"You do know why I saved you, right?" Jim asked with a hint of desperation in his even voice.

He pleaded that Spock would answer, would see what he truly meant, but gave up when Spock's new captain interrupted them for really no reason at all.

Spock looked back at Jim after the unwanted captain had wandered off and Jim decided to try one last time.

"The truth is… I'm really going to miss you." Jim tried to keep eye contact with the half Vulcan, but kept looking down at his feet. Spock opened his mouth as if to say something, but then clicked his jaw shut and Jim gave up and walked away.

"You do know why I saved you, right?" Jim asked, but Spock's head was still foggy with the realization that he had hurt Jim by filling his report. He had not meant to, in Jim's words, stab him in the back. On the contrary, Spock had meant to deter any chastisement away from Jim and at himself.

Spock was very uncomfortable with the guilt that clotted his veins and made his mind spin, so he was grateful when his new captain interrupted him before Spock could come up with an answer to Jim's question that would only make him feel even worse.

Spock looked back at Jim reluctantly once his captain walked away.

"The truth is… I'm really going to miss you."

Spock had to try very hard to keep his cheeks from flushing a humiliating green. Spock knew he needed to respond, and he had a million and four responses to give.

He opened his mouth, but no words came out. Spock tried very hard for a moment to find the exact words he wanted to say, but panicked and closed his mouth with a painful click.

Spock could've hit himself for the disappointed look Jim gave him before his ex-captain gave up and walked away.

I'll miss you too Spock wanted to shout after Jim's retreating back. Please don't leave he wanted to scream. I need you... I love you. But, no words came from the hybrid's lips.