Chapter Text
Jim knew from his past that he had been a womanizer, yet he always felt there was more to life than merely indulging in an occasional fling or two. However, there were four occasions when he fell in love and was willing to settle down. There was a time when he was called a 'stack of books with legs' at the academy and nearly married a woman while he was a cadet. Then there were Edith, Mirimanee, and Rayna. In the end, throughout his adult life, he never loved anyone more than his beloved Spock.
The crew of the Enterprise accepted without question that he and Spock were happily married in both Vulcan and human traditions, so they never questioned their captain when he and Spock arrived on the bridge in decidedly non-regulation clothing before taking a much-needed shore leave to attend a gay pride parade on Earth.
Before they left, Jim asked his crew with a smile, "Well, what do you all think?"
Both the navigator and helmsman nodded in approval before returning to their duties.
The communications officer chimed in, "You both look handsome, Captain and Commander," her smile brightening the room.
Jim noticed Spock slightly blush at the compliment. He wanted to kiss him right then and there, but refrained, respecting his bondmate's dignity as a Vulcan.
After several minutes on the bridge, the two beamed down to San Francisco, where the parade would take place. As they walked through the city, they admired the colorful array of rainbow flags and the lively music around them.
Jim is excited, knowing that this celebration of love and diversity would be a refreshing break from their usual interstellar duties.
Spock feels similarly, though he maintains a stoic demeanor among the celebrants. Occasionally, he would glance at Jim, allowing a slight upward twitch of his lips as couples admired their t-shirts and chatted among themselves with several thumbs up.
The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter and joy, and Jim felt a profound sense of belonging.
That belonging affected Spock, and, to Jim's surprise, he held out a hand toward his bondmate. Jim immediately grasped it. It didn't take long for the Vulcan to tighten his hold as they continued to explore the city.
They found a spot near a family wearing rainbow-colored shirts, while their children aimed old-fashioned water guns at various people riding on floats.
Jim got soaked when several participants aimed their water guns at the crowd, but he didn't mind.
Spock found the water tolerable, knowing that Jim enjoyed it.
Eventually, once the parade was complete, the couple returned to the Enterprise with memories that would last a lifetime.