Title: A Brother is Born
Fandom: Star Trek: the Original Series
Rating: G
Characters: Kirk, Spock,
Content notes: none
Summary: After stranding with Jim for two weeks on an alien planet, Spock has to find a way to keep Jim alive until the Enterprise returns.
Author note: For gen bingo: Virtue and Vice

After adding fuel to the fire, Spock checked over Jim, who now didn't even bother to sit upright.

"I can murder a chicken sandwich right now." Jim smiled weakly, while clenching his fists in a vain attempt to hide his shivering. "Remind me never to complain about the food cubes again when we return."

Spock adjusted Jim's makeshift blanket to cover Jim better. They were stranded on Aquarius II for two weeks, but so far they found nothing suitable for human consumption. Although Spock saved all their limited food for Jim, it was not enough to sustain him until their rescue came.
The nearest settlement was a five-day journey away if they were in full health, but Spock doubted whether Jim could survive it in his weakened state.

He stiffened his lips. Jim must survive. The alternative was unthinkable.

However, hunting, foraging and fishing were so far fruitless, so what other food sources...

An idea hit him when he looked down at himself. Never was he so glad that he was a Vulcan with different biology from humans because it allowed him to help Jim now.

Spock would hardly admit it to anyone, but for the second time in his life he was happy when the Enterprise found them.

"A penny for your thought, Mr. Spock?" Jim asked with a smile over their chess game at his quarters. He was still underweight, but his skin now looked healthy instead of dry and chapped.

Spock raised an eyebrow. "It is hardly necessary to banter intangible thought with antique..."

Jim interrupted his word with heartfelt laughter, which fulfilled Spock's goal. "You're a treasure, Mr. Spock." He pressed his lips tight. "I owe you my life. Without you, I would have died on Aquarius II."

"I am doing my duty," Spock replied, unsettled to discuss Jim's possible demise.

Jim saw right through him as usual. "Of course, your dedication to duty is admirable as always." He tilted his head and gently held Spock's wrist. "Behold the blood of the covenant, which is poured out for us. In some human culture, it makes us brothers with a bond forged stronger than by nature."

"I am honoured," Spock finally answered, looking at his captain, his friend, his brother who was truer than Sybok.

Jim's smile lit up the whole quarters. "It's mutual."