The guys are back

“Still in love,” Jim declared with a hint of a smile.

He had just polished off two plates full of Spock’s stir-fried peanut noodles. It was a simple dish of soft lo-mein noodles, diced scallions, bean sprouts, and chopped peanuts  in a savory sauce, but it was one Spock made often as it was a favorite of his, so he could not deny a bit of illogical pleasure to witness Jim’s delight in the dish.

“I am glad you enjoyed it. Normally I add a bit of a chili sauce to it but didn’t want to overwhelm you with spices if it was not to your taste.”

“Next time feel free to add it. I don’t mind some heat at all. But whatever, as this was very good.”

Spock nodded and picked up Jim’s plate to rinse it.

“I could do that.”

“It is no big deal. How were your classes?”

“Easy,” Jim replied, and for some reason it did not sound boastful.

“You are not challenged by them?”

“Not yet, but it’s early, right? I’m sure they’ll get more complicated.”

“Were you assigned homework?”

“Yep. Got it done in the library before I came here. I’m probably going to do some pleasure reading in my room for the rest of the night.“

Spock hesitated for a moment, but then went ahead and proposed it. “You could read out here in the common sitting room. It will not disturb me. In fact, I might prefer to have company while I attend to my own class curriculum.”

“Yeah?” Jim smiled. “Cool. Let me just go get my book.”

“You do not read on an e-reader?”

“Sometimes. But for this book, it’s a real one.”

“What is it, if I may ask?”

Jim grinned. “An old-fashioned murder mystery. There’s a sort of side romance between the detective and his assistant but mostly it’s the mystery.”

“I see. Tea?”

“That would be great.”

And as Jim disappeared into his room to get his book, Spock felt oddly…satisfied.