Their holiday was everything they could have wanted. They spent just over two weeks on Earth, visiting San Francisco for the entire first week. The children insisted on seeing everything they could of Starfleet Academy, including the dorm room where Jim had lived, and the classrooms where Spock had taught. Amanda announced that she would be attending Starfleet as soon as she was old enough, George not quite as certain. Amanda told him that of course he would be attending as well and George let it go, knowing that arguing with her was a pointless waste of his time.

They were very excited to talk with Admiral Pike who regaled them once again with tales of Jim and Spock during their brief time under his command. He promised them that he would visit their ship just as soon as he had time and to talk with them more frequently until the next time they could be together.

When they left California, they went to the Grand Canyon, the children suitably awed by the grandeur of it. They wanted to go to the bottom but Jim was not willing to ride the burros down the narrow path. Spock was somewhat surprised by his reticence but did nothing to change his mind. Going to the bottom was not high on his list of things to do either.

Disney World was next, Spock patiently enduring it the first two days. The last four days, he remained in their suite, happily listening to the children recount their imaginary adventures once they returned, tired and elated. He tried very hard to understand the point of the entire affair but it continued to elude him. He did agree, albeit reluctantly, to share the honors of being Grand Marshal of the parade, never daring to disappoint the children or his bondmate, who confessed that he had always wanted to be the Marshal. Saving Earth makes all kinds of secret dreams come true, Jim was discovering. If he could just stop being embarrassed by it, it would be a lot easier. He only shrugged when Spock reminded him that he had been everyone’s hero for ten years and it wasn’t likely to change.

Following Disney World, they took a commercial ship to New Vulcan, the cruise line insisting that they have the finest accommodations and under no circumstances would they accept payment from the Captain and First Officer of Enterprise. The children spent the two day trip exploring the ship, declaring it nice but not as nice as theirs. The Captain of the commercial ship took their decision with good humor, accepting it in exchange for the opportunity to actually talk with Jim and Spock.

Sarek and Ambassador Spock were at the terminal to greet the family when they arrived. Sarek picked up the twins, gracing them both with a kiss before surrendering George to the Ambassador who also kissed him. Jim and Spock saw very little of the children as Sarek and the Ambassador kept them occupied from sunup to sundown. Neither complained, enjoying some very rare time to themselves and not wasting a second of it. The children decided to sleep with them each night, Jim sweating profusely in the much warmer than normal environment, the children comfortable, and Spock almost too cool to sleep. It was challenging but Jim didn’t mind giving up the sleep to provide their children the chance to enjoy themselves with their grandfather and the man they considered their uncle.

The children cried when it was time to leave, comforted by many promises that the two older men would absolutely come to visit as soon as they could. And certainly the children knew that they were welcome to come anytime their fathers could spare them.

When Enterprise left spacedock, they were close enough to come pick them up and they were all happily back on board their ship. The children were anxious to tell their extended family about all that they had seen and done, Betty, the doctor, and the Bridge crew listening and looking at their holographs with enormous patience and undivided attention. They all oohed and aashed appropriately at the gifts that they children had purchased for each of them, everyone obediently putting on their personalized Mickey Mouse ears so that they could have a group photo taken. Some of the crew silently wondered if Mouse ears might derail their careers but the happiness on the faces of the children was worth the sacrifice. And the fact that Jim and Spock were sporting their ears surely made it acceptable even to Starfleet, should the photos ever circulate so high up.

They settled back into their routine, Spock coming later to bed their first night back than Jim, who rolled over to look at his bondmate in the dim light. “Hey.”

“Why are you not asleep, love?” Spock whispered.

“I was waiting for you. We’re very lucky, aren’t we?”

“We are. Our holiday was quite enjoyable.”

“It was. Thank you,” Jim said, settling his head in Spock’s shoulder, one arm across his chest.

“Why are you thanking me?” Spock asked, kissing his head.

“Going to Earth and especially Disney World couldn’t have been your first choice. I just want you to know that I know that,” Jim whispered.

“The joy it brought to you and the children was my reward, love. We will return to Earth whenever you want.”

“’Kay. When we retire?” Jim asked.

“I had always assumed that we would,” Spock agreed.

“You’ll teach at the Academy?”

“Yes. In order to find other cadets capable of defeating the Kobayashi Maru,” Spock teased.

“You’ll never forgive me, will you?” Jim asked, scooting closer to the warmer body and putting his left leg in between Spock’s.

“There is nothing to forgive, t’hy’la. You have proved that your unconventional thinking serves us all well. Will you also teach?”

“I guess. If they’ll have me. But we can’t have Amanda in our classes, can we?”

“I do not know their rules concerning that. Do you think George will not also attend?” Spock asked.

“There are rules you don’t know?” Jim asked, slightly more awake at the confession.

“I had no reason to know about the children of instructors. I never thought it would be applicable to me,” Spock explained.

“Hmm… I don’t know if George will go to the Academy or not. If we’re all there, he probably will. I can’t imagine him being off Earth without us.”

“What does he want to be this week?” Spock asked with a silent laugh. George seemed to change his mind about his future career as often as he changed his socks.

“Uhm… an engineer. No. That was last week. I don’t know,” Jim finally decided.

“We can be certain that he will tell us again soon,” Spock said.

“Uh huh. Or Amanda will,” Jim said, his body relaxing in a way Spock recognized. Soon he would be sound asleep unless or until one of the children or the ship required him.

“Sleep, father of our perfect children,” Spock said, kissing his head as his Human drifted off.

~0~0~0~0~0~

“George Kirk,” the Captain’s voice rang out in the ship’s garden. “What in the name of good sense are you doing?”

George’s blonde head slowly emerged from between two overturned plants, dirt smudged across his nose, a small branch in his blonde curls, his brown eyes wide in the knowledge that he had been caught, guilt all over his face. “Hey.”

“What are you doing?” Jim repeated, his fists on his hips as he surveyed the incredible amount of damage that one seven year old boy could do in a short amount of time.

“I was… uhm….”

Jim could see the wheels turning inside his son’s head, knowing all too well that he was trying to come up with some semi-reasonable explanation for the chaos he had caused in the garden. “Don’t even try lying to me, GK. You know I’ll know,” Jim warned.

“I’m sorry, Daddy,” George finally said, carefully stepping for the cracked pots and advancing to his angry father. Only when Jim could see all of his son did he notice the blood staining his right arm.

“What happened, baby?” Jim asked, squatting in front of him to examine his arm, the anger evaporated in his concern.

“I’m okay, Daddy,” George assured him automatically.

“What happened?” Jim repeated, studying the rest of him to make sure that was the only injury he had sustained while wrecking part of the garden.

“I tripped. There was a really pretty butterfly. A pink one. I wanted to catch it. To give it to AK,” George explained softly into his father’s ear.

“Oh George,” Jim said, shaking his head in affection. “Alright. Let’s go get your arm patched up then we’ll come back and straighten up your mess.”

“I’m sorry,” George said again, one tiny tear rolling down his cheek.

“I know, baby,” Jim assured him, picking him up to carry him to sick bay.  “You don’t need to cry. We’ll take care of it.”

“You won’t tell Papa, will you?” George whispered, his left hand around Jim’s neck as they moved down the corridor.

“He won’t be angry, GK,” Jim told him.

“He doesn’t like it when I make a mess, Daddy.”

“He loves you no matter what. Even when you make a mess,” Jim said with a light kiss.

“He loves AK more than me,” George said softly.

Jim had to stop, shifting George so he could see his son’s sad face. “That’s not so, baby. Why would you even say that?”

“He never yells at AK. He yells at me all the time.”

“First, SK never yells,” Jim correctly gently. “And secondly, when was the last time he got mad at you?”

“Yesterday. When I wouldn’t eat my lunch. But I don’t like mushrooms.”

“I know you don’t like mushrooms, GK. I heard him talking to you. He told you to not eat the mushrooms but finish your meatloaf around them.”

“Why were the ‘shrooms on my plate, Daddy? They’re gross,” George complained.

“He mixed them up. He explained that to you,” Jim reminded him.

“He yelled at me ‘cause I wouldn’t eat them.”

Jim sighed, shifting George closer to his chest as he continued their trip to sickbay. “I’m going to ask him to come down, GK. We can’t let this go on.”

“No, Daddy. He’ll yell at me.”

“He most certainly will not,” Jim promised. //So, you’re coming, right?//

//I will be there momentarily. I regret upsetting GK.//

//I know. He’ll be okay. Please don’t let him know you’re angry about the garden.//

//Should he not be made to understand the consequences of his actions?// Spock returned as he entered the turbolift.

//Not when he’s already crying. And not when he’s terrified that you’ll yell at him,// Jim returned. //And yes, he is sucking his thumb. Don’t tell him to stop.// Jim heard what was the equivalent of Spock’s mental sigh as he carried George into sickbay.

“What’s wrong?” McCoy asked, looking up from where he was standing by one of the empty biobeds.

“George had a little accident,” Jim explained, setting him down on the closest bed. “Nothing serious.” //What are you doing?//

//Stopping by our quarters for his blanket.//

Jim had to smile at that, sending appreciation and affection over their bond. “It’s okay, GK. Hold still,” Jim coaxed when his son squirmed on the biobed. He was frowning up at Bones who was doing nothing more than scanning his abrasion.

“It’s just a scrap,” Bones assured them. “I just need to put some disinfectant spray on it, GK. Then you’ll be all set.”

“Will it hurt?” George asked, eyes wide.

“Not at all. It will be a little cold but that’s it,” Bones promised.

“’Kay,” George finally agreed, trying his best to be brave in the face of the treatment. He looked over at the door when it slide open, holding his breath when he saw Spock enter. He started to breathe again when his Papa handed him his tattered blanket and kissed him on the head. “Hey Papa.”

“Hello, baby boy. How is your arm feeling?” Spock asked.

“’Sokay,” George decided, clutching tightly to his blanket. “Me and Daddy will clean up the garden.”

“I am not concerned, GK.”

“Where’s Amanda?” Bones asked when he returned with the spray for George’s arm.

“With Lt Uhura. They are translating Earth fairytales into Vulcan,” Spock explained.

“Why?” the doctor asked.

“I have no idea. AK wished to try and Uhura volunteered to assist her.”

“Oh,” Bones said, turning his attention to his small patient. “You ready?”

“Uh huh,” George said with a frown. He extended his arm, closing his eyes until Bones announced he was all done. “Oh.”

“I promised it wouldn’t hurt, didn’t I?” Bones asked in amusement.

“Uh huh. Thanks.”

“You’re very welcome,” Bones assured him, kissing his head. “Now get out of my sickbay.”

“Yes sir,” Jim agreed, helping George off the bed. “See you later.”

“Later,” George echoed, leaving sickbay with his hands happily engulfed in his fathers’ as they all went to the gardens to pick up after George. Jim ended up with the blanket flung over his shoulder and if any of his crew noticed, they were smart enough to pretend that they didn’t.

~0~0~0~0~0~

As soon as Jim entered their quarters, a hand snaked out and grabbed him, shoving him roughly against the wall. His mouth was covered with the hotter, hungry Vulcan counterpart for an all consuming kiss. He could feel Spock’s erection pressing against his stomach as he leaned full body on Jim, one Vulcan hand easily holding both of Jim’s over his head.

“What are you doing?” Jim managed to whisper when Spock turned his attention and his mouth to ravishing Jim’s neck.

“I had thought it would be obvious. It has not been that long since we have engaged in activities of this sort,” Spock answered. He bit Jim’s exposed neck, nearly drawing blood but not quite. The almost pain shot straight to Jim’s erection, making it harder and yearning to be touched.

“The children will be home in 20 minutes,” Jim warned before moaning into Spock’s mouth.

“Their class does not dismiss for another 28.2 minutes. And they will not be released early,” Spock said. Spock’s hands were seemingly everywhere, including doing everything possible to open Jim’s pants, not wanting to put the necessary distance between them to lower them. Their erections continued to grind together beneath the two layers of uniforms not to mention their Starfleet issued underwear.

“You talked to Betty?” Jim asked hungrily.

“Possibly,” Spock teased. He managed to open Jim’s pants, pushing them past his hips, his briefs following with only a little more effort.

“Oh god,” Jim breathed when the cooler air brushed over his throbbing need. “Oh god.”

“You said that,” Spock whispered before once again covering his bondmate’s mouth for a searing, hungry kiss, exploring, needing to touch every part of Jim that was available to him. He kissed his way down the shirt covered and heaving chest to kneel before him, gazing up with fire behind his black eyes.

“No,” Jim breathed. “I want you inside me.”

“Are you certain?” Spock asked, licking over the tip of Jim’s wet cock, making his Human gasp.

“Yes. Please.” //I need you,// he sent across their bond when he could no longer speak out loud. It was an effort to even think clearly enough to convey what he wanted, needed. The yearning that already existed and coursed through his veins was growing like a fire as Spock continued to barely touch his erection.

//There is no need for you to tell me. I know what you are wanting, love.// Spock stood, keeping eye contact with the glazed blue eyes staring at him.

//Then hurry up,// Jim urged, reaching for the fastening on Spock’s pants. He finally got them open, leaning closer so that their cocks rubbed together with delicious friction.

“Turn around,” Spock growled into Jim’s ear.

“Make me,” Jim taunted, one leg wrapped around Spock’s waist so that more of their skin was in scalding contact.

“The longer it takes for you to face the wall, the less time you will have for what you want,” Spock said, ever logical even in the throes of passion. His words were softened by the incredible things his mouth was doing to Jim’s neck, licking, stroking, even biting him.

“Uhnn…” Jim groaned, reluctant to trade Spock’s kisses for the completion they both needed so badly.

“Turn around, t’hy’la. And we will both have what we need,” Spock coaxed, his hands rubbing over the taut backside of love.

“Mmm…” Jim moaned once more before awkwardly turning around to face the wall, his hands splayed next to his head, his cheek and chest pressed against the smooth surface. He spread his legs as wide as he could with his pants bunched around his knees. “I can’t come against the wall.”

“I will make certain you do not,” Spock promised, reaching down into his crumbled pants to extract the lubricant he had placed there earlier. He quickly coated his yearning need, kissing the back of Jim’s neck. “Do you need it inside you?”

“Yeah. Since it’s been so long,” Jim whispered back, relaxing as two of Spock’s slick fingers entered his body, the momentary pain familiar and comforting.

//It has only been eleven days, love,// Spock returned as his fingers gently loosened him in preparation.

//That’s the longest it’s been since before the twins were born,// Jim returned, moaning in pure pleasure when Spock’s knowing fingers found his secret gland.

//There have been 4 occasions when we have been celibate for two or more weeks,// Spock corrected.

//Fevers and alien toxins don’t count. Can’t make love when one or both of us is throwing up,// Jim said, arching his back in invitation and request. Spock took the silent signal, easing into his lover’s body. //Oh my god,// Jim moaned in relief.

“You are not at your most articulate in times of passion,” Spock teased as he slowly and deliberately drove Jim further into incoherence.

“Mmm…” was Jim’s only possible response, trying to back further into Spock, the wall hard and unforgiving, his erection neglected and lonely.

//I cannot touch you without making you come,// Spock reminded him, sucking on the back of Jim’s neck, licking off the sweat that was forming. His hands were roaming freely over Jim’s body, beneath his shirt, one hand finding Jim’s erect nipples, teasing and pinching them until they were almost painful.

//Hurry up,// Jim begged, need outweighing all other thoughts.

//I will not be much longer, t’hy’la. Then you will have the relief that you desire.//

//In your mouth?// Jim asked.

//There will not be time. My hands. Next time I will fulfill your oral fantasies.//

//How long do we have?//

//Approximately 14 minutes,// Spock said, one hand on Jim’s stomach to hold him steady as he took his pleasure within Jim’s body.

//That’s long enough,// Jim tried. All thoughts were burned away when Spock withdrew completely to slam back into him. He felt Spock come inside his body and he had to use all of his mental fortitude not to follow. He did not want to splatter the evidence of their activities all over the wall. //Hurry,// he whispered urgently. Spock momentarily collapsed against Jim’s heaving back, breathing deeply and evenly.

//Hurry,// Jim repeated, his hand moving down the wall in order to take care of himself since Spock seemed incapable of helping him.

//Do not touch yourself,// Spock warned, biting his shoulder through his uniform to emphasize his point.

//Uhn…// Jim moaned in desperation and unfulfilled need.

//So impatient. Like your daughter.//

//Don’t think about them while I’m this aroused. That’s just gross,// Jim said, a silent laugh accompanying the words.

//Gross?// Spock repeated, finally turning him so his back was pressed against the wall, Jim’s erection pointing at Spock in need and accusation.

//You know,// Jim said, watching with glazed eyes as Spock went to his knees, licking him in order to elicit a moan from his Human. //You said there wasn’t time.//

//I have decided to risk it. Most delicious,// Spock said, engulfing Jim in his hot mouth, and sending shivers through Jim’s entire body. No other thoughts were possible as Spock gave Jim what he so badly needed, bringing him to utter completion. Jim’s knees gave way and he collapsed on the floor, Spock facing him with a warm smile in his eyes.

“You are very talented,” Jim finally said, one hand caressing the side of Spock’s face.

“I have a most excellent teacher,” Spock returned, leaning closer to kiss him softly.

“How long do we have?”

“5 minutes.”

“Okay. We better change. You have to brush your teeth.”

“Indeed. Do you wish to shower?” Spock asked, standing and reaching down a hand for his love. They pulled up their pants, not bothering to fasten them as they went into the bathroom.

“If we shower, they’ll get here before we finish.”

“Perhaps I could contact Betty and request she delay them for a few minutes,” Spock suggested.

“Well,” Jim said, considering their options. “Will they know if we don’t shower?”

“I suspect that they will detect the lingering fragrances,” Spock said.

“GK will,” Jim acknowledged. “Call Betty. Ask her to give us five extra minutes.”

“Yes sir,” Spock teased, kissing Jim and leaving him in the bathroom. He slipped into the shower when he returned, kissing Jim again under the cascade of water.

“What did she say?” Jim asked casually.

“George is hungry so she is taking them for something to eat,” Spock said, scrubbing Jim’s relaxed body.

“Of course he’s hungry,” Jim said with a smile. “When isn’t he?”

“He is, as you have pointed out, a growing eight year old. He is already three inches taller than Amanda.”

“Girls usually mature faster,” Jim said.

“Human girls do,” Spock said.

“True. Are we going to get them?”

“We certainly can. Are you also hungry, love?” Spock asked as Jim lathered him with the soap.

“A little. I think I forgot to eat lunch,” Jim said with a shrug.

“You forgot?” Spock asked in amusement.

“You know. Scotty wouldn’t let me to leave until I finished. He’s a very stern taskmaster.”

“And as I recall, you are the Captain,” Spock said as he stared down at his Human.

“Yeah. Not when I’m in engineering, apparently,” Jim said, standing to kiss Spock, their tongues greeting each other.

“Apparently,” Spock whispered, gently kissing his forehead before putting some necessary distance between them. “If we are to collect our children, we need to leave the shower.”

“Uh huh,” Jim agreed absently. “Oh god. Don’t tell me they’re here already.”

“Indeed,” Spock said, shaking his head. “It seems that their desire to see their fathers outweighed their need for food.”

“What did you tell Betty?” Jim asked as they hastily dried off.

“That we needed a few extra minutes. She assured me that she would see to it,” Spock said, wrapping a towel around his waist.

“I’ll get our uniforms. You wait here,” Jim said, kissing Spock’s mouth before carefully leaving the bathroom. Their quarters were empty but he could hear George and Amanda trying to convince Betty to let them enter to find their fathers. He quickly returned to the bathroom with their uniforms. Pulling them on was slowed by the dampness that still clung to their skin. Once they were presentable, they went into their quarters, opening the door so that the children could charge them, Betty following behind.

“I’m sorry, sir,” Betty said to Jim who held Amanda in his arms.

“You don’t need to apologize,” Jim assured her, kissing Amanda’s check. “It’s fine.”

“I did everything I could to stop them. They are very determined once they decide something.”

“Much like their father,” Spock agreed with a twinkle as he looked over George’s head to share a secret smile with Jim.

“Why’s your hair wet, Papa?” GK asked, patting his head.

“Daddy’s is too,” Amanda chimed in.

“We were...sweaty from working today,” Jim said, sure he would be forgiven the white lie. “So we showered. What did the two of you learn at school today?”

That successfully distracted the children and they all went to Officers’ Mess to have something to eat, Betty leaving them with more unnecessary and slightly embarrassed apologies.

~0~0~0~0~0~

“Papa,” George said quietly to Spock, one hand on his thigh as Spock sat looking at the computer on his desk.

“Yes, George,” Spock responded absently.

“Why are you mad at Daddy?” George asked, looking at Spock with wide brown eyes.

“I am not angry at Jim,” Spock replied, turning from his computer to look at his son, seeing the abject unhappiness he could not disguise. He spared a glance over at the swing-set where Jim was swinging next to Amanda. Jim was silent and Amanda was singing a nonsensical song that her Human father had insisted on teaching to her.

“But why, Papa?” George pressed, staring up at his father.

“I have said I am not angry,” Spock repeated, regretting his tone when George took a step backwards and his eyes filled with unshed tears. “I’m not angry at you, baby,” Spock assured him, reaching out to pull him onto his lap.

“You and Daddy haven’t said anything to each other in two days,” George said, smoothing Spock’s uniform shirt.

“Sometimes parents disagree, George. It has nothing to do with you or Amanda,” Spock assured him.

“Daddy isn’t talking to me or AK. You won’t talk to Daddy. Betty won’t come in.”

“Jim is talking to you and Amanda. I will talk to Jim.”

“When, Papa? Now?” George asked hopefully. He slid off Spock’s lap and held out one hand, a hand Spock wanted to ignore but knew it was impossible. If the argument he and Jim were having had started effecting the children, it was past time to find some resolution. Spock took George’s hand and allowed him to lead him over to the swing-set, Jim’s swing slowing as they approached. “Daddy,” George said. “Come here please.”

Jim looked from George to Spock and back. He knew that Amanda was also slowing down on her swing, determined to hear every word. Jim left his swing, crossing to stand before George and Spock, taking George’s free hand when he extended it.

“I don’t want you mad,” George said matter-of-factly.

“Me neither,” Amanda said with a frown. She had joined the family council, staring up at her fathers in unhappiness. “Why are you mad?”

Jim looked over at Spock, who was staring back, one eyebrow raised, more in accusation than question.

“Not over your bond,” Amanda demanded. “So we can hear too.”

“When did you become so bossy?” Jim asked her, none of the family sure whether or not his words were angry.

“I come by it naturally, JK. Learned it from you,” she returned.

“Don’t sass me, young lady, or you won’t like the consequences,” Jim warned but there was no sternness to his threat.

“This is what I am referring to,” Spock said evenly.

“You said it wasn’t about us,” George said, looking up at his Vulcan father. “You said…”

“I am fully aware of what I said,” Spock interrupted him.

“Don’t yell at GK. This isn’t his fault,” Jim said, frowning at his bondmate.

“I do not intend to imply that it is, Captain.”

“Oh no. You aren’t pulling my rank on me. This is about our family. Not the ship. Not our positions. Our marriage and our family,” Jim said firmly and quietly.

“Why are you fighting?” George demanded, one of the few times he had ever raised his voice. Amanda was almost constantly guilty of shouting but George never did. It startled them all into momentary silence.

“GK,” Amanda said softly. “We need to go.”

“No,” George said, shaking his head. “We’re seeing this through,” he said, sounding very much like his Human father.

“We don’t need to stand in the middle of our playroom,” Amanda decided, going over to the couches that were positioned between the office area and the playroom. “Come sit, please,” she requested, patting the space beside her. The others complied, Jim sitting next to Amanda, Spock and George on the second couch. Amanda nodded at George, a silent signal going between them.

“Daddy, you start,” George ordered, his arms crossed over his chest, a look of complete determination on his face.

“What do you want me to say, GK?” Jim asked seriously.

“Why are you angry at Papa?” George asked, looking from Jim to Spock.

“I’m not, baby boy. Papa is unhappy about some of the decisions I’ve made,” Jim said.

“What decisions?” Amanda asked, studying her Human father as though the answers would be on his face if she could only find them.

“I think Spock needs to answer for himself, princess,” Jim responded.

“Papa?” George prompted.

“Raising Human children is quite different from raising Vulcan offspring,” Spock said quietly. He regretted the unhappiness his words brought to the faces of his two perfect children.

“We’re not good enough?” George asked very softly.

“I would never say that, love,” Spock said, kissing his head. “Vulcans are raised with more… formality. Less…”

“Chaos?” Jim suggested emotionlessly.

“I would not say that either, not precisely,” Spock said. “Vulcan children show much more deference to their elders. They do not tell their parents how to act. The opposite seems true with Humans.”

“So it is our fault,” Amanda said as emotionless as her Human father.

“Not at all, baby girl,” Spock said with a rare sigh. “Jim and I made the decision to raise you Human. I failed to anticipate all that implied.”

“Like what?” George asked.

“Three days ago,” Jim answered. “You two wouldn’t go to bed even though you knew it was bedtime. I let you stay up and Spock didn’t like it. He was raised to do as he was told without question. He thinks I’m too easily manipulated by you.”

“Nobody manipulates you, JK,” George assured him, sounding very adult.

“Thank you, love. But that doesn’t change the fact that you and Amanda didn’t get into bed until past 10 o’clock.”

“It was movie night, Daddy. We didn’t have class the next day. Is that what you’re mad about, Papa?” George asked Spock.

“As I said, I am accustom to more order, more obedience.”

“I don’t like that word applied to our children,” Jim told him quietly.

“I know that you do not. That is obvious,” Spock returned.

“This isn’t helping,” George said, too loudly.

“Please stop yelling at us, GK,” Spock requested.

“I won’t,” George said. “You two are being….”

“Stupid,” Amanda finished for him. “Me and George are who we are. We aren’t Vulcan and we aren’t Human. We’re both. Sometimes we do what you say. Sometimes we don’t. Doesn’t that make us normal?” she demanded, standing in front of the couch to frown at both her fathers.

“Normal has various meanings,” Jim said, a smile threatening to break out.

“We are good kids,” George said. “And we know you love us. And you love each other. If we aren’t what you want us to be, that’s not goin’ to change. Me and AK are going to eat. You can come when you finally work it out. Not before,” George said, standing up. “And if making up includes making out, lock the doors.”

“GK,” Jim gasped. “You shouldn’t be saying that to your fathers.”

“Daddy,” George said in exasperation. “We’re nine. We know what you’re doing when Betty keeps us late.”

“George,” Spock said, shaking his head.

George just shrugged, taking Amanda’s hand. “Come when you make up.”

“Yes sir,” Jim agreed, watching their very smart children leave and giving them no choice. “I’m sorry,” Jim said at the same time as Spock said “I apologize.” Spock moved to sit next to Jim, one hand on his Human’s knee. “I know you think they should be…”

“As AK said, they are who they are, love. To try to impose my rigid standards on them is not fair,” Spock said.

“You aren’t nearly as rigid as you would like to believe,” Jim corrected. “But we have two very good children. Even if they do speak their minds more than they should.”

“A trait they get from both their fathers,” Spock admitted. “I regret upsetting you and the children.”

Jim shrugged at that, leaning closer. “Imagine what I was like at their age.”

“As you would say, I shudder to think,” Spock teased, kissing the side of his love’s head. “I will do all that I can to be more Human in the raising of our perfect children.”

“They’ve always been very Human. Why has it worried you recently?”

“I believe my reservations began at Sarek’s most recent visit.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Why didn’t you tell me he disapproves?” Jim asked in regret.

“He does not disapprove as much as wonders if things might have been different if they had been raised on New Vulcan.”

“Lots of things would have made them different, love,” Jim said quietly. “Being on Earth. Being on New Vulcan.”

“Yes,” Spock agreed. “Shall we go join our perfect children for some lunch?”

“Yes. So they don’t spend any more time thinking about what we might be doing if we aren’t there,” Jim said lightly.

Spock shook his head, standing and holding out a hand. When Jim was standing, Spock hugged him tightly, kissing his head. “I am sorry I upset you and the children.”

“It’s forgiven. Good thing we have such smart children.”

“A good thing indeed. But not a surprise,” Spock agreed, leaving with Jim to go to Officers’ Mess to find their perfect children eating their lunch, surrounded by their extended family.

~0~0~0~0~0~

“Don’t even try it,” Spock said from where he sat in their quarters, his back to the door and the sleeping area where Jim was indulging in a rare nap.

Amanda frowned but tiptoed silently back to the children’s quarters, informing George that without a doubt their Vulcan father had eyes in the back of his head which is why she couldn’t sneak in and wake JK.

~0~0~0~0~0~

It was movie night and anyone interested was welcome to join them in the ship’s theater/chapel. Since it was also the children’s tenth birthday, they got to choose the movies being shown. The first one was Amanda’s choice, a space adventure undertaken by several animated dogs who were far smarter than any of the Humans in the movie. It was silly and fun and enjoyed by everyone watching. George’s choice was more sedate and more serious, as was his nature. It was a story of pioneers and adventurers, not unlike the situation on New Vulcan. It ended happily, all finding their way and building the new society that would last for all time, at least in movie terms.

The children were too wide awake to go right to sleep, so they joined their fathers in their bed to talk about the party the crew had thrown for them and the presents they had gotten.

“When is your birthday, Papa?” George asked, a frown on his face, his upswept eyebrows furrowed.

“I do not believe in celebrating the date of my birth, love. I much prefer celebrating the birth of our perfect children.”

“Oh Papa,” Amanda sighed, shaking her head, making her black curls bounce. “We want to celebrate you.”

“Thank you, princess. You can celebrate me everyday,” he promised.

“Okay,” she agreed. She turned her sparkling blue eyes to her Human father, kissing him.

“Thank you, AK,” Jim said at her gesture.

“We need to pick a new date for you,” she decided.

“We’ll just share yours,” Jim said affectionately. “You don’t mind, do you?”

“You need your own days,” George said. “We’ll make it the same one.”

“This is not necessary,” Spock tried.

“It is,” Amanda said in dismissal of his protest, returning her attention to George. “When would be good?” she asked George, the decision taken out of their fathers’ hands.

“August,” George decided. “In between ours and Christmas.”

“That good for you?” she asked her fathers, not really concerned about the answer.

“Do we have a choice?” Jim teased.

“Nope,” Amanda said. “What day?”

“The 15^th. Right in the middle. We’ll tell our crew,” George decided.

“They aren’t your crew. They’re mine,” Jim laughed.

“They’re ours too,” George declared firmly.

“Alright,” Jim agreed. “Can we possibly go to sleep now?”

“You can. I’m not sleepy,” George decided, climbing over Spock to leave the bed.

“Where are you going?” Spock asked, looking at his son in his dark blue pajamas.

“The bathroom.”

“And then we’ll go to sleep?” Jim asked hopefully.

“Go to sleep, JK. We won’t bother you,” George promised as he crossed over to the bathroom.

“When did he get so sassy?” Jim asked with a smile.

“Always has been,” Amanda said, laying down between her fathers. “I’m going to sleep,” she declared.

“Good idea. What are you doing, SK?” Jim asked.

“I’ll wait for George. When I know his intentions, I will make the decision.”

“He’ll fall asleep once he lays down,” Amanda assured them, snuggling closer to her father. “You aren’t as warm as Papa.”

“I know, baby girl. He’s warm enough for all of us,” Jim said.

“Uh huh. And y’all are off tomorrow, right?” Amanda asked.

“Y’all?” Jim laughed.

“You know. Betty says it sometimes too,” Amanda said, taking some of Jim’s pillow.

“True,” Jim agreed, kissing Amanda’s head. “Is George back yet?”

“Not yet. I shall investigate,” Spock decided, leaving the bed to cross over to the bathroom. When he returned George was flung over one shoulder.

“What?” Jim laughed.

“He was sneaking out of our quarters,” Spock said, putting him down on the bed.

“Why?” Jim asked.

George just shrugged, laying down next to Amanda.

“Where were you going?” Amanda asked, raising up on one elbow to look at him in accusation.

“Nowhere. Just wanted to see if I could get out,” George admitted.

“That’s just stupid. Go to sleep,” Amanda said.

“Don’t tell me what to do. You aren’t the boss of me,” he complained mildly.

“Somebody needs to be,” Amanda said with a yawn.

“SK and JK are the boss of us,” George said.

“Only sometimes,” Jim said with a laugh.

“Mostly,” George said with a charming smile for both of his fathers.

“Go to sleep,” Spock said, the love and amusement unmistakable in his voice.

“’Kay,” George agreed, closing his eyes and almost immediately joining Amanda in sleep.

“AK was right,” Spock whispered.

“She generally is,” Jim agreed, smiling up at his bondmate in complete happiness.

~0~0~0~0~0~

It was shortly after the twins turned 10 that Starfleet decided that George and Amanda would be the first, not the only, crew children allowed on board their starships. Jim and Spock privately thought that perhaps Admiral Pike was one of the strongest champions for allowing married crewmembers and their children to remain on their ships. They didn’t ask him if it were true but they had every reason to believe it was his recommendations that made the change come to fruition.

Enterprise was in spacedock for 12 days to make the necessary changes, reinforcing the shielding in the most interior sections where the school would be and where the children would be sheltered in times of hostilities, expanding married crew quarters to accommodate the children, setting up play areas, and making sure all the other necessary adjustments were made to allow children a safe and comfortable environment to grow up.

When they left dock, there were fourteen more children aboard. Amanda more than George wasn’t quite sure how she felt about this change. They were both fully aware that while they would always be special, they were no longer unique in all of Starfleet. They were no longer the only children living full-time on a starship.

“You can’t change it, AK,” George told her philosophically as they all ate dinner in their quarters.

“Daddy,” Amanda said, looking up in pleading at her father.

“I’d think you’d be glad to have other children to play with, AK. I know sometimes you and GK are lonely. SK and I don’t really like playing dress-up,” Jim reminded her gently.

“But…” she said before stopping, not quite sure what she had intended to say.

“You’ll have a lot more kids to boss around. Not just me,” George pointed out, reaching for more garlic bread.

“I’m not bossy,” Amanda denied.

“Uh huh,” George corrected, smiling at Jim. “You want some more, JK?”

“No, baby. You eat it,” Jim said with a shake of his head.

“We aren’t babies any more,” GK said casually.

“You will always be our babies,” Spock informed him affectionately.

“’Kay,” George said with a shrug.

“What about this, babies? What about we have a party and invite the other children? We can have food and cake and play games,” Jim suggested.

“Cake?” George asked in interest.

“Yes, GK, cake,” Spock agreed in silent amusement.

“Good idea, JK,” George said in approval. “AK?”

“I guess,” Amanda said. “I’m not letting anybody wear my princess dresses.”

“No one is going to expect you to, baby,” Jim promised, kissing her head. “I know, you aren’t a baby.”

Amanda shrugged, kissing her father in return. “Know what?”

“What is that, AK?” Spock asked.

“We’re still the children of the only Captain James T. Kirk and the only half-Vulcan Commander,” she said in satisfaction.

“Is that important?” Jim laughed.

“Uh huh. Nobody else’s daddies saved Earth, did they?” she asked.

“’Course not, AK. It only happened once,” George told her.

“Thankfully,” Spock said, accepting the salad from Amanda. “Thank you love.”

“When we are having the party, Daddies?” George asked.

“Well, we’re off duty in five days. So we should have it the night before. Then we’ll all be able to sleep late the next day,” Jim suggested.

“SK never sleeps late,” George pointed out with a smile.

“Not generally,” Spock agreed. “Classes will not be held the next day.”

“’Kay. Where will we get the cake?” George asked, the prospects of confections always his first priority.

“I’ll see if we can have one made. In the new kitchen,” Jim said.

“Could we make it?” George asked.

“I don’t know how to bake, GK,” Jim said, making his children gape at him. “What?”

“You know how to do everything, Daddy,” Amanda said in barely disguised disappointment.

“Not everything, AK,” Jim told her. “I never learned to cook. I never had any reason to.”

“Papa?” Amanda said.

“Yes, love?”

“Did you know Daddy can’t cook?” she asked breathlessly.

“It never occurred to me to ask,” Spock admitted.

“Can you?” George asked, not quite as concerned.

“I can feed myself if I need to. I would not consider myself especially skilled at cooking,” Spock said.

“Oh,” Amanda said, looking at George.

“There are plenty of things I can’t do,” Jim told them.

“Nun huh,” AK said, shaking her head in denial. “You and Papa can do everything.”

“That is not entirely true, AK,” Spock said gently. “We have never been asked to do anything we are incapable of doing while you have been present.”

“What else can’t you do, Daddy?” Amanda asked.

“I speak terrible Vulcan,” Jim said with a laugh.

“You understand it,” Amanda said, shaking his head.

“Yes. But SK can barely understand me when I try to speak it.”

“You are much more capable than you pretend,” Spock told him.

“Maybe. Just remember that I do understand it,” he warned his children who frequently spoke it to one another so only their fathers and Uhura could understand what they were saying.

“We know, JK,” George sighed.

“Don’t sass,” Amanda said.

“Don’t boss me,” George retorted, a familiar pattern. “Daddy, will you cut my hair tomorrow, please?”

“Sure, baby. Too many curls?” Jim asked, running his fingers through his son’s soft blonde curls.

“Stop. Cut it short, ‘kay?”

“Yes sir,” Jim agreed. “You want yours cut?” he teased Amanda.

“Nope. Nyota is goin’ to braid it for me. One of those, you know, fancy braids.”

“French braid?” Spock asked, playing with one of her dark curls.

“Uh huh. I need a ribbon. To match my pink dress.”

“Which one?” George asked, dodging her hand when she tried to hit him. “Stop.”

“I like pink,” she reminded them all.

“We know,” they all answered, two of the voices laughing, one barely containing his laughter. Amanda had to laugh too, no hard feelings.

~0~0~0~0~0~

“Papa,” George said to Spock, instantly waking his Vulcan father.

“What is it, GK?” Spock asked, studying his son as he stood next to the bed.

“Where’s Daddy?” George asked softly.

“In sickbay, baby,” Spock said gently, pulling George up next to him.

“Why? What happened?” George asked, his eyes wide and scared.

“He was injured on the planet. He’ll be fine, GK. Dr. Bones said he will be released in three days,” Spock assured him.

“I want to see him,” George decided in a tone Spock knew all too well.

“Alright. Let’s go get Amanda,” Spock said, picking up George, knowing full well that at 11 he was too old to be carried but not caring. Nor did George, who was clinging to Spock in barely disguised fear. “AK,” Spock whispered when they were in her room.

“What?” she asked, frowning in her sleep.

“Wake up, princess,” Spock said, sitting next to her, caressing her hair. “Wake up.”

“Huh?” she responded, sitting up in confusion. “What’s wrong?”

“Daddy’s in sickbay,” George said, trying to be brave but not entirely succeeding, his lip quivering.

“Why?” she demanded, leaving her bed.

“He was injured during the away mission, love. He will be fine,” Spock assured her.

“Why didn’t you tell us?”

“He only returned an hour ago, AK. I did not want to wake you unnecessarily,” Spock said.

She nodded, going to her closet for her pink princess robe, tying it around her. When she was ready, she went into George’s room for his robe. “Here, GK,” she said softly, handing it to him. When Spock put him down, George pulled on his miniature Starfleet robe before taking Spock’s hand to leave their quarters. They had little to say as they made their way to sickbay, entering silently and going into the private room where Jim lay staring blindly up at the ceiling.

Before they arrived, he was trying very hard not to berate himself for once again failing to prevent or at least anticipate the violence that had greeted them shortly after beamdown. That Starfleet had requested the First Contact, with all appropriate assurances that it was, absolutely, what the inhabitants of the planet wanted, made the unfortunate nature of their arrival that much more…well, not just surprising, but really… surprising. The word he would have previously used to modify the unpleasant nature of the surprise had mostly been excised from his vocabulary with the arrival of the twins in their world. He suspected that they had some low level telepathetic ability inherited from their Vulcan father and didn’t dare use language he would not wish to hear coming from the mouths of their babes, so to speak.

Although his head was still pounding and his ribs had an all too familiar ache, he was satisfied that he had at least suffered the worst of the injuries to the away team. It was especially smart of him to refuse to allow Spock to beam down with them, despite his protests. Just routine, he had assured his First Officer. We won’t be long, he told the Bridge crew before they entered the transporter room. Well, they weren’t on the planet long. Only long enough for the natives who decidedly did not want any off-worlds visiting them, under any circumstance whatsoever, to fire crude missiles at them, two that hit the Captain, the rest which flew harmlessly over their heads. How they had aimed so unerringly at Jim was a mystery but he had gotten the worst of their anger, breaking three ribs, nearly but not quite fracturing his skull, and dislocating his kneecap. Okay, that last could have been from keeling over as the blood poured from the cut directly over his left eye.

The away team managed to shelter him from additional injury as they called for emergency beam up, the Captain remembering very little else until he woke up in sickbay with Spock at his side, sending warm and reassuring thoughts to him. He was about to receive additional warm and reassuring thoughts with the arrival of his two perfect children and the return of his bondmate.

“Daddy,” Amanda whispered, standing right by his bed.

“Hey Daddy,” George said, standing on his toes to see Jim’s face.

“Hey, babies. I’m okay,” he whispered, a smile playing around his lips. His right hand reached out, touching George then Amanda.

“What happened, Daddy?” Amanda asked quietly, holding his hand tightly in hers.

“It’s complicated, babies. SK will explain tomorrow. I’ll be out in a couple of days. I’m fine, really. Go back to bed,” he said softly.

“No Daddy. We want to stay,” George requested.

“You need to go back to bed,” Jim said with a shake of his head, sorry he had done it when the movement magnified the headache.

“Can we sleep with you, Daddy?” Amanda asked, tears in her eyes.

“Not tonight, AK. I broke some ribs. Tomorrow night you can sleep with me,” he promised.

“Don’t make us leave, please, Daddy,” George pleaded.

//What do you want to do, love?// Spock asked, fully aware that the children would barely sleep with their father so far away.

//I have no idea. Any chance you could get another bed in here?// Jim wondered.

//Not without waking everyone else here.//

“I wondered when y’all would get here,” Bones said affectionately when he had silently crossed the sickbay to join the huddle.

“Daddy’s goin’ to be okay, right?” Amanda asked Bones.

“Yes, baby girl. He’ll be just fine. He’s sore and mad. Otherwise he’ll be fine,” Bones assured them all.

“Can we stay, Dr. Bones? Please?” George requested.

“Against my better judgment, yes. Spock, you carry him into the room next door. It has two beds. Not ideal but you’ll all fit in the bed.”

“I can walk,” Jim protested.

“Spock can carry you. Or you can stay where you are,” Bones informed him sternly.

“Let Papa take you,” Amanda said, the decision made.

“Alright,” Jim conceded, waiting as Spock carefully lifted him from the bed and went next door to deposit him gently. When he was settled, Amanda and George climbed into the empty bed, waiting. //Stop fussing.//

//I cannot help myself. I came too close to loosing you, love,// Spock said, kissing his forehead when he was tucked in.

//No you didn’t,// Jim sighed. //And I am sorry.//

//You are not at fault. You know that. There was no way to predict the actions of the natives.//

“JK, SK,” Amanda said in exasperation. “Stop that. Talk out loud.”

“There are some things our perfect children do not need to hear,” Spock informed her, love infusing his words.

“It’s rude, you know,” she said, laying down next to George.

“Don’t be so bossy,” George said automatically, Amanda elbowing him in the ribs to which he had no reaction. He would have reacted if she hadn’t punched him.

“You want to know,” Amanda said.

“Take off your robes, babies. Before you fall asleep,” Spock said, helping get them off before pulling the covers over the children.

“You’re coming, aren’t you, SK?” George asked, looking up at him.

“Momentarily, GK. Go on to sleep. I will not be much longer,” Spock promised.

“’Kay. Love you, JK, SK, AK.”

“Love you too,” Amanda said softly.

“Good night, perfect children,” Spock said with a kiss on each of their heads.

//Go to bed, t’hy’la. I’m fine. Especially now.//

//I will momentarily,// Spock said, sitting on the side of Jim’s bed. //Do you want me to help control your pain?//

//The hypo will kick in any minute. When did Bones leave?//

//Right after we arrived in this room. Once he knew you were safe and surrounded by those who love you.//

//I love you too,// Jim returned, smiling in looped dopiness, an expression that Spock was all too familiar with.

//We should consider returning to Earth before you are killed on an alien planet,// Spock said, not sure how serious he was.

//Not yet. I’m not ready to give it up yet,// Jim said, holding to Spock’s hand.

//I am not going anywhere, t’hy’la. Go to sleep.//

//’Kay. Love you.//

//You told me that already,// Spock teased.

//Can I ever say it too many times?//

//Never,// Spock assured him.

//You love me?//

//Love does not begin to describe what I feel for you,// Spock said with a mental laugh.

//’Kay. Good. So long as stupid and lunkhead aren’t in there somewhere,// Jim said, even his thoughts slurred. He could only imagine how his outloud words might sound.

//Never. Brilliant. Stubborn. Perfect – like his children.//

//’Kay,// Jim returned, allowing his eyes to drift closed. //’Night.//

//Sleep now.//

~0~0~0~0~0~

The Christmas party was an event that almost everyone serving on Enterprise looked forward to all year, especially now that there were 27 more children on board. The main rec room had been transformed into a winter wonderland, several huge artificial Christmas trees placed in the corners, decorated to represent various Human traditions. There were fake snowmen guarding the trees, plastic icicles hung strategically, tinsel and garland and decorations of every imaginable type and color on display. Spock looked at the festive chaos with a carefully blank expression, certain this would be one human tradition that he would never become fully accustom to.

//Don’t try to understand it, t’hy’la,// Jim said when he walked up behind him, arms wrapped loosely around Spock’s waist.

//I gave up attempting to comprehend it years ago,// Spock assured him, leaning back against his Human love. //However, the joy you and the children feel at this time of the year more than makes up for any remaining confusion.//

//That’s good,// Jim said, enjoying the feel of Spock’s black velvet shirt beneath his palms. Jim was wearing Spock’s favorite jeans and a red flannel shirt, the Christmas party a time for the crew and their family to bring out their casual wardrobe.

//Are you intending to seduce me prior to the festivities?// Spock asked, taking one of Jim’s hands and kissing it.

//Nope. But Amanda and George are staying over with Billy and Sarah. Which means we have all night to ourselves.//

//A most delightful gift,// Spock confirmed, turning around to kiss Jim lightly. //As the party is scheduled to begin in less than 10 minutes, a little distance is advisable.//

“You don’t want to be caught making out with the Captain?” Jim teased.

“I have no reservations in that regard, sir. However, our perfect children will be arriving in 15 seconds,” Spock warned, kissing him lightly.

“Okay,” Jim laughed, backing up and turning to the door to watch the stampede of children enter.  

“Captain, Captain,” they all said in greeting, stopping in front of him.

“Merry Christmas, children,” he returned with a smile, looking down at them and absorbing the joy on their faces. “Are you ready for the party to start?”

“Yes sir,” a chorus of voices responded. “Where’s Santa?” asked one of the littler ones.

“He’ll be here, Millie. Not to worry,” Jim assured her, taking Amanda’s hand when she came up to him, George standing close by. “Let’s have some cookies. What do you say?”

The children unanimously agreed that it was a splendid idea, going over to the tables loaded down with every imaginable treat, some of the parents going over as well.

“Do you not wish to join your friends?” Spock asked, squatting in front of George and Amanda.

“Uh huh. But we haven’t seen you all day,” George explained, one hand on Spock’s knee.

“Or yesterday,” Amanda added.

“We have been very busy,” Jim agreed. He greeted the crew members that filtered in, acknowledging their good wishes while still talking to his children.

“We want to stay home tonight,” George requested, Amanda nodding vigorously.

“You already told Billy and Sarah you were sleeping over,” Jim said.

“We said tomorrow we would. Lt. Harris said it was okay,” George told them.

“Alright. As long as you got their mom’s permission,” Jim agreed. //You don’t mind, do you?//

//How could I deny them?// Spock agreed, greeting two of his science crew from where he still knelt before his children.

//You can’t. Any more than I can,// Jim returned. “Yes, love, I’m coming,” Jim said to George who was anxious to get to the refreshments before all the good stuff was gone. //They probably won’t sleep tonight anyway.//

//Fortunate that we have tomorrow off,// Spock said, allowing Amanda to drag him to the table as well.

//Smart of me, huh?// Jim said with a secret smile.

//You always have been especially smart. For a human.//

Jim snorted at him right before he was engulfed by the children who were eager to talk to him, to wish him a Merry Christmas, to simply bask in his presence, all of them suffering from some degree of hero worship. It had taken some time for him and Spock to become accustom to it but if they still noticed, they pretended they didn’t. And they knew that George and Amanda would bring their swollen heads back down to size before they could let it get to their egos.

~0~0~0~0~0~

“Spock,” Jim said from where he sat at his desk, the children still in class, Spock busy on his computer.

“Yes, love,” Spock replied absently.

Jim sighed softly, drawing Spock’s undivided attention to his Human.

“What’s wrong?” Spock asked, studying him closely.

“The date,” Jim said, pointing to it on his computer screen. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“I am sorry, t’hy’la. We still have three weeks to plan,” Spock said, wondering how he had let the time slip up on him. Perhaps it had been the nonstop work of the past two months that had distracted him. Or maybe he did not wish to remember that it had been almost seven years since the last time they had gone through pon farr.

“That’s not much time,” Jim said with a frown. “What do you want to do?”

“We must tell the children the truth this time,” Spock reminded him. When they were six, they had been content to stay with their grandfather on New Vulcan without wondering what their fathers were doing. At thirteen, there was no way that Jim and Spock could hide the truth from them. Not only would they insist on the knowing what was going on, hiding the information from them was now impossible. Their latent telepathic abilities had grown stronger as they had gotten older, especially George’s. Amanda’s ability seemed to be heightened when she was menstruating, an interesting phenomenon but one Spock was completely uninterested in studying any further.

As far as they could tell, the children were connected only with their fathers and each other. George could usually tell what Spock was thinking without touching him, and could read Jim’s thoughts when they were in physical contact. The children could read each others’ thoughts with no effort at all. Jim and Spock considered it fortunate that they could both read the children’s thoughts with enough concentration. If they did not focus on what the children were doing, they remained unaware. But if one of the children needed their father, both would immediately know.

“Yes,” Jim had to agree. “At least they understand the fundamentals of pon farr.  We still need to keep them isolated from the reality of it.”

“Do you want to go to New Vulcan?” Spock asked gently.

“I’d rather go to Earth. But then who would watch the children?”

“We could send the children to Sarek,” Spock suggested.

“No. I don’t want them on New Vulcan while we’re on Earth. We’ll be too far apart. Maybe we better go to New Vulcan. We don’t have anywhere to stay on Earth,” Jim said.

“We could rent a place, t’hy’la. In Hawaii perhaps.”

“No,” Jim said with a sad shake of his head. “Then I could never go back. Well, I mean, it would be…you know.”

“Yes, I do know,” Spock said in apology. “New Vulcan then?”

“That makes the most sense. I’ll inform Starfleet and Bones. You’ll contact Sarek?”

“Of course.”

“When should we leave? Are you feeling signs of it yet?” Jim asked, studying his Vulcan carefully for the preliminary stages of the mating fever.

“No, not yet. Which means we have three weeks at least,” Spock said.

“Yes,” Jim said, trying very hard not to sigh. Dreading it was not at all useful and a complete waste of his time.

//Yet completely natural,// Spock assured him.

//I know. I’m sorry.//

//You have no reason to be, love. It is a very trying time,// Spock acknowledged.

Jim took a deep breath, standing up before sitting back down.

“Where were you going?” Spock asked in sympathy.

“I have no idea. Restless energy, I think. Okay. You talk to Sarek. I’ll tell Starfleet.”

“And then we can go and collect our perfect children from their classroom,” Spock said in affection.

“Excellent,” Jim agreed, turning his attention to making the necessary arrangements for their leave of absence.

~0~0~0~0~0~

The children felt some trepidation about leaving their fathers but fully understood the necessity of it. They were smart enough and curious enough to have researched pon farr on their own, not wanting to know as much as they had found out. The idea of what their fathers would be going through was almost more than they could stand. They knew that Jim was putting on a brave face as they left them at Sarek’s, promising to be in contact as soon as they had the time, a code the children understood all too well.

They were overjoyed when their Human father contacted them only four days after they had arrived on New Vulcan, asking the children’s permission to join their holiday.

“Really, Daddy? You’re okay?” George asked, happiness lighting his eyes as he talked to his father, Amanda pressed tight to his side.

“We’re fine, babies. I’m fine. SK’s fine. And we’re ready to come join you,” Jim said with a bright smile, his blue eyes sparkling.

“Wow,” Amanda said. “What does Bones say about it?”

“It’s a natural part of aging, AK. I don’t think you need any more details than that,” Jim decided.

“Okay. Where’s Papa now?” Amanda asked.

“He’s asleep. He’s okay. Just tired,” Jim said, yawning before he could stop himself.

“Go back to sleep, Daddy. We’ll see you tomorrow,” George said, all smiles.

“You sure will,” Jim agreed happily. “We love you both very much.”

“We love you too,” the twins responded, watching until the last second as their father faded off the screen.

~0~0~0~0~0~

“Hellfire and damnation,” Jim said, rushing out of the bed and back over to the bathroom where he promptly vomited again, and again, and again. Even when nothing was left, his body still tried to rid itself of any food he may have ever eaten or might consider eating at some unknown time in the future.

“Should I call the doctor?” Spock asked, rubbing Jim’s back in soothing strokes which did nothing to alleviate the overwhelming nausea.

“No,” Jim sighed, swiping the back of his hand across his mouth as he leaned against the cool toilet, his eyes weary and a little sad when he looked up at Spock. “I’m too old to have another baby.”

“That’s not necessarily so, t’hy’la. But we cannot be certain your body will allow you to carry it.”

“I know. Bones said I wasn’t pregnant this time,” Jim said, shaking his head.

“It has only been 4 weeks. He generally cannot tell any sooner.”

“If I am pregnant, which seems pretty certain at this point, what do you want to do?”

“As we are scheduled to relinquish command in eight months, we could have the baby on Earth. You would not begin teaching until the child was older, if you decided to teach. Certainly you would not need to work,” Spock reminded him.

“So you want me to have the baby, if my body will let me?”

“It would be untrue for me to say otherwise, love. Do you not wish to carry the child?”

“I don’t know, t’hy’la. I really don’t. Doing it when I was 27 was one thing. Doing it now would be a lot different. It’s not that I don’t want another child. I just don’t know if I’m ready to go back to diapers and formulas and 2 o’clock feedings. But then I won’t be Captain any longer when the baby is born.”

“Is that a concern, love?”

“I don’t know that either. We’re facing enough changes. Living on Earth. Not being in command of our starship. Taking Amanda and George away from everyone they’ve ever known. And then if we have this baby on top of all that. I just don’t know.”

“It may be that your body will take the decision from us, JK. As your body rejected it the last time, those antibodies are still present.”

“Somehow that’s even worse,” Jim admitted. “I guess I do want this baby. The idea of loosing it like we did last time is more than I can stand.”

“Even though it will mean diapers and formulas and 2 o’clock feedings?” Spock asked with his version of a smile.

“Yes,” Jim conceded. He looked down at his still flat stomach, rubbing it gently. “Hold on, baby. Don’t let my body reject you.”

“We will visit the good doctor tomorrow and see what his instruments say. Perhaps we will be blessed again with twins,” Spock said, helping Jim stand and return to bed.

“That would be okay with me. As long as they are perfect like the ones we have now.”

“Could they be anything other than perfect?” Spock asked as he lay next to his Human.

~0~0~0~0~0~

“I need some blood,” Bones said, an old fashioned syringe in his hand. “But it looks like your body is not building up antibodies against this baby.”

“Good,” Jim said, holding out his arm so Bones could draw the required blood. He decided not to watch, flinching slightly when the needle penetrated his vein. “Why do you have to do it the barbaric way?”

“Stop complaining,” Bones said, putting a band-aid over the small spot of blood. “Are you still nauseous all the time?”

“Only when I eat,” Jim said with a shrug. “Last night was the worst so far. And, yes, I’m drinking plenty of water.”

“Good. I thought Spock was coming with you.”

“He was going to. But he’s tied up in his labs. So you think it’s safe for us to officially tell the children?”

“As if they don’t already know,” Bones said, shaking his head. “Undo your pants so I can scan the baby.”

Jim opened his uniform pants, peeling them away from his stomach, the tiny bulge just beginning to show.

“Where is your underwear?” Bones asked with a frown.

Jim just shrugged innocently, laying back down to stare at the all too familiar ceiling.

“I know,” Bones said, scanning Jim’s stomach. “It’s not twins.”

“Oh,” Jim said, considering the news.

“Are you disappointed?”

“I don’t know. Not really. Mostly I’m still worried that I’ll loose this baby too.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s not going to happen. This one must be more Human, like the twins.”

“Good,” Jim agreed, smiling over at Spock as he entered.

“How are you doing?” Spock asked before kissing his forehead.

“Okay. Are you disappointed it’s not twins again?” Jim asked.

“Not at all. The main concern is that your body does not reject it,” Spock said.

“I don’t think that will happen,” the doctor said.

“Can you determine the gender?” Spock asked.

“Not yet. Another month,” Bones said. “Once you are in your second trimester, I strongly recommend that you return to Earth,” he said, broaching a subject he regretted having to bring up. They were scheduled to relinquish command in just over eight months but that would the same time that the baby was due.

Jim listened to Bones’ words before looking up at Spock as though he needed to have them translated.

“It’s going to be hard enough for you to leave Enterprise, Jim. If you relinquish command when you’re about to give birth, it will be far too much stress on you and the baby. You aren’t 28 this time,” Bones said.

“When is the latest he can leave without increasing the danger to him or our child?” Spock asked when Jim was not capable of it.

“I can’t recommend you wait any longer than five months. If you wait longer than that, you will endanger both your lives.”

Jim had to shake his head, not able to fathom what he was hearing.

“Very well. We will discuss all that this means,” Spock said, holding tight to Jim’s hand.

“Alright. Let me know if you have any questions,” McCoy said, leaving them alone with their enormous decision.

“He is right, t’hy’la. We will need to leave in five months.”

“No. I’m not ready,” Jim said quietly.

“It is only three months early. Starfleet will allow us to leave in that timeframe.”

“I can’t,” Jim said, shaking his head again

“It is a choice of having the baby and leaving the ship early, or terminating your pregnancy to gain those three extra months,” Spock said, keeping his voice as coolly logical as he could manage.

“There’s got to be a third choice. I can stay until the baby’s ready to be born,” Jim said, some accusation in his tone.

“It will be far too dangerous to you both. The stress levels will be damaging to you and the baby.”

“You can’t be sure. Neither can McCoy. It’s not like it’s my first baby. I was in command until the day before the twins were born. And I’ve been in command every day since. Don’t you think I know about the stress of command? Do you think I’ve suddenly lost my ability to balance the two?” Jim asked, his voice raised in anger.

“No one doubts your ability to command under any circumstances, t’hy’la. It is relinquishing command that concerns us. You should not expect to be able to do so easily, and less so with a baby on the way.”

Jim heard the words and took a deep breath, staring up at Spock. “We’ll loose three months with our family.”

“And we will gain another child while you will remain healthy. That is my primary concern. I want this child to be born, and for its Human father to be around as he or she grows up and begins to sass us both,” Spock said, kissing Jim’s forehead.

Jim took another deep breath, closing his eyes. “We still need to find a house. And prepare the children to live on Earth. My timing was never very good, was it?”

“You have perfect timing, t’hy’la. That is how we fell in love.”

“Yes,” Jim had to agree. “Alright. If my body doesn’t reject this baby, we’ll relinquish command when I’m almost at seven months. That will give us time to find a house and move in before the baby is born.”

“Yes,” Spock agreed. “Thank you.”

“Aren’t you sad about leaving early, t’hy’la?” Jim asked, studying him.

“I have some regrets. I do know that adding to our family will make the sacrifice not feel like one at all.”

“True,” Jim had to agree. “Let’s go tell our perfect children that it’s likely we’re going to have another one.”

“An excellent idea, love,” Spock said, helping him off the bed and zipping up his pants for him.

“Then we can break the news to Starfleet. Let’s tell Nogura. He’ll be thrilled,” Jim said, going out of sickbay with Spock.

~0~0~0~0~0~

The transition off Enterprise was difficult but made easier by the fact that the entire Bridge crew decided they also were ready to return to Earth. Jim tried to talk them out of it, but they had made up their minds and that was that. The children were thrilled that they were not loosing their family while gaining a little sister, and George was especially excited that the house they chose had a fenced-in yard. He could finally have the dog he had wanted for so very long.

The Victorian house was huge, bigger than they really needed, with six bedrooms spread over the top two floors. The kids thought it was just fabulous to have so much space that belonged to them, asking their fathers when they would get the furniture to fill the empty rooms.

Jim helped with the moving in as much as he could but the baby made it impossible for him to carry anything and he tired easily. Not that he or Spock had very many possessions to transfer from Enterprise to their house. But even trying to supervise would tire him quickly. Bones said it was a combination of his pregnancy and the adjustment to the real gravity of Earth. Spock did most of the physical labor, not tiring as a Human would. The kids were also a big help, arranging and rearranging. George put up everything in the kitchen, plates and glasses and cookware gifts from family and friends, and some department stores, happy to have such a famous family in the neighborhood. Amanda and Spock shopped for curtains and linens and all those miscellaneous items that every house required.

George and Amanda were enrolled in the school for the children of the Starfleet instructors but would not start class until after the baby was born. As it was nearly summer break and they were well ahead of the other children their age, the teachers agreed they needed time to adjust to their new life before starting regular school. Betty was close by and said she would be more than happy to keep up their studies until they started school with the new school year.

Spock’s teaching assignment would start after the baby was born as well, which provided him time to help set up the house.

Jim watched the transformation of the house as it became their home in wonder and amusement. And for the first time, he felt like he had a place to call his own on Earth.

“Yes, GK, we’ll go get a dog tomorrow,” Jim promised their son over dinner in their own dining room. The food had been prepared by Betty, who was still as important to them as she had been on Enterprise. None of them knew what they would have done without her and were more than happy that she would remain a part of their lives.

“Yeah,” George said, all smiles.

“Have you decided on a name?” Spock asked him in amusement.

“No, SK. I have to meet it first,” George said, implying that the answer was so totally obvious to everyone but his Vulcan father.

“Don’t sass,” Amanda said automatically, eating more of her dinner. “So I can still name the baby, right?”

“Within reason,” Jim agreed with a wink for her.

“I’m not going to name her Aurora,” she said in exasperation.

“Or Cinderella,” George added.

“No, GK. Don’t be stupid.”

“Don’t call me names,” George said, reaching for more bread.

“Haven’t you had enough bread, GK?” Jim asked, helping him take the basket.

“I’m still hungry, Daddy. And you aren’t eating it.”

“No I’m not. Does Papa want some?” Jim asked.

“I am quite satisfied, thank you,” Spock assured them.

“Okay,” George said, giving Amanda half of it. “I’ll give you the butter when I’m done.”

“’Kay. When is granddaddy coming?” Amanda asked.

“He will be here the week after she’s born, baby,” Spock reminded her.

“I told you that this afternoon,” George said. “Don’t you ever listen?”

“What?” Amanda responded, making the others laugh. “Anyway, you could have been wrong.”

“When was the last time I didn’t know a date?” George asked her.

“Well, never,” Amanda admitted. “We need to get him a bed.”

“It’s coming tomorrow, AK,” Jim assured her. “So is yours. And the baby’s crib.”

“’Kay,” she said with a nod. “I don’t mind the couch.”

“That’s a good thing,” Jim said. He shifted slightly, rubbing his tummy.

“Is she kicking you, Daddy?” George asked, reaching out to feel the baby’s actions.

“She’s apparently getting impatient,” Jim agreed. “At least she’s not perched on top of my bladder.”

“Another three weeks,” George promised, patting the baby.

“It does not seem possible,” Spock said. “We have lived on Earth for nine weeks already.”

“It can’t be that long,” Amanda said.

“Of course it is. Papa knows. Just ‘cause you and JK don’t doesn’t mean we’re wrong,” George told her.

“Okay,” Amanda said in exaggeration. “Mr. Smarty Pants.”

“Don’t call me names,” he said, barely aware of the words he was saying.

Jim had to laugh at that, his eyes delighted as he watched them. He glanced over at Spock who looked equally pleased to be with their family, the love embracing them all.

~0~0~0~0~0~

“Spock,” Jim said quietly. “Wake up love.”

“What is it, t’hy’la?” Spock asked, sitting up to look at him, seeing him flinch in pain. “The baby’s ready?”

“Apparently,” Jim agreed, moaning softly. “Oohhh…she’s getting anxious.”

“Alright, love. I will contact Dr. McCoy to meet us at the hospital.”

“Okay. You need to get the kids,” Jim reminded him, groaning. “And you need to hurry.”

“Yes,” Spock agreed, quickly pulling on his clothes and going down the hall to wake Amanda. She said she’d get George while Spock called Bones.

“Spock,” Jim called. He had to lay down on the bed, curled up in a tight ball. “Spock.”

“He’s coming, Daddy,” Amanda assured him, caressing his hair.

“Where is he, AK?”

“I am right here, love,” Spock said. Spock carefully picked up Jim, Amanda and George trailing behind. They made their way quickly to the hospital, Spock depositing Jim onto a stretcher as soon as they entered.

“I’ll take care of him, Spock,” Bones promised. “Go to the family room with the babies. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Yes,” Spock agreed, kissing Jim’s forehead. “I love you. And we’ll see you and our baby girl soon.”

“’Kay,” Jim agreed breathlessly. “Love you all.”

George and Amanda watched anxiously as their father was wheeled down the hall, following Spock into the family waiting room when they could no longer see Jim.

“He will be fine, babies,” Spock assured them, sitting on the sofa, one child on each side of him.

“Soon, right Papa?” George asked.

“It won’t take long, GK. Half an hour at the longest,” Spock assured them both.

“’Kay,” George said, leaning against Spock who wrapped a protective arm around his son.

“Can we name her Layla, Papa?” Amanda asked quietly.

“That is a beautiful name, Amanda. I think JK will be very pleased.”

“Can you tell him?” Amanda asked.

“No, baby girl. He is sedated.”

Amanda nodded, closing her eyes, her eyebrows furrowed. “He’s…uhm…stop trying to interfere, GK.”

“I’m not,” George said in denial. “I’ll help.”

“You do not need to contact him, babies. I have him,” Spock said.

“Then let us hear him too,” George requested.

“He’s unconscious. There is nothing for you to hear,” Spock told them.

Amanda sighed at that, relaxing against Spock. “He’s going to be okay.”

“Of course he is, baby. Neither of you need to be concerned.”

The children dozed lightly, awake the moment Bones entered the waiting room.

“Everybody’s fine,” McCoy assured them despite the lines of tension around his eyes.

“What has happened?” Spock asked.

“Jim had a lot of bleeding. The placenta ruptured. He’s going to be fine. And the baby is just fine. He’s going to have to stay in the hospital for 3 extra days.”

“Can we see him, please?” George asked, wide brown eyes staring up at McCoy.

“He’s groggy but he’s asking for you. He looks very pale because of the blood loss. But he’s going to be fine,” McCoy emphasized.

“It is alright if we visit with him?” Spock asked.

“For a few minutes. Then you and the children should go home and sleep. You can come back first thing tomorrow,” McCoy said, taking Amanda’s hand, George’s firmly in his father’s.

Jim was watching the door as they entered, determined not to fall back asleep until he saw his family. “Hey babies. Hey t’hy’la,” he said with a lop-sided smile.

“Hey Daddy,” the children said, standing right next to the bed. Amanda had to touch him, sighing softly at the information she got through the contact.

“I’m fine, princess,” he assured her, caressing her black curls. “What are we naming her?”

“Layla,” Amanda said quietly.

“That’s a beautiful name,” Jim agreed. “Have you seen her?”

“Not yet. We were anxious to see you first,” Spock said warmly.

“She’s perfect,” Jim said with a smile. “She doesn’t have any hair yet. And she has round ears.”

“And her eyebrows?” Amanda asked.

“Like mine,” Jim said, tracing Amanda’s upswept brows.

“Does she have any Vulcan, Daddy?” George asked.

“Not that I noticed. But I was mostly asleep when I saw her,” Jim said with a yawn.

“We should leave so that you can sleep,” Spock said gently

“One more minute, Papa, please,” George requested, holding tight to Jim’s hand.

“I’m fine, baby. I promise,” Jim told his son, smiling at both his children.

“If y’all want to see the new baby, you’ll need to come with me,” McCoy said softly. “I don’t know how much later I’ll be able to sneak her out of the nursery.”

The children agreed, kissing Jim before leaving with Dr. McCoy, Spock following behind after a light kiss on Jim’s head. “We will see you tomorrow,” Spock promised.

“Good,” Jim sighed. “I love you.”

“I love you as well, t’hy’la,” Spock whispered before leaving quietly, Jim already asleep.

~0~0~0~0~0~

Jim and Layla left the hospital three days after she was born, Bones staying at their house for the first week. Not that they really needed him, of course, but just to make sure. And to help with the feedings and the laundry and the myriad other things they had simply taken for granted on board Enterprise.

“I’d forgotten how convenient it is to be a Captain,” Jim laughed as he folded yet another basket of clean laundry.

“There is something to be said for having over 400 people assist you in every aspect of your life,” Spock agreed. “GK and AK, please come down and get your laundry baskets,” he called up the stairs, the children appearing shortly afterwards.

“You’re going to wake up Layla, Papa,” Amanda scolded when she got downstairs.

“Nothing will wake up Layla,” George said, shaking his head.

“She is a sound sleeper,” Bones agreed when he emerged from the kitchen, a towel over one shoulder. “The soup’s ready. Come and eat while it’s hot.”

“It’s 85 degrees outside,” Amanda said. “Why are we having soup?”

“Because I can make soup, little miss. And awesome grilled cheese,” Bones said, shaking his head. “And don’t sass.”

“That is not my name, you know,” Amanda said.

“It should be,” George informed her, everyone laughing.

“Oh like you don’t ever,” Amanda retorted, leaning against Jim’s knees to study her brother. “No, I’m not going to the park after lunch. You take Mason and go.”

“Please, AK. Just for a little while. We’ll swing.”

“We are too old for swings, GK. I told you that.”

“JK still swings when he has the chance,” George reminded her.

“Daddy,” Amanda said in complaint.

“We could all go,” Spock suggested. “We can take Layla in her carriage. And Mason will love to run in the park.”

“Will you come?” George asked Jim.

“Yes, baby boy. I’ll come,” his Human father agreed. “You’ll come, won’t you, baby girl?”

“If you and SK are going, I will. You’ll come with us, Bones?” Amanda asked.

“Of course. How could I not?” Bones laughed, herding them all into the kitchen to eat their lunch before their outing.