OMG AN UPDATE! I'm sorry again for the wait. This year just keeps putting stuff in my way, good and bad. But hope it was worth the wait and I'll be able to get back on schedule.

EDIT: Thank you to Mouse for pointing out I'd mentioned T'Pring last chapter OTL Been so long I forgot apparently. Always reread your last chapter before you write the next, especially if it's been a while! Anyway, removed that mention from the last chapter since I like it here better and moved things around. Should be all square now.

Walking into Sarek's office, Jim took a cursory look around since he'd never been inside before. It was a good size, about what he'd expect of an executive office on earth. A large kidney shaped desk made of stone and metal was on one side with a window behind it. On either wall were huge shelves lined with various large view pads the width of old fashioned books, their titles in Vulcan. He could recognize a few words though like "law", "procedural" and a few names of other planets. He noted with curiosity that ever few pads there was a knick knack of some kind like a statue, or award. He paused at one point when he noted a picture of an even younger Spock and Amanda in a frame on a shelf nearest his desk. Jim had to smile a bit at that, though he had to think that was Amanda's addition. One shelf on the opposite side was filled with a large view screen that had a panel for dialing frequencies, as well as a few on speed dial.

Sarek turned to face them once he was sure the door was securely closed. His eyes went to Spock for a few moments before looking at Jim. "I have contacted the council, but two members are away on business. As important as this is we must all be present, so we will convene first thing next week with you present."

There was a pause, Spock blinking. "…Uncle, I confess confusion. Why would Jay need to meet with the council?"

Sarek straightened further if possible with his ramrod posture, eyes flicking between them. Jim smiled wanly at the elder Vulcan. "Yeah…he didn't know you know who I am." Spock's head whipped to him. "Yes, he knows. Uh, he also probably knows you're not 'Selek' since he did the mind voodoo on me."

"You participated in a mind meld with my father?" he snapped. Jim tried not to think that it sounded a lot like the time he'd confessed to kissing a friends single mom (he was drunk at the time and she was hot and in the middle of her mid-life crisis, and it was just a kiss. He really didn't deserve the resulting punch and cuss out.) Spock's tone sounded very close to a 'what the hell you were thinking' snap where he might try to choke a captain.

"Well, I had to prove I was from the future somehow!" he defended, ready to block him.

"You-" Spock began, edging towards him, hand raised.

"Spock, calm yourself," Sarek said sharply before the hand closed around Jim's windpipe, the other raised for a punch.

Spock looked at him, tense and ready to continue. "But Unc- fath-"

"What is done is done," his father said soothingly. "Keep control of yourself. James Kirk meant no harm and is here to help in his own way. Attempting violence on such a man is dishonorable. Are you still in practice of your Vulcan principles?" Jim could swear that was more a goad than an actual question but hoped he knew what he was doing.

Spock breathed deeply, closing is eyes for a moment and doing who knows what in his head to calm himself. Opening them, he looked to his father with his usual stoic expression as he retracted his hands to behind his back in his usual fleet pose. "You have been informed of the future then I take it?" he asked, attempting to keep calm.

Sarek nodded. "Indeed. I am now aware of Vulcan's destruction in approximately twenty one years. By informing the council, we will attempt ways to prevent it in some way." Jim watched Spock, who was apparently torn internally between two of those annoying emotion things. One was relief, he hoped, but Jim wasn't sure what he could complain about. Sarek could pick up on his chaotic feelings as well though. "You are not pleased?"

"…I am not displeased. However, Jay-that is, Captain Kirk-should not have done this. Changing the future could have unknown repercussions."

Sarek nodded. "I concur."

"What? But-" Jim started, but the gray haired Vulcan held up a hand to stop him.

"However, I appreciate his drive to help. In the face of tragedy, I cannot deny I would also seek a way to reverse it. And now, what's done is done, unless you would seek to reverse this as well. I could keep silent about what I know, but knowing such massive destruction would happen and doing nothing could be argued as also being negligent and, in a way, aiding the Romulans in destroying my own people."

Spock was quiet again before he answered. "You make a philosophical and moral point, father."

"Such points can be valid in the scheme of life. Restraining our emotions does by no means render us incapable of rationalizing our own morals based on personal experience, thoughts and expectations. After all, if you were aware of an attack that would come to Earth in your time, you would seek to prevent it. Does it matter that the warning for Vulcan has come two decades ahead of time and due to living through it yourself?"

"…Logical, in a manner of speaking."

"That's what I was trying to say before!" Jim exclaimed.

"Then you were ineffectual in conveying it," he said simply.

Jim glared at him. "You just don't want to admit you would've done the same thing if you had the balls…"

Spock glared at him slightly but Sarek moved towards his desk as he pointedly ignored the comment. "Given your presence, Spock, I can assume you have come to reclaim Mr. Kirk."

"That's Captain Mr. Kirk, thanks," Jim muttered.

"Yes, father."

"Will you wait until next week? Kirk's presence will make convincing the council much easier."

Spock looked down, deep in contemplation for a few moments before nodding. "We are here and the future has likely already been altered. As long as precautions are made for other variables to not make the future worse-"

"Don't see how that's possible," Jim muttered again, keeping to side commentary.

"-Then attempting to ensure Vulcan's survival will of course be a top priority."

Sarek nodded. "You have my thanks. I will ensure you an alibi for remaining longer than you intended. However, I believe it would be best if you room with 'Jay'."

"Huh?" Jim asked. Spock also arched an eyebrow.

"We do not have another guest room, but we do have a spare portable bed. We will place it in that room. The bedrooms are kept the warmest at night after all, rather than heating the whole of the house."

"Oh…Okay, sure." He smiled at Spock. "Looks like we're roomies."

"I am overjoyed, Captain," he deadpanned. Jim grinned but didn't point out he'd actually said something funny.

Sarek moved around, making a note on his padd. " I will work out the details and begin propositions of what to do to combat the Romulan laser drill. I recommend you both make plans on how you will return to the future once we are finished."

"Yes Father."

The elder Vulcan looked at him for a long moment before nodding. "Go relax for a time. Do not tell your mother anything however, I do not wish to worry her."

"Understood."

"You got it, Sarek."

The both nodded back and headed out of the office. Jim looked at Older Spock from the corner of his eye, but the Vulcan remained stone faced and impassive. "So…not going to kill me?"

Spock turned a cool gaze to him. "I choose not to answer that at this moment," he said, striding back out.

"That wasn't a no…"

Jim sighed as he took a spot on the couch, messaging a crick in his neck from tension. Spock tended to set him on edge in the future, and he hadn't lost his touch it seemed. Right now he was being shown around by Amanda. When Jim saw the look on his face, he quickly made an excuse that he wanted to rest some more. He felt like an intruder suddenly and wanted to leave them alone to be together. The last time Spock had seen his mother was before she died in the heart of a collapsing planet. Before that he had no idea, but it seemed like he hadn't kept in touch well. He deserved to have some time with her alone he decided.

Though he didn't think it was for the same reason, Young Spock was suddenly sitting next to him. "How are you feeling, Jay?"

Jim smiled and patted his head. "I'm fine, really. Just taking it easy. How are you?"

"I am fine."

"You sure?" He frowned a bit as he looked at the bruise on his cheek. They were a darker green than his natural complexion, but looked old. The boy apparently knew where his eyes were and his cheeks darkened for some reason, looking away. "I only have bruises thanks to you. You are the one that was grievously injured."

Jim smiled a bit. "I don't regret it. I had to make sure you would be okay."

Spock blushed again but looked pleased. "Thank you."

He smiled. "So…um, how's Chris after all that?"

"He is well. His superiors are giving him a commendation for aiding in my rescue."

"Good, he deserves it."

"Indeed, he was very brave. He also wishes for you to contact him. I have his number. I believe he wants to make sure you are alright and healing."

Jim smiled. "I'll do that a bit later then."

"He is interesting for a Terran," Young Spock went on.

"Oh?"

"Yes."

"As interesting as me?" Jim teased.

"…No one is as interesting as you I believe," he said quietly, blushing more.

Jim was surprised but smiled. "Thanks, that's one of the nicest things anyone's ever said to me." Spock colored more but his lips twitched. "So…want to go over more lessons before dinner?"

The boy nodded and picked up his pad, moving closer to go over vocabulary and sentence structure with him. Jim felt a sense of accomplishment that at least this Spock enjoyed his company, though again felt a twinge of guilt that he'd have to somehow leave him.

After a bit, Amanda and Elder Spock returned. Amanda was smiling as usual, and Spock looked his stoic self on the surface though Jim wondered what was going on underneath. "We're back."

"Hello mother," Young Spock said.

"Spock, would you help me with dinner?" The boy hesitated, glancing at Jim. "I was thinking Jay could show Selek to the room and help him get it set up for later."

"I'd be glad too," Jim said, smiling as best he could. Young Spock's frown increased, looking between them both. Elder Spock just regarded him cooly. "I'll be fine, Spock. Go on, we'll need a big meal later I'm sure."

The boy finally sighed and hopped off the couch. "Very well." He walked with his mother to the kitchen as Jim rose from the couch.

"Uh…this way?"

"I know the way," Spock said quietly, going to the door and picking up a simple traveling sack next to it. He followed the blonde anyway up the stairs and to "Jay's" room, setting the bag off to the side. He then went to a hall closet without comment and returned with a large rolled up stuffed matt. Jim hovered nearby as he watched, wondering what to say or do to make this any less tense or awkward.

"Sleeping bag? It is like a sleepover," Jim grinned, trying to make a joke.

"This is a Mos-yok-pev. A soft mat intended for sleep. It is not a "bag"," Spock said, putting a pillow at one end and a folded blanket at the other.

"Ah…well, um…interesting being back here again?" Spock gave him a withering look even for a Vulcan and went back to arranging the bedroll. "…I guess interesting isn't the right word."

"It is rather insubstantial given the circumstances," Spock replied.

Jim sighed and knelt down beside him on the floor. "I'm…Look, I won't say sorry. I'm doing what I think is right because what happened…was not right. It was…I can't even describe how wrong it was. So I wanted to fix it. And staying here made me want to fix it even more. I don't want to know a world where Vulcan is gone. Where…your mother is gone." He rubbed over the back of his hair, realizing he could use a trim. "She's been like a sister to me here…like a mom…"

"She is my mother, Captain," Spock said tersely, almost like a child wanting a favorite toy back.

"Yeah…you're a lucky guy."

Spock looked at him then. "…What of your own mother?"

Jim shrugged. "She wasn't bad. Actually, she was pretty cool when I was younger. I was kind of a spoiled brat to be honest, but she was an Lt. and engineer in the fleet and taught me a lot of stuff. Me and my brother, Sam. But she was still…" He sighed and rested his head against the bed. "Sam told me about how she was before the Kelvin. He'd stayed with our uncle on Earth while hey spent a year there, getting pregnant with me a couple of months in. He says mom was always the more serious out of mom and dad, but she still joked around and was usually smiling. Growing up, she always tried to smile around us but…well, I'd see her at times just kind of staring off into space. And I knew she was seeing that day again…I know she loves me, but it's hard for her, you know. Especially since I apparently look a lot like my father. Sam had some trouble to start with too."

"Trouble?"

"Losing dad, then dealing with mom when she first came back. That was the worst time he said, she kind of closed off for a while. Sam and Uncle Marcus were the ones to look after me most of the time before she finally snapped out of it. But when we were young, Sam sometimes was a bit angry. He explained later it wasn't with me, just with everything that had happened. He tried to leave me at a bus station once."

Spock's eyes widened and he opened his mouth, but Jim held up a hand. "He was six at the time and I was one, so you can just call it being an idiot kid. The point is, we weren't close when we were really young. Heck, he tried to run off after our mom remarried this asshole named frank in Iowa and I hated him for trying to leave me behind."

"You have a stepfather?"

"Had, mom divorced him soon after I drove dad's old corvette off a cliff." He grinned a bit at Spock's stare. "I told you, I was a spoiled brat. I was angry at Sam for leaving, angry at Mom for marrying a guy we hardly knew and then leaving on another mission, and angry at Frank. He wasn't physical or anything, just an ass. Liked to cuss me and Sam out when mom was gone, telling us we were useless…" Spock frowned, the guarded expression melting at the admission. " He flirted with any woman in sight when mom was gone, and then started driving that, my dad's car, to make himself out to be some big man." Jim sneered a bit. "I found bra that was definitely not my mom's in there. I was ten but not stupid. That's when I decided he didn't deserve that car, and definitely not my mom. She wouldn't listen when I tried to tell her how he was before and come home, so I figured this ought to get her home and get that car out of Frank's hands."

"So you took the car…and drove it off a cliff?" Spock asked.

"Yep. Nearly went with it, but was able to get out in time." He sighed. "Mom was…more upset by the car than Frank in a way. That was a tie to dad she hadn't wanted to give up. But Frank was the one that let his temper get the better of him. First and last time he hit me was when the officer picked me up, figured the Robocop wouldn't do anything. But it has protocols and arrested Frank for child endangerment, showed the video to mom when she was called of Frank yelling at me, and finally listened when I told her."

"I see..." Spock said. "You haven't changed much. You are still quite reckless."

Jim laughed. "I know, I know. That kind of colored my adolescence for a while though. It went on my permanent record and I had to spend a semester at an alternate learning center for troubled youth. I expected to be cannon fodder for the real thugs, but when they heard I'd "stolen a car and driven it over a cliff", I got respect. I got beaten up too. I started learning how to fight back there and well…Mom never stopped worrying I guess, but I didn't want to care anymore. I figured if she left, and Sam left, then why should I try to make them happy?" God…I'm a selfish little bastard…

Spock was quiet a moment before kneeling more fully in front of him. "I believe I understand you better now, Captain."

Jim smiled tiredly, feeling a bit empty. He hadn't told anyone all about that since that time he'd gotten drunk with Bones after a call from his mother. It hadn't ended as well as he'd hoped, even after joining the fleet. There had been a lot of bitter words he realized now he'd never apologized for. "What, surprised I'm so complex? Not just some hot, loose-cannon captain that screws the rules?"

Spock arched his eyebrows. "No, simply that you realize you are as reckless as I have always believed."

"Oh, I always knew that. I just don't care."

The Vulcan sighed quietly but relaxed. "I believe you should reconcile with your mother and brother."

"I reconciled with Sam after the Narada. After he yelled at me for being an idiot and nearly dying. Didn't know he cared that much. Mom…She cried when I called her and begged me to quit the fleet." Spock's brows rose in surprise. "Hey, she lost the man she loved doing these sorts of missions. Didn't want to lose a son."

"But you didn't quit," Spock said slowly.

"No…" He looked into Spock's dark eyes, bringing himself to pull the words up that he had never spoken outloud. "Truthfully…being on the Enterprise was the first time I can ever really remember feeling like I belonged. That I was where I was meant to be."

Spock held his gaze a few moments longer before nodding. "I understand, Captain. Better than you might think."

Jim smiled, feeling on even ground once more with his science officer. For the first time since he arrived it felt like they weren't going to attempt to duke it out. "Yeah…did I mention I told off a group of little Vulcan douchebags that were making fun of little you?" Okay, so he couldn't resist being the devil's advocate sometimes.

Spock sighed and closed his eyes. "No, you did not inform me of that…"

"Well, I did. Told those little jerks off for harassing you. Seriously, you are adorable as child. What the hell happened?" Spock deigned not to respond to that as he finished readying the mat for later that night. "You good down here?"

"You are the injured party, Captain, as well as of higher rank. The bed is yours."

"Okay…you sure?"

"Of course."

"Okay. Thanks then." Jim smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You know, it is good to see you."

"…I admit relief at finding you relatively well also."

"Jay?" Jim jumped and looked over the side of the bed to the doorway where young Spock was. The boy was staring, face pinched in a look of annoyance at his "cousin".

"Spock. Hey, when did you get here?"

"Just now." He stalked over standing close to Jim and staring down at his older self with the minute advantage he had with him sitting. "I was asked to inquire from Selek if he liked Masa fruit," he said curtly, reminding Jim of a child defending a favorite toy from someone trying to borrow it. The comparison made Jim want to laugh a bit, imagining for a moment both Spock's pulling on his arms as they fought over him in a very Un-Vulcan way. But his first mate was above such things.

Older Spock arched his brow and nodded. "Yes, I find it adequate."

"Very well. Jay, if Selek is settled now, why don't you come help." He grabbed Jim's sleeve and pulled lightly.

"Uh, well, I don't cook much…"

"Mother will teach you." He tugged again and Jim rose with a slight groan. It was that or risk his shirt getting torn.

"Alright, alright. Lead the way."

Spock didn't need coaxing gripping Jim around his arm and casting a look back to Selek. "You can rest here, as our guest." He quickly led Jim out the door before the other Vulcan could answer, Jim staring back at him in apology and confusion. Spock was staring at them with narrowed eyes and arched brows, obviously puzzling out his younger self's odd behavior. Jim was just hoping that he could put up with a Vulcan temper tantrum if the time came.

Dinner was another delicious vegetarian casserole. Jim never thought someone could be so creative with just vegetables and breads, but Amanda continued to surprise. He noted Elder Spock stared at it a moment before breathing out in resignation and going to eat. The casserole was hot but filled with delicious spices and vegetables, particularly that a gourd Jim often mistook for meat with its texture and taste when cooked. I'm gonna miss this cooking I think…

Sarek, Older Spock and Younger Spock also seemed to enjoy the casserole in their silent, Vulcan way. Jim noted Elder Spock was taking small bites and chewing longer, savoring it quietly.

"Uh, so…any other news from while I was out?" Jim said, trying to distract himself from morose thoughts.

"I have been contacted by T'Pring's parents," Sarek said, taking a sip. Immediately a heavy silence seemed to descend over the table, Amanda giving him a look of reproach, Elder Spock wincing and Younger Spock stopping all together with a puckered brow.

"Uh…who?" Jim asked, feeling once again left out.

"Spock's betrothed," Sarek clarified. "We are discussing his marriage arrangement."

Jim inhaled the bite of vegetable he had been taking, coughing violently. He pounded on his chest as if to dislodge the blockage, and Amanda rose quickly in shock. Elder Spock was faster though and came around quickly to pound roughly on his back once. It was enough for him to swallow and quickly gulp down more of his drink. Rather than gratitude though, he looked up at the Vulcan man incredulously. No one ever mentioned an arranged marriage! He wanted to yell. "I'm okay, I'm okay," he croaked instead. "Just…never heard a word of this before now."

"Yes," Sarek said. Amanda nodded, more put out by the idea it seemed.

"I, but-he's seven! Isn't it a bit early to think about this stuff?"

Spock blushed deeply for some reason, glowering more at his plate.

"By modern Terran Standards perhaps, but this is a Vulcan matter," Sarek said.

"But why? I mean, an arranged marriage? I never heard this before now, how long…?"

"A few months now," Amanda said. Sarke laid a hand on hers and she sighed. "They will be going through a ceremony soon to lay out the foundation for later of this…bond."

Jim wrinkled his nose. "Isn't it a bit…I'm sorry, archaic?" Elder Spock shot him a look but Sarek simply looked at him like a teacher having to explain things to a student that needed to catch up on work.

"I realize it is not the Terran ideal, but it is necessary. In the future, there will be a time Spock will require a someone to bond to or risk his life. This will ensure he will have a mate to do so."

Jim gaped, looking once more at Older Spock. The Vulcan said nothing as he took another bite of dinner.

"T'Pring is a suitable individual mentally and physically-" Sarek went on.

"I do not care for her," Younger Spock interrupted. This surprised everyone apparently, including his older self.

"Spock," Amanda began.

"You object?" Sarek said before she could.

"Yes."

"On what grounds?" Sarek said, straightening more as if readying for a debate with his seven year old son.

"She is also opposed to the match. She finds the idea of bonding with a Half-Vulcan distasteful. I find her demeanor thus off-putting and do not wish to bond with her. I have no desire to begin a bond with someone that can barely tolerate my presence."

"This ceremony is essential for later, Spock," Sarek said. "You could run a great risk later not bonding now in finding a mate."

"You were not bonded to mother when you were seven. She was not born yet," The younger boy shot back.

"This is true, but I still had such a ceremony at your age. But by a great tradgedy, my first intended died. I then met your mother later."

"I may not require such a bond though, being half Vulcan."

"On that same line of thought, you may require it all the more."

Young Spock narrowed his eyes, tightening hi grip on his fork. "I do not wish to bond with T'Pring. I wish to choose my own intended."

"You are seven, Spock," Sarek said slowly. "At such a young age, I am not certain you could make such an important decision on you own."

With a loud clack, Spock set his fork down. "Do I not get a say in such an important aspect of my own life is what you are saying?"

Sarek blinked in surprise by his son's determination. "That is not my intention-"

"Yet I will be forced to go through this ordeal. I am too young to make a decision about my own future mate, but not too young to begin the bonding process? I see no logic in this."

"The logic is in ensuring that you will have a mate at a time it will be most dire," Sarek said levely, his voice calm but also some how ominous.

"And then I must be married to someone who finds me repulsive?"

"Spock," Amanda said quickly. "No one finds you repulsive. T'Pring is a…nice girl-"

"Who would rather spend the time you intended for us to get to know one another reading than speaking with me."

"Oh Sprocket-"

"Mother, do not call me that," he said tersely. "It only reinforces you think of me as a child."

"Spock, do not disrespect your mother so," Sarek said warningly, a tone that apparently made older Spock wince slightly.

"I mean no disrespect, but I am far from willing to continue this farce of a ceremony." Pushing his plate away, the boy got up. "I am no longer hungry."

"Spock-"

"I wish to be alone, mother. Father." He didn't look back as he headed for the stairs.

Amanda turned pleading eyes to her husband. "Sarek, do something!"

Sarek sighed, messaging his temple. "I do not know what I can do. For now I think it best he has time on his own to calm himself. I will speak with him later and attempt to make him see reason."

Jim frowned. "Sarek, I kind of agree with him. Is an arranged marriage thing really necessary?"

"Vulcans do not do anything of this caliber that is not necessary, Jay," he replied morosely. "Though I also found it distasteful at his age, I understood with time it was necessary. I did not find my prospective mate inadequate."

Amanda narrowed her eyes further and Jim quickly tried to give the white haired man the "don't go there" man sign. Talking about your ex was not a good idea after all. Sarek though appeared to sense that and placed a hand on hers. "Her death hurt me through our bond to the point I thought I would not seek another. Not until I met you, Amanda. This bond is much stronger, and I hope that one day Spock could experience such a thing." She smiled more, though it was somewhat sad. Sarek nodded to a silent question. "However, waiting could prove detrimental later."

"Why?" Jim asked.

"We do not talk about such things unless absolutely necessary," Sarek said.

"But-"

"It is a difficult and embarrassing topic, Jay," Older Spock interjected. "Just know this is meant for Spock's own good, not as a matter of trying to control his life."

Gotta be weird talking about yourself like that…he thought, but dropped the subject.

The rest of the dinner went by in a more strained silence. Jim couldn't help but look at the elder Spock curiously and a small bit of accusation. He never mentioned a fiancée, arranged or not…shit, what about Uhura! What the hell? Even if their on hiatus or broken up or whatever, they were still kind of obviously close even before the Narada.. Oh, he's got some explaining to do later…

At the end of dinner, Jim sneaked a bowl of the fruity pudding like dessert and went upstairs. He knocked softly on the door. "Spock? I, uh…brought you a little of the pudding."

There was a pause before the door opened. Spock was sitting on his bed, I-Chaya off to the side with his head resting on the boy's lap as his big head was stroked. "You did not have to," the boy said quietly.

"I know, but I wanted to." He walked over and offered the bowel. "It's good."

"Mother does not make bad pudding." Jim had to smile a bit at that, quickly moving the bowl out of I-Chaya's reach. "I acted undignified at dinner…"

Sighing, Jim patted his back. "You stood up for how you felt. Nothing wrong with that, no matter if you technically don't 'feel'."

Spock looked up at him, wide dark eyes somehow both worried and pleading. "Jay…do you think of me as a child?"

Jim blinked a bit, not sure why he asked that or how to answer it. "Uh, well…You are younger than me…" That was apparently the wrong answer as Spock drew his legs up to hide his face. Jim winced and patted his back again. "But, uh, you're smarter than any other seven year old I know. And you certainly act older…"

One eye peeked out at him. "…If I were older…would you…"

"Would I what?" Jim asked.

"…Nothing."

"You sure?" He nodded, looking resigned. Jim pouted slightl and pulled the boy into a hug with one arm, surprising him. "Spock, we all just want you to be happy. You're father too, but he makes this sound like a big deal even if he won't tell me why. But whatever you decide to do…I'll stand behind you, okay?"

Spock looked up, face flushed green and eyes shining with suppressed emotion that Jim thought was hope. "You will?"

"Yeah. You're a smart kid…a smart young man, I know you'll be able to figure this out. But you gotta act more dependable if you want to be taken seriously. No being snippy or stalking off in the middle of dinner. Not very mature or grown up."

Spock blushed but nodded quickly. "I understand. I shall apologize to mother and father later. And I am sorry to you as well."

"No need to apologize," he said fondly. "I understand, I do. I admit I get annoyed and snap at people a lot, and accused of being childish. But I expect you to be a big man, okay? None of that from you."

Spock stared at him moment. "Jay…are you getting memories back?"

Jim blushed and cursed his lapse in the back of his mind. "Um…a bit."

Spock suddenly looked scared and grasped his shirt tightly. "You will not leave, will you?" he asked quickly.

Jim was taken off guard by the emotional display. "Uh, well…"

"Please do not leave, Jay," he said. "I do not wish you to go."

His heart twisted painfully and he squeezed Spock in a small hug. "I…I'll stay as long as I can, buddy. I promise."

The young Vulcan tightened his grip. "I…I will find a way to make you stay."

"Spock-"

"I will. I will make them listen and I will find a way to make you stay."

The blonde sighed, patting his back. "Okay…Do what you think you have to do then."