Jim’s promise ring “proposal” to Spock [Chatzy]
Chatzy cut off everything before this. Jim confessed that he’d been thinking about their future together a lot, and then they started talking about what wedding plans Jim had. They also talked about being mentally bonded together. Right before the first reply below, Jim said he’d been thinking a lot about those things.
"So you have," he said without a trace of disapproval. "It is a wonderful thought, settling down with you in such a way. As for the wedding, I am sure Starfleet would be thrilled at the opportunity to show their two most successful young officers joining in marriage to the Federation. No doubt they would seek to use it as a sort of advertisement for enlisting." He smiled softly. "That would mean a great many people joining in our happiness."
Jim looked up with a surprised smile when Spock didn't seem to disapprove of his thoughts. "Yeah.... Join Starfleet, you'll find your soulmate. Pretty good way to get people to join up."
"Undoubtedly." Sure, Spock had his reservations and concerns, but they had no place here and now. Jim had opened up to him; he wished to embrace that instead of tearing it down.
"I mean, I know it won't be for a while. Years, maybe. And settling down is at least a few decades away. But.... One day. And until that one day, I'm happy just having you like I do now." Jim shifted a little, resting his forehead against Spock's. "My t'hy'la."
Spock's heart flipped at his side. He wrapped his arms around Jim and gave him a light squeeze. "Here and now, you are my dearest. No matter what comes, you have my heart."
"I'll be happy even if we don't get married in any way. And if we grow old together on this ship, not on an acreage." Jim placed his fingers on Spock's face, knowing the meld didn't work both ways but sending his thoughts as best he could. "As long as I get to be with you, I'm happy."
His eyes fell closed. He drank in Jim's words and thoughts, feeling his face grow warm. "I feel the same. So long as you are with me, what we do is irrelevant."
He hummed softly, feeling Spock's warmth under his fingers. "Careful, Mister Spock. Get all romantic like that, and I may be overcome with emotion. And one way or another, it'll end with me on my knees."
He opened his eyes, a mischievous grin threatening to spread on his face. "In my experience, nothing ill has come from you being on your knees."
"Oo, cheeky Vulcan." Jim laughed, taking Spock's left hand and kissing the base of his ring finger. "Don't tempt me, or I'll get on one knee then I'll get down on both knees."
A shudder ran through him, his eyes on Jim's lips. "You say that as though I would be remiss of that outcome. Just what must I do to ensure it happens?"
Jim shifted a little as Spock stared at him. "I.... I don't have a ring." He mumbled softly, not sure if Spock was being serious.
Spock took a moment to ponder this, then recalled something about human courting rituals. "You do have your academy ring, yes?"
He glanced around his quarters, trying to remember where he'd put it. "Uh.... Yeah, it's here somewhere. Probably in a little box in the third drawer." He nodded toward the in-wall drawers that held his clothes.
"Then in some form, you do have a ring." He looked at Jim, his expression quite serious.
"Do you....." He swallowed a little, glancing from Spock to the drawers and back. "....I thought you were gonna propose to me. Wasn't that the deal? Some sweeping romantic gesture that makes me cry?"
"Yes, and that is still the intention. For the sake of ceremony though, you could present me with a 'promise' of what will soon come for us both."
He smiled a little. "A promise ring. How human." Jim teased, pressing a kiss to Spock's lips and going to the drawer. He dug around for a minute, finally finding the box in the second not third drawer, and soon finding the ring inside. On the top was the classic Academy seal, but on the sides had his graduating year and his surname. "Ha. Knew I still had it."
Spock's heart beat quickened once Jim found the ring, a reaction he hadn't anticipated. "I hopefully guessed correctly that you would appreciate the sentiment."
Jim moved back to Spock slowly, a goofy smile plastered on his face even though he tried to act serious. Gradually he moved down to one knee, holding the ring up towards Spock. "My dear Commander Spock. My t'hy'la. My love. Would you do me the honour of making me a promise tonight? A promise that states that one day (hopefully soon), you will sweep me off my feet with an amazing proposal that fills my eyes with tears and my heart with joy. To which I promise to answer yes, if it's well thought out and moving. Will you make that promise for me?"
His internal reaction was one similar to the beating of wings in his stomach and at his side where his heart beat. He took a breath, extending his left hand, and giving a nod. "I will."
He grinned wider, if that was even possible. This wasn't even the real proposal, but Jim already felt prickling behind his eyes that was usually followed by tears. Jim carefully slid the ring on Spock's finger, making sure to wiggle it a little just to get the Vulcan all riled up. "Now, no playing with that unless I'm around. This isn't a sex toy, Commander."
Spock let out a breath through his nose that read as very subdued laughter. With the corners of his mouth perked upward just so, he allowed himself to admire the ring which bore Jim's surname on the side. An unexpected swell of pride and happiness filled him. "I will try to control myself, Captain."