Work Text:
They say that right before you die, your whole life flashes before your eyes. A highlight of the most important moments you've lived, the ones you swore you'd never forget, and you didn't. That's how Spock knew he was dying.
He saw Jim and his first encounter, when cadet Kirk was getting scolded for cheating at the Kobayashi Maru. A young, smart and a little bit arrogant man, explaining his actions to Spock from across the hall. There was no shame in his voice, not even a hint; he was proud of the trick he pulled off. Even from such a distance, his bright eyes caught the Vulcan's attention. They resembled the sky, two tiny, bottomless universes.
The memory floated in Spock's mind for a moment, then disappeared.
Another vision. A picnic they shared on a shore leave on Earth. A warm, summer evening, the soft light of the setting Sun, and Jim's and Spock's first kiss, gentle and shy. Spock almost smiled recalling the glistening blue eyes, looking at him with pure adoration.
That was a good memory. Spock tried to hold on to it, but it vanished even faster than the previous one. As it faded, the Vulcan found it harder and harder to remember. Earth, a picnic... And someone sitting on a plaid blanket. But who was it? Spock knew it a moment ago, but now he wasn't so sure.
The third vision only appeared for a split second. A dessert, and red mountains in the background. Spock, dressed in an elegant white robe. People around, cheering and clapping their hands. Spock saw flowers in his hands, a bouquet of Forget-me-nots. Their color reminded him of something, but he couldn't say what exactly. It seemed important though, probably as important as the person standing in front of him. Spock felt like he should know them, but their silhouette was blurry. It could be anyone. Spock tried to remember something, but his mind worked slow, too slow. Thick darkness overtook the vision. The Vulcan felt like he was falling asleep, but he knew it was much more serious than that.
Then, a sharp pain filled his body. It seemed to emit from his torso, his right side precisely. Soon after another painful wave came, and another one. Spock wanted it to stop, he wanted whatever was doing this to leave him alone. But he had to find out who the person from his vision was. They were important, Spock could sense it. And what did the Forget-me-nots resemble? Nomen omen, the Vulcan could swear he was forgetting something that should never be forgotten. The pain was his chance to remember, to live. So he gave in, let it roam around his body and mind. The darkness weakened a bit. The unpleasant sensation intensified, but Spock didn't fight it, even though he could. The pain seemed to give him strength. His thoughts started to run faster as the darkness stepped aside.
Spock opened his eyes. He didn't die after all. He looked around, only to discover he was lying on some sort of bed.
"My God, he made it!" some man yelled with relief. Spock glanced at the stranger and the blue uniform he was wearing. A doctor? It's the Enterprise! The sickbay, to be precise. But who are those people?
"Spock? Spock!" another man, a smiling blond, came running towards him. Another unknown face. His uniform was yellow. "Baby, you're awake!"
The man pulled Spock into a tight embrace. The Vulcan tensed up at the touch, and the man felt it. He pulled away, a little concerned.
"Spock, is everything okay? How are you feeling?"
The Vulcan raised his brow.
"Keeping in mind that I have almost died, I feel quite alright." he said, sitting up on the bed. A wave of pain went all the way up his spine, but faded away seconds later. Spock chose to ignore it. "Please identify yourself. I'm aware of the fact that we're currently in the sickbay on the starship Enterprise, but I don't know you personally. Are you perhaps the captain of this ship?"
He saw a hint of fear in the man's eyes.
"Spock?" the stranger asked, the Vulcan could hear disbelief in his voice. "What... What are you talking about? What do you mean you don't know us?"
"Shall I repeat myself?" Spock suggested calmly. "I do not recall meeting either of you before."
The man looked at him, then turned to the doctor. He was worried.
"Bones? Is it true?"
The man in the blue uniform nodded with resignation.
"His heart went still for almost two minutes. Knowing that it normally beats 242 times per minute, those two minutes could lead to serious damage in the hippocampal cells. It's strange that he remembers the Enterprise, but he might not recognize us at all."
"Is it... You know, long lasting?"
The doctor shrugged.
"It's hard to say. If the brain cells aren't permanently damaged, some memories might come back. But if they are... I really don't know."
"No... No, come on!" the blond sat down in front of Spock and grabbed his hand. At first the Vulcan wanted to move away, but he instinctively laced their fingers together, not really knowing why.
"Don't you remember?" the man asked. Spock saw tears filling his eyes. He looked down at their joined hands and noticed something he overlooked before. The man was wearing a golden ring. The same ring was also present on the Vulcan's finger.
"I... I don't understand." Spock took his ring off and took a closer look at it. There was an engraving on it's inner side.
Beloved, 3372.7
The Vulcan read it out loud. The stranger smiled, a tear run down his face. He took off his ring as well and showed Spock the inscription.
T'hy'la, 3372.7
"See?" the man sniffled quietly. "We're married, Spock. Don't you remember?"
Spock looked him in the eyes, and froze still.
Those eyes.
Those gorgeous blue eyes.
That's what the Forget-me-nots reminded him off! He recalled the last vision, struggling to put the pieces of the puzzle together. The red land. Planet Vulcan. The robe, the bouquet... A wedding! And the person sitting in front of him, his husband, most beloved...
"Jim" Spock whispered. He placed his hand on the man's cheek and saw his eyes lighten up. "Your name... Is Jim."
Kirk nodded and laughed through the tears. He pulled the Vulcan into a hug, wrapping his arms tightly around him. Spock run his hand through his hair and moved closer, getting rid of any space left between them. How could he ever forget?
"Don't you ever scare me like that again." Jim mumbled, taking Spock's hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed it.
"I shall do no such thing, T'hy'la" Spock promised, putting his ring back on. He rested his forehead on Jim's and took his hand, connecting their index and middle fingers. He couldn't imagine not remembering this simple feeling.
"I shall never forget."
Kirk smiled and connected their lips; a passionate, yet gentle kiss.
"I love you, Spock."
The Vulcan opened his mouth to answer, but the doctor interrupted them.
"Yeah, that's very romantic and stuff, but this is the sickbay!" he said categorically. He put his hand on the captain's arm. "Let him rest, Jim. He'll still be here in a few hours, perhaps even better if he gets some sleep."
Jim wanted to argue, but he went silent seeing the doctor's stern gaze. He gave Spock a quick kiss and stood up.
"I'll be back shortly, alright?" he said, heading for the door. "Don't forget me, baby!"
Spock glanced at his wedding ring, then back at Jim. He was tired. Before closing his eyes he allowed himself to smile.
"I won't, Ashayam."