"Back already, Spock?" Bones' satisfaction was evident enough, but it wasn't clear whether it was because he liked having Spock around or he knew exactly what the Vulcan was going to ask him.

"Affirmative, Doctor. I am unsure of a proper gift for the captain. You have previous experience in this human ritual, therefore making you a preferable candidate to ask for advice."

"Now," Bones said, his smile widening by the second, "Don't tell me you're coming to me for advice, Mr. Spock."

"Affirmative," said Spock, restraining from saying it condescendingly, but raising an eyebrow nevertheless.

"I already told you-," began Bones, throwing his hands up a little.

"Doctor. Please."

The doctor's eyes shot up to meet Spock's. His voice had indicated how important it was to him.

"Well, let's see. Traditionally, in your position, you'd get him some kind of special trinket- a watch, a scrapbook-,"

"What do you mean by 'my position,' Doctor?"

Bones opened his mouth, then closed it, giving Spock a skeptical glance. Spock returned it with an arched eyebrow. Bones raised both of his eyebrows, still projecting more skepticism than the man had ever expressed. Spock again raised his other eyebrow, tilting his head a bit in somewhat unconvincing confusion. At last, Bones gave a little sigh and, after rubbing his face in exasperation, looked back up at Spock.

"Just get him something that tells him what he means to you."

"I…"

"You'll figure it out. Just show him that you care."

"I am-,"

"Unemotional, I know."

"No," Spock said, much softer than before, "grateful."

"Oh," Bones said, jerking his head up, a genuine smile pulling back his glowing cheeks, "well, you're welcome, then, you green-blooded hobgoblin."

Spock stood motionless for less than a second, then gave a small nod and walked out the door.

"Mr. Spock!" Jim grabbed the Vulcan's arm just as he left the sick bay's entrance, his signature little smile appearing on his face, as it always seemed to do when he noticed Spock's presence.

"Is there something you need, Captain?" Asked Spock, out of both habit and authenticity- when Jim was pleased, something in turn affected Spock. Not happiness; no- but something.

"I just wanted to let you know," Jim said, having to look up to meet his first officer's eyes, "that you don't have to get me anything for my birthday. It's okay if you don't."

"I will . . . consider that proposition, Captain," said Spock, fully intending not to consider the proposition. Kirk's hand lingered on Spock's arm as his smile enhanced.

"Very well, Spock," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice, "Come with me."

"Is it wise to have both head commanding officers off of the bridge at one time, Captain?"

"I think they can handle it," Jim said, leading Spock to the higher quarters deck.

"Where do you intend on taking me?"

"Relax, Mr. Spock, I just want to talk to you," Jim said, turning into his quarters, Spock trailing behind him. Jim sat on his bed, motioning for Spock to do the same.

"Yes, Captain?"

"I just...I want to know you."

"You know me very well, Captain."

"No. Yes. I know, but… I need…I need. . .,"

"What do you need, Captain?"

"I need your time," Jim said, his eyes looking anywhere but at Spock, "I need your attention. And I don't mean that to sound like an instruction. I mean you, Spock, as a person- I need your attention, not professionally, but…," he looked up to see Spock's confused gaze. "Never mind, I suppose."

"I understand, Captain."

Jim shook his head a little, but with a look of admiration nonetheless.

"I mean...I have a tendency to burn down my bridges prematurely," Jim said, not quite understanding himself, "But I don't think I made a mistake this time. Do you?"

"Captain, I-,"

"Yes, yes, I know- it doesn't make sense. I- Hmm. You're… you're dismissed, Spock."

"Permission to remain, Captain?"

Kirk's eyes flicked back up to Spock's, a smear of surprise running across his face.
"Granted."

"Captain," said Spock, some bit of uncertainty in his tone, "This custom of a birth-day has made me realize something."

"Yes?" Kirk said, his eyes gleaming with ceaseless vim.

"We have very few places aboard the ship to obtain material possessions."

"Oh… oh, yes, I suppose… I suppose that is a valid observation, Mr. Spock," Jim said, hopelessly trying to retrieve his previous excitement. Spock was bent on controlling himself, though his emotions were straining against their chains- he had to be able to control himself around Jim. He had to.

"Permission to leave the vicinities, Captain? I believe it is imperative that I return to my duty on the bridge."

"Of course, Spock," said Jim, unable to keep his face from falling at this. He could not refute the fact that Spock had accepted Vulcan culture anymore- he couldn't keep expecting Spock to reveal everything he thought. But at the same time, he was so easy to talk to, and there was something between them. Something connected, some kind of predetermined purpose that they had, but he didn't understand it. Yet. He had always burned his bridges much too early, expecting that things would all work out in the end, sometimes suffering because of his confidence, but this was different. This felt right, and maybe that was a rash, wrong decision, and maybe he was trying to accomplish something that would never work, but it was right, it was so right, and it overwhelmed him. He never had believed in a no-win scenario.