SPIRK YAOI - oneshot... !!!

The Enterprise had returned to Earth orbit three days ago. The crew had scattered, seeking rest, family, or a simple moment of peace. But Jim Kirk remained aboard, wandering quiet corridors that felt lonelier now without the hum of purpose. He found Spock in the observation deck.

Of course he did.

The Vulcan stood still, hands clasped behind his back, watching the stars longingly. Jim stepped inside without a word, letting the door hiss shut behind him. Silence stretched between them, but it wasn't awkward, no, just familiar.

“Planning to stare at them until they revealing their secrets?” Jim finally asked, chuckling.

Spock glanced sideways at him. “Merely appreciating the view.”

Jim joined him. Shoulder to shoulder. Not touching, but close. Almost. “Funny. I always thought you'd be the first to beam down.”

Spock was quiet for a long beat. “I had not yet said goodbye.”

Jim swallowed. That was Spock’s way. Never wasting words, but always choosing the right ones.

“I wasn’t planning to leave,” Jim admitted. “Not yet.”

Spock turned to him fully now, with a strange look in his eyes that Kirk couldn't really place. “That is... reassuring.”

They stood like that, breath shared in the stillness of a ship no longer in motion. Jim reached out, fingers brushing lightly against Spock’s hand. An invitation.

Spock’s fingers responded, curling into the touch, slow and deliberate. A silent t’hy’la echoing between them.

“You could’ve said something,” Jim whispered, “before.”

“I feared the timing would be... inappropriate.”

Jim laughed. “Spock, we’ve nearly died together more times than I can count. There’s never going to be a perfect time.”

Spock studied him for a long moment, then leaned forward.

Their foreheads touched. Just that. But they knew.

It was enough.