A bead of sweat trickled down Jim's spine as he limped at Spock's side. T'Pring had arranged to meet him at the closest property in her families possession. It was a mere ten minute walk from his own home however, with his injury, it had already taken them fifteen extra minutes. The heat was like a sucker punch, draining Jim's energy while it seemed to revitalise Spock's.

The sun beat down on Jim's back, burning through the layers meant to protect his Human skin. Sweat rolled a line right down the centre of his spine. It formed a thin layer over his skin. He knew that he'd need to towel off before changing into whatever T'Pring had chosen for him. Hopefully they'd considered his inferior Human tolerance when choosing the outfit. The gods knew he didn't need anything else slowing him down.

When they arrived, half an hour later than the walk would usually take, T'Pring was already waiting for them. She motioned Spock away, taking Jim by the arm and leading him into the house. The door closed behind them, blocking out the heat enough that Jim realised they'd cooled the house for him. It wasn't by much but even a few degrees was welcome. He'd spent only a year on Earth and he'd already lost his ability to withstand Vulcan's heat.

"I have made arrangements for you to be meskarau kus-vakh." T'Pring said, talking while she led Jim through the house and into a room filled with Vulcans. All eyes turned on them and Jim could feel his very blood cool. How people could be so condescending without showing a single emotion was beyond Jim. He really wanted that shower. Preferably as soon as possible.

"T'lara, get James dressed. Solon, fetch the kus-vakh for him." T'Pring turned and grabbed her sister, leading her into yet another room.

Jim hobbled after T'lara, one of the quieter girls from the learning centre. She was tall and very beautiful, her skin dark and exotic. Her clan was a northern one, originating in an area that was no longer habitable. The wars of their forefathers had left the mountain sides desolate. A few generations ago, no more the three or four, they were forced to move.

She led him to what looked like a bedroom, a large partition dividing the room. Through another door, a sonic shower awaited. Jim had never been so happy to see sonics in his life. The drying sweat was starting to itch.

Jim stripped, climbed under the tap head and let the slight sting rub away the sweat. He turned a few times, ensuring that he was completely clean. Vulcans had scary good senses. No need to stand out even more than he already did.

When he was finished, he wrapped a towel around his waste and walked back out. T'lara was sitting on the edge of the bed, her fingers running over the soft material beside her.

Jim cleared his throat, although she would already know he was there. T'lara had always done things to her own schedule. If she wasn't ready then neither were you.

She grabbed a chair and moved it behind the screen, setting a silver robe atop it. It was not what he was expecting. Spock had described the formfitting silver clothing well.

"It is the traditional style of my people." She supplied, moving to give him the privacy to change. "I assumed it would bring you more comfort."

Jim let himself sit on the chair as he changed, at least robes were easy to put on and off. They fit nicely and flowed rather dramatically when he turned. It hid both his state of malnutrition and the limp quite well. T'lara had thought of everything. As a Vulcan would. He should have trusted their thoroughly logical approach to everything.

She eye smiled at him when he spun a few times for her viewing pleasure. With only a few adjustments, she pronounced him ready and changed into her own silver robe. It was a small gesture but Jim thought that it was easier to stand out when there was someone else doing the same thing. It certainly made him feel more comfortable.

"T'lara, James. The kus-vakh." Solon handed Jim the harp shaped instrument carefully. So carefully that not a single bell made a sound. No pressure or anything.

Jim carried it against his chest, thanking the stars that most of the crowd of Vulcans were gone. He didn't need any more weird looks than he was currently receiving. He was very aware that the bells weren't meant to ring until T'Pring was walking across the 'bridge'.

Jim idly wondered what Spock was up to as he watched T'Pring having her hair done. He'd always known a lot of effort went into the elaborate styles she preferred but this was kind of ridiculous. He sent a mental nudge to the warm spot in the back of his mind.

Minutes later he received an amused reply. Apparently Stonn was still an idiot.

It made him chuckle and he looked up to see three Vulcans staring at him curiously. Was it odd to communicate with one's bondmate like he and Spock did? Although he'd grown up here, Vulcans were notoriously private beings. He learnt the basics at school, everything else was handled through the clan. Sarek had explained bits and pieces to him over the years. Probably because of his bond with Spock. Huh. He'd always wondered about that.

"It is time we leave." T'Pring announced, shrewd eyes never leaving Jim's. Ah hell. She knew exactly what he was doing. And after their little chat yesterday, he wasn't sure whether to be embarrassed or not. Maybe she could be the one he asked about this sort of stuff. He wanted to learn how to talk back to Spock. All he could really do was push emotions at the bond. Spock could send him memories, thoughts and feelings. And what he could do when they melded... Being with a telepath certainly had its perks.

T'lara helped Jim up and walked behind him to the hovercar. Traditionally they would walk to the ceremonial grounds. Because of Jim's injuries, they were driving. Which was more than fortunate since they'd left over an hour late.

The ride was quick and silent. No one made mention of the speed T'lara was driving at. It must have been quite logical. Jim just thought it was awesome. The boosters had to have been modified to get the right propulsion. He'd love to have a look under the bonnet.

They arrived just as the walking party reached the end of the land bridge.

Jim told himself not to look down as they filed out of the vehicle and onto slightly solid ground. In his head, Spock fired off assurances about it's safety. The land bridge was an ancient standing relic of their pre-Surakian past. Also, T'Pau had it reinforced a few years ago. The centre was filled with a liquid metal which hardened and strengthened the rock.

It was interesting to know. And reassuring. Jim had never been fond of heights.

The bells in Jim and T'lara's hands jingled, leading T'Pring's procession. The whole ceremony, the guards and weapons, hadn't been changed since before the time of Surak. And there was something infinitely beautiful about that. Dear lords, he was thinking like such a sap. Is this what being in a relationship -quite technically married but let's not get into that- was like?

They walked through an arch and the first thing Jim saw was Spock. He and Stonn were standing across from them, a large gong almost blocking Jim's view. They were wearing matching black robes with silver scroll work stitched down the opening. The dark colours looked great against their skin, bringing out pale green undertones. Not that Spock needed help looking handsome. He was going to be the death of Jim. He could just feel it. Maybe he could figure out how to send him a wink...

Jim let himself doze a bit during T'Pau's speech. He jingled his bells when he had to, usually prompted by a nudge from Spock and gave T'Pring secretive smiles and reassuring looks. He liked their new relationship. It felt special, having a friend like T'Pring. He'd spent so long ignoring or hating her presence, her existence, that he'd never thought about her possessing a personality. Or dreams, hopes and fears. And today he could almost see the nervous happiness hidden just beneath her stoic exterior.

Jim was only really awake after the ceremony. Mostly because Spock was finally allowed to come over. His legs were killing him and he was pretty sure that leaning on one's bondmate was allowed. If not, he didn't give two shits. He was Human. They could such his-

"James, please refrain from continuing that trail of thought." Spock murmured, sliding an arm around his waist. "Fifty six percent of the guests are my relatives."

That was a good point. Jim shivered at the mental image. Well, he'd be having nightmares tonight. Move over Kodos.

"You are becoming increasingly illogical. Perhaps we should return home?" Spock asked, lips hovering just off Jim's skin. Oh hell. He was dead. Done for. Here be the body of James Kirk, the boy who died from sudden blood loss.

Spock just looked at him affectionately before leading him through the crowd. They met up with T'lara who was apparently their lift home. Jim felt like singing. All he wanted to do was curl up in Spock's lap -he'd rather heavy petting but Vulcans didn't do these things in public. Normally- until they got home.

After that, their parents could walk in and he wouldn't care. He just wanted his Vulcan. Like, yesterday.

The drive home was less awkward then he'd been expecting. And he'd even managed to score T'lara's comm number. She was visiting San Fran in December. Something about the engineering departments and a shared project. He'd have to plan a Vulcan sleep over party. They could paint each other's nails, watch The Princess Bride and share all their juicy secrets! It'd be a hit.

"I love you, Jim but you are… odd." Spock said as he watched Jim waving at nothing. T'lara was already almost out of sight.

Long arms wrapped around Jim, pulling him into a hard chest. A kiss was placed on his shoulder where the robe had slipped down. T'lara had definitely thought of everything.

Spock carried Jim through the house and up the stairs. Although he was getting used to it, the display of strength was hot. Like, heat up the house, hot. Even when Jim was busy denying his feelings, that strength was a turn on.

Butterflies fluttered in his stomach, his pulse a fast paced tattoo. This was finally happening. And Amanda and Winona were no where to be seen.

Goosebumps raised from his skin as Spock loosened the clasps holding the silver material together. He folded the outfit carefully, placing it atop Jim's desk. His own robes followed and Jim couldn't keep his eyes off all the exposed skin. Deceptively powerful muscles flexed under green tinted skin. Jim wanted to feel it. Feel him.

In the next second, Spock was there. He bent down and placed a series of kisses on Jim's cheeks and over the bridge of his nose. It made him giggle and screw his eyes shut.

When he opened them again, Spock's gaze was nothing short of smouldering. Jim shivered, waiting while Spock explored him with his eyes. That was sexy, sending blood straight down to his dick.

Eventually, Spock leaned forward and kissed him properly. A single hand cupped Jim's cheek, tilting his head just right. It was slow and incredibly sensual. Lips parting with the softest of sighs before coming together again and again. Spock's kisses were like a drug. And Jim was hopelessly addicted. Spock sucked Jim's lower lip, nipping it gently. He gasped, letting Spock's rough tongue enter his mouth.

It explored the unfamiliar terrain, mapping his teeth. Jim's hands held Spock's shoulders, fingers digging into the skin.

When he was finally released, Jim was a panting mess. He mewled as Spock sucked on his lips again before moving lower. He nipped, licked and sucked his way down the column of Jim's neck. That was going to leave marks. Something Jim usually hated the thought of. However, this was Spock. Being marked by Spock was different. Allowed, encouraged even.

Spock's fingers travelled up and down Jim's sides, sending tingles shooting through his body.

Jim writhed as Spock's mouth found his nipples. The rough tongue lapped against the hardened nubs before Spock bit down gently. Jim's back bowed at the delicious sensation. Spock really was talented with his tongue.

When Jim could barely take it anymore, Spock finally continued. He placed an open mouthed kiss on Jim's hip. Heat pooled in Jim's gut. He really hoped this was going where he thought it was.

Spock's hands gripped Jim's thighs, parting them further. He sucked marks onto the inside of Jim's thighs, making him squirm.

Without warning, Spock's mouth encased Jim's erection. He sucked harshly, swallowing around Jim. Holy crap.

"Spock!" He cried out, eyes rolling to the back of his skull. He could feel the Vulcan's amusement in his head. Smug bastard. Jim would like to see how he would do with his-

Spock released Jim was a lewd pop. He keened and trembled, mind lost. He wanted, needed Spock.

A single, slickened finger probed at his entrance. He tensed involuntarily at the unfamiliar feeling. Inside his head, Jim could feel Spock prodding at something. At the same time as Spock's finger slipped inside, something warm lit up Jim's mind. There was none of the discomfort he'd been expecting.

A second finger joined the first, stretching Jim. He wanted Spock so badly it hurt and he could barely resist the ache for Spock to fill him up.

Jim bucked his hips, urging Spock on. A third finger entered him, curving and caressing his inner walls. Spock hissed as Jim squeezed, belatedly remembering Vulcan fingers. Oh, how revenge was sweet. Especially when Spock made that face.

"James." Spock growled, thrusting his fingers up and just slightly to the left.

"Oh fuck, Spock! Fuck." Jim moaned, wriggling his hips in an attempt to get those wonderful fingers back on his prostate. Spock curved his fingers again and lit up Jim's world.

Jim whimpered as Spock withdrew his fingers. Distantly, he heard the snap of a plastic lid. Something hard and wet pushed against his ass as Spock nuzzled his cheek. They rocked together as Spock slanted their lips together. A wave of affection and lust washed through their bond melting Jim a pile of mush.

Spock pushed in slowly, swallowing Jim's sounds almost before he made them. Jim's muscles quivered. He could feel Spock pulsing inside him. Which in turn caused him to flush. That shouldn't have felt as good as it did.

After what felt like forever, Spock withdrew and thrust forward again, just as slowly. Jim groaned at the pace. Sweat rolled along his hairline and down his cheek, Spock's tongue quick to lap it up.

Jim wrapped his legs around Spock's hips, drawing them flush. His back arched as Spock hit his prostate, heels digging into Spock's ass.

Spock drew in a ragged breath before snapping his hips forwards. Jim tightened his muscles, the pressure growing in his belly. He ground their hips together, ever closer to climax. Spock's name a mantra on his lips.

Spock moulded their bodies together, impaling Jim over and over again. Their pace was getting desperate. Spock losing little control over his strength, the bedhead smashing into the wall.

Jim undulated his hips with each of Spock's thrusts. He felt as if he were about to combust. And then Spock's hand wrapped around Jim's cock, pumping in rhythm with each snap of his hips.

It only took a few strokes before Jim was coming, hard. Spock followed moments later, Jim's name a breathless moan.

They lay together, basking in the afterglow. Spock's fingers stroked through Jim's hair, quickly putting him to sleep.

Across the room, Jim's comm went off. The screen lit up the room as it rung.

"That is my mother." Spock whispered, pressing a kiss to Jim's cheek.

"Why do I have a really bad feeling about this?" Jim asked, pulling the covers over their bodies. At least when Amanda and Winona walked in they wouldn't see anything. Or be able to take a photo of anything.

"I am assuming that is a rhetorical question and I do not have to answer." Spock said, pulling Jim flush against his body. Gentle amusement laced between them, Jim relaxing into Spock's embrace. What was the worst they could do?

Moments later the door burst open, Sarek walking through. He took one look at them, blinked and then raised his eyebrow.

"I hate my life." Jim groaned.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

:D