K'diwa, I cherish thee

by spockswoman

James T. Kirk was an omega who defied the stereotypes to become the youngest Starfleet captain in history. When assigned to the Enterprise he finds not only his alpha, but soulmate, in his first officer Spock. This is their story of becoming friends, then lovers, and finally husbands. Leonard McCoy will also join their marriage and eventually a child.

7. Chapter 7

Life returned to normal aboard the starship Enterprise. Spock and Jim endured the rounds of congratulations as the crew found out about their marriage - some completely shocked, others simply rolled their eyes having had their suspicions for some time. Early one morning, before the alpha shift started, found Spock, Jim and McCoy in the mess hall eating breakfast together. It had started to become a normal occurrence between the three since the couple's return from Vulcan. If McCoy were forced to admit, he liked the growing friendship between himself and Spock. Deep down he had always been attracted to the Vulcan but had never acted on it, since he had also been attracted to Jim as well. His indecision had once again left him out in the cold, so to speak, and he would have to content himself with being a friend to both men.

Jim plopped himself across from Leonard with a huge breakfast burrito, an equally large cup of coffee and a small bowl of fruit. The doctor raised an eyebrow at his captain, "Jim you're going to give yourself a heart attack if you don't start eating healthier. I thought being married to the pointy eared hobgoblin would have taught you some good habits." Jim gave him a childish grin in response. Spock, having come in at the end of McCoys little rant, merely said, "You know our Captain, Doctor. He is an incredibly stubborn man, but worry not, I am making sure he is getting adequate nutrition." Jim held out his index and middle finger and Spock quickly returned the gesture before beginning his own meal.

McCoy flushed slightly as he realized not only had Spock chosen to sit next to him, but had sat unusually close for the Vuclan. Maybe it was his overactive imagination or his loneliness. Dammit, he needed to start dating and get out of his own head. He was about to get up and leave to allow the couple their private moment, when he felt a gentle hand on his forearm. "Doctor, please, I noticed you have not finished your breakfast. May I suggest you finish? You will need all the sustenance possible, especially since we are going to be picking up the Vulcan ambassador and his wife in point five hours." McCoy looked at the long delicate fingers that rested on his forearm and slightly tightened while the anxiety he had been feeling began to fade. He looked at Jim, sure that he would be upset that his husband was not only sitting so close to him but also touching him. Jim didn't seem to care and was instead focused on his breakfast. McCoy allowed himself to be comforted by the touch and remained seated. He started to eat but began to grumble, "Dress uniforms - spit and polish. I don't know how long I will be able to stand it."

Jiim looked up from his breakfast, grinned and said, "Don't sell yourself short Bones! You look dashing in your dress uniform! Almost as good as Spock but then again I am biased!"

McCoy rolled his eyes, as Spock softly said, "I agree with the Captain, Doctor. You do look quite handsome in your dress uniform and it brings out the color of your eyes."

McCoy almost choked on his breakfast as he looked at Spock with wide eyes - was this man flirting with him? He was! Leonard turned to Jim who had gone back to his breakfast. McCoy blushed and mumbled out a "Well thank you."

"You are most welcome Doctor. Vulcans are incapable of lying, so please believe me when I say that you have much to offer a mate, do not sell yourself short." With that Spock got up and went to his post, leaving McCoy to stare after him, his mouth open. McCoy turned to Jim saying, "What the hell was that? You were okay with him saying that? With him touching me?"

Jim looked at his friend and smiled sadly. "Bones, I know Spock would never cheat on me but you also need someone to look after you, to love you as you deserve to be loved. Perhaps Spock is trying to be that someone." Jim got up, gathering his tray but before he left, he placed his hand on Leonards shoulder, and said, "You are worthy Bones and I'll see you in half hour in the shuttle bay to welcome the Vulcan Ambassador." McCoy did a mock salute and said "Yes sir!"

A half an hour later saw Kirk, McCoy and Spock walking towards the shuttle bay with McCoy grumbling about how many ambassadors were on ship, and how half of them were mad at the other half. The group sped their walk as Chekov alerted them to Ambassador Sarek's shuttle arriving momentarily. As the group waited in the shuttle bay for the Ambassador to disembark from his shuttle, McCoy turned to Spock asking, "How does that Vulcan salute go?" Spock showed him and McCoy tried to copy but angrily muttered, "That hurts worse than the uniform!"

Spock warmly smiled at McCoy before responding, "Vulcan children often used tape to help them learn how to do the salute. Perhaps later today I could try it with you?" McCoy raised an eyebrow before nodding in agreement.

Jim waited for the ambassador to come to him before saying "Captain James Kirk", it took all of his self control not to turn to face his husband. He could feel Spock's nerves and tension through their bond. It was so rare for Jim to feel those things and he wanted to help his husband but knew he had a duty to Starfleet first. The ambassador gave the Vulcan greeting and responded, "Captain." Jim turned and introduced the ambassador to Spock, who ignored the first officer's greeting and turned back to the Captain. To say Jim was confused at the slight was an understatement but he made sure to send calm, loving feelings towards his partner through the bond. He saw Spock nood slightly in acknowledgement of Jim's moderate success at calming him.

Ambassador Sarek introduced his aids and his wife. Kirk noticed how beautiful the Ambassador's wife was and the fact that she wore gloves. He would have to ask Spock if he would prefer Jim to wear them as well. Jim turned to Sarek, and said, "As soon as you're settled, I'll arrange a tour of the ship. Mr. Spock will guide you."

"I prefer another guide, Captain."

Only years of academy training allowed him not to show the shock he felt at the utter rudeness of the Vulcan ambassador, he could also see his spouse stiffen at the insult. He badly wanted to comfort his spouse but he knew it would only compound the insult and hurt; however, he did notice Bones placed his fingers on Spock's wrist in solidarity. Jim smiled inwardly, maybe there was hope there after all.

"Mr. Spock, we leave orbit in two hours. Would you care to beam down and visit your parents?"

"Captain," Spock said firmly, "Ambassador Sarak and his wife are my parents."

"K'DIWA! WHY THE HELL DIDN'T YOU TELL ME!" Kirk shouted at his partner through their bond.

"Ashayam, I did not know how to. I apologize"

"We WILL be talking about this later."

Spock had the decency to look briefly chastened but only so Kirk could tell. Kirk raised an eyebrow of surprise at the Ambassador and his wife before turning to McCoy who also looked stunned. Kirk quickly recovered from his shock at the suddenness of being introduced to his in-laws and began a tour of the ship.

When the group reached the engineering section of the ship, Spock quickly stood at attention before sitting back down again. Kirk sent all the love and comfort he could through the bond, sensing his husband's distress. Kirk felt the gratitude and love sent back along the bond and smiled.

Kirk saw Spock's mother stop and talk with her son, saying "After all these years among humans, you still haven't learned to smile."

With a stiffness in his tone that Kirk had not heard since he began working on the Enterprise as Captain Spock responded, "Humans smile with so little provocation"

"And you haven't seen us in four years either."

"The situation between my father and myself has not changed."

At this Ambassador Sarak called for his wife, and Kirk excused himself to talk to his first officer. He quietly approached his husband and discreetly held out his index and middle finger which Spock quickly reciprocated. Kirk sensed his alphas pain, and distress at not being able to better control the situation. "Spock, this is not your fault. You are the best officer in the fleet and that is thanks to hard work and dedication you put in. You are also the most loving, caring spouse any species could ask for. Do not let your worth be defined by your parents' coldness or indifference. Do not listen to your mother's careless words. You do smile but you have to know when and how to look. I love you and will spend the rest of my life showing and proving it to you." Spock's eyes were lit with the fire of love and lust as he looked at his omega as Kirk gave his little speech to comfort him. It took all of Spock's strength and training not to bend his spouse over the controls right that minute and claim him. Sensing through the bond his husband's emotions, Kirk went on his toes and whispered, "Perhaps in the holodeck Mr. Spock, we can live out your fantasies." Spock quickly checks the room to ensure privacy before he places a searing human kiss on his husband leaving the blond quite breathless.

"Nash-veh ashaya du nuh''* Kirk whispered to his husband. He then rejoined the ambassador and his wife, calling Spock over to them. "Mr. Spock, explain the computer components to our guests."

The ambassador and his son had a stare down before the ambassador responded directly to Kirk effectively ignoring his son, "I gave Spock his first instruction in computers, Captain. He chose to devote his knowledge to Starfleet instead of the Vulcan Science Academy."

Kirk was seeing red and it took all of his self control not to verbally assault the Vulcan Ambassador, how dare this man insult and belittle Spock! Before he could do anything so foolish he heard the cool tones of his husband say, "If you will excuse me Captain."

Gritting his teeth, and desperately wanting to comfort his husband instead of staying with the ambassador, Kirk said, "I am sorry Ambassador, I didn't mean to offend. I thought…"

Here he was interrupted by the ambassador, "Offense is a human emotion, Captain. I'm returning to my quarters. Continue, my wife."

With a heavy sigh, Kirk said, "Mrs. Sarek I just don't understand."

"Amanda, please. I am afraid you couldn't pronounce the Vulcan name," she said with a laugh in her voice.

"Can you?" he responded, his sarcasm and frustration barely contained. Amanda sensed this as she replied, "After a fashion, and many years of practice. Shall we continue the tour?"

As they walked, Kirk could sense Spock's mother watching him. "Is there something you would like to say, Amanda? I encourage honesty and forthrightness on my ship."

With a sardonic smile she responded, "Yes, I can tell you run a very smooth ship. I watched you with my son just now and it is plain to see for anyone who will truly look how much you love him. Please believe me when I say I also love my son. I was put in an impossible position and forced to choose between my husband and my son…"

Kirk spun so he faced Spock's mother and interrupted her. "Mrs. Sarek, I will be speaking now as an ordinary man, beta, soulmate and Spock's husband, not as Captain of the Enterprise. It is plain to see the choice you made and the consequences it has borne out. I will do anything and everything to keep your son safe both physically and mentally. I know you tried your best but frankly ma'am your best wasn't quite enough for my husband. You were not there when he needed you most and I hope to God your relationship can be repaired and if not, I will respect my husband's decision." By the end, Kirk's posture was erect and his chin thrust out, daring her or her absent husband to challenge his intent.

Amanda raised an eyebrow before responding, "Yes, Spock chose well when he mated with you. Not only will you submit to him but you have a spine of steel which is needed to be married to a Vulcan - especially the males of the house of Sarek. I did fail my son, which I regret more than you can know and I too hope that one day that relationship can heal. Only time will tell. I will also say that you, perhaps, do not fully understand the Vulcan way Captain. It is logical, better than ours but it is not easy. It has kept Sarek and Spock from speaking as father and son for 18 years."

"You're right I do not understand but Spock is my best officer, my friend and my husband."

"Spock is lucky to have you as a friend and husband. Life has not been easy for Spock - neither human nor Vulcan, at home nowhere but Starfleet."

"I take it Spock disagreed with his father on a choice of career."

"My husband has nothing against Starfleet. But Vulcans believe that peace should not depend on force."

"Starfleet force is used only as a last resort. We're an instrument of civilization - - and it's a better opportunity for a scientist to study the universe than he could get at the Vulcan Science Academy."

"Perhaps," was Amanda's response with a shrug of the shoulders, "but Sarek wanted Spock to follow his teachings as Sarek followed the teachings of his own father."

"They are both stubborn men."

"A human trait, Captain."

"Perhaps," Kirk acknowledged and their conversation was interrupted by Lieutenant Uhura. As he resolved the issue with his Lieutenant he replayed the conversation with Amanda in his head, it gave him food for thought as well as insight to his husband's childhood.

He completed the tour with Amanda before bringing her to her cabin. He asked the computer to locate his spouse and quickly made his way to the science lab. As he entered the lab, he saw his husband hunched over a microscope and taking notes. He smiled, when all was wrong with the world this was his sanctuary. Kirk quietly approached his husband and sat next to him. He placed a hand on his spouse's knee, and quietly asked "Would you mind telling me what is going on? Why didn't you tell me the Vulcan ambassador was your father?"

Spock straightened and faced his husband, "This is a conversation best held in the privacy of our quarters." Both men got up and quietly walked the halls to their home, shoulders touching and that small bit of physical contact telling Kirk all he needed to know about the current emotional vulnerability of his husband. When they arrived at their quarters, Kirk went to the replicator to make a cup of Vulcan spiced tea for himself and his husband. He quietly brought them to the couch and sat next to his husband. He waited a moment before asking again, "Spock, why? Why didn't you tell me Sarek was your father? Were you embarrassed by me? That you had married a human?"

Spock stared for a moment into his tea before taking a sip and placing it on the table in front of him. He turned towards his husband and grabbed both of his hands. "K'diwa, I am not ashamed of thee, nor will I ever be. I am proud to call you my husband, my mate, my life's partner. I did not tell you about my father because I did not think he would come aboard the same ship that I was on and when I found out he had, I could not find the right moment to tell you. I am sure my mother explained to you our complicated family dynamic, it is perhaps what humans would call dysfunctional. There is truth to that. He was not happy with my choice but I did not feel welcomed on Vulcan because of his choice - there must be some irony in that somewhere." Kirk let out an amused huff before Spock continued, "Yes, my family dynamic is complicated but I am determined not to let that affect our marriage or future family. I will not make the same mistakes my parents did. I do not mention her much but I did have a foster sister named Michael. She helped me to balance my human and Vulcan self like no one else had, until I met you. I lost her many years ago, not to death but that story is not for now, but for later - perhaps after my parents have left. Her last words to me were, "There is a whole galaxy out there, full of people who will reach for you. You have to let them. Find that person who seems farthest from you, and reach for them. Let them guide you.'* I have replayed that moment countless times in my mind and tried so hard to heed her advice. Captain Pike and Una were instrumental in helping me to trust. I consider them my most intimate and best of friends. However, when I first met you, I came to realize that you were the one who was farthest from me. Eventually you became my other half, my guide, my truest love. I do not speak of emotions much, but please know I love thee more than words can express, you are my T'hy'la in every sense of the word, do not let this misunderstanding about my family drive a wedge between us."

Overwhelmed and unsure what to say in response to what Spock had said, Kirk allowed all his love and trust to flow through their bond, allowing that to do the talking for him before leaning in to kiss his husband. He placed his forehead on Spocks and whispered, "Thank you Spock. I know that was not easy but thank you."

Jim slowly got up and took his spouse by the hand and guided him to their bedroom. Once they reached their bed, he gently made Spock sit as he slowly began to remove the Vulcans clothing, placing gentle, loving kisses on each foot, and body part until he reached his husbands mouth where they exchanged languid kisses for several moments before Kirk gently laid Spock down. He quickly removed his own clothing, before joining his husband on their bed. As he laid on his side, behind his husband, he allowed his hand to gently wander over his husbands chest, enjoying the sensation of the fur that coated his muscles - that hair that had driven him crazy the first time he had seen it and every time since causing him to moan yet again at this beautiful man in front of him. Unable to content himself with just his hands, he set his lips and tongue to explore his husband's beautiful neck. Sighing happily, Spock found himself relaxing under his husband's ministrations. The stress of the day made him more tense than he had realized. He relaxed further into their bed as he allowed his own hands to glide over his husband's well loved body. As his own hands explored, he quietly gasped whenever his husband's hands grazed over his sensitive nipples. Finally, he began to purr in contentment as those two magnificent hands lovingly pressed into the muscles of his chest and abdomen, Jim's mouth still lavishing attention on his sensitive neck and shoulder all the while. The first officer wondered for a brief moment if his husband would leave marks on his skin that would need to be covered up and realized he simply didn't care. Jim moved his lips to Spock's opposite shoulder, gradually making sure to treat each ear and each side of his face and neck to the same sensual therapy. Jim's hands continued their worship of his husband's chest, seeming to reach in and knead away all the tension of the day.

Both men closed their eyes as Jim flexed his thighs for a brief moment around his husband's sides before interlacing their left hands and resting it over Spock's heart. Jim began to slowly place little kisses along Spock's jaw, face, neck and anywhere else he could reach entwined as he was with Spock's body. After a few minutes of gentle kissing Jim opened his eyes and looked at his spouse to see his body flushed a deep green and responding beautifully to his touches. Spock's beautiful dick was starting to dampen and raise from his pelvis and Jim knew it wouldn't be long before Spock's dick would be fully thick and erect. The thought of his spouse's increasing arousal had Jim's own dick starting to swell and grow, exhilaratingly trapped beneath Spock's firm, tight ass.

Jim encouraged his mate to move slightly down on the bed so that Jiim's semi hard penis was in his spouse's lower back and he was able to nuzzle the crown of his spouse's head, loving the smell that was uniquely Spock. Just as he was about to continue the exploration and impromptu masseuse of his husband's body he was hit with a wave of love and devotion from his husband's side of the bond. Jim was moved nearly to tears at the intensity of the emotions coming from his normally stoic husband and it took him nearly a full minute to regain his senses. "Ashau nash-veh tu, T'hy'la," whispered Jim, Spock was only able to hear his husband because of his superior hearing.

Jim noticed how he had mussed his husband's hair so he began to stroke his head to smooth his hair and masseuse his scalp. Spock arched his back and sank his fingers into Jim's calves as a response to his husband's sensual movements. The next few caresses of Spock's scalp brought immense pleasure to both men. Spock continued to writhe against his spouse, causing Jim to involuntarily gyrate in response. Jim found himself trying to quiet and calm his mate by locking his arms and legs firmly around Spock. Encouraging his husband to breathe in and out, using the meditation techniques he had learned from the Vulcan. "It's alright… Breathe with me… Nice and easy… So good, K'diwa…I've got you… And out… And in… I love you so much… It's okay, it's alright… I have you… In… Out…" With a wicked grin his husband couldn't see, Jim mouth couldn't resist teasing his husband's ear in between breaths of encouragement.

For the next several minutes, Jim continued to run his hands through his spouse's hair - managing to both calm and arouse his husband at the same time. Jim continued to kiss and nip at Spock's ears, neck and shoulders as well as giving him verbal reassurances of his love and devotion. Despite his best intentions of relaxing his husband, Jim began to notice both of their bodies had begun to tense up and their dicks were fully erect, aching and ready for release. Spock started to shake as his orgasm began and through the bond said, "Jim! Need you…touch me…so close…can't…JIM!" With that final shout through their bond Spock's dick released its copious amount of ejaculate onto his stomach. Jim murumed in his ear, "Next time that better be in my womb, I want to carry your child." Spock groaned loudly as he thrust his dick into the air desperately seeking some kind of friction - seeing his mate lose further control sent Jim over the edge, covering his mate's ass in cum.

They both lay boneless for several minutes, reveling in each other's warmth before Jim slowly got up to get a wet washcloth to clean them both. Spock let out a low moan, softly saying, "No, Jim please stay, hold me." He returned with a broad smile and said, "K'diwa I would love nothing more than to stay here all night and hold you. Unfortunately, we are expected at a banquet tonight in honor of all the guests on board. I don't think it would be looked kindly upon if the Captain and first officer did not show up. Don't you dare give me those eyes, Spock! The omega in me wants nothing more than to obey you and stay here but we can't damnit!"

A half an hour later saw the couple, with Bones by their side, talking with Ambassador Sarek. "Mr. Ambassador," Leonard said, "I understand you had retired before this conference was called. Forgive my curiosity, but, as a doctor, I'm interested in Vulcan physiology. Isn't it unusual for a Vulcan to retire at your age? After all, you're only 102."

"102.437, precisely, Doctor measured in your years"

At this response Kirk sent a gentle laugh through the bond, trying to keep the mood light with his husband. Gratitude was sent back, "I appreciate your sentiment, K'diwa. Although my father is technically correct, I remember as a child his precision would often frustrate me. He would blame my frustration on my being half human and my mother."

"I can imagine that would be frustrating and I am sorry."

"You can make up for the hurt done to me in my childhood later."

"Why Mr Spock! I didn't know you had that in you!" With a small wink at his husband, Kirk tore himself away from the small group to take the Vulcan ambassador to meet with the Tellarite ambassador. He watched as the exchange became heated but chose to stay back after all Sarek was the ambassador, he was merely a captain. However, he was forced to intervene when he sensed that the Tellarite ambassador was nearly coming to blows.

"Gentlemen, Ambassador Sarek is quite correct when he points out this is not the council chamber of Babel. I am fully aware that the admission of Corridan is a highly debatable issue, but you won't solve it here." Ambassador Sarek looked at the captain with a tad more respect in his eyes, as the other two ambassadors in the group apologized and left.

A few minutes later, the Ambassador and his wife left the gathering leaving Kirk to find his spouse and his best friend. "Bones, you look positively gleeful - what could possibly make you that happy in a dress uniform?"

"Do you know what I just found out about your husband? According to his mother, he had a teddy bear!"

"Not precisely, Doctor. On Vulcan, the teddy bears are alive and they have six inch fangs." As he walked away, Jim let out a small chuckle, "Well Bones, it appears our stoic Vulcan had a teddy bear. Do you think the replicator could make him a small one?"

Bones replied with a wicked grin, "I would love to find out." Spock and Kirk were then called to the bridge to deal with an undefended vessel just outside of phaser range. As the bridge crew began its work, Jim sent through the bond his lust for his mate and pride in his ability. Spock looked over his shoulder from his station and gave a curt nod of appreciation to his mate. After a few more minutes of observation, Jim commented that they had a shadow that was not an approved Federation spaceship. While he projected calm to his crew, inwardly he was extremely concerned. He had a ship full of ambassadors and a potential threat outside, Spock came to his side, discreetly put his index and middle finger on his Omega's wrist and projected calm and the thought, "Jim, you can and will handle this. You did not become the youngest starfleet officer in history without cause, and you have a capable crew to help you."

Jim looked at his Alpha briefly before responding, "Thank you Alpha." Kirk then turned to his crew and asked for their ship to remain on course, to closely monitor the unidentified vessel and for his husband to collect all the data he could on the ship. He left the conn to his spouse as he headed back to the rec room, just in time to see Ambassador Sarak push the aggressive Tellarite into the wall. He managed to calm the situation but not before the Tellarite threatened the Vulcan ambassador. After remaining with the Vulcan Ambassador for a while longer, Kirk excused himself and made his way back to his cabin.

A short while later his spouse joined him, and they began to get ready for bed discussing the days events. As they were about to climb into bed a security officer contacted the Captain, saying he had found the dead body of the Tellarite ambassador. Soon, Jim, Spock, Bones and a few security officers were gathered around the body. The cause of death had been caused by a broken neck and an expert, according to Bones, who knew exactly where to apply the pressure.

"Who aboard ship would have that knowledge?"

Although Kirk had been staring directly at Bones while he asked the question, it was Spock who quietly responded, "Vulcans."

Jim looked at his spouse with a sense of panic.

"On Vulcan the method is called tal-shaya. It was considered a merciful form of execution in ancient times."

Scrubbing his face and sighing, Jim responded, "Spock, a short time ago, I broke up an argument between Gav and your father."

"Indeed Capitan? Interesting."

"Interesting?" interjected Leonard, "Spock, do you realize that makes your father the most likely suspect?"

"Dr. McCoy, Vulcans do not approve of violence. It would have been illogical for my father to kill without reason."

"If there was a reason, Spock?"

"Then my father could kill most logically and efficiently."

The three men slowly made their way to the Ambassadors quarters, Jim in a tourmal of emotions - he potentially had to arrest an ambassador for murder that was also his father in law! "Jim," Leonard said quietly, "you have to remain calm, please. I can tell you are close to a panic attack - please do your grounding techniques." The three went into an empty conference room so Jim could calm himself while Spock turned to the Doctor, "Doctor McCoy I know this is an odd time to say this but thank you for helping my mate. He has told me often of the help you have given him and it is you I have to thank for helping us become romantically involved."

The doctor blushed before responding, "I consider the two of you to be my closest friends. I would do anything to help and make you happy."

"You are a good man Doctor."

At this Jim intervened, "Spock, careful now! You might make this country doctor faint dead away! On a serious note and panic attack aside we best continue."

Once they got to the ambassador's cabin and were allowed in, Jim asked to speak to the ambassador only to find him missing but his wife wasn't overly concerned, thinking he was taking longer than normal to mediate. She turned to her son to ask what was wrong but before he could respond the ambassador returned. They informed Sarek that Gav had been killed by the Vulcan method of tal-shaya. Sarek remained exceptionally calm, as the captain asked where he had been for the past hour. His wife interjected but Spock assisted his mate by saying that his father was the logical suspect in this murder. Sarek agreed with his son's assessment and told the captain that he had been in private meditation and it was not an experience to be discussed with earth men. "My God,"Jim thought, "this man is accused of murder and he can still manage to snub humans. How did Spock stand it?" He looked at his husband, who merely raised an eyebrow. Before anything else could be said, Sarek collapsed. McCoy, responding with the quickness only years of experience could bring, stated that though his knowledge of Vulcan physiology was limited, he was almost certain something was wrong with Sareks heart.

"Can you help him?" Jim pressed.

"I don't know that yet either," McCoy responded tersely. He quickly removed the ambassador to sick bay to run more tests.

Jim and Spock headed to the bridge, where Spock immediately went to work identifying the ship that had been their shadow. Kirk went to comfort his husband about his father, however Spock merely responded that it could adversely affect their mission.

Jim asked, "Aren't you worried about him?"

"Worry is a human emotion, Captain, I have accepted what has happened."

"Bullshit Spock! I know you two haven't spoken in 18 years but he's your goddamn father! I know you aren't that heartless!"

"ENOUGH MY OMEGA! You will not question me on this!"

Kirk raised an eyebrow, Spock rarely lost his temper - clearly he was affected more than he let on. Jim let it be for the moment and continued to discuss the unknown vessel. The bridge crew was able to determine that there was a transmission to the ship coming from inside the Enterprise. He left instructions with his bridgecrew to tighten the fields to the interior of the ship and to figure out who on board was receiving the alien transmission. He then left with his first officer in tow to the sick bay. There they learned his father in law had suffered the human equivalent of a heart attack. To the surprise of everyone in the room, especially his wife, they found the ambassador had had two previous attacks and kept it a secret from everyone. Sarek told the Captain that it would have been impossible for him to have killed Gav since he had been incapacitated with this third heart attack while the Tellarite had been murdered, unfortunately with no witnesses.

Surgery was agreed upon for Sarek, however, the appropriate blood (T-negative, a rarity among Vulcans) that was needed for the surgery was not to be found in the Enterprise medical supply. Spock volunteered his blood and that the Doctor simply had to filter out any human elements in it. "You can't!" McCoy interjected, "Giving that much blood would kill you!" Jim placed a calming hand on his friend's arm and quietly shook his head, stopping his friend from a further rant.

The doctor and Spock retreated to the med bay office where they became involved in a heated exchange about how the surgery should be accomplished. McCoy had studied Vulcan anatomy but not well enough to do surgery, so if the surgery didn't kill the ambassador the experimental drug the two had been talking about almost certainly would. Spock invaded the Doctors personal space, looking intently into his eyes and said, "Doctor, I have every confidence in your ability to perform the surgery on my father. Do not underestimate your ability, ashayam." The doctor simply raised his eyebrow, sensing that something was shifting between the two of them. "I volunteer to undergo the surgery with my father and be his blood donor. I trust thee, Lenoard and all that it implies. I'll be at my station until you require me." Spock handed the doctor the data card he had been holding and allowed his fingers to linger on the doctors before leaving the med bay.

While at his station, Spock heard a cry for help through the bond, "Spock! I'm by our quarters! I've been attacked by an Andorian! Help me please!" Then the bond went quiet and outwardly Spock remained calm, while inwardly his alpha wanted nothing more to rip apart the Andorian who had hurt his mate. He left the conn to Sulu before going in search of his mate, and bringing him to med bay. His mate had been critically injured, leaving him in command of the ship. Spock did not know how much more could be piled upon him without breaking.

"A centimeter or so lower and it would have pierced his heart," the doctor murmured, while placing a comforting hand on Spock's arm, "Thank God it didn't go lower."

"Indeed Doctor."

"What? You're not going to debate me on the archanie belief system of an almighty being?"

With a raised eyebrow, Spock responded, "Your intentions were well meant doctor and frankly I do not have the energy at the present moment to argue."

Before the doctor could respond he was called by Nurse Chapel to attend to the Vulcan Ambassador. The doctor quietly approached his friend saying, "Spock your father is critical, we have to operate now. We will begin as soon as you are ready."

"No, Doctor."

"WHAT? Why the hell not?!"

"My first responsibility is to the ship. Our passengers' safety is, by starfleet order, of first importance. We are being followed by an alien, possibly hostile, vessel. I cannot relinquish command under these circumstances."

"You can turn command over to Scotty."

"On what grounds, Doctor? Command requirements do not recognize personal privilege. I will be in the brig interrogating the Andorian."

After some time had passed, McCoy knew he had to check in on the Vulcan - he knew the man was near his breaking point and damnit he needed to make sure he was alright. As he approached the Captain and Spock's quarters he saw Mrs. Sarek briskly walking down the hall wiping tears away from her eyes and as he neared the door he quietly said, "Spock? It's Len, can I come in please?" When he didn't respond, Lenoard put in the medical override and as the door slid open he saw Spock just standing there, staring.

Quietly, Lenoard took him by the elbow and led him to the couch. "Spock? Please talk to me. I know you are near your breaking point, don't deny it you damn Vulcan. As a doctor and more importantly as your friend, let me help you. Let me in, please! I know I'm not Jim but I am your friend."

As Spock looked up at the doctor, his deep brown eyes filled with unshed tears as he unsteadily said, "I do not know, Doctor, if I have the words to say how much turmoil I am in. Compounded by my mother trying to appeal to my human side while insulting my Vulcan side and loyalty to Starflet. When I refused to acquiesce to her demands, she slapped me. My mother has never hit me and with Jim in critical condition….I just don't know…" At this point the unshed tears came down the first officer's face and the doctor gathered him up in his arms, and ran a comforting hand through his hair. For a long while they sat there, Spock held in Leonard's arms taking comfort from the Doctor. Leonard murmuring, "Shhh, it's okay darlin'...I'm here…no one can hurt you. I've got you… breath in…And out… And in… I love you so much… It's okay, it's alright… I have you… In… Out…" Spock's breath stuttered as Leonard unintentionally confessed his feelings for the Vulcan. He sat up and looked the doctor in the eyes as the doctor's face drained of all color. "Oh my god! I am so sorry Spock! I didn't mean to say that out loud!"

Spock shushed the man before asking, "Lenoard, may I show you something through a mind meld please?" Leonard gave a slow nod as Spock put his fingers on the doctor's PSI points. Spock showed Lenoard the conversation he and Jim had on the last night of their honeymoon on Vulcan, how both men loved the doctor, and wanted to be in a relationship with him. Jim and Spock had known almost instantly of their bond but as their relationship matured Jim realized he loved his best friend too but was unsure how to articulate it. Spock showed the doctor that he too appreciated and grew to love Leonard. Spock loved Leonards feistiness, how Leonard challenged him and his thinking. How he stood up to the Vulcan when no one else could or would. He showed Lenoard how both he and Jim loved Leonard's willingness to stand for what was right -even if he stood alone, how they both loved his dedication to friends and those he loved.

As Spock withdrew from Leonards mind, he opened his eyes and looked at the doctor. His blue eyes were filled with tears as he said, "I was supposed to come in here to comfort you dammit and instead I find that my two best friends are in love with me and I with them."

Spock gave the tiniest of smiles before responding, "Ashayam, you have. You gave me comfort by being here, by listening, by holding me. I do not let my guard down for anyone except for you and Jim. Do you know how unique that makes you? I trust you ashayam, with every part of my being. Do not doubt yourself."

Leonard just stared at Spock a moment before smiling and simply saying, "I love you."

Spock smiled back, gently took McCoy's hand and said, "When Jim recovers I would like to create a marital bond between the three of us. Would that be acceptable to you?"

Leonard smiled, leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on the Vulcans mouth before responding, "Yes, I would like that very much. Speaking of Jim, I need to go check on him."

With a caress to the check, Spock responded "Yes, check on our Captain. I'll be on the bridge, please let me know how he is."

As Lenoard walked into the med bay Jim was just regaining consciousness. Jim quietly said, "I would like to get my hands on the guy with the sledgehammer."

"The Andorian?" Christine asked.

"No, the one inside my head," Jim replied as he tried to get up but groaned as his body refused.

"Dammit Jim, your body is still healing you infant. You almost died! How could I face Spock if you injured yourself further?"

With a raised eyebrow, and deciding to leave that for now he asked "How is Sarek?"

"Not good, if only I could operate."

"What's stopping you? I thought you were all ready?"

"I was. When you were injured, Spock assumed command, and he's going to stay there till you get back on your feet. Even if it costs Sarek his life. Regulations."

"I can't damn him for his loyalty…"

McCoy's eyes softened, "Neither could I, damned noble hobgoblin."

"What the hell happened between the two of you while I was out?"

With a chuckle McCoy said, "That is a discussion for later, now why the hell are you getting up?"

"I said I can't damn Spock for his loyalty but I won't let him commit patricide."

"Jim! If you stand you could start to bleed again."

"Bones, Sarek will die without that operation, and…you can't operate…without transfusions from Spock. I'll convince Spock I am all right, and order him to report here. As soon as he leaves the bridge, I'll turn command over to Scotty and report to my quarters. Will that…fill your prescription?"

With a sigh, Leonard nodded and muttered to himself, "Trust me to fall in love with two of the most stubbornly noble men in the universe." Kirk had been dressing himself but whipped around when he heard Leonards mumbling and slowly made his way over to him. Jim grabbed him gently by the shoulders and whispered, "You finally told him? He finally told you? Thank God! I only wish I had been there to see and hear it!"

"It was because of you we confessed to them at all! You idiot! Spock was literally coming apart at the seams and I had to hold him, comfort him. It slipped out that I loved him, then he did that damned voodoo mind meld and told me everything. So we would both appreciate you not getting into life threatening scrapes in the future if you can help it." Jim smiled and brought his fingers to the back of Bones head where they became entangled in his hair before he kissed him ardently, gently swiping his tongue along the seam of his lips, seeking permission to deepen the kiss. He opened to him immediately, and soon they were both completely lost as their tongues rolled languidly together. Bones continued his gentle exploration while his fingers began tracing down over Jim's jaw and throat.

Jim pulled back and drew in a harsh breath, "Bones! We have to stop! As much as I would love to take this further we can't. I have to go relieve Spock."

Leonard traced his finger over Jim's lips, fascinated by their soft plumpness before his blue orbs burned into him. "I love you and Spock, with all my heart. I will do all I can to be worthy of you and him for the rest of my days."

"Oh Bones, you are. You are worthy of the love that Spock and I have for you. We will spend the rest of our lives cherishing you the way you deserve." With that he gave one final kiss to Leonard before both men headed to the bridge, Leonard right behind the captain to catch him if he collapsed.

"Captain!" Jim are you alright?!

"I'll take over Mr. Spock," I'm fine for now K'diwa, "Report to sick bay with Dr. McCoy."

"Captain, are you quite alright?" I don't fully believe thee, Jim.

Believe me damnit! I am fine for now but arguing doesn't help me!

"I've certified him physically fit Mr. Spock," McCoy stated firmly and then quietly so only Spock could hear, "Please stop being so stubborn darlin', let us help you." McCoy returned to his normal voice and all but commanded the first officer down to his med bay to complete the surgery his father so desperately needed.

"Get out Spock." Jim said with a smile and with a raised eyebrow Spock got up to follow the doctor. Jim sensed the eyes of his first officer on him, so with added swagger to convince his husband he asked Chekhov the status of the intruder. As soon as his husband left the bridge, he collapsed into his chair and quietly said, "Call Mr Scott to the bridge." While waiting for the engineer to report, the bridge crew again caught a signal for the alien ship originating within the Enterprise itself - specifically the brig. He called security to the brig to search the Andoraian. A while later his security team called back in to report that after they had stunned the Andorian, they had found a transceiver inside one of his antennas. The mystery ship began to move into attack position forcing the Enterprise into a defensive position as they waited for the prisoner to be brought up from the brig.

The ship brushed by causing the Enterprise to shake before turning itself around again to charge at the Enterprise. Jim ordered a firing shot which missed the ship completely. "Damn," he ground out. Sweat was starting to roll down his back, but he was desperate to maintain his calm to the rest of the crew and to keep the ambassadors and other guests safe; however, what he really wanted was to be in his quarters held by his spouse and McCoy. He received a distressed call from McCoy with clear distress in his voice, "Jim! One more hit like that and I'll lose both these men!"

"Dammit Bones! I'm trying my best," then in a quieter voice, "I'm sorry Bones I know we're all a little stressed here. I love you." Uhura gave the captain a questioning look but he simply shook his head, now was not the time to be discussing his love life. The ship came around again, and again the Enterprise missed its shot causing the entire ship to shake.

Through the bond, he could feel his spouse waking. Jim! Have you gotten the Andorian? My fathers heart has stopped!

Spock! Calm yourself. We have the Andorian, and you know that Lenoard is the best doctor in starfleet. I only have the best here on the Enterprise. Between his knowledge and the fact that your father is a stubborn bastard I think he'll pull through. He sent all the love he could through the bond, trying to calm his mate. Kirk was able to figure out the Andorian wasn't really Andorian at all but surgically altered to look like one to reign terror and murder on the Enterprise's trip to Babel - - well he was certainly off to a great start. Thank God he had a competent crew that was able to stop the man before it went further. Kirk was able to destroy the mystery vessel before further damage was done. Unfortunately, before a message could be sent to Starfleet about their prisoner, he was able to tell them of the final trick up his sleeve - a slow acting poison…before he could finish his sentence he was dead on the bridge floor. With a sigh, and a slow rub to his face, Kirk left the bridge to Chekov - unsure of how much more he could handle without collapsing and slowly made his way towards sick bay.

"Bones."

"Are you done shaking this ship around?"

"Dammit Bones! Is my husband alright? Did Sarek make it through?

Before Bones could give him any more attitude, Amanda told him to come through. He sat on the edge of his husband's bed and not caring who was in the room, leaned down to give him a human kiss before pulling back and asking quietly, "K'diwa how are you?"

"I love you but more importantly I believe you will find the alien…"

"K'diwa, we have destroyed the alien ship and found the man responsible for all the terror on the ship. It is now time to focus on our recovery." However, Spock was not content to let it stop there but was able to tell the Captain who the Andorian really was and why it would benefit the Orians to start a war. At the end of the discussion Spock made an observation, "The thing I don't understand is why I didn't think of it earlier."

Jim smiled at his husband, "You might have had something else on your mind."

"It seems hardly likely,"

Jim raised an eyebrow at his husband and just shook his head.

"And you Sarek," Amanda said, "is there something you would like to say to your son?"

"I don't understand," her husband replied.

"For saving your life."

"Spock acted in the only logical manner open to him. One does not thank logic, Amanda."

At this Kirk laughed and turned to Bones, "You see Bones, this is what we have to look forward to!"

McCoy just shook his head and muttered, "What have I done?" Leonard then went into Doctor mode, saying, "Jim, you need to go back on this bio bed now! If I get so much as the tiniest argument from you so help me God I will stick you with a hypo!" Kirk did a mock salute before climbing on the bio bed. McCoy tucked him in with tenderness rarely seen in public, placed a small kiss on the Captains forehead, caressed his cheek and said, "Get some rest love, I'll see you in the morning."

I love you too

Star Trek: Discovery Season 2 Episode 14 "Such Sweet Sorrow Part 2"