Kirk didn't remember materializing in the Enterprise's transporter room. He had vague recollections of chaos, of people yelling, but he didn't remember anything concrete until he woke up in Sickbay.

It must have been hours later. The lights were dimmed, to signify ship's night, and Kirk was the only patient. Sitting up, he noticed that there was no longer any pain. He pulled up the Sickbay tunic, seeing a scar, but no open wound. McCoy must have started the surgery the instant they were back on the ship. Kirk still felt weaker than usual, but he knew that was probably due to blood loss and he would recover quickly now that he was back on the ship.

McCoy himself seemed to be gone, and Kirk was about to page the nurse on duty when the door opened and Mr. Spock walked in.

"Spock! Come on in," Kirk said.

Spock picked up the desk chair and moved it to Kirk's bedside. "I simply wanted to give in my report and update you as to the ship's status. If you are sufficiently recovered, of course."

Kirk waved a hand, "I'm so bored right now, even reports sound exciting. You finished yours already?"

"It was an uneventful trip back. We are nearly eleven hours journey from the nearest Starbase. The Veridian officials have all passed a preliminary medical exam. In spite of their captivity, none of them suffered any long term effects, and they have been shown to guest quarters. Aside from your own surgery, very little happened," Spock finished, then added, "I am...quite pleased to see your condition has improved." He said this quickly, as if rushing through it would make the admission easier to get through. Kirk could have sworn he saw a hint of greenish flush on Spock's cheeks, although it could have been the lighting.

"I have you to thank for that. You and McCoy," Kirk said with a smile. "He said you were an excellent commander."

Spock raised an eyebrow, perhaps surprised that McCoy would have said this about him, then continued. "I found him an asset as well." He looked so perturbed saying this that Kirk nearly laughed aloud.

"However," Spock continued, "This mission made it clear to me that I am not yet ready to command a human crew. I believe it is logical for you to request a new First Officer."

Kirk sat up, "Spock, what are you talking about? You've been doing fine - better than fine. What's this about?" As far as he could tell, this had come out of nowhere. Spock had never mentioned any difficulties in command, although he also remembered belatedly that he hadn't given any solo commands to Spock. "Is this because you've never commanded a solo mission? Because that's not a judgment on you, Spock. I like to be a hands-on captain, and usually you and I have to go on these missions together anyway. Side effect of your having both positions, I guess."

"No, Captain, I agree that is a logical reason, and it is not because I have not led a solo mission under your command. I never did under Pike's command either," Spock said. "I realized that I became slightly...rigid while in charge on Delta Veridian. I was concerned only with the most logical path to take, and it took McCoy to remind me that a good commander needs to consider the illogical as well. I am not capable of that."

"Spock, what does it matter?" Kirk asked. "You got us out of there, you, playing to your strength: logic. Maybe McCoy helped you out a little, but Spock, that's why I have him aboard. And you. You think I can do all this alone? That's the point of a First Officer."

Spock didn't look as if he believed Kirk, but said, "Perhaps. However, there is another, more personal matter." He stopped, and Kirk had to nod expectantly to get him to continue. "While you were...injured, I was unable to compartmentalize the incident as I would have ordinarily. It was not logical, but on several occasions Dr. McCoy had to remind me to take command and allow him to do his job."

It took Kirk a moment to translate that from Spock-speak. "You mean you were worried about me, enough so that it interfered with the mission."

"It is illogical," Spock murmured.

"No, it's not," Kirk said. In a flash of intuition, he understood. Spock had never had a friend before, certainly not onboard ship. He'd never had to deal with the conflict that rose from serving in dangerous situations alongside people you were close to personally. It made sense for such a rigidly compartmentalized mind to have trouble with the concept. "It's human, Spock, we do it all the time. Push aside personal feelings to get the job done."

"Captain, I am not human," Spock said.

"But you are, partially," Kirk pressed. "Those emotions are there, Mr. Spock, don't tell me they're not. I've seen them. They're your responsibility to deal with as you see fit, but don't give up on your career because of them."

"Captain, if my inability to handle my personal issues is a danger to the ship or the crew, then it is is my logical responsibility to find more suitable employment," Spock said. "This...friendship is a personal issue."

"And I don't see how it's putting the ship in danger," Kirk said stubbornly. "Do you know what I told my brother only a couple of weeks ago?"

Spock waited expectantly and Kirk went on, "I told him I was the luckiest captain on the fleet, that they gave you to me as First Officer. I said I couldn't have made a better choice myself. I stand by that, Spock. You're the best officer I've ever served with, and the best friend I've made in decades." Kirk swallowed, then continued, "So don't leave unless you're positive you don't belong here."

Spock was speechless for a moment, then said, "It is not that I don't belong here. It is that I do."

Now it was Kirk's turn to be speechless, and Spock continued, "It is not logical, personally or professionally. But it is true."

"Well, Mr. Spock," Kirk said slowly, "if it makes you feel any better, you don't have to accept a captaincy until you think you're ready. Or at all, if you really don't want to. You're not Command Track, there's no reason why you can't continue serving with me as long as you want." Kirk took a moment to picture it, his career with a steadfast, loyal friend always at his side. It felt right.

"I would be honored," Spock said quietly. "If you do not mind."

"Mind? Spock, I don't know if I could serve with anyone else now. You've thoroughly spoiled me," Kirk said lightly. "I do expect you to learn how to command on your own though. I didn't realize you never had the chance under Pike, and it is essential."

"That is logical," Spock agreed. He stood up to leave, "Thank you, Captain."

"No, Mr. Spock, thank you," Kirk said. "I don't deserve the kind of loyalty you're giving me, but I will continue to try to be worthy of it." He gave Spock a quick smile, was rewarded by the rare, eyes-only Vulcan equivalent, and realized he'd finally come home.

A/N Thank you everyone, for reading and reviewing (Special thanks to Red, who reviewed every chapter without fail). I'm so glad you all enjoyed it :)