Don't believe in no-win scenarios

It is a comfort to Spock as well to have the contact. Touching Kirk's hair is the only way other than fabric to make absolutely sure there is no accidental transference, and this feels more direct somehow, more solid. He has not and does not with anyone else. Just Kirk.

"I ordered a number of things I know we both enjoy so that we can share any combination of dishes." This is spoken as he sets up his own plate and then moves to sit, taking a sip of his tea as he (wisely) waits to take a bite of the food. He also (wisely) attempts to ignore the sound that Kirk just made over a cup of coffee.

"I apologize, my wording was incorrect. I am glad that we are both able to have this meal together, I am aware it is not a matter of you being unwilling. It is true, however, that our schedules have not aligned over the past several weeks."

He does arch an eyebrow slightly when Kirk takes a bite too quickly, his mouth twitching at one corner before he can stop it.

He is more content, he finds, than he has been since that night months ago.

"Perhaps more care should be taken," he says, a little wryly, in the tone he uses when he is making a joke.