mizu1701 SO SORRY it took so long. Thank you for the request. Enjoy!

Spock handed you your report PADD after signing it, his fingers lingering on yours. You tried to keep your heart rate down but it was no use when your cheeks reddened. The Vulcan slowly retracted his hand, his calculating eyes peering into your own.

"Please, Spock," you whisper as you tucked the PADD under your arm, "I told you how I felt."

With disregard for the other science officers around him and your obvious want for secrecy, Spock turned his full attention to you. "I am aware. But is it not in the Human nature to continue to seek after what is, at the time, inaccessible?"

You rolled your eyes as you walked away from him, not wanting to have this conversation again. It had been eight months that you dated him, but it only took one lunch break for you to see that you were not the only girl he fancied. You would be lying if you said you were surprised it was Nyota who was sitting with him at lunch, making your stoic boyfriend crack a small smile in just a moment when it took you several weeks.

Unless they had been seeing each other for several weeks.

Come to find out the poor Vulcan was dating a girl he liked as he flirted with his best friend. You were under the impression you were both his girlfriend and best friend. Guess not. It hurt, it stung and you didn't feel like fighting or placing blame. So you did the only ironically logical thing; broke it off. 

Spock was somewhat surprised when you ended it. To be honest, so were you. But it was the right thing to do. You weren't sure if you truly loved Spock, but you knew you cared for him enough to give him the space he needed to figure out his "cumbersome human feelings".

As if being on a starship on a five-year mission wasn't enough space already.

You heard his steps behind you as rushed to the first available turbo lift, squeezing in before it closed behind you. You closed your eyes and let out a breath as you leaned your head on the lift wall. But you were suddenly startled by the sound of someone clearing their throat.

"You seem to be handling things well with lover boy there."

You let yourself smile at the voice of your captain and friend of many years sound beside you. You roll your head to the side to look at him through your lashes, a mocked look of annoyance splayed over your features.

"Jim, if I wanted your opinion I would have asked for it."

"Yeah, well, since when to I wait for permission?"

"I would hope always. But I'm a realist." You laughed lightly as you fully turned to him, leaning on the lift wall, his blue eyes piercing your (e/c) ones, making your heart do a flip.

Jim did the same thing, his yellow shirt pulling taught at his arms as he folded them. "But honestly, are you doing alright?"

You felt a lump in your throat as you blinked back tears at the sincerity in his voice. The two of you had grown up together so it was hard to keep anything a secret. "Yeah. Better than I was doing before. It doesn't help that I am stationed under him but it helps me move on, I guess."

Jim's ears perked at that. "So you don't think you will give him a second chance? I mean, we are talking about Spock here, he can be painfully persistent."

You roll your eyes. "I did date him for eight months. I understand that completely." You ran your hand through your hair, most likely screwing it up. "I don't think I will. If you saw what I did you would understand. He looked at her differently, like he was really seeing her. It made me wonder if he was dating me out of pity or some sort of obligation."

Jim couldn't stand the look on your face and the feelings of what Spock had done effect you like that. Reaching out, he smoothed your hair and tucked his finger under your chin so you had nowhere to look but at him.

"Spock is only half human and he had told me when you broke it off that he regretted not being honest with you. But don't think too much on it. Not only is the other half of him Vulcan, he is completely male. So good luck making sense of him."

That made you smile. The two of you just stood there, staring at each other, one wondering if the other is thinking back to childhood memories just like they were. Then something dawned on you. The lift hadn't moved.

You gave Jim a cheeky smile as you leaned in a little closer. "Are you trying to seduce me, Captain?"

A twinkle of mirth flickered in his eyes. "Aren't I always?"

You let out a fake pout, pulling back from him as you reached for the lift controls. "Not this time pretty boy."

Jim leaned back against the wall again, scratching the back of his neck. "Pity."

You both laughed as you always did when the two of you played that little game. But as you stood next to him you found the air thick with something unsaid, something almost tangible. You could have sworn he truly sounded disappointed earlier. You looked over at him and he flashed you a kind smile, though it didn't reach his eyes.

You were about to say something but the lift doors opened and it was your stop. So you nodded to Jim and moved on. But before you fully exited the turbo lift, Jim gently grabbed your arm, holding you back for a moment.

"(Y/n), wait."

Without warning your heart rate quickened and your face warmed as your mind worked over time to guess what was going to happen next. But instead, your mind shut down as you locked eyes with his cryistal blue ones.

"What do you say to dinner? Just to catch up and keep your mind off of-"

"Yes." You surprised yourself with your quick answer. "Yes, that sounds great. I can't tonight but tomorrow night I'm all yours."

The two of you froze at your wording, a good solid three seconds passed before the two of you burst into laughter. Jim patted your arm and nodded, letting you go as he pressed for the Bridge. "Tommorrow it is then." He snuck you a wink right before the door closed, taking him several floors above you.

You shook your head at the entirety of the turbo lift moment, wondering why you felt so suddenly shy around Jim, of all people.

You went to the arboretum to check on the plants from the recent away party, studying their regenerative properties. You tried not to think about Spock and the way he had enveloped you as you showed him some of the different plants in the room. You tried not to think about the first flower he gave you on your first proper date. And you tried not to think about the first kiss you shared with him one late night alone with the foliage.

Your eyes stung and you wiped your nose. Stupid allergies. You shook your head slightly and forced other memories without Spock to the forefront of your mind. But when you found them to be filled with Jim, you couldn't shake this underlining feeling that you also couldn't name. The same feeling that nearly suffocated you in the turbo lift.

You didn't know how long you were working until you heard the doors of your small office open and the voice of a specific man/Vulcan you had no particular pleasure in wanting to hear any time soon fill your ears. You checked the time. You worked for four hours straight, you don't have the energy for this.

"(Y/n), I am under the impression we need to discuss our relationship."

It took everything in you to not let out a groan like a spoiled five year old. You set down your things and took off the goggles you were using to inspect the plant before you. "I was not aware we had any relationship to discuss. Last I checked we were both free from such obligations."

YOu couldn't help it. You spoke to him like he would to you, unfeeling and blunt.

Spock cocked his head to the side slightly, taking a step forward. "I was there when you chose to end our relationship. What I am referring to is our friendship. I do not wish to lose a friend over petty feelings and indifferences."

Your eye twitched. "Petty feelings and indifferences? Is that what you call my reaction to finding you spending time with Nyota while I was working? Or my choice to-to end something that was clearly not working out?"

Spock stepped forward, his emotions starting to show. "To what I am referring to is your sudden choice to romantically involve yourself with Jim as you recover from a recent emotional strain. I would think you more wise with your decisions, considering what you have told me about your feelings for the Captain. But I see that I was mistaken."

Your fists clenched and your face became hot. "I appreciate your concern for my emotional well-being but as you can see I am doing just fine. And going to dinner with a dear friend is not a date."

"Eating lunch with one is not being unloyal."

"You looked at her like you never looked at me. You love her."

"I can firmly say the same about you and the Captain. Honestly, (Y/n), I believe for a time I did love you but that love refused to grow into adoration. But believe me when I say I do care about your well-being."

Tears were falling down your face freely, your hands shaking in fists at your side. "Thank you for your honesty. It was most enlightening."

All those memories. All those moments. All those promises. And for what.

You wiped at your face, sniffing unceremoniously. "You made me feel safe. You helped me believe in myself. You made me feel special."

Spock was now right before you, your desk separating him from holding you. "Why? You go to Jim now when you used to go to me."

Your eyes snapped to him filled with a mixture of rage and recognization. "Because I was jealous of him! Because I wanted to be his but all he wanted to do was mess around!" Your voice lowered as Spock gave you a knowing look. He knew already. "I guess this is all my fault then. I do love you Spock, but you are right, not to the point of adoration."

Spock moved around the desk and took you into his arms. Very uncharacteristic of him. Your eyes widened and you froze but you hugged him back as you felt your heart mend itself.

"Nyota is going to be one lucky woman," you whispered.

Spock pulled away and wiped your tears for the last time. "And Jim is fortunate to have your affection. I suggest you go to him now and truly tell him your intentions."

You give Spock a small smile before giving him a light peck on the cheek in thanks. You dashed to the Bridge only to find out he was already in his quarters. So you take the time to get there to think about what to say to him. You had a bit of a speech all planned out but as soon as he opened his door to him half dressed that plan was out the window.

"(Y/n)..." Jim was surprised to see you but glad all the same.

You just stood there, your mind blank and your eyes just staring at him.His perfect body, perfect eyes, perfect hair.

Jim waved his hand in front of your face to gain your attention, a smile pulling at his lips. When that didn't work he stepped forward and wrapped his arm around your waist, pulling you to him. Jim closed his door behind you then reached up to stroke your hair back from your face sweetly.

Suddenly you were back to reality and you knew exactly what to say. "Are you trying to seduce me, Captain?" Your voice was quiet but he smiled all the same.

"Aren't I always?"

This time it was your turn to lean against him, wrapping your arms around his neck. "Perhaps you should let me have a go at it." You winked before capturing his soft lips with yours. 

Jim smiled against your lips as they moved perfectly with his, his arms holding you close to him. Your heart was still sore but you had a feeling your best friend will help you with that.