Spock noticed Cadet Kirk’s absence from his class immediately. Of course he did. Kirk was his brightest student. It was nearly impossible not to notice him when he was there, as Spock certainly had from dat one, and now his empty seat definitely caught his attention.

But he was not alarmed. There were lots of reasons Kirk would not have attended the class and students often were absent.

When the course ended, however, he received notice on his Academy PADD that Cadet Kirk had withdrawn from the class.

Spock frowned. He was well aware that Kirk needed the class for his curriculum.

He had an appointment to meet a friend for tea, but he had no choice now but to postpone that meeting to a future date. He quickly sent the message and left the campus to seek out Cadet Kirk.

Kirk…Jim lived at a small apartment building a block from campus. He had explained to Spock that the apartment belonged to his mother’s sister, and she had allowed him to live there instead of him having to stay in a dorm.

Spock had been there recently. The night before in fact.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary when he arrived, so he knocked softly.

Only a moment later, Jim appeared at the door, opening it. He wore his red cadet’s uniform. He smiled.

“Hey.”

Spock frowned slightly. “Is everything all right?”

“Sure. Come in.” Jim seized his arm and pulled Spock inside the apartment. To Spock’s surprise, Jim pulled him into a passionate kiss, which admittedly confused him further. When Jim pulled away, he seemed as puzzled as Spock. “What’s wrong?”

“I came to inquire that of you. You did not attend class today and then you withdrew.”

For a moment, Jim stared at him. Then he smiled slightly. “Last night. What did it mean to you?”

“I do not understand.”

“Yeah, I’m beginning to get that. Spock, last night, it was amazing. More than I could have hoped for, and I guess, it was more than a one-night stand, right? I thought it was.”

Spock tilted his head. “Yes, of course.”

“Good. I’m surprised you don’t know this, but sleeping with your student is against regulations.”

Spock blinked and stared at him. He still had his arms around Jim and Jim was still clutching him. Neither of them made a move away, Spock had no desire to.

“I…had not yet thought of that.”

Jim grinned. “Last night really knocked you off your axis, huh?”

“Clearly. Then you withdrew from class for that reason.”

“Yep. Because I intend to, you know, keep sleeping with you, Professor. As often as possible.” Jim paused to give Spock a saucy look. “In fact, we should be doing that right now.”

Spock had to admit the idea had merit. But first. “Jim, you need that course for your command curriculum.”

“I know that. I’ve already talked with my academic advisor, and I can take it next semester with Lewiston.” Jim leaned in to kiss him.  “See, I’ve thought of everything.”

“Mm.” Spock gave himself to the kiss. “You are clearly more with it than I.”

Jim laughed against his lips. “Clearly. I’ll take your lack of clarity as a compliment that I really knocked your socks off.”

Human idioms. Spock shook his head. “Quite so. In that case, as to your suggestion, we should indeed, be sleeping together this instant. Without the sleep part, though.”

“Now you’re speaking my language.” Jim reached beyond Spock to lock the apartment door. “Come, professor. Why don’t you get this cadet uniform off me?”

“My pleasure, Cadet Kirk. My pleasure.”