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"Permission to speak freely, sir," Spock pauses, "Chris."
Chris nods, curious because they've already covered everything in the briefing. "Go ahead." He leans back in the chair and crosses his legs.
Spock pauses for a moment, and Chris suddenly worries something is wrong. "I have again noted a change in your demeanour. I was unsure whether to discuss it, but T'Pring also noted the change during her visit."
Okay, now he's concerned because he hasn't been aware he's been acting differently.
"We noted you are much more at ease since Number One's reinstatement, and you appear relieved whenever she is in the same room or you hear her over the comm."
He relaxes because he is relieved to have her back and free with nothing hanging over her, but he hadn't realised he'd been that obvious. "Well I am relieved to have her back," he smiles, "Enterprise isn't the same without her, and now she doesn't have any legal issues to worry about."
Spock acknowledges that with a tilt of his head, but Chris can still sense there is something else.
"What is it?"
Spock blinks, and Chris knows he's considering his words carefully. "I do not intend to pry, but have you and she had a conversation about how much she means to you?"
Chris can feel his jaw drop, but Spock carries on. "I only ask because I have realised in my relationship with T'Pring and with others that sometimes these matters need to be said."
Chris can only blink, and Spock seems to realise the effect his words have had as he swallows. "For example, I appreciate the conversation we had before she was arrested, and the clarity it brought me regarding our relationship."
He takes a deep breath as he realises the innocence of Spock's words. "Not yet." He forces out a smile. "Number One and I say a lot without words, but you're right, some things need to be said aloud."
Spock gives a tiny nod of understanding. "I apologise for intruding, Chris." He stands a little straighter, and Chris realises Spock was more worried than he realised.
Chris nods and smiles to put him at ease, and it seems to work as Spock nods an acknowledgement and turns to leave.
The doors close behind Spock, but he barely notices being alone as his thoughts are all a swirl. Apparently he's the topic of conversation amongst Vulcans these days? He knows Spock doesn't mean anything malicious about it, just observing a friend, but his head is still caught on the fact he's noticeably acting different about Una these days and he hadn't noticed.
He should have that conversation with her, make it crystal clear how important she is to him, but for some reason the thought is much more daunting than it was with Spock. He takes a deep breath. He should analyse why, especially since he can remember that future without her, but now Spock's pointed out the behavioural changes he hadn't noticed, he's not quite sure he's ready for that. Because in the past when he's been teased about those very same behaviours, he's been half in love with the person his behaviour has been aimed at, and he needs to let that thought settle before he can possibly think any further.