In the morning, Jim woke to realize Spock had been lying beside him watching him.

“Hey,” he said, his voice sounding raspy.

“I did not mean to wake you.”

“No, you didn’t. How long have you been awake?”

“Just a short time.” Spock paused. “Jim?”

“Hmm?”

“I suppose it would be premature to ask you to share my apartment.”

Jim smiled. “Yeah.”

Spock nodded.

“Are you asking?”

“I would like to.”

“Then try me.”

Spock looked slightly confused but then asked, “Will you share my apartment?”

“I would like to,” Jim responded in kind.

“Truly?”

“Sure.”

“But you said—”

“Well.” Jim shrugged. “Probably people will talk. Bones will. Maybe Uhura. Others. But really, do we care? This is our life, we get to decide.”

Spock looked thoughtful but then he inclined his head. “I am pleased you have accepted. Speaking of decisions, my parents would like to have dinner with us tomorrow night.”

“Okay.”

“You accept?”

Jim laughed. “Don’t look so surprised. I knew we would be doing that at some point. And while we are talking about it, my mother will want to meet you.”

“Have you told her about me?”

“Not yet. But she’s already hinted at having me come to Riverside for Thanksgiving. That’s just a few weeks so I thought maybe you’d like to come.”

“Of course I will.” Spock cupped Jim’s bruised cheek. “Does it hurt overmuch?”

“Nope. Hardly feel a thing.”

“I may have to have a word with Chester.”

“Spock.” He laughed.

“We will see.”

Jim shook his head. “In the meantime, kiss me.”

“We will be late.”

“Kiss me anyway.”