Normally Leonard wouldn’t interfere with other people’s choices and lives. But this was Jim and he knew that despite what most people believed, Jim’s bravado was all about hiding the vulnerability.

So the next morning after Spock had spent the night in Jim’s hospital room, Leonard took the Vulcan aside to have a private conversation.

Not exactly a shovel talk, but as close as Leonard felt like giving.

“I don’t want to regret having gone to your apartment to tell you about Jim.”

“Understood.”

Which, as usual, was about as clear as mud. But getting frustrated with the hobgoblin wouldn’t do any good.

“My point here, Spock, is if…listen, given what he’s been through, I don’t want him emotionally hurt right now. Anymore than he already is.”

“I do not want that either.”

Leonard counted to ten before speaking again, “So if your goal isn’t to be with Jim when all is said and done, I’d like you to depart right now.”

 “I am going nowhere,“ Spock insisted.

Leanard supposed knowing Spock that was as good of confirmation that he intended to make things work with Jim as he was going to get.

“Okay. And listen…a word of advice. Don’t tell Jim Uhura was in your apartment in her bathrobe.”

“Nyota and I are not—”

Leonard held up his hand to stop him. “I don’t care and I don’t want to know. Whatever the case is, Jim isn’t going to take kindly to it. So keep your mouth shut. Jim is all talk and believe me when I say he’s all about monogamy.”

Spock looked as though he was made of wood he was so stiff, but he gave a slow nod. “As am I.”

“Good. I have no interest in hearing the gory details of what went on between you two before that ended things. Just…try not to screw things up this time. Jim may be a pain in the ass, but I think you’ll find he’s worth it.”

“Is that all, Doctor?”

“I think so.” But then Leonard found he couldn’t resist, “If you ever hurt—”

“I wish to return to Jim’s side now.”

“All right.”

Spock started to turn around but then stopped. “Thank you for telling me about Jim.”

“You’re welcome.” Leonard almost added, ‘Don’t screw it up again’ but resisted as Spock returned to Jim’s hospital room.