A/N: Here's the second chapter. I know it's been a while, but it's all ready to be posted, I Hope everyone enjoys.

Chapter Two: Nothing Else Matters

Both men awoke early the next day, long before the wall chronometer gave its' loud, shrill, incessant beeps telling the Captain to hightail it and get his ass in gear. Waking up in the morning also took lots and lots of kisses from a hot First Officer as well.

They laid there quietly, Jim wriggling every so often to get a bit more comfortable or closer to the warm body he had pinned to the bed with his weight.

He kissed Spock's cheek and smirked when he felt long, pale fingers absentmindedly run through his hair.

"Are we going to have cake?" Jim asked cocking his head to the side slightly like a puppy, looking just as adorable, but such thoughts were not voiced by the Vulcan.

"Cake?" The Hybrid questioned with a raised brow.

"Yeah. You know, has layers and icing. Decorated usually with flowers, other girly shit and whatnot-"

"I know perfectly well what a cake is, Jim. As to the reason why we are going to obtain one I do not have the slightest idea."

Jim smiled a megawatt grin and rubbed one of Spock's pointed ears softly with his thumb and pointer finger. "For our wedding." The smile turned soft as the hybrid's cheeks were dusted with a grass green blush.

The Captain leaned in for a supple kiss, lips lingering and started to slide down the Vulcan's chin, trailing down his neck before sliding across the hybrid's chest, Jim smirking when he heard a small gasp, Spock's body arching into the touch.

Jim leaned back up to kiss him again, eyes closing as he spoke in his head while his body slumped against Spock's. I'll never get used to this.

To what are you referring to, Jim? Spock questioned as his nose skimmed the side of Jim's face, breath hot against the already heated face of his Captain, stopping on the way back down at Jim's ear to bite the rounded top of it before pulling away to get a better look at the blonde's face. A corner of his mouth twitched up- there. And the corners of his eyes creasing- here. Showing his own Vulcan version of a smile.

Uhm…I lost my thought, Jim mumbled in their shared head space.

Spock's deep voice gave something that resembled a laugh, shoulders rising and falling as his lips stayed shut. Jim again was losing his train of thought, as it went headlong into the wall of his brain, shattering with words like beautiful-mine-gorgeous-all-mine-want-you-oh-god-n eed-you as he was struck with the sharp lines of Spock's face, his jaw looser than normal. Eyes deep, under archways of thick, slanted brows begging for Jim's fingers to touch him.

His digits did so, without much consent from his brain, but the small sigh that escaped Spock's sculpted lips was answer enough.

This is all I need. Jim said, fingers trailing down to cup Spock's face. Just this.

I agree. Spock responded, cupping Jim's face as well, staring into his blue eyes, thumbs running under those enticing orbs. The Captain sighed happily, leaning in to attach himself to his first officer again.

The Vulcan started to become lost in thought as he ran over the many tasks that lie ahead along with the arrival of his…brother. If he were human he would shudder at the thought.

Family or not Sybok was different to say the least.

He was completely illogical. 'Wearing his emotions on his sleeve' as the humans would say. Sybok smiled and laughed freely. Anger evident in his tone, was sarcastic and condescending.

Spock was brought back out of his thoughts from Jim crawling into his lap and kneading his shoulders.

"You seem a bit distant. You alright?" Jim murmured close to a pointed ear, kissing Spock's temple for good measure. Spock gave a short nod. "I was pondering about our future guest," he answered, shoulders slowly lowering as Jim worked the sinewy muscles with his strong hands.

"It'll be okay. But what worries me is how much you're thinking about it. Is something wrong with your brother?"

Jim pushed his lover gently onto their bed, so Spock was on his stomach. He felt the weight of his fiancé as Jim straddled Spock's ass and started to run his hands along Spock's back, leaning down to kiss in the cool wake his hands left behind. Soothing, soft, subtle touches that unwound the Vulcan, loosening his svelte muscles.

His head rested on his folded arms, turned to the side as he spoke, "There is nothing "wrong" per se. He does not follow the teachings of Surak. He is a Vulcan that shows his emotions, what is an outcast in our society."

"Is that why you're so apprehensive?" Jim offered while kneading skin with his knuckles gradually moving back up Spock's spine, applying just enough pressure. The hybrid let out a gust of air, sinking into the bed, and spreading bare legs a bit more bending his knees to prevent them from locking up. Jim smiled softly while Spock shifted, noting the way he let go of some of that neutrality and control because of the trust and love they shared, it always amazed him.

"He lived with my parents and I, our father that we shared and my mother. He was-a millisecond of a pause-cruel. Harsh tongued and spoke with such acridity about our race."

Spock ended it there, pressing his lips together in a tight line and his shoulders rose again, holding back something that Jim knows needed to be said.

"There's more, isn't there?" He leaned down, his bare chest and lean stomach covering Spock's back. "I can feel it Spock, I can sense you're not telling me something, and that's your prerogative if you don't want to, it's okay. But I'm here to listen if you're willing to open up, T'hy'la." His voice was soft in the pointed ear, his hands running down Spock's flanks, the Vulcan's body releasing a small shudder and a soft breath as he turned his head enough to kiss Jim chastely.

Jim stayed on his back, his weight more of a comfort than a heavy burden while Spock ran everything through his head. This was Jim. Jim who was his betrothed, who he felt for. The man he loved. He could tell Jim anything. The reason why they worked was because he could be just a tiny bit (if only a very small amount) more human around him.

"T'hy'la," Spock paused before starting again. "His cruel words were directed at myself most of the time. My half-brother taunted and teased me like the other boys. Sybok wished to anger me, to show my emotions because of my human half. His methods were less desirable than my peers at school."

It was Jim's turn to tense up, starting to feel anger flood his system, "Did he hurt you?" he asked, teeth starting to gnash a bit. (A very bad habit of his.)

"Not physically. No," a minute head shake.

Spock rolled over, Jim following suit, the taller man sat up and Jim found himself in his lover's lap again. "What did he do to you?" Jim offered quietly, not trusting his voice as he caressed Spock's cheek, his other hand offering Vulcan kisses, before they intertwined.

"He…invaded my mind." Spock's eyes seemed to somehow convey defeat. He would only allow Jim in on this secret. Jim was his, and because this was so, he should know.

Kirk tensed up and tried to will away the unpleasant feeling of wanting to punch something really, really hard.

"That's horrible." He answered, wishing there was more he could say, but his touch conveyed it all, his hand tightening, tangled with Spock's. The set of his jaw was tight and eyes sharp, before softening as Spock ran a hand through his blonde hair, his chest rumbling reassurance. "I have recovered from the incident despite the clarity of such memories. A trait which is sometimes not favorable for Vulcans." Jim nuzzled his neck and kissed his jaw line.

"It sounds painful," Jim's voice was low, his long lashes casting shadows on his cheeks. Spock gave a short nod. "I can feel it now." Jim murmured, lost in his Vulcan's dark eyes. "So much…" His sentence died off as the Vulcan's lips closed over his own, heat radiating, hot like the desert. Spock's body seized Jim and pulled him closer.

Jim felt like his heart froze, going cold at the impressions of images that seeped through their bond.

He tangled his hand into Spock's hair and kissed back softly, blue eyes imploring and sorrowful. "He won't hurt you again," he assured in a low, protective, possessive, rasp once the kiss broke.

Jim's protectiveness did weird things to Spock's stomach, a corner of his mouth twitching up from the projected feelings. "The sentiment is appreciated, Jim."

Kirk smiled back at him then glanced at the wall chronometer. He leaned over to flip it off before it started wailing in their ears. "Come on, big boy. Time to shower." Jim said with a megawatt grin and a pat to Spock's sculpted back.

He hauled the Vulcan to his feet. (Well not really, but Spock let him.)The Vulcan lifted a brow at the comment which only amused Jim even more, dispelling the uneasiness that had settled into his gut earlier.

After entering under the hot spray, Jim wrapped his arms around his Vulcan hugging him close and rubbing his water-slick back. "I will protect you." He reassured.

"You are my Captain. It is your du-"

"No, no ashayam. As your mate, your T'hy'la. I will always protect you."

Spock's arms around Jim tightened at his words.

"You don't have to say anything." The young Captain added with a smile, while grabbing one of Spock's hands. "I already know."

They finished up fairly quick, eating together in their shared quarters before heading to the transporter room to meet with Scotty.

"Mornin' lads," Scotty greeted with a slight smile.

"Hey, Scotty," Jim smiled, with a small wave.

"Hello, Mr. Scott." Spock greeted.

Jim drummed his fingers on his crossed arms, biting at his lower lip in nervousness unconsciously. "Are we ready for our uhm-…guest?" Kirk didn't particularly like that term, Spock's body tensed as well, causing Jim to stand closer and touch shoulders with his Vulcan Fist.

He turned his head towards Spock's, blue eyes steady and staring into deep browns as he spoke in a soft tenor, "You don't have to be here. I can escort him to his quarters if you are uncomfortable."

"I will see to it he does not harm you," Spock responded in an even lower baritone, hands having a mind of their own and itching to wrap Jim up, secure him in his embrace, to shield him from anything that hurtles their way in this vast space they float in.

Jim smiled softly, and he bumped his shoulder against his Vulcan's.

Scotty looked the other way adjusting knobs and buttons and being very interested in the panel his fingers were gliding across making their final adjustments with such sureness.

"One to beam up Cap'n," He announced.

"Alright, Scotty." Kirk gave a nod.

The gold swirl of matter rebuilding, and rematerializing. A tall, pale, figure was deposited on the pad.

His hair was a deep black, the cut a bit shaggy. Slanted brows and pointed ears, sharper and harsher than Spock's.

That was pretty much where the similarities ended. The older brother was handsome in his own right, but wasn't all dark shadows and smoldering eyes.

Sybok's orbs were a light brown and his face sported a 5 o'clock shadow (well okay, some shadows.)

Giving a large smile he came forward off the transporter pad.

"Jim, is it? It's a pleasure to meet you." Sybok said with his smile infused into his tone and very visible.

The Captain had to blink a few times before shaking his head and forcing a smirk. This was just so…odd.

Spock stepped in front of Jim while the blonde haired male stuck his hand out to shake Sybok's.

"Do not touch him," Spock commanded Sybok in his low voice, taking on a growl-like quality.

"Oh Spock, is that really necessary?" He shook his head in exasperation at his younger sibling.

The half Vulcan took a step closer being very much in Sybok's personal space. "I know what you are capable of doing." This is when his voice does break into a low growl. Sybok stepped back with his arms raised in the universal sign of meaning no harm.

"My, my, aren't we possessive?" He chided.

Jim's mind touched Spock's, trying to cool and soothe the blistering heat that was emanating from his Vulcan First. Be calm, he's doing it on purpose. Jim said in their shared head space.

Jim made his way in front of Spock, squeezing his forearm in reassurance before standing to full height and becoming the Captain once more. "Spock, please return to the bridge. I will escort our guest-a slight wince at the word- to his quarters and meet you there shortly after."

Jim, alone with Sybok? Spock's mind supplied an ample amount of outcomes, (none too positive). He wanted to protest such an arrangement. Knew that he should, but Kirk was also well aware of this. I'll be alright, love. Don't concern yourself. I'm a big boy, I can handle him.

Jim was right that he was a full grown man, but Spock could not prevent such thoughts. You will contact me immediately if he harms you.

Jim knew that wasn't a question. Possessively, loveable, Vulcan. Yes, sir! Jeez, I thought I was the Captain. He snarked jokingly.

You are my T'hy'la, Spock answered instantaneously, heat of a different sort seeping across the bond, his deep eyes briefly roaming over the blonde male's frame once. It was so quick and fleeting but Kirk still flushed and unconsciously licked his full lips, seemingly half-hard from the projected thoughts.

Was the room suddenly much hotter? It sure seemed like it. He ran a hand through his mussed hair and sighed.

At the first sign of distress you will-

You'll be the first to know. Kirk cut in. He smiled brightly at his husband-to-be and cleared his throat.

Looking at Sybok he raised his brows with the question, "Shall we?"

On his way out the silver door he brushed his shoulder against Spock's, reassurance and love reaching out to caress his uneasy mind.

Then they were off. Down the hall and entering the turbo-lift to guide Sybok to his room.

"This is it," he declared as they entered the guest quarters.

Sybok took in the clean linear lines of Starfleet style his voice portraying what he felt. "Your interactions with my brother are very interesting."

"Ummm…Thanks?" Jim wasn't sure he liked where this was going.

Sybok brushed against the Captain as he moved to inspect something in the living quarters.

Jim's head started to buzz.

His heart felt like it was encased in a block of ice.

Images came stampeding to the forefront of his mind. Thoughts that he (for lack of a better word) thought were deleted. Extracted after he was brought back to Earth from that whole fiasco.

A hard shudder ran through his frame and his palms felt clammy. He gasped and blinked back the instantaneous tears, his blue eyes shining like liquid diamonds.

His stomach churned with deep seeded fear and his knees buckled from the onslaught, smacking against the cold, hard floor.

"I…" his voice trailed off as he looked up, dazed, and tears falling silently. It was as if everything had shut down an he couldn't speak, couldn't move.

Jim could only stare at Sybok as he moved forward and placed long, pale fingers on the back of Jim's head. Kirk's breathing quickened as his forehead rested against Sybok's hard, tunic-covered stomach.

How could he have forgotten such memories? Where had they gone? His thoughts were disturbed by the Vulcan that he totally forgot was in the room with him.

"Oh, you poor thing. You didn't know?"

Jim gasped for air again, shoulders shuddering and jumping.

There was so much death.

So much terror…

He couldn't save them.

He was safe and his friends were not. And Dear God he needed to save them.

Sybok's hand on his head, in the short shorn of his hair, extracting the images of the harsh desert before the young Captain.

A younger version of himself trying to keep his group safe, the youngest a little boy he was carrying on his hip, trying to silence his cries so they wouldn't be heard…

Being discovered and watching them all be slaughtered…

Some by his own hands.

Sybok leaned down, breath ghosting across Jim's cheek as the blonde still stared forward at the imaginary scene that was all too real.

"What would Spock think?" He asked in a low rumble into the Captain's ear, his lips curling into a private smile.

The blue-eyed male let out a strangled sound in the back of his throat.

Then Sybok pulled away. Standing again to full height with his hands at his sides, as if nothing had even transpired.

Jim stood a bit too quickly moments after nearly toppling over but he steadied himself with a hand on the wall. He cleared his throat before speaking, praying to whoever that it wouldn't break. "Please be sure to arrive in medical at 14:00 hours for standard inoculations," he gave a nod and left.

Jim got back to his and Spock's shared quarters and sunk down on the bed, grabbing his First's pillow and holding it to his chest, inhaling deeply, his lover's scent comforting for the moment. His cheeks turning pink from the shame he was feeling from needing such comfort.

"What do I do?" He mumbled, scrubbing at his face with his rough palms. "I…" There were all these thoughts that shouldn't have been in his head. Jim realized Spock would sense his distress and would be in their room shortly.

The blonde reached in his back pocket for his communicator and flipped it open, setting the frequency for his best friend's communicator.

"Bones?" He asked hoarsely.

"Jim? What-"

"I-I'm okay. Just-" He took in a shaky breath, his whole body wracked with a hard jerk. "I just…could you," He couldn't find the right words, voice unable to work again, unable to push the words past his lips, but Bones understood.

"I'm on my way, Jim."

Right when he snapped the device shut Kirk heard the door to their room open. Spock's even and steady steps allowing his heart to decelerate a little bit in relief. Spock stood next to the bed, observing the way Jim was clutching at his pillow.

"T'hy'la," Spock breathed.

Jim tensed and his brain told him he was unworthy of such a name.

A flash of Spock smashing his brother's head against the nearest wall and strangling him moved swiftly through his mind.

Jim didn't know what to say-how to say it. He was a murderer, a child of struggle and famine. Grief and corruption. He had to kill his friends-his family- the blood was still on his hands.

"What did he do." Spock said, voice deadly and eyes even more intense than normal.

Jim sat up slowly and Spock (without any hesitation) pulled him into his arms. "I'm not sure what happened. So, please don't ask yet. I just…I need you." he breathed against Spock's neck.

"Very well," Spock conceded, inclining his head in a nod and stroking Jim's hair at the nape of his neck.

What had his lover so shaken?

The Captain felt like everything was bubbling up in his chest at once, threatening to break free. Not to mention the massive migraine that pounded the walls of his skull.

Bones entered the room and walked over with his tri-corder at hand. He began to scan Jim's body, the warbling noise coming from the small machine.

"Jim, try and take deep, even breaths." The Doctor murmured. Kirk nodded, clutching Spock's tunic in a white knuckled grip and bunching the soft material.

Spock's lips moved across Jim's forehead, not having any particular interest if whether the doctor was in the room or not. He inhaled the scent of Jim's hair deeply as he settled on the bed. Jim was still clutching him tightly while trying to block out everything that was unlocked and rushing in.

McCoy was checking through the results of his scans, "How does your head feel?"

"Like it's ready to explode." Jim answered, eyes closed and teeth gritted.

"I can fix that."

A hypo was stealthily jabbed into the side of Jim's neck and Spock gave the doctor a harsh look coloring his eyes. McCoy waved him off, his attention focused on Jim and flipping through more readings.

"Are you anxious Jim? Your heart rate and adrenaline are sky rocketing like you just ran a goddamn marathon. Plus your brain activity…I'm gonna' have to analyze that one a bit more. It looks disrupted-or scrambled. What the devil?"

McCoy ended his rant for a moment and raised a brow as he fiddled with the machine a bit more, and brushed Jim's shoulder softly compared to the inoculation he jammed into him before disappearing and leaving the two be.

"Did he harm you?" Spock asked low, in their shared space while his lips caressed Jim's temple as he spoke. Jim shook his head 'no' and nuzzled into Spock's neck. His eyes filled with tears again. Dammit! He was not going to cry. What would Spock say if he knew?

Spock wasn't probing his mind but he was damn good at reading Jim, "I wish to know the source of such discomfort." The Vulcan voiced quietly, ears and cheeks turning green from intruding.

"The way he-look I'm okay now." Jim said sincerely Kirk placed a hand on Spock's heated cheek and leaned up to kiss between his elegant brows. This in turn allowed the First Officer to let out a soft breath but he still wasn't completely convinced. He brought Jim's lips to his own, long fingers holding his head tenderly. It was nothing like his brother's touch-although he did not even wish to call him family- being careful. Spock took his time taking care of his Captain.

Spock was going to get to the bottom of this. Jim would come around when he felt the time was ready, he just couldn't stand to see him in pain. It was time to have a discussion with the enemy they just took on board, the sooner they got him to New Vulcan, the better.

Sybok awaited in his quarters until he had to meet the ship's doctor down in med bay. He had already targeted the Captain, he never thought it would be that easy. He laughed to himself as he twirled a chess piece in his hands that he'd taken from the Captain's quarters, twirling the white queen in his fingers before he crushed it in his alien grip turning it to dust.

He was ready for Leonard McCoy, but was the doctor ready for him? He grinned wickedly as he exited his quarters. "Time to stir the pot," He said to no-one in particular as he whistled while making his way to the turbo-lift and down to med bay.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed the latest installment, reviews, comments, and concerns are always welcome. Thank you. c: