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Spock was now…drawing hearts? Kirk blinked. It was only a few days ago they came to this planet for starfleet conference.
Due to budget cuts; every first officer had to share a room with, at least, one other person. To add further strain, another scuffle with the Klingons meant The Enterprise needed repairs. Scotty, even with all of his cunning…couldn't manage. The entire crew was off the ship and packed into this cramped hotel.
Dr. McCoy did warn him about the air on here messing with his ‘green blooded’ friend. “But that was a joke!” He thought. “Is anything wrong?” Kirk asked, approaching him. Spock tensed.
“Ji-Captain, I thought you were still in the dining room.” Spock turned, blush tinting him green. It clashed with the cherry red lipstick that was on his fingers, and smeared a bit where he scratched.
The captain heading to his bag. “That lipstick will stain!” He said sternly and started searching for a cleaner. Jim felt a tap on his shoulder.
It was Spock, holding a bottle. “I got this from the store down the street.” Kirk took it and started spraying the mirror. Crimson wax streaked turning to a red tinted fog. He ran along a used to be white towel. Another towel was sacrificed. Both and the bottle were discarded.
Kirk stood, turning “Spock, why did you do-.” He stopped. The vulcun sat at the foot of his bed. Rubbing his hands together in a nervous, ashamed, fashion. He was wearing nothing but white boxers with red hearts on them. Both unusual attire and behavior for him. Jim thought, “Maybe he was trying to seem…human? No. He hates being perceived that way.” Kirk looked into his face that was unemotional but his eyes were sad.
Is it a vulcun holiday? He wasn’t the only one acting strange. There was Uhura. She was smiling more than usual…wearing red ribbons in her hair. So was Nurse Chapel. A few crewmen, Bones, Checkove, and especially Scotty. Were more melancholy than usual. Kirk placed his hand to his head. Walking over to his calendar, it was indeed, Earth's February 14th.
A tall Vulcun stood behind him. A hint of timidness flowed through his voice, “I read that humans, in romantic relationships, did this on this day.”
Jim spun around, placing his hands on his lover's shoulders. Hazel colored eyes, looked forgiving but stern into his brown eyes. Kirk spoke, “Spock, this was a surprise. And yes, humans do, do this sometimes. But the fact remains. You cannot destroy a mirror, in a room, that Starfleet is paying for.” his pointed vulcan ears folded a bit.
After some pause he asked, “What do you do for today?” Jim looked around the room. “Nothing really.” he said, and it was true.
Even though he was a ‘ladies man’ the name made him cringe. It seemed like just another day to him. The only really negative experience was when he was young. His class had to exchange valentines. Knowing what would happen he made one for himself. That was the only one he got that year and the year after.
“So you haven't done anything for this day at all?” Asked Spock putting his clothes over his boxers. Jim thought for a bit, “It really wasn't until I was with Ruth at the academy, that I did anything. But it was just a box of chocolate and a bottle of wine. We went out to eat, got drunk. Woke up the next day hungover. Both jumping to get back to class.” Spock raised both eyebrows. This holiday seemed to mean a great deal to Nyota and Christine. But everyone is different.
Kirk ran his finger over the mirror. Looking at his fingertip, the streak of mirror, it made in the pink fog. Rubbing his index to his thumb he grabbed another white towe,l that did some good. But still.
“Well need to- well I would ask you to accompany me but it seems as if you don't feel yourself.” Spock nodded. “I do wish to not leave this room for the rest of the day, captain.” Pulling out his wallet, a human custom he adopted most recently, he handed Kirk more than enough money.
The Captain denied it. “It's only fair that I pay for the damage.” The vulcan's money was put back into his wallet by Kirk. Who then put it back in his pocket. “As The Captain, I am responsible for all damage the crewman might do here.” Jim put his hands on his First Officers shoulders. Finally he asked, “Why did you think I'd like this?” Spock's ears folded again. He wanted to shrink away but that would be cowardly. “I read it in a book, Orion's Stars, the author is still unknown to us. Lieutenant Uhura gave me a copy. You have one in your quarters.” Jim froze.
That was a romance novel. He found it in his bag after a love affair he had with someone, who's name he couldn't remember. A human meets a life form that has never known pleasure. Slowly, they explore the depth of their innermost fantasies. Despite how poorly it was translated he found himself drawn to it.
Spock pulled it from his bag. Kirk placed his hands up denying another paper from him. “Everytime I look at it I get this odd sensation in my stomach.” Spock put it away.
Jim placed his hands on tall shoulders again, “You'll be okay, right?” Spock nodded. Suddenly he found himself in the captain's arms. Normally he would have pulled away but today was different. “Its not fair you did all this for me. And I show up here with nothing.” He said. Spock broke from the embrace. Returning the book to his bag. He pulled out another item. This was wrapped in brown paper. “I'll need to go with you. This is. a gift I got for-” he was cut off, “I'll give it to Uhura for you.”
Kirk looked through the isles. This store was modeled after an earth store of the twenty twenties called, Walgreens. Quaint, but not really efficient. He found one tiny box of chocolates. “Would Spock like that? I've never really seen him eat chocolate.” Jim said softly to himself. He read the ingredients when a bright red label caught his eye.
WARNING! CONTAINS EARTH COCOABEANS! INTOXICATING TO VULCANS AND ROMULANS!
Oh, that's why…but it's a special occasion. He bought the heart shaped box and a bottom shelf earth red grape wine. That will do.
He knocked on the door of Lieutenant Uhura and Nurse Chapel's room. Uhura answered promptly, dressed in her evening wear with red ribbons in her hair. Chapel was behind her in the same garb. “Oh, captain!” She smiled sweetly, Chapel brought a small package to the door. It was a box of inexpensive, heart shaped candies. “We handed these out to everyone.” She said, Nurse Chapel chuckled. “Dr. McCoy said that if someone didn't want theirs, he'd take it.” Kirk decided to fulfill McCoys wish. They made his mouth itch just looking at them.
“Lieutenant, Spock wanted me to give this to you.” Kirk handed her the package. Upon opening it she realized it was a book: “The logic of the Vulcan language” written by, Harold Yahomane. A human linguist that lived on Vulcun for 30 years. “Oh Spock is so thoughtful,” said Cristine sweetly. Uhura smiled, “Thank you, Captain. It wouldn't be much trouble if-” she pulled out a small book shaped package. Kirk took it, cutting her off. “I would be delighted.” And he was.
They thanked him and bid each other goodnight. A gentle waft of perfume caressed Kirk's face as the door closed.
Opening the door to his own room, a strong scent of cleaner hit his nose. Spock looked out an open sliding door. The warmth of the sun had mostly faded in the sky. Everything had been cleaned and made. “Housekeeping come by, Mr. Spock?” The Vulcan shook his head. He needed to calm his nerves. Kirk didn't press any further.
He pulled out the small heart shaped box. “You do not have to eat it, but I got you this.” A spark of joy fluttered through his brown eyes. Then Spock's ears folded. Rummaging through his bag, he pulled out a much larger box.
Jim blinked. Slowly he accepted the box from Spock then gently put his hands on his shoulders. “Where is my First Officer, and what have you done with him?” Green blush spread across Spock's face. Still turning he said, “I assure you it's me, Jim.”
Yes it had to be Mr. Spock. His face was the same long one. His eyebrows and ears were pointy. The beautiful brown eyes glistened like pools of honey in the sunset.
Long, thin, Vulcun fingers placed themselves on Jim's face. The words, “My mind to your mind.” Melted into his ears. Here it was, yes this is definitely, Mr. Spock.
Inside there was a door, a mental barricade. It wouldn't budge when Kirk tried. “You can either open this now, or I'll find out about what's behind it!” Thought Jim.
The door unlocked. When Jim entered he felt a mixture of fear, anxiety, and a lifetime of rejection. Spock's entire life he had lived between two worlds. Vulcans and humans. Two halves that made a whole. Yet a void inside him.
“I'm alone. In everything. I am surrounded by many. Yet I am entirely alone in what I am. I am neither human or vulcan yet I am both.”
Slithering through the unpleasant memory of that, Pon Farr. When he was forced to confront the parts of him that were entirely vulcan. Yet how human he felt during the entire ordeal. Even as he fulfilled his most vulcan act in “killing” Jim. It was illogical. Entirely based on someone else's words and his inability to control himself. It was the most vulcan, and the most disgraceful act of his life.
“I betrayed you Jim.” A tear finally ran down his hot cheek. Breaking away from Jim, he laid himself on one of the beds. He turned on his left facing away.
“All I wanted was to be a vulcan but I am not.” Was Spock sick? Had he ingested some chocolate earlier and not told him. Still hazy, he laid to embrace.
As the room steadied Jim responded, “You are a vulcan. You have human characteristics but you would be classified as a vulcan before a human. Even Dr. McCoy agrees with me.” Spock nodded. After a moment of silence. “They said I was a human with characteristics of a vulcan-” Kirk squeezed, “Please tell me, how many humans have green blood and hearts on their side?” a pause, then a short laugh passed between their lips.
“Now if you ask me all of this is rather illogical.” Jim got up and went to retrieve wine. As he was pouring a glass he noticed a familiar knock at the door.
Jim walked to it, a glass of undrunk wine in his hand. “Bones! How are you?” McCoy's held a pill bottle. He handed it to Kirk saying, “I'm fine. Here are your sleeping pills. They're red so consider this a gift from your doctor.” Jim took the bottle. Bones walked through the door to Spock.
“How are you feelin’ green blood?” The vulcun raised an eyebrow. “ Fine, doctor...” he kept it up. McCoy ran a finger over the mirror. Looking at the stain he said, “Uh huh.” Kirk placed his hand on McCoy’s shoulder and mouthed a ‘not now’ the good doctor nodded.
Bones turned to the angry hobgoblin. He took a deep breath, “Spock today on earth is a special holiday.” Spock rose suddenly. “I am aware that it is Valentine's Day.” he stated. “Yes. And if I may do an earthly custom in expressing my appreciation for you.” the vulcan's brown eyes flashed.
“What in the alpha quadrant was McCoy talking about?” thought Kirk, “He wasn't going to say he loved Spock. Was he?”
Leonards blue eyes locked with his brown. “Spock, I appreciate your hard work and dedication to the enterprise and her crew.” Spock waited for a moment. After another he replied. “As do I yours, Leonard.” It was a Valentine's Day miracle! No harsh words were said.
Jim, giving both a glass he said, “To The Enterprise and her crew. May we return to her soon!” They toasted and drained the cups. McCoy walked to the door.
“Well, I better get back to check on Scotty.” Kirk became concerned.
“How is he Bones?” he asked.
“Not bad but not good. He kept crying out in his sleep last night for the ship.” Kirk winced. He did the same thing last night too. “Oh hey, there is a dance. I don't think ol’ two logical left feet would want to but-” Kirk clapped his hands on McCoys shoulders. His hazel eyes burned into the blue ones. “We'll be delighted.” Spock said, rising. Bones nodded, “Great! Maybe I'll get drunk enough to have a good time.” and with that, the doctor left.
Spock sat back down. Kirk poured them more wine before he remembered Uhura's gift. “Here,” he said. The vulcan's mouth opened a little.
“It's an unedited copy of Orion's Stars. Written in Vulcan.” Jim looked at the black leather bound book. A gold title and stars studded glimmering.
“There was speculation that it was written by an earth man who came to Vulcun about two centuries ago. He fell in love with one of our great warriors, Soregeron. After the two were discovered; both were disgraced and sent out into the hottest desert. But some believe they escaped and wrote this.” Spock looked out the window. The moon was rising in the sky. Jim sat down with their drinks. He took a sip handing it to Spock.
They looked out the window. The moon was high in the sky now. Spock turned to Jim, “I was uncertain of my life after our mission.” He looked back at the moon, “My father told me once I would make a great ambassador.” Jim nodded. Spock sat on the bed, still looking at the moon. “But he was wrong. I cannot be with human because-” Jim cut him off by planting a kiss right on his mouth. Per usual, his lips were soft. The sensation left a happy giggly feeling in both of them if only Kirk showed it.
“You are capable of being with anyone. You're very bright.” Spock nodded.
Bringing him back into his arms Kirk placed Spock's hand on his face. His friend having full unfettered access to his mind. In it he found himself in a field of red roses, blue violets, and tall sunflowers with big faces.
Jim held him. Blue overalls and barefoot. They were in a flower field in Iowa. This was the place Jim felt the happiest. Spock continued to look around in fascination. “Here?” He asked. Jim grinned as his embrace grew tighter. “You are here with me.” The two looked around for a moment before they heard soft dance music.
Ending the meld the Vulcun could still smell the sweet roses. He looked lovingly into hazel eyes saying, “Jim. I always felt that with you. I can be more than what I am.” Tightening his embrace his lover replied, “With or without me. You are capable of even more than that.”
The music grew louder from dinner hall as the two approached it. Ready for anything.