“I can’t believe it.”

Spock blinked. A moment ago, Jim was smiling and laughing, seated at the dining table across from Spock, those blue eyes of his sparking with mirth and affection that made Spock’s heart beat faster. Anticipation had flowed through Spock that this would be a terrific night of intimacy and perhaps even declaration he had been hoping for.

But Jim’s tone had changed to be ice cold and every trace of enjoyment slipped off his face as if it had been an illusion.

“What is it? What is wrong?”

“Franks is here.”

“Your stepfather?”

“Yes.” Jim shoots daggers toward a tall, gray-haired man sitting at a table several feet away from theirs. “Ex.”

“I assure you he will get nowhere near you ever again.”

“I’m not afraid of him.” Jim thrust aside his napkin and rose. “I have to go.”

To Spock’s shock, Jim stormed out of the restaurant.

He took care of the bill and then hurried after him. He didn’t have far too go. Jim was by the Pier, gazing out at the ocean.

Jim shook his head when Spock approached. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin things for tonight.”

They were on a very brief shore leave. It was back to the Enterprise tomorrow.

“You did not.”

“Yeah I did.” Jim sighed. “Of all the damn places for him to show up. I don’t know why I still let him get to me.”

Spock pulled him close, arms wrapped around him. He could feel a lot of turmoil coming from Jim.

“What are you thinking?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Let me see.”

Spock put his hand to Jim’s face.

“What you want doesn’t matter, you are no one.”

Spock narrowed his eyes and looked at Jim’s face. “That is so far from the truth as to be truly astonishing.”

Jim’s lips curved slightly. “Yeah?”

“You are everything and I love you.”

“Well, if you of all people, love me that has to count for something,” Jim said in an overly jovial manner.

“I will gladly see that he is wiped off the planet, if that is what you desire,” Spock said, quite seriously.

Jim sighed and shook his head. “His very existence doesn’t bother me, Spock. I promise. It just…I was having a really good night, and him being there just surprised me.” He grabbed Spock’s hand. “Let’s go back to the hotel.”

“Definitely. But give me a moment to settle with the restaurant. I will be right back.”

Spock left Jim there for a moment. And of course he already had settled, with the restaurant anyway, but there was something else he needed to do.

Jim was giving him  as strange look when he reappeared. He reached up and straightened Spock’s hair. “How’d you get your hair messy?”

Spock replied, “I am sure I do not know.”