I hate having summer classes -_- they get in the way of important things...like fanfiction!

Two weeks after he had started to stay with Spock's family, Jim decided he was well enough to start working out again. Mainly he was bored with sleeping half the day, reading the other half and so forth. He enjoyed talking with Amanda, but apparently she was not only a homemaker but worked as a co editor for a small interplanetary magazine. She did this mainly for fun and something to do when she was done taking care of her home. This meant that some days she was busier than others and he had to entertain himself.

He decided to start getting earlier starts to the day so he asked Amanda if there was a way to get an alarm clock. Evidently, his bedside table had a built in holographic alarm clock Spock hadn't thought to show him on that condensed first tour. He set it for more around morning time so he could get up and figure out things to do with his day other than sitting around and reading.

The first day he decided to get back into the swing of things slowly. He began by stretching his room, his body protesting after almost two months of languid, unused time off. But he knew he had to do this, he couldn't get home only to have turned into a creampuff of a captain. Assuming he would still be Captain. He stretched his back, his legs, arms, shoulders and then his entire body at once. By the end he'd worked up a good sweat, he was dizzy, and his lungs were burning. It was a lot like the time he breathed too much of an alien pollen on one planet and had an allergic reaction much like asthma. Bones had yelled at him a lot for that one. Taking a few shallow breaths he started to calm down and sighed. He rose up slowly and took a sonic shower before heading downstairs. He saw Amanda sitting on the couch going over something on a padd.

"Morning, Amanda," he said.

"Oh, Jay, you're up. Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

He smiled. "Yeah, I got up early and started stretching. I think maybe I liked to stay in shape, I've been feeling restless lately. Uh, not that you aren't great company, I just meant…"

She chuckled. "I understand, don't worry."

"Yeah. I must be out of shape though. I was just stretching and my muscles are aching, I'm sweaty and out of breath."

"Oh no, that's probably due to the atmosphere. Vulcan's atmosphere is much thinner than Earth's, you're body probably isn't getting as much oxygen as it's used to."

"Ah…that explains a lot actually…so I guess going out for a brisk jog in the evening when its cooler isn't a good idea?"

"No, I'm afraid not…but if you keep training, you should build up your endurance."

"Ah, like high altitude training."

She smiled quizzically. "I find it amazing you know all these little facts but you can't remember your name or where you're from…"

Jim smiled ruefully, rubbing the back of his head. "Um, I guess it's just different parts of my brain or something…obviously I wasn't a brain surgeon, or I'd probably know."

She chuckled. "Maybe you were a fitness trainer. In either case, I can look into maybe getting you some weights. You can work with those inside with the climate control to build your resistance. I did that when I first came here, before I was pregnant."

"That'd be great, if it's not too much trouble. You've done a lot for me already."

"Well, find a way to repay us someday and we'll call it even."

He smiled, chuckling. "And here I thought you were selfless…"

"Nope, just incredibly shrewd and patient. You have to be to court a Vulcan."

He laughed then. "Well, is there anyway I could make myself useful today?"

"Hmmm…Help me polish the floors?"

"I think I could do that."

"Great, I'll show you how it's done." She rose, going to a closet and pulling a few things out.

"You know, as an ambassador I would've thought Sarek would have a maid or something, not letting his wife do all this…"

"I asked to. When Spock started going to school, I had nothing really to do all day. Our old housekeeper retired soon after and I told Sarek to just let me do it. It would give me something to keep my body occupied when I wasn't using my mind. I got so good at it after a while though I took that job as a co-editor to also keep me busy."

"…You are one classy lady, Amanda."

She smiled and set down a bucket, pulling out two things that looked like squeegees on the end of a stick. "Thank you. Though admittedly, I sometimes wish Vulcans had an equivalent of daytime television."

"That…would be weird. I mean, Vulcan soap operas? 'The Young and Illogical'. Or 'As the World Rotates Upon its Axis'."

She laughed, nodding. "Yes, I've often wondered what it would be like. Of course, they're far too logical for soap operas."

"Apparently too logical for TV in general, huh?"

"Yep, unless breaking news happens. But it's an easy enough thing to live without. Sometimes though I break out my movie collection and watch it on our view screen."

"If you do, call me. I can't remember the last time I saw a movie…wait…"

She laughed again and filled the bucket with a cleaning solution and a bit of water. They set to work running the squeegees over the floor, Amanda instructing him so he wouldn't end up in a corner. They had to shoo I-Chaya out of the way a couple of times, but he apparently knew better than to track over the wet parts. When the black stone was shining and drying, they sat down at the table, Jim stroking over I-Chaya's head as they ate lunch. The Sehlat had taken a shine to him, probably since he paid a lot of attention to him whenever he ambled over to the human.

"…Could I ask another favor of you, Jay?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Would you walk Spock home from school? "

Jim was surprised and didn't bother hiding it. "Me?"

"Yes. Sarek called earlier, he'll be working late today so he can't pick him up. And…well…" She stirred her tea, looking distant and sad. "I don't think he wants me to walk him home."

"Okay…but do you think he'd be alright with me?"

"I trust you."

He smiled, touched and somewhat relieved, having a feeling if she thought he was a danger to her son his ass would be grass. Or gravel, since Vulcan didn't have any grass. "I'm glad, but I meant…well, would he be alright with it?"

"He's going to have to get used to you eventually depending on how long you'll be staying with us. And even if he isn't alright with it, he'll just have to deal. Because, though I'm sure he'll say he's old enough to come home by himself, he's barely seven and I want someone to keep an eye on him. I just…don't think he wants that someone to be me."

"Alright…"

She smiled gratefully. "You won't have to leave for a while yet. I'll get you a hood, it will keep you from getting burned anymore. The material is very light, don't worry about being hot."

Jim's first instinct was to respond I never worry about that or I'd worry all the time, but he bit back that response and nodded. He wanted to keep an air of humility. They sat down to wait and Jim relaxed with a sigh.

"…Hey, Amanda, you think I could learn Vulcan?"

She looked up from a hard copy of an article she was editing in surprise. "You want to learn Vulcan?"

"Yeah. I guess cause I'm here or something but…well, I just think it'd be interesting. It would give me something else to work on too."

Smiling, she nodded. "I think that's a wonderful idea. It is quite fascinating to learn, if a little difficult for humans."

"So could you teach me?"

She looked considerate of the idea before shaking her head. "No, actually, I don't think I'd be the best choice. I'm human, so I can only pronounce it the way a human does. If you want to really learn, you should hear it from a Vulcan. It makes more sense too to learn from a native."

Jim deflated a little, knowing she was right but knowing that would mean he would have to likely ask Sarek or Spock to teach him. Sarek was often very busy, and Spock…well, he still wasn't exactly warm towards the human house guest.

Amanda smiled as if sensing his reservations and line of thought. "Just use logic. They'll have to agree."

Jim chuckled, wondering if she was implying it was some sort of contract they had to agree to anything logical. The rest of the afternoon was lazy with both of them reading, Amanda working a little while Jim just read for pleasure. Finally a chime sounded from a nearby clock and she stood.

"Time for me to go then?"

"Yes. You'll be early probably, but it would be good to go now in case you get turned around." She took a light ivory colored garment out of the hall closet that was a cross between a cloak and a poncho and helped him fasten it on, pulling the hood over his head. "How's it feel?"

"Like I'm about to step out into a monsoon."

She chuckled. "Not likely, but you'll thank me when you don't have to deal with a sunburn again." He shivered slightly and nodded, remembering the feeling like all his skin was burning away. She handed him a padd as well. "And here are the directions. You really can't miss it but they should help."

"Right. We'll be back soon." Jim headed for the door. Just before he opened it he realized this would be the first time he left this house in more than two weeks. For some reason that made him feel all at once nervous and excited. He didn't dwell on it and opened the door, flinching at the dry wind that blew inside. He never realized how comfortable the inside of the house really was, probably for Amanda's benefit. He stepped out and began walking up the street, glancing at the directions now and then. He passed more houses he remembered from their drive, and other buildings he thought might be shops the closer he got to the school he realized what Amanda meant by you really can't miss it.

The school was huge, sprawling and prestigious around the rest of the buildings. For a moment Jim wondered if it wasn't some kind of government building but there were many children leaving in the company of adults coming out of it. Makes sense I guess they'd make their schools the most…intimidating of buildings. A few people looked at him as they passed and Jim resisted pulling his hood down. He had a feeling they knew he was human already, and a stronger feeling they didn't approve. Is this what Amanda deals with?

He moved slowly towards the gates to wait for Spock, keeping his eyes out for him. Just need to look for a really short kid…

"Do have any human impulses?"

For a moment Jim thought someone was talking to him and looked around. There was no one there though so he turned fully around to look through the gate. A group of young Vulcan boys were gathered around one shorter boy that, though he wasn't turned towards him, he immediately recognized as Spock.

"He must have human impulses," another boy said.

"I am Vulcan," Spock said emotionlessly.

"You are half-Vulcan. Logically speaking, as such you are inferior. You're mother is human, so you will never be fully Vulcan."

The blond felt his mouth drawing down into a thin line, his eyebrows knitting in a glare. The heck…? He moved down the gate, finding the entrance and going in.

"My father is Vulcan. He has ensured my training so that I will be Vulcan too," Spock said.

"You're father is not a true Vulcan either," one boy said. "He married a Terran woman. He is a traitor to his own beliefs."

Jim remembered when the right words triggered Spock's emotions, like a party cracker pulled too hard. Apparently Spock was even more tightly wound as a child since he lunged for the other boy. Jim nearly let out a whoop of encouragement, but Spock was not tall enough to have any advantage and even when he went for the boys neck he was shook of and pushed to the ground.

"You cannot even do a simple maneuver such as-"

"Hey!" Jim called roughly. They didn't jump, like he'd hoped, but they did look up at him and blinked. Spock didn't, instead kneeling on the ground. He wanted to kneel down and help him up, but he had sympathy for his young future first officer. And he knew that in his shoes he wouldn't want a hand up in front of his tormentors. So instead he just stood above them. "Is there a problem?"

"Another Terran…" one boy said quietly.

"Damn straight, now I'll ask again: Problem?"

"There is no problem, Jay," Spock said quietly as he finally picked himself up. "Why are you here?"

"You're father was busy at work, and you're mother had some things to do. She asked me to come get you."

"I see. I am ready to leave then."

"…alright."

Jim paused however and looked at the boys. He knew this was Spock's battle, but the fact they picked at what he knew his officer was sensitive about without any purpose other than probably their own desire to bully or something stupid like that made him angry. His voice somehow came out cool and quiet though. "You want to know something, kids? I knew boys just like you on Earth. Funny how you mock humans, yet you were acting just like them just now. You should learn talking down to others like that is illogical and betrays inner emotions."

Spock looked up in surprise and the other boys flushed green. He smirked a little. Finding just the right strategy to push at an enemy was his strong suit. Before they could reply Jim turned Spock around and nudged him forward to the gate. "Just keep moving, okay?" They kept moving, heading out for his house as soon as they left. Spock was quiet for a long while as they walked, head down and face thoughtful. Jim worried maybe he was upset at him, or else upset in general. He'd been hoping they would get a long. Putting a bigger rift between them even before they actually first met. "…I'm sorry about that."

Large eyes looked up at him curiously. "To what are you referring to, Jay?"

"For saying that last bit to them. I know they're your bullies, and it's you're battle and everything. I just…I don't like people like that, even kids. Freakin' little brats..."

Spock blinked and looked down. "…I have no affection for them either."

Jim smiled slightly. "Well yeah. You're Vulcan."

"…"

The smile faded and Jim paused in his walk. The young boy stopped as well and turned to him curiously. Now he did kneel down in front of him, so he could see his eyes under the hood. "Spock, I want you to listen to me, alright? I may not be Vulcan, and I may not know much about Vulcans. But frankly, I don't see anything in you to stop you from growing up however you want. Those kids, they don't know what their talking about. Who you are is what you decide, okay?"

He stared at him before looking down. "…I find that highly illogical and improbable…What I am is dependant on my genetics-"

"That's what you are. Who you are is for you to decide. It's up to you. I mean, look at me. I was…well, I don't remember," he amended quickly. "And maybe I never will. But that doesn't mean I'll let that stop me. Who knows, maybe…Maybe I'll join the Federation and become a Starship Captain. And maybe my parents were just farmers, or stockbrokers or something. But it's up to me what my future is."

"…I believe I understand what you are attempting to say. I will…keep that in consideration. However, my behavior today is a poor example of what…who I wish to be."

"Really? Cause I was all for you trying to take that little creep down."

Spock looked up in surprise then away. "…Should I find that encouraging or discouraging?"

"Hey!" he laughed. There we go, now I see where my Spock is… "Point taken. But I guess I'm just glad to see you stick up for yourself. There's nothing wrong with that. Self-worth and a little pride are things everyone one should have."

Spock nodded slowly as Jim stood again. "C'mon, we better get home or your mom will worry. Hope you don't mind my coming to get you."

"…I…am not so opposed to your company anymore."

Jim looked down and smiled. "And I'm glad to hear that."

The continued on and Jim looked down at Spock from the corner of his eyes often as they walked. What if I just told him? Would he believe me if I said I was from the future? Would he think I'm crazy? Or just doing some kind of human thing? But if I could make him believe, I could tell him about the Narada…the Narada is out there right now. He looked up as if he would see it in the sky, or as if he could see Earth. I'm out there too…I'm just a toddler…heh, couldn't get back far enough to save my dad Part of him felt a little hollow at the thought. At least meeting him once would've been nice. …but I could still save Vulcan if I told him…could save Amanda…

Jim was lost in thought, not hearing the bounding footsteps or the seeing the mass of fur before he was suddenly flat on his back, staring up at the sky with a sandpapery tongue going over his face.

"I-Chaya! Bad boy, you got out," Spock said, pulling the sehlat off him.

Jim laughed, sitting up with his hood falling back and stroking over the animal's head. "It's alright, I'm fine. He probably wanted to come get you from school too." Spock still frowned but strokes over the animal's ears. He purred before turning and nuzzling his cheek, then licking Jim's face again and making him laugh. "I-Chaya's pretty affectionate."

"Yes…he does seem to like you."

"I'm a likeable guy once you get to know me."

He didn't reply to that, instead reaching up to pull his hood back over him. "My mother burns in our sun sometimes. She does not like it, I doubt you would. I have been informed it leads to many health problems as well."

Jim blinked then grinned at the friendly sign. "I can say I wouldn't like or want that either. Thanks."

Spock didn't say anything in return, instead getting I-Chaya to his feet to head back home. Jim smiled, wondering if he'd maybe made some headway with his future second in command. He stood and followed, rubbing discretely at his back. I-Chaya could like me a little less though…

Waiting for dinner later that evening, Jim was surprised when Spock came and sat on the couch across from him rather than waiting upstairs in his room as he usually did. He had a portable table that rested across his lap and he was working on what must've been his homework. Jim smiled slightly but didn't interrupt him.

The next day Amanda asked him to go pick up Spock again and he did so. He got there much faster and saw the group of boys near the smaller Vulcan. When they saw him though, they briskly headed off in the other direction. Spock looked over and Jim waved slightly. There was a slight pause but the boy walked over to him. "Mother asked you again?"

"Yeah, but I don't mind. I'm kind of enjoying getting out again, even in the heat, and it's nice walking you home."

Spock looked up, staring in what Jim thought was surprise, before looking down again. "I see…then I suppose there is no reason to object."

Jim smiled more, knowing that was his subtle way of saying he didn't mind. They walked back in silence, which was peaceful and calming despite the many stares he could feel. The Vulcan people, though not expressive, were prone to staring at his hooded self as he past, especially with Spock trailing next to him. The boy didn't seem too perturbed by it, but Jim noticed he stuck close and was grateful for that. He kept his hands to himself, though there was a slight temptation to grab the boy's hand. It was a human instinct, he decided, to take the hand of a child you're supposed to be escorting. There was no reason to though, there was no crowd for the boy to get lost in and he wasn't the type to wander off, or so he hoped. And that evening he studied in the family room again, not minding Jim's company.

This continued for a few more days before Jim's curiosity finally peaked. "So…What are you working on?"

Spock looked up. "…I am working on my advanced math homework."

"Oh, I see."

"Why did you wish to know?"

"I was just curious."

"Curious? A human emotion of intrigue, correct?"

Jim smiled slightly. "Yes, but I would think it would be one emotion Vulcans wouldn't mind."

Spock frowned slightly.

"Hey, scientific curiosity is important. Think of all the advances that have been made because of it, for humans and Vulcans."

The frown faded and he looked at his padd in thought. "…You have…a valid point."

Jim grinned. I wonder if I got him to say that into a recorder if I could play it back for his older self one day…

"You are…different from what I imagined of other humans."

"Oh? You don't know any others?"

"No…My mother's family calls, but usually during the day when I am at school due to time differences."

"I see…what do you think of me then?"

"You are more logical, in an odd way. Not directly, more…"

"More like I can see things in a different way but still make my points valid?"

"Yes."

Jim smiled and chuckled at the wide eyed look Spock gave him. "I'll take that as a compliment. You'll learn, sometimes people can be rational even when they're usually ruled by emotion."

"…I'm not sure if I will find that true, but it will be…interesting to see."

Jim shook his head slightly then paused. "I've been meaning to ask…would you mind teaching me Vulcan?"

Spock blinked in surprise, staring at him. "Could you not ask my mother?"

"I did, but she recommended I ask someone else since she can just barely pronounce some of the words. She said if you said that, that "isn't it more logical to have someone who speaks it natively teach because a native speaker would do a better job getting me used to hearing and speaking it?" She can be rather logical too."

"…I…suppose I could attempt it. But I will not make it easy."

Jim tried not to smile at the stern look on the rather adorable face. "Of course, I wouldn't want or expect you to."

"Then we will begin tomorrow."

"Alright, but don't let it get in the way of your studies or your parents would not be happy with me."

"I will have no problem fitting in at least an earth hour of tutoring to my schedule. It would be beneficial to me as well. Having enough of a grasp of a subject to teach it is a great test of competency and skill."

"I'm sure you'll be a great teacher."

Jim blinked at the light lime blush that came over Spock's cheeks. He looked down. "I…will try to live up to your expectations."

Jim had a sudden twinge and wondered if Spock thought he expected him to be a great teacher. It was true, but not in the way he might think. Jim could remember the years of pressure when he was young to live up to his father's legacy, to be something great. It had frustrated him to no end and he'd end. Then he'd proved how little like his father he was, to stop being compared to him, and no one had expectations for him. At all. Not until Pike dared him to out do his father and for once he wanted to meet that expectation, not because he was being compared but because he was being challenged.

"That's not…Spock, I hope you know I'm not trying to put pressure on you, okay? Just…do your best. That's enough for me."

Spock blinked, blushing a little more. "…Understood." He looked down and went back to writing. Jim smiled and relaxed against the cushions till dinner, rubbing over I-Chaya's head.

"Jay?"

Jim paused before going into his room to look over at Spock going into his. Dinner was over, homework and evening reading were done and both of them ready to turn in, but the young Vulcan was pausing a moment without really looking at him. "Yeah?"

"...I...wished to thank you for earlier. While illogical, walking me home and the words you said were...appreciated."

Jim was surprised but then smiled warmly. "Any time, Spock. Really."

The boy nodded once, a slight tinge to his cheeks, before quickly going into his room. Jim thought that a little odd but decided it was just how Spock was at that age and went into his own room.