Disclaimer: Star Trek belongs to Gene Roddenberry. The new universe belongs to J.J. Abrams and Paramount.

A/N: So no one called me on it, but there were some time continuity issues between chapters 3 and 4 that I didn't recognize until after I posted chapter 4. I had Spock saying in Ch. 3 he needed a few days to meditate before he would perform the surface meld on Kirk, but then had Ch. 4 start with 'The Next Day' and it was the day that they melded. So FAIL. Anyway, it's fixed but just so you guys know, Kirk and Khan have been hanging out for a week at the start of this chapter. Just wanted to make that clear.

.~.

Chapter 5: Misery Loves Company

.~.

Kirk started the day by meeting Khan for breakfast in the mess hall. He couldn't believe it had already been a week since they had revived Khan. By now, all of the sleeping crew of the Botany Bay had been revived. While each crewmember had awoken confused, alone, and without any memory of their past life, Khan had taken upon himself to talk to each one of them personally, and help them adjust to living in what for them was a strange, future environment. Just as Kirk had predicted, Khan had become the small group's unofficial leader. So far, Khan was showing no signs of any manipulative behavior, but Kirk still wanted to keep a close eye on him, just in case.

Kirk looked longingly over at the table next to them where Uhura, McCoy, Sulu, and Chekov were sitting. They were having a good laugh at something Chekov said and Kirk missed being a part of it all. He then reminded himself how important it was that he befriend Khan, er Cochrane, and that he'd have plenty of time to catch up with his friends once Khan and his crew left the ship. Which wouldn't be happening right away, thanks to Starfleet's orders that had them on course for the planet Pelasia…

"Jim, are you alright?"

Kirk inwardly cursed, realizing he hadn't been paying attention to what Khan had been saying. "Yeah. I'm great." He gave Khan an apologetic grin and took a large gulp of orange juice. "Sorry. I was just thinking about our next set of orders."

His table mate didn't buy it. "Do you normally sit with them?" Khan gestured to the table Kirk had been eyeing.

"Yeah," Kirk admitted, damning Khan's perception. "We're all good friends."

"While I do appreciate the company, I don't want to monopolize your time," said Khan.

"You're not," Kirk insisted. "I want to hang out with you. By the way, I've been meaning to ask - have any of your memories surfaced?"

"No," Khan said, much to Kirk's relief. "The past is still all just a big blank. To be honest, I've mostly stopped hoping that I remember. Like you said, I have the chance to start over, and it's working out well so far. Thanks to you."

"No problem," Kirk grinned. He then followed Khan's gaze over to the table that housed his friends. "I can introduce you if you'd like."

Khan's brow furrowed as he observed the scene across the room. A curly-haired young man was chuckling at something the Asian helmsman had just said, and leaned in close to him. Khan could not believe what he was seeing. "Jim, those two men are holding hands."

"Yeah, so?" Kirk took a big bite of pancake dunked in maple syrup. It was heavenly.

"Why?"

Kirk swallowed his bite. "Cause they're going out."

"You're saying those two men are a couple?" Khan sounded scandalized.

Kirk sighed. "I know they had open same-sex couples 300 years ago. What's the big deal?"

"It is not…natural," Khan grimaced.

"Oh boy," the captain muttered under his breath. Then he looked Khan square in the eye. "Listen, Cochrane. If you're going to fit in here, there's something you need to learn. My Vulcan crewman calls it 'Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations'. It means that in our society today, we accept all people – or aliens – no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs..." he trailed off. "We believe that everyone should be treated fairly, not matter what. And we embrace what could have been described as 'alternate or deviant' lifestyles in your time. Do you understand that?"

"I suppose so," Khan said slowly. "I don't know why I reacted the way I did."

"Perhaps you were taught that being gay was wrong in your past life," Kirk suggested. "Back then, people's opinions differed about that stuff. Some people were really accepting, others condemned homosexuals." In retrospect, Kirk should not have been surprised at Khan's attitude. He remembered from history class that some of the dictators tried to isolate the 'gay' gene in men and remove it, in hopes to 'cleanse' the person of their 'abnomality'. At the time, it had made him feel sick, thinking about the atrocities had occurred during that time.

"I think I was taught that being gay made you weak," said Cochrane. "That it stripped you of your masculinity."

Kirk nodded thoughtfully. "Do you think I'm weak?"

"Of course not, Jim." Khan sounded affronted. "You're everything a man should be – commanding, strong, confident. Don't tell me you're gay?"

"No, not exactly," Kirk said. "I'm bisexual."

"Are most people gay or bisexual in this time?" Khan asked, to his credit keeping his outrage out of his voice. Kirk hoped this was because he respected him.

"No – I'd say most people are attracted to the opposite sex. But some are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered. Some are bi-curious. It really depends on the person." Kirk took another drink of orange juice and watched as Khan tried to assimilate this information.

"I don't understand," said Khan, almost helplessly.

"Why don't you look up human sexuality on the computer?" Kirk offered. "It's a rather complicated topic. I could try to explain it to you more, but I wouldn't want to leave anything out." Or overwhelm you more, he thought.

"I believe I will."

"I'm sorry this concept is so foreign to you," said Kirk, shooting him a sympathetic grin. "But the subject was bound to come at some point."

The man shrugged, doing his best to hide his discomfort. "It is no fault of yours." Then something dawned on Khan. "Jim, have you slept with any of the men on this ship?"

"A few of them, back at the Academy," Kirk admitted. "But I haven't slept with any of my crew since I've become captain."

"Due to Starfleet regulations?" Khan wondered.

"No, due to my own personal code," Kirk said proudly. "It's not forbidden by regulations, per se… but I don't want to do anything that could remotely jeopardize my position as captain. Or make members of my crew think that I give promotions based on who I'm sleeping with."

"That is a very professional and mature attitude," Khan said with approval.

"Thanks." Kirk flashed him a grin. "I try."

"Still… self-inflicted celibacy does not sound enjoyable." Khan made a face.

Kirk chuckled. "We do have shore leave on occasion. I can take up with whoever I want then." Except I haven't been lately, thanks to my stupid crush.

"Perhaps once I have been rehabilitated I could join Starfleet," Khan mused. "I have already learned much about the operation of your military unit."

"It's possible," Kirk said lightly, and left it at that. They finished the rest of their breakfast in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

.~.

The rest of the day passed without any major crises occurring, for which Kirk was thankful. There was a time at the very beginning of his captaincy when he wished for almost constant action, but thanks to experience, Kirk was grateful that they hadn't run across any Klingon ships or aliens with God-like powers. He'd lost men before during such circumstances and he counted his blessings that they weren't faced with any life-threatening dangers at the moment. Honestly, Kirk was glad to have a long, boring, peaceful shift where no one under his command was hurt or killed. And it also gave him the opportunity to gaze at Spock without interruption…

He hadn't seen much of the Vulcan lately off duty, but that was about to change. Kirk got up from his chair and walked over to the science station. Spock immediately swiveled around in his chair to face him.

"Will you join me for dinner tonight? Say 1800 hours?" Kirk asked.

"I would be honored, Captain," Spock said quietly.

"My quarters okay?"

Spock's eyebrow twitched. "That is acceptable."

Kirk smiled at the Vulcan. "Great." He returned to the captain's seat with a bounce in his step. The shift seemed to fly by after that.

.~.

Captain's Quarters, 1800 hours

Kirk had replicated dinner for himself and Spock. He wanted to make it up to Spock for spending so much time with Khan. He knew Spock was too polite to say anything, but he had to be missing the time that they usually spent together. Kirk certainly was.

The door chimed. Spock was right on time, per usual.

"Come in," Kirk called.

Spock entered the room and stared at the spread on the table. Steamed broccoli, portabella mushrooms stuffed with orange hummus, and vegetarian pizza. If he had been human, he would have shown his astonishment. "Captain, you did not have to go to all this trouble."

"It was no big deal," Kirk said casually.

"How did you know?" Spock trailed off.

Kirk grinned. "I commed Selek. He told me everything I wanted to know about your favorite human cuisine."

Spock blinked. "You could have just asked me."

Kirk shrugged. "I wanted to surprise you as a way to apologize for all the time I've been spending with Khan."

"That is illogical," Spock said slowly. "We both agreed that you befriending Khan would be the most logical course of action."

"I know," Kirk sighed. "But I barely see you anymore unless we're on duty. I don't know about you, but I really miss our leisure time together."

"I find that spending my leisure time with you is more preferable to spending extra hours in the science labs." Spock's eyes twinkled with mirth, knowing that Kirk would be able to read between the lines.

Kirk beamed at the Vulcan. Spock might as well said, 'I missed you too, Jim'. Then he gestured towards the table. "Food's getting cold, Spock."

Spocks' mouth twitched. "Then I suggest that we consume it."

They eagerly dug in to their dinner, dining in companionable silence. Jim was pleased to watch Spock devour the mushrooms. He took his time with the pizza and broccoli, but by the end of the meal, Spock's plate was empty. This warmed Kirk to the core.

"Do you have any updates on Khan?" Spock asked once they were finished eating.

Kirk chewed on his lower lip. "We've been working out in the gym every day. He can bench-press 300 pounds now. If he keeps this up, he might be able to lift as much as you."

"I highly doubt that. A Vulcan's strength is-"

"Superior to that of a human, I know," Kirk interrupted. "But Khan's no ordinary human. I just hope he hasn't become suspicious about his super-strength. He seemed to buy my explanation, but…"

"What of his memories?" Spock inquired.

"He still can't remember his past life," said Kirk, and Spock's shoulders relaxed just a tad. "We had an interesting discussion about human sexuality this morning, though. He saw Sulu and Chekov holding hands and he all but freaked out."

"It would be an understandable reaction if he were a Vulcan."

Kirk laughed, knowing how Vulcans hated public displays of affection – especially since hand holding amounted to full blown making out in human culture. But he sobered quickly, remembering Khan's homophobic attitude.

"I don't get it, Spock. He doesn't remember his past, but he still retains certain attitudes. I told him that he'd need to change his tune if he wanted to fit in here, but I'm not sure how well I got through to him."

"I wish I could explain it." Spock looked almost troubled. "Are you positive you haven't seen any signs of megalomania?"

"No," Kirk said. "He's a good leader of his people, but I haven't seen anything that he's trying to gain power over them, or even me."

"That is well."

"He wants to meet you, you know," Kirk said casually.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. I talk about you all the time, so naturally he would be curious. Also, by now he's cool with the idea of interacting with alien species. Besides, Vulcans aren't that different from humans."

"I beg to differ," said Spock, sounding insulted, but Kirk knew better. There was no hard glint in Spock's eyes, only a soft glow. He really could get lost in those eyes… Stop it right now, Jim. Spock doesn't want you like that. Kirk brought himself back to the issue at hand.

"Is it okay if I have him stop by?"

Spock inclined his head. "As humans are so fond of saying, 'there is no time like the present'."

"Thanks!"

"As long as I do not have to entertain him for long," Spock cautioned. "I was planning on trying the surface meld with Lt. Uhura tonight."

"Ah." Kirk's eyes dimmed at that, but he forced a fake smile. "It'll just take a few minutes. Then you can go to Uhura."

Kirk called Khan on the com, and invited him to his quarters to meet Spock, as promised. It didn't take long for their guest to arrive.

The door chimed and Kirk told their guest to enter. He was pleased that Khan hadn't just barged in. He was remembering some of the shipboard etiquette!

"Greetings, Cochrane," Spock said as the doors slid open to reveal Khan. "I am Commander Spock."

"It's nice to meet you," said Khan. To his credit, he did not offer his hand.

"You must know something about my species since you didn't reach for my hand." Spock nodded at him, approvingly.

"Captain Kirk told me it was important to learn about the customs of other species, since I will be interacting with them from now on. I have to say, Vulcans are among the most interesting species that I have researched."

"We are unique in many respects," Spock agreed. "Please, sit."

Khan pulled up a chair and joined them. "I read about what happened to your planet. I offer my condolences."

"I am gratified," Spock said softly.

"I also read that you and Captain Kirk were instrumental in saving the federation that day," Khan continued.

"We were able to stop Nero from destroying earth," said Kirk. "But I'd rather not talk about it, if you don't mind. Bad memories and all that."

Khan's face colored red. "Yes, of course. I should have thought of that."

"It is only natural that you would be curious," said Spock. He was secretly grateful to Kirk for saving him from discussing Nero, as the Romulan was responsible for his mother's death.

Khan took this time to look around the room. By his standards, it was pretty sparse.

"This room is smaller than my quarters," he commented.

Kirk shrugged. "It's bigger than my room at the academy. I don't have a ton of stuff, just mainly my book collection and my chess set."

"You have books?" Khan's eyes lit up.

"Yeah, over here on my shelf."

Kirk showed Khan his private library, much to the man's delight.

"This is incredible. But aren't books obsolete?"

"My books are antiques," Kirk explained. "Most people prefer to read on a PADD, but I like the feel of the paper beneath my fingers. And I think it's more fun to turn the page."

"Would it be out of line for me to ask to borrow a few?" Khan tried not to look too eager.

"No. Just as long as you take really good care of them. They were my dad's, so I'm kind of attached to them. I'm assuming you've read about what happened to him by now?"

"I have," Khan said solemnly. "I will take excellent care of your books, Jim."

Spock glanced at Kirk sharply. Khan was already on a first name basis with the captain? For some reason, that bothered him.

Kirk shrugged, then turned back to their guest. "I know you will, Cochrane," he said warmly.

"Do you have any you recommend I start with?"

Kirk thought for a moment, then took two books off the shelf. "I don't want to start you off with something too heavy. How about A Tale of Two Cities and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes?"

Khan accepted Dickens' work without question, but hesitated at the other one. "Sherlock Holmes? I don't think I'd be that interested in the tales of a 19th century detective."

"Don't knock it till you've tried it," Kirk encouraged. "Sherlock's pretty cool."

Khan accepted the second book out of politeness. "Thank you, again. I finally found something that reminds me of my previous life."

"Don't mention it," Kirk said kindly. He watched as Khan stared almost hungrily at the first book. "If you want to go read it now, that's okay."

Khan looked up guiltily. "I don't want to be rude."

"Mr. Cochrane, we may converse at another time," Spock reassured him.

"Really? Thanks. It was good meeting you. Live long and prosper." Khan flashed the ta'al before he exited Kirk's quarters.

"He was not what I expected," said Spock, once their guest had left.

"What did you expect?" Kirk wondered.

"Someone less like you, someone less… nerdy." Spock almost-smirked at his captain.

"Hey!"

"Do not worry, Captain, I will not divulge your secret to anyone."

"No worries, Spock." Kirk flashed him a grin. "Most people still think I'm a dumb hick who landed this job as a fluke. They don't know I'm actually educated, and I'm more than fine with that."

Spock locked eyes with his captain. "I do not understand why you continue to perpetuate such fallacies. You should not have to hide your intelligence."

Kirk glanced at his chronometer, so he wouldn't have to keep looking at Spock. He hated being scrutinized by the Vulcan. It was almost like Spock was looking into his very soul. Kirk was certain if Spock looked hard enough, he'd find something he didn't like. At the same time, Kirk's insides were dancing from Spock's praise.

"Woah, look at the time," Kirk announced. "It's time for you to meet Uhura."

"So it is," Spock realized. "I will see you tomorrow, Captain."

"Later, Spock."

The Vulcan left, leaving Kirk miserable and alone with his thoughts.

.~.

Kirk decided that there was no point in sulking – he might as well knock out some of his paperwork so that Spock wouldn't have to nag him about getting it done on time. He was halfway through his task when he received a com from McCoy, warning him that Scotty was on his way to meet with him. Kirk didn't usually agree to meetings without an appointment, but the doctor assured him that it was important.

True enough, a few minutes after the com with McCoy, his door chimed.

"Come on in." The doors opened to reveal…

"Scotty!" Kirk smiled warmly. He was quite fond of his engineering chief. Kirk owed a lot to the man, who had saved the ship with his quick thinking quite a few times. Plus, Scotty was just plain fun to hang out with. "Bones said you wanted to meet with me?"

"Aye."

"Please, have a seat." Kirk and Scotty sat at the table, Scotty occupying the spot where Spock had been not too long ago.

"Is this official business?"

"No, it's ah, personal." The Scot blushed. "I hate to impose, but…"

"Hey, you can talk to me about anything," said Kirk with a grin. "You have definitely earned that right. So, what's up?"

Scotty grimaced. "Last night, I was feelin'… somewhat depressed. So McCoy invited me to his office to share some of his Saurian brandy. During our talk, the doctor told me that you and I are having the same problem. So, naturally, Leonard suggested that I share my miseries with you."

"Problem? What problem?" Kirk had no idea what his chief engineer was talking about.

Scotty looked apologetic. "He let it slip that you were pinin' for Commander Spock."

Kirk felt the bottom drop out of his stomach. "And you like Spock too?"

"What? No! God, no." Scotty laughed. "Heaven help me if I had it bad for a Vulcan. Besides, I'm afraid I dinnae swing that way."

"Right." Kirk shook his head to clear it. "Sorry I jumped to conclusions." He gave Scotty a sheepish smile. Then he suddenly realized something. "You're in love with Uhura!"

"Aye - along with most of the men on the ship." Scotty hung his head. "I knew I didn't stand a chance with her while she was dating Spock, but Dr. McCoy let it slip that they were having relationship problems. I asked him how he knew that, and he gave you as his source. Which, to be honest, that just made me more depressed."

"Why?"

Scotty gave him a look that screamed 'duh'. "Because next to you, Captain, I really wouldn't stand a chance."

Kirk snorted. "Don't be so sure. I was into Uhura when we first met, but trust me, that ship sailed a looong time ago."

"That's just what Dr. McCoy told me! I asked him how he knew that for sure, and he told me that you were secretly harborin' feelings for our resident Vulcan. I hope you dinnae mind that he betrayed your confidence – we were three sheets to the wind by then."

Kirk clapped his friend on the shoulder. "I won't tell Uhura if you won't tell Spock."

"You've got yourself a deal!" They shook on it. "So did Spock ever meld with Nyota?" Scotty had to ask.

"They're trying a surface meld tonight," Kirk informed him. He got up to pour himself and Scotty a drink. If they were going to keep discussing this topic, they were going to need it.

"I hope he doesn't hurt her," said Scotty.

"He won't – it's not the surface meld I'm worried about," Kirk admitted as he handed Scotty his glass. "It's when he's allowed to go deeper that bothers me. Tonight's just a first step."

"Jim, I'm sorry, but I think but Spock's just all wrong for her," Scotty confessed. "Nyota is a very emotional person. When she's with her friends, she's very expressive. But when I see her eating with Commander Spock, she seems more subdued in a way. I dinnae like it. It's like she's almost trying to be more Vulcan around him."

"I know!" Kirk agreed. "Uhura's always trying to push Spock to act more human, but it's not helping him. All it does is hurt him, and cause him to close up. If she could just accept him the way he is…"

"Spock doesn't treat her like the queen that she is. I know he thinks human courtship rituals are illogical – I asked him once. But if Nyota were mine, I would shower her with flowers and champagne and by God I would tell her how beautiful she was every day. I've found that most women need to know they're appreciated and I don't think Nyota gets that reassurance from him."

"No kidding. She keeps saying how serious Spock is, but he's got the most incredible dry sense of humor. You just have to look for it."

"Nyota's a feisty thing – but when she's with Spock, all that she is just disappears."

"Spock needs someone to call him on his bullshit. Uhura just goes along with it."

"Nyota needs to have more fun, more time to let her hair down. If I had my chance, I'd show her a good time. I'd to anything to see her smile."

"If I had my chance, I'd let Spock meld with me as much as he needed. I'd do whatever Vulcan shit he needed for him to be happy."

Kirk and Scotty just looked at each other and started laughing.

"We're kind of pathetic, aren't we Scotty?"

"Aye, Jim. That we are. Cheers." They clinked their glasses together and drank slowly.

"Do you think we'll ever have a shot, Captain?"

"I don't know," Kirk mused. "Knowing me, if I did, I'd screw it up."

"I don't exactly have the best track record with relationships either," Scotty admitted. "Somehow, I'm always getting' my heart broken."

"We can still dream, though," Kirk reminded him. "We can still be their friends."

"Aye. We can do that."

They talked and drank into the wee hours of the morning, each wishing for the impossible.

.~.

While Scotty and Kirk were bemoaning their unrequited love, Khan was relaxing in one of the rec rooms. He was engaging the computer in a game of chess but his posterior was growing numb.

If only I had a pillow to sit on, he thought. But he didn't feel like getting up and getting one from the nearby couch, where a few Starfleet ensigns were playing a two player video game. He really should get up and stretch at least. It couldn't be good for his body to be sitting for so long.

"Here's your pillow."

Khan frowned as he looked up from the screen. Standing in front of him was a redshirt, holding one of the pillows from the couch and staring at him expectantly. "I didn't ask you to get me a pillow."

"Uh, yeah you totally just did." The redshirt laughed. "It's no problem, man. Here you go."

"Thanks." Khan accepted the pillow and watched the redshirt go back to his card game one table over from him.

What had he just done? It was almost as if he'd willed the man to bring him the pillow – but that was impossible.

Wasn't it?

.~.

End Ch. 5

A/N: I was really dissatisfied with this chapter, but this was the best I could do. Hopefully the next one will be more action-packed. Thanks for sticking with me, though.