#eldersarek

Leonard chuckled. "Unlikely? Yes. But definitely worth it."

They came to a halt as they approached his living space on the ship. The doctor glanced down avoiding the Vulcan's piercing gaze. No matter how much he liked the man he could never get over the beauty of those very human brown eyes on that Vulcan stature.

"I suppose this is goodnight," Spock spoke calmly. He looked up once again feeling the blush from earlier seep into his face. "I suppose so too."

"I shall see you tomorrow for dinner, correct?" Spock asked placing his hand behind his back and watching the beginnings of a smile flitter onto Leonard's face. The shade of red was rather quite appealing on the man's face, Spock thought fleetingly as an emotion tugged at him. Affection, he recalled as Leonard looked away to hide his grin. A curious emotion indeed.

"Correct," Leonard reassured, "now if you excuse me, I have an early shift tomorrow and I'd hate to be late."

"I understand."

Turning to leave, Spock stopped as he was hit with a sudden thought. Oh of course, how could one forget? "Leonard," he said as the man began to enter his room. He looked at Spock with a questioning look and crossed his arms.

"Yes, Spock?"

"Am I correct to assume that during the courting in humans that after a date it is ritual to give them a kiss before parting?"

He nodded slowly confused as to what the commander was hinting at. Spock's lip twitched in what could be conceived as a smile.

"Seeing as this is the end of our date, I think a kiss would be in order."

The older man's eyes widened in recognition. Immediately the blush on his cheeks grew scorching and he was positive the Vulcan could hear his rapid heartbeat.

"Oh?"

"May I kiss you, Leonard?" Spock asked a bit hesitant. It wasn't everyday that one could be presented with a situation as this. Especially one with a human whom he found most appealing.

He did not receive a reply but a rather flutter of the eyelashes and a look of adoration through half-lidded eyes. As he leaned forward gently closing his eyes, he could feel the emotions overwhelming him along with the suspense of finally being able to touch.

A moment passed before he realized he had been leaning for quite some time. He opened his eyes and spotted Leonard halfway through the door.

"Sorry, Darlin'. I don't kiss on the first date."

"I'm serious, Spock. I love you."

"I," the Vulcan paused feeling the trickle of affection seep into his mind. "I love you as well."

McCoy chuckled holding Spock's hand weakly in his. Shakily, he swept the white hairs from his face as they drooped onto his forehead.

"I know. I've always known."

Spock raised an eyebrow and set his lips in a straight line. He could not afford to show emotion. Not when the doctor lied on his deathbed gazing up at him with glassy eyes.

"Why have you decided to tell me now?"

"I have spent most of my life running away from my feelings," McCoy grinned squeezing the Vulcan's hand lightly. "But now, I'm tired of running."

Spock could not be certain of the pain he felt as his heart constricted at his words. He raised his other hand in question as to whether or not to proceed with a mind-meld. When Leonard nodded, Spock felt the adoration and affection surge into him lapping at his mind swiftly. A small gasp left his mouth.

Not what you expected?

Spock let his emotions reign free as they fused with McCoy's almost instantly.

Indeed not, but far more fascinating.

McCoy laughed and rubbed his thumb along Spock's fingers in a soothing motion. The miniscule shudder from the Vulcan pleased him.

I love you. the voice whispered.

I know.