Three full days had gone by since Spock had seen Kirk in the turbolift, yet they still had not spoken yet.

He knew that his behavior was irrational and completely without logic, but Spock had discovered that this tended to be the case when Captain Kirk was involved. His emotions lately had been—by his standards—out of control, and he had no idea what to do about it. Spock knew that something eventually needed to happen, for they could not continue ignoring each other forever. Yet, in spite of this fact, he found that he very much disliked the idea of him being the one to do something about it.

After his shift was over, Spock stepped into the turbolift and left the bridge, idly wondering about how to resolve this issue with the Captain. After a few moments, the doors opened again—and who should be standing there but James T. Kirk himself.

The Captain opened his mouth, then closed it and stepped inside. The slight hum of the turbolift resumed itself, the only noise to break the silence that had settled on the pair of them. We really have to stop meeting like this, Kirk thought.

As the two men stood there together, Spock's hand accidentally brushed against Kirk's. Spock blushed a little, but Kirk just smiled at him and gently took his hand. Spock immediately felt the stir of the Captain's thoughts, awoken by the contact of their skin. He felt the same feeling of warmth and affection from Kirk that he had on the planet. Reassured that Spock was okay with the contact, Kirk gently began to move his fingers along the back of the Vulcan's hand. Spock couldn't help but give a tiny smile of pleasure at the sensation, his heart rate accelerating with each passing second.

Spock turned to face Kirk, unsure of his intentions. "Captain—" he began, but realized that he had no idea what to say.

Kirk took a step closer, until their faces were mere inches apart.

"Captain—" Spock tried again, "there is a certain matter that we need to discuss."

"Shhh," Kirk breathed gently, closing his eyes and leaning in until his forehead met with Spock's.

The Vulcan froze, unsure of how to respond. Their actions so far had been completely illogical. They needed to resolve the issue between them so it would stop interfering with their duties. Whatever they were doing right now had no discernible purpose. And yet, Spock found that he was not altogether opposed to it either.

"Jim," Spock breathed hesitantly against his lips.

Through the contact of their hands, Kirk could sense Spock's internal struggle. The Captain decided that he would solve the matter for him.

So, he tilted his head, leaned even farther forward, and gently pressed his lips to Spock's.

For several seconds, Spock could not react. The feeling of Kirk's lips against his own was unlike anything he had ever experienced before. He knew it to be an expression of affection between humans, but had never actually seen its purpose. Until now, of course.

Despite the pleasure he was inexplicably feeling, there was a tiny voice in the back of his head, warning him against throwing caution to the wind. What would happen if he gave in to his desires? Where would they take him?

Suddenly, Kirk began to move his mouth against Spock's—and in that moment, his resolve crumbled. He found himself powerless to resist the actions of his Captain.

Kirk opened his eyes in astonishment as Spock leaned into the touch. Then, he hastily closed them and deepened the kiss. For several moments, they chased back and forth, until Kirk raised his other hand and gently cupped Spock's face. His thumb stroked across the Vulcan's cheekbone, and Spock could not stop a small moan of pleasure from escaping his mouth.

As their lips parted, Kirk turned his head slightly and kissed Spock's cheek instead. He continued to press his mouth to Spock's skin, slowly traveling along the jawline up to his ear.

Spock shivered at the new sensations being awoken by the Captain's lips. He was utterly helpless to control himself as the feelings washed over him.

His breath hitched slightly as Kirk grazed a pointed ear with his teeth. The small shock of pain mingled with his growing pleasure was almost enough to drive Spock crazy. He rested his other hand shakily on Kirk's shoulder in an attempt to steady himself.

Kirk smiled against Spock's skin, thoroughly delighted at what he was doing to his first officer.

After he was finished with Spock's ear, he began placing slow, open-mouthed kisses in a line down his neck. Spock panted at Kirk's cheek, squeezing his eyes shut in an attempt to restrain his emotions. The thrill of his Captain's lips upon his skin was almost too much for him.

"Jim—" Spock forced out in an attempt to get the Captain's attention. "Jim..... we...... we have to...." he gasped.

Then, without warning, the turbolift doors sprang open.

Kirk and Spock jumped apart, startled by the interruption. Luckily, there was no one in the immediate vicinity who could have seen them.

Spock leaned back against the wall, squeezing his eyes shut and taking several deep breaths in an attempt to calm his raging pulse. Kirk watched him, amused.

"Perhaps we could... continue this in my quarters?" he suggested.

Spock nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Kirk offered Spock one of his hands for support. He took it gratefully, but quickly let go as they stepped out of the turbolift.

The short walk to the Captain's quarters was a silent one, as neither man really knew what to say. To be honest, they were both feeling a little stunned—maybe more so in Spock's case.

Once they were inside, Spock turned to face the Captain.

"Jim," he began, "I think it would be best if we kept the nature of our... relationship private," he continued, pausing for a moment on 'relationship.'

"I agree," Kirk replied, seeing the wisdom in Spock's request.

There was silence for a moment, as both men contemplated how to proceed. Spock had absolutely no idea how to conduct himself in these matters, and hoped that Kirk knew what to do next.

"Come sit down, Spock," Kirk decided, leading the way to his bed.

He settled comfortably on one end, while Spock hesitantly joined him on the other.

"Jim, how should we proceed?" he asked suddenly, having been struggling with the question himself for some time.

Kirk just smiled. "However we want."

He moved his hand to rest on Spock's and leaned forward, eyes asking permission.

The corners of Spock's mouth lifted slightly as he also leaned in.

This time, when their lips met, Spock was a little more prepared for it. The kiss was innocent and sweet, both men relived at finally being able to express their feelings to each other.

When they finally stopped for breath—foreheads touching—Kirk opened his eyes. Spock was smiling; one of his rare, genuine smiles that he saved only for Kirk. The Captain smiled back, wondering at how lucky he was to be here like this with Spock.

"I missed you," Kirk said quietly, gazing deep into the Vulcan's eyes. The distance the two men had forced between themselves since their return from the planet had really begun to take a toll on him.

As the words left Kirk's mouth, Spock could feel his sincerity through the touch of their skin. He blushed slightly, unsure of how to express his own feelings.

Kirk noticed his reaction and chuckled softly. He could not help himself; everything Spock did always made him smile.

"Your laugh is quite pleasing," Spock said quietly, then blushed even more as he realized what he just said.

Kirk's heart filled with happiness as he sensed Spock's sincerity, his openness and vulnerability. Kirk would never cease to be amazed at the privilege he had been given—to see this wonderful, beautiful creature before him in a way that no one else ever had.

"I feel the same way about you, Spock. All of you," Kirk replied, causing Spock to turn even more green—if such a thing were possible.

They gazed into each other's eyes again, lost in the love they saw in them. Then Kirk closed the distance between their lips, pouring all of his emotions through their bond. He could feel Spock's happiness, his affection and contentment—and delighted in the pleasure of the Vulcan's lips against his own.

"Jim, I should leave," Spock said after a while, a slightly regretful look on his face. He stood up from the bed and found himself very sorry to have to go.

As he turned toward the door, Kirk reached out and caught his hand. "Spock, wait," he said. "Stay."

"Jim, I don't think that would be wise—"

"Please," Kirk interrupted, a slightly pleading look in his eye.

Spock was silent for several moments. That little voice in the back of his head was screaming at him to leave, leave, just turn around and go. But, despite his better judgement, he found that he could not refuse the desperate eyes of his Captain, no matter how much he may wish to.

Having finally agreed to stay, Spock nodded and sat back down next to Kirk.

That night, they slept together side by side in Kirk's bed. Nothing too rushed—they were simply enjoying each other's company. They both laid there resting, loosely holding hands. Their emotions seemed to blend between them like an invisible current flowing from one man to the other.

As Kirk gazed upon the sleeping face of Spock beside him, the Vulcan's breaths slow and even, Kirk knew.

As one, they were content.