Epilogue
After enjoying their dinner and engaging in pleasant conversation, Kirk stood up and looked admired the room.
"So, it looks like we have this whole big room to ourselves for the rest of the night," Kirk observed. He then sat down on the bed.
"So it would seem," Spock agreed, sitting next to him.
They sat in silence for a moment, nerves coursing through both their veins.
Spock spoke up first. "Does this mean we are in a relationship now?" He inquired.
Kirk looked over at him. He felt confused, but knew for Spock the concept of human dating and emotions was something he was still acclimating himself to.
"Well…I hope so," he responded. "Is that what you want?"
Spock locked eyes with him. "Yes," Spock answered matter-of-factly. "Very much."
Kirk let out a breath he did not realize he was holding in. "Good." He leaned over to kiss him. At this Spock leaned away and stood up, facing away from Kirk.
"What's wrong?" asked him. He stood up behind Spock. "Talk to me."
"While we have come to a mutual decision," Spock began, "I am unsure if it is the most logical course of action."
"And why is that?"
Spock turned around to face Kirk. "You are experienced in the way of human…relations. I, however, am not. I fear I may not be able to satisfy your needs in that area."
Kirk's look of concern grew in his eyes as he approached him. "Spock, you don't have to worry about that," he assured him. "You are way more important to me than all of the women I have been with, combined. All that matters is that we are together." He raised his hand and stroked Spock's cheek. Spock's affect and body language indicated that he was still not fully convinced.
"And besides," Kirk went on, "some of this is new to both of us. I have never actually been in a real, serious relationship. Least of all one with another man."
Spock considered Kirk's words, his apprehension diminishing. "That is true. And, as has been determined before, we do make a good team."
"Yeah, we do," Kirk agreed excitedly. "We can take this at whatever pace we like. One step at a time. Starting now. What would you like to do?" Kirk knew that Spock would require patience and could not be rushed. And Kirk was willing to accept all of that.
Spock thought for a moment before responding. "I would like to kiss you again."
Kirk smiled at Spock's straight-forward answer. That was one of his qualities he most admired about him. He placed his hands on the small of Spock's back and pulled him to him. "Now that I would find very satisfying," he said as he granted Spock's request.
"It seems only fair that you select what we do next," Spock suggested after they finally broke apart.
"Okay," Kirk did not want to argue. He thought for a moment, hesitant to select something too pushy that would make Spock uncomfortable. Then he had a thought.
"Are there any customs Vulcan couples do that you would like to try?"
Spock looked at Kirk in disbelief and outright awe of his thoughtfulness. "I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Jim. But it seems to me I have let the human side of me lay dormant for too long. If I am going to engage in a relationship with a human, it would be more beneficial if that was not the case."
"If you say so, Spock. But just remember that I accept both halves of you."
"Perhaps another time, then. For now, I suggest we take advantage of the amenities in this room."
Kirk's eye grew wide with surprise. "I like your thinking."
Later on both men had decided to get into bed. Kirk had already climbed in under the sheet. Spock sat next to him, seeming to have something on his mind.
"Jim, I would like to ask you something."
"What is it?"
"This may not qualify as a Vulcan custom when it comes to mates. But, I was still wondering if I could try something." Spock went quiet for a second before continuing. "I know you are familiar with the concept of mind-melding. I was wondering if I could show you some experiences from my perspective. As sometimes I cannot find the words to convey my emotions, I feel this might help relay them."
Kirk was not expecting this suggestion from Spock. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Okay," Kirk accepted his offer.
Spock moved closer onto the bed. "If at any time you want me to stop, let me know," he warned Kirk. Then he placed his fingers on Kirk's head to begin the mind-melding process.
At that was when Kirk saw everything. He and Spock when they had first met. When Spock submitted his First Officer candidacy. When Spock thought he was going to die. When he realized Kirk had gone back to save him, despite the sacrifice it would mean. When Kirk was upset with him after he submitted the report. When Kirk said he would miss him and Spock did not respond. When Kirk was dying. When he went after Khan. And, lastly, when he spoke with Kirk after he had been saved. Kirk saw all of this from Spock's perspective. All the emotions Spock experienced. The anger, the sadness, the fear. The love.
Spock stopped the meld when he had finished. Kirk just stared at him, trying to find the words. His eyes flooded with a wave of emotions.
"Thank you, Spock," Kirk finally spoke up quietly. "That means more to me than you will ever know."
"It was my pleasure, Jim. I want our first night together to be memorable in a positive regard."
"Oh, it definitely will be," Kirk assured him. He leaned in and kissed Spock before they both turned in for the first of many nights together.