If Sarek were not a Vulcan, he might laugh. He had a thousand memories of Spock, defiantly silent even in his youth when he still sought his father’s approval, and now? He was unknowable to Sarek in many ways.
“It is not merely a Human perception to note the obvious; my son is secretive. It goes beyond a desire for privacy, which is common among Vulcans in comparison with many–although not all–Human cultural norms. I believe he takes some form of satisfaction in being an enigma.”
He narrowed his eyes slightly. “I am no expert when it comes to Spock. However… It is gratifying to know that he is appreciated. I believe that is something he values, and has not always experienced.”
Sarek would not speak at length about his son’s childhood; that was up to Spock to choose to tell or not to tell. But perhaps the implication was enough for the doctor to understand, at least to some extent.
Spock had been so very alone for much of his childhood, sometimes because he was rejected and sometimes because he was protecting himself. To call it gratifying that he’d found someone he wished to spend his life with was quite an understatement, yet Sarek didn’t have another word for it that he could use with a near stranger.
Leonard did love hearing Sarek’s observations of Spock. He was absolutely right - Spock loved to pretend he knew something everyone else didn’t. It went deeper than that though. Spock made a lot of comments about how different he was and how he was delighted in that. Leonard had long suspected this was his way of trying to embrace the fact that he was so different - accept it and flaunt it.
“Of course he’s appreciated,” Leonard mumbled with a puzzled look on his face. He had an entire crew that loved him like a family. Starfleet was tripping over itself to get their hands on him. There was an entire galaxy out there that knew his name. Leave it to Spock to still think people didn’t appreciate him.
Being in his parents’ house and speaking about his childhood reminded Leonard how much of a marvel Spock must have been when he was growing up. The only Vulcan-Human child to ever survive...that must have put some pressure on the kid. You couldn’t go through life without that carrying over into adulthood.
“Well, I hope he knows that’s what I’m here for,” Leonard said. He looked up and let his eyes meet with Sarek’s. “To appreciate him, I mean. You know I have a suspicion that it’s difficult for Vulcans to keep all of their emotions bottled up all the time...especially Spock.” Was this an insulting thing to say? Probably. But they were having an honest conversation, and damn if it didn’t need to be said. “But that’s what relationships are for, aren’t they? We all hide things. We all act one way in public and another behind the scenes. I just hope Spock realizes I’m not gonna judge him if he can’t keep this whole-” He waved his hand idly. “-Vulcan thing up forever. It just seems so exhausting.”
He smirked at Sarek. “I gotta say, the teachings of Surak do have their good points, though. Damn near saved my life a few times. It’s just that constant monitoring really beats down on you after years and years.”
