Our chess boys are back

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Though Spock hadn’t stated anything out loud, Jim could tell he was getting frustrated by Jim’s chess playing methods.

It was the tiny frown line between his brows and the almost subtle huff of breath each time he watched Jim lift a piece and hover it over the board.

Jim was used to surprising opponents. Back in the day, Sam ‘Sore Loser’ Kirk was legendary with the fits he threw when Jim declared “checkmate.”

Not long after he’d arrived in San Francico, Jim had left Pike himself perplexed and off-kilter as he had been forced to concede defeat.

But he could tell Spock was struggling with it more than most.

“Not used to losing huh?” Jim asked, casually lifting his iced coffee to his lips to take a drink.

Spock did not look at him. “That is hardly a conclusive outcome.”

Jim nodded even though Spock stared down at the board and wouldn’t see the movement. He couldn’t remember when he’d enjoyed a match this much. And despite what he’d told his mom it almost felt like a date.

Jim knew it wasn’t though. Spock was clearly attracted to him, but Jim had heard Vulcans stuck only with other Vulcans. Something about bonding as children or whatever. Jim didn’t know much about Spock, so for all he knew Spock could be full on Vulcan married. Too bad, because Jim would love to pursue something with Mister Tall Dark and Handsome.

Spock moved his piece. Looked up, arching a brow.

“That’s a brilliant move,” Jim said with an admiring smile.

“Indeed.”

Spock even looked a bit smug. It was quite cute really.

Jim leaned forward, moved his piece, and declared, “Checkmate.”

Spock’s gaze darted downward, then back up to Jim’s face.

“I think it’s conclusive now.”

“Not only are you too sexy, you are too smart,” Spock retorted.

Jim laughed. “Uh-huh.”   

Spock pursed his lip. “I do not have time for a rematch at present. But perhaps, after dinner, we could play another match.”

“Okay. Here?”

“I was thinking my apartment after we finish eating.”

Jim blinked rapidly. “Oh.”

“Unless you have other plans?”

“I’ll break them.”

“Six-thirty then. I will send the address.”