[It's been a wild few weeks, but not in a bad way necessarily. Since being the last person to find out that he and Spock are dating and have been, little by little Jim's been settling in to his new Normal. He likes it, Jim's found. Likes the idea that he doesn't need an Excuse to message Spock when he gets up for Alpha. To check in on him.
Then there's the all important event.
Jim flashes Spock a grin as he's fussed over by the other.]
Used to brag back at the Academy I could make Anything look good. Glad to see it's still true even now.
[He reaches up to boop Spock on the tip of his nose gently.]
Anytime you get too self conscious about the whole couples thing, just remember you've only gotta make it to 2230 and then you can drag me off and enjoy every aspect of me in or out of this attire as much as you want. Okay?
[Jim ought to be telling Himself that as much as Spock. It Feels Significant to be arm in arm with Spock, being introduced as the Lieutenant's bondmate for this event. Having cocked up the invitation for this already, Jim really wants to impress out there tonight.]
I fail to understand why that sentiment would have changed between then and now.
[ a joke, maybe. an idle tease, in spock's own way, even as he raises his eyebrows in response to the 'boop.' ]
Indeed. We will both be able to enjoy that time together. It would be agreeable should the event itself be pleasant as well, however.
[ before they exit the room, spock leans in to steal a soft but lingering kiss from jim's mouth, then urges himself to relax and turns to the door. ]
Should it not be, the promise of afterward will suffice as incentive. I am ready. [ unfortunately. ] I have also made note of what menu options are certain to be safe for your consumption tonight.
[Regular meals, a job that about two-thirds of the time is paperwork oriented, and just plain aging have made him a lot softer and heavier than back then. Jim's quietly grateful that it doesn't appear to have had a bad impact on his looks much given how much Spock loves to get him out of his clothes on a regular basis.
More importantly, who gave Spock the right to be this damn cute and drop-dead gorgeous at the same time? Jim grins.]
Here's hoping. Maybe we can find some half decent company and pass the time chatting up just a few folks about anything interesting. And if not, well. Right. There's After.
[Eyebrow waggle. But not a big one!]
Lead the way.
[Jim's a little bit disappointed that this isn't taking place on Spock's Enterprise because so far Jim hasn't been allowed to see any more of that then from the transport room to Spock's quarters. His presence aboard the ship is still pretty classified until either side really knows how the hell this works.
At the same time, having the event take place on a station Jim's never been to means he's less likely to take a wrong turn because muscle memory took over. It's beyond Weird to walk arm in arm with Spock, still. Weird but. Good-weird. The kind that makes Jim feel like he shouldn't breathe lest the moment slips away from him.]
So why'd You specifically get roped into this anyway? Enterprise's a big ship. Surely there were Easier couples to pull for this. Not that I'm complaining, mind. But don't think I failed to notice.
Age has little to do with "making anything look good."
[ pointed. either way, spock does and will continue to find jim attractive as time passes and he ages further, to say nothing of how little he objects to jim's softness. so long as jim is happy and healthy, spock is happy with him. he understands being self-conscious, even if his own issues have nothing to do with those aspects, and tries, at least, to take such things into account.
in any case, spock notes the brow waggle, tilts his head in mock innocence in return, and they head out.
the station is a good space for the gathering: it means that if things get to be too too much, spock can request to leave entirely and they can reboard the ship. however, he's relaxed (for him) as they walk the corridors to the event hall the party's being held in, and he glances over at their linked arms, then over to jim's face before he answers the question. ]
It is relevant to my fields of study, and as the chief science officer, I deemed it appropriate to make an appearance. I am gratified to be able to attend with you as a consequence.
[ the doors slide open as they approach and there are enough people already present for spock and jim to make a quiet, mostly unnoticed entrance for now. spock's grateful for that, too, so that he can get his bearings in the social space. ]
I will likely be—
[ he doesn't get to finish his sentence, because you know what happens next? A Guy Shows Up. a super megahot vulcan babe, actually, who is clearly zeroing in on spock in particular in a typically vulcan intense way for his greeting.
spock blinks, clearly taken slightly aback, and before he responds, he says: ]
Jim, this is V'Raht, a scientist with whom I collaborated relatively recently on a paper regarding reintroducing pollenators to inhospitable biomes. V'Raht, this is Jim Kirk, my partner.
[ which is not how spock would like to introduce him, but it had been decided early that while things are still nebulous around jim, it's the title with the most plausible deniability should anyone confuse the two jims.
in general, spock likes to remain private about these kinds of things anyway, but he's trying his best to meet in the middle in regards to relationship secrecy and frankly, he hopes it will keep others from bothering him. ]
It's all in how you wear it, agreed. But I'm not as lithe as I was back in the academy. It makes some things trickier to pull off. Or not read the same as they did when I wore them in my 20s.
[Patient, and yet flattered that Spock speaks so assuredly about Jim's attractiveness. Don't get him wrong--Jim knows what he looks like. But it doesn't stop the man form having insecurities. Having his mega hot younger partner find him as attractive as he does? It's a nice little ego boost.
It's strange to be wearing a dress uniform that makes him look like he's retired rather than active duty Starfleet. There's no rank braids on it. Every so often he reaches over to straighten them despite them being fine. It just feels weird not to have them. But he's a pretty closely guarded secret right now, so it can't be helped.
And it's not his career that should be the focus of anyone's conversation here.]
Makes sense.
[He'd just been about to ask Spock which of his more recent experiments, if any, he was planning on taking about if anyone got curious enough to engage him in small talk when they're approached. And Jim's kneejerk reaction? Is just casual friendliness. Because wow this guy is aesthetically hot as hell and Jim can appreciate it even if he has no interest.
Wild that for a gathering so focused on being a 'couples' event this guy's running stag. But well. Vulcan. Maybe he's in a similar spot Spock seemed to be in. Maybe Jim's projecting but the guy seemed almost shocked Spock came here with anyone.]
Good to meet you, V'Raht.
Jim Kirk.
[A simple statement. A clarification of greeting. And then brushed aside entirely. He turns to face Spock more fully.]
I am gratified you determined this a satisfactory use of your time, Spock. It is preferable to speak presently than to rely on subspace channels.
[Jim's brows raise a little. Thirty seconds in and the science talk is starting. But the vibes? No, no he's just being stupid. There's no way, right?]
I could find no satisfactory reason to refuse to attend, though I still do not understand your insistence that subspace communication would be suboptimal.
[ mildly. it might sound rude to others, but it's polite enough for a vulcan. spock stands at an idle, relaxed parade rest for now, satisfied to stand by jim while discussing his work with v'raht in his presence.
and for spock, it does seem like a normal conversation. he even tries to make a point to explain the scientific intricacies to jim, who he trusts to understand with minimal prompting due to his intelligence; his lack of knowledge of the project is simply due to it not being a previous conversation point.
v'raht, however, seems to be taking the discussion much more personally, or at least that's the vibe he gives off. not in an aggressive way, but the slant of his conversational tactics looks a whole hell of a lot like how spock gets when he's flirting with jim over a chess game.
it's just that spock is studiously treating the conversation as usual and not engaging otherwise while the other scientist seems to be trying to 'ramp it up' periodically and get a very specific kind of attention out of spock. he's also very familiar, like this isn't a new occurrence, and on top of that he seems almost mystified that spock isn't taking the bait, as it were.
what weird vibes! one might even say they could perhaps be just a little rancid. spock doesn't seem uncomfortable, though, just like he wants to focus on the science. ]
[This is what Jim signed up for so he shifts to settle next to Spock but be mostly unobtrusive while the two Vulcans catch up. He's curious about this collaborative work too, given it's never come up until now. Yet every time he is about to voice a question or comment, V'raht is there filling the gap with further discussion.
Sure, the incline in posture is probably due to interest in the subject matter more than anything else, but Jim's eye twitches all the same. This guy is INTO the research and his excitement is palpable. Does he have to be so goddamn close though? It's taking more effort than Jim would like not to scowl. Not to interrupt.
Eventually he cracks. Jim winces at the edge in his own voice and forces some midwestern passive aggressive friendliness into his voice to cover up his almost sounding like he wanted to pick a fight for half a second there.]
Sorry, When exactly did this happen? I had no idea you were working on a research paper.
'Worked'. Previous tense. Indicating an action that has already completed. [Okay Jim shoots V'raht a Look for that.] Though I would find further collaboration gratifying. Previous results have proven an effective compatibility in research.
[Excuse?????? No, no no. Hold on. 'Gratifying' is the big horny code word. What the fuck????]
The research was done over a period of three months, concluding approximately four and one-half weeks ago. We had many other aspects to consider between us at the time, so it did not enter our discussions. [ that part for jim; essentially, the nebulous time in which they had no idea they'd ever see each other again and were in fact even having some issues making subspace communication work correctly for them. then: ] The term is 'past tense' in Standard, V'Raht. If you must make corrections, you should be correct yourself in the attempt.
[ spock's tone is still even, but there's something about it: v'raht's meaning was clear, but spock is doubling down on the pedantry and corrections in a way he doesn't with other people and in a manner in which he certainly doesn't correct jim in their conversations, where if he requires clarification he simply asks for it.
he pauses over the rest of the commentary though, not awkward or delicate but definitely pointed. ]
While I found our compatibility to be adequate and I am certain you would find further collaboration gratifying, you are aware that my additions to the project were only required in preliminary stages and this was relayed to you early enough in the process for you to find a suitable replacement for a research partner.
[Work Spock was doing before they...well. Hooked up is a weird way to say it but it's not untrue. Would have been around the time Jim was moping on his ship, pining for a Spock he didn't think he'd ever see again. Couldn't reliably even text.
It's good, he supposes, that Spock had his research to keep busy with. Because surely it's just research and Jim's reading too much into this. They're Vulcans talking shop at a science event. He's so in his own head he almost misses Spock's remark. It surprises him then and he doesn't hide his chuckle quickly enough. V'raht is giving Him a look this time and Jim shakes his head quickly.]
Nah, sorry about that.
[The Vulcan kinda looks pissed though and it's as Jim's about to turn for the drinks table to fetch them something that he freezes on the spot. He'd laughed because it sounded like Spock was making a dig at the guy about his skills in bed. And that's exactly what they were talking about.
This motherfucker thought he'd show up to a couples event and what? Spock would just fall to his knees and suck the guy off just like that??? These two fucked. Spock brough Jim here to talk to his superhot Vulcan ex who clearly still wants a shot. Superhot Vulcan Ex who is hot, smart, LOCAL, and so DTF it's not even funny. He's chewed on the inside of his cheek so hard he's drawn blood.
Here he's been dragging his heels on even committing to the idea of himself DATING Spock and the guy had options coming out of every cupboard. Jim swallows.]
And what science does Jim Kirk specialize in? [V'raht replies coolly. He has never heard of such a human. Unsurprising given he's, well. Human. But surely Spock isn't insinuating that he's less compatible than this man.]
Spock's the genius. I'm no slouch where it comes to computer sciences, but even there he's got me beat.
[Jim barely hears himself talking. He's not about to blow their cover but it's So Hard to be normal when he wants to drag this stupidly attractive asshole out of the event entirely instead of leaning into Spock's space like this now that he's Convinced they've fucked before.]
[ spock tenses almost imperceptibly next to jim when v'raht doubles down, when he questions spock's interest in jim, when he persists in pointless nonsense that spock has already made extremely clear would not ever be continuing.
spock brought jim with him to this event both because he wants to spend time with him and because he likes to show him off a little, sure. it wasn't an intended jab against the vulcan scientist pissing him off right now originally, but it feels like it should be now, if v'raht continues to act as irrationally as he did upon spock's initial severing of their brief...
relationship is not the right word. fling, perhaps. spock had been clear from the beginning, even, that it would be temporary. but here they are, and the other vulcan's tone when he questions jim's credentials hits something in spock's spine that makes his side clench in anger that he has to exhale slowly to be able to contain properly. ]
One of Jim's [ pointedly familiar with only his first name, voice low, ] habits is underselling his own abilities in this way. While he is not employed in the sciences, he's remarkably innovative. He is not so tied to previous findings or what should be when it comes to problem-solving that it hinders his ability. Particularly, his ability to find solutions where traditional means would dictate there are none is fascinating.
[ again, pointed. fascinating. there are few words more clear in intent than that when spoken in this context by a vulcan. ]
[If it weren't for the subtle change of tone Jim doesn't think most people would realize these two are full on arguing now. V'raht's doing that little nose flare thing he's noticed all Spocks do when they're pissed--maybe it's a Vulcan thing? And Spock's grip on his arm has tightened to the point where it's not yet painful but definitely borderline uncomfortable.
Goddammit, this asshole is ruining this whole event Spock's been stressing over for the last Month. V'raht finally deigns to glance at Jim in what the man can only describe as the most disdainful expression he's ever seen before fully regarding Spock once more.
A human, more intriguing than a Vulcan partner? He did not know Spock had a sense of humor.]
Of course bias towards one's original hypothesis should never stifle concrete data, however, methodology exists because it has been proven. I find it highly irregular that you would put so much stock into unproven strategies over what opportunities could be had among your own peers. It's frankly a waste of your potential--
[Jim's eyebrows lift. His jaw ticks. He's going to punch this guy--]
V'Raht, you seem to be belaboring under the pretense that this is a matter in which you will be able to change my decision. I want to inform you, before you embarrass yourself further, that you will be unable.
[ it's spoken firmly on the immediate tail end of the othe vulcan's statement. spock shifts his weight almost imperceptibly, edging between v'raht and jim because he can feel the particular brand of tension emanating off of jim and wants to circumvent it. better to prevent a scene, to get in the way, remind everyone that things are taken care of— ]
Allow me to clarify. I find it surprising that you would debase yourself in such a way when you have proven your ability to rise above your status among our peers. Perhaps you are more like your father than you would like to admit.
[ the silence is deafening but only for a split-second, the time it takes for spock to take a single step forward and punch v'raht so hard in the face that he stumbles. in the shocked silence, this one lingering, in the after math, spock speaks. his voice is steady and even and carries. ]
While Ambassador Sarek and I rarely agree, I will note that your persistence in pursuing me beyond all reason proves his 'unproven strategy' of bonding with my mother to have viable, desired results. In light of this, I find a comparison to him unobjectionable. In fact, you may say what you like about me. It matters little, if any. However, I object to your commentary that partnering with a human, be the case my father with my mother or myself with my partner, is a debasement. It also heavily implies that you view partnering with me to be a debasement of yourself. I assure you this is not the case, as you were not the one 'slumming it,' as I have heard it put, in our arrangement.
[ this is probably about when they should go. or at least leave the room so spock can cool off. so they can both cool off? so someone can cool off. ]
[It's there in that brief second before Jim thinks 'I'm going to deck this bastard--'. A flicker of understanding and empathy and...agreement? Jim has the thought and Spock is already striding forward with a single blow that judders through the room. Jim counts the seconds going by when all that can be heard are sharp intakes of breath and concerned murmurs.
He blinks twice. Well. Jim didn't get to punch the bastard, but Spock's handled it for him. He turns on his heel and shoots Spock a glance over his shoulder.]
I think I need some fresh air. Walk with me?
[Feels real stupid he was even Jealous of this jackass the way Spock talks about him now. Seems hottie hot Vulcan was barely more than tepid past the body department.]
Indeed, stepping out briefly would be preferable to our current arrangement.
[ because as soon as jim is moving, so is spock. he falls into step next to jim, the picture of calm again, hands clasped behind him as they walk. it isn't until they're out in the carefully-tended gardens edging the venue that spock speaks, his voice low. ]
I apologize. I was unaware that V'Raht would make his presence so unavoidable. I erroneously assumed he would be intelligent enough to 'read the room,' as I have heard it described, and not realizing that he would make a point to do the opposite is my failing.
[Jim doesn't expect him to be hurt and it's not what he Wants to say, but until they're out somewhere private he doesn't feel like talking about it. An unease that doesn't entirely feel contained to him but that Jim doesn't fight either. Spock's fine. They're fine.
And the gardens are nice enough. Sigh.]
He wouldn't have gotten so haughty if I hadn't butted in, probably.
[Jim says. He lifts a hand to rub at the back of his neck.]
[ quiet, still low, and back to the calm warmth that spock holds for jim whenever they speak.
as for the rest of what jim says once they're alone, spock's brows briefly knit together before he turns toward the older man, his hand settling at his waist in a way at least a little proprietary. ]
His inability to honor the parameters set for him previously and subsequent inability to control his emotions and reactions are not something you are at fault for, Jim. To be blunt, it is not your problem that he could not handle rejection. [ a beat, and then: ] Even before the Montgomeries Scott were able to ensure the ability to physically inhabit the same space again, I was extremely clear with him that he was nothing more than a brief— [ what word to use? ] —Distraction.
[ from the palpable misery he'd been in knowing the person who shared his soul would be impossible to have. ]
I am aware that may reflect badly on me. I did not handle our separation well after we met in person.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Then there's the all important event.
Jim flashes Spock a grin as he's fussed over by the other.]
Used to brag back at the Academy I could make Anything look good. Glad to see it's still true even now.
[He reaches up to boop Spock on the tip of his nose gently.]
Anytime you get too self conscious about the whole couples thing, just remember you've only gotta make it to 2230 and then you can drag me off and enjoy every aspect of me in or out of this attire as much as you want. Okay?
[Jim ought to be telling Himself that as much as Spock. It Feels Significant to be arm in arm with Spock, being introduced as the Lieutenant's bondmate for this event. Having cocked up the invitation for this already, Jim really wants to impress out there tonight.]
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[ a joke, maybe. an idle tease, in spock's own way, even as he raises his eyebrows in response to the 'boop.' ]
Indeed. We will both be able to enjoy that time together. It would be agreeable should the event itself be pleasant as well, however.
[ before they exit the room, spock leans in to steal a soft but lingering kiss from jim's mouth, then urges himself to relax and turns to the door. ]
Should it not be, the promise of afterward will suffice as incentive. I am ready. [ unfortunately. ] I have also made note of what menu options are certain to be safe for your consumption tonight.
[ habit, by now, to ensure jim's safety. ]
If you are similarly prepared, we may go.
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[Regular meals, a job that about two-thirds of the time is paperwork oriented, and just plain aging have made him a lot softer and heavier than back then. Jim's quietly grateful that it doesn't appear to have had a bad impact on his looks much given how much Spock loves to get him out of his clothes on a regular basis.
More importantly, who gave Spock the right to be this damn cute and drop-dead gorgeous at the same time? Jim grins.]
Here's hoping. Maybe we can find some half decent company and pass the time chatting up just a few folks about anything interesting. And if not, well. Right. There's After.
[Eyebrow waggle. But not a big one!]
Lead the way.
[Jim's a little bit disappointed that this isn't taking place on Spock's Enterprise because so far Jim hasn't been allowed to see any more of that then from the transport room to Spock's quarters. His presence aboard the ship is still pretty classified until either side really knows how the hell this works.
At the same time, having the event take place on a station Jim's never been to means he's less likely to take a wrong turn because muscle memory took over. It's beyond Weird to walk arm in arm with Spock, still. Weird but. Good-weird. The kind that makes Jim feel like he shouldn't breathe lest the moment slips away from him.]
So why'd You specifically get roped into this anyway? Enterprise's a big ship. Surely there were Easier couples to pull for this. Not that I'm complaining, mind. But don't think I failed to notice.
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[ pointed. either way, spock does and will continue to find jim attractive as time passes and he ages further, to say nothing of how little he objects to jim's softness. so long as jim is happy and healthy, spock is happy with him. he understands being self-conscious, even if his own issues have nothing to do with those aspects, and tries, at least, to take such things into account.
in any case, spock notes the brow waggle, tilts his head in mock innocence in return, and they head out.
the station is a good space for the gathering: it means that if things get to be too too much, spock can request to leave entirely and they can reboard the ship. however, he's relaxed (for him) as they walk the corridors to the event hall the party's being held in, and he glances over at their linked arms, then over to jim's face before he answers the question. ]
It is relevant to my fields of study, and as the chief science officer, I deemed it appropriate to make an appearance. I am gratified to be able to attend with you as a consequence.
[ the doors slide open as they approach and there are enough people already present for spock and jim to make a quiet, mostly unnoticed entrance for now. spock's grateful for that, too, so that he can get his bearings in the social space. ]
I will likely be—
[ he doesn't get to finish his sentence, because you know what happens next? A Guy Shows Up. a super megahot vulcan babe, actually, who is clearly zeroing in on spock in particular in a typically vulcan intense way for his greeting.
spock blinks, clearly taken slightly aback, and before he responds, he says: ]
Jim, this is V'Raht, a scientist with whom I collaborated relatively recently on a paper regarding reintroducing pollenators to inhospitable biomes. V'Raht, this is Jim Kirk, my partner.
[ which is not how spock would like to introduce him, but it had been decided early that while things are still nebulous around jim, it's the title with the most plausible deniability should anyone confuse the two jims.
in general, spock likes to remain private about these kinds of things anyway, but he's trying his best to meet in the middle in regards to relationship secrecy and frankly, he hopes it will keep others from bothering him. ]
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[Patient, and yet flattered that Spock speaks so assuredly about Jim's attractiveness. Don't get him wrong--Jim knows what he looks like. But it doesn't stop the man form having insecurities. Having his mega hot younger partner find him as attractive as he does? It's a nice little ego boost.
It's strange to be wearing a dress uniform that makes him look like he's retired rather than active duty Starfleet. There's no rank braids on it. Every so often he reaches over to straighten them despite them being fine. It just feels weird not to have them. But he's a pretty closely guarded secret right now, so it can't be helped.
And it's not his career that should be the focus of anyone's conversation here.]
Makes sense.
[He'd just been about to ask Spock which of his more recent experiments, if any, he was planning on taking about if anyone got curious enough to engage him in small talk when they're approached. And Jim's kneejerk reaction? Is just casual friendliness. Because wow this guy is aesthetically hot as hell and Jim can appreciate it even if he has no interest.
Wild that for a gathering so focused on being a 'couples' event this guy's running stag. But well. Vulcan. Maybe he's in a similar spot Spock seemed to be in. Maybe Jim's projecting but the guy seemed almost shocked Spock came here with anyone.]
Good to meet you, V'Raht.
Jim Kirk.
[A simple statement. A clarification of greeting. And then brushed aside entirely. He turns to face Spock more fully.]
I am gratified you determined this a satisfactory use of your time, Spock. It is preferable to speak presently than to rely on subspace channels.
[Jim's brows raise a little. Thirty seconds in and the science talk is starting. But the vibes? No, no he's just being stupid. There's no way, right?]
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[ mildly. it might sound rude to others, but it's polite enough for a vulcan. spock stands at an idle, relaxed parade rest for now, satisfied to stand by jim while discussing his work with v'raht in his presence.
and for spock, it does seem like a normal conversation. he even tries to make a point to explain the scientific intricacies to jim, who he trusts to understand with minimal prompting due to his intelligence; his lack of knowledge of the project is simply due to it not being a previous conversation point.
v'raht, however, seems to be taking the discussion much more personally, or at least that's the vibe he gives off. not in an aggressive way, but the slant of his conversational tactics looks a whole hell of a lot like how spock gets when he's flirting with jim over a chess game.
it's just that spock is studiously treating the conversation as usual and not engaging otherwise while the other scientist seems to be trying to 'ramp it up' periodically and get a very specific kind of attention out of spock. he's also very familiar, like this isn't a new occurrence, and on top of that he seems almost mystified that spock isn't taking the bait, as it were.
what weird vibes! one might even say they could perhaps be just a little rancid. spock doesn't seem uncomfortable, though, just like he wants to focus on the science. ]
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Sure, the incline in posture is probably due to interest in the subject matter more than anything else, but Jim's eye twitches all the same. This guy is INTO the research and his excitement is palpable. Does he have to be so goddamn close though? It's taking more effort than Jim would like not to scowl. Not to interrupt.
Eventually he cracks. Jim winces at the edge in his own voice and forces some midwestern passive aggressive friendliness into his voice to cover up his almost sounding like he wanted to pick a fight for half a second there.]
Sorry, When exactly did this happen? I had no idea you were working on a research paper.
'Worked'. Previous tense. Indicating an action that has already completed. [Okay Jim shoots V'raht a Look for that.] Though I would find further collaboration gratifying. Previous results have proven an effective compatibility in research.
[Excuse?????? No, no no. Hold on. 'Gratifying' is the big horny code word. What the fuck????]
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[ spock's tone is still even, but there's something about it: v'raht's meaning was clear, but spock is doubling down on the pedantry and corrections in a way he doesn't with other people and in a manner in which he certainly doesn't correct jim in their conversations, where if he requires clarification he simply asks for it.
he pauses over the rest of the commentary though, not awkward or delicate but definitely pointed. ]
While I found our compatibility to be adequate and I am certain you would find further collaboration gratifying, you are aware that my additions to the project were only required in preliminary stages and this was relayed to you early enough in the process for you to find a suitable replacement for a research partner.
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It's good, he supposes, that Spock had his research to keep busy with. Because surely it's just research and Jim's reading too much into this. They're Vulcans talking shop at a science event. He's so in his own head he almost misses Spock's remark. It surprises him then and he doesn't hide his chuckle quickly enough. V'raht is giving Him a look this time and Jim shakes his head quickly.]
Nah, sorry about that.
[The Vulcan kinda looks pissed though and it's as Jim's about to turn for the drinks table to fetch them something that he freezes on the spot. He'd laughed because it sounded like Spock was making a dig at the guy about his skills in bed. And that's exactly what they were talking about.
This motherfucker thought he'd show up to a couples event and what? Spock would just fall to his knees and suck the guy off just like that??? These two fucked. Spock brough Jim here to talk to his superhot Vulcan ex who clearly still wants a shot. Superhot Vulcan Ex who is hot, smart, LOCAL, and so DTF it's not even funny. He's chewed on the inside of his cheek so hard he's drawn blood.
Here he's been dragging his heels on even committing to the idea of himself DATING Spock and the guy had options coming out of every cupboard. Jim swallows.]
And what science does Jim Kirk specialize in? [V'raht replies coolly. He has never heard of such a human. Unsurprising given he's, well. Human. But surely Spock isn't insinuating that he's less compatible than this man.]
Spock's the genius. I'm no slouch where it comes to computer sciences, but even there he's got me beat.
[Jim barely hears himself talking. He's not about to blow their cover but it's So Hard to be normal when he wants to drag this stupidly attractive asshole out of the event entirely instead of leaning into Spock's space like this now that he's Convinced they've fucked before.]
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spock brought jim with him to this event both because he wants to spend time with him and because he likes to show him off a little, sure. it wasn't an intended jab against the vulcan scientist pissing him off right now originally, but it feels like it should be now, if v'raht continues to act as irrationally as he did upon spock's initial severing of their brief...
relationship is not the right word. fling, perhaps. spock had been clear from the beginning, even, that it would be temporary. but here they are, and the other vulcan's tone when he questions jim's credentials hits something in spock's spine that makes his side clench in anger that he has to exhale slowly to be able to contain properly. ]
One of Jim's [ pointedly familiar with only his first name, voice low, ] habits is underselling his own abilities in this way. While he is not employed in the sciences, he's remarkably innovative. He is not so tied to previous findings or what should be when it comes to problem-solving that it hinders his ability. Particularly, his ability to find solutions where traditional means would dictate there are none is fascinating.
[ again, pointed. fascinating. there are few words more clear in intent than that when spoken in this context by a vulcan. ]
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Goddammit, this asshole is ruining this whole event Spock's been stressing over for the last Month. V'raht finally deigns to glance at Jim in what the man can only describe as the most disdainful expression he's ever seen before fully regarding Spock once more.
A human, more intriguing than a Vulcan partner? He did not know Spock had a sense of humor.]
Of course bias towards one's original hypothesis should never stifle concrete data, however, methodology exists because it has been proven. I find it highly irregular that you would put so much stock into unproven strategies over what opportunities could be had among your own peers. It's frankly a waste of your potential--
[Jim's eyebrows lift. His jaw ticks. He's going to punch this guy--]
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[ it's spoken firmly on the immediate tail end of the othe vulcan's statement. spock shifts his weight almost imperceptibly, edging between v'raht and jim because he can feel the particular brand of tension emanating off of jim and wants to circumvent it. better to prevent a scene, to get in the way, remind everyone that things are taken care of— ]
Allow me to clarify. I find it surprising that you would debase yourself in such a way when you have proven your ability to rise above your status among our peers. Perhaps you are more like your father than you would like to admit.
[ the silence is deafening but only for a split-second, the time it takes for spock to take a single step forward and punch v'raht so hard in the face that he stumbles. in the shocked silence, this one lingering, in the after math, spock speaks. his voice is steady and even and carries. ]
While Ambassador Sarek and I rarely agree, I will note that your persistence in pursuing me beyond all reason proves his 'unproven strategy' of bonding with my mother to have viable, desired results. In light of this, I find a comparison to him unobjectionable. In fact, you may say what you like about me. It matters little, if any. However, I object to your commentary that partnering with a human, be the case my father with my mother or myself with my partner, is a debasement. It also heavily implies that you view partnering with me to be a debasement of yourself. I assure you this is not the case, as you were not the one 'slumming it,' as I have heard it put, in our arrangement.
[ this is probably about when they should go. or at least leave the room so spock can cool off. so they can both cool off? so someone can cool off. ]
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He blinks twice. Well. Jim didn't get to punch the bastard, but Spock's handled it for him. He turns on his heel and shoots Spock a glance over his shoulder.]
I think I need some fresh air. Walk with me?
[Feels real stupid he was even Jealous of this jackass the way Spock talks about him now. Seems hottie hot Vulcan was barely more than tepid past the body department.]
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[ because as soon as jim is moving, so is spock. he falls into step next to jim, the picture of calm again, hands clasped behind him as they walk. it isn't until they're out in the carefully-tended gardens edging the venue that spock speaks, his voice low. ]
I apologize. I was unaware that V'Raht would make his presence so unavoidable. I erroneously assumed he would be intelligent enough to 'read the room,' as I have heard it described, and not realizing that he would make a point to do the opposite is my failing.
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[Jim doesn't expect him to be hurt and it's not what he Wants to say, but until they're out somewhere private he doesn't feel like talking about it. An unease that doesn't entirely feel contained to him but that Jim doesn't fight either. Spock's fine. They're fine.
And the gardens are nice enough. Sigh.]
He wouldn't have gotten so haughty if I hadn't butted in, probably.
[Jim says. He lifts a hand to rub at the back of his neck.]
So. That's on me, too.
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[ quiet, still low, and back to the calm warmth that spock holds for jim whenever they speak.
as for the rest of what jim says once they're alone, spock's brows briefly knit together before he turns toward the older man, his hand settling at his waist in a way at least a little proprietary. ]
His inability to honor the parameters set for him previously and subsequent inability to control his emotions and reactions are not something you are at fault for, Jim. To be blunt, it is not your problem that he could not handle rejection. [ a beat, and then: ] Even before the Montgomeries Scott were able to ensure the ability to physically inhabit the same space again, I was extremely clear with him that he was nothing more than a brief— [ what word to use? ] —Distraction.
[ from the palpable misery he'd been in knowing the person who shared his soul would be impossible to have. ]
I am aware that may reflect badly on me. I did not handle our separation well after we met in person.