igrab
in
grabi_hands
Ragtaya [Kirk/Spock, Sarek/Amanda, PG]
Title: Ragtaya ("Introduction")
Author: igrab
Pairing: Spock/Kirk, Sarek/Amanda
Written For: st_xi_kink, for this prompt
Rating: PG
Word Count: 3,701
Summary: Spock is injured and takes medical leave with Jim on New Vulcan to visit his parents.
Notes: this is an XI alternate world, in which Amanda didn't die. FYI.
"Goddamnit for the last time, if you do not go down to that planet and visit your mommy and daddy I will punch you in the stitches until you have no choice!"
Spock winced, and would have put his hands over his ears, but the pain in his side was really rather excruciating and he was quite sure the motion would only make it worse. He wished, not for the first time, that his Vulcan hearing was not quite so sensitive when Dr. McCoy was involved.
It wasn't that he didn't want to see his parents - no, he wanted that very much, and it would be a welcome relief. Though he still had not resolved his issues with his father, the impending planetary doom had certainly made their disowning quarrel take a backseat for a while. It would be refreshing.
However, he did not wish to leave the Enterprise, not for as long as the Doctor wished him to. He stubbornly remained silent. The Captain would see it his way, he was sure of it. He knew that Jim did not like them to be separated any more than he did.
Predictably, the Captain came crashing through the door to sickbay not a minute after his shift was up. "Spock," he breathed, running over to his bed. "You're awake. How are you? How's your chest?"
"Shh, shush," Spock hushed him with a hiss of breath through his teeth. "I am well. However, Doctor McCoy insists that I take shore leave on New Vulcan, until such time as I am healed."
"New V- is he insane?"
Spock shrugged with his good shoulder. "He believes the Vulcan doctors there will be able to assist me better in my recovery. I assured him that his concern was not necessary. He then went on to make up a number of excuses; none of which seems to make much sense. I do not understand his reaction."
"He's just worried about you; we all are." Jim stroked his fingers down the side of his face, a silent reminder that one person, in particular, was very worried indeed.
Spock brushed his own fingers along the back of Jim's hand in a fleeting kiss, then sighed. "I am aware of this. However, I do not wish to be away for as long as McCoy wishes me to be."
The Captain raised an eyebrow. "How long is he planning to put you out of commission?"
"...Three months."
He gaped. "Three months?!" He started from the bed, clearly about to go yell the everloving shit out of his friend, but Spock grabbed him by the shirt.
"Jim, he was only being logical. In several days we will pass by New Vulcan; we would then be proceeding to the Sirius system for the investigations at-" He cut himself off and hissed, as pain lanced through him. "-the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation." Kirk was nodding, he knew all this, what the hell was Spock going on about? "The Enterprise would be able to return in approximately three months, barring any sort of trouble encountered."
Kirk sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. "This is bullshit. I'm not leaving you planetside for three months; what the hell would I do with myself? No way. I'm going to go yell at Bones; you stay here. Don't move. I love you." He ducked down and pressed his lips fleetingly to Spock's injured shoulder, which hurt, but he didn't have the heart to tell him so. He shot off, and Spock relaxed against the pillows, sighing. It really had been a very serious injury, and he was not looking forward to returning to active duty any time within the next three weeks. But three weeks was a far cry from three months, and he was quite certain that three months cooped up with his parents and decreased mobility would drive him out of his mind.
He shut his eyes and prayed that Jim's magical captain charm would work this time.
[ + ]
They beamed him down straight from a bed, to a bed. He'd made a fuss, but ultimately gave in - while it was probable that he had the capability to stand and walk, it was under no circumstances the logical thing to do, not when technology was such that he didn't have to. Jim materialized next to his bed, springing into action and letting Bones know that they had both arrived, safe and sound, and no one had died in the process.
The compromise was a simple one - made simpler by the Captain's direct order. Spock would be beamed down for three weeks of recuperation time, under the supervision of New Vulcan's excellent medical care. Captain Kirk would be beamed down for three weeks of shore leave, with intent to help as much as he could in the restoration efforts. The Enterprise would be put to use in any capacity possible during that time, under the command of Second Officer Scott.
Jim thought this was a pretty sweet deal.
He looked quickly at Spock, who nodded. He was fine. The Captain smiled one of his little affectionate smiles, and stepped out into the living room, to greet Sarek and Amanda and, presumably, go over the details of his injuries in greater depth.
Spock had a sudden, sharp thought that dripped down his back like ice. His parents didn't know. The last time he had seen them, the planet had just been destroyed, and Jim had been less than an acquaintance, he had been the incarnation of Spock's personal hell. But now?
...Now, he was dearer to him than anything else in the universe. Spock's fingers tightened in the blanket. He was in love with him, and his parents didn't know and he was terrified of what they would say, if they found out.
When they found out.
[ + ]
"...I am pleased that he has decided to spend time with us, though I question the necessity of this detour. Surely it seems a little... out of the way?"
"Sarek, don't talk like that. You're glad to see him and you know it." Amanda's arms were crossed, and she smiled at Kirk with something of Spock's irrepressible smirk shining through. "And you, too, of course."
Jim glanced down at his toes, his hands folded tight behind his back. It had also occurred to him, at roughly the same time, that Spock's parents had no clue what he meant to their son. To be frank, it scared him shitless. He'd had three occasions where girls had previously wanted him to meet their parents. He'd managed to successfully escape from all of them - in one instance, quite literally. There was no way he was getting out of this one - and, really, no reason he'd want to. This wasn't just some casual fling, or someone he was only sleeping with to get information. This was real. This was forever. He'd known that much from the second Spock's older self had touched his hand to his face, even if he couldn't understand it for over a year. He'd known, then. And he knew now.
"It's really not off-course - we were headed for the Sirius system," and Jim saw the light turn on in Sarek's head. So he knew the situation there; good. Maybe he'd have someone to talk to about it who had more experience dealing with this kind of shit.
"I see. Well, you are welcome in our home, though I must apologize for being a subpar host."
It was an understatement. So much had been lost, and while Spock had sent nearly all of his belongings back with his parents, so they at least had some touches of heritage and the beginnings of a garden, it was very sparse. Jim had heard Spock talk about the house he'd grown up in; simplistic in design, but vivid, intricate, and unthinkably beautiful. Knowing what he knew of Vulcans in general, and Spock's parents in particular, he didn't doubt it. But this was a far cry from that rich vision.
Jim shook his head slowly. "Come on, don't apologize for stuff that isn't your fault. You've got nothing to be sorry for. I don't have standards for hospitality." That was very true. It even went far enough that he was borderline uncomfortable in luxuriant settings; though enough aliens had insisted on treating him like royalty to make him reconsider. "I'm just here to make sure Spock's all right. And," he added quickly, remembering why he was supposed to be here, "to help with the restoration. How's that going, by the way?"
They talked of the relief effort, of politics, of a number of aggravating things that made Jim's brain hurt but he knew were important. He just couldn't stop worrying about his lover, who was probably sleeping peacefully away. "...You said Spock was going to get the best medical care that you could manage. Is that... I'm... sorry if I'm being too forceful, or anything..."
"No, please." Amanda answered before her husband could, and she smiled gratefully. "Spock is our first priority. Your concern is... really, very touching."
Kirk hadn't known what to expect, the first time he'd met Amanda. He'd known one thing - that she was human. Oh, and that she was Spock's mother and she was married to one of the fiercest, most famous diplomats in the entire Federation.
'Sarek?' He hadn't been able to believe it. 'Your dad is Ambassador Sarek? You have got to be kidding me.'
'Your human expressions are, frankly, tiresome. Yes, my father is the Vulcan Federation Ambassador. Will you please close your mouth? It's unbecoming, and we have work to do.'
And so they had. Narada: 0, Enterprise: 1. There hadn't been time for much else.
'Captain?' The voice had cut through his daydream, and in the years since the memory, he'd forgotten what it was he'd been thinking about. Green curves, perhaps. But Gaila was gone.
'Spock?' He sat up, straightened his shirt. Spock always made him feel underdressed, even then. 'And...'
'Amanda Grayson,' she'd said in a voice like rainwater, and held out her hand for him to shake. 'But please. Call me Amanda.'
He managed a smile, that he hoped was not too affectionate. Bones teased him about his 'goopy Spock smile' on a daily basis. "He's the best First Officer anyone could ask for."
There was... a stiffness, to Sarek's face, that coalesced as soon as he said 'First Officer'. He must have known, must have been informed of Spock's position on the Enterprise, so it couldn't've been that. There was something else, something no one was telling him.
"I will take my leave," he muttered evenly, and briefly touched his fingers to his wife's in a parting kiss. "I must contact Physician T'Mal, and inform her that her patient is ready." And with that, he was gone.
Some of the tension seeped out of the room, and Jim realized he'd been unconsciously holding his back straight. He breathed out a sigh, and his eyes met Amanda's, and then they were both laughing. "Come on, let's go see if Spock's awake," she said genially, heading right on in to the bedroom.
Jim smiled, and followed after her. It was easy to see where Spock got his heart from, biology be damned. Amanda was everything Jim thought of when he heard the word 'mother' - and none of the things that his own parent had managed to be. Oh, he loved his mother, to be sure. But she wasn't very good at being nurturing.
Spock looked up as they came in, his dark eyes bright. Jim realized that he'd probably been able to hear their entire conversation, and would know that his father had left. "Hello mother," he murmured, and she folded her hand in his and squeezed lightly.
"Hello, Spock," she whispered, before leaning in and brushing her lips to his forehead. "How are you?"
"I am adequate. There is a considerable amount of pain, but the combination of anesthetics and mental training has lessened it a great deal." He flicked his eyes to Jim's for a split second, then the corners of his mouth twitched. "I am very pleased to be spending time in such good company."
"Oh, I'm sure. So, are you boys going to tell me how you got a spear wound in the chest? I'm sure there's a dashing story behind it, and I can't wait to hear." Her eyes sparkled, and Jim pulled up a chair so he could rest his torso on the bed. This was going to be an interesting night.
[ + ]
"Jim, as much as I commend your ability to quickly adapt to a changing situation with limited resources and - "
"Spock, this isn't the time to be wordy!" He dropped and rolled, just barely avoiding a nasty-looking barbed arrow.
" - To be concise, I sometimes wish you did not make a habit of speaking your mind." Spock leapt nimbly up over a rock, then reached back just in time to grab for Kirk's outstretched hand and haul him up. "It seems to get us into trouble."
Whenever they touched, Jim could feel a stabbing surge of worry and panic, which Spock was very good at keeping under wraps but was nevertheless rising steadily under his skin. He suspected that verbally berating him was Spock's way of keeping himself in control, so he didn't say anything when he continued.
"Also, I would appreciate if you took more time out of your busy schedule - " They ducked a hard right through a dense thicket of trees. " - to educate yourself - " A left this time, Spock's fingers digging into his arm as he heard a tribal yell in the foliage ahead. " - on the protocol for unknown alien relations. Specifically - " He had to grab Jim around the waist to haul him out of the path of another volley of arrows. " - when not to raise your voice and shout obscenities. Do you understand?" He shoved the Captain behind his back as they ran, in something of a protective manner. Jim was grateful for it, but he wished Spock wasn't quite so good at running.
"Scotty, what the hell are you guys doing up there? LOCK ON. BEAM UP. NOW."
"I'm tryin', I'm tryin'... gettin' out of those trees would make things a hell of a lot easier!"
"Those trees are all that's keeping us alive! KIRK OUT!" He slammed the communicator shut and sped up, drawing level with his First Officer.
"Spock, can we get to an open area? Scotty's having trouble."
"Inconclusive." He was panting heavily; he wasn't used to this kind of high humidity and as a Vulcan, he didn't sweat. "The attempt might cost us our lives."
"Well, it's die in here or die out there; let's take a chance!" He grabbed Spock's wrist and yanked him in the direction of what he thought was the nearest clearing.
They shot through the last line of trees - only to be faced with a rushing crowd of menacing, angry tribesman. Before Jim could even think, strong hands grabbed his shoulders and wrenched him backwards - he dimly heard Spock shouting "Jim, NO!" and then they were beaming.
When they materialized, Spock slid bonelessly to the floor of the transporter room, and Kirk felt the bottom drop out of his stomach. There was a spear in the Vulcan's chest, piercing right through where his heart should have been and out the other side, green blood everywhere and he'd never felt so sick in his life.
"Spock... Bones... BONES!!!!"
[ + ]
They didn't tell the story quite like that, of course. The diplomatic error was humorous, rather than terrifying, and the chase through the woods was an exciting adventure. Spock glossed over the fact that he'd taken the stab for Jim's sake, because he'd already computed that the location of the intended wound would kill him instantly, whereas Spock was much more likely to recover, being that his heart was not where it logically should be. For a human. He made it sound as if he had been the one attacked.
And Jim was grateful for it, but he felt a little uneasy. It didn't seem right, bending the truth like that. Not the rest of the story - he didn't want to alarm Amanda any more than Spock did, but without letting on about Spock's sacrifice, they were telling a lie of omission. And this wasn't something he wanted to lie about.
"Actually, Spock's leaving out the important part," he said, interrupting what would have been an account of waking up in sickbay to a furious McCoy. "The one the tribesman was aiming at initially was me."
"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow in query, and it looked so much like Spock that Jim nearly burst out laughing.
"Yeah." He grinned, and looked back at his lover, who was more than tense behind his eyes. "Spock shoved me away and took the hit. I'd be dead right now if it weren't for him."
Spock gave him a tired, but warm look. "All in the line of duty, Captain," he murmured.
"Oh, but you've been doing lots of illogical things 'in the line of duty' lately." And he watched as Spock stiffened again, there was no doubt about it - he was nervous, about admitting their relationship. Well, Jim wasn't having any of that. If it was up to Spock, no one would ever know, and he just couldn't live like that. "Mrs Spock's mom, I've got to tell you something."
"Amanda, I told you. What is it?" But her lips quirked, as if she had a pretty good idea already, and Jim totally understood, but he knew he had to say out like this, for Spock's sake. Their much-beloved Spock, who was squirming faintly under the blanket because he knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt where this was going.
"I'm not strictly here in the capacity of the Captain of the Enterprise. I'm here because I don't want to let Spock out of my sight. Because I love him." It was a lot easier to say it than he thought it would be, but why should it be difficult? It was a fact of life, one he'd already come to terms with, and Amanda's glowing acceptance of him had started long before this conversation.
Spock, on the other hand, shut his eyes and did his best to look cold and stoic and Vulcan. Both humans knew it to be the futile effort that it was.
"And, he returns your affection?" Amanda asked, because she liked to tease, and like any mother, would happily gossip about her child's love life for as long as she could.
"Oh, I'd say so. Even if he doesn't like showing it." He shifted in his seat, so he could rest his head on Spock's leg and gaze up adoringly at him, like he'd wanted to all day. He reached out with a hand, and brushed the tips of his fingers over the back of Spock's hand, making him sigh in something between happiness and resignation. He knew his lover. He would not be upset about this for long.
"I see," Amanda murmured warmly, folding her hands in her lap and smiling brilliantly. "I'm not surprised, but I am terribly overjoyed. Thank you, Jim."
"Who, me?" He sat up, blinking questioningly at her.
"Yes, you." She reached out and pet her hands through his hair, which was something so suddenly and painfully motherlike that it nearly took his breath away. He couldn't remember the last time his own mother had showed this much affection. Or even been this happy. "I knew from the moment I saw you that you were something special. I'm glad I wasn't the only one."
"Mother-" Spock opened his eyes, perhaps to protest, but he froze. Jim raised an eyebrow, then turned to look at where he was staring, panic-stricken.
Sarek was standing casually in the doorway, his hands clasped behind his back. The expression on his face was strictly neutral.
Spock's hand clenched in the blankets, and Jim severely resisted the urge to cover it with his own. He had a feeling that wouldn't go over so well.
"Most illogical," Sarek murmured, and there was still no hint of tone in his voice; it was impossible to tell what he felt.
But not for Amanda, apparently, as a broad smile spread over her face. "It runs in the family."
And Sarek met Spock's eyes, and this time, the approval was clear to see. It was tenuous, and Jim would undoubtedly have to prove himself, but they had three weeks together, and Sarek already respected him greatly for everything he'd done for his people.
Spock was just relieved that no one had exploded. He was not quite feeling strong enough to deal with it.
"T'Mal is here to see to your injuries," he stated, and before he could continue, Jim got up.
"We'll leave."
They exited the room, and Amanda curled her hand around Jim's arm in a warm, maternal sort of way. She leaned to whisper in his ear, far enough away that Sarek could pretend he didn't hear, but he was listening, all the same. "That's 'Sarek' for 'I approve of your relationship'." She smiled sweetly, and Jim felt more at home than he had in a long, long time. "Welcome to the family," she murmured. "Sa-fu t'nash-veh."
[translation: "my son".]
Author: igrab
Pairing: Spock/Kirk, Sarek/Amanda
Written For: st_xi_kink, for this prompt
Rating: PG
Word Count: 3,701
Summary: Spock is injured and takes medical leave with Jim on New Vulcan to visit his parents.
Notes: this is an XI alternate world, in which Amanda didn't die. FYI.
"Goddamnit for the last time, if you do not go down to that planet and visit your mommy and daddy I will punch you in the stitches until you have no choice!"
Spock winced, and would have put his hands over his ears, but the pain in his side was really rather excruciating and he was quite sure the motion would only make it worse. He wished, not for the first time, that his Vulcan hearing was not quite so sensitive when Dr. McCoy was involved.
It wasn't that he didn't want to see his parents - no, he wanted that very much, and it would be a welcome relief. Though he still had not resolved his issues with his father, the impending planetary doom had certainly made their disowning quarrel take a backseat for a while. It would be refreshing.
However, he did not wish to leave the Enterprise, not for as long as the Doctor wished him to. He stubbornly remained silent. The Captain would see it his way, he was sure of it. He knew that Jim did not like them to be separated any more than he did.
Predictably, the Captain came crashing through the door to sickbay not a minute after his shift was up. "Spock," he breathed, running over to his bed. "You're awake. How are you? How's your chest?"
"Shh, shush," Spock hushed him with a hiss of breath through his teeth. "I am well. However, Doctor McCoy insists that I take shore leave on New Vulcan, until such time as I am healed."
"New V- is he insane?"
Spock shrugged with his good shoulder. "He believes the Vulcan doctors there will be able to assist me better in my recovery. I assured him that his concern was not necessary. He then went on to make up a number of excuses; none of which seems to make much sense. I do not understand his reaction."
"He's just worried about you; we all are." Jim stroked his fingers down the side of his face, a silent reminder that one person, in particular, was very worried indeed.
Spock brushed his own fingers along the back of Jim's hand in a fleeting kiss, then sighed. "I am aware of this. However, I do not wish to be away for as long as McCoy wishes me to be."
The Captain raised an eyebrow. "How long is he planning to put you out of commission?"
"...Three months."
He gaped. "Three months?!" He started from the bed, clearly about to go yell the everloving shit out of his friend, but Spock grabbed him by the shirt.
"Jim, he was only being logical. In several days we will pass by New Vulcan; we would then be proceeding to the Sirius system for the investigations at-" He cut himself off and hissed, as pain lanced through him. "-the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation." Kirk was nodding, he knew all this, what the hell was Spock going on about? "The Enterprise would be able to return in approximately three months, barring any sort of trouble encountered."
Kirk sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. "This is bullshit. I'm not leaving you planetside for three months; what the hell would I do with myself? No way. I'm going to go yell at Bones; you stay here. Don't move. I love you." He ducked down and pressed his lips fleetingly to Spock's injured shoulder, which hurt, but he didn't have the heart to tell him so. He shot off, and Spock relaxed against the pillows, sighing. It really had been a very serious injury, and he was not looking forward to returning to active duty any time within the next three weeks. But three weeks was a far cry from three months, and he was quite certain that three months cooped up with his parents and decreased mobility would drive him out of his mind.
He shut his eyes and prayed that Jim's magical captain charm would work this time.
[ + ]
They beamed him down straight from a bed, to a bed. He'd made a fuss, but ultimately gave in - while it was probable that he had the capability to stand and walk, it was under no circumstances the logical thing to do, not when technology was such that he didn't have to. Jim materialized next to his bed, springing into action and letting Bones know that they had both arrived, safe and sound, and no one had died in the process.
The compromise was a simple one - made simpler by the Captain's direct order. Spock would be beamed down for three weeks of recuperation time, under the supervision of New Vulcan's excellent medical care. Captain Kirk would be beamed down for three weeks of shore leave, with intent to help as much as he could in the restoration efforts. The Enterprise would be put to use in any capacity possible during that time, under the command of Second Officer Scott.
Jim thought this was a pretty sweet deal.
He looked quickly at Spock, who nodded. He was fine. The Captain smiled one of his little affectionate smiles, and stepped out into the living room, to greet Sarek and Amanda and, presumably, go over the details of his injuries in greater depth.
Spock had a sudden, sharp thought that dripped down his back like ice. His parents didn't know. The last time he had seen them, the planet had just been destroyed, and Jim had been less than an acquaintance, he had been the incarnation of Spock's personal hell. But now?
...Now, he was dearer to him than anything else in the universe. Spock's fingers tightened in the blanket. He was in love with him, and his parents didn't know and he was terrified of what they would say, if they found out.
When they found out.
[ + ]
"...I am pleased that he has decided to spend time with us, though I question the necessity of this detour. Surely it seems a little... out of the way?"
"Sarek, don't talk like that. You're glad to see him and you know it." Amanda's arms were crossed, and she smiled at Kirk with something of Spock's irrepressible smirk shining through. "And you, too, of course."
Jim glanced down at his toes, his hands folded tight behind his back. It had also occurred to him, at roughly the same time, that Spock's parents had no clue what he meant to their son. To be frank, it scared him shitless. He'd had three occasions where girls had previously wanted him to meet their parents. He'd managed to successfully escape from all of them - in one instance, quite literally. There was no way he was getting out of this one - and, really, no reason he'd want to. This wasn't just some casual fling, or someone he was only sleeping with to get information. This was real. This was forever. He'd known that much from the second Spock's older self had touched his hand to his face, even if he couldn't understand it for over a year. He'd known, then. And he knew now.
"It's really not off-course - we were headed for the Sirius system," and Jim saw the light turn on in Sarek's head. So he knew the situation there; good. Maybe he'd have someone to talk to about it who had more experience dealing with this kind of shit.
"I see. Well, you are welcome in our home, though I must apologize for being a subpar host."
It was an understatement. So much had been lost, and while Spock had sent nearly all of his belongings back with his parents, so they at least had some touches of heritage and the beginnings of a garden, it was very sparse. Jim had heard Spock talk about the house he'd grown up in; simplistic in design, but vivid, intricate, and unthinkably beautiful. Knowing what he knew of Vulcans in general, and Spock's parents in particular, he didn't doubt it. But this was a far cry from that rich vision.
Jim shook his head slowly. "Come on, don't apologize for stuff that isn't your fault. You've got nothing to be sorry for. I don't have standards for hospitality." That was very true. It even went far enough that he was borderline uncomfortable in luxuriant settings; though enough aliens had insisted on treating him like royalty to make him reconsider. "I'm just here to make sure Spock's all right. And," he added quickly, remembering why he was supposed to be here, "to help with the restoration. How's that going, by the way?"
They talked of the relief effort, of politics, of a number of aggravating things that made Jim's brain hurt but he knew were important. He just couldn't stop worrying about his lover, who was probably sleeping peacefully away. "...You said Spock was going to get the best medical care that you could manage. Is that... I'm... sorry if I'm being too forceful, or anything..."
"No, please." Amanda answered before her husband could, and she smiled gratefully. "Spock is our first priority. Your concern is... really, very touching."
Kirk hadn't known what to expect, the first time he'd met Amanda. He'd known one thing - that she was human. Oh, and that she was Spock's mother and she was married to one of the fiercest, most famous diplomats in the entire Federation.
'Sarek?' He hadn't been able to believe it. 'Your dad is Ambassador Sarek? You have got to be kidding me.'
'Your human expressions are, frankly, tiresome. Yes, my father is the Vulcan Federation Ambassador. Will you please close your mouth? It's unbecoming, and we have work to do.'
And so they had. Narada: 0, Enterprise: 1. There hadn't been time for much else.
'Captain?' The voice had cut through his daydream, and in the years since the memory, he'd forgotten what it was he'd been thinking about. Green curves, perhaps. But Gaila was gone.
'Spock?' He sat up, straightened his shirt. Spock always made him feel underdressed, even then. 'And...'
'Amanda Grayson,' she'd said in a voice like rainwater, and held out her hand for him to shake. 'But please. Call me Amanda.'
He managed a smile, that he hoped was not too affectionate. Bones teased him about his 'goopy Spock smile' on a daily basis. "He's the best First Officer anyone could ask for."
There was... a stiffness, to Sarek's face, that coalesced as soon as he said 'First Officer'. He must have known, must have been informed of Spock's position on the Enterprise, so it couldn't've been that. There was something else, something no one was telling him.
"I will take my leave," he muttered evenly, and briefly touched his fingers to his wife's in a parting kiss. "I must contact Physician T'Mal, and inform her that her patient is ready." And with that, he was gone.
Some of the tension seeped out of the room, and Jim realized he'd been unconsciously holding his back straight. He breathed out a sigh, and his eyes met Amanda's, and then they were both laughing. "Come on, let's go see if Spock's awake," she said genially, heading right on in to the bedroom.
Jim smiled, and followed after her. It was easy to see where Spock got his heart from, biology be damned. Amanda was everything Jim thought of when he heard the word 'mother' - and none of the things that his own parent had managed to be. Oh, he loved his mother, to be sure. But she wasn't very good at being nurturing.
Spock looked up as they came in, his dark eyes bright. Jim realized that he'd probably been able to hear their entire conversation, and would know that his father had left. "Hello mother," he murmured, and she folded her hand in his and squeezed lightly.
"Hello, Spock," she whispered, before leaning in and brushing her lips to his forehead. "How are you?"
"I am adequate. There is a considerable amount of pain, but the combination of anesthetics and mental training has lessened it a great deal." He flicked his eyes to Jim's for a split second, then the corners of his mouth twitched. "I am very pleased to be spending time in such good company."
"Oh, I'm sure. So, are you boys going to tell me how you got a spear wound in the chest? I'm sure there's a dashing story behind it, and I can't wait to hear." Her eyes sparkled, and Jim pulled up a chair so he could rest his torso on the bed. This was going to be an interesting night.
[ + ]
"Jim, as much as I commend your ability to quickly adapt to a changing situation with limited resources and - "
"Spock, this isn't the time to be wordy!" He dropped and rolled, just barely avoiding a nasty-looking barbed arrow.
" - To be concise, I sometimes wish you did not make a habit of speaking your mind." Spock leapt nimbly up over a rock, then reached back just in time to grab for Kirk's outstretched hand and haul him up. "It seems to get us into trouble."
Whenever they touched, Jim could feel a stabbing surge of worry and panic, which Spock was very good at keeping under wraps but was nevertheless rising steadily under his skin. He suspected that verbally berating him was Spock's way of keeping himself in control, so he didn't say anything when he continued.
"Also, I would appreciate if you took more time out of your busy schedule - " They ducked a hard right through a dense thicket of trees. " - to educate yourself - " A left this time, Spock's fingers digging into his arm as he heard a tribal yell in the foliage ahead. " - on the protocol for unknown alien relations. Specifically - " He had to grab Jim around the waist to haul him out of the path of another volley of arrows. " - when not to raise your voice and shout obscenities. Do you understand?" He shoved the Captain behind his back as they ran, in something of a protective manner. Jim was grateful for it, but he wished Spock wasn't quite so good at running.
"Scotty, what the hell are you guys doing up there? LOCK ON. BEAM UP. NOW."
"I'm tryin', I'm tryin'... gettin' out of those trees would make things a hell of a lot easier!"
"Those trees are all that's keeping us alive! KIRK OUT!" He slammed the communicator shut and sped up, drawing level with his First Officer.
"Spock, can we get to an open area? Scotty's having trouble."
"Inconclusive." He was panting heavily; he wasn't used to this kind of high humidity and as a Vulcan, he didn't sweat. "The attempt might cost us our lives."
"Well, it's die in here or die out there; let's take a chance!" He grabbed Spock's wrist and yanked him in the direction of what he thought was the nearest clearing.
They shot through the last line of trees - only to be faced with a rushing crowd of menacing, angry tribesman. Before Jim could even think, strong hands grabbed his shoulders and wrenched him backwards - he dimly heard Spock shouting "Jim, NO!" and then they were beaming.
When they materialized, Spock slid bonelessly to the floor of the transporter room, and Kirk felt the bottom drop out of his stomach. There was a spear in the Vulcan's chest, piercing right through where his heart should have been and out the other side, green blood everywhere and he'd never felt so sick in his life.
"Spock... Bones... BONES!!!!"
[ + ]
They didn't tell the story quite like that, of course. The diplomatic error was humorous, rather than terrifying, and the chase through the woods was an exciting adventure. Spock glossed over the fact that he'd taken the stab for Jim's sake, because he'd already computed that the location of the intended wound would kill him instantly, whereas Spock was much more likely to recover, being that his heart was not where it logically should be. For a human. He made it sound as if he had been the one attacked.
And Jim was grateful for it, but he felt a little uneasy. It didn't seem right, bending the truth like that. Not the rest of the story - he didn't want to alarm Amanda any more than Spock did, but without letting on about Spock's sacrifice, they were telling a lie of omission. And this wasn't something he wanted to lie about.
"Actually, Spock's leaving out the important part," he said, interrupting what would have been an account of waking up in sickbay to a furious McCoy. "The one the tribesman was aiming at initially was me."
"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow in query, and it looked so much like Spock that Jim nearly burst out laughing.
"Yeah." He grinned, and looked back at his lover, who was more than tense behind his eyes. "Spock shoved me away and took the hit. I'd be dead right now if it weren't for him."
Spock gave him a tired, but warm look. "All in the line of duty, Captain," he murmured.
"Oh, but you've been doing lots of illogical things 'in the line of duty' lately." And he watched as Spock stiffened again, there was no doubt about it - he was nervous, about admitting their relationship. Well, Jim wasn't having any of that. If it was up to Spock, no one would ever know, and he just couldn't live like that. "Mrs Spock's mom, I've got to tell you something."
"Amanda, I told you. What is it?" But her lips quirked, as if she had a pretty good idea already, and Jim totally understood, but he knew he had to say out like this, for Spock's sake. Their much-beloved Spock, who was squirming faintly under the blanket because he knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt where this was going.
"I'm not strictly here in the capacity of the Captain of the Enterprise. I'm here because I don't want to let Spock out of my sight. Because I love him." It was a lot easier to say it than he thought it would be, but why should it be difficult? It was a fact of life, one he'd already come to terms with, and Amanda's glowing acceptance of him had started long before this conversation.
Spock, on the other hand, shut his eyes and did his best to look cold and stoic and Vulcan. Both humans knew it to be the futile effort that it was.
"And, he returns your affection?" Amanda asked, because she liked to tease, and like any mother, would happily gossip about her child's love life for as long as she could.
"Oh, I'd say so. Even if he doesn't like showing it." He shifted in his seat, so he could rest his head on Spock's leg and gaze up adoringly at him, like he'd wanted to all day. He reached out with a hand, and brushed the tips of his fingers over the back of Spock's hand, making him sigh in something between happiness and resignation. He knew his lover. He would not be upset about this for long.
"I see," Amanda murmured warmly, folding her hands in her lap and smiling brilliantly. "I'm not surprised, but I am terribly overjoyed. Thank you, Jim."
"Who, me?" He sat up, blinking questioningly at her.
"Yes, you." She reached out and pet her hands through his hair, which was something so suddenly and painfully motherlike that it nearly took his breath away. He couldn't remember the last time his own mother had showed this much affection. Or even been this happy. "I knew from the moment I saw you that you were something special. I'm glad I wasn't the only one."
"Mother-" Spock opened his eyes, perhaps to protest, but he froze. Jim raised an eyebrow, then turned to look at where he was staring, panic-stricken.
Sarek was standing casually in the doorway, his hands clasped behind his back. The expression on his face was strictly neutral.
Spock's hand clenched in the blankets, and Jim severely resisted the urge to cover it with his own. He had a feeling that wouldn't go over so well.
"Most illogical," Sarek murmured, and there was still no hint of tone in his voice; it was impossible to tell what he felt.
But not for Amanda, apparently, as a broad smile spread over her face. "It runs in the family."
And Sarek met Spock's eyes, and this time, the approval was clear to see. It was tenuous, and Jim would undoubtedly have to prove himself, but they had three weeks together, and Sarek already respected him greatly for everything he'd done for his people.
Spock was just relieved that no one had exploded. He was not quite feeling strong enough to deal with it.
"T'Mal is here to see to your injuries," he stated, and before he could continue, Jim got up.
"We'll leave."
They exited the room, and Amanda curled her hand around Jim's arm in a warm, maternal sort of way. She leaned to whisper in his ear, far enough away that Sarek could pretend he didn't hear, but he was listening, all the same. "That's 'Sarek' for 'I approve of your relationship'." She smiled sweetly, and Jim felt more at home than he had in a long, long time. "Welcome to the family," she murmured. "Sa-fu t'nash-veh."
[translation: "my son".]