to know which direction their brief skin contact had led their friendship. "You… aren't upset, are you?"

Spock shook his head. "No. I am not." He forced his limbs to carry him to the exit of the room. He stopped at the door and stood quietly as he regarded Jim. He hadn't really noticed it before, but Jim was certainly attractive. He dragged his eyes up the human form and landed on Jim's lips. It sure was a shame he couldn't enjoy those lips.

Spock stopped those thoughts from proceeding. Once he had finished zoning out, he finally spoke. "Thank you for today, Jim. It was enjoyable."

Jim was still deciphering Spock's meaning behind the word 'enjoyable' long after the tall form had left the room.

Whether Spock was referring to the poker match or what they had just shared a few moments ago, Jim didn't care. The worry and nervousness that had descended upon him a few minutes earlier was gone and replaced with relief.

Jim allowed himself a small and weak chuckle as he plopped down on his bed. "You're such a mystery, Spock."

xxxx

While the events of the night had gone smoothly and without excitement for the Enterprise and her crew, the same could not be said for a small colony a couple thousand lightyears away.

The large, red sun barely skimmed the horizon of the desert planet when a large shuttlecraft could be seen descending slowly from the sky. A few startled Vulcans left their homes and surrounding buildings to watch the vehicle as the distance between it and the surface of the planet gradually decreased.

The eldest of the Vulcans watched with curios eyes as the vehicle landed. He, along with a few of the other intrigued locals, approached the lump of metal and stopped a few meters away from it. For a while, no one or nothing moved. The old Vulcan remained with his eyes fixed on the craft until the doors finally swung open. A very feminine figure left the vehicle, followed by no other beings. She scanned her eyes over the unemotional faces turned toward her but she made no movement to greet them.

The old Vulcan's eyes widened for a split second as he absorbed the physical features of the female's face. Her fair-tan skin, her long brown hair, her gently tapered ears, the soft yet serious sweep of her eyebrows, and the way her lips remained sealed and firm, all rang a bell clear and loud in his head. He almost forgot that she would not recognize him and he was forced to hide his perplexed expression.

The woman continued to walk further away from her shuttlecraft, carrying her shapely figure with pride, and stopped only when she reached the eldest Vulcan. In a graceful sweep, she bowed and spoke. "I am Commander Tavel. I come to offer help from the Romulan Empire."

He knew that wasn't her real name, that only those close to her were allowed to hear the personal name spoken from her lips, but he nodded his head anyway. "Greetings, Commander Tavel. I am Ambassador Sp—" No. He couldn't use that name anymore. It belonged to someone else in this universe. "I am Ambassador Selek. Your arrival is unexpected. No one of the Vulcan High Council has been warned of your arrival."

"Even if we had given a warning, you would not have welcomed my arrival."

Spock Prime nodded his head. "This is true."

"Surely you have used that logical head by now to figure out why I'm here," she said with some amusement in her voice.

"There are two possible objectives you hope to achieve by visiting this desolate colony, and they both depend on whether you have good or bad intentions."

Tavel nodded her head. "And do you wish to discuss my intentions?"

The Ambassador shook his head. "Not here. Follow me and we shall continue this discussion."

The Romulan complied and followed him quietly.

For the first time since he watched his planet disappear before his very eyes, Spock Prime felt panic. He remembered the Commander from his own time and assured himself that she was not one to mindlessly take lives, unlike most of her kind. This small memory lessened the fear in him. He didn't have time to be afraid.