(Part of a deaged Spock story I've picked up again) "These are your quarters," Jim gestured with a flourish before entering the code. Spock took a tentative step inside, visibly relaxing at the warmer temperature, and what Jim assumed was the familiar scent of incense. Spock looked around, and Jim made his way to the replicators. "Is it customary for starship captains to know their First Officer's quarters so intimately?" Spock asked. "Sorry," Jim said with a sheepish smile. "I should be asking your permission first instead of just rifling through your belongings." Spock clasped his hands behind his back, and a pang went through Jim at the familiar gesture. "As I do not remember the layout of this room and the location of my belongings, it is logical that you percur them for me." After a beat, Spock cocked his head to the side. "You did not answer my earlier question." 'I won't be able to get anything past this kid,' Jim hid a smile. "Well, when you spend as much time in here as I do, you end up learning where things are." Spock gave Jim a look, that could be considered shy. "We are friends, you and I." It was said more as a statement that a question, and Jim smiled. "One of my closest, and I trust you with my life." Spock's eyes widened. "There is no one I have been able to call friend before," he murmured before looking away. "Vulcans do not need friends," Spock murmured, looking down again. Jim shook his head, sitting down at the table that held an unfinished chess game from just the night before. "I remember you tell me that," Jim shrugged, watching as Spock took a seat as well, thoughtfully gazing at the board. "I never listened," Jim said with a crooked smile." "My mother was of similar sentiment, and agreed that I needed friends." Spock turned bright eyes to Jim. "Did you know my mother?" he asked, voice thick with emotion that took Jim's breath away. Jim shook his head sadly. "No, I never got the chance to meet her. You spoke of her highly, and I know she was an amazing woman." Disappointment stole across Spock's face, and once again Jim marveled at how expressive Spock was, wondering if were due to current circumstances or age. "She was," Jim replied. "I grieve with thee," Jim said in Vulcan, making Spock's eyes dart to him in surprise. His lips parted before he replied, "Are you also fluent?" Jim thought carefully before replying slowly in Vulcan, "It's easier for me to hear it than to speak it." He switched to Standard again. "Between you, Lieutenant Uhura, and an old friend of mine I should be completely fluent by the time the mission ends," Jim smiled. Spock gave Jim another contemplative look before sliding from the chair. His eyes took in the mediation statue carefully. "I wish to meditate," he said, and Jim nodded before standing as well. "I know that you have other responsibilities, but if you could--" Spock didn't let himself continue. "Spock," Jim cut in to save him the trouble of asking. "Would you like me to stay with you?" Spock's shoulders relaxed the slightest bit. "I would find that agreeable." His cheeks colored slightly when Jim smiled back, and settled on the floor now far from Spock as he knelt and lit the incense.
