Spock had gotten home only a short time ago and he was expecting Jim soon so he knew he didn’t have a long time to contact his father. But it was best he get it over with than have Sarek do something stupid like show up at Spock’s apartment.

“Live long and Prosper Father.”

Sarek managed to look grumpy without his expression changing. He was good at that.

“The same for you, Spock. You received my message.”

“I did.”

“I sent it nearly twenty-four hours ago, it seems you did not find it terribly important.”

Spark inclined his head, ignoring the rebuke. Instead he said, “It is not.”

Sarek arched a brow. “Your bond to a Vulcan female is not important?”

“Former bond, Father.”

“You had your bond dissolved?”

“Negative, T’Pring did.” Spock paused and steepled his fingers.

Sarek’s eyes narrowed. “Why would she do that?”

Spock gave a slight shrug. “She felt that my attentions were on someone else. And in fact, she was correct.”

“James Kirk. A Human.”

His voice dripped with his version of sarcastic derision. Spock was quite used to it.

“Yes,” Spock admitted.

“That would not matter. There are many Vulcans that take other lovers besides those they are bonded to.” He sniffed.

Spock wasn’t sure how many did and he did not feel like asking Sarek if he happened to be of those.

“She also prefers another. Given that we both do, it made logical sense for her to seek the sever of our bond, which she has done.”

“And when were you going to tell me?”

“When you brought it up,” Spock admitted. “As you have done now.”

Sarek stared silently at him for some time without response. Spock could almost see the wheels turning in his head.

“Your mother has informed me that James Kirk lives with you now.”

“That is correct.”

Sarek nodded. “Very well. Live long and Prosper, Spock.”

And he was gone before Spock could provide any response.

It went better than he expected, but Spock couldn’t deny some measure of anxiety still pooling in his gut. Talking to his father tended to do that for him and no amount of meditation seemed to help.

Spock turned as he heard Jim at the door and a moment later his boyfriend entered their apartment.

Jim smiled at him and came toward him, arms outstretched. It was his typical greeting whenever they saw each other after a short separation. At first Spock had been uncomfortable with such displays, even in private, but now he looked forward to them, even if he would not admit it.

He pulled Jim close, leaning in to smell the vanilla bean shampoo Jim used.

“Oof.” Jim stiffened and eased back a little.

Spock frowned. “What is wrong?”

Jim’s tongue came out to lick his lips. “Well…”

“Well…what?”

Jim sighed and stepped back. His fingers going to the tunic of his cadet’s uniform. “Let me show you.”