Chapter Text
“Got any plans for this shore leave Mr Spock?” Said Captain James T Kirk over his shoulder from in the command chair.
It was the end of their last shift before they could beam down to the space dock they had planned for shore leave. It had been many months since the Enterprise had been granted shore leave and you could practically feel the relief and excitement in the air while everyone awaited their roster off. Commander Spock was doing some last scans before turning it over to his relief. At his captain’s question he did not pause before answering, “I had planned on resting in my quarters, meditating, and perhaps practicing my lyre in the rec-room, I never understood the human need to expend energy in time given to rest.”
“Ahh well it probably doesn't seem very logical to you but we humans have never been known for that have we?” Jim replied with a small smirk he reserves for Spock alone. “Maybe your idea has some merit, curling up with a paper book in my quarters does sound refreshing but I have some business I have to get done down at the space dock.”
The beta shift officers were starting to file onto the bridge and that their cue to head to the turbolift.
Jim continued once they had reached the lift, “I ask you only because I would enjoy your company while out on my errand.”
“Thank you, Captain. If it will not take too much time I would be happy to accompany you”
“Happy, Mr Spock?”
“I was just using a term in which you are familiar,” Spock replied with a non physical roll of the eyes, if that were possible. From anyone else, that kind of teasing would have sent a bolt of annoyance through him that he would have had to squash immediately, but from jim it only exasperated him in a fond sort of way.
Jim smiled his other Spock smile, the sort he did when he felt Spock had done something particularly adorable. “Any way thanks for agreeing to coming or else I would have had to ask Bones. Normally i would have but yesterday when i was by the sickbay and he seems a bit run down so I’ll let him have his shore leave un pestered by me.”
“How kind,” Spock said with the tiniest bit of amusement in his eyes.
“Ha ha, yes even I am self aware. Even he doesn't need to be pulled along on all my misadventure. Maybe tomorrow tonight I’ll invite him for a drink in my quarters instead if he's not busy.”
“If this is to be a misadventure I am not so sure i should have given my consent so easily.”
“But Spock! I've got to bring you! For who else is my partner in crime?” Jim broke out dramatically. “But seriously, it won't take long and its highly unlikely anything will go wrong.”
Their turbolift had stopped on their level and they walked towards their quarters.
“And what, may I ask, is your errand?” Spock asked as they rounded a corner.
“Well when I was researching this star base for shore leave in there shopping district i noticed a book stare that seemed very interesting in that they advertised having ancient terran novels in their original paper form. I have a few myself and would love to see if they have anything i recognize. A great opportunity to self indulge and buy birthday gifts.”
“Fascinating, I had noticed your preference to solid books. It would be interesting to observe while you make your choice.”
Jim laughed, “You mean, it would be funny to see me in my natural environment?”
“I believe that is what i just said.” spock raised one eyebrow.
By this point they were out the front of their individual quarters.
“Well, would you meet me in the transporter room 1300 hours tomorrow?”
“Certainly Captain.”