Many apologies for this late post. I wanted it before last weekend, but last weekend was my school's speech tournament, and this week started semester 2, so I had so many things to do. But, seeing as my life is unimportant, I digress.

My apologies if anyone is OOC, especially near the end.

And now: the Final installment.

Chapter 5

Pavel groaned and shifted. His eyes fluttered open and took notice of his surroundings. He couldn't remember falling asleep, and then he noticed Spock sitting on his bed next to him.

"Vhat happened?" He said, voice cracking. He promptly cleared his throat. "Sorry…" He apologized, sitting up on his elbows.

Spock turned to him. "You passed out, most likely from all the alcohol you consumed before I arrived."

He was given a confused look, then ran a hand through his hair.

"And…I told the Captain what was going on."

"You vhat?!" He sat up completely, with the most worried look on his face. "No…no…how could you? No…no…" He fell back on his pillow holding his head, "Zis can't be happening…"

Spock put a hand on his shoulder, "It's all right." He leaned in closer, "The captain has personally went and assessed this matter. I can assure you, no one but us and Jim knows why he was thrown off."

"But – I didn't come into vork today. Zey vill assume zat I had somesing to do vith it." He said, looking up at Spock, still holding his head.

"Anyone that asked was told that you felt overworked and took a day to rest." Spock stopped. "But, with orders from the captain, I have to call Dr. McCoy in."

From out of nowhere, Pavel started crying again.

"Come on, now. If you continue crying, then..." Pavel looked up at him; Spock sighed, "Sit up...please." He did as he was told. Spock put a hand on his chin, "You're a strong, brave young man. No matter what happens, no one in their right mind would laugh at such a tragedy, and there is no need to feel ashamed of yourself. This is not speaking from logic," He let his hand down. "I'm saying this as a friend."

What happened next is what confused Spock the most. He figured it was just strange hormones running all through the teenager from everything that has happened. But, nonetheless, it happened.

Pavel wiped his tears away. Almost as if it were nothing, he leaned in and kissed Spock, right on the lips. He was stunned for a few seconds, but for some reason, he didn't pull back, but started kissing back. A hand was placed on Spock's, and he held it. When they finally broke it, there was an awkward silence. Though that was quickly broken by a voice calling for Spock on his communicator.

"McCoy to Spock, you there?"

Still staring at Pavel, he pulled out his communicator. "Spock here."

"Is the kid awake yet?"

"Affirmative. You may come up anytime." He put it back in his pocket. "What…what just happened?"

Pavel blushed, "I…do not know, sir."

They continued to stare until the door opened, and McCoy and Jim walked in, McCoy carrying a medical bag, and Spock stood up.

"Jesus, kid. You got the hell beat out of you." He scanned Pavel, and looked at the readings. "Why didn't you come to me sooner?"

"Will he be alright, Bones?" Jim asked.

McCoy nodded. "Yeah. I'll give him something to rub on his bruises, but you did crack a rib. Otherwise, he's physically fine."

Spock turned his head, "What about mentally?"

McCoy stared at the boy, then at Spock. "That'll take some time." He turned back to Pavel, "How do you feel, son?"

Pavel shifted uncomfortably, noticing all three sets of eyes on him. "Vell…eh…in pain, I guess you could say."

"That's to be expected, I guess. Figure I'd ask anyway." He reached inside his bag and pulled out a shot and used it on him. "That's for the initial pain." He searched through his bag more, and he pulled out a tube of ointment. "That's for your bruises. They'll heal faster. Otherwise – since the crack is rather small, it'll have to heal on it's own, but it shouldn't affect you too badly. Just don't make any sudden moves."

"Is zat it?" He asked, rubbing his neck and taking the ointment.

McCoy nodded. "I gotta hand it to you. I'm surprised you didn't break sooner, you're stronger then I expected for a kid." He turned back to Jim and Spock, "I think that's about all I can do here. I have some things I gotta do, so I should get going. Keep an eye on him." With that, he exited the room.

Jim turned his attention to Spock, "I have to go fill out some paperwork about why one of my crewmen was thrown out into space without any kind of life support. Will I catch you later?"

Spock looked down at Pavel, and back at Jim, "I think I might stay a little longer, make sure he's settled." Jim nodded and left the cabin.

"Zat shot made me tired…" Pavel said, lying back down.

Spock took a seat back on his bed. "You need your rest. It's been a long day."

"Vill you still be here vhen I vake up?"

Spock placed a hand on the younger man's, gripping it. "I promise I will."

Pavel smiled and closed his eyes; shortly after, he drifted off to sleep.

Spock didn't know what it was about that kiss – but it sent so many emotions flowing through him, he felt it hard to control them. He thought most of it had to do with the conditions of the day. A helpless person being 'saved', of sorts, by a stronger being would develop feelings of thanks. But perhaps it started before then? With the boy at least, Spock would have known if he had any kind of feelings for anything. Now he was not sure what to think, using logic or not. For once he didn't know how logic could even play into this. The whole thing was confusing for him, until he looked at Pavel.

He is rather attractive…but, age? I guess it's similar to when I was with Nyota; only he's a few years younger…

Then the words played in his head again. Do what feels right… He knew he was feeling something developing inside him when he looked at Pavel now.

Pavel knew things would get better, and they did. Over the next few weeks, Spock and him started talking a lot more; feelings between them grew. Spock was very careful with him, not wanting to do anything wrong that could possibly give him any horrible flashback. Then came one night after Pavel was working late, and he decided to give Spock a late night visit. He knocked on the door, and after some shuffling was heard, he saw that familiar face appear from behind the door.

His mouth twitched in the way he recognized as a smile, "And what do I owe this pleasure?"

Pavel walked in so the door could close behind him. He reached up and grabbed the taller man's head and pulled him down for a kiss. Spock wrapped his arms around him, and pulled him in closer.

Spock broke the kiss and stared him in the eyes. "It was only logical to take it slow, I didn't want t-" He was broke off by another brief kiss.

"Vhen I'm vith you...." He put his arms around Spock, "I don't feel anysing, except good things." He paused.

"You make all ze pain go avay."