A/N: This chapter was almost as hard as chapter 6! It took five rewrites but I finally got it. Thanks to zeynel, Constance Truggle, GabrielsDoubt, Rindou Kiara, and digiwriter1392 for reviewing!

Loyalty

Jim woke early the next morning on his own. He got up, stretched, and started taking out breakfast from the refrigerator. It was odd to be up before his dad, but he was feeling better than he had in ages.

"Good morning, dad," Jim greeted as he came in.

His dad stopped, raising an eyebrow slightly. "You are "chipper" this morning," he commented.

Jim smiled and shrugged shyly. They sat down and began to eat.

"It appears that the tal t'lee has been effective in helping you," Spock observed.

"Yeah," said Jim. "It's easier to talk about everything, now." It was the talking that had helped, not the meditating, but he didn't want to admit that. His dad might be disappointed.

"I am pleased to hear it."

"Thanks for bringing me here," Jim added.

"Of course," said Spock.

They finished and walked in companionable silence to young Spock's house. Amanda greeted them with a sober expression and ushered them into the sitting area. "I'm afraid Spock isn't going to be teaching you the tal t'lee anymore, Jim," she said. Her crossed arms and tense posture betrayed her anger.

"Oh?" said Jim's dad.

"Sarek found out what happened last night. He wasn't pleased that he had another 'incident with his classmates.'" She made sarcastic quotation marks with her hands. "He's grounded."

"But – it wasn't his fault!" Jim protested, gathering his breath for a tirade.

Amanda cut him off. "I know! Sarek won't listen. Spock's in his room if you want to talk to him." She unfolded her arms, her expression beseeching.

Jim paused, uncertain, as both adults looked at him expectantly, like he was the savior of the situation. He'd never had adults look at him like that before. "Ok," he agreed, and set out for Spock's room. Spock did not meet him at the door this time, but it opened before he could knock, so he took that as an invitation to come in.

He found his friend sitting by his window, staring out with a completely blank expression. "Hey," Jim greeted him.

"Jim," Spock said expressionlessly, acknowledging him with a quick glance.

Jim settled down next to him. What to say? "It wasn't your fault. You shouldn't be grounded."

"Yet, I am. Kaiidth." His expression never changed.

"Kay-dith?" Jim mispronounced.

Spock's eyebrow twitched, giving him another swift glance. "Kaiidth. It means, what is, is. The only logical course of action is to accept the current state of events. Debating further serves no purpose."

Ok. Now what? Spock was giving him no clues. "Do you want company?" Jim asked.

"Just because I can no longer teach you, does not mean that you cannot continue the tal t'lee. I suggest you do so," Spock urged flatly.

Jim frowned. "That doesn't answer my question," he pointed out softly.

Spock met his gaze fully for the first time that day. "Since I am not doing anything entertaining or productive to you, I do not understand the logic of your desire. However, if you have no objections, then I have none."

Hardly a warm welcome. But, Spock seemed a little dejected, and especially after what had passed between them yesterday, Jim decided to take the high road. "I don't."

"Very well." They were silent for a minute. "Do you still plan on continuing the tal t'lee?"

"No," Jim said swiftly, without thinking. "I'm done with it."

Spock met his gaze again. "What led you to this decision? It appears to have assisted you in your recovery."

Emotion bubbled up in a jumble that Jim didn't quite know how to express. "Well. I just don't want to do it now."

Spock stared at him like he'd just told him he was really a pink and purple alien from a subspace dimension. So Jim struggled to put it into words. "It's not fair what they did to you," said Jim, meaning more than just Sarek. "I don't want to have anything to do with that." The unfairness resonated too strongly with how Frank used to treat him.

"Your loyalty is commendable." Spock's eyes were a little warmer now. "However, I do not wish you to give up something beneficial for yourself to express it."

"I don't think it was working out as well as you think," Jim admitted. He was shit at meditating. The talking had helped him more, but he knew they were trying to wean him off that.

"It takes practice to achieve," Spock persisted. "You must not give up so quickly."

"Yeah, well," Jim started eloquently, sluggishly gathering the thoughts that had been simmering in the back of his mind. "I thought life was better when you could manage emotions like a Vulcan. But, it doesn't seem like it actually is that way."

Spock appeared skeptical, yet interested, so Jim continued. "Back home, I had trouble with my parents. I had a bully. Suppressing emotions hasn't saved you from those problems. T'Pol seemed as grieved as I was, she just hid it better. Maybe it still wasn't as bad for you guys. But you don't have the perks of being emotional either. It doesn't look like Vulcan kids have much fun, or adults for that matter."

"It is illogical to engage in frivolous activity," Spock stated.

"Yeah. That," said Jim. "I don't know. I hate how bad things got. How I was just drowning in it. But, it seems like if I gave up that, I would have to give up the good things too. I didn't realize it would really be that way until I saw how everyone is here."

"It is true. What you would describe as "positive" emotion, we suppress as well. To give any emotion the chance to gain momentum results in a loss of control that is unacceptable for Vulcans."

"I just don't know I can do that. Just, what will I tell my dad? He didn't want me to give up emotions, but this is a Vulcan ritual that he probably did himself. I don't want to quit and disappoint him. I want to make him proud by following in his footsteps," admitted Jim quietly, feeling confident Spock would understand. That was, after all, what he was choosing to do with his own father.

"Selek is unusually emotionally expressive for a Vulcan; therefore, his response is difficult to predict. However, based on my assessment of his personality and his regard for you, I doubt you will encounter the same difficulties that I am experiencing with my own father." His expression flattened again.

"Hey," said Jim, reflexively touching Spock on the elbow before catching himself and drawing back. "He has to be proud of you."

"I do not share your assessment," Spock stated blankly.

"Well, he should be," Jim insisted.

Silence fell. Jim wracked his brains for something to do that Spock wouldn't find "illogical" or ridiculous. "Hey, do you play chess? My dad has a set," Jim said. If his dad played it, it couldn't be that weird to a Vulcan, even if his dad wasn't "normal."

"I am familiar with the game, but I have not achieved much practice."

Ok. "I'll ask him for it." Jim got up and approached his dad, who was talking to Amanda. They abruptly stopped when they saw him approach.

Jim fidgeted nervously, unused to being the center of such intense adult concern. "Do you still have that travel chess set?"

"I do," said his dad, his eyes glowing in a strange way. He took it out of his pocket and slowly handed it to him. "Would you be amendable to us watching?"

Jim didn't really want an audience, especially since young Spock was sure to steamroll him (despite what he said about "inexperience"), but his dad looked so hopeful. "Sure," he agreed.

Minutes later, he and young Spock sat on the floor, strategizing moves, with Jim's dad and Amanda watching them. Jim and the two Vulcans were silent and rapt, but Amanda broke the silence.

"So Jim, I know you probably want to get back to the tal t'lee after this, but you are welcome to stay for as long as you want," she said. Sarek wouldn't be happy, but he would just have to deal.

Jim stilled. So, this was it. He met young Spock's eyes, which somehow managed to convey support despite their flatness. He hunched in slightly and dropped his gaze to the chessboard. "I'm not going to continue with the tal t'lee."

"Well, all right," said Amanda, clearly surprised. Since it was what she wanted, she decided not to press. She'd let her older son worry about it. "Then, you are welcome to stay here for as long as you plan to stay on Vulcan."

"Thanks," said Jim with a smile, relieved. He could tell by the expression in his dad's face, though, that the conversation wasn't over. But, he still hadn't said anything, which probably meant he didn't want to have this conversation in front of young Spock and Amanda. He wasn't sure if he was glad of the reprieve or not. He just wanted to know what his dad thought and get it over with.

Despite Jim's pessimism, all of his time playing chess with his dad paid off. It was close, but he managed to beat Spock. At the end, young Spock quirked a brow and said, "Fascinating."

Jim decided that was a compliment, even though it came out pretty ambiguous. "Thanks, good game. It was fun."

"Your moves were illogical at times. Yet, upon reflection, they exhibited the adaptability that humans are famous for. It was a most stimulating demonstration."

That was probably as close as young Spock was going to get to saying, "I had fun too." "Glad to hear it," said Jim. He glanced at his dad, and then did a double take at his strange, yet happy expression. He'd seen him get that look on his face before. When had it been?

"Shall we commence another game?" asked Spock hopefully. It was the most expression he'd put into his voice all day.

Jim glanced at his dad for permission. Since he wasn't doing the tal t'lee, would he let him stay? Yet, his dad nodded instantly, so young Spock set up the board with efficient skill.

"I am unfamiliar with the educational requirements of humans," young Spock said suddenly, while contemplating his next move. "What areas are you taught?"

"Uh, well, I take history, gym, math, social studies, science, English, music, art." Jim frowned thoughtfully. "We also go on field trips from time to time." He perked up, remembering his latest one. "I got to go on a tour of the new Enterprise ship that has just started being built. It was awesome."

"I was not aware that large groups of children toured such establishments," said young Spock.

"Well, no, they don't. It was a contest. I wrote an essay and they liked it, so I was one of the lucky few that got to go." He remembered the trauma and drama that had ensued, but he also had the memory of how his dad had – that was where he'd seen that look before! His dad had the same expression watching them play chess as he'd had when Jim had read his essay on how to be a great Starship Captain. He didn't understand the similarity, but, whatever made his dad happy was fine with him.

"I would be interested in reading the essay," stated Spock.

For some reason, this thrilled Jim. "Really? Well sure! I'm sure I still have a copy somewhere. I'll forward it to you when I find it."

"That is agreeable," his young friend decided.

They chatted more about school, though by silent mutual agreement, they managed to skate around the subject of bullies. Their second game almost ended in stalemate, but young Spock managed to turn the tables in his favor to checkmate Jim.

Jim was getting rather tired of playing such an intellectual game, but he didn't want to admit it. Not when both Vulcans seemed to be having such a good time, as much as Vulcans could, anyway. "Best out of three?" he suggested.

Amanda was perceptive, though. As a teacher, she knew how to tell when a student was getting bored, and he showed all the signs of it. She would have none of that. "How about you try that hologame again instead?" she suggested.

Jim perked up. "Sure, if it's okay with you," he said, addressing his friend.

"It is acceptable," said young Spock.

"How about we eat lunch first? It's getting to that time," realized Amanda. She and young Spock retreated to the kitchen to make preparations, leaving Jim alone with his dad. He tensed, sure that he would address his decision about the tal t'lee. His dad never was one to procrastinate.

He wasn't disappointed. "Jim, I wish to know what changed your mind about the tal t'lee."

Jim searched his face, but couldn't find any indication about how his dad felt about his decision. "It's kinda hard to explain," he hedged. He didn't share his dad's lack of procrastination.

"Please try," his dad urged.

"Well, it's just, well, it's been really helpful and everything. Everyone has been great."

"But?"

"But, well, I don't want to do it anymore now that Spock's not doing it. And, well…"

"Meditation is not your strong point," his dad finished, as if this was a foregone conclusion.

Jim blanched a little. Did his dad not have faith in him? "Well, I think if I tried it more, maybe I would get it," he defended himself. Strange, he couldn't remember doing that with his dad before.

"Jim, I have no doubt you can do anything you set your mind to," Spock refuted, so sincerely that Jim instantly felt better. "However, as I have said, your emotions are an integral part of who you are. I would not change it for anything."

Jim relaxed a little. It looked like young Spock was right. "You're really ok with it? You're not disappointed or anything?"

"Jim, if you are asking if I am proud of you, the answer is a 'resounding' yes." Spock quirked an eyebrow slightly and settled back into the couch. Kirk Prime would never have sought his approval in this manner, yet, their relationship was very different. It had not occurred to him that this would be an issue the first time they'd had this conversation. He would have to be more conscious of this.

Jim's face softened. "Thanks, dad." He paused. "So, what happens now?"

"Now we have little reason to remain on Vulcan," his dad supplied. "However, we can linger a few days, if you wish to spend more time with Spock."

Now Jim could finally get a read on him. His dad seemed to want to stay. Jim agreed. It seemed wrong, somehow, to just up and leave young Spock so quickly, even though he hadn't known him long. Still, he was looking forward to returning to a more comfortable climate soon. "Yeah, I think I would like to stay a little longer."

"Then it is decided."

Jim ended up staying there for three more days with his dad before they departed. While he still struggled with grief at times, he felt he was on the "healing high rise," so to speak. Things would just get better from here. When the time was up, saying goodbye to everyone proved harder than Jim had expected.

"Hey," Jim said to young Spock as they stood in his room. Jim and his dad were stopping by one last time before heading for the spaceport. "I guess this is it."

"Indeed." Spock paused. "If you do find that essay, I am still interested in reading it."

Jim smiled. "Yeah, I'll pass it on." He fidgeted awkwardly. How do you say goodbye to an unemotional Vulcan boy? Maybe he should just ask. "How do Vulcans traditionally say goodbye?"

"Without delving into the cultural implications of that statement, in the spirit of your question, we often say, 'live long and prosper,' with the ta'al gesture."

"Tah owl?" Jim said, mispronouncing it on purpose. He had the sneaking suspicion that Spock thought it was hilarious.

Spock's eyebrow quirked, and his eyes glinted slightly. "Ta'al. This." He raised his hand with his middle two fingers separated.

"Ok," said Jim. He took one of his hands and used his other one to attempt to force it to cooperate. Jim was pleased to see that glint in Spock's eye grow more pronounced, so he didn't feel bad about mangling it as he raised his hand and said with a grin, "Live long and prosper, Spock."

"What is the human custom of saying goodbye?" Spock inquired.

"Uh, well," Jim began. Would Spock humor him? The idea made him nervous for some reason, but not in a bad way. "Usually, we just say, goodbye, see you soon, that we had a great time. Keep in touch. Usually, we hug too."

"Very well."

"What?"

"You have honored my tradition, it is only logical that I honor yours."

"…" Jim stared, thinking he hadn't heard right, but Spock just stared back expectantly. Jim approached him like he might a wild animal, like he might dart away at any second, but his friend did no such thing. Jim hesitantly put his hands on his shoulders, and ran them down his upper arms. Seeing that Spock accepted that gave him the confidence boost to go for it, and he did what he'd wanted to do for days: draw Spock in a tight, bone-crushing hug. Spock was stiff as a board, but he did move his hands so that they rested on Jim's lower back, hugging him back in a very reserved way.

Jim smiled privately, and then released Spock. "Do you still think penpals are illogical?" Jim asked.

"Vulcans do not engage in frivolous behavior. However, mutual intellectual exploration is not unheard of."

Hmmm. Jim didn't know what to make of that, but it sounded a little like permission. He shrugged inwardly. Vulcans. Maybe his dad could explain it to him. "Ok. Well, I hope to see you again sometime."

Spock put his hands behind his back. "Goodbye, Jim."

"Bye, Spock." Jim gave him one last smile and left the room. Amanda was out in the sitting area, giving his dad one last hug. She turned to him, and hugged him as well. "You're welcome back anytime," she said brightly. "Don't be a stranger!"

"Thanks. I liked being here."

"I'm glad to hear it," said Amanda. "Have a safe trip."

"We will," his dad promised. He put his hand on Jim's shoulder and gently led him out the door.

To their surprise, T'Pol and another severe looking Vulcan woman stood waiting by their shuttle for them.

Jim's dad raised his hand in the ta'al, and Jim, sensing they would not be amused by his fumbling attempts, made an awkward little wave. "T'Pol, T'Pau. I am honored," said Spock.

OH. Jim froze, unsure of how to act. T'Pol took in his slightly panicked expression and decided to intervene. "Mr. Kirk, I hope you decide to come back to Vulcan again one day. Thank you for your willingness to share your experiences with me."

Jim immediately felt less awkward; in fact, he glowed a bit at her treating him like an adult. "You're welcome. I hope to come back someday too."

T'Pau didn't say anything to him, just acknowledged him with a glance. "Selek. I wish to inform you that Romulan activity has been quiet according to latest intelligence."

"I am glad to hear it, and will render further assistance, should you ask for it."

"Live long and prosper, Selek, Mr. Kirk," she said.

"Live long and prosper," said Spock, with a nod to both of them. He put a hand on Jim's shoulder, signaling that he did not need to say or do anything further. With one last look at Vulcan, Jim followed him into the shuttle.

"Was that what T'Pau talked to you about when she summoned you before? Romulans?" Jim asked. If he ever spoke to Solkar again, he'd be sure to tell him.

"Affirmative," said Spock shortly, his tone clearly not inviting any more questions on that front. "Do not concern yourself."

Ok. "What are we going to do when we get home?"

"That, is entirely up to you," said his dad, a playful glint in his eyes.

Jim immediately thought of Gary and Ben. Young Spock had been great, but he was looking forward to having fun that didn't involve extensive use of his brain. "Can I go to an amusement park with Gary and Ben?"

His dad looked thoughtful. Well, he always did, but more than usual. Jim wondered what he was up to. "Of course," he finally said. "Perhaps in a few weeks."

Jim couldn't wait.

The next chapter is the epilogue and will be the last. However, I will post the first one-shot of part 3, "All Along: Family" at the same time. :) Stay tuned!