"The first month your father and I worked together, we were very separate. We worked together on the bridge, but we ate meals separately, we worked out separately, and we didn't visit each other's quarters after hours unless it was an emergency."

"I fell hard for Spock. I thought he was the greatest thing to ever happen to the ship, to Starfleet, to Vulcans, you name it. He was just so perfect. I didn't see anything wrong with the guy, at all."

"A month later, though, we had a huge mission that I can't really talk about, but it required me and Spock to be side by side almost all hours of the day. And quite quickly, we discovered some things about each other."

Jim held up a finger. "I ate meat. Spock did not. It actually turned Spock's stomach to eat meals with me." Jim held up a second finger. "Spock used to grind his teeth all the time. I don't know if it was a physical thing or if he was under that much stress, but it drove me batty. It made my teeth hurt." A third finger went up. "When I say 'pull your punches', something entirely different goes through your father's head. He 'pulled his punch' once and knocked a tooth out."

Jim put his hand down and continued, "But you see, these were things we had to learn about each other. After that experience, we began to subconsciously make changes in our routines. I cut way back on the meat, and started brushing my teeth right away if I did eat it. Spock went to Bones and got a small, invisible mouthguard to keep him from grinding his teeth. And we both began to work on a communication system that we could rely on whether we were on the ship or on an alien planet."

"I guess what I'm trying to tell you is you can't just bond on a surface level. You've got to get deeper. When you find something out firsthand, like if peppermint ice cream makes Bridget throw up instantly, it changes how you see her. If you learn her routines, like if she likes to clip her toenails after she showers or before, you'll be getting to know the real Bridget. It's easier when you're an adult, but I think you can bond with someone at your age just as easily."

"But not Bridget," David finished sadly.

"I'm not saying you have to break up with her," Jim clarified. "I'm just saying there's a whole other side to her you're not going to get to know until you spend more time together."

"I think I understand."

Jim smiled. "Okay, slugger. You'd better get ready for bed. I'll be in to tuck you in."

David paused. "Can Father say good night to me tonight instead?"

"Huh? Oh, sure. I'll send him in as soon as I find where he went. Good night, kiddo." Jim went downstairs and found Spock frowning at the computer. "Whatcha doin?"

An eyebrow lifted. "I am attempting to ascertain the properties of this molecule to discover why the attached note reads oh em gee el oh el."

Jim peered around the side of the monitor. "Oh, see, the molecule's being flirted with. And the note reads 'Oh my goodness laughing out loud', hon, you've got to know ancient code to know that."

Spock sighed. "Why would my TA send me this missive? I do not find it amusing, and it has taken four minutes of my time attempting to decipher it." Spock pushed the delete button. "Did you require my attention, Jim?"

"Oh. David wants you to say good night to him. And I wanted to go to bed early tonight, if you didn't mind."

"Very well." Spock shut down the computer and followed his mate back upstairs. Jim went in the bedroom, while Spock stopped and knocked at David's door.

"It's open," David called. He was already in bed. Spock walked in and knelt beside the bed, straightening the covers. "Hey Father, can I ask you a question?"

"You may ask," Spock replied quietly.

"Would you have married Aunt Nyota if she hadn't broken up with you?"

Spock put his other knee down and sat back on his heels. "I do not believe so, no. However, I would have remained in a one-sided relationship with her because I was too uncomfortable with the idea of being in a relationship with a man such as your father."

"Sometimes I think Bridget just wants a boyfriend, and she doesn't want to date someone close to her in case they break up, so she's dating me. Is that wrong?"

"The idea or the action?" Spock posed. "It is not incorrect to raise such an uncomfortable notion. It is improper if that is her intention."

"But Father, I really like her. I don't want to lose her." David grabbed Tuttle the elephant and held him to his chest.

Spock nodded. "Perhaps now would be the opportunity for truthful dialogue. Contact her tomorrow and gently raise your concerns. Do not accuse. Perhaps she, too, has concerns and has not been able to raise them." Spock stood slowly. "Regardless of the status of your relationship, you are cared for in this home and by your friends. Do not forget."

"Thanks, Father. Good night."

"Good night, David," Spock replied, shutting the door.

Spock shut the door to his room and went through his nightly course before joining his mate in bed. Jim reached over and put a warm hand on Spock's side, tracing the scar that remained after a fateful away mission. Spock rolled over and captured the hand, pulling Jim closer.

"What are you thinking, ashayam?"

"Just remembering how far we've come. I was telling David about us getting to know each other and it reminded me, you haven't ground your teeth in almost, what, ten years?" Jim calculated.

Spock closed his eyes briefly. "I believe a great deal of the stress I was experiencing began to dissipate after our bonding. I occasionally find myself clinching my teeth and am able to stop it consciously; I am indebted to you for that fact." He opened his eyes again and focused on the face in front of him. "You have only indulged in your previous destructive behavior once in fourteen years. You are improving as well, Jim."

Jim began chuckling. "Do you remember when I told you I didn't want to drink anymore, and you literally reprogrammed my replicator for nothing but Diet Coke? I didn't know whether to be touched or insulted. I told Chris one time that my exec thought I was a drunk and he told me the topic had 'come up in conversation'. I was mortified."

"If it is any consolation, I did not refer to you as a 'drunk'. I merely suggested that you be required to take an alcohol awareness course. I also suggested that in order to protect your dignity the entire ship be required to attend."

"You too?"

"Affirmative. I have told you this previously, and I do not know how else to explain to you. I am half-human, Jim. I am less susceptible to the effects of alcohol, however that does not mean I am immune to it." Spock rubbed a hand down Jim's chest. "I do not partake for the same reason you do not eat chocolate. It is an honoring of my mate's decision."

Jim breathed out softly. "I am so lucky. I love you so much."

"Good night, ashayam," Spock replied. Once again their left hands reached out and touched, and they fell asleep peacefully.

A/N: Little extra for you guys. Sorry about the reposting; I accidentally deleted a chapter. Sleep well out there!