Something softens in Spock's eyes. The idea of losing his own Pike is not one he wants to entertain. The man has gone above and beyond what Spock requires or even deserves. He's risked his own life and career for Spock and for Michael and Spock doesn't believe it's something he'll ever be able to repay. Perhaps it is illogical to believe that he should, but Spock's sense of loyalty is too strong to ignore.

"The Christopher Pike I know is a good captain and a good man."

And Spock, who has disappointed so many people in his life, cannot help worrying that one day he will disappoint Pike, too, especially because he knows Spock hadn't wanted to stay. He'd intended to go with Michael and never see any of them again.

Michael, who had told Spock to reach out to people. Is this who he's supposed to reach out to? Her advice had been so... utterly human.

"If he believed in you, it was for a reason."

It's the human thing to say, isn't it? Spock respects Pike, so if Pike had thought a lot of this man, he is also likely worthy of respect.