Kirk had now read through the list of possible First Officers at least five times. None of them jumped out at him, and he put a hand to his forehead, wondering what he was going to do. Come to think of it, he hadn't had to replace an officer since Bones took Dr. Piper's place. That's because Spock would usually do it, at least the minutiae of it, Kirk realized, with a new wave of sadness and loss that he attempted to ignore. He wouldn't ruin Spock's career by keeping him tied here.
His door chirped. "Come," Kirk called, and Spock walked in and stood there, hands behind his back. Kirk wondered briefly if this was Spock's goodbye visit – they were almost to the nearest Starbase – and swallowed. You're jumping to conclusions, Kirk reminded himself sternly. To Spock, he said, "I've just been reviewing possible First Officers. Not an easy task; these records all read exactly the same." And none of them are up to your standards; you've spoiled me, mister.
"That will not be necessary, Captain," Spock said. 'I have decided not to accept the position."
Kirk sat back, numb, then relieved. So relieved. He motioned to Spock to sit down, and then said, "So, what made you change your mind? I thought you were pretty close to accepting." He looked up in apprehension. "Don't you decline just because you think you're under obligation to stay. I already said, you should do what's best for you and your career."
"Jim," Spock's tone was emphatic, "My place is here," he finished simply, and now Kirk grinned, happiness flooding through him. He had not wanted to admit how much he'd miss Spock if he wasn't there.
"Glad to hear it," Kirk said with a smile. "And Bones will be glad too."
"It will certainly provide him with an excellent opportunity to say 'I told you so,'" Spock said, raising an eyebrow and Kirk chuckled.
The next morning, McCoy did say, "I told you so," for fifteen minutes straight, while Spock shot back retorts. Kirk was walking in between them, bickering and insults flying over his head, but all he did was grin. He was so, so glad Spock wasn't leaving, indescribably glad, and as he caught his First Officer's eye, Kirk could read the same glad relief there.
"Well, I'm glad you think you're so irreplaceable, Mr. Spock!"
"I did not say that, Doctor, I merely stated-"
Captain Kirk's laughter drowned out the bickering as they made their way to the bridge, and all three thought that things were finally getting back to normal.
"Warp Factor 2, Mr. Sulu."
A/N Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed! I was terrified to post and reading your reviews made my day. The perfect incentive to keep going :)