If I were writing the next part after Beyond’s conclusion…

Very much pre/slash

“Oops! Sorry, Spock. Didn’t realize anyone was out here.” Jim paused with his hand on the door handle of an outside patio area of the conference room where his birthday party was even now taking place.

Spock turned away from observing a rather bizarre looking flowering shrub to face Jim. “There is no need for you to depart, Captain.”

Jim let go of the door and allowed it to close once more. He approached Spock. “Jim. We’re not on duty and it’s my birthday, so I insist.” He smiled.

“Jim. You have left your own party?”

“I needed some air,” he admitted. “The whole thing was getting…overwhelming.”

Spock inclined his head. “It’s not like you to be overwhelmed by a party.”

“Well…it’s been a long few days.” He searched Spock’s face. “And you? How’s the recovery going?”

“It is progressing at its expected pace.”

Jim laughed. “I see. What are you doing out here?”

“I, too, needed some air.”

“Hmm. Alone? I saw you and Uhura inside together. Looked like you guys were reconciling.”

Spock looked away and back to the shrubs. “Nyota and I will always remain close but our romantic relationship will not resume.”

“Oh.” Jim nodded. “That’s surprising. Why?” He held up his hands and shook his head. “You know what? That’s so not my business. Sorry.”

“You are my friend, are you not?”

“I’d like to think so.”

“Then it is permissible under this context.” Spock gave a little sigh. “Our romantic relationship was an old and comfortable one, but it has run its course. The passion we once experienced is no longer there and our interests have strayed to others.”

Jim shrugged. “It’s common in long term relationships to lose a little bit of the initial fiery passion, Spock. I just…she seemed to really appreciate that you wanted to rescue her.”

“I am aware. But there is more to it.”

“Okay. Well, I’m sorry. I know you two cared a great deal about each other.”

“And still do.”

“Then it was her decision?”

Spock shook his head. “Mutual. You misunderstand, Jim, I am not suffering from what Humans would call a broken heart over the end of my relationship with Nyota.”

“I’m glad of that. I wouldn’t want you requesting a transfer.” He smiled to indicate he was mostly teasing.

Spock suddenly looked even more uncomfortable than he already did. “I…there was a time when I considered resigning from Starfleet.”

Jim half-smiled. “I know.”

“I am not referring to the time directly after Nero when Vulcans were looking for a new planet.”

“I know that, too. You wanted to leave recently.”

Spock gaped at him in surprise. “I was not aware you knew.”

“Some members of my crew think as captain I should know that sort of information.”

“McCoy,” Spock guessed.

“Yeah,” Jim admitted. “You could have talked to me. But in all honesty I had plans of my own. They seem stupid now.”

“Plans?”

“The best laid as they say. Anyway, they didn’t work out and I’m staying in command of the Enterprise when she’s ready. I’d like to think you’ll be by my side as my first, Spock.”

“I intend to be,” Spock said, seriously. “I no longer think of leaving.”

“Great.” Jim sighed and glanced back toward the building. “I guess I need to get back to the party. You coming?”

Spock nodded and fell into step beside him as they reentered the building together.