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Spock wakes up feeling chilled despite the extra blanket on the bed. He reaches over to touch his bondmate, his t'hy'la, his husband, but finds only space. Spock feels his bond with Jim strengthens when the human realizes the Vulcan is awake. The bond fosters feelings of pure love and contentment.
"I see you're awake, Spock. I brought your breakfast," Jim said while carrying a tray of Plomeek soup and a cup of Vulcan tea.
Spock raises his right eyebrow in surprise at the thought of what humans call breakfast in bed. "Ashayam, I have my shift on the bridge at 0700 hours."
Jim shakes his head no. "Not today, Spock. You have the day off." At Spock's protests, he added, "Captain's orders." Jim grins briefly and readies himself to report to the bridge. "I'll see you later, Love."
Spock knows not to argue with his adun. He starts to sip his soup and finds the taste quite acceptable. It reminds him of the soup his mother used to make when he was a boy. Spock raises his right eyebrow again. The soup and tea are soon gone. The tray and dishes are recycled afterward. 'What to do today?' He thinks as he's dressing in his uniform. The thought of remaining in the sleeping robe never occurred to him. Deciding to read Surak's Analects would be a good start. An hour later, he stops reading and thinks about reporting to the bridge.
The thought was sensed by Jim on the bridge, hearing an -'It's your day off - try to relax.- inside his mind.
'Jim is learning' Spock thinks as he raises his right eyebrow for the third time. He believes that exercising in the leisure room, followed by a shower, is a logical idea. Following a series of physical exercises known as yoga poses, his body relaxes, and his mind clears.The Vulcan decides a water shower would be preferable even though it's self-indulgent. He emerges refreshed, dressed, and ready to return to quarters. The return to quarters meant it was time for meditation. It's during this time that Spock loses track of time.
Jim returns from his shift on the bridge at 1600 hours. He removes his uniform shirt and throws it into the laundry chute. Now dressed in his undershirt and pants, Jim sits down across from Spock and places his hands on his chin. He smiles as he lovingly gazes at his husband's face. There are no words between the pair, and the bond strengthens again with their closeness. Thoughts and emotions intertwine until becoming one cohesive unit. "Spock, I have something for you. Be right back," he said softly. Jim rose and walked toward the bedroom. A minute later, he's back with a wrapped gift. "Open it, please," he murmured, giving it to Spock.
Spock raised his right eyebrow again for the fourth or the fifth time. Even a Vulcan can get distracted, especially when his t'hy'la is sitting across from him once more with a look of expectation on his face. "A gift, Ashayam? What for?"
Jim's smile widens, and he comments, "Surely you didn't forget your birthday, beloved." He rises again to bring out a cake with a single candle. 'Happy Birthday, Spock."
Spock blows out the candle and opens the gift titled 'Kir'Shira - the writings of Surak' in a book. "Thank you, Jim. I had left my first book back home on Vulcan and could not find another. Where did you find this?" Spock asked curiously.
Jim winks. "Captain's secret. As long as you like it."
Spock doesn't say it out loud, but the sentiment is within the bond. -The gift is most appropriate. I cherish thee, Ashayam.- He vocalizes, "Shall we eat this cake together?"
They eat the cake slowly while they discuss the day each had.
Jim and Spock retire to the bedroom for a night of lovemaking before sleeping in each other's arms. A birthday Spock will never forget.