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They had just been seated for dinner at a restaurant known for an extensive selection of meat, seafood, vegetarian and even Vulcan specific dishes that Spock had chosen for their first “real” date. Jim seemed pleased by his choice so Spock knew he had done well.

The waiter had just taken their drink order, when Spock heard a familiar voice.

“Spock! It is you.”

And suddenly his mother and father were next to their booth gazing down at Spock and his date.

“Mother, Father,” he greeted them.

Mother beamed. “I didn’t expect to run into you tonight. And who is this?”

Jim had that look Humans called ‘deer in the headlights’ on his face but he was also attempting to smile.

“This is Jim Kirk. My parents.”

“Nice to meet you.”

His mother opened her mouth to say something, but Sarek spoke up first.

“We planned to dine here tonight, perhaps we will join you.”

Now Spock suspected his own expression mirrored Jim’s. “I am here on my first—”

His mother turned to his father. “Not now, darling. I suspect Spock would rather wait to schedule a time to dine with us. Spock, dearest, I’ll contact you later to choose a time and day. It’s wonderful to meet you, Jim. Perhaps we will see you again?”

Jim’s smile was more genuine now. “Perhaps.”

They moved away and he could see his mother whispering in his father’s ear.

“I apologize,” Spock said. “I assure you that was not some sort of setup.”

Jim laughed. “I never thought it was.”

“Good. They can be…overbearing sometimes.”

“I get it. My mother’s the same way? When we first met for our chess match she was all over me as to whether it was a date. She’s always trying to find me a significant other.”

Spock arched a brow. “Is she?”

“Mm. She already has my brother settled. Sam left home when we were kids. The reasons don’t really matter, but after he reentered our lives, he got married and had a kid. They’re settled on Deneva. Mom has been working on me ever since.”

“I see. Have you told her about me?”

“Not yet.” Jim laughed again. “She’d be picking out China patterns.”

Spock shook his head. “I understand. But…would you be averse to joining me for a meal with my parents? I would understand if you would rather not. I know the timing is quite soon in our relationship. It is merely that their visit to Earth is now. No pressure though. As I said, I understand.”

“To be honest, meeting the parents isn’t something I’ve ever done before. My relationships, if you can call them that, never reached that point. But I guess technically I’ve already met them tonight.” Jim shrugged. “So, sure. I’d come with you.”

Spock was relieved to hear it as he believed it meant that Jim was serious about their future. As a Vulcan, he did not wish to participate in a casual relationship.

“In the meantime, let’s enjoy this parent-free dinner.”

“Indeed,” Spock agreed.