"Jim. May I ask you a question?"

"You just did."

"Jim."

Jim chuckled. "Sorry, sweetheart, couldn't resist. Go ahead."

Spock hesitated, as if unsure how to pose his query. "At what point did you first...become aware of...your regard for me?"

"You mean, when did I realize I was in love with you?" Jim asked with a smile, turning his head and kissing his shoulder.

"Yes."

Jim hummed, considering his answer. "Talos IV."

"Indeed? Why?"

"I guess it was because of what you were willing to do for Chris Pike," Jim replied. "I already knew you were loyal and brave. But I guess I never truly saw what a big heart you have until that day. You were ready to die...just give Chris a chance for life...for love. And I adored you so much for that." Another kiss. "I still do."

"As I recall, you were upset with me for that venture," Spock pointed out.

"Well of course," said Jim. "You stole my ship, kidnapped Chris, risked both our careers and your life, and you wouldn't even explain why—I was bewildered. But once I knew the reason...I couldn't be angry with you." Jim shrugged and smiled sheepishly. "I just wanted to kiss you."

"I would not have objected that," Spock said with a slight smile of his own.

"Oh really?" Jim said in surprise. "You mean you already knew you loved me?"

Spock nodded.

"When did you realize it?"

"It was during our first encounter with the Romulans."

"Really," Jim said, curious. "Do tell."

"Lieutenant Stiles had aired some concerns about my loyalties due to the apparent similarities between Vulcans and Romulans. At one point, he made a snide comment about me and you reprimanded him for it. I was not greatly affected by Stiles's bigotry, for I was already well accustomed to racism from my own kind for my split heritage. But I was still impressed by your reaction to him. Not because you defended me, but because of your open-mindedness, your sense of decency and fairness, and your willingness to stand up to intolerance. That was when I knew."

"Gosh, Spock, I only did what any good person would do."

Spock shook his head. "Most wouldn't bother. Most wouldn't even care. Many would consider his comments harmless and ignore them."

"Well, I did what any good person should do, then," Jim amended.

"Yes," Spock agreed, softly kissing his lips. "You are courageous and good-hearted, and that is one of the main reasons why I love you."

Jim smiled warmly. "Right back atcha, sweetheart." He leaned in for another kiss.

Technically, "Balance Of Terror" aired after "The Menagerie" two-parter, but BoT was filmed earlier, so for the sake of the story, let's go with production order.