There was a moment of shocked, disbelieving silence between Spock and Kirk, Kirk still with his hands grabbing Spock's shoulders. SpockwhyisSpockPrimehere-

I do not know, but I suspect it isn't an ambassadorial visit.

No shit.

Spock remained silent rather than commenting on that last thought, but his eyebrow raised in an almost amused way, and Kirk grinned. Spock reached up to disengage Jim's hands, and the human flinched before he could stop himself, flushing immediately. Sorry Spock-didn't mean-

It is quite understandable, Captain, Spock replied, but his eyes were sad and Jim cursed himself. Logically, he knew that nothing Spock had done had been deliberate or with intent; but his body was finding it difficult to comprehend. He made a conscious effort to pat Spock's shoulders slowly before releasing him, making eye contact. I am trying.

I know, Captain. The acceptance and sorrow in his mental voice nearly broke Jim's heart.

"We're coming to the transporter room," he called to the intercom.

It was indeed Spock Prime, and Kirk found himself incredibly glad to see him again. Spock too seemed pleased, his mind warm and calm around Jim's. The old Vulcan was smartly dressed, serene looking. "Captain. Spock."

"Spock," his own Spock said with an amused expression. Jim found this almost unbearably funny and told Spock as much through their bond. He was gratified to see a twitch of the Vulcan's lips which was almost a smile.

Spock Prime looked between them curiously. "I see you survived," he said cautiously, and Jim wasn't sure to which one of them he was referring. The Captain began to lead them all from the transporter room, the door swishing behind them.

"We did," Jim replied. "Not that I'm not glad to see you, but … why are you here?"

Spock Prime chuckled quietly, an odd sound from a Vulcan and yet somehow completely natural to this man. "I did not receive any further communication from you regarding the…sensitive matter we discussed. I became concerned for your health. I "hitched a ride" as you would put it, on the USS Farragut, and beamed over to the Enterprise as soon as we were within range."

"You came to check he hadn't killed me." Jim was oddly touched.

"That is correct. And I am extremely pleased to see that he did not."

Spock sighed a little, his posture defeated. "I fear that it was not through lack of effort."

The old Vulcan nodded, his eyes sharp and clear as he regarded his younger counterpart. "I was not completely certain you would succeed. I am glad you were able to maintain control."

"I was not. The Captain-"

"Spock, he doesn't have to hea-"

"Captain, please. I could not maintain control. Jim saved my life by allowing me to – I almost killed him."

Spock Prime touched the other Vulcan on the shoulder, reassuringly. Something passed between them, but Jim couldn't make it out. However when they parted, his Spock looked much calmer.

"You are bonded," he said suddenly, and Jim flushed at his keen observation.

"You can tell, huh?"

"Indeed."

"So do I assume that you both came to the decision mutually?"

"I am afraid not. I forced the bond during my Pon Farr," his Spock said stiffly. "We corrected it later."

"It was consensual then," Jim cut in, not wanting Spock to seem like a bastard. "He showed me how to do it."

They reached a briefing room, and Spock Prime indicated he would like to enter. "I have many things to discuss with you both."

They sat, Spock at his side and the old Vulcan opposite them both.

His older self. Spock was always fascinated to be face to face with a possible version of his future. The conversation between Spock Prime and Jim was easy, friendly, and Spock felt a little out of place.

But he had not maintained control- he must explain. He had almost killed his Captain, had hurt him and raped him and now Jim would barely touch him and it was all his fault and he couldn't see how it would ever get better-

Nam'uh hayal, Spock. Spock Prime's hand on his shoulder was calming, the touch facilitating a link. Your place is at his side, and it always will be. He will forgive. My Jim forgave me my many faults for all our years together, and I his. You are meant to be. I can see it in you both.

But how can I forgive myself? I-

His forgiveness will heal your wounds also. Trust in him.

I do.

Then you are already at an advantage. It took many years for me and Jim to allow ourselves to love. We knew each other for twenty eight years. It may sound like a lifetime, but I assure you, it was not enough. You cannot make the same mistake.

I will try.

Spock Prime released him, and Spock realised that he felt much better, the older him clearly having transferred some calm emotions to his mind.

Of course he knew they were bonded. He had been bonded once, to a version of Jim similar enough for it to be painful when he saw this one. Spock knew this; he caught a fleeting glimpse of it in Spock Prime's mind as they were talking. The old Vulcan had recalled an image of his own Jim-older, fatter certainly, but with the same open, warm face he knew on his Captain. The memory was tinted with sadness and love and pain, and Spock had pulled back from it before he intruded upon his older counterpart's thoughts too much.

They entered the briefing room, and Spock waited for someone to begin.

"I must come to the conclusion that you have not resolved your emotions for each other," Spock Prime said finally, forthright. Jim gaped. Well no shit, how the fuck did you-

That may have been my fault, Captain.

"We….haven't really spoken about it," Kirk said slowly.

"Indeed. I must suggest that you do." He blinked slowly, looking for all the world like he was a dating show host.

"What, now?"

"Will this be an issue?"

Very fucking likely.

I must concur.

"I…don't know."

Spock Prime rested his hands on the desk, leaning back serenely. "Let me assist. Spock; would you like to begin by telling the Captain how you feel?"

"I would not."

"I was not asking."

Pleasedon'tmakemesaythishe'llhateme- was what Jim got from Spock's mind. So he didn't like him. Spock clearly was scared to say what he felt because he knew it would make Jim sad to be rejected again. Why hadn't he seen it before?

No, no- Spock thought at him desperately.

Then what the hell, Spock.

"I…feel…a great many things," Spock began hesitantly after losing the glaring match to his older self.

"I feel anger, and jealousy. I feel sorrow and pain at the memory of watching you die." He paused, looking pleadingly at Spock Prime, who shook his head.

"I feel – joy- at knowing you, at working by your side. I feel contentment when you look at me."

Kirk stared, stunned.

"And I feel more- I feel shame, I feel deep, painful regret that I hurt you, Jim."

I know, it's okay Spock- I'm sorry, I-

"And." He took in a deep breath, gripping the edge of the desk so hard his knuckles had turned white. "I feel…love."

"Love?"

"Love, Captain. For you. And I understand that it is unacceptable."

It's not unacceptable, Spock, I don't-

You indicated through the bond that you were unwilling to admit to any feeling-

I-I'm sorry, I didn't-

Spock Prime cleared his throat. "Captain?"

Jim's mouth went dry suddenly, his heart thudding painfully. What the fuck do I say? He stared at Spock for a long, silent moment, trying to understand himself what he really felt. He thought back to their first mission, of the bitter arguments and the petty fights. He remembered the slow, careful friendship that built between them like a bridge of playing cards- fragile and tenuous, but always there and somehow surviving.

He remembered Spock's fingers pressed against that cold glass, remembered being so desperate to touch him that he unconsciously copied the positioning of his hand. He recalled Spock's face, tear streaked and raw, looking at him like he was the most precious thing in the world and he was being lost, and how beautiful he had looked as he allowed himself to feel.

Waking up- he remembered Spock being there again, his face so full of relief and happiness that Kirk could barely recognise him. He remembered kissing Spock's knuckles, trying to ease the pain of their injury, that night they had shared and needed so much.

Everything became blurry as Jim realised he was crying silently, his memories now caught up to the previous eight months- remembering seeing Spock always at his side, his gaze steady and calming. Knowing Spock would be there to save him, to bring him back to his ship and his friends if anything went wrong. Learning to trust him despite his unemotional exterior, and knowing that at least some of his personality was rubbing off on Spock. And finally he recalled how desperately Spock had tried not to hurt him when he succumbed to Pon Farr, running off to the furthest part of the ship to avoid him and the other crew mates.

Oh, shit. I totally fucking love him, don't I?

He looked up at Spock, and realised he didn't need to say a word- Spock had caught it all through their bond, and he was looking back at Jim with that same needy, raw expression that he had given him eight months ago. His thoughts were pained.

I thought you did not wish to think of these things because I disgusted you.

Don't be stupid.

Spock Prime stood, giving them a satisfied look. "I believe I can leave you to your thoughts," he said with a hint of smugness Spock recognised in himself. He ached for the older Spock's broken bond, knowing now that the old Vulcan had come to ensure that they would have a good start, a quicker beginning to their bond so that hopefully they would have more time than he had been allowed. Spock stood, wanting to thank him but not having the words.

"Forgive each other," Spock Prime said softly. "You have so much to learn, so much joy to feel. You cannot allow your past or your flaws to burden you like I did."

"I thought you said you weren't going to interfere in our paths?" Jim said with a small smile.

"I…felt that this was a constant between timelines that had to be encouraged," the old Vulcan replied with a twinkle in his eye. "Someone had to come and talk some sense into both of you."

Indeed, Spock thought to Jim. I feel as though he has merely done what he has planned to do for many months.

You get that feeling too, huh?

Spock Prime gave the Vulcan salute to Spock. "Again, I am not entirely certain the traditional words would be appropriate, so I must say "good luck" once more."

Spock almost smiled as he returned the gesture. "Thank you."

They arrived at the transporter room in time to catch Uhura about to beam across. "Ah, Lieutenant!" Spock Prime said warmly. "I will accompany you."

Jim seemed confused at Nyota's appearance. What's going on?

She's transferring for a few months- I forgot to mention to you-

Shit was it because-

Yes, I am afraid so, Captain. We discussed it at length. She will return in six months.

"Uhura," Jim smiled at her. "You going to be alright?" Spock noticed the way Nyota looked nervously at him, and was saddened.

"Yes, Captain. I am sorry I didn't ask your permission- I didn't want to interrupt-"

"Uh…yeah. It's not a problem. Be safe, though, okay?"

"I'll be fine," she rolled her eyes. "And can you two try not to kill each other while I'm gone?"

"No promises," Kirk said, grinning at Spock. He found he could not help but return the expression slightly, watching as Jim's eyes widened in delight. Hah, knew you could smile, you stoic bastard.

Indeed.

"Nyota," Spock began, but found himself at a loss.

"It's alright," she replied, and stepped onto the transporter with Spock Prime. She wagged her finger at Kirk. "And don't go replacing me."

"As if we could."

The transporter hummed, and with a wave of light, Uhura and Spock Prime had gone, leaving Spock and Jim to figure out why they felt like they'd just been set up with one another.

It was several months later that they saw Spock Prime again, and it was from a distance at an Federation event. Spock and Jim had been forced to attend, and their dress uniforms were tight and restrictive.

I'm telling you, this is boring.

I cannot find a rebuttal.

Jim was beginning to like this bond- he could bitch all he liked and no one would have a clue. And it was brilliant for distracting Spock- one well timed image of them fucking and the Vulcan would blush for hours. Perfect for boring shifts on the bridge. Spock in turn made a game out of placing seemingly innocuous innuendos in his reports to the Captain, delighting in giving Jim a hard on while he sat in his chair.

Look, it's you!

Excuse me?

Old you- there-

Oh, I see. For a moment there I was concerned you were seeing double after imbibing too much alcohol.

The night is young, Spock.

I await the point at which I am forced to carry you from the room with eager anticipation, Captain.

Jim grinned, waving at Spock Prime. The old Vulcan was in the middle of negotiations with what looked like a giant purple snail, but he returned the wave, giving Jim a smug smile to see them together still. Jim rolled his eyes and made a gesture that was meant to mean "can't get rid of him" but looked more like "I'm hanging from a tree." He hoped Spock Prime didn't take it the wrong way.

Spock looked at him fondly, and Jim's heart stopped for a second.

I saw you making a strange gesture- what does it mean?

Means I love you, Spock.

You are a terrible liar, Jim.

Doesn't mean I don't, though. He gave Spock a winning smile.

That will not always get you out of trouble.

Is it working this time?

Perhaps.

Nam'uh hayal- calm down.

That's it. It's done. Thank you to every one of you who reviewed this. I appreciate it SO MUCH.

I'm working on another fic right now, but it's going to be just mingingly sad. After that, there's more porn. xD Please look at my other fics if you haven't already and you like this one. Thank you all again.

PS I'm really glad I didn't use t'hy'la once in this fic. xD