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"I don't believe them?" He looks up finally, glancing at Spock across the table with an eyebrow raised slightly. "Why do you think I don't believe them? I don't believe all the things in the museum are real, sure, but I do believe there are things out there."

Jim has seen a lot. Here, in Riverview, even before then. He's learned to believe in a whole lot of things that the science he's familiar with can't even begin to explain.

"I'm hoping to find them. Any of them, or a few clues at the very least."

"To what end?" It's easier now to fall into the familiar role of 'plan-doubter'. Spock holds Jim's eyes and raises his eyebrow. "I am aware evidence is being financially compensated on this planet but I do not believe it necessary with a wedding upcoming." That has to be getting good ratings for him and Victor. And, speaking of which.

"In a best-case scenario, you will discover a creature who may or may not be hostile. An injury puts your nuptials in jeopardy."

"Curiosity, pure and simple," he answers plainly, shrugging. "Victor likes... monsters. Creatures. Weird, creepy things like this. And I've come to like them too. I like to explore these things with him, and maybe if I can get a shot of one of these cryptids, or if I find some real piece of evidence, I can show it to him. He'll like that."

He shakes his head and chuckles. "You really should've seen some of the creatures I ran into before I came to the fleet. I've got a bite mark going around the left side of my torso and arm, for instance. Landed me in bed for a good while, that. It'd take a lot to ruin our wedding, believe me."

"I assume you have some method of protection should one of them be hostile." He's spent a long time worrying over Jim and his ability to get himself into trouble. Strangely, knowing that his future husband has an affinity for monsters alleviates a bit of that concern instead of heightening it. Especially since it seems they've had interactions with 'monsters' before.

At the mention of the bite, Spock's eyebrow twitches up but not terribly far.

"Prior experiences do not always predict future success, especially as each planet's species are unique. I do not believe Victor would appreciate another bite into your torso. Unless, perhaps, he is fond of symmetry."

"I seriously doubt they will be. But I have my phaser, and a flare gun if I need to spook them in a pinch." All accounts so far say that the creatures are all likely to flee, unless cornered. And Jim has no intention of backing them up into a cave or something similarly stupid. He doesn't want to hunt them down or hurt them, either.

"Well, he is very fond of my scars, if you must know," he says, which would be much funnier if Spock was familiar with Shelley's most famous novel. But anyway.

He tips his head slightly, looking at Spock. "Aren't you gonna go out there, see for yourself what you might find?"

Spock is aware of the novel but doesn't find it very funny. Scars on Jim just make him concerned. Not to mention the fact that he's still getting used to the fact that he's a fictional character to some people here. It's all just...highly confusing.

"I had not decided," he says, looking back to the fur. "I am curious as to the nature of these beings. However, I am not entirely convinced of their existence and, as our time here is limited, I may decide to expend it elsewhere."

The novel itself isn't what's funny, okay. Granted, this particular joke would work better with the movie versions where Frankenstein builds a body by assembling various body parts, but anyway. Clearly it's a joke lost on Spock.

"Yeah? Doing what, then?"

"I have it on good authority there is a wedding upcoming," he says as neutrally he can while teasing. Vulcan teasing, anyways. "I have items to procure. Including, I have heard, plans to make to celebrate your loss of sexual and romantic availability."

At least, that's how he understands a Bachelor party. He doesn't understand it but he understands that it's a human custom.

Jim can't help it. Even if he still feels a little awkward (and a little hurt) around Spock, that teasing remark pulls a grin and a chuckle out of him, and he tips his head down a little.

"I haven't been sexually or romantically available for a while now, Spock," he shoots back with a raised eyebrow, lips curled into a lopsided smile. "And I don't think looking for a wedding present should take up that much of your time. I wouldn't want you to miss out on learning more about this place just because of me, anyway."

"The priority is to obtain the ideal gift. That requires time. Even so, I am not overly interested in exploring a world that could be created by our captors for nothing more than entertainment at our expense."

He chose those words carefully because, while not overly interested in that, he is a little curious. He can't help it; the scientist inside him wants to learn everything. Including monsters that are likely not even real.

"I may venture out, if I have time. Purely out of scientific interest."

"The ideal gift is your presence there. You don't need to buy us anything. I mean, I won't say no either, but don't stress yourself out too much over it."

Jim will love whatever Spock gets him, honestly. The thought is what counts the most.

His lips twitch at the next remark, head dipping. Sure, call it scientific interest.

"Let's go now. No time like the present, and we could spend some time together."

Spock is on the verge of arguing or, at the very least, begging off the trip into the forest. But then Jim points out that they could spend some time together and, honestly, they both probably need that.

And if Jim gets attacked, Spock will feel endlessly guilty about not being there to help. So, with a small put-upon exhale, he stands and waves for Jim to lead the way.

"I suppose, while here, I can advance my understanding of other worlds," he justifies.

Jim looks a little more pleased once Spock stands up, though he can't help letting out a sigh and rolling his eyes at the excuse.

"Wouldn't hurt you to say you like my company, every once in a while."

Grabbing his backpack, he leads the way out of the tavern. He's done a few trails so far, so he knows the quickest route to the paths leading into the woods.

"It would hardly hurt me," he assures Jim. His hands fold behind his back as he walks behind his friend. "However I have concerns regarding the effect such praise would have on your already inflated ego."

He's not-smiling at the back of Jim's head at his little tease. It feels a bit more normal than what had been brewing between them before. Anything other than silence would have been an improvement, actually.

Jim barks out a dry laugh, slowing down but not quite stopping, so Spock has to keep walking behind him. "Is that so?"

There's maybe a trace of bitterness there, and he really should stop now, but he doesn't. He just needs to get it out. At least some of it.

"And is that inflated ego a consequence of you taking up a position on the other Kirk's ship, or the fact that you now seem to spend at least thrice as much time with him?"

Now, there, that's definitely hurt, pained jealousy there, he won't even lie about it.

Spock stops dead in his tracks, surprised at where this comment came from. He knew Jim was upset, but he hadn't thought that this was the cause. For a moment he's silent and still but it's not long before he's walking double-time to grab Jim's shoulder and stop him.

"I did not choose him over you. He had a position free and it is one I am familiar with."

That's not the whole explanation, though. But strangely, the whole truth now feels like a strange thing to tell this Jim. But they are both his friend. His closest friend. So.

"And as for the increased time... The other Jim. He...expressed an interest in...adjusting the parameters of our relationship.

"I assure you, there is no preference. Only...difference."

Jim stops, willing to listen, even if what he hears isn't particularly surprising. With Pavel moving to another ship, it's true that the spot was vacant, and Spock would of course look to fill out that gap.

But somehow it only makes him feel worse, even if it may not be his place. The only thing he hears is that he chose to move to the other ship because Kirk was a captain there, and Jim isn't in his own.

And the rest... that's definitely more surprising. His eyes widen slightly, mouth parting. Any other time, he would appreciate the honesty. Right now, it just makes his stomach turn, knowing exactly how Kirk felt when he found out he and Bones used to be together, because it's precisely what he's feeling right now.

"Let go of me, Spock."

The tone is flat and even, expression steeled into a blank stare, even if still a little surprised.

Spock had thought this honesty would help. It's clear from Jim's face that he's only made it worse. Still, he does as he is told and lets Jim go. His face contorts beneath its control, displaying the mix of concern and confusion he still feels.

"I do not prefer your counterpart. You are the same man."

But it's not entirely true and Spock knows that. They've had different experiences and it has left them altered in ways Spock is only beginning to appreciate. He swallows and takes a step back to allow Jim the option to move past him and resume the position in front of him.

His own option to retreat back to town is available and Spock considers it. But that would not solve anything, merely delay the inevitable.

"Jim. I regret that my actions have caused you pain. It was not intended. You are still my closest friend. You both are. If it will remedy things, I will return to my previous ship."

"No! No, we're not," he heaves out in frustration, taking only half a step back as though that'll help clear his head. He doesn't want to leave, though, he doesn't think he can handle turning his back on Spock a second time.

He doesn't think he can handle Spock not chasing after him a second time, either.

"You do prefer him. And it's not... my right, to be upset, or jealous, but don't lie to me. You didn't even try to get in touch after we met in that dream. I even started thinking I had conjured you up as a memory because I missed you so much, but you didn't..."

His voice falters, and he turns to the side. Not to walk away, but just so Spock won't see him trying to fight the tears welling up in his eyes.

"You didn't even come talk to me. You didn't so much as tell me you were moving to his ship. And yeah, I do realize that's hypocritical of me, but screw it. I'm upset, anyway. Whether he's more important to you or not, I just wanted to feel like I still mattered. Even if only a little."

"Jim."

Spock understands but for a second his emotional side responds to the image of his friend in pain before shifting back to the logical response of dealing with the accusations. Still, Spock could stand there and state facts. Could give all the very good, seemingly logical reasons for why he had done as he had. But what was the good of it? Jim standing there, voice cracking around his words, was more important than asserting whether the proper protocol had been followed. So instead of that, he begins with:

"I am sorry, Jim. Truly. You matter to me more than my Vulcan heritage advises is wise. Your counterpart...was easier." Which is the truth behind all the fancy words he could use to fix up his mistakes. "We were in conflict and I was uncertain how to maneuver in such a circumstance. So I chose poorly and selected what was simpler.

"I do not prefer him. I do not prefer him, Jim. I made an error which understandably gave that impression. Allow me the chance to show you differently?"

Jim's practically crying at this point. He manages to trap the sobbing in his throat, behind his pressed lips, but his eyes are wet now and he can't really hide it, not when he's wiping the tears away with the back of his hands. He was angry, damn it, and he was going to be angry and hurt and upset, he wasn't going to cry, much less so in front of Spock.

It feels like forcing Spock into an apology, or into trying to make up for it somehow. It's not what he wants. He just wants Spock back in his life, near him, around him, wanting to spend time with him. God knows he's missed so much, he's lost so much over the past two years, not just friends from home but friends from Riverview, a family he had built there, a whole other life. Victor's with him, true, but he's literally the one person Jim's managed to keep.

Which is why he so easily accepts Spock's words. Not that he normally wouldn't, of course, especially when he can tell that Spock is being so honest, emotion and heart put into every word. Of course he'll forgive him. Of course he'll allow him the chance, any chance. What else would he do? Ignoring Spock or keeping his distance from him just isn't an option, no matter the upset.

He opens his mouth to answer, but all that comes out is a sob, like it had been pressed right against the back of his teeth, pushing to get out. He nods, tears rolling down his cheeks, and before Spock can say or do anything, he rushes towards him and wraps his arms tight around his waist, head buried in his shoulder.

Spock doesn't question it and wraps his arms around Jim tight, holding him close. One hand presses to the bottom of Jim's neck where fabric still covers the skin. He won't say anything for now. He understands what an outburst of emotion like this must cost Jim and isn't about to make it any worse. So for a long moment, he just holds him.

His neck is wet with tears and it breaks his heart knowing that he caused this. Gently, he pulls back to look at his friend with a soft expression.

"I do not believe we will surprise many cryptids with our fighting," he attempts to tease. "Did you wish to continue? I am amenable to returning into town. Perhaps visiting the tavern or locating some area for us to discuss things more.

Tell me what you prefer, Jim. I am with you regardless."

It hurts, but at the same time it's a relief. These past few weeks he's felt like he's had a tight, uncomfortable knot in his chest, making his insides hurt whenever he thought of Spock somewhere on the Fleet, but now it's as though the knot has been undone, the release of that strain alone enough to unleash a tide of emotion that had been held in for all that while.

He holds Spock tighter, if at all possible, when he feels the hug being reciprocated. The first remark drags a laugh from him, messy and loud and broken, and he nods slowly, still burying his face in Spock's neck.

"Yeah," he agrees, swallowing dryly, though not yet stepping away. "Let's... go back. I've got a room, we can... talk there."

Jim so hurt is a painful thing to experience. When he mentions the idea of returning back and just talking Spock nods exaggeratedly so the other man can feel it. He doesn't pull away. Spock knows that it would be better to just let Jim remain as he is than to attempt putting an end to the emotional release. After everything that's happened, there is nothing else that could heal his friend half as much.

His hand presses against the back of his blonde head, careful to avoid too much skin contact. Just a presence of his hand there. Of him there.

"There is no urgency," he finally states, voice quiet. "We can return when we wish. When you are ready to."

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