This is the epilogue to the 5 plus 1 earlier. Enjoy!

“Happy Anniversary!” Jim called out as he exited their bathroom, dressed only in a towel and rubbing another towel over his hair to dry it.

Spock who still lounged in bed, yes quite unusual but it had been a rather tiring night, arched a brow. “It is not our anniversary. We bonded on Stardate 07.2264. We went through an Earth marriage on Stardate 09.2264. By my calculations neither anniversary applies.”

Jim smiled and went to the wardrobe closet for his uniform. “Yep, all that’s true. We should plan a big celebration for those by the way. It’s been…four…no five years now.”

Spock rose from the bed and walked over to where Jim was fussing with his clothing. “Agreed, if you wish. But I am still puzzled by your comment a moment ago.”

“It’s the fifth anniversary of when you first told me you loved me.” Jim laughed then, turning just a slight shade of pink as he pulled his command tunic over his head.  “Lame, huh?”

Spock considered. Leaned against the wall beside Jim.  “No, it is not lame.”

Jim smiled. “What are you thinking?”

“I am thinking about when I first realized my deeper emotional regard for you.”

“Yeah? When was that?”

He shook his head. “When you died in the warp core.”

Jim froze, eyes wide. “But you never said anything. Not then. Not after when I was in the hospital.”

“There is an old Earth expression that applies. I did not want to rock the boat. Nyota and I had reconciled during the mission and you seemed enamored of Carol Marcus and she with you. I had no guarantee you returned my feelings and I chose not to take that chance given what the aftermath would be if you did not.” Spock exhaled. “I apologize.”

“You know, it’s okay. I took a long time to say it after I realized too, so I guess I can’t really blame you. And we’re here now, as we are.”

“When did you realize, Jim?”

Jim made a face. “Not sure I should tell you.”

“If you wish to keep the information to yourself, I accept that.”

His husband sighed. “I realized when it hurt so bad that you filed a report behind my back and I got demoted and we weren’t going to be on the same ship. And how much it hurt that you didn’t even really consider me a friend. That’s when.”

Spock moved forward and drew Jim into his arms. “I am sorry, adun.”

“That was a long time ago. We’re good now.”

Spock nodded and held him tighter.  “Yes. I love you, Jim.”

“I love you too.”

“And…Happy Anniversary.”