The rest of the way to New Vulcan, Spock became a master of avoidance. The only time he saw Jim and McCoy was on the bridge, where he studiously stayed glued to his computer console and only spoke when necessary. Outside the bridge, he avoided all common areas and anywhere he might accidentally run into the Captain and CMO. He stayed in his quarters during all meals and, in fact, began eating less and less. He wasn't aware that anyone else noticed his sudden detachment from everyone until Nyota cornered him in the hallway one evening.
"Alright, what's going on, Spock?" she asked, arms crossed over her chest.
"What do you mean?" he responded with the quirk of an eyebrow.
"Stop playing dumb. You know exactly what I mean. You've been avoiding everyone and everything. Not only that, but you're beginning to lose weight." The concern in her voice was almost palpable.
"I am sorry, but you are incorrect." All of the sudden, a hand connected sharply with his cheek. A stinging sensation bloomed across his skin. Nyota's face was filled with rage one moment and soft sadness the next. She grabbed his face in both her hands, soulful brown eyes staring into his own. Her voice wavered as she spoke.
"Please, please let me help. I know we're not together anymore, but that doesn't mean I don't care about you. Spock, you're one of the strongest people I know, but everyone needs somebody. You can't do everything on your own, no matter how much you try." she lowered her hands, unshed tears in her eyes. "Just...just know that my door is always open if you want to talk." with that, she turned away and continued her journey down the hall. Spock stayed glued to his spot, hand raising to run long fingers over his bright green cheek.
~x~x~x~
That night, Jim and Bones were lying in Jim's bed, wrapped in each other's arms. They were both thinking hard about the situation at hand.
"We arrive at New Vulcan tomorrow." Jim stated.
"Yeah." Bones responded, absentmindedly. He tightened his arms around his lover for a moment.
"What're we gonna do?"
"I don't know. The green-blooded hobgoblin is downright mule-headed." At that statement, Jim turned his head and shot a look at the older man. "What?" Bones asked, indignantly.
"Nothing." Jim just said, chuckling to himself. They both sobered after a minute and continued thinking about their shared problem.
"He's not eating." Bones stated simply. "His personal replicator history is almost empty."
"I was afraid of that."
"He can't keep doing this to himself. We have to tell him." Jim raised himself up on an elbow.
"We can't! What if we just make it worse?"
"It is worse, Jim!" Bones said in a slightly raised voice. It took Jim a moment, but he finally made a decision, resolve settling within him.
"Let's go."
"What?" Jim sat up and grabbed a tee, pulling it over his head.
"It's now or never. I don't think we'll have much of a chance once we're planet side. Get up." Jim smacked Bones, playfully, on the shoulder, getting out of bed. Bones grumbled irritably as he rose and threw on a tee as well, following Jim into the bathroom. This time, Jim encouraged Bones to use his override code so they could enter quietly. Once inside the room, they noticed that it was rather cool for a Vulcan's quarters. On the bed, Spock was asleep on his side, shivering slightly.
"Like I said, mule-headed." Bones whispered. Jim just smiled and tip-toed over to the bed, climbing under the covers in front of Spock. He watched as Spock's face twitched slightly at the disturbance. Following Jim's lead, with a "If he kills us, I'm blaming you." thrown in, Bones climbed on the bed and settled himself behind Spock. Both men wrapped their arms around the Vulcan, holding on tight as the shivering slowed to a stop. Spock began to stir and opened bleary eyes, looking directly into bright blue ones. He was still mostly unaware of his surroundings.
"Shhhh." Jim whispered. "Go back to sleep." The Vulcan complied, which spoke volumes about how drained he was. The other two men settled in for the night, arms holding tightly to one of the most important beings in their lives.