Fic: His Captain (2/7) | STXI | PG-13
Title: His Captain (2/7)
Author: Weebeanie
Series: (STXI)
Rating: PG-13
Length: 690 - this part
Warnings: (None)
Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine. No copyright infringement is intended. I am merely borrowing them, playing nicely and returning them in pristine condition.
Summary: Written for ksvalentine prompt - While visiting a newly discovered planet and making nice with the locals, Kirk is given a potion which will make anyone fall in love with him...
A/N: I am squeezing this in on posting day (I hope). Have been home sick for past few days (during which I naturally decided to completely re-write this fic from Spocks POV for no conceivable reason!) so apologies in advance if I have rambled incoherently...
A/N 2: Did I say 3 parts... I meant 7!
part 1
Despite a childhood spent with a human mother and his years living among humans first at Starfleet and now on the Enterprise, Spock still found many aspects of human behaviour puzzling. Admittedly he understood more Terran idioms than he was willing to acknowledge. He found an illogical (and decidedly un-Vulcan) satisfaction in interpreting such language literally. Jim’s amusement and McCoy’s frustration being amongst the most predictable (and satisfying) of reactions. The complexities of human emotions and social relationships however, especially those of a romantic nature, continued to elude him.
The festival of St Valentine’s Day seemed to prompt simultaneous and yet highly contradictory emotions in humans which left Spock puzzled. His childhood had not provided him with any information regarding this phenomenon; the festival of St Valentine’s inevitably coinciding with an event of personal importance to his parents which necessitated private retreat from society for 24 Terran hours while Spock was required to visit relatives. His experience of St Valentine’s Day at Starfleet inevitably involved giggling female students leaving unusually decorated missives related to the aesthetic appeal of his physical appearance and highly inappropriate offerings of intoxicating substances. Spock had therefore surmised that St Valentine’s Day was an unusual form of advertising for the chocolate industry.
During his first St Valentine’s Day aboard the Enterprise Nyota had attempted to correct his understanding. However, despite her customary excellence in communications, Nyota’s conflicted explanation had left Spock with the vague impression that St Valentine’s Day was a celebration for Human lovers which honored love and friendship yet unfortunately promoted promiscuity and was somehow misogynistic. He was further bemused at Nyota’s disgruntled reaction to his decision to avoid attempting to join with the festivities when she had specifically insisted that she did not wish to participate. His Captain had helpfully explained that when a woman you are in a relationship with says she doesn’t need a Valentine’s gift, she means she’s planning to be ‘surprised’ and thrilled when you get her the perfect gift. This merely reinforced Spock’s belief in the inherently illogical nature of humans and had been among the first indications that he and Nyota were unsuited to a romantic relationship. Thankfully they had reached that conclusion in time to maintain their previous close friendship.
The Enterprise crew had been thrilled to merge their celebration of St Valentine’s Day with the festivities on the planet. A joyful atmosphere permeated the ship and planet. Spock had personally observed crewmembers behaving in an inappropriately intimate fashion.
His Captain was seemingly at the centre of festivities though Spock observed that he maintained a distance appropriate to his position. More often than not he gravitated to his First Officer’s side having offered himself to Spock as a Valentine’s ‘Guide and Protector’. Spock raised eyebrow at the suggestion that he required protection was greeted with a brilliant smile and bright blue eyes lit with mischief. Spock determined he would be wise to accept his Captain’s offer as in 34.2% of situations on various planets Jim’s aesthetically pleasing eyes and smile had prompted various seduction and/or abduction attempts...
On this occasion Spock’s diligence proved unnecessary as the day passed without incident. The planet’s citizens adored Captain Kirk in a worshipful, respectful fashion. Dr McCoy remarked on the novelty of a mission without “Jim getting himself injured, kidnapped or tied naked to an altar.” The evening ended with Captain Kirk receiving various gifts. The final offering was a drink traditional to the natives which Jim was advised to share with ‘one he cared for’.
On their return to the Enterprise Jim had insisted on sharing his gifts among his senior crew including the traditional drink which appeared to be a form of fruit wine. His Captain’s gaze had been intense and yet somehow hesitant as he offered the first glass to Spock before grinning and handing out glasses to the rest of his senior crew. Only Dr McCoy refused the wine in preference of his usual beverage. The CMO proceeded to enlighten them to all the possible medical side effects of drinking unknown alien substances.
In retrospect, Spock had to admit that McCoy’s argument had significant merit...
part 3