Archive of Our Own

Jim stretched his legs under his desk, looking out the window of his office in San Francisco. Like every other evening, the city lights were covering the stars. He turned towards his computer, sipping coffee. Bones would have told him that caffeine wasn’t good for his occasional insomnia, but it was fine. After all, he had some plans for the night that didn’t involve sleeping.

He smiled at the thought, shaking his head. Later, James Kirk, he told himself. Trying to avoid further distractions, he looked at the message on-screen he had received from Starfleet Command. There was a picture of a young Romulan woman – she didn’t look older than 25 Standard years – with green eyes and a purple hood on her head. The file reported her name as Kashira.

A firm knock caught his attention.

“Computer, screen off.”

Jim walked to the door and grabbed his jacket, humming an old song he didn’t remember where he heard.

When he saw the person at the entrance of his office, he felt his chest warming up. He smiled, trying not to act like a schoolboy in front of his crush – not that it would have been too far from the truth.

“Shall we go, Admiral?” Spock’s figure stood tall in his rigid pose, his hands behind his back. “I believe it is time.”

Jim took a moment to admire him. He was wearing his black Vulcan robe, which matched his hair and the depth of his eyes. “Admiral, Spock? We’re off duty.” He smiled as he left the room.

Walking side by side through the main corridor, they reached the closest elevator of the Starfleet building.

“Last floor,” Spock said when they stepped inside.

The moment the doors closed behind them, Jim heard a beep from his pocket.

“Really, now?” He pulled out his communicator and opened it. “Kirk here.”

“Good evening, Admiral. It’s Komack,” the voice answered.

Admiral Komack? Jim was surprised. He hadn’t received a call from him since his days on the Enterprise. “Yes, sir, what is it?”

“Forgive me for my question, but are you alone right now?”

Jim glanced at the man next to him. “Mister Spock is with me. There’s no one else.”

“Commander Spock can listen.” Komack’s tone was serious. “I assume that you have received the message regarding the group of Romulan extremists who escaped from a prison in the Romulan Empire.”

“I did.”

The elevator stopped at its destination. When the doors opened, Jim and Spock stepped outside. It was the floor where Starfleet lodgings were; they looked around, making sure that they were alone in the corridor.

“The Purple Hoods, right?” Jim continued. “I suppose that the young woman in the picture is their leader.”

“Yes. According to our sources, Kashira was a very talented centurion. Unfortunately, she’s now a possible threat to both the Romulan Empire and the Federation.”

“Why were her group members arrested on their planets?” Jim asked.

“Because they stole dangerous weapons and kidnapped several civilians. They’re a young group – ages ranging between 20-26 Standard years – and their goal is to convince the Romulan Senate to send military ships through the Neutral Zone and attack the Federation. They’re trying to start a war against us, because they believe our territories should be conquered by the Romulans. This is why when the Purple Hoods escaped, they stole a vessel and left their planets.”

Jim’s eyes widened. “Wait. They’re not heading to Earth, right?” It had been just two months since V’Ger had almost destroyed every life form on their home planet. Can we be so unlucky in so little time?

“No, they’re far away from our Solar System,” Komack replied. Then, as if reading Jim’s thoughts, he added, “It’s not Earth that is in danger this time. However, I’m not contacting you for your office work, Admiral Kirk. This is about your upcoming mission on the USS Enterprise.” There was a pause. “Admiral, the Purple Hoods have landed on the first Federation colony they have found, Xenia III. Once the Enterprise leaves spacedock again, you must bring her there.”

Jim held his communicator tightly as he listened to Komack’s voice. He still had a month on Earth until the start of his second five-year mission, but sometimes he felt like it was going to start in an hour.

He was excited, for the most part. But there were other things to do before once again saying goodbye to his home planet. “Roger, sir. Let’s hope the local government will deal with them in the meantime.”

“According to the governor of Xenia III, they are,” Komack said. “He assured us that everything is under control and their army can stop the extremists. However, we need someone with your experience there, Admiral. We won’t trust that the Federation is really out of danger until your official report.”

“All right. But we’re talking about a planet close to the Neutral Zone. Reaching its system will take…” Jim raised his head to look at Spock.

“Approximately 83 days and 9 hours at average warp speed, Admiral,” Spock said, his tone professional. “However, should we face anomalies and unforeseen events, it will take longer. Based on our previous experiences, I estimate that we will reach Xenia III in about 3 months after our departure from Earth.”

“Understood, Commander,” Komack said. “This mission is top priority for the Enterprise, so you’ll get there as soon as you can. I will not accept unusual requests like diverting to Vulcan without an explanation, Admiral Kirk. I hope I have made myself clear.”

Jim and Spock exchanged a look.

Oh, come on, that was five years ago, Jim thought. Is he still mad? “You have made yourself crystal-clear, sir.”

“Good. Komack out.”

Jim sighed. Putting his communicator back to his pocket, he moved in silence towards the end of the corridor.

“Xenia III has excellent locations, Jim.”

Jim stopped, his heart skipping a beat. “Oh? What do you mean, Mister Spock?” he asked, not even trying to hide the flirtatious tone behind his ‘Mister’.

Spock met his eyes. “I recently did research on Xenia III’s local flora for a project. It appears that the planet we have to travel to is quite famous for its beautiful oceans and mountains. Multiple humanoid species consider it an excellent choice for a romantic holiday.” Spock started walking again, not waiting for an answer.

Jim’s heart sped up, his happiness impossible to contain. He stared at Spock’s back for a moment, thinking about the implications behind his words.

“Are you coming, Jim?”

Jim’s mind went back to Earth. “Oh. Yes, Spock.”

They stopped in front of the last apartment of the corridor. Spock rang the bell.

“Now who the hell could that be at this time?!” they heard grumbling from the other side. The door slid open, and a pair of big blue eyes greeted them. “Well, if this isn’t an unexpected visit! What do you want from this old country doctor?”

Jim chuckled. “Don’t tell me you had better plans for the night, Bones.”

Bones rolled his eyes. “Of course not. Just me and the new whiskey my father sent. Well, it’ll taste better if we share. Come in.”

The two men entered, exchanging an amused glance.

Spock raised an eyebrow. “Doctor, it is not logical to believe that alcohol will have a different taste if you drink it with someone else.”

“Yes, Spock, and you know what? You won’t find a damn bit of Vulcan logic here!” Bones moved towards his living room.

There were boxes everywhere on the floor, evidence that his Starfleet apartment was a temporary accommodation.

Jim and Spock followed their friend.

Bones was standing in front of the couch. He grabbed a bottle from the cocktail table and opened it. “Come on, sit. It’s obvious from Jim’s face that you two have something to tell me.”

“My face?” Jim sat on the couch. Am I really that easy to read? No, it’s probably just Bones. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Spock took his place on the armchair in front of Jim, looking at him in silence.

Bones joined them next to Jim. He placed two full glasses on the table and kept a third for himself. “Oh, please. You have the same happy expression you had the day they told you they were giving you back the Enterprise for a new five-year mission.” He sipped from his glass. “Well, it looks like everything is going back to the way it was, isn’t it?” He moved his eyes on Spock. “And I see you two are friends again. I can’t believe I’m saying that, Spock, but I hope you’re not gonna run away again this time.”

Spock ignored the glass in front of him, his eyes low. “As I said after our encounter with V’Ger, my task on Vulcan is complete. I will join you again on the Enterprise as her First Officer and Science Officer.”

“I know that. Who knows, maybe I missed teasing you.” Bones placed his hand on Jim’s shoulder. “So, what is this visit about? Come on, Jim! Spill it!”

Jim took a sip of whiskey, feeling the alcohol flowing down his throat. He needed it. “Okay, Bones, you’re right. Spock and I wanted to surprise you tonight. We have big news.” He placed his glass on the table. “And you’re the first one we want to tell.”

“Hmm.” Bones frowned. “You already got your ship back, and most of your old crew. What else happened?”

“Doctor, this is not about Starfleet,” Spock said, his voice calm. “We wish to speak with you regarding a matter of a personal nature.”

“Personal nature?” Bones filled his empty glass with another whiskey. “Now, that’s not something I expected to come out of your mouth.”

“Spock is telling the truth.” Jim knew he had no reason to be nervous. It was just Bones, after all. “This is private. Spock and I… well, you said it yourself. We’re on very good terms now. That’s exactly what we want to talk about.”

“Well, I bet you didn’t come here just to tell me about your great friendship. It doesn’t sound very logical. Am I right, Spock?”

Spock tilted his head.

“No, no.” Jim took one last sip from his glass. “It’s not about our friendship, exactly. I mean, we’re friends, but we’re also…” He looked at Spock, who was now staring at them with his long fingers intertwined on his lap, as handsome as he always was.

“You’re also what?” Bones asked. He started drinking again.

Spock cleared his throat. “Doctor, Jim and I are getting married.”

Bones spat his whiskey. “Goddammit!” he yelled when he noticed his pants were all wet. “What kind of game are you playing, Spock? I didn’t know Vulcans had a sense of humor.”

Jim smiled. Well, I was trying to take it slower, but I guess it worked. “It’s not a joke, Bones.” He patted his friend’s back, happiness filling his body. “It’s a secret, but it’s true.”

Still holding his glass, Bones pointed his little finger at Spock, then at Jim. “You two, married? To each other?”

Jim chuckled. “Yes, Bones.”

“This isn’t just some Vulcan logic thing, right?”

Spock lifted an eyebrow. “I do not understand the question.”

Bones ignored him. “What the hell, when did it happen?! You never told me you were together! What kind of friends are you?”

Jim raised his hands in front of him. “Okay, calm down, I can explain.” He couldn’t help chuckling. “It’s a recent development. We started dating three weeks ago.”

“Three weeks ago,” Bones repeated, his eyes staring at him. “And you’re already engaged.”

“We’re in love,” Jim said, as if it answered everything. “And I thought you knew that, Bones.”

“Of course I knew!” He sighed, leaning against his side of the couch. “I was next to you in sickbay when you two held hands and talked about simple feelings or whatever the hell you were saying. Christine and I wondered if you were going to make out in front of us.”

Jim felt his cheeks heating up at the memories.

“Doctor.” Spock leaned closer on his armchair, placing his elbows on his legs. “If the nature of our mutual affection does not come as a surprise to you, why are you surprised about our marriage plans?” He paused. “I believe that, even among humans, it is logical to marry the person you cherish the most.”

It had been three weeks, but Jim still felt his heart melting every time Spock said something romantic. He wasn’t sure he was ever going to get used to Spock’s love declarations.

“It’s not that, Spock.” Bones had calmed down, maybe also affected by Spock’s gentle tone. “I’m just saying that perhaps you’re moving too fast.”

“Is eight years too fast, Bones?” Jim asked. He took his empty glass again, moving it between his fingers. “Listen, Spock and I talked about this. We know what we’re doing. It’s true that we weren’t together romantically before, and we’ve been involved with other people, but, you know…” He met Spock’s eyes, then he looked at Bones again. “We realized that we’ve always danced around each other. Between our deep friendship, trust and loyalty, there was attraction too.”

“That was obvious to everyone on the ship.” Bones crossed his arms. “Let me guess: Spock didn’t act because he was in denial about his feelings, and you didn’t act because you thought that, as a captain, you shouldn’t sleep with your crew.”

“Doctor, we are not here to digress,” Spock said. Jim could tell that he didn’t wish to focus on their past. “On the contrary, there is an important reason why we decided to inform you of our marriage plans.”

“Oh, that’s right.” Bones sounded interested. “Am I really the only one to know?”

“Yes, Bones.” Jim nodded. “We’d like to keep our wedding private, just the two of us and a few close guests. There’s too much gossip about our relationship, and we don’t want rumors to get in the way of our jobs. Marriage between officers with our ranks is allowed by Starfleet regulations, but we won’t get married on Earth.”

“I see. So you’re going to Vulcan? For that Koon-ut-something?”

“Not for our legal union,” Spock answered. “We will have a human wedding first, to formalize our relationship officially. Then, in about two years, we will reach Vulcan for our Koon-ut-kal-if-fee.”

“Yeah, that part is more a matter of Vulcan biology.” Jim winked.

“Ah. So there are two years left,” Bones mumbled. “Well, I hope next time you two won’t fight to the death.”

“No, we, you know,” Jim made vague hand gestures, “have other kinds of activities planned. We told you we share a mind-link, right? That will draw Spock to me, at the right time.”

Bones frowned. “What? I thought that was a link of friendship!”

“Indeed, Doctor,” Spock explained, “mind-links between Vulcans and non-telepathic beings can only form spontaneously in cases of extraordinarily close friendship. However, while it is possible for those connections to be completely platonic in nature, it is rather common for them to reveal, alongside friendship, a desire to become mates.”

“I see. But…” Bones looked thoughtful. “Wait a moment. If you won’t have your human wedding on Earth, where will you go?”

“Isn’t that obvious?” Jim smirked. “We’ll get married on our real home. The Enterprise.”

Bones’ eyes widened. “What? But you can’t!”

“Doctor, I believe your memory is failing you.” Spock raised an eyebrow. “As the Captain of the Enterprise, Jim has officiated multiple weddings during our five-year mission.”

“I know that, but he can’t marry himself!”

“Well, I can’t,” Jim said, “but according to Starfleet regulations, someone can take my place.”

“Right, your First Officer.” Bones groaned. “Too bad he’s too busy marrying you!”

“We are going to ask Mister Scott,” Spock said. “It is the logical choice.”

The doctor placed his hand on his chin. “You know what, that’s not a bad idea. I bet he’ll like it.”

“And of course, regulations require a witness to make the marriage official.” Jim pointed at his friend.

Bones blinked. “The hell, Jim!” His mouth curved into a big grin. “Are you asking me to be your best man?”

“We are asking, Doctor McCoy,” Spock clarified. “We only need one best man, and Jim and I both agreed that it had to be you. As our mutual closest friend, we could not ask anyone else.”

“Goddammit.” Maybe it was the whiskey, but Bones started laughing, his cheeks red. “What made you so sentimental all of a sudden? Are you trying to make me cry, you damned Vulcan?!” He took a deep breath. “God, I’m so happy for you two. I know I’ve been a bit harsh with you tonight, but… I was just surprised, okay? I’m glad you finally figured out what the hell was going on between you two, because we all knew there was something. Why do you think there are so many rumors? I didn’t start them for sure.” He looked between them, a genuine smile on his face. “You know what, I really want to hug you.”

Jim spread his arms. “Come here, my friend.”

Bones held him, patting his back. “Congratulations, Jim.”

“Thank you, Bones.”

Spock coughed, catching their attention. He was standing in front of their couch. “If you will excuse me, I have an important call with my parents I cannot postpone. Jim, you are free to join me at a later time.”

Jim blinked. Oh, right, he has to tell them. He let Bones go and stood up. “Are you sure you don’t need anything else?” He took Spock’s hand and held it.

Spock’s dark eyes were on him. “I am fine, Jim. However, I will be glad to see you tonight.”

Jim smiled, covering Spock’s hand with his other one. “Of course, Spock.” Thinking about the night with his fiancé sent a thrill through their mind-link. “Wait for me.”

Spock caressed Jim’s palm with two fingers. “I will.”

“Hey, you’re still in my house!”

Jim and Spock turned towards their friend.

Bones groaned. “If you’re gonna get nasty, you’d better leave.”

Spock looked at him. “I was already leaving, Doctor. However, I believe you did not make your intentions clear regarding our proposal. Will you be our best man?”

“Of course I will! But that doesn’t mean I have to see you two doing Vulcan foreplay in front of me!”

Embarrassment tinged Spock’s cheeks an adorable shade of green. “That was not what we were doing.” He let go of Jim’s hand and moved towards the front door. “Good night, Doctor.”

Jim followed Spock’s figure with his eyes, swallowing. Well, for something that wasn’t foreplay, it certainly turned me on. When Spock left, a hand on his shoulder caught his attention.

“So that’s for real, huh, Jim?”

Jim grinned. “Yeah.”

“Well, if you’re sure…”

He met his gaze. “He’s the love of my life, Bones.”

“I know.” His friend’s expression showed the honesty behind his words. “And for what it’s worth, I don’t think he’ll ever leave again. He can be as stubborn as the Andorian flu, but he wouldn’t betray you, not after this kind of commitment.”

Jim smiled again, glad to hear they were on the same page.

“All right, enough of this serious stuff!” Bones hit him slightly with his elbow. “So, where do you wanna have your bachelor party?”

Jim laughed. “That’s fine on Earth.”

***

The sound of the Enterprise engines was soothing in his ears. It had been three months since the beginning of their second five-year mission, and Jim couldn’t remember the last time he had had such a content long period. It wasn’t just the pure, blissful happiness of spending his days with the person he loved; it was also the logical, incredible knowledge that for the first time in his life, he didn’t have to choose between love and space.

Jim wore his shirt, looking at his image in the mirror inside his quarters.

He had gotten the Enterprise back, and Spock was part of the Enterprise. There wasn’t going to be a moment where Jim had to leave his beloved behind. Spock belonged at his side, on their ship. They were meant to travel to the edge of the universe together.

As he put his black boots on, Jim started humming; it was the same song that had been stuck in his head since the day he had told Bones about his engagement. He still didn’t remember its title, but he was almost certain he had heard it on the Enterprise.

“Wow! You look good in gold, Admiral.”

The voice at the entrance caught his attention.

Transporter Chief Janice Rand moved closer to him, her blond hair that day styled in perfect curls.

Jim smiled at her. “How many times do I have to tell you, Janice? On my ship, I prefer to be called Captain.”

She nodded. “All right, but my compliment stands, Captain.”

Jim looked at his own shirt. It was similar to the formal green one he used to wear during their first five-year mission, except for its color. “Well, Sulu and Chekov helped me to choose my clothes, and Bones approved.” He checked his silhouette in the mirror. “I hope Spock will like me in gold, too.”

Janice stopped next to him. “You shaved your chest.”

“Ah, yeah. I haven’t done it in three years.” And Spock has never touched my shaved chest before, he added in his thoughts. “I don’t think Spock has a preference, but I decided that, for our wedding day, I wanted to remind him of the way I looked when he fell in love with me.”

She laughed. “Always a hopeless romantic, aren’t you?”

The ship’s whistle interrupted their conversation.

Jim reached his desk and clicked on the biggest button. “Kirk here. What is it?”

He recognized the voice of the male communications officer currently on duty. “Message from Admiral Komack, sir. Top priority.”

“Put him on screen here.” Jim sat in front of his computer.

In a moment, the screen turned on, showing a white-haired man.

“Admiral Kirk. I hope everything is proceeding according to the plans.”

“Yes, sir. We will arrive at Xenia III on time for our meeting with the governor to discuss the situation with the Purple Hoods.”

“Good. Where are you now?”

“We’re getting close to the Xenia system. The Enterprise should reach Xenia III orbit in about three hours.”

Komack’s big eyebrows creased. “Three hours? I thought your appointment with the governor was in one Standard week.”

“Yes, sir, but we’re planning to visit the planet for shore leave.”

The man on screen stared at him. “Nothing wrong with giving your crew a free week, of course, especially after three months on the ship, but your formal attire misled me, Admiral. You look ready for a reception.”

That would be my wedding, Jim thought, but he didn’t say it out loud. They had decided to inform Starfleet only after the fact, when it was necessary. “Oh, this shirt? Just something I slipped on.” It was time to use his diplomatic skills to change the subject. “Anyway, I bet you didn’t call me to see what I was wearing, sir.”

“No, but I’m always keeping an eye on you, in a sense.” Komack leaned closer to the screen. “Don’t think I will ever forget the day you disobeyed my orders to bring the Enterprise to Vulcan.”

Oh, I will never forget either, trust me. That day, Spock was getting married. Ironic how some things happened again, yet in different circumstances. “I can assure you, sir, that I’m not disobeying your orders.” But if Spock’s life was in danger again, I would. You want to know a secret, Starfleet Command? I’d risk my career a hundred times to save him.

“I hope so. Last time you were lucky, I couldn’t refuse T’Pau’s request. But even if you’re an admiral now, I recommend you get your priorities straight.”

Janice snickered from the other side of the room.

“Speaking of priorities,” Komack continued, “it’s actually very fortunate that you’re reaching Xenia III so soon. I called to inform you that there are still hostilities between the Romulan extremists and the local government. Unfortunately, the Purple Hoods have kidnapped a few civilians. The governor claims that everything is still under control, but just in case…” Komack’s expression was serious. “If there is an emergency, the Enterprise must be ready to intervene.”

“Understood, sir.”

“Good. You have your orders. Starfleet out.”

After the call ended, Janice got closer to Jim. “Oh, come on, Starfleet! Can’t you let your two best officers marry in peace?!”

Jim chuckled. “Well, at least he didn’t call me during the wedding.”

“Don’t jinx it.” Janice moved towards the mirror, checking her make-up. “You know, I was thinking… if you really want Mister Spock to remember the old times, why don’t you let me style your hair?”

Jim blinked. “What? I think my hair looks fine.”

“Yes, but I could make it less curly, with your tuft on the side. What do you think?”

If there was someone he could trust on the ship to be his hairstylist, it was Janice Rand. “Well, that’s fine with me, but you don’t have to do it. It’s not your job.”

“Oh, please. I used to be your yeoman. I’m glad to help you for the best day of your life.”

Jim smiled. “All right.” He grabbed his chair and moved it in front of the mirror. “Just don’t tell me that my wedding banquet will only have salad.”

Janice laughed. “I don’t know, Captain. You’re marrying a Vulcan, I think you’re signing up for a lifetime of vegetables.”

“What? I’m marrying him, not what he eats!”

She grabbed a hairbrush. “I’m kidding. Don’t worry about today’s lunch. I heard the others planned something great.”

He couldn’t wait. But more than anything, he couldn’t wait for the wedding. “The best day of my life, you say?” He sat down, looking at his mirror image. “I hope so. Spock and I haven’t been lucky with weddings before.”

“Really?” Janice started brushing his hair.

“Have I ever told you? When I was a young instructor at Starfleet Academy, I almost married a lab technician. I found out many years later that she was part of Gary Mitchell’s plan to distract me and pass my test.” He sighed. “Then four years ago, during a mission with the Enterprise, I got lost on a Class-M planet and got married when I didn’t even remember my name. Spock had to meld with me to get my memories back.” It was a painful memory; his feelings for Miramanee had been genuine, but he wouldn’t have married her in his normal state of mind. “Spock, on the other hand, had been in an arranged marriage since he was a child. In adulthood, it turned out that his future wife wanted another man. During their wedding ceremony, she forced Spock to fight to the death against me.”

“I heard some rumors about it. People on this ship talk,” Janice said, still working on his hairstyle. “But, Captain, can I tell you what I think? Everything that happened to you two, joyful or painful, has brought you together today. From now own, you should focus on your own happiness.”

Jim didn’t say anything. One thing was certain: him and Spock had chosen to marry each other; they knew what they were doing.

He leaned against his chair. It had only be a few hours since the last time he had seen him, but Jim missed his fiancé. Spock had spent the night in Jim’s quarters – like every other night since the start of their mission – but that morning he had gone to his own room to meditate. He had said something about following human traditions; it was their human wedding and, according to his research, one should not see their partner the day they were going to wed.

Jim felt a wave of affection at the thought of his fiancé’s attempt to plan the perfect human ceremony, but he couldn’t help being a little selfish. He missed Spock. He couldn’t wait to see him. Maybe that was part of the charm.

A few minutes later, the door opened again, revealing Doctor Christine Chapel. She looked great in her light blue dress.

“Hello!” Janice greeted her. “We’re almost ready.”

“I hope so.” Christine took a deep breath. “Sorry, Captain, but I don’t think we can wait any longer: your best man is absolutely insufferable. He has spent the last fifteen minutes trying to convince poor Mister Spock to accept a tranquilizer, even if Spock was fine. You know who needed a tranquilizer? Leonard, of course, but he refused it. If I didn’t know what was going on, I’d think he was the one getting married.”

The other two laughed.

“Yeah, sounds like him.” Jim stood up, glancing at his hair in the mirror one last time. “Well, if you ladies think I’m ready, I guess there’s no logical reason to make my groom wait.”

“Janice did a fantastic job. You look handsome,” Christine admitted, a smile on her face. “I’m sure Mister Spock won’t be able to resist you, Vulcan discipline or not.”

The three of them left the captain’s quarters in a great mood.

Jim controlled his expression as they met other crew members in the corridors of the Enterprise. The ship’s personnel – except for Jim and Spock’s closest friends – didn’t know about the wedding, and he didn’t want to catch their attention. Not too much, at least.

As he walked closer to the designated room for ceremonies, Jim felt his heart fluttering again.

The day had finally come.

He tried not to fantasize about it for a little bit. You will act like the man in command of the Enterprise, James Kirk. He thought about his friends waiting for him. It was nice, as Christine and Janice followed him, to remember all their years together. Their past feelings, like Christine’s crush on Spock and his own early attraction for Janice, had naturally developed in a sense of family between all the old crew members. On the other hand, Jim and Spock’s feelings for each other had blossomed in ways they could never have imagined when their first mission had started. They had become irreplaceable friends and – soon – they were going to be officially husbands. The Standard language didn’t have a word for everything that defined what Jim and Spock meant to each other. Luckily, Vulcan did.

“Well, look who’s finally ready to tie the knot!”

Bones’ greeting interrupted Jim’s train of thought.

The doctor was standing in front of the door of the room where the ceremony was going to take place, his arms crossed.

“Sorry, Bones. It takes time to get beautiful,” Jim joked, trying to hide the tension he felt.

Bones rolled his eyes. “So, how long were you going to make me wait here? Damn it, Jim, I’m a best man, not a doorkeeper!”

Jim chuckled. “You didn’t have to stay here. I mean, the others are already inside, right?”

“Yes.” Bones frowned. “I don’t know, Jim, you’re an old-fashioned guy, so I guessed I could walk you down the aisle.”

“He asked Mister Spock first,” Christine whispered close to Jim. “I suppose he didn’t convince him when I left.”

“Shut up, Christine!” Bones grumbled.

She tugged Janice’s dress slightly. “Well, we’re going inside. Have fun here.”

Both women entered the room, leaving Jim and Bones in the corridor.

When the door closed behind them, Jim looked at his best man. “Bones, I’m not your daughter, and you’re not old enough to be my father.”

“Of course I’m not! But you said your parents and Spock’s will only be at your Vulcan wedding, so today the Enterprise family is all you’ve got.”

Jim couldn’t help smiling. “All right, I get it, but if you’re walking me down the aisle, you have to do it the old-fashioned way, taking my arm and everything.” He wasn’t serious, but it was fun to see how far his friend was willing to go.

“Well, that’s fine! If we’re gonna do it, we’re gonna do it!”

“Bones, I was joking. But I appreciate the sentiment.”

Bones sighed. “I’ll walk you to the carpet then.” He turned to the entrance of the room. “Now let’s go. I know Spock could wait for you forever, but the others are probably getting tired.”

The door slid opened.

Uhura’s beautiful voice filled the room.

When Jim entered, Bones’ arm around his – All right, we look ridiculous – he was surprised to hear other voices joining. At the back of the room, four people were singing a wedding march a cappella. Jim remembered Chekov and Sulu on the bridge discussing certain training with Uhura, and only now it was clear to him what it was about: they were both at her side, along with Janice.

It was an unexpectedly great performance.

Jim listened to the music, memories from a few weeks ago flowing through his mind.

Spock was lying next to him on the queen-sized bed of the captain’s quarters, his expression pensive.

“What is it?” Jim asked, placing his cheek on his fiancé’s shoulder.

“It is my understanding that one of the most popular wedding marches among North-American humans is ‘Treulich geführt’, more commonly known as ‘Bridal Chorus’ or ‘Here Comes the Bride’. I would like to ask Lieutenant Commander Uhura if she can sing it for our wedding.”

“Wagner, Mister Spock?” Jim was amused. “I thought Brahms was your favorite from the 19^th century.”

“That is true. However, Johannes Brahms – or as he wished to be called on Holberg 917-G, Mister Flint – was also an admirer of Richard Wagner’s music. If I did my research correctly, after faking his death, he lived multiple other lives where he chose Wagner’s ‘Treulich geführt’ for his weddings.”

“Fascinating.” Jim chuckled. “So you’re trying to plan a 100% human wedding? You’re spoiling me.”

Spock raised an eyebrow. “Since we will have a 100% Vulcan wedding in less than two years, it is the logical thing to do.”

Jim smiled. “Okay, but why ‘Here Comes the Bride’? There is no bride, Spock.”

“Actually, the German title means ‘Faithfully guided’. And even if the context of the lyrics implies the presence of a bride, it will be of no consequence without the words.”

“You mean, Uhura should only sing the notes? A cappella?”

“If it won’t be possible, I have other ideas.”

Jim embraced him. “Always a perfectionist, aren’t you?”

While his four friends were singing, Jim walked with Bones towards the red carpet. There were only two benches, currently empty. Like the other times there had been weddings on the ship, there were candles on the small platform in front of the seats; Christine was lighting them. On the opposite side of the room, in traditional Scottish kilt, Scotty was making sure that the camera on the wall was recording.

Bones glanced at Jim one more time before leaving him alone in front of the red carpet. Jim looked ahead, towards the tall man who stood at the end.

Spock.

Finally, Jim’s gaze fixed on him. As he started walking on the carpet in the middle of the room, their friends still singing in the background, he felt as if everything else had stopped existing. There was an inner force drawing him to the dark brown eyes of the man he loved. Spock’s expression was serene, and it was all Jim needed to know that this day was everything he wanted. He glanced at Spock’s clothes, secretly appreciating the tight black pants and the blue silk of his shirt; those colors had always suited him.

Jim reached Spock’s side, exchanging a brief smile with him. So, here we are. He tried to ignore the butterflies in his stomach when the song finished.

Everyone clapped. The two grooms turned in sync to look at Scotty, who was still next to the camera at the end of the room.

Jim was surprised when he saw the Chief Engineer grabbing his bagpipes. Scotty started playing his own version of Wagner’s wedding march, walking towards the platform.

I guess that was Spock’s ‘other idea’.

Scotty stepped close to the candles and finished playing in front of the bookrest.

Their friends clapped again. Uhura, Sulu and Chekov moved to one bench, while Janice, Christine and Bones sat on the other, ready for the wedding to begin.

Scotty opened his arms. “Good morning, old friends!” There was silence. He paused, looking at the grooms and the six guests behind them. “Since the days of the first wooden vessels, all shipmasters have had the happy privilege of uniting people in the bonds of matrimony; but as the ship’s Chief Engineer, I would never have expected to have the honor of wedding the best command team Starfleet has ever had, not to mention two great friends.”

Jim heard someone sniffling behind him. Probably Janice, but he wasn’t completely sure it wasn’t Bones.

Scotty lowered his eyes to read. “We are gathered here today with you, James Tiberius Kirk, and you, Spock…” Scotty squinted, leaning closer to the book.

“It’s okay, Scotty,” Jim whispered, his amusement making part of his tension leave. “We agreed that it’s fine if you can’t read his family name.”

Scotty cleared his throat. “Er, in the sight of your fellows, in accordance with our laws and our many beliefs, so that you may pledge your mutual love, support and commitment.” He glanced at the grooms. “Sorry, I cannae skip this part, sirs… If anybody here knows any reason why these two men should not be united in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

The room was silent.

I’m almost surprised we didn’t get a red alert, Jim thought. But it looked like even their dear Enterprise had no objection to their wedding today. Jim offered Spock another smile, to which Spock replied with a raised eyebrow.

Scotty heaved a sigh of relief. “Great, sirs, we’ve got the best part now!” He looked at Jim. “Your vows, Captain.”

Jim felt his heart fluttering. In the past few days, he had repeated every word in front of his mirror; however, telling them on his wedding day was not the same. He turned to his groom. “Spock.” He smiled, meeting his eyes. “There are countless things I could tell you from the eight years I have known you, but today wouldn’t be enough to list everything you mean to me and everything you’ve done for me, for our ship and for the numerous souls we’ve encountered together. Every person in this room knows what a great man you are, and I’m sure they can see why I wish to be this great man’s husband; I’d just state the obvious.” He grinned. “So I’m just going to tell you one thing. Five years ago, while we were leaving Eminiar VII after I tried to stop a 500-year-old war, I said that I had a feeling they were going to talk peace. You told me that a feeling was not much to go on. We were on the bridge, some of our friends here probably remember. Well, I will tell you the same thing I told you that day: sometimes a feeling is all we humans have to go on.” He paused, trying not to let his emotions overwhelm him. “And maybe it wasn’t all I had when I thought about you, but that day I remembered that when we met, I had a feeling that we were going to be a great team, and when we started working together, I had a feeling that we were going to become great friends. And then six months ago, when you grabbed my hand in sickbay, I had a feeling – a simple feeling – that I was going to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Spock opened his mouth to say something, but there was only silence. Perhaps Jim wasn’t the only emotional groom in the room.

“Jim,” Spock finally said, his voice deep and soft. “There is a large number of logical reasons why I wish to stay at your side indefinitely, and it would also certainly take too long to list them now. Therefore, I will think as well of what you told me the day we left Eminiar VII. Since I currently consider myself the most fortunate being in the universe, I believe my answer from five years ago should be properly updated. Jim.” He stared at him. “You do make me believe in luck.”

“Why, Mister Spock.” Jim knew he probably had the sappiest grin on his face, but he didn’t care. “You do make me believe in miracles.”

They stood in silence, just looking each other in the eye.

Scotty cleared his throat.

The grooms turned towards him, Jim still smiling.

Scotty glanced at the book in front of him. “Do you, James, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?”

Jim felt warmth filling his entire body. “I do.”

“And do you, Spock, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

Jim’s heart skipped a beat as he heard Spock answering with no hesitation.

It was happening.

It was real.

Scotty caught their attention again. “Has the best man, Leonard H. McCoy, heard James and Spock’s declarations of intent?”

“I have!” Bones said loudly.

Scotty nodded. “Now you can bring the rings.”

Jim and Spock turned when they heard Chekov approaching behind them. As their youngest guest, their friends had decided he was perfect for the role.

Vulcans didn’t wear wedding rings, and they were against Starfleet regulations; but that was another little thing Spock was willing to let Jim indulge in, just for their special day.

“Thanks, Pavel.” Jim took the first golden ring and turned towards his groom.

Spock raised his left hand, and Jim put the ring on his finger, enjoying every touch. After that, Spock did the same for him, and Jim tried not to think too hard about their upcoming wedding night as the tips of their fingers brushed, sending waves of affection and arousal through their spontaneous mind-link.

Their eyes met, a mutual understanding passing through them.

Jim stared at the ring on his own finger. Well, this certainly looks like a miracle.

“And now,” Scotty continued, “by virtue of the authority vested in me under the laws of the United Federation of Planets, I pronounce you married!”

Married, Jim repeated in his mind. I like it.

Scotty looked at the couple. “You may, er… show you affection for each other, as you wish.”

Jim grinned. He extended two fingers between him and Spock, waiting.

Spock looked at him.

Jim nodded. It didn’t matter that this was their human wedding; Jim was marrying a Vulcan, and he wanted to reassure Spock that the person he had chosen to spend his life with was never going to forget it.

Spock raised his hand too, meeting Jim’s with the tips of his index and middle fingers. A spark of excitement flowed between them. Spock responded to Jim’s grin with a slight smile of his own. Any other human wouldn’t have been impressed, but Jim knew that Spock was imparting all his love through that smile.

And there was more; from the way Spock’s lips curved, Jim could tell that he was up to something. He couldn’t tell what, though, so when Spock placed his free hand on Jim’s cheek and leaned closer, Jim thought that his heart was going to stop.

Loud cheers and claps filled the room as Spock pressed his lips against Jim’s. It took Jim a few seconds to understand that it was happening. He responded to the kiss, placing his hand on Spock’s hip.

Spock leaned back slowly, keeping their heads close. His eyes were filled with emotion. “If I did my research correctly, I believe this is the traditional way to seal a declaration of marriage.”

“Oh?” Jim was in awe. He blinked, trying to remember where he was. “Well, if that’s what your research told you, Mister Spock, I would never dare to question the accuracy of your statement.”

Spock lifted an eyebrow. “That is wise.”

Jim laughed. As their friends got closer, he turned towards them in time to meet Uhura’s hug. Sulu patted his back, while Spock was complimenting Scotty about his performance with the bagpipes.

“If you liked it, sir, I can play again!”

“This is a wonderful, wonderful day.” Chekov was talking to Christine and Janice, close to where Scotty was. “Have I ever told you that weddings were invented in Russia?”

The Enterprise’s whistle rang.

They all stopped, staring at the source of the sound.

“Damn it!” Bones swore. “I hope this is just the beta shift congratulating the grooms.”

“They do not know that we got married, Doctor,” Spock said.

Jim walked to the intercom.

“Excuse me for speaking freely, sir, but it’s not really that much of a secret.” Chekov was smirking.

Jim pressed the button on the wall. “Kirk here. What is it?”

“S-Sorry to interrupt, sir, I-I know it’s terrible timing for you,” the communications officer from the bridge answered.

Jim rolled his eyes. Somehow, he sounds like someone who knows he’s calling during his superior officers’ wedding. “Don’t worry about it. What happened?”

“Captain Kirk,” the voice continued, now in a professional tone. “The governor of Xenia III has been kidnapped.”

Jim froze. He looked at Spock, then at their friends.

From their faces, it was obvious what they expected him to say.

Jim took a deep breath, summoning his role as Captain of the Enterprise. “We’re moving to the briefing room. The wedding party is canceled.”

***

It took them three hours to discuss every detail of their rescue plan. Luckily, both Starfleet Command and the government of Xenia III approved it; that increased their chance of a complete success.

Jim had to delay shore leave for every member of the Enterprise. It wasn’t great after more than 90 days in space, but he knew he could trust his crew to understand. The fact that he didn’t need to question their loyalty to him was one of his best accomplishments in his career.

Jim and his friends changed their clothes and had a quick lunch – which didn’t involve a wedding cake, but at least had more than salad. Jim felt confident as he entered the transporter room. Janice was ready at her station, next to a young male ensign she was giving instructions to. Spock, Bones and Scotty followed the captain.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you, Jim?” Bones asked, the way he frowned showing all his concern for his friend’s safety. “You don’t know how they’ll treat you, and Christine can take care of the ship’s patients without me.”

“No, Bones, that’s out of the question. It’s Admiral Kirk the Romulan extremists will be interested in. I won’t put anyone else in danger. You’d just be an extra gift for them to toy with.”

Scotty stepped closer. “The ship’s in perfect shape, sir. If we need to attack them, she’ll be ready.”

“Thank you, Scotty. I know I can count on you.” Jim moved inside the transporter, his eyes meeting Spock’s. He glanced at the ensign, then at the rest of the group. He cleared his throat. “Well, my friends… Would you leave me a moment alone with my First Officer?”

Janice smiled, giving him a knowing look. Jim was surprised to see a similar expression on the ensign’s face. They all know, don’t they? He realized that, at that point, he didn’t care.

“Aye, Captain!” Scotty nodded as him and the others left.

Spock was in front of him inside the transporter the moment the door closed. “Jim, I believe you should reconsider your decision of going alone. Based on our previous experiences, it is logical to deduce that the odds of your survival would increase considerably if I–”

“Spock,” Jim interrupted him. He placed his hands on Spock’s shoulders. “Your numbers won’t work on me; not this time. I need you on the Enterprise. I’m sorry, but if you think about it logically, you know it’s true.” He smiled. “It’s not logic that is guiding you right now, my husband.”

Spock’s eyes widened. He lowered his head. “I… admit that, since we are newlyweds, your safety is my concern for multiple reasons, not exclusively professional. I wished to spend this day differently.”

Jim squeezed Spock’s shoulders. “Then you’ll have to follow our plan.”

Spock caressed Jim’s cheek with the tip of his fingers. “If anything happened to you, I could never forgive myself.”

“Don’t worry. I know you’ll get me out of there.”

“T’hy’la…”

Jim shivered at the use of the Vulcan word, wishing for a moment he could forget the emergency and spend the rest of the day with Spock in his quarters.

Spock cupped Jim’s face with both hands and pressed their foreheads together. “I do not understand: we do not have a marriage mind-link, yet I still feel like our connection has grown stronger.”

“Isn’t that how it should be? This is an incredibly happy day for the both of us. When you touch me, I can perceive that you feel the same way.”

Spock moved his fingers on Jim’s temple, their mutual affection flowing through them. “It is not the first time we say goodbye to each other with the knowledge that it could be our last. It should not be so hard. Still…”

Jim moved his hand on Spock’s. “It’s different now. I’m your husband.”

“Yes.” Spock leaned back a little, his brown eyes shining under the transporter lights.

Somehow, Jim could tell. What Spock wanted to say were his real wedding vows. The ones only meant for Jim to hear.

Jim smiled at him.

Spock’s voice was filled with emotion. “I have been and always shall be yours.”

Jim pulled him closer. Love and passion overwhelmed them as their lips touched. Spock embraced him. Their mouths opened, their tongues tasted each other in a desperate dance filled with the silent promise that this was not the end, but the beginning of their life together.

Spock pressed a viridium patch against the inner fabric of Jim’s underwear. “The odds of the Purple Hoods finding it there are lower,” he explained when they separated, a little out of breath from the kissing.

Jim laughed. “Are you sure it’s wasn’t just an excuse to put your hand in my pants?”

Spock lifted his eyebrow. “I would not need an excuse to do that.”

Jim swallowed. “A-Anyway, I know you’ll save me, Spock.” Suddenly, he felt his eyes wetting. They were going to celebrate their marriage properly. They had to. “But, just in case…” He smiled as he took Spock’s face in his hands one more time. “I want you to know that if anything happens to me, I’ll still feel relieved knowing that I left the Enterprise in your hands.”

“Jim, I could never be you.”

“But if you are mine as you said, then you are part of me.” He caressed Spock’s hair. “The noblest part of myself.”

Spock didn’t say anything, his gaze fixed on him.

Jim stepped back. “Come on, beam me down. I have a job to do.”

***

The smell of leaves and flowers reached his nose as a soft breeze blew through the forest. In different circumstances, Jim would have loved to explore the woods and climb the mountains, but right now he had to focus on the person in front of him.

Kashira was staring at him, her green eyes unreadable. Her purple hood was covering her head. Behind her, distant enough that Jim couldn’t see their faces, were a dozen Romulan extremists.

“So, what do you think?” Jim asked, his tone confident.

The wind blew again between them.

Kashira stepped closer, her expression still cold. “We accept the deal.”

Jim let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

His plan was working.

The Purple Hoods got closer and put a blind fold over Jim’s eyes. He felt strong arms grabbing him from both sides and forcing him to walk.

Kashira’s voice spoke behind him. “Try anything funny, Kirk, and your miserable life ends here.”

Jim felt a hand phaser pressing against his back. “Don’t worry. If you release the governor and all the other hostages, I’ll respect our deal.”

“Good. Now come inside the shuttlecraft. We’re moving.” She paused for a moment. “And just so you know, don’t count on your ship to find us. We’re good at hiding from the Federation sensors.”

They flew for two hours, perhaps more; Jim couldn’t tell. They forced him to sit on the surface of the shuttle, where he didn’t move. Since he couldn’t see, he tried to listen to what the extremists were saying, but they were careful when they spoke. The only conversation that caught his attention was something about a laboratory they were going to.

When they landed, he felt two Romulans grabbing him again from both sides. He didn’t say anything as he walked with them outside.

It was sunny. He could feel the rays on his skin. He heard a door sliding open, and they brought him inside a building.

“Put him there,” he heard Kashira saying.

Another door opened, bringing a smell of disinfectant.

Jim had barely enough time to realize that the Romulans holding him were throwing him beyond the door. He fell on the floor with a groan. He felt lucky they hadn’t handcuffed him, so he could use his arms to protect himself. As he heard the door closing behind him, he took off the blind fold from his face.

There was a light on the ceiling, the same kind he had seen in other human laboratories. When his eyes got used to it, he noticed that the room had white walls and no windows. What are the extremists doing? Experimenting with something?

He moved close to the door.

“If I were you, I wouldn’t try to escape, Kirk,” Kashira said from the corridor. “There are guards everywhere, and they’re not the compassionate kind.”

“I see,” Jim said, trying to sound casual. “So many places in the galaxy where you could go, and you stay here with me? I’m flattered.”

“Do you think I’m joking, Admiral?”

“No, don’t worry. I don’t.”

“Good.”

Jim heard her walking away.

He took a deep breath, moving towards the opposite wall. “All right, I’ll be quiet,” he said, low enough that he was just talking to himself. “Well, that’s certainly not how I expected to spend my wedding night.” He sat on the floor, pressing his back against the cold wall. When he looked around to see if there was water, he noticed for the first time a silhouette next to a large closet.

“Hello,” Jim said. “Sorry, I thought I was alone.”

The figure stood up. The light revealed a blond woman in a lab coat; her blue eyes were staring at him. “Captain– No, Admiral Kirk, right?”

Jim blinked. She looked familiar, but he couldn’t remember why. He forced a smile and nodded. “That’s me. Excuse me, have we met before?” Whoever she was, he had a feeling he didn’t have positive memories of her. That was atypical when it came to beautiful women from his past, but he trusted his instincts.

“Yes,” she said, a sad smile on her face. “I’m Doctor Leila Kalomi. We met five years ago on Omicron Ceti III.”

Jim’s eyes widened. “That planet… The spores!” He frowned. “You’re the botanist who infected Spock!”

“So you remember.”

“Of course I do.” And how could he forget? His entire crew leaving the ship, Spock hanging from a tree ignoring his orders, that girl holding Spock’s hand as they smiled together… Jim shook his head. It was not the right moment to think too hard about the reasons he had never liked Kalomi. “What are you doing here? I hope you’re not working for the Purple Hoods.”

“No. This is the laboratory of my colony. We’ve been taken hostage.”

“What?” Jim clenched his fists. “That’s impossible. I made a deal with them. They promised to release everyone in exchange for me.”

“I’m sorry.” She sat against the same wall where he was, keeping some distance. “All I know is that I was working with my team and, about an hour ago, that group of Romulans entered and threatened us with their phasers. We couldn’t do anything to resist.”

“Where are your colleagues?”

“In another room like this one. All our assistants, and Elias too…”

“Elias?”

“Elias Sandoval.” Kalomi looked at him. “You met him five years ago. He was our leader on Omicron Ceti III.”

“Oh, him. Yes, I remember now.” Jim brought his hand to his chin. “After we transferred you and the colonists on the Enterprise, he said he wanted to be relocated on a planet where he could establish a new agricultural colony.”

“That’s right. We came to Xenia III four years ago, thanks to Admiral Komack.”

Admiral Komack! Jim nodded, lost in his thoughts. So that’s why I was receiving orders from him. “What do the Romulan extremists want from your laboratory?”

“The poison we’re developing,” Kalomi said, her voice low. “Don’t get me wrong, Admiral, it’s not like the spores! We’re not planning to use it on humans.”

“I hope so.” Jim’s tone was cold. “Maybe you and the others learned a lesson from last time.”

Kalomi’s eyes were on the floor, unfocused. “We did. All we want to do is grow plants. Here on Xenia III, we were able to work on a very powerful poison against the most common parasites. It’s still in experimental stages, but I’m sure that someday it’ll change our lives.”

“I see.”

“Unfortunately, in its current state, it can be used as a weapon,” Kalomi added in a whisper. “The Romulans hit Elias and forced him to cooperate with them. In the wrong hands, that poison can become deadly for humans.”

Jim stood up. “So that’s why they want it. To start a war.” Now that he had all the most important information, he reached the door and banged it. “Hey, is anyone here?”

“What do you want?!” He heard a guard ask behind the door, probably one of the big guys who brought him there.

“Let me talk to Kashira.”

“Why should I?”

“You didn’t keep your side of the bargain!” Jim hit the door again.

“I don’t know what you mean,” the Romulan man replied. “The governor of Xenia III and the other people we kidnapped are free. If you don’t trust us, that’s none of my business.”

“Then why did I find another prisoner here?” Jim was furious. “If you’re trying to make fun of my intelligence, you chose the wrong person. We had a deal. I’m the only one you need.”

“The deal was clear, Kirk: we had to release all the prisoners we had in exchange for you. Well, we did it. All the hostages we had when we took you are free.”

“When you took me?” Jim didn’t like the direction of that conversation.

“Are you hard of hearing, Admiral? Yes, when we took you.” The guard paused. “Of course, we never said we weren’t going to kidnap anyone else.”

“What the hell do you mean?!”

“Oh, I think you know very well.” The man laughed. “We found this interesting laboratory after you accepted to come with us. That made all the humans inside unrelated to our deal with you.”

“Damn it,” Jim swore by himself, punching the door one last time. He heard the guard laughing again. Jim moved towards the other side of the room, close to where Kalomi was. “How many people were inside the lab this morning?” he asked her, keeping his voice low.

“Eight. Elias, me and our six assistants.”

“I see.” It was bad, but it could have been worse. “And you think they trapped them in the same room?”

“That’s what I saw, yes. Elias is probably injured.” She sniffled, her eyes on the floor. “He tried to deceive them. He didn’t want them to get their hands on our experiments, but they figured out what he was doing with the computer and they stopped the countdown of the self-destruction.”

“Self-destruction?”

“Yes. Our main laboratory has a self-destruction device.” She covered her face with her hands. “It’s all my fault. I should have helped Elias, but I was too scared.”

“Don’t blame yourself. Anyone would have been scared. None of this is your fault.” Jim sat down again. He chose a spot closer to her this time, but a third person could still have fit between them. “I’m sorry this happened to all of you. I wanted every prisoner to be safe on the Enterprise; I didn’t expect the Purple Hoods to take others after me.” He stared at the ceiling, anger filling his body as he accepted the flaw in his plan. “The Enterprise is still in orbit, as a last resort she could destroy the entire building and stop the extremists. But she can’t do it now, not with eight civilians inside.”

“Do your subordinates know about us?” Kalomi’s voice was full of apprehension, her eyes wet.

“No. I’m here, and they’re there.” He spread his arms. “Unless the Purple Hoods told them, everyone on my ship still thinks I’m the only prisoner.”

“But they wouldn’t kill their admiral, right?”

Jim could have lied to her; however, as much as he still disliked her presence, they were together in this. “Actually, they would. Not right now, but if they can’t stop the extremists in three hours, they have their orders.”

Kalomi blinked. “You ordered them to kill you?”

“I ordered them to stop the criminals,” Jim clarified, “with any means necessary. They will know what to do.”

Kalomi gasped. “So we must escape in three hours, or we’re dead.”

“More or less.” Jim stood up. He stretched his arms. “What’s inside this closet?” He opened all the doors. “Anything that could help us to get out of here?”

“No. I’m sorry.” Kalomi hugged her knees, trying to muffle her weeping.

Jim felt bad for her. Unfortunately, she was right about the content of the closet: there were only old microscopes. Jim sighed, returning to his spot close to the botanist. Maybe I should take a nap.

They stayed in silence for a while.

As Jim tried to relax, the notes of the same old song played in his head. I heard it on the Enterprise, several years ago. But who was playing it?

“Why did you do it?”

Jim turned his head. Kalomi’s eyes were red, but she had stopped crying. She was looking at him, her expression curious.

“What?” Jim asked.

“Why did you offer to take the governor and the other prisoners’ place? Why did you order the Enterprise to fire in three hours, even if you knew you could die?”

Jim smiled, but there wasn’t happiness in his heart. “Because it was the only way to save everyone. You might not know, but I’m quite famous as a Starfleet admiral, and these extremists know. Their goal is to start a war between the Romulan Empire and the Federation. A decorated human who had fought against Romulan ships multiple times is a more valuable hostage for them than a governor of a colony and his people. They can use me to threaten both the Federation and their Empire and get the weapons they need.”

“So you’re ready to sacrifice your life for the greatest good.”

“Well, that’s part of my job.” He chuckled, and this time it felt honest. “But even if I could die, it doesn’t mean that I’m going to give up.”

Kalomi blinked. “I don’t understand. Didn’t you say we can’t escape? You saw this room. There’s nothing.”

“Oh, yes, it’s going to be hard. But not impossible. Besides…” His fingers unconsciously touched the spot where his viridium patch was. “Even if we don’t escape, I know I won’t die.”

She tilted her head, scrutinizing his face. “You’re really strange, Admiral. You talk as if you believed your guardian angel will save you.”

Jim laughed out loud. “Angel? I don’t think I’ve ever seen one with pointed ears.”

“Mister Spock!” Kalomi’s eyes lit up. “He’s going to save us, right?”

“Yeah,” Jim whispered. “I’m sure of that.”

For the first time since he had been imprisoned, Jim saw a genuine smile on the woman’s face. He couldn’t blame her. Spock had the power of making anyone feel safe, as long as they were by his side.

“How is he?” Kalomi asked him, looking in a better mood. “I haven’t heard of him in five years.”

“Oh, he’s fine.” Jim tried to sound casual. “Still professional, still logical.”

“And he still works under you.”

Oh, yes. If only you knew what kind of good ‘work’ he does ‘under me’. He coughed. “Yes, he’s still my First Officer and Science Officer.”

“I see.”

She didn’t talk for a while, her arms around her legs. Jim thought their conversation was over, but she surprised him when she spoke again. “Did he ever tell you how he made the spores in my body leave?” she asked him.

Jim thought about it. He remembered Spock going to meet her in the transporter room inside the Enterprise, before they used the subsonic transmitter on all the other colonists. “No, he didn’t.”

“He broke my heart,” she murmured. “He made me experience such a deep sadness that the spores couldn’t take it anymore.”

Jim didn’t say anything.

“I know what you think, Admiral. It was necessary. I understand now, but I didn’t at the time. Three years full of spores in my head didn’t make it easy.”

“It must have been hard,” was all Jim could offer.

Kalomi took a deep breath. “Maybe it was just one of your dozens of missions with Mister Spock, but it was a life-changing day for me. I remember what Mister Spock told me when he rejected me like it was yesterday. ‘I have a responsibility to this ship, to that man on the bridge’.”

Jim’s eyes widened. “Is that really what he told you?”

“Yes.”

Damn it, Spock… Why did it take us so long to understand how we felt for each other?

“And then he said that he was who he was, and if there were self-made purgatories, we all had to live in them.” She sighed. “He refused to stay in paradise with me.”

“That wasn’t paradise.” Jim leaned against the wall. “You know, maybe people are meant to create their own.”

“Perhaps. But I couldn’t create mine.”

Jim raised his head. “I’ll follow thee and make a heaven of hell, / To die upon the hand I love so well.”

“What is it? A poem?”

For a moment, Jim was surprised to hear that question. Then he remembered that not all scientists were experts of old Earth literature – actually, the majority of them weren’t. He grinned. “It’s Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sorry, just an old-fashioned hobby of mine.”

She moved a little closer. “So you’re the romantic type.”

“Yeah, I guess I am. Among other things.”

“You got married today.” It wasn’t a question.

“What?”

“I heard you when you entered. You said it’s not how you expected to spend your wedding night.”

“Ah, well…” He shrugged. “What makes you think that I was serious?”

“The ring on your finger.”

Jim swallowed, looking at his left hand. Shit. I forgot to take it off. “Uh. Touché.”

“Well, I know the circumstances aren’t the best, but…” She offered him a shy smile. “Congratulations.”

Okay, this is getting awkward. “Thanks.”

“It’s terrible, though. You had to risk your life on your wedding day.”

“It’s part of my job.”

“Does your spouse know what they signed up for?”

“Oh, yes.” Jim chuckled. “He does.”

Kalomi looked at him. “I don’t really get it, but maybe it’s part of the appeal for him. What does he think?”

Yes, definitely awkward. He tried to sound casual. “Hey, why so many questions all of a sudden?”

“Sorry, I’m curious! And bored, to be honest. We have to kill time somehow.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right…”

Kalomi smiled again. “So, where did you two meet?”

“On the Enterprise.”

“Oh. And where did you fall in love?”

“On the Enterprise.”

“Where did you get married?”

“On the Enterprise.”

“You’re kidding me!”

“I’m not!” Jim raised his hands. “All right, enough gossip now.” He was getting tired, and he didn’t wish for their situation to get more awkward. “Why don’t you tell me everything about this lab? If we want to increase our chance of survival, we need a plan.”

***

It turned out that when it came to her experiments, Doctor Leila Kalomi could talk about plants all day. It was nothing Jim wasn’t used to – he had married a scientist after all – but as the time passed, he was starting to worry.

“It’s been three hours,” Kalomi said, her eyes on her wristwatch. “Are we going to die?”

Jim checked his own watch and stood up. “No, we’re not.”

“But you said–”

“Right.” Jim opened the closet and took one of the microscopes. Then he moved to the door. He didn’t hear any sound from the corridor; still, it was worth a try. “You’re right, Doctor Kalomi!” He cried out. Am I too melodramatic? Well, it usually works. “We’re all going to die! The Enterprise knows about this lab! I gave orders to fire in three hours!” He raised his voice, his mouth now almost touching the door. “Did you hear me, Purple Hoods?! You lost!” He forced a laugh. “I’ll drag you to hell with me!”

Finally, he heard a movement. “Idiot, what are you yelling for?! Have you lost your mind?” It was still the same guard.

“Oh, I certainly haven’t,” Jim replied in a casual tone. “You know, maybe you should have been more careful when you took me hostage. Frisk me and everything. Maybe you would have found the viridium patch in my pants.”

“What?” The man behind the door sounded confused. “Are you trying to seduce me now? Sorry, you’re not my type.” He laughed.

“Huh?” Okay, I didn’t see this coming. Jim shrugged. “Well, I can’t deny that back in the day I would have tried, but I’m a married man now. Besides, I didn’t even see your face. Not that it matters, since we’re all going to die.”

The door slid open.

Jim pressed his back against the wall.

“Okay, now you saw my face, Kirk. And if you don’t shut up, that’s the last thing you’ll see!” The guard pointed his hand phaser in front of him.

It was all Jim needed.

Jim kicked the man’s hand, making him drop the weapon. Then he hit his head with the microscope. The guard dropped on the floor.

“Quick!” Jim hissed at Kalomi, moving the unconscious guard inside the room. “Take his clothes off and wear them.” Jim grabbed the man’s phaser and set it on stun.

Kalomi moved at his side. “What about you?”

Jim didn’t have time to answer, because another guard appeared. “Hey, what’s going–”

Jim fired at him before he could finish his sentence. Then he moved him next to his companion. “Take his phaser.”

“I don’t know how to use it,” Kalomi said, her eyes staring at the Purple Hoods on the floor.

“I’ll set it on stun, just like mine. If a Purple Hood sees us, fire.”

She swallowed, but she accepted the weapon from Jim’s hands. “Okay.”

They heard new footsteps. Jim cursed internally. They didn’t have time to pretend to be Romulans.

“We have to go.” He grabbed Kalomi’s wrist and led her outside. He turned left, walking fast with his phaser ready. “You said the stairs to the main lab are in this direction, right?”

“Yes, but… Aaah!”

Jim turned.

A Purple Hood lay on the floor, stunned.

“Did you shoot?” Jim asked Kalomi.

“Yeah.” She bit her lip. “But I also yelled. Now more of them will come, right? Sorry, I’m not used to this.”

Jim knew. But it wasn’t her fault. “It’s all right. Bring me to a room where we can hide.”

She nodded. “There’s only one here. Follow me.”

They went inside a storage room similar to the one that had been their prison. Unfortunately it was empty, so there was no place for Kalomi to hide.

“You stay on the left of the door, I’ll stay on the right.” Jim spoke in his command voice. “When the door opens, fire. Okay?”

“O-Okay.”

Jim inhaled deeply, his hands firm on the phaser. “Listen, I know you haven’t been trained for this, but you must try. If you don’t, you’ll die.”

“I thought we were going to die anyway,” Kalomi said, moving where Jim told her. “You said you ordered your subordinates to fire from your ship after three hours. So why are we still trying to escape?”

Jim couldn’t help the grin from appearing on his face. “I don’t believe in no-win scenarios.”

Kalomi blinked. “You think we won’t die? Why?”

“Because I married a sentimental softy.” He chuckled. “Don’t tell him I told you that. I just know he won’t let me die.”

For a moment, she just stared at him. Then she smiled back. “He’ll disobey your orders?”

“Well, not exactly… It’s just that, you know, logically the Captain’s safety is extremely important for our five-year mission, and Starfleet wouldn’t be pleased to know that they let me die. So if there’s a chance to get me out of here safely, it’s his duty to delay my order to fire. Something like that.”

“It sounds like an excuse.”

“Yes, but don’t tell him that either. During our first five-year mission, he once refused to leave a dangerous position with the Enterprise while in the Tholian sector because I was trapped in an alternate reality.”

Kalomi’s eyes widened. “Really? An alternate reality?!”

“Yes. One of my strangest adventures, but maybe not the strangest. I stayed alone there for hours, floating in an empty universe. I didn’t have much oxygen left. I thought I was going to die.”

She shivered. “It’s terrible.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you, Doctor Kalomi.”

“Leila.” She smiled. “We’re in this together, right? Call me Leila.”

Jim realized that he didn’t mind. “All right, Leila. Then you can call me Jim.”

“Jim,” she repeated, testing his name. “It’s okay, I’m not upset. I mean, you obviously didn’t die there, so I shouldn’t be.”

“Well, I would have died for sure without my friends’ help.”

“What did your husband do?” She paused. “I mean, your boyfriend at the time, I guess.”

“He wasn’t my boyfriend either. We were just friends. Well, with some flirting and unexpected romantic tension between us, but still…”

“He brought you back.”

“Yes. Against all the odds, he brought me back to the Enterprise. As he always does.”

Leila opened her mouth to speak, but she froze when they heard footsteps outside.

“Where are you hiding?! We had a deal, Kirk.”

It was Kashira.

The door opened. There were more enemies this time.

Jim didn’t have time for a better plan, so he just fired at the first Purple Hood and bent to avoid a punch from the second.

Leila stunned a man too, but she fell as she tried to run away from another.

“Leave her alone!” Jim jumped against the Romulan who was attacking her. The two rolled on the floor as they fought, their hands on each other’s necks. Jim secretly thanked all the sparring with Spock from the last three months.

When he was on his back, he kicked his opponent against another Purple Hood who was approaching. Both enemies slammed into the wall and lost consciousness. Jim rolled to avoid the fire of a phaser and stunned the last Romulan.

On his knees, trying to catch his breath, he glanced at Leila. She was still on the floor, her shocked expression betraying her lack of experience in traumatic situations, but her body didn’t look injured. Jim stood up and lowered all the hoods of their enemies.

“What are you doing?” Leila asked.

“She’s not here,” Jim said, his breath still heavy. “Kashira, their leader. She ran away.”

He studied the features of the extremists one more time, to make sure that he was right.

He noticed it too late.

Another Purple Hood had entered the room, moving towards him.

Jim raised his phaser to fire, but the other grabbed his wrist and twisted Jim’s arm behind his back, forcing him to drop his weapon. Shit! Jim found himself trapped, his back against his adversary’s chest, one arm firm around his waist and a hand covering his mouth.

“If I were you,” the figure whispered against his ear, lips almost touching it, “I would keep quiet.”

Jim felt a shiver run through his body, and this time it wasn’t the thrill of the fight. He knew that voice. And the feeling of those fingers on his mouth. He could have recognized them among billions in the universe.

“Spock!” He said despite the warning, while the other was letting him go. Damn, why did he have to hold me like that? It wasn’t the time or place to get horny. Not that his dick was listening. “Spock…” Happiness filled Jim’s heart as he met his husband’s eyes under the Romulan hood.

He didn’t have time to enjoy the moment.

Spock’s body stiffened.

Jim caught him in his arms when he fell on him. “Spock! What’s going on?”

“Jim! Are you all right?”

Jim raised his head. Leila was standing in front of them, her phaser pointed at Spock’s back.

He sighed. “Yes. I’m fine, Leila.”

She frowned. “I saved you. Why are you angry?”

Jim lowered Spock’s hood.

“Oh my God, Mister Spock!” Leila covered her mouth. “I’m so sorry, I thought it was another Romulan!”

“Yeah, I know.” He didn’t manage to hide the stress in his voice, even if he didn’t have any right to be mad at her. “You did the right thing. My subordinates would have done the same. I mean, it did look like he was attacking me, so…” He swallowed, cursing his mind for making him think about the way Spock had just whispered in his ear. Damn it. I need my wedding night. “Anyway, he told me to stay quiet, so there might be other Purple Hoods around.”

Leila nodded. “What are we going to do?” she murmured. “If Mister Spock doesn’t wake up, it’ll be hard to move with him.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it. Take all the phasers you see. We might need them.”

She did as he said, while Jim sat down with Spock still in his arms. He didn’t know if his idea was going to work, but he had to try.

“Spock. Wake up, Spock.” Jim cupped his husband’s cheeks and pressed their foreheads together. He could feel the link between them. Spock, he called him in his mind. I need you. Please, wake up, t’hy’la.

Spock’s face muscles contracted. His eyes opened slowly. “Jim…”

Jim grinned. “Hey. Welcome back.”

“Mister Spock, I’m sorry.” Leila caught their attention. “It was my fault. I mistook you for one of the guys who caught us.”

Spock stared at her, raising an eyebrow.

Jim sighed. He stood up, helping Spock as well. “I believe you already know Doctor Leila Kalomi, Mister Spock,” he said in his diplomatic tone, even if he couldn’t hide the hint of sarcasm.

“Indeed.” Spock’s reply was cold, as was his expression. “I must confess my surprise to see her here.”

Jim patted Spock’s shoulder. “Yeah, sometimes the universe isn’t as big as it looks.”

“Oh, well, I was surprised to see Jim here too,” Leila said, looking embarrassed. “A-Anyway.” She lifted the phasers in her hand, as if she were ready to change the subject. “I think I found all of them.”

“Great. Well done, Leila.” Jim grabbed a bag from one of the unconscious Romulans and opened it. “You keep one. I’ll take the rest to Sandoval and the others.”

“Sandoval?” Spock asked. “Elias Sandoval?”

“Yes, he’s here too,” Jim replied. Of course Spock would remember everything from Omicron Ceti III, including the first name of the old colony’s leader. “He’s been taken hostage with six other people in this building. I’m going to find him.”

“In that case–”

“No,” Jim interrupted him before he could finish his sentence. “You two get out of here.”

“Captain, logic dictates that if we go together–”

“Stop it.” Jim clenched his fists. “She’s a civilian, we won’t willingly put her in danger now that there’s a chance for her to be safe. That’s an order, Spock. You can protect her better than I do, and you know it.”

Spock swallowed. “Understood, sir.”

Now that he was sure his First Officer wasn’t trying to change his mind, Jim relaxed a bit. “Come on.” He took Spock’s left hand. “I’ll be back, I promise. We do have unfinished business, after all.” His thumb caressed Spock’s ring.

Spock looked at their hands in silence.

The three of them left the room. Leila and Spock turned right and started walking away.

“Jim.” Spock called him as he started leaving in the opposite direction.

Jim turned. “Yes?”

Spock met his eyes one last time. “Be careful.”

Jim gave him his best grin.

***

He found Sandoval and the other hostages where Leila had told him they were. He didn’t meet anyone in the corridors; perhaps all the Purple Hoods had other things to worry about now that Spock and the Enterprise were involved.

“Thank you so much, Admiral,” Sandoval said as he accepted the bag with the phasers. He had several bruises on his face, but they didn’t look terrible.

“They’re set on stun,” Jim explained to them, “but if your life is in danger, don’t be afraid to kill them. They’re dangerous.” He left the room with the group. “Now go.”

“You’re not going with us?” Sandoval asked.

“No. There’s someone I need to find first.”

“You mean me?”

Jim turned towards the voice. Kashira was pointing her phaser at them.

“Run!” Jim shouted as he tried to stun her.

He hit her weapon, which fell on the floor, but she was unharmed.

The scientists ran away. Jim felt relieved.

“I won’t let you go!” Kashira yelled.

Jim set his phaser on kill and pulverized her weapon before she could pick it up. “You’re the leader,” he said, “so stop your people. There’s no way you can get what you want now. If you keep fighting, you’ll just get killed.”

“We’d rather die here than get taken by a puppet of the Federation like you.”

Jim sighed. “Oh, come on, don’t talk like this. You’re still young. There are a lot of things you can do in your life.”

“You won’t have me!” She turned and ran before Jim could shoot her.

“Hey, where are you going?!” Jim followed her, not trusting her intentions. He spotted her close to the spiral staircase that led to the main laboratory. “Stop!”

When he reached the steps she was going down, she grabbed his legs and made him fall. She struggled to get his phaser, and when she touched it she accidentally fired at the wall.

“Shit!” Jim cried out.

The spiral staircase fell, taking them with it. Jim tried to land on his feet, but he shouted in pain when he felt his left ankle sprain.

He tried to stand anyway, but Kashira hit his jaw with her elbow, making him slam into a table full of large vials.

She didn’t look to be in good shape either. Part of the wall had probably fallen on her, because her leg was covered in green blood, and she was holding her injured arm as she tried to reach one of the computers.

“What are you doing?” Jim asked her.

She pressed a red button and typed a password. Crimson lights appeared as a countdown started on all the screens. “I told you that you won’t have us,” she said, twitching from the pain.

“Wait. This is a self-destruction device! You’ll die!”

She fell on the floor. Despite her bleeding leg, she smiled. “You’ll die too, Kirk. The Federation won’t forget. They’ll seek revenge. We Romulans will finally fight the war we deserve.”

“You’re wrong,” Jim hissed. He felt his strength leaving. After all the fights, his body was giving up. Come on, James Kirk. He tried to reach the red button. He couldn’t pass out like that. “Starfleet doesn’t seek revenge. You’ll die for nothing. Stop the countdown.”

Kashira didn’t reply.

“Did you hear me? Stop the countdown!”

When Jim looked at her, he noticed that she was unconscious.

“Oh, what the hell…” He crawled towards the main computer, but he couldn’t move more than a few centimeters. “No, no…”

His vision got blurred, his ears buzzed. The countdown got louder, an artificial voice filling the laboratory.

“Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six.”

He heard someone cursing in the background; maybe it was a dream.

“Five. Four. Three.”

He closed his eyes.

“…im.”

Someone was shouting.

“…Jim.”

His ears were still buzzing, his eyes didn’t open.

“Jim. Jim!”

Even in the darkness, he managed to smile. “Spock… Thank goodness…”

“Goddammit!” The voice got louder. “I’m not your pointy-eared Prince Charming, but you better thank me anyway.”

Jim felt a hypospray pressing against his neck. He blinked. As he got used to the light, he met with a pair of grumpy blue eyes. “Bones!”

“Yeah, who else?” He was wearing Romulan extremist clothes, but his purple hood was down on his shoulders. “I bet I did the right thing when I pressed that red button, huh? It looks like this lab isn’t gonna blow up with us.”

Jim laughed out loud, despite the pain of his ribs. “Why are you here?” he asked. “Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you came. But I thought Spock was alone.”

“Well, he wanted to go alone, of course, but he changed his mind when I told him that you probably needed medical attention.”

Happiness almost made him forget his injuries. “Thank you, Bones. I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

“Oh, I know what I would do without you two. I’d be in Georgia, in the quiet of the countryside with some nice company and the best whiskey.”

Jim grinned. “But this is more exciting, isn’t it?”

Bones rolled his eyes. He opened his communicator. “Beam us up, Scotty.”

***

When Jim woke up again, he was in sickbay. Spock was sitting next to him, holding his hand; he had changed back into his wedding outfit.

There was nobody else around.

“Hey.” Jim squeezed Spock’s hand. “I told you I was coming back.”

Spock looked at him. “While technically true, it is my understanding that if Doctor McCoy had found you three seconds later, you would have died.”

Jim smiled. “Ay me! For aught that I could ever read, / Could ever hear by tale or history, / The course of true love never did run smooth.”

Spock raised his eyebrow. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act I Scene I.”

He grinned. “God, I knew you were the one.”

Spock tilted his head.

Jim knew he was still staring at him with a lovestruck expression when Bones entered. Spock let go of his hand.

“Well, I come here and, lo and behold, Sleeping Beauty woke up.” The doctor moved close to his patient. “How do you feel, Jim?”

“Good.” He looked at his feet. He was wearing socks, but he could still see the bandages around his left ankle. “I guess I can’t just walk away, right?”

“You better not!” Bones frowned. “I took care of your other injuries, but your ankle was a mess. You need complete rest for at least one night. And even after that, be careful when you walk.”

“One night, Bones?”

His friend rolled his eyes. “Yes, I know it’s your wedding night and everything, but listen to me, this is not the right time to try the entire Vulcan kamasutra.”

“Doctor, there is no such a thing as a ‘Vulcan kamasutra’.” Spock’s cheeks were a slight shade of green as he spoke.

“Oh, of course not, I forgot the ‘no fun allowed’ rule from your home planet!”

“Doctor, your definition of fun is extremely subjective, not to mention entirely human-centric. In fact, there are billions of different–”

“All right, gentlemen!” Jim raised his voice. “Your banter is fun enough, from my very human-centric and subjective point of view, but you haven’t told me what happened yet. Where are the Purple Hoods?”

“They have been arrested,” Spock said. “Some of them were injured, like their leader, so they’re at the local hospital. I spoke with the governor of Xenia III while you were unconscious. I believe that the extremists will not cause further trouble.”

“I hope so.” Jim sighed. “What about Leila Kalomi and the others?”

“They are all safe, mostly unharmed. Doctor Chapel is taking care of them.”

“Good.” Jim sat up. Only then he noticed that he wasn’t wearing his shirt. Bones had probably taken it off to check his injuries. “Well, I suppose I have to call Admiral Komack now and arrange a meeting with the governor as soon as possible.”

“That will not be necessary, Captain,” Spock said.

When Jim looked at him, he noticed the hint of a smile on his face. “What do you mean?”

“I have already called Admiral Komack,” his First Officer explained. “He will contact the governor of Xenia III personally tonight. There is no change in our original appointment with the governor in one Standard week.”

“Wait a moment, that’s impossible.” Jim knew Starfleet Command too well to believe they’d just let him go. “A group of dangerous Romulan extremists has just been captured thanks to the Enterprise. How can they have a meeting about it without me?”

“I’ll go,” Bones said. He was smiling. “Scotty, Uhura and I will take care of that. You’ll meet the governor next week.”

“What?” Jim was confused.

“What do you mean what?!” His friend crossed his arms. “You think I can’t talk for the Enterprise about what happened in that lab? I was there too! And if you don’t trust me as a diplomat, there’s Uhura to keep me in check.”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you,” Jim said, “but why? You don’t have to do this.”

“Of course I do!” Bones raised his hands. “Damn it, Jim, I’m your best man. I didn’t save your life so you two could spend this week doing boring diplomatic meetings instead of your honeymoon!”

Jim’s mouth opened in surprise. He turned to Spock, who still had his hint of a smile on his face.

“Admiral Komack wished to extend his congratulations for our wedding to you, Jim,” Spock said. “I thanked him for you as well. He hopes we will enjoy our honeymoon.”

Jim felt his chest warming up. “So they’ll let us go for a week. And you’re fine with that.”

Spock cleared his throat. “I merely stated that I wished for our original plan to remain unchanged.”

“So, what do you think?” Bones patted Jim’s back. “Just make sure not to leave the Enterprise tonight, and you’ll be ready to leave tomorrow.” He walked towards the door. “Well, I guess I’ll see you two in a week. I have to go, Scotty is waiting for me to beam down.”

“Beam down?” Jim asked. “Where are you going?”

“Shore leave, Captain,” Spock explained. “The Enterprise is completely empty now. Just as planned.”

Jim’s eyes widened. “So we’re alone?”

“Indeed.”

“Have fun,” Bones said as he reached the exit. “Whatever it means for a Vulcan, I guess. And remember, Jim: don’t put your weight on your left leg until tomorrow.”

“No problem.” Jim smirked. “I’ll keep it horizontal tonight.”

Bones rolled his eyes as he left, mumbling something that sounded a lot like ‘I don’t want to know’.

Jim was still laughing when Spock took his hand.

“Since you have been a hostage for several hours, I suppose you are hungry.”

Jim glanced over Spock’s entire body wearing his wedding outfit. “Oh, trust me, I really am.”

Spock lifted his eyebrow. “I am speaking literally. I assume you have not eaten anything since lunch.”

“Hmm, you’re right.” If he had to be honest, after the imprisonment and the fights, he was starving. “I need energy for our wedding night.”

“Yes.” Spock stood up. “I also need to have dinner. I will bring something to eat.”

“Thanks. And you know what? I could use a shower.”

“That can wait.”

Jim was surprised. “Why, Mister Spock? Did you get attached to my hairstyle?” He touched his tuft. “Even without a mirror, I can tell it’s a mess now.”

“I find it still agreeable.”

“All right.” Jim smiled. “Then the shower can wait. What about getting me a new shirt?”

“Unnecessary.”

Jim laughed. “Okay, bring me a sandwich with anything you know I like. And coffee, please.”

“As you wish.”

***

Jim ate in sickbay, still on his bed.

Next to him, Spock finished his vegetables and put their empty trays aside. “Shall we go, Captain?”

Jim leaned in to him. “Captain, Mister Spock?” He caressed his husband’s cheek. “I thought we knew each other well enough to be on a first-name basis.”

They closed the distance at the same time, their lips meeting halfway. It was a slow, tender kiss; their fingers intertwined on the bed.

Spock moved one arm under Jim’s legs and the other around Jim’s back, then he lifted him.

Jim interrupted the kiss, looking around. “What are you doing?”

“We are leaving.” Holding Jim in his arms, Spock walked to the door. “Unless you believe sickbay is the best place for our wedding night.”

“Of course not. But I can walk!”

“No, you can’t.”

The door slid open.

Spock carried Jim outside. “Did you listen to Doctor McCoy?”

Jim rolled his eyes. “I can use a crutch. Or you can help me walk.”

“Negative.” Spock kept walking down the empty corridors of the Enterprise.

It was strange not to meet anyone. Still…

“Spock, come on. It’s embarrassing.”

“As you might recall, Jim, I did a lot of research on human traditions regarding weddings. It appears that one of the most popular gestures in many Earth countries involves one newlywed carrying the other over the threshold.”

“Yes, you’re right.”

Spock stopped. “Do you not like this part of your home planet’s culture?”

Jim blinked. “No, it’s not that, Spock. I like it, it’s, well, very sweet,” he admitted, feeling a wave of affection at Spock’s desire to research human weddings. “It’s just that, you know, I don’t get why you should be the one carrying me instead of the other way around.”

His husband raised an eyebrow. “You are hurt. It is the only logical choice.”

“Yes, but… Okay, I can’t really argue about that.” Jim sighed, placing his head on Spock’s shoulder. “Sorry, just my illogical human ego, I guess. I’m in command of this ship.”

“You are,” Spock confirmed, “but it is irrelevant now. If you are worried about appearing weak, then you should remember that there is currently no personnel aboard the Enterprise.”

Damn Spock and his logic. He smiled. “Okay, you win. Carry me over the threshold, my husband.”

“With pleasure.”

Jim tried to relax in Spock’s arms as they started moving again. It wasn’t until they entered the turbolift that he got worried again.

“Wait, where are we going?” he asked Spock. “That’s not where our quarters are.”

“Bridge,” Spock told the intercom in a clear voice.

The elevator started moving.

“What? Why?” Jim looked at him, feeling confused again.

Spock tilted his head. “It would be illogical to reach the bedroom right after stepping over the threshold, Jim. Our home is rather big.”

The doors opened.

Jim smiled as they moved inside the bridge.

Despite the big changes since their first five-year mission, its structure was still the same. It was still the place where they had spent the longest amount of time together; the place where they had met colleagues and friends, the place that had brought good and bad news. It was the place where six months ago Jim had seen Spock coming back from Gol, colder than he had ever been, looking for answers. It was the same place where Spock had cried for the entity that, just like him earlier that day, didn’t have answers. The same place where Spock had looked at Jim as he was saying that his task on Vulcan was complete. The place where they both belonged.

Home.

Spock helped Jim to get on his healthy foot.

Jim hopped a little to reach the captain’s chair. “It’s strange to see the bridge empty.” He didn’t sit down, just grabbing the backrest to balance.

Spock stood at his side, his hands behind him. “Computer, screen on.”

In front of them a view of the stars appeared. Xenia III was in the middle.

“Lights 40%,” Spock said.

“Oh?” Jim grabbed his husband’s arm. “That’s a pretty romantic atmosphere, Mister Spock. Are you trying to woo me?”

Spock’s lips curved in a small smile. “I believe that I have already succeeded.”

Jim smiled back. He stared at the view in front of him, getting lost in the hundreds of heavenly bodies they could see from their ship. “And then the moon, like to a silver bow / New-bent in heaven, shall behold the night / Of our solemnities.”

Spock stepped closer to him. Their shoulders brushed. “I woo’d thee with my sword, / And won thy love, doing thee injuries; / But I will wed thee in another key, / With pomp, with triumph and with revelling.”

Jim pulled Spock from his shirt and kissed him.

Their hands stroked each other’s backs, making Jim shiver at the touches of Spock’s fingers on his naked skin.

“Have I ever told you how much I love your voice, Spock?” Jim kissed him again, his hands resting on Spock’s shoulders. “You could quote A Midsummer Night’s Dream to me, explain all your findings about alien rocks or read an entire list of Starfleet serial numbers, and you’d still turn me on.”

“On occasion, it can be rather convenient,” Spock murmured, their noses almost touching. “However, I do not plan to read serial numbers tonight.”

Jim smiled. “I hope so.” He looked at the bridge again, wondering if Spock had something specific on his mind. “Do you remember the first time we were alone on the Enterprise? Right on this bridge?”

Spock leaned back, his expression turning serious. “Yes,” he said, his tone neutral. “Five years ago, after we reached Omicron Ceti III. The entire crew was affected by the spores and left the Enterprise to stay on the planet. You remained here alone.”

Jim nodded. “And when I found a way to free myself from the spores, I called you. I needed you to help the crew and the colonists.”

“You made the spores leave my body, then we went on the bridge together to create a subsonic transmitter. We were the only two people on the Enterprise, just like now.”

Jim grabbed Spock’s arms, keeping his eyes low. “That’s when she called you. Leila Kalomi.”

Spock didn’t say anything.

Jim took a deep breath. “For a long time, I tried not to think about the way I felt that day. I didn’t want to figure out what it meant.”

“Why?” Spock asked.

Jim closed his eyes. “Because I was jealous, Spock. Terribly so. I knew it was wrong. I didn’t have any right to feel that way; it’s not that I never had beautiful women around me at the time. But when we were alone on the Enterprise, and she called you from the planet… for a moment, I felt the desire to tell her that you were mine. Even if you weren’t.”

“I am now.” Spock took one of Jim’s hands and held it. “And she knows.”

“She does?” Jim blinked. “Well, I guess I haven’t exactly been subtle with her.”

Spock raised an eyebrow. “She told me that I have a nice wedding ring.”

Jim laughed. “Okay, we haven’t exactly been subtle.”

“She also said that she felt relieved after meeting me today, because I made her realize that, apparently, she ‘had got over me’ a long time ago.”

“Oh.” Jim thought about his conversations with her while they were prisoners. Perhaps she had found her own happiness, after all. “Well, good for her. She succeed where I failed. I never managed to get over you.”

“That is something I am immensely grateful for.” Spock stroked Jim’s hand with his index and middle fingers, sending shivers through their mind-link. “And it is my intention to express my gratitude to you. However…”

“Yes?”

Spock tilted his head. “A sentimental softy? Really, Jim?”

Jim blinked. “Hey, I told her not to tell you!”

“I do not understand why you would speak about your spouse in such insulting terms.”

Jim chuckled. “Okay, I’ll make up for that. I don’t wanna sleep on the couch.”

“Indeed, you will make up for that in other ways.”

Spock placed his other hand on the back of Jim’s head and pulled him in for a kiss. Their tongues intertwined as their bodies pressed against each other.

Jim felt the passion awakening between them. He moaned, trying to move without hurting his ankle. In the breaks between their kisses, Spock grabbed Jim’s waist and helped him to sit in the command chair. Jim leaned against the backrest as Spock’s mouth moved to his neck, leaving small bites.

Jim’s hands grabbed Spock’s silky shirt and lifted it. Spock leaned back to let Jim take it off. They looked at each other, their eyes enjoying the sight of their bodies.

“You shaved your chest this morning,” Spock said, his hand caressing the smooth skin. “Is there a specific reason?”

Jim shivered at the touch. “Just wanted to surprise you.” He lifted his hand to stroke the short body hair on his husband’s pectorals. “And I figured that your insatiable scientific curiosity would make you want to feel it at the touch after years of just looking.”

Spock teased a nipple with his fingers, making Jim moan. He knelt in front of the chair and moved his head forward to lick Jim’s other nipple.

“S-Spock!”

“Yes?”

Jim grabbed Spock’s hair and lifted his head. “I want to know first, was it a good idea? What do you think?”

Spock caressed Jim’s chest again, his eyes studying it. “Fascinating.”

Jim grinned. “Let’s move to my quarters, Spock.”

“Not yet.” Spock’s tongue started teasing a nipple again, his hands caressing Jim’s waist up and down.

Jim was surprised by his answer, but he didn’t complain. He moaned again as his nipples stiffened. He stroked Spock’s straight hair, enjoying the feeling between his fingers. Spock left a trail of kisses towards Jim’s belly and stopped to lick his navel.

Jim was already fully hard. They had to stop, or there was no way he could wait until they moved to their quarters.

“Hmm…” He couldn’t resist the way Spock was playing with his nipples, his slender fingers stroking them as his mouth was still on his belly. Jim’s eyes widened when he felt Spock grabbing the hem of his pants with both his hands. “W-Wait!”

Spock stopped, confusion in his brown eyes as he raised them. “Yes, Jim?”

Jim smiled, cupping his husband’s cheek. “Spock, you’re doing great, but that’s the problem. If you blow me in the captain’s chair, I will never be able to focus on my job again.”

Spock didn’t move. “Most illogical. You are an excellent and experienced Starfleet officer. I am confident that next time you sit here, you will not be distracted by your memories of receiving oral sex from me.”

Jim’s cock twitched at Spock’s last words. “God, are you doing it on purpose?” Of course he is, I don’t know why I’m even asking. He took a deep breath. “Listen, we’re on the bridge. Married or not, you know this is against Starfleet regulations, right?”

This time, Spock’s answer was a well-deserved raised eyebrow. “That has never stopped you in other places before.”

Well, I had to try. “All right, I’m just not sure that it’s a good idea. We have a great bed for this kind of thing.”

“Indeed. And we have used it all 91 nights we have spent on the Enterprise since the start of our new mission.” Spock stroked the higher edge of his husband’s pants with his thumbs. “Jim. The absence of the entire crew is a rare occurrence for the Enterprise. The odds against you and I both being alone again on this bridge during the remaining 4 years and 9 months are 835.6 to 1.”

Jim swallowed. He met his eyes. “835 to 1?”

“835.6 to 1, Jim.”

He frowned. “Those are pretty bad odds, Mister Spock.”

“Yes. But they are, of course, accurate.”

“Of course.”

Jim sighed. He closed his eyes.

Damn it.

When he opened them again, he pulled Spock’s head closer. “Fine, you win again.” Slowly, he pressed their mouths together and bit Spock’s lower lip. His hand grabbed Spock’s and placed it on the bulge between his legs. “With those unfavorable odds, we better seize the day. Or the night.”

He caught a glimpse of Spock’s smile before they kissed again, this time with more passion. Spock’s palm pressed against Jim’s groin, making him thrust against it.

“Spock. Please…”

Spock pulled down Jim’s pants. Jim was relieved when he felt his cock finally free, eager for what was coming. He watched as Spock’s tongue leaned closer and tasted the tip.

He quivered, a spark of pleasure triggering from the spot Spock licked.

Finally, Spock grabbed Jim’s hips and opened his mouth to take the length inside.

If there were self-made purgatories, they all had to live in them, Spock had said. But if humanity could reach paradise, then Spock had brought him there.

Jim closed his eyes. It felt as if everything else had disappeared. All he could focus on was his own cock surrounded by the warmth and wet of his husband. He lifted his chin, his head pressed on the backrest.

Spock was amazing. Jim felt a hint of pride coming through their mind-link as Spock managed to suck the tip the way he knew drove Jim crazy.

Jim groaned louder. He opened his eyes and grabbed Spock’s head. His fingers moved at its sides and teased the pointed tips of his ears. Spock let out a muffled moan as he kept sucking. Jim smiled. They were two playing that game. He couldn’t do much for his husband’s arousal from his chair, but he was certainly going to try.

Spock moved his tongue around Jim’s cock.

“S-Spock!” Jim startled.

God, he got so great. He had always been good – Spock was meticulous in every kind of research, after all – but there was something devotedly intimate in the way he now knew exactly, as opposed to pure theory, how Jim liked a blow job, how to tease Jim, how long Jim could resist.

Jim took Spock’s hand in his. He started rubbing two fingers the Vulcan way, up and down against the side of Spock’s.

Spock twitched, seeking more stimulation with his own fingers dancing around the others. Spock’s free hand moved between Jim’s legs to massage his balls.

It was too much.

Jim’s eyes opened wide as the pleasure flowed through his body. In front of him, on the wide screen, the stars were the only witnesses of their night. Jim and Spock were alone, two beings from different worlds, joined on the same bridge, seeking the same life together.

It was just them, the Enterprise and the entire universe.

Jim moved his hips to thrust into Spock’s mouth. Unrestrained desire built up in his groin and burst; Jim’s screams filled the bridge as he reached his climax, a mix of yes and Spock! and incoherent words.

He leaned back on his chair, his breath heavy.

In his blissful state of mind, he watched Spock swallowing every single trace of his semen, clearing all the evidence of their broken rules.

Jim couldn’t tell how long they stayed in silence.

“Wow,” was all he managed to say.

Spock stood up, a small but very happy smile on his face. “Indeed. Wow.”

Jim’s gaze focused on the prominent bulge in the other’s pants. Jim always felt tired in his post-orgasm state, but right now it wasn’t time to sleep. “Come here, Spock. I can see that there’s something I need to take care of.”

To Jim’s surprise, Spock didn’t move. “If I remember correctly, Jim, when I brought you on the bridge, you expressed a desire to spend our wedding night in your bed.”

“Well, yes. But we’re here now, and I can do for you what you did for me.”

“I am well aware of that. However, if it is all right for you, I have different plans.” Spock placed his shirt around his neck; he helped Jim to pull up his pants, then he lifted him again.

Jim frowned, adjusting himself in Spock’s arms. “Are you sure you want to move? You’re so hard you’re almost impaling my hip from this position.”

Spock moved towards the turbolift. “It is of no consequence. I will resist.”

“If you say so. I’m not sure my hip will.”

A few minutes later, when they reached the captain’s quarters, the first thing they noticed was the pleasant smell of flowers.

Spock didn’t waste time and brought Jim close to the bed. The white blanket was covered in petals.

“Hmm, someone left a present for us,” Jim said from Spock’s arms, amused. “Hopefully these don’t have spores.”

“It is a gift from our friends. I heard Uhura whispering something about flowers to the other guests this morning.”

Jim chuckled. “I guess it’s hard to surprise you with your Vulcan ears.”

“That is correct. However, if you don’t mind, right now I would rather focus on another matter.” He threw Jim on the bed, then he moved on top of him.

“Whoa!” Jim grabbed Spock’s arms, laughing. “I’m an injured man!”

Spock raised an eyebrow. “That is why, as the good doctor said, you should rest.”

“Hmm, I have a feeling that you’re not exactly planning to make me rest.”

“Perhaps; but your ankle will.” Spock sat on the bed. He lifted Jim’s left leg, try not to touch the injured part, and placed it on his lap. “Does it hurt?”

“Only if I try to move it.”

Slowly, Spock took off Jim’s sock and looked at the bandages. He raised Jim’s foot and kissed his ankle.

“Why, Mister Spock.” Jim couldn’t help teasing him. “Trying to ease my pain with a kiss? Most illogical.”

Spock kept his eyes on Jim’s leg. “I used to tell my mother the same thing.”

Jim toyed with a petal between his fingers and smelled it. “Well, you want to know something? It does make me feel better.” He smiled at him. “But not as much as thinking about where your mouth has just been.”

Spock placed Jim’s other leg on his lap and helped him to take off his other sock. Jim bent his toes to stretch them. Still in a teasing mood, he moved his good foot onto Spock’s groin.

Spock startled. “Jim!”

He laughed. “I just wanted to check out if you were still interested in continuing our wedding night.”

“I-I am. Please, do not doubt it.” Spock’s cheeks were slightly green as he removed Jim’s feet from his lap and got closer to him. “I require you naked.” He started pulling off Jim’s pants and underwear again, this time completely.

Jim watched, enjoying the way his body looked on the white blankets surrounded by petals. “All right, that’s great, but just so you know… You drained me on the bridge.” He offered him an apologetic smile. “And I hate to admit it, but unfortunately I’m a little past my prime in human age. I’m not sure I’ll be ready for a second round tonight.”

“I understand.” Spock took off his boots and placed them on the floor at the bottom of the bed. Then he put his hand on his pocket and took out a small tube. “Don’t worry. I will take care of everything.”

Jim sat up and moved next to him. “Let me take care of the rest of your clothes first.”

Their eyes met, silent understanding passing through them.

Spock lay down on the petals.

Turning towards him, Jim took a moment to appreciate the sight. Spock half-naked on his bed, waiting for him, his slender but strong body relaxed for him.

He took off Spock’s pants, his eyes focusing on every part of skin he was revealing. He stared at Spock’s big, greenish cock, swallowing involuntarily at the excitement of what was coming.

Spock didn’t speak until he was completely nude. “Jim,” he murmured. “I would rather move under the blankets.”

Jim smiled. “Getting cold, Mister Spock?”

“I can tolerate the temperature,” he explained, “but I do not find the idea of covering myself in flower corollas appealing.”

“I see.” Jim’s hand moved around his husband’s cock and grabbed it.

“J-Jim…!” Spock twitched at the touch. “Please.”

Jim’s smile turned into a smirk. “Okay. Anything for you.”

Under the blankets, Jim crawled on top of him. He slid his arm between them to grab Spock’s cock again, this time with more strength. He started moving his hand, enjoying Spock’s little moans.

Their mouths met. Their kisses deepened, burning passion spreading through their mind-link.

Jim felt his own cock twitching. He removed his hand from Spock and pressed his groin against him, moving his hips.

Spock moaned. He grabbed Jim’s ass with both hands, his fingers squeezing it firmly. Jim didn’t have time to react, because his husband turned them around until he was on top of him.

“Hmm, Spock.” Their eyes met. “Getting impatient?”

“Yes.” Spock’s sincerity surprised him. Spock spread Jim’s legs and picked up the lube. “Do not worry. I will be gentle.”

“Gentle?” Jim chuckled. “Listen, I know it’s our wedding night, but you’re not exactly deflowering me.”

“I am very aware of that, Jim. But you are injured, so I will try not to touch your ankle.”

“What a caring husband.”

Spock put lube on his fingers. He stretched his index and pressed it inside Jim.

Jim shivered a little as he felt the cold substance touching him, but it was quickly replaced by pleasure. Just as he had said, he didn’t need a long time to get ready; Spock added a second finger quickly, then a third when Jim moaned louder.

“S-Spock…” Jim’s breath was heavy as he enjoyed the fingers moving inside him. “I thought it was my turn to make you feel good.”

“You are already doing it, Jim. This is immensely pleasant for me. I find myself appealing to all my years of self-control training to resist the urge to mate with you until you are properly prepared.”

Jim grabbed Spock’s wrists, making him stop. “I’m ready, Spock. You don’t have to resist further.” He grabbed the tube and opened it. After putting lube in his hands, he used it to cover his husband’s cock.

Spock moaned as Jim paid special attention to every part of his length. He removed his fingers from inside Jim and positioned himself between Jim’s legs, placing the blankets on his back.

Jim smiled, his hands on Spock’s waist.

Spock’s tip pressed gently. Jim closed his eyes, his hair pressed on the pillow, focusing on the feeling of Spock sliding inside him.

They both groaned in pleasure.

Jim’s nails pressed into Spock’s back. He could never get enough of the way their bodies connected physically. As Spock started thrusting, Jim pressed his nose against Spock’s neck, smelling his natural scent. Jim’s tongue played with the lobe of Spock’s ear.

Spock moved a little faster, his breath heavy. Jim grabbed his hair and moved Spock’s head to reach the tip of Spock’s pointed ear with his mouth. When Jim started sucking, he heard Spock’s loud moan filling the quarters.

Spock stopped moving. Still inside Jim, he met his eyes, his hand raising toward his husband’s temple. Jim knew what it meant.

After the build-up of desire since they had entered the bridge, Jim was not surprised to see that Spock was already at his limit. He smiled, taking Spock’s hanging hand in his and pressing his fingers against his temple. “Yes.”

Spock closed his eyes. Their foreheads touched. “My mind to your mind.” He thrust slowly inside Jim.

Jim moaned, feeling Spock’s cock hitting his prostate. He cupped Spock’s cheeks. “My thoughts to your thoughts.”

It was like a dam breaking. Like every time they melded, Jim was overwhelmed by the depth of Spock’s feelings for him. Love, pure and ever-present love flooded inside his head. And then desire, loyalty, passion, devotion, possessiveness, admiration, friendship, protectiveness…

Jim, my t’hy’la, Jim, Captain, Jim, Jim, Jim Jim Jim Jim–

Spock! Jim called him in his mind. Physically, he felt Spock’s thrusts getting more frenetic. I’m here, Spock. I’m safe. We’re together.

Spock kissed him, their tongues meeting quickly, and Jim twitched. Spock’s sexual excitement was his own. In the meld, it was as if he was giving and receiving at the same time. Jim’s cock reacted to the mind-link, matching Spock’s hardness.

Jim! I… I am close!

Come, Spock. Come inside me.

Jim… Parted from me… and never parted…

Never and always touching and touched…

They both screamed.

Spock’s orgasm was overflowing. Jim’s followed in an instant, his arms tightening around him to seek the friction of their bodies.

They lay on the bed, panting in complete ecstasy.

Their minds were slowly separating from each other, but their link was still there, alive as it had never been.

“I love you,” Jim said out loud. He held his husband with all his strength. “I will always love you.”

Spock looked at him. “So shall I.” His eyes were deep with sincerity. “Now, and forevermore.”

***

Jim woke up with the smell of petals and Spock. He stretched his left arm and rubbed his eyes. The other half of his body was trapped under Spock, who was sleeping with his head on Jim’s chest.

He smiled. During their first five-year mission, he had seen Spock sleeping alone, always on his back; it had been a surprise to find out that, when they were together, Spock tended to curl up on his lover to seek warmth and closeness.

A sparkle on Jim’s hand caught his attention. He looked at the golden ring on his finger.

Slowly, Spock’s hand moved to join his, his matching ring visible under the ship’s lights.

Jim smiled. He caressed Spock’s black hair. “Good morning.”

Spock’s mouth curved in a small smile. “Good morning, my husband.”

It was as if Cupid himself had hit Jim’s heart all over again. He grinned. “What angel wakes me from my flowery bed?”

“Hmm.” Spock’s voice was still rough with sleep. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act III Scene I.” He slid away from Jim’s body, finally freeing his other arm, but he stayed close. “A rather unfitting quote. According to you and McCoy, I resemble more a devil than an angel. Besides, I admit that I generally do not understand your recent choice of references.”

“What do you mean?” Jim was curious.

Spock got more comfortable on his pillow. “Even though I am aware of your fondness for the Earth classics and Shakespeare, I had always assumed that you preferred his tragedies and histories.”

Jim grinned. “So you don’t get why I keep quoting a comedy where the characters get happily married?” He leaned closer to kiss his husband. “I believe you can figure out why I’ve been in such a mood lately, Mister Spock.”

“I see.”

Jim gave him another quick kiss, then he turned to pick up his PADD. He had a few video messages. He lifted his pillow and moved closer to Spock, so they could watch them together.

The first video was from Jim’s parents and Peter, loud and cheerful as they congratulated them for their wedding. The second, less openly enthusiastic but still sincere, was from Spock’s parents. The third message was labeled as ‘Dr. Leila Kalomi’. Surprised, Jim opened it.

Leila was standing in a big house; next to her was Sandoval and all their assistants.

She was smiling. “Jim. We wanted to thank you, Mister Spock and all the Enterprise crew for saving us once again. We owe you our lives. If you ever need anything from us, we’ll be happy to help in any way we can.”

In the video, Sandoval stepped closer to the camera. He had a bandage on his forehead. “And of course, congratulations on your marriage!”

Everyone around him clapped.

“We found out from Doctor Chapel that you risked your lives on your wedding day,” Sandoval continued, “and you even canceled your wedding party. We hope you’ll have a good time now, to celebrate properly.”

When the video ended, Jim turned to Spock. “Well, what do you think? Did we celebrate properly?”

Spock tilted his head. “I do not know what he would consider a proper celebration, but personally, I have no complaints.”

“Just no complaints, Mister Spock?” Jim opened the last message on his PADD. “Oh, this is a text from Sulu.”

The message said: ‘Captain, when you’re ready to leave for your honeymoon, take the new Galileo 7.’

Jim blinked. “The new Galileo 7? Hmm, I wonder why.”

Spock raised an eyebrow. “Because the old Galileo 7 was lost five years ago during my mission, around the orbit of Taurus II.”

“Yes, Spock, I remember. That’s not what I mean.” Jim placed his PADD on his bedside table. “We have other shuttlecrafts. Sulu must have a reason to think that we should take that one.”

“I see. In that case, I suppose all we have to do is follow his advice. We will find our answers soon.”

Jim’s hand touched Spock’s shoulder and slid lower in slow movements, caressing Spock’s naked chest. “Maybe not too soon.”

Spock looked at Jim’s hand on his body. “I thought you were looking forward to our honeymoon.”

“Yes, of course. But I was thinking…” His fingers trailed Spock’s breastbone up and down. “Maybe we should check out the bridge first. Make sure that everything is fine before we leave our ship.”

Spock turned on his side to face Jim. “Interesting. What are you planning to inspect on the bridge?”

Jim moved to mirror his husband’s position, placing his hand on Spock’s hip. “Well, last night we found out that the command chair is in perfect condition. I wonder if there’s something else that needs to be…” His thumb caressed Spock’s groin. “Tested.”

“Indeed?” Spock put his fingers on Jim’s chin, lifting his head. “As the Enterprise’s Science Officer, I am always in favor of further tests, Captain.”

Jim closed the distance between them. He wrapped his arms around Spock, their mouths meeting in a deep kiss. Spock hugged him back.

“Hmm… You know what, Spock? Maybe we can go to the bridge later,” Jim said, enjoying the contact between their skins.

Spock slid his hands lower on Jim’s back. “Agreed.”

***

It was late in the afternoon when they finally decided to leave. Jim was limping a little as they headed towards the shuttlecraft bay, but his ankle didn’t hurt like the previous night. After all – as he had promised Bones – he had kept his leg horizontal most of the time. Jim smiled at the memories.

Spock grabbed his arm and placed it around his shoulders. “You shouldn’t overdo it.” He put his own arm on his husband’s hip to help him walk.

“I’m fine, Spock,” Jim said, secretly glad to use him as support. “So, where are we going first?”

“To a hot island with an extremely limpid ocean.”

“Oh, that’s a fantastic choice!”

“Thank you.” Spock sounded pleased. “As I recall, you once expressed a certain desire for ‘a beach to walk on; a few days, no braid on your shoulder’.”

Jim blinked. When did I say that?

They kept walking together, Jim lost in his thoughts.

Suddenly, he remembered. “Wait. That was ages ago! And I was delirious.”

Spock nodded. “Indeed, it has been six years since the day the Enterprise crew was infected with the Psi 2000 virus; which is why now, after numerous times inside your mind to prove it, I know I can disregard the ‘woman to touch, to hold’ part of your conversation.”

Jim leaned against his husband. “Well, there’s only one person I want to touch and hold now.” He caressed Spock’s arm, smirking. “And after numerous times inside your mind to prove it, I know that when you feel friendship for me, you’re no longer ashamed.” He kissed his cheek, which turned a slight shade of green. “Anyway, you’re right, I still want a beach to walk on. Do you think I’ll look good with a tan?”

“You…” Spock swallowed as they turned towards the last corridor. “There is no logical reason why you should not.”

Jim grinned. “Why, Mister Spock, do you think that I’ll look so hot on that hot island that you won’t be able to control yourself?”

“Since it is our honeymoon, I suppose that controlling myself will not be usually required.”

Jim felt excited at the thought. “All right, but we need to get there first, and if you keep turning me on this isn’t gonna happen anytime soon.” He removed his arm from Spock’s shoulder, trying to walk alone. “You know, I saw beautiful mountains when I met the Purple Hoods. After a few days at the beach, we should go there too.”

“Unwise.”

Jim frowned. “What? Why? That was our honeymoon plan from the start! Oceans and mountains, remember?”

“Yes, I remember. However, your ankle is still recovering, and the kind of activities you enjoy in the mountains are currently off-limits.”

“I know that, but that doesn’t mean we can’t go.” Jim wasn’t convinced. He stopped in the middle of the corridor. “Why do you want to avoid them completely? I can admire a good panorama.”

Spock took a few steps forward before he realized that the other wasn’t moving. He turned to Jim in silence, his serious eyes just staring at him.

“What?” Jim walked closer. “I can control myself! I’m not gonna climb a mountain just because it’s there!”

Spock raised an eyebrow, a silent answer that revealed all his thoughts on the matter.

Jim sighed. “Fine, fine, let’s think about the beach first. But don’t expect me to forget this conversation. We’ll talk about this.”

“As you wish.”

They started moving again, side by side.

When they reached the entrance of the shuttlecraft bay, Spock unlocked it. The doors opened. He turned towards his husband and stretched his hand towards him. “Shall we go, Jim?”

Despite their little quarrel, Jim couldn’t help the butterflies in his stomach. Spock was going to drive him crazy. “Yes, Spock,” he said, grabbing his hand.

The new Galileo 7 was ready for them. As they walked closer, it became clear why Sulu had sent that message.

The shuttlecraft looked very similar to the old one. However, on the side, all over its name, there was now large red writing: JUST MARRIED.

“Well, Spock.” Jim smiled. “I guess we have a wagon.”

Spock raised an eyebrow.

Jim opened the door of the shuttle, but he didn’t enter. “Or a car for the newlyweds, if you prefer. But if I remember correctly, you’ve never been a fan of my driving.”

Spock stiffened. “Indeed, you remember correctly. I am content to have a shuttlecraft.”

I guess that’s another thing that hasn’t changed. “So, what do you make of the writing?” Jim asked, pointing at the side of the Galileo.

Spock tilted his head. “Quite interesting. Maybe it is because we have just recalled the events around the orbit of Psi 2000, but it reminds of the red writing I saw that day on the Enterprise.”

“Yeah, I remember that. On the turbolift, SINNER REPENT?”

“No, it was a different one. It said LOVE MANKIND.”

Jim laughed. “Really? You were luckier then. And it looks like you followed the message.” He placed his hand on Spock’s shoulder, glancing at the new writing on the Galileo. “Was that Sulu’s idea too?”

“It was not. I believe that day he was only interested in attacking crew members with his sword.”

“Please, don’t remind me. At least that wasn’t as bad as turning the engines off like…” His eyes widened. He removed his hand from Spock, turning to the entrance of the Galileo. “I remembered!” He smiled at his husband. “The song! It’s been stuck in my head for months, since we were on Earth. I hummed it when I was happy, but I didn’t remember what it was.” He stepped onto the shuttlecraft. “Computer, can you play something for us?” He whispered his orders, then he moved back outside, where he was met with Spock’s questioning look. “Hey, Mister Spock, I’m sure that during your multitude of research on human weddings, you heard of the newlyweds’ first dance.”

Music started playing from the Galileo 7.

When Spock heard the first notes, he raised an eyebrow. “Jim. While I usually appreciate your preferences for the classics, I find today’s choice rather questionable.”

“Why?” Jim feigned ignorance. “Not a fan of Irish music?”

“On the contrary, I could suggest a high number of better alternatives.”

Jim chuckled. When the music reached its vocal part, he grabbed both Spock’s hands. “I’ll take you home again, Kathleen,” he sang, swinging their arms, “across the ocean wild and wide…”

Spock didn’t look impressed. “Jim.”

“To where your heart has ever been, since first you were my bonnie bride.”

“Jim.”

“Yes, Spock?”

“I acknowledge that your voice sounds extremely more pleasant than Kevin Riley’s. However, since I associate this song with the day he sang it and we almost died when the Enterprise was pulled towards Psi 2000, I do not have fond memories of it.”

“Yet.” Jim smiled. He brought the back of Spock’s hand to his lips and kissed it. “You said it yourself: some things aren’t the same as they were six years ago. The universe changes. We change.” He intertwined his fingers with Spock’s, placing his other hand around Spock’s waist. “Someday, you’ll hear ‘I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen’ and you’ll think about this moment. And maybe in fifteen, thirty, one hundred years, you’ll remember the day after our wedding, where you danced to this song with me in the shuttlecraft bay.”

Spock looked at their close bodies. “Danced, Jim? Quite illogical. You are recovering from a sprain, and I do not know how to dance to this song.”

Jim shrugged. “Neither do I.” He stretched their linked arms at their side, while his other hand slid down his husband’s back. “Follow my lead?”

For a moment, Spock didn’t move. Then he placed his free hand on Jim’s shoulder, the music still playing around them. “Always.”