Part: 2/2 (Double drabble)

Same disclaimer...

"Spock? Are you wearing make-up?"

Spock raised a hand to his cheek as he turned toward his captain.

"I didn't think you were that vain!" Kirk continued. Spock shook his head.

"I assure you, it is not vanity, Captain," he replied. "I simply thought that the first officer of Starfleet's flagship should not look like a prize fighter."

"Scotty told me that Chapel and M'Benga were slapping you around in Sickbay," Kirk commented. Spock's only reply was a raised eyebrow.

Both men continued their ride in the turbolift in silence. Kirk turned to Spock.

"Did you take that bullet for me, Spock?" Kirk said quietly. Spock looked at Kirk. "You can outrun me any day, yet today you lagged behind as we were being chased by those villagers."

Spock turned his eyes front again.

"It was not my intent to be wounded, Captain," he answered just as quietly, "but it was my duty to protect you. If that meant 'taking a bullet for you ... '" Spock turned back to Kirk. "I would do it again in a heartbeat."

Kirk gave Spock his trademark half grin.

"With the same outcome, I hope, my friend," Kirk answered. "With the same outcome."

FIN