Hey, sorry for the wait. I had this chapter written up, and then I decided I didn't like it and I started over, which took me a while. So, here you go!

"Bones I'm worried about Spock." McCoy looked up at his friend.

"Why?"

"He's becoming a recluse." Bones-who had been lying on his bed-sat up.

"How so?" asked McCoy.

"Well, when was the last time you had an actual conversation with him?" Kirk sat down on the bed. "Plus, he's never around anymore, he's always off hiding in some corner of the gardens or library."

"Jim, he's always done that."

"Not to this extent. I literally haven't talked to him in a week."

"Well what am I supposed to do about it? Tie him to a chair and make him talk to you?" Bones pulled out the PADD he had been reading off of and went back to reading. Kirk took it away.

"Hey! Give that back!"

"Nope." Said Kirk. "It's mine now. oh! One new message!" Kirk tapped the PADD. "Hello Leonard, how've you been? I ju-Augh!" Kirk exclaimed as he got tackled by Bones, who snatched back the device.

"Was that from Emony?" teased Kirk, getting up.

"I don't know, I didn't get the chance to see it." Bones glanced at the PADD. "Yeah, it's from Dax. She's doing well, We talk pretty often. We are still friends you know.

"You know who else you're friends with? Spock and me. And friends help each other. Soooo, help me help him." McCoy groaned.

"Fine, I will."

"Thanks, Bones."

"Whatever."

Spock entered the room late that evening, expecting his roommates to be asleep. Instead the lights were on, and while both were ready for bed, neither looked as if he was planning on sleeping.

"Spock." James said. "Hi. Long time no see."

"Good evening, James, Leonard."

"Hey, Hobgoblin." said Bones. there was silence.

"To borrow a human phrase, 'what's going on here'?" asked Spock. Kirk sighed.

"Well, not trying to be rude or pry a-"

"Oh for the love of Pete." interrupted Bones. "Spock, you've been hiding off in corners and not talking to anyone for a while know and we are worried. Well, Jim is. Okay, I am too."

"There is nothing to be concerned about, I have simply decided to concentrate on my studies."

"By ignoring your friends?" said Kirk, more statement than question. "Not cool, Spock."

"Also, you've done fine in school, remarkable even. You pass everything without much effort at all."

"There is more to education than passing a series of tests."

"And there's more to learning than books and lectures." countermanded Jim. "And you know that. So what's the real reasoning here?" Spock was silent for a moment before speaking.

"I am still the only Vulcan here. When I went back home over summer, I found Starfleet to be held in less distaste than before but all the same, no Vulcan students have come this year. It has given me pause to wonder. Am I keeping up the standard my own people would hold me to? I am no longer surrounded by it so it has become more, difficult to tell. I am a good student here, but would I be if I had chosen to attend The Vulcan Science Academy instead?"

"That's it?" said Jim. "Spock, you are one-if not the-top student in the whole school. You're a genius. You're innovative and a good public speaker. Granted you come off a little strong sometimes, but that's a race-thing and it doesn't really bug anyone that much."

"Your point, James?"

"My point is, who's standard's matter more? The Vulcan Science Academy or Starfleet's?"

"Starfleet." replied Spock.

"Exactly. And you know something Starfleet has that any Vulcan schools don't? Not Vulcans. And in this galaxy, and this line of work, it's important to know how to act around non-Vulcans, don't ya think?"

"You're statement is logical." consented Spock. "But it is no reason to disregard my race's standards for performance."

"Starfleet is hardly full of slackers." said Bones. "what makes you so sure it's standards are lower than the Vulcan schools?"

"I am not sure."

"Then why are you trying to be better than exemplary to meet a standard that may not even exist?" asked McCoy, "Look, school. Yeah, it's the main reason we're here and it's good you wanna do well. But maybe a little respect for us emotional beings and don't blow us off?" Spock nodded.

"Or course." he hadn't really thought about how his actions could be taken by his companions. In truth, Spock enjoyed their company, however illogical they got. Also, James' point was solid. Holding himself to a higher standard that may be higher than reasonable wasn't logical.

"Guys!" Spock looked over to Bones who had turned back to his PADD. "Dax sent me a message."

"Did she say she loves you and you're her darling?"

"Shut up, Jim! She says she's competing as a gymnast representing Trill in the Olympics."

"That's awesome!" Kirk immediately piped up, Trill had only officially joined the Federation over that in August. But any Federation planet could have an Olympic team.

"Perhaps you will be able to go see her compete." Spock said.

Leonard scoffed. "As if."

"Oh, don't be like that, Bones. We'll make it happen! you just got to believe!" said Kirk, grinning

"Believe? who are you? Peter Pan?"

"If I am that make you Tinkerbelle. TinkerBones!" Jim chuckled. Bones groaned and rolled his eyes.

Spock decided not to ask who Tinkerbelle was and quietly set about looking it up for himself. Even he had to admit, the idea of Leonard in the role of the fairy was...amusing.

Okay readers! If I can get a good prompt/idea for the next chapter from one of you guys, I promise to have it up within 10 days. No more month long waits!