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Captain's Log, Stardate 2265.37. The Enterprise is hosting Ambassador K'rel of Andoria for diplomatic negotiations. What should have been a routine diplomatic mission has become... complicated.
The temperature in the observation lounge felt distinctly cooler than usual, and not just because of the Andorian ambassador's environmental preferences. First Officer Spock stood rigidly at attention, his hands clasped perhaps a fraction too tightly behind his back as he observed Ambassador K'rel's latest attempt to engage the captain in what humans would term "small talk."
"Captain Kirk," K'rel's antennae curved forward with interest, "you must tell me more about your fascinating explorations. Perhaps over dinner in my quarters?"
Jim Kirk maintained his diplomatic smile, though his eyes darted briefly to his first officer. "I appreciate the invitation, Ambassador, but I make it a policy to take my evening meals with my senior staff. Perhaps you'd care to join us in the officer's mess?"
K'rel's antennae drooped slightly. "A private discussion would be more... conducive to building personal diplomatic relations."
"Ambassador," Spock interjected, his voice carrying that particular tone that only Jim could recognize as tense. "If you wish to discuss official matters, I would be happy to provide you with the Enterprise's full mission logs."
Jim bit back a smile at Spock's obvious deflection. The ambassador, however, was not so easily deterred.
"Captain," K'rel stepped closer, "surely your First Officer wouldn't object to sparing you for one evening?"
"Actually," Jim said softly, turning to face Spock with warmth in his eyes, "I believe he would. And so would I."
Spock's eyebrow raised fractionally, the Vulcan equivalent of surprise.
"You see, Ambassador," Jim continued, moving to stand beside his first officer, "Mr. Spock is not just my First Officer. He's also my partner."
"Indeed?" K'rel's antennae twitched with surprise.
"Indeed," Spock confirmed, allowing himself to shift slightly closer to Jim. "The captain and I have been bonded for 2.4 standard years."
"My apologies," K'rel said, recovering quickly. "I was unaware of your attachment."
"No offense taken, Ambassador," Jim replied diplomatically. Then, with a glance at Spock's still-tense posture, he added, "If you'll excuse us, I believe my First Officer and I have some reports to review."
Once they were alone in the turbolift, Jim turned to Spock with an amused smile. "You were jealous."
"Vulcans do not experience jealousy, Captain."
"Of course not, sweetheart," Jim said with a knowing grin. "Just like you weren't radiating disapproval every time K'rel's antennae pointed in my direction."
Spock's expression softened almost imperceptibly. "I merely wished to ensure the ambassador understood the... parameters of acceptable diplomatic interaction."
"Mhmm," Jim hummed, stepping closer. "And it had nothing to do with wanting to make it clear that I'm spoken for?"
"Jim," Spock said quietly, "you know you are the only one I would ever choose as my bondmate."
"I know," Jim replied, his hand brushing against Spock's in a subtle Vulcan kiss. "And you're the only one for me too. Ambassador K'rel never stood a chance."
The turbolift doors opened to the bridge, and they stepped out together, their shoulders nearly touching – professional as always, but everyone who knew them could see the invisible thread that bound them together, stronger than any diplomatic overture could ever hope to break.