“Oh, hey.”

Spock could not decide based on the tone of Jim’s voice or even the expression on Jim’s face if his seeking out Jim’s location on observation deck was welcome.

Earlier, when Spock was unable to reach him, he had learned Jim was at 10 Forward, and so was McCoy, so Spock had left him to it. But when Spock went to Jim’s quarters later, Jim was still not there, and Spock had discovered through the computer he was at his current location.

“Been looking for me?”

“Affirmative.” Spock paused. “If my presence is unwelcome, I will leave.”

“You’re never unwelcome,” Jim said softly, before turning his gaze away to the stars. “You heard?”

“Yes. I am sorry for the loss of your brother. I grieve with thee.”

“I hadn’t even seen him in years, you know? He didn’t care about me, so why should I care about him?”

“Emotions are seldom logical.”

Jim snorted. “That’s an understatement.”

Spock was pleased when Jim turned and threw himself into Spock’s arms. Spock closed his arms around Jim and held him there.

“I love you,” Spock told him.

“I know,” Jim whispered. “Thank you. I need you so much right now.”

Spock was glad to hear it and though it was not yet the three words he longed to hear, for now, it would be enough.

The final three parts will be next week sometime. Not Wednesday, as Ji’s birthday flash will be that day but on the other days. We shall see which ones!