Their shower didn't take as long as they had expected, both suddenly shy in the presence of the other but unwilling to be parted. Jim watched Spock as he showered, intrigued at how he could remain so pale when Vulcan was a desert planet. Jim thought about the question for a moment, until the muscles in Spock's back flexed and Jim stood there staring at him, remembering the feel of them beneath his hands. Shaking his head, Jim turned away with a small grin and went back to brushing his teeth and fixing his hair. He couldn't believe how things were turning out. Minus the clusterfuck with Gary and his usual garbage, the project was getting off to a smooth start. Jim could also be honest enough with himself to admit that part of his current mood was due to the dark haired man in the shower. He'd never expected last night to happen, even if he had been thinking about it, he never really expected Spock to want the same thing as well.

Sighing, Jim wondered if it would go beyond last night and this morning or if it was just a random incident. His experiences with Gary being the only real basis he had for a relationship, Jim was admittedly scared of anything beyond sex...but he wanted something more with Spock, it felt...wrong...not to. As he finished up at the sink, Spock turned off the shower. Jim tried not to look at Spock but lost the desire when he stepped out fully naked in front of him. He took in the pale, tall form. Spock was muscular, in a lean way, his arms were long but the muscle there could be seen. It was unusual for a diplomats son but Jim could tell Spock preferred physical labor versus idling around. There was no fat to be found on Spock, either. Probably due to the Vulcan's strict diet of veggies and fruits, since meat was frowned upon by their culture. His stomach was flat, the muscles not clearly defined but enough to where Jim ran a hand over his own stomach. He could feel the fluttering of his nerves there, tried to calm down his racing heart and rapid breathing. When Spock called his name softly, Jim looked at him, hoping he didn't see the want in his eyes. Hoped Spock couldn't tell how badly he wanted to be with him, for more than just sex. Jim wanted a future, a thought that scared him but also filled him with hope.

"Jim, are you alright?" Spock's dark gaze scanned Jim from head to toe. He had tried not to look to much at the well muscled tan body but had failed in his attempt. Jim was very proud of his body, that much Spock could tell but he was also shy as well. Spock tried to hide the pleased smile that threatened to curve his lips as he looked at the small bites and bruises scattered all over Jim's torso. "I did not hurt you to badly?"

Jim grinned, "Nope." He said, popping the "P." "There is no pain to be had here." Jim glanced at his reflection in the mirror and was surprised at the small marks and bites. "Wow, you really like to mark your partner, don't you?" He grinned teasingly.

Spock could feel the tips of his ears start to heat up. "I, apologize, Jim if it was unacceptable..."

Jim looked at Spock, "What? Wait, no, Spock it's fine. I mean, if you like it and I like it then I don't see a problem." Jim flushed as he tried to keep from saying anything else. Trying to maintain his earlier composure, Jim started to leave the bathroom.

Spock reached out and grabbed Jim's wrist as he tried to walk by him. "If you are certain I did not harm you, Jim..." He scanned the tan face, could feel his trepidation and fear. Knew that as much as Jim wanted him, he would hold himself back if needed.

Jim gave him a soft smile. "I-I'm ok Spock. Just, I've never really had to deal with the morning after awkwardness. It's just..." Jim looked at the floor then back at the hand holding his wrist. "I-I don't want this to mess things up between us, you know? This project means a lot to all of us but I..." Jim flushed as he tried to hide his feelings. He could feel something, a pressure almost, at the back of his mind. Not a malevolent feeling, just a sense of curiosity and security. "W-we need to go, uh, the, ummm, the meeting with the Romulans." He needed to put some space between them, to figure out if his feelings were real or if he was just feeling lonely. Jim knew it was to soon to admit to feelings for Spock but when he looked up into the warm, chocolate eyes of the man holding him in place, Jim knew...he knew that it was to late to step back. It was to late to walk away from this man now because whether he wanted to or not, Jim couldn't. He couldn't walk away and not feel as if he were losing a part of himself as well. "We can talk after that, ok? We don't leave for at least eight hours or so..."

Spock nodded, he understood Jim's fear and confusion, deciding not to push any further. He needed time to meditate and doing so after their meeting with the Romulans would be the best time for that. "We will have the time to discuss matters later." Spock released Jim's wrist and stepped back. He was confused as well, how did he explain his feelings for someone who he hardly knew but felt like he's known for most of his life? Why did it feel like Jim was the other half of his soul? Spock watched as Jim slowly backed away from him, heading back into the bedroom. He followed Jim, watching as he moved around the room.

They kept sneaking small glances at each other, trying to decide what, if anything should be said. Spock dressed in the clothes from last night, knowing he would need to change before he saw any of his friends. He looked at Jim, could see him trying to figure something out and wished he knew what it was. Did it involve them? Shaking his head, Spock gave Jim a small nod. "I must change before the meeting. I will meet you in the library in five minutes?"

Jim frowned, he had wanted to go to the meeting together but knew Spock was right, he couldn't very well show up in the clothes he'd worn yesterday. Sighing, Jim nodded his head. "Ok, ummm, I can, you know...I can wait for you...i-if you want." Jim could feel his face heating as he looked away from Spock. Jim wanted the space to think but the thought of them being separated bothered him. "O-or I can, umm, I can meet you in the library when you're dressed." Jim said softly. He tried to hold his head up but old habits died hard. He'd worked hard to bury the behavior that Gary had demanded of him, the submissive boyfriend is what he'd enjoyed most and Jim had done everything he could to bury that side of him. Glancing over at Spock, he realized he obviously hadn't tried hard enough because he couldn't look him in the eyes after having made his earlier suggestion. It wasn't until he heard Spock agreeing did Jim look up at him, surprised.

"If you will wait, I will change and meet you back here." Spock couldn't understand Jim's sudden silence. He found Jim's suggestion much more pleasing than the one he'd originally offered. It wasn't until Jim repeated the original statement with his eyes downcast, did Spock finally understand. Moving towards the blond, Spock looked at him. "I do not mind your suggestion, Jim, it is much more agreeable. I find that I do not wish to be away from you for to long." Spock flushed at his statement but didn't look away. He was pleased to see the small smile that played around Jim's lips. "I will be back momentarily." Spock leaned forward slowly, aware that Jim did so as well, and gave him a soft kiss, one filled with wonder and curiosity. He felt a soft brush at the back of his mind. Curiosity and need mixed with something else...something Spock had thought he was the only one to feel. Pulling away slowly, he nodded then backed away towards the bedroom door. He kept his gaze on Jim until turning the knob and looking outside of the room. When he didn't see anyone, Spock turned back to Jim, gave him a small quirk of his lips then left.

Jim watched Spock, wonder and confusion whirling in his mind. If Spock didn't want to be away from him that would mean that he felt something as well. Jim looked down at the floor once the door had clicked shut. This is crazy...this is crazier than falling for Gary! Jim looked back up at the door, knowing he had the option to meet Spock in the library but found he'd rather wait. Looking around the room, Jim decided to wait outside in the hall. It would be easier to handle things right now if he wasn't in his room. When he opened his door, he sighed. The real world with real problems and situations needed to be handled, and he had to remind himself he was one of the people who handled those real things.

Jim was so deep in thought, he almost ran into the man with dark reddish brown hair, standing just outside his bedroom door. It wasn't until he spoke did Jim acknowledge him.

"Mornin' Jimmy, wasna' sure ya' were up already." Came the cheerful voice of Montgomery Scott.

Jim blinked, then grinned. "Well, morning to you, too, Scotty." Jim hugged his friend. "Thought we were meeting you in Wyoming?"

Scotty shook his head. "Well, ifn' we didna' need you out there sooner than expected, I would have stayed but..."

Jim looked at his chief engineer, a frown on his face. "It's that new hole you messaged us about isn't it? You said you keep closing it off but it's open by morning?"

Scotty nodded his head vigorously. "Right, right, we close it off before shift's end and when we get up the next mornin' it's open again. There's no way, Jimmy, for that seal ta' keep getting broken like it is."

"You think it's vandals or something else?" Jim's expression turned thoughtful. "Maybe it's an animal's home and we keep locking them in or out."

"We thought of that, sent down probes to check and nothin'. I'm tellin' ya' Jim there's nothing that should be able to break that seal." Scotty said, a dark frown on his face. He sighed as they walked down the hallway towards the front of the house. Surprise ran through him when they were stopped by a soft, deep voice.

"Jim?"

Jim looked up at the sound of his name, a smile curving his lips. "Spock, good you're ready." Jim could feel something warm sliding through out his body at the sight of the taller man. Glancing over at Scotty, he tried to fight back a blush. "Umm, Spock, say hello to our chief engineer, Montgomery Scott. Scotty meet Spock, Son of Sarek of Vulcan and Lady Amanda Grayson."

Spock looked from Jim to Scotty, nodding his head at the introductions. "Mr. Scott, it will be a pleasure to work with you. I have read your work on relativistic physics and transwarp beaming. Both papers have been a source of debate among my colleagues at the Academy for years."

Scotty beamed to hear such praise from someone of Spock's intellect. "Well, thank you Mr. Spock. Ifn' ya' ever want to discuss them just let me or Jimmy boy know." He grinned at both men, stopping with them when they reached the library. "Lia said you're meeting with the head of the Romulan group?"

"Yeah, I asked Spock to come with me since he's in charge of the group from Vulcan." Jim grinned at Scotty, glad that he and Spock would get along.

Nodding, Scotty frowned. "Ok, well, I'm going to go eat. You take care around him lad. It's no' often that we have to be cautious at home but there are those rare times..."

Jim frowned at Scotty's words. "You've been talking to Bones haven't you?' When Scotty nodded, then chuckled, Jim laughed. "You tell him to stop worrying and that everything's under control. You said you came early so once we get done here I'll just meet you guys in the kitchen?" Jim rubbed his stomach at the thought of food. "I'm hungry, so hopefully you and Hikaru don't eat it all."

Scotty chuckled, "No promises Jim, my boy, Mr. Spock it was nice to meet you." Scotty nodded to both men then headed in the direction of the kitchen, whistling a soft tune.

Jim looked up at Spock, watching him as he brushed his hands down the front of his tunic. "Nervous?"

Spock looked up from his hands to find bright blue eyes watching him. "I am not to sure that Dr. McCoy's...caution...where Nero is concerned is...unwarranted." Spock stated softly. He could feel a shift in the dynamic between them, there was something in him demanding that he make his claim on Jim known. To keep Nero as far away from the blond as possible.

Jim grinned up at Spock, "You and Bones worry to much, his interest in me is professional if anything." Jim tried to push back the surge of pleasure at the thought of Spock being jealous. Was it jealousy, it could just be concern for my safety, or maybe...Jim's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Nero's voice.

"Good morning gentlemen, I understand that we are limited on time this morning?"

Although the greeting had been directed at both men, Spock didn't miss how Nero's dark gaze stayed on Jim longer than usual. He moved a small step closer to Jim, the need to mark him, to show Nero who Jim belonged to flooded his system again. He paused in his thoughts, when did he start to think of Jim as belonging to him? When did the need to mark the tan body become something he felt needed to be done regularly? Scanning Jim from head to toe, he knew the marks, bites, and scratches from last night and this morning still marked him, he knew from memory where each one was. Confused by his thoughts, Spock followed Jim and Nero into the library. He took a seat across from Nero and next to Jim, making sure to keep his face as blank as possible.

Jim smiled at Nero, "Morning to you as well and yes, unfortunately we're having to leave a little earlier than scheduled. That won't be a problem, will it?" Jim's tone had taken on a hard edge. Most people didn't seem to take into account that his people were good at their jobs but accidents did happen and he needed to deal with them as quickly as possible.

"No, it may actually be better. My people tend to become restless with the lack of regular mental or physical stimulation. Leaving early will not only keep their mind's occupied, it will also give them a chance to survey their surroundings better. We prefer physical activity over anything else, however." Nero gave Jim a small smile and head nod.

Jim blinked, glanced over at Spock then back to Nero. He wasn't certain but he could have sworn Nero had just made a pass at him. "Uh, well, ok then. We'll be heading out in the next two hours, so if you're ready..."

"That is sufficient, Jim. Now would that not mean we would need to partake of food to replenish our strength?"

Spock bit back the growl that rose in his throat. He could see the look on Nero's face, could hear the light invitation in his tone and had to push down the desire to hit the other man. He could see that Jim was surprised as well, he seemed to be used to flirtation but he didn't seem comfortable with it. "That would be a wise decision, Nero. We will need to make sure that everyone has everything they will need for the trip as well." Spock turned to Jim, surprised to see the ocean blue gaze watching him.

"We're usually ready for anything, if there's anything you and your groups need let us know, Lia and Hikaru are the best at last minute stuff. Other than that, we leave in two hours." Jim stood up from his chair. "Nero, you're more than welcome to join us for breakfast, there's usually way more than any of us can eat at one time." He gave Nero a smile, aware that anything he did right now could give the other man one of two impressions. One, he could think Jim was simply being friendly and professional or two, he could think that Jim was flirting with him and try to take it past what it really was. Looking over at Spock, he noticed the narrowed gaze and light flush of his skin. "Spock?" Jim asked softly.

Blinking, Spock looked up at the man standing in front of him, aware that he'd been caught glaring at Nero. Holding in a sigh, he stood up and nodded. "Liana is sure to have fixed enough for everyone." He followed Jim as he headed out of the library. He was aware that Nero hadn't really asked Jim any questions other than about their travel plans for the day. Looking over at the other man, Spock decided to keep his guard up around him and in doing so he would make sure that nothing happened to Jim as well.