I just want to thank everyone for their wonderful reviews. You keep me writing when I'm about to give up. I also want to thank the reader who recommended my story to someone I follow on tumblr. That made my entire week.

Also, I better not forget to thank T'Arrah for being a great beta. She listens to all my wacky ideas and gives me such fantastic advice.

Star Trek isn't mine.
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McCoy just stands there, placing his hands on his hips, and stares Jim down with an impatient glare. Kirk opens his mouth a few times as though he is going to speak, but every time he shuts it without muttering a word. The doctor finally loses his patience.

"I don't have all day Jim. Are you going to tell me why there are currently two Spock's in the room, or are you going to make me guess? If so, I'm leaning towards some sort of Spock specific catnip in your pockets that they just can't resist, or maybe some sort of giant magnet that only attracts Spock's. Why you would want to create one of those is beyond me though."

The Spock who is holding Jim's hand releases a small chuckle. Bones eyes widen in absolute shock, while the other Spock stares at him in growing horror.

"My god, Jim. This one here has a sense of humor and actually makes facial gestures beyond an eyebrow lift. I am so weirded out right now. Where he comes from, are all Vulcan's like him?"

Jim glances up at his Spock, just as the Vulcan glances down at him. Kirk smiles lovingly at his bond-mate, who squeezes his hand in response, and the he turns back to McCoy.

"Nah, he's definitely one of a kind."

Kirk's first officer visually stiffens at this statement, but everyone chooses to ignore it.

Jim goes on to explain to McCoy and his XO Spock about the other universe. He tells them how his counterpart died during the Kelvin incident. With Spock's permission, he tells them about Spock's upbringing on Earth. He goes on to explain Earth's destruction, followed by his bonding with Spock, and then finally finishes with the story regarding his battle with the Romulans. Both Jim and Spock mentally agree not to mention either the death of Sarek or the fact that Bones is still married. It will cause too much unnecessary pain.

McCoy is staring at Jim like he has just grown a second head. The Spock of this universe is glaring at his double as if the man has just taken his favorite toy and refuses to give it back. Jim thinks it's kind of funny since his XO never showed any inclination of wanting to 'play' with him in the past. McCoy once again grabs the attention of the room with his gruff voice.

"So, what you're telling me is that you were sick because you married this Spock from another universe and then your were forced into being separated when we beamed you back here?"

Jim nods. "Basically, except we aren't officially married. We're bonded."

His Vulcan bond-mate quickly jumps in to comment, hoping to dig the knife into the Spock standing off to the side, who already seems quite angry.

"However, I do wish to point out that a Vulcan bonding is recognized throughout the entire Federation. It is also far more permanent than a simple marriage. James will be my mate for life, as I will be his."

The doctor gives this new Spock an assessing look before switching is gaze over to his love struck friend and cracks a tiny smile. He turns back to the other Spock and gives him a little shrug.

"Well, If you make Jim happy then I can't complain. One thing you haven't mentioned when talking about this bond of yours is how you are going to stay together? Are you going stay here or are you going to do some sort of visitation timetable, where you cross dimensional plains once a week?"

Spock shakes his head. "Neither. James is coming back with me where he will become official Captain of the USS Enterprise."

Jim automatically goes to agree with his mate. "Yeah, I'm going... wait, what? When did we decide this?"

McCoy gaze bounces between the couple and can see that they need some time alone to figure this out. Also, he remembers how most of his fights with Joselyn ended to know that this 'discussion' has the potential to get ugly. Best to get the hell out of there before he is roped in and has to play mediator.

"You guys seem to have a lot to discuss, so me and uh..."

The doctor trails of as he glances at the two Spock's.

"What the hell are we meant to call these two and how can we possibly tell them apart if that one doesn't stay glued to your hand, Jim?"

The Spock from the other ship solves that problem by pulling his science tunic over his head and tossing it on Jim's bed, leaving him in only his black under shirt."

Bones gives him a thumbs up in appreciation.

"Great. So me and blue Spock will make ourselves scarce, while you two talk it out. Come on, blue Spock."

McCoy begins walking toward the door and when he pass the Spock still in his science blues, he grabs the Vulcan's elbow, believing that Spock will let him lead him out. He is wrong. The Vulcan first officer holds his ground and the doctor nearly stumbles backwards.

"I will not be going anywhere, while this... doppelgänger is alone with my captain."

The Spock in black's mouth curls into a snarl and he goes to take a step forward towards what he sees as a threat, but he is stopped by Jim, who still has a firm grip on his hand.

Kirk's pleading eyes lock with his XO's determined ones.

"Please Spock, give me some time alone with my bond-mate to sort this out. Your needed on the bridge anyway. I will comm you when we are finished and then we can meet so that I can inform you of the outcome."

The blue Spock's eyes leave Jim's and narrow on his counterpart. A scowl forms on his lips when the Vulcan in black smirks at him.

"You heard your captain, Commander. He wants you to leave, so that he may have a private discussion with his bond-mate."

The Spock in blue glances over to Jim, but the blond has his eyes averted. He releases a small sigh and bends to retrieve his phaser. He hesitates for a moment, finger twitching on the trigger, before finally placing it in it's holster. He turns on his heals and quickly walks out the door without giving the other occupants even a slight nod of the head as a farewell.

McCoy shakes his head in vexation at the rude behavior of the ship's XO, before giving a small wave to the bonded pair and leaving the two of them alone in the small room.

The Spock who is still in the room turns away from the door and faces his confused bond-mate, who has let go of his hand and now has his arms crossed over his chest.

"What exactly did you mean when you said you are taking me back with you?"

Spock lifts an eyebrow at this question. He doesn't understand the confusion he is feeling from Jim through the bond. He was sure that he made himself clear.

"Exactly what I stated. You are to come back with me and become captain of the Enterprise."

The feelings of confusion coming from Kirk intensify and he brow furrows.

"Uh, there are a few things wrong with that plan, love. First, I am already captain of this ship. Second, Pike is still captain of the other ship. Thirdly, there is no way in hell that your Starfleet is going to give one of their star-ships to a man from another universe who technically does not exist."

Spock leans down and presses a chaste kiss against Kirk's forehead before straighten up. Jim can't believe it takes something so small to calm him. It should be frightening how much power this Spock has over him, but he knows through the link he shares with the Vulcan that the power goes both ways. It is a completely equal partnership.

"You have been gone from out universe for three days and in that time I have made many inquiries on your behalf. Though Captain Pike has regained consciousness, Doctor McCoy has determined that the nerve damage to his spine was too severe. He will never walk again."

Jim heaves a regretful sigh. "I had a feeling that would happen, but I had hoped he would be spared. Let me guess, the brass made him Admiral."

Spock nods solemnly. "Affirmative. Because he was still recovering from his injuries, it fell to me to brief the Admiralty of the events that transpired during our stand off with the Romulans. I also informed them of our bonding, since it is regulation to notify Starfleet when ones relationship's status has changed. They became very... excited by the idea of you taking over command of the Enterprise, if we could manage to bring me back, of course."

Kirk is stunned. His hands drop to his side in shock and he searches Spock's mind for any trace of deceit. There is none.

"They actually want me to be captain? Are you sure, because the only reason I got the gig here was because I saved the Earth and it was what the public wanted. Most of the Admirals hate my guts."

Spock frowns and seats himself on the bed next to Jim and gently lays his palm against the Human's cool cheek. Kirk leans into the touch.

"Ashayam, you risked your life for the good of the ship and it's crew, not to mention that it was you alone that came up with the plan to defeat the Romulans. You stopped a war, James. Of course the Admiralty would be impressed by that. To quote Admiral Nogura, 'If we can have at least one ship captained by a man such as this James T. Kirk, then there is still hope for Starfleet and the Federation as a whole, not to mention the Human race'. He then made me promise to do everything in my power to convince you to return."

Jim is blushing. He has never heard such kind words spoken about him in regards to his work and especially not from Nogura. Actually, the last time he had spoken with Nogura of this universe, the man had called him a 'no-talent shmuck who has only managed to get by on his looks and luck, both of which will eventually fade'. It feels nice to be appreciated for once. Really nice.

"Okay, so your Starfleet wants me and they have made it clear that they don't really care that I am from another universe, but there is one important issue you haven't touched upon... my ship. I can't just up and leave this shipand its crew."

Spock tilts his head thoughtfully.

"Why not? During our time together, even before we bonded, it was clear that there were very few people who treated you how you should have been treated in this universe. You owe them nothing and you would not be leaving them without a captain. I am sure my counterpart will be all too... willing to take over command and if not, they will find someone else. Once we are gone, your first officer can simply tell Starfleet Command that you perished in a transporter accident. It would not be a total falsehood."

Jim looks over at Spock hesitantly and then shakes his head.

"I... I can't just abandon them." He becomes more resolute. "I can't leave Bones, he is my best friend."

Spock wraps his arms around Kirk, buries his face into his bond-mates neck and inhales deeply.

"I do regret that your leaving may cause you Doctor McCoy pain, because he does seem to care for you deeply, but if he is a true friend then he will want you to be happy."

Jim lifts Spock's head away from his neck and locks his eyes with the Vulcan.

"This decision is not as easy as you are making it out to be. I love you, but I really don't know if I could just up and abandon the people of this universe even though, as you have pointed out, most of them aren't my biggest fans. It feels too much like quitting."

Spock smiles and then leans in to kiss the blond. After a few seconds they pull apart, both breathing a little more heavily than before. Spock forehead presses against Kirk's.

"Your hesitancy to abandon the same people who have hurt you should make me angry, but it just makes me love you more. It also makes me more certain that they do not deserve you."

Jim just chuckles as his arms tighten around the Vulcan, allowing him to absorb the heat from Spock's body.

"I believe you need time to reflect on what we have discussed and make a decision without me 'crowding' you. I am going to shield our bond, so that you can have some privacy with your thoughts. I will leave it up to you when you want to open it back up. I will wait for you in your quarters."

Spock pulls himself out of Jim's hold and rises from the bed. Jim's eyes widen in surprise.

"You are really going to leave it up to me to decide? No pressure?"

Spock's eyes soften as he stares down at his dumbstruck husband and a wave of love and adoration slips through the bond just before the shields go up.

"James, you are aware of my preference, but the choice is ultimately yours. I can only wish for your happiness and only you can truly decide where that happiness lies. I will see you soon, t'hy'la."

Before Jim can get his thoughts together enough to actually form words, Spock has already left.

Kirk just sits there for a moment, before he bends over towards the comm unit next to the bed. He dials a direct line to McCoy's office.

"Bones, I need you in here now."

Once Kirk has finished explaining his dilemma to McCoy, who has been sitting on the edge of the bed and listening intently, he gazes at the doctor with pleading eyes.

"What should I do, Bones?"

McCoy rolls his eyes and then pats his best friend on the head like he is a puppy, who can't seem to understand that it is never going to catch it's tail.

"Jim, you have a lot of annoying qualities, but I never thought stupidity was one of them."

Jim winces at this and he waits for the other shoe to drop. He is sure Bone's is going to tell him he has to stay.

"It is obvious to anyone with half a brain that you need to go with him."

Kirk's jaw falls open and he stares dumbly at McCoy for a moment before his voice finally returns.

"Huh?"

McCoy slaps the blond on the back of the head and then rubs it in a soothing manner, before his hand once again drops to his side.

"Pretty much since this goddamn mission began, you have been making goo goo eyes at our Spock and he has shot you down every time. Shit! He was such a prick to you that he objected to sitting alone with you in your office for meetings, You always had to have them in the officer's mess or the ready room off of the bridge. I had to watch as you slowly slipped further and further into depression because of it. Just watching you and this other Spock together for five minutes tells me all I need to know. He makes you happy. Happier than I have ever seen you. Also, lets not forget that the man crossed over into another universe for you. If that ain't love then I don't know what is."

Jim finally shakes himself out of his stupor to properly respond to his friend.

"But what about the ship? It's crew? What about you, Bones? I can't abandon you. We might never see each other again once I leave."

McCoy huffs in frustration.

"This ship and the people on it ain't gonna fall apart if you ain't here. Sure, you are a great captain, but you're not irreplaceable. If Spock ain't willin' to take over, Starfleet will find someone else. In regards to me, I'm not a goddamn puppy! You won't be abandoning me, you will just be moving on with your life, which is what normal people do. I'll get over it and get on with things. I'm not gonna lie and say that I won't miss you like crazy, but I as sure as hell am not gonna be the reason why you don't take the chance at a better life. If I had a person willing to travel across dimension for me and had people practically begging me to help my race, which is near extinction, then I wouldn't let anything hold me back. Not even my friendship with you, but I'm guessing you wouldn't try to stand in the way of my happiness."

Jim jumps out of the bed and onto his feet in protest. His answer automatic. "Of course not!"

McCoy steps up to Kirk and wraps him in a hug.

"Neither would I. You aren't happy here, Jim. Now you have a chance to be somewhere that values you. I wouldn't be a very good friend if I held you back from that."

Kirk breathing begins to hitch and tears start to fall down his cheeks. McCoy pulls back and places his hands on either side of the younger man's face.

"Listen to me, kid. I will always be your friend. You not being here won't change that fact one iota. You will always be a part of my life and you never know, maybe one day we will be able to meet again."

Jim is sobbing now.

"Bones... I... I...don't... kno-"

McCoy cuts Kirk off by pulling him into another hug. Jim just clings to the man that is like a brother to him and tries to get his breathing under control.

"God Jim, you've gotten yourself all worked up. I think you need some time alone to calm yourself down and get your head on straight. I think I might head out and have the 'best friend talk' with this husband of yours. Can't let him think that just because he is in another universe, that I won't come and kick his ass if he hurts you."

Kirk gives him a watery chuckle.

"Just don't bring out the shotgun. He might neck pinch you."

Bones releases him and steps back to stare at his, now much calmer, friend.

"Pfft. I'd like to see him try. He may have super strength and all that Vulcan voodoo, but I am a ninja with a hypo. He would be out for the count before he could raise a finger."

Jim sits down on the edge of the bed, laughing and watches as the doctor strolls out through the door.

The laughter soon subsides and he is surprised to find that he is feeling a little better. Bones has always been able to do that. Put him back together, just as he is about to completely fall apart.

Kirk suddenly realizes that he has absolutely no idea what time it is. He spins at the waist to look at the clock on the wall behind. He only gets a quick glance at it before he hears the door slide open again.

Jim calls out to the person that has just entered, as he turns back around. "Did you forget something Bo-"

The rest of his question dies in his throat and he stumbles to his feet when his discovers Spock, his XO, standing by the closed door. Even if the Vulcan were not wearing the blue science tunic, Jim would still be able to tell that this isn't his Spock, from the absence of sensation coming from the bond and the lack of physical arousal that is usually always present with the other Spock. He absently wonders how his body can differentiate between two men who are identical in every way, but he pushes those queries to the back of his mind to be answered at a later date and quickly wipes at his eyes to rid himself of the last reminisce of tears lingering in his eyes.

"Oh, hey Spock. I thought we agreed that I would comm you when it was time for our meeting, but if you want to do it now, I guess we-"

Spock's harsh voice cuts him off.

"I forbid you to leave with that Vulcan, Captain."

The slightly apprehensive expression leaves Jim's face and is replaced with one of outrage. He places his hands on his hips, as his eyes narrow on his first officer.

"What the fuck, Spock?"

/

You know the drill. Next chapter in a week's time. Be prepared for douchebag Spock and lots of him.