Chapter Text
“Captain, there is just one thing I do not understand,” Spock said.
”What is it, Spock?” Jim asked with a sigh, turning from the screen where their latest briefing had finished.
”Why must we pretend to be a couple?” Spock raised a brow.
”It’s a couple’s luxury cruise, Mister Spock.” Jim explained, not sure if he was excited for the upcoming change of pace or dreading the espionage. “If you don’t walk onto this ship as a couple you leave as one, and we can’t risk getting distracted from the task at hand.”
”You mean to say the crew will… set you up?” Spock’s voice was a bit incredulous.
Jim nodded. ”It’s supposed to be a romantic getaway. They’re not above setting up dates.”
”Perhaps their matchmaking is simply… effective,” Spock suggested, clearly not thrilled at the prospect of their espionage assignment.
Jim shook his head. “You heard what the admiral said. The reports coming off of that ship are truly bizarre. Hazy memories, vastly reduced negative emotion that surges back upon leaving the ship, hallucinations. Not to mention the fact that they’ve refused to allow their vessel to be investigated or scanned. Starfleet wants answers. And for some godforsaken reason, we’re the ones they want them from.” Jim walked towards Spock, leaning against the table.
Spock let out an almost imperceptible sigh, and if Jim didn’t know any better, he may have suggested the Vulcan was nervous about his assignment.
”Spock, if you don’t feel comfortable pretending…” Jim trailed off awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I can grab one of your science officers or someone else that can work the equipment.”
”That will not be necessary.” Spock said quickly. “I will do my duty.”
”I know Vulcans don’t lie.” Jim said softly. “Are you sure you’ll be okay.”
”I am only… half-Vulcan, Captain.” Spock reminded, the corner of his lips turning upwards in a small smirk.
”So… can a half-Vulcan tell half lies?” Jim responded with a smirk of his own.
”I believe there are things I may say to… sell the illusion.” Spock moved to stand.
”I’ll do what I can to assist.” Jim chuckled softly. “We beam down to the star port tomorrow at one. Pack your civilian clothing, your tricorder, and a bathing suit if you have one.” He offered with a smile. Spock looked unamused, eyebrows raised to meet his bangs. “Right.” Jim nodded. “I’ll bring an extra swimsuit for you.”
A Vulcan would deny that they felt anything akin to offense, but for a brief moment Spock looked completely scandalized. Jim couldn’t help but feel a bit smug seeing the expression. No one else got that level of emotion out of Spock. He loved seeing the expressions he could pull out of Spock. Most commonly exasperation or something similar, but there were moments of wry humor and amusement. Jim’s favorite was the smiles, rare as they were wonderful. He knew this mission wasn’t a vacation, but he’d be spending plenty of alone time with Spock. Maybe he could provoke a new expression. The idea brought a smile to his face.
“You ready, Mister Spock?” Jim asked through his communicator, standing in the transporter room.
”You look fucking stupid,” McCoy said, looking at Jim with an amused expression.
”This is what people wear on vacations!” Jim exclaimed, not offended by McCoy’s statement. He was wearing a garish green Hawaiian shirt with golden yellow flowers decorating it. He also wore a pair of tan shorts that were about as short as the uniform skirts and a little on the tight side. After all, he hadn’t worn them in ages.
”When was the last time you went on vacation?” Bones teased idly as Spock entered the room.
”Apologies, Captain, I had misplaced—” Spock stopped, taking stock of Jim’s appearance. His eyes flickered over Jim, lingering for a moment at the way the shorts hugged his body.
”No worries, Mister Spock.” Jim offered a grin. “I trust you found everything you need?”
”Indeed.” Spock nodded, swallowing.
”You two look like you’re going to completely different places.” Bones shook his head. “Spock, what the hell are you wearing?”
”I do not own much… civilian clothing.” Spock responded slowly. “And I was unsure what would be considered…” He glanced over to Jim again. “Appropriate.” Spock was dressed much more conservatively in black pants and a long sleeved black t-shirt.
“We’ll find something a bit more appropriate at the port.” Jim said with a nod. “I also packed a few extra things. I know this isn’t exactly your thing, Mister Spock.”
”I appreciate the offer, Captain.” Spock said after a moment of hesitation.
“Of course.” Jim nodded. “Now, are we ready?” He asked, stepping onto the transporter, suitcase in hand.
”Indeed.” Spock nodded, following suit.
“Happy honeymoon, you two.” Bones offered a wave, before he turned to leave, shaking his head.
”Alright, Spock, remember,” Jim began in a hushed tone as he handed Spock an equally garish Hawaiian shirt to throw on over his current apparel. “We’re newlyweds on our honeymoon. You’re a biologist on Star Base six and I’m a freight runner.”
”I recall, Captain. I do have an eidetic memory.” Spock responded, pulling the shirt on and beginning to do the buttons.
”Can’t call me Captain, though.” Jim cracked a smile. “You have to call me Jim.”
”A freight ship would still have a captain.” Spock said idly.
”Yes, but you’re my husband, not my crewman.” Jim said. “Right?”
”Right.” Spock nodded, letting out a breath as he finished doing the buttons.
They heard the call that their ship, the Pieces Princess, was due to arrive in any minute, so they headed to the boarding area with all the other guests. The crowd squeezed together as the ship came in sight. Jim instinctively reached out and grabbed Spock’s hand to make sure they stayed together. He realized his mistake. “Sorry, Spock.” He said quickly, moving his hand to grip Spock’s covered wrist.
”Do not apologize, Jim.” Spock responded. “After all, this is our honeymoon.” Jim’s heart skipped a beat, though he couldn’t explain it. The gangplank came down and the crowd surged towards the ship. Spock picked up his bags, Jim trailing slightly behind him, still holding onto his wrist.
Jim and Spock walked together to the front desk to check in. “Hello, room for James Kirok.”
”Yes, sir, let me check-“ The man at the front desk said with a hum, turning to type something in. “Ah yes.” He grabbed a key from a container behind him. He turned back, offering the key. His eyes widened slightly as he saw Spock. “Gee wilikers!” He exclaimed. “Are you a Vulcan?“
”Yes.” Spock responded with a raised brow. “Is this…significant?”
”Ah…well a bit, sir.” The man shrugged. “See we don’t get many Vulcans here. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one before!” He said in a cheerful manner.
”Fascinating.” Spock responded, clearly unamused.
”Well, I guess most Vulcans don’t have…illogical human spouses to drag them along on such occasions.” Jim slipped his arm around Spock’s, pulling the man to his side with a smile.
”You two are together?” The man asked, eyes going impossibly wider. “Oh wow!”
”Yes.” Jim frowned, already finding the man a bit irritating. “Now, may we have our room key?” He held out his hand. “I would like to…settle in.” He offered the man a wink, hoping that would get the man to leave them alone.
”Right, sir. Sorry, sir.” The man said quickly, handing him the key. “You’re in promenade 125, upstairs and to your right. If you need anything, my name’s Burl, but everybody calls me Gofer.”
”We’ll be sure to call.” Jim said, picking up his bags and dragging Spock towards the stairs.
”Gee. We just left, but that guy’s already so impatient to dock.” Gofer said to a coworker standing beside him.