#also interesting to have SPOCK be the one to comfort the hurting ensign

[lichqueenlibrarian]

Don’t let guilt crush you

[indeedcaptain]

Spirktober 2023, day 8: Matchmaker

Remember the good ole days when I could successfully tell a story in under 2,000 words? Yeah, me too. Here is my pass at a matchmaker spirk fic, featuring: Nyota getting what she wants and deserves, the fun of hurt/comfort without having to write action scenes, and Bones being the best.

Also posted on AO3 here!

☆☆☆

Leonard dropped his lunch tray onto the table across from her with just a hint more aggression than normal, and she knew that she was in for an entertaining if not entirely unbiased accounting of someone’s audacity.

 Leonard McCoy was not one to hide his complaints from others (one of the nurses was keeping a tally of “I’m a doctor, not an X” statements and there was a long-standing betting pool on which occupations would get mentioned), but Nyota considered herself privileged to be one of the only people to whom he confided identifying information. 

“That boy is going to be the death of me, Uhura,” he grumbled, and stabbed a fork into the saddest replicated salad she had ever seen. She hummed empathetically and continued to eat her soup while he got his legs under him, so to speak, for whatever monologue was sure to follow. 

“Full of spit and vigor, too much courage for his own good, but not a lick of the common sense that God gave a rock. One of the most handsome men on the Enterprise, even if that’s not to my taste, but I’ve heard enough of the ensigns crying over him to their friends at one point or another in the maintenance closets. Hasn’t dated seriously in years, despite desperately wanting to be in a relationship, and yet! And yet! When he comes to me and says, ‘Bones, I’ve fallen in love and I think it might be the forever-type,’ and I say, ‘Well, you damn fool, aren’t you going to say something?’ And He says,” and Bones pressed his lips together in a manner that made his eyes seem more protuberant than normal. “And he says, ‘No, I don’t think I will!’ Can you believe it?”

“No, I can’t,” Nyota murmured, and she smiled conspiratorially at him. She started narrowing down the list of candidates. One of the most handsome men on the Enterprise could be any number of people, depending on one’s proclivities, but she knew Leonard liked a blonde as much as the next man. Courage, with no common sense? Well, every man on the Security staff, certainly, and most of the bridge crew besides. But who among them were unpartnered? 

“You know him,” Leonard said, accusatory, and jabbed his fork in her direction. “You know that he would be a wonderful husband to anyone who didn’t mind playing second fiddle to the Enterprise.”  

“I know,” she said, though she didn’t. “But good luck finding someone who doesn’t mind competing with and losing to a ship.” 

“That’s the worst part! Or the best, depending on which way you look at it.” 

“What makes you say that?” 

“He’s in love with maybe the only person more dedicated to his duty than he is.” 

There was a little click in the back of Nyota’s head, similar to the sensation she felt when the puzzle pieces of a language’s syntax slotted into place for her. Leonard finished his salad and tossed his fork down onto his tray. He pressed both palms to the table and leaned towards her. She leaned in towards him, unwilling to miss a single syllable or inflection. She had to know. 

“Let me tell you, Miss Uhura,” Leonard said, and stood up. “Mr. Spock is going to leave our damned captain high and dry if he can’t buck up the courage to say something before some nice Vulcan woman tries to fill T’Pring’s shoes.” 

Confirmation. Nyota did not let her face show that this was new information to her. “But what if Spock doesn’t love him in return?”

Leonard scoffed. “Find me a man who looks at anyone the way Spock looks at Kirk and tell me that he isn’t in love.” He nodded to her, bussed his tray, and vanished through the officers’ mess doors back down the hallway that led to Medbay. 

The Captain was in love with Spock? 

Well, that was certainly interesting news. She would have to pay closer attention to the way that Spock looked at Kirk in return. If she couldn’t read Spock’s body language better than anyone else on this ship, she would resign her commission and go home. She considered Spock a good friend, and he had never mentioned anything to her about being smitten, though she didn’t think Vulcans had a word for anything close to that. But would he mention it at all? Or would he prefer to keep it to himself, if he had developed romantic feelings for someone?

She resolved herself to acquire new information, solely through legitimate means, of course, to determine if Leonard’s gossip was true. And she was only going to collect information. She had a policy against meddling in the affairs of others. If they couldn’t work it out on their own, that was their business. 

☆☆☆

Nyota watched Kirk and Spock carefully over the next three shifts. They were respectful of each other, perfectly matched teammates. Spock balanced Kirk’s more impulsive decisions, and Kirk’s nonlinear thinking pattern pushed Spock to consider the merits of new ideas. They were good for each other, as they had been for years. But it was only as she watched them carefully that she witnessed how Kirk looked at his first officer when his back was turned. The captain, under Spock’s careful gaze, was professional, warm, guarded. The moment Spock had turned away, or turned his formidable focus on someone else, Kirk’s eyes softened, his smile relaxed. He was in deep. 

What Nyota could not tell, though, was whether or not Spock felt similarly. He allowed Kirk his friendly touches --- a hand on the shoulder, a tap on the arm --- but tolerating the easy affection did not necessarily imply that he welcomed it. When he looked at the captain, Nyota could easily see his affection and respect. But was that friendship? Or something more?

When Spock requested the pleasure of her company in his quarters a few days later, she readily accepted. This was not an unusual request, as he had been teaching her the Vulcan lute and she was introducing him to Earth’s classical music, but she had never before approached their time with a covert mission. When she arrived, he replicated her a cup of the tea she preferred (chamomile, with lavender and honey) and brought down his lute from its place on his bookshelf. They had been working through children’s songs, but she was finally starting to feel as though her fingers knew where to go. In exchange, she introduced him to a new one of her favorite pieces: the overture to Swan Lake. He liked dark music, minor keys, percussive stringed instruments, and she thought he might enjoy the melancholy nature of it. 

“It is beautiful art,” he said, when the last notes had died away. 

“It is usually accompanied by ballet. We should see if any theaters nearby perform it on our next shore leave,” she said. “We could have a night on the town.” 

“I would enjoy that,” he said. There was something in his tone that few others would have perceived; a distance. He was distracted by something. It must have been a heavy thought indeed, to distract the unflappable Vulcan. 

“Spock,” she said gently, rewriting her body language to be inviting, calming, uninvasive. “Is there anything you would like to discuss?” 

He glanced up at her from his lute, which he held carefully. His eyes and body said yes but his mouth said, “No, Nyota. Thank you.” 

The set of his shoulders was so determinedly miserable that she decided a little pushing might go a long way, even if he chastised her for her intrusion later. She had learned long ago the human aspects of his mind needed community even if he didn’t know how to ask for it. “Are you sure? I don’t mean to intrude, but you seem a little… distracted.” 

He held her gaze for a minute, deciding. She kept her face on the caring side of neutral. After a period of consideration, he sighed quietly through his nose. 

“I have been changed,” he said. She felt the corner of her mouth twitch, but hid it. 

“What do you mean?” 

He plucked one string on the lute, the note dissonant on its own. “I did not believe it to be possible for me. After T’Pring chose the kal-if-fee and I nearly destroyed the captain, I did not consider finding a compatible mind to be possible or probable.” He looked up at her. “But I have discovered a compatible mind on the Enterprise; so close to my own that if we were to meld, I believe a bond would form spontaneously.”

“Spock,” she gasped. “That’s wonderful. Why are you speaking like this is a bad thing?”

“This is a bad thing, Nyota,” he said gently. “What human would submit to the possession of a mating bond?” 

“Your mother did,” she said. “Someone who loved you might.” 

“I could never bear to take away his freedom. And,” Spock paused. He closed his eyes. “I do not think that this person is. Interested. In me. In men.” 

Kirk, you enormous idiot. “Have you asked him?” 

“It has not come up in casual conversation on the bridge, no,” he said. So it was someone on the bridge crew. It couldn’t be anyone but the captain, right? She did not think that Sulu would be Spock’s type. Swords were an illogical weapon of choice. 

“We do frequently talk about sex on the bridge,” she pointed out. “But some people --- two in particular --- do not participate at all, because you’re both consummate professionals.” 

Spock gave her a warning glare, but she had to be sure. “If I am following your meaning, which I think I am, it would not be logical to assume that, just because he has not expressly stated that he is interested in men, the interest does not exist.”

“I am unwilling to entertain any hope on this front. I believe it would be detrimental to our working relationship.” He did not contradict her on her assumption. Bingo.

“It could strengthen it beyond your imagination,” she pointed out.

“The risk is too high. I will not compromise our friendship for anything in this universe or any other.”

“I know, Spock. But this could be something beautiful for you both. You’ll never know unless you ask him,” she said. “Maybe he feels the same way you do, feels your compatibility, and thinks that you’re not into him. You’re not exactly an open book.”

“And yet I am to you, dear Nyota,” he said, and now she could see the twinkle of warmth in his eye. She knew in her bones that Spock would be a wonderful partner. She had even considered him for herself at one point, before deciding that she was looking for a distinctly more feminine energy. She knew that if he and Kirk managed to get over their egos and fears and talk to each other, the brilliance of their partnership --- their marriage --- would rival the stars in the sky. 

“Will you please talk to him?” she asked. “I simply want you to be happy.”

“I know,” he said. “But I want him to be happy.” 

In light of new information, Nyota thought that she might have to reconsider her policy of nonintervention.

☆☆☆

Leonard was already seated at their typical lunch table when Nyota arrived. She had been caught up in a particularly knotty translation, and the captain had been concerned their newest encryption level had already been broken. She was running late, and feeling agitated, and was unwilling to beat around the bush any longer.

“Len,” she said. “I need your assistance.”

“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow at her tone. “Is there a bee in your bonnet?”

“There is,” she said. She dropped her voice. “Has Kirk talked to you any more about his feelings?”

“Only every weekend for the past six months.” 

“And there’s been no change?” 

Leonard gave her a side-eyed glance. “What’s it to you, Miss Uhura?” 

She sighed and prepared to lay her cards on the table. “Correct me if I’m wrong. But the captain is in love with Mr. Spock.” 

“Yes,” he said quietly. 

“But he won’t say anything because he’s a professional, because Spock is Vulcan and allergic to public emotions, and because he values their friendship too much to mess it up. Am I still on track?” Leonard looked suspicious, but he nodded. “I have it on good authority that Spock feels the same, but won’t act on it because he doesn’t want to subject Mr. Flights of Fancy to an unbreakable marriage bond.” 

Leonard’s eyes widened. Then he frowned. “So Spock feels so strongly about the captain that he would bond with him, but won’t say anything because he doesn’t want to force the captain to commit. And Kirk feels so strongly about Spock that he wants to commit to, and I quote, a ‘forever kind of love,’ but he won’t say anything because he doesn’t want to subject Spock to having to deal with his feelings.”

“That seems to be the case.” 

Leonard frowned again, deeper, etching every line in his face into stone, before howling with laughter and smacking his knee. “Those two idiots deserve each other,” he said, wiping his eyes when he could breathe again. He took a deep breath. “So how are we going to do this?”

Nyota grinned. Despite his grouchy exterior, she knew she could count on Leonard to be in cahoots immediately. “Listen,” she said. “I’ve read a lot of romance novels, and wooed a man or two. Here’s what I was thinking.” 

☆☆☆

Step 1: Forced Proximity (Completed)

Nyota was on her third translated Andorian poem of her promised five when the conniving crewman she’d enlisted instant-messaged her. 

> Lt. Karros: K in position. I pulled some wires - no real damage, but annoying warning signals. S being sent to investigate.

>NUhura: Thank you! Keep me updated. Poems being sent soon. 

> Karros: THANK YOU 

She bent her head back to her translations -- credits would be too easy to track, so in exchange for Lieutenant Karros’s assistance with her project, she had offered to translate some poetry from Andorian to Standard for Karros’s nefarious purposes. And by ‘nefarious,’ Nyota meant only that Karros’s attempts to woo an Andorian stationed on another ship were sweet if ill-timed. Far be it from her to criticize the desires of the heart. 

>Karros: K and S both in position. Jeffries tube sealed. 

>NUhura: [Attachment: Do You Trust This Sender? Cybersecurity Is Everyone’s Prime Directive.] andorianpoems1-3.pdf.

>NUhura: Good work :) more to come! 

When the “assistance requested” message came through from the maintenance panel in the tube Kirk and Spock had been trapped in together, Uhura set up a pretty little software package that sent the request on a very circuitous route through the Enterprise’s brain before arriving at Commander Scotty’s workstation. She didn’t intend to leave the boys in there for long; just enough to get some quality face-to-face time. 

By the time the captain and Spock appeared on the bridge, Nyota had translated the last two poems, sent them off to her new favorite Security personnel, and schooled her face and body to reveal nothing except a friendly relief that they had arrived. Body language was a language unto itself and Nyota was nothing if not an exemplary communications officer, after all. Kirk’s eyes were light and his face was twisted up in a grin, and even Spock was not at his most austere. Preliminary success, she thought, and she smiled prettily and innocently at Spock when he looked her way. 

Step 2: Hurt/Comfort (Failed successfully?)

Having a new relationship to look forward to on the ship was quickly becoming one of the joys of Nyota’s life. Leonard had deputized Christine Chapel to help Nyota brainstorm and scheme after he kicked Nyota out of his office, shouting, “I’m a doctor, not a kidnapper!” after she tried to convince him to give her chloroform. Despite Christine’s quiet demeanor, she had a wicked sense of humor and few qualms about emotional manipulation. Nyota discovered, to her delighted surprise, that she and Christine also had a very similar taste in novels, especially regarding certain flavors of pulp fiction from twentieth-century Earth.

She and Christine had been planning their next move in her quarters --- figuring out how to lock Kirk and Spock into their quarters without alerting Scotty or giving them time to escape through their conveniently shared bathroom --- when the red alert went off. All thoughts of romance fled from her mind as Christine ran to Medbay and Nyota sprinted to the bridge. 

“The Klingons beat us here,” Sulu said grimly as she skidded into her seat, kicking her hapless relief off the bridge. She jammed her earpiece in and closed her eyes to concentrate. His Klingon abilities were good, but hers were better. 

Spock and the captain had beamed down on what was supposed to be a quick check-in on implementation of a treaty that had recently been signed between the Federation and the planet’s government, and their mission had gone to shit almost immediately. The governor was dead, it seemed, her seat filled by a Klingon general whose name she recognized from horrible reports of cruelty on other planets. Her stomach turned to lead as she translated his grunts, coming through Spock’s open comm, full of static and wrath. 

Then, she found that she suddenly did not need to translate any longer, because General V’Tar had switched to Standard. 

“Uhura, what’s happening?” Scotty, acting captain, clenched the arms of the center chair. She switched the audio from her earpiece into the overhead speakers so the rest of the bridge crew could hear. Clever Spock had left his comm line open so that they could hear what was going on. 

“You intend to colonize a planet for resources your ships don’t even use? What good does that do you?” Jim, unflappable in the face of danger, sounded genuinely curious. 

“This isn’t about resources, Captain Kirk,” V’Tar said. “This is about you.” Nyota’s stomach dropped. Something was about to go very wrong.

“About me?” Confusion, and the slightest hint of worry leaked into Kirk’s words. Nyota’s hand flew to her mouth. She could hear it in V’Tar’s voice: they had been set up. She pulled up everything that she could find about V’Tar on her console and scanned through his known history. Oh no. Oh no.

She called Chekov. “Pavel, you have to get them out right now! The Klingons are here for revenge!”

“I’m trying, I’m trying! The signal is weak --- I almost got them!” 

“Uhura, explain.” Scotty’s voice was strained with tension. 

“This general was on Organia --- Spock embarrassed the Klingons when the mind sifter didn’t work --- this was a trap!” 

Over the comm, V’Tar said, “Klingons believe that the leader is responsible for the behavior of all subordinates. What do you think, Captain Kirk?” 

Uhura heard Kirk gauge his response, and he inhaled before saying, “Well, I think---” 

“I disagree,” Spock said. 

“Oh?” V’Tar said. “You disagree, hybrid trash?” Nyota snarled. 

“The captain did not ruin your mind machine,” Spock said calmly. “I did.” 

“Commander, be quiet,” Jim said. His voice was brittle. 

“I almost got them, almost,” Chekov said. “One more second, medical on standby-”

“I’ve wanted to put your dog down for years, Captain Kirk,” said V’Tar.

“I’ve got them!” Chekov cried. A disruptor fired. Spock exhaled sharply. Kirk cried out, “No!” Spock’s comm link dropped. 

There was silence on the bridge. Then Chekov’s voice over the comms: “Got them!” 

Scotty roared, “Take us out, Mr. Sulu!” Nyota tossed her earpiece onto her console and dashed into the turbolift. “Transporter!” 

The transporter room was in pure chaos. There was a pack of nurses surrounding someone prone on the transporter pad. Nyota heard Leonard’s voice, steady in the storm, calling for hypos and hands and support. “Three, two, one - lift!” A collective surge of movement --- six nurses, led by Leonard, ran for the turbolift. His hands were covered in green blood. Someone called, “Medbay!” The door slid shut and whisked them away.

Nyota turned back to the pad. Jim knelt where he had been revealed, arms resting on his thighs in front of him. He stared into the middle distance, face slack with shock. There was green blood across his uniform, dripping down his fingers, sprayed up onto his jaw and the side of his neck. 

“Hi, captain,” she said, and stepped up to kneel next to him. “Can you look at me?” His face turned towards hers, but his eyes were unfocused, staring somewhere over her shoulder. 

“He…” 

“I know, honey.” 

“He took that shot for me.” 

“I know, honey.” 

Finally, Jim’s eyes met hers. Her heart broke for him. “Why would he do that?” 

Because he loves you. “You need to ask him that. But I think you know.” 

He shook his head, and Nyota could see unshed tears shining in his eyes. 

“Yes,” she said. “You have to promise me that when he pulls through, you’re going to have a conversation with him about it.” She stood and tugged on his arm, and he came pliantly with her. “Promise me,” she insisted. 

“I promise,” he said, and he let her tow him to Medbay, let her wash off his hands and scrub Spock’s blood off his neck and face, and she held his hand as they both sat outside the surgical suite. 

Leonard stepped out three hours later, more haggard than Nyota had ever seen him. They stood together, and when Jim squeezed her hand a little too tightly she didn’t complain. 

“Bones, please,” Jim said. 

“You’re a damn fool, Jim Kirk. When he comes out of the trance, you are going to tell him.” At ‘trance,’ Jim and Nyota sagged with relief against each other. 

“Who died and made you captain?” Jim muttered, but he stepped in and hugged Leonard tightly before he had even had the chance to wash his hands. After Leonard walked away to scrub down and a little more of the tension had left Jim’s shoulders, he gave Nyota a side-eye. “You and Bones wouldn’t happen to have collaborated on your very specific instructions just now, would you?”

“No, sir,” she said innocently. 

“Good,” he said, hands on his hips, and then he dropped the posturing. He scrubbed one broad hand across his face and looked up at the ceiling before looking back at her. He said quietly, “I had convinced myself that, as long as he hadn’t turned me down, I still had a chance. I wasn’t ready to lose that yet.” 

What could she say that wouldn’t directly betray Spock’s trust? She was saved from responding by the blessed appearance of Christine, who said, “Would you like to see him?” They followed her down a hallway to a private room. As Nyota passed Christine, the taller woman passed a soothing hand down her back, and Nyota turned back to smile at her. Christine smiled sadly at her and shut the door behind them. 

Spock looked so small, lying in the hospital bed. Nyota had never known him as anything but stalwart and steady, her closest friend on the Enterprise. She heard Jim stifle a noise in his throat. Spock’s chest rose and fell, but the majority of it was wrapped in bandages. Bruising spread in green lines like lightning away from the puncture wound, and he was developing black eyes from the trauma of impact. 

“Spock,” Jim said miserably. There were two chairs, one on either side, and Nyota steered him to one before taking the other. They sat in silence with Spock as his body healed, until there was a knock at the door some time later. 

“Lieutenant Uhura, we need you,” Chekov said. His eyes flicked from her to Jim to Spock. She stood immediately. “Thank you, Pavel,” she said. She bent down, pressed her lips to Spock’s forehead and thought at him, Heal fast. I love you. Then she walked to the door. 

Something compelled her to look back. Jim sat with his head cradled in his hands. “Jim,” she said softly, holding the door. He looked up at her, and the naked emotion in his eyes was almost too much to translate. “I don’t think he would mind if you touched him. It might bring him comfort.” 

The hope in Jim’s eyes made her heart constrict, and she turned away. As the door closed behind her, she saw Jim slide his hand into Spock’s where it lay near the edge of the bed, and he pressed his forehead into Spock’s arm. “Don’t leave me,” he said, muffled by the stiff cotton sheets. She left them to it. 

Step 3: ????

Nyota and Scotty reported the events with the Klingons to Starfleet HQ. “Well, that’s a disappointment,” Admiral April huffed, and shuffled the papers on his desk. “That planet had strategic promise. But I’m glad that Commander Spock will make a full recovery.”

“We are as well, sir,” Scotty said. 

“Thank you for checking in. Keep us appraised of any more unexpected conflict, and try not to start any fights.”

“A lady doesn’t start fights,” Nyota said primly. 

“But she finishes them, hmm, Lieutenant?” Admiral April’s eyes sparkled before he nodded to them and cut the connection. 

“He’s got your number, missy,” Scotty said, and chucked her affectionately on one shoulder. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, and followed him back to the bridge. They had warped to a clear patch of space, a safe distance from any contentious areas, and were awaiting future orders. In the meantime, Scotty had requested downtime for repairs and Nyota was updating the ship’s records on V’Tar and this sector to reflect the day’s events. 

Her padd pinged with an instant message. 

> CC: He’s awake!

Step 4: Profit

In the spirit of allowing Kirk and Spock to at least start the very necessary conversation between them, she allowed for thirty minutes between Christine’s message and her arrival. Nyota thought that she might have left skid marks on the clean tile floors of Medbay if she had raced in any faster after those thirty minutes were up. She didn’t see Christine or Leonard, and the nurses who did see her didn’t stop her from running back to the private room where she had left Kirk and Spock six hours previously. 

She knocked. “Enter,” came Spock’s voice. She allowed herself to melt with relief at his solid, steady tone for one moment before collecting herself and letting herself in. 

They were beautiful. Kirk sat in the chair that she had left him in, but his spine was straight now, and his shoulders were broad and square. The light had returned to his eyes, and his mouth curved in an easy smile. His right hand was on his hip, angling him towards her in the doorway, but his left hand was on the bed. More accurately, it was clasped between both of Spock’s, held in Spock’s lap. Spock was sitting upright, the healthy green flush returned to his cheeks. Though both eyes were still blacked and his entire torso was wrapped in bandages, he sat up straight, his composure returned. His eyes, when they met Nyota’s and then slid to Kirk’s, were warm and crinkled at the edges - the happiest she had ever seen him. And was that the slightest hint of a smile that tugged at one corner of his mouth? Leonard leaned against the wall on the other side, arms crossed against his chest, one hand gesturing in a way that made her think that she had interrupted a lecture. 

Oh, her beloved, stubborn, frustrating brothers. “I believe we may owe you a debt of gratitude, Lieutenant,” Kirk said, smiling. She waved off the idea and took the seat between Spock and Leonard. Len squeezed one shoulder, and she patted it. 

“You can make it up to me by scheduling us for some shore leave, captain,” she said, and Kirk threw his head back and laughed. She brushed one hand along Spock’s forearm, thrilling at his warmth and vivacity. Spock called her “my dear Nyota,” and Leonard called her a mastermind, and Kirk didn’t say anything else about her scheming. 

Except for the presence of one little uncharitable thought in the back of her head, it was the best day of her year. 

Step 5: Complete Victory for the Secret Gamemaster

Leonard kicked Nyota out of Medbay after the shift change. She complained, “But you’re letting Kirk stay!” 

“Kirk is both the captain and Spock’s soon-to-be bondmate. You are neither of those things, and I think you might be wanted elsewhere.” 

She rolled her eyes. “I wish. See you in the morning, Leonard.” 

“Goodnight, darlin’,” he said, and he shut the turbodoor to Medbay behind her. Nyota took her sweet time wandering back to her quarters. She was so happy for Spock and Kirk, truly. She wanted nothing more than for them to find the love they both deserved in each other. But she didn’t think it was unreasonable for her to be the slightest bit jealous. The past few months had been wonderful, not because she loved to meddle, per se --- but because she had had compatriots. Meddlers-in-arms, after hours. She had had Christine. Now that their mission was complete, she wouldn’t have the same excuse to see Christine at odd hours, scheming in her quarters like they were having a sleepover. She found that the loss left her feeling bereft. 

After Nyota was done wandering the halls in her own little pity party, she let her feet take her back to her quarters. She was a grown woman, after all, and could attend to her own needs just fine. But there was someone standing in front of her door; a tall, leggy, beautiful someone. Christine straightened up when Nyota rounded the corner.

“This is a nice surprise,” Nyota said, and smiled up at her friend. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting.”

“I’m glad you think so,” Christine said, in that surprisingly deep voice that Nyota loved. Her grey eyes glinted in the harsh lights of the hallway. “May I come in?”

“Certainly,” Nyota said, and keyed open her door. She pulled off her boots and stood on the carpet in her stockinged feet, turning to face Christine. “What can I do for you?” 

“Nyota, I’ve so enjoyed the past few weeks.” 

“I have too,” she said. She watched Christine carefully, but Christine was the only person she couldn’t read. The woman was more stoic than Spock, not that she’d ever say that to either of them. Her shoulders were square, long arms clasped in front of her, weight balanced on both feet. Nyota smiled encouragingly. Is that all she had come here to say?

Christine took a step towards her. “I have always thought of you as a good friend, but I feel like I’ve discovered a new side of you since we’ve started spending time together off-shift.” She took another step forward. “It’s a side I like quite a lot.” 

Nyota felt her cheeks warm. Christine was a few inches taller than her, and each step forward made her have to tilt her head back to maintain eye contact. 

“If you don’t feel the same, I understand,” Christine said. “But if you do, I would like to continue to see you. Outside of the bridge and Medbay.” She took one final step. Her body language was now unmistakeable: if Nyota would let her, she would close the space between them. Nyota found that she wanted Christine to do it, very much. 

Nyota reached across the gap and took Christine’s hand. She smiled at her. “I would like that very much.” Christine stepped forward, laced their fingers together, and kissed her. Christine was warm, and soft, and feminine in the way that Nyota liked. The little sprig of disappointment that had discolored her joy earlier melted away as Christine lifted Nyota from the ground and carried her to the bed without breaking their kiss. 

Later, when Christine had stepped into the bathroom to brush her teeth before they went to sleep, Nyota checked her padd. She had one instant-message.

>RealMcCoy: You’re not the only matchmaker on the ship, you know 

>RealMcCoy: Tell Chapel I said hi :-)

Nyota’s jaw dropped open as she reread the message and processed the implications. McCoy had bowed out of the planning early in Operation Kirk and Spock. For months he had said, “I’m too busy for these games,” all the while knowing that Nyota and Christine would be spending more and more time together. 

>NUhura: YOU SLY DOG!!!

She and Christine sent him a case of Andorian ale. 

[mystery-star]

Actions speak louder than Words – Spock [SMUT]

Pairing: Spock x reader (female)

Warnings: Smut

Words: 3647

A/N: After talking to @elysiansith about Spock Smut, I just had to write this piece. Lol.

Please do not repost my work on other sites or platforms!

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Although you knew Spock would find it illogical that you worried about what he’d think you still couldn’t help it. You just had to ponder if your betrothed would like it that you agreed to go to a dinner with Lucas, a friend of yours. In the end you really had to tell yourself that it was just a dinner among friends and that he would need to accept that since it was your life. And deep within you also knew that Spock truly wouldn’t mind who your dinner partner was, after all you were wearing his engagement ring around your neck and not someone else’s. Yet it surprised you that when you were eating and laughing with the other Ensign, Spock asked if he could sit at your table as well

“Uh” your friend answered and you could see his struggle. Of course he didn’t want to be mean and he probably also didn’t dare to say no to a superior officer, although you were all off work now. And of course he also didn’t know of your relationship to the half-Vulcan. “Actually uh… we’ve been planning this for a long time. We just want some time for ourselves. It’s a date actually… I don’t know if you’re quite aware what this is but…” he trailed off and you glanced at him in surprise, not sure what to say. You had asked him if it was a date, of course more jokingly, and he had answered in the negative. There was a lump in your throat and you didn’t know what to do or say. Luckily, Spock reacted and sat down on one of the free chairs at the table for four. (Technically, Lucas could blame himself for not choosing a table for two)

“I am quite well aware of the definition of a date” he replied calmly as he picked up his spoon. You had to bite back a grin because Lucas face was hilarious “Besides, I do not believe that Ensign (Y/L/N) seems to be aware that you have intended for your meal to be a date”

“Well uh… but… most people first go on a date as friends before it is a real one. It may sound illogical to you but that’s what humans do. And many other species too that don’t care about logic. No offence” you could hear the desperate undertone and knew that he wanted to get rid of your fiancé yet not say it out aloud. Much to his dismay and your amusement, Spock started a short lecture about how important consent was and that he did not think it was a good idea if he ‘secretly’ had planned for this to be a date when you weren’t aware of this. “Alright look, I wanted to see how it goes before I ask her out officially. I didn’t want to ruin my chances”

“You do not stand a chance anyway” Spock said and while you knew it was true you had to admit it sounded mean.

“And how do you want to know that? I bet you’ve never asked someone out on a date and even if you did the person would be abnormal to say no. Unless they’re Vulcan too but I doubt Vulcans even do dates” Spock only raised an eyebrow and did exactly what you had thought he would do.

“(Y/N)” he said after turning to you “Would you agree to accompany me to a date tomorrow?” you chuckled

“Yes, I’d like that”

“You what? That’s not how it works, you can’t just ask her out. She’s my date” he grabbed his plate and glanced at you “Come on, let’s go” you glanced at Spock

“I…” you started

“Oh you want to be his date now? Fine” he spat “have fun with the talking robot”

“Luke” you hissed, not wanting to fight with him, besides, some people were already glancing into your direction and discussing

“I’ve never even been interested in you, just look at you, you’re not even attractive” you let out a huff

“Luke” you tried again “Stop the bullshit”

“Says the one who just agreed to a date with him. I’ve liked you for a long time but now, as I finally brought up the courage to ask you out, you choose him” you sighed

“I didn’t choose him. Well at least not now” you looked at your friend “We’re getting married when the five-year-mission is over” now it was easy to tell how had been listening to your conversation because said people either gasped, almost choked on their food, dropped whatever they were holding, let out another surprised sound or just were too baffled to do anything. And Luke was one who did the last thing. He stared at you with his jaw wide open.

“You-you…” you sighed

“Yes Luke, we’re betrothed” you placed a hand on Spock’s arm, gently rubbing it with a smile

“How is that possible?”

“From what I know of human courtship a couple will become engaged after they have agreed to marry each other. Therefore, (Y/N) has become my betrothed after accepting my proposal” Luke looked like he was about to say something but then he gave a weak nod and then left the mess hall. You sighed and looked after him, torn between staying and going after him.

“I made him angry” you muttered

“No, (Y/N). It has been my doing that drove him away, for which I apologize, as well as having interrupted your meal” he squeezed the hand that still was on his arm “For this reason, I shall do anything necessary to preserve your friendship with the Ensign” you smiled

“Thanks” you looked around, then turned to him “Maybe we should leave too… everyone’s staring” you mumbled “By tomorrow, almost everyone will know”

“That sounds quite likely. However, it is favorable since it will detain others from attempting to court you” you grinned and let go of him, whereupon he picked up his meal and got up. You did the same and followed him to his quarters, trying to ignore the looks of everyone else.

“But why did you come and join us?” you asked him once you were eating in his quarters

“After I have heard that he intended for your dinner to be a date, I found it logical to ensure that he would not attempt something you were not comfortable with” you smiled

“Or maybe” you continued “You were jealous or worried that I could leave you for him. I know you’ve once asked me if I’m really sure if I want to marry you because you could not give me what a human could” he raised an eyebrow “I think that maybe you don’t enjoy the fact that other men could want me the way you do because they don’t know I’m in a relationship” while you had meant not much by the words, except for a bit of playful teasing, you were surprised by his action. Abandoning his meal, he got up and came over to you, extending his hand to you. “What are you doing?”

“From your statements I have concluded that it might be necessary to remind a few males that you are not available for a relationship” you too got up, still not sure if he was thinking what you thought he was. However, when he pulled you closer and kissed you, you knew that he actually had had that idea in mind. You found yourself smiling and ran your fingers through his hair while he was pulling up the skirt of your uniform. After a while, you pulled away, wanting to take it off but he obviously misunderstood “In case I did something you do not approve of, I would like to apologize” you shushed him with a finger to his lips

“You’ve done nothing wrong. In contrary, I broke away so that we can take this even further” you smiled and slipped out of your uniform and tried to relieve him of his own too but he took hold of your wrists. Now it was your time to apologize but he didn’t let you finish by kissing you again and leading you to his bed. He gently lowered you onto it but before you laid down, he opened and took off your bra, letting it fall to the floor. It almost made you giggle, because he never dropped or threw something. Okay, you saw him throw something once on a planet; you had been more or less ambushed by some weird alien animals and all of the landing party had thrown stones at them what luckily scared them away. But when your fiancé’s lips moved along your neck to your chest your thoughts were back in the here and now. Since you had no more strength to stay in a sitting position, you lay down and tried to pull him even closer. He reacted with a deep growl which made you smile and shiver at the same time. At times you were still surprised that he did not think it was better to wait with sex until you were married. But he had told you what it meant to his people and that he would not do it lightly. To your dismay, he took his time with trailing kisses all over your chest while he let his hands roam over your abdomen or your thighs. “Spock” you whimpered, hoping he’d also do something to alleviate the burning between your thighs. You felt a low rumble vibrate through his chest and the he lifted his head, much to your disappointment “No” you whined, trying to move his head back to your body. “Please” he raised an eyebrow but complied.

“I am certain you are aware of the chemical and biological processes that occur within your body during coition” you had to pull yourself together to not roll your eyes. Of course he had tried to bring said process closer to you on several occasions and you felt like he had listed up all hormones that were involved. While the explanation had not really interested you back then, you enjoyed it more this time. You even had to bite back a giggle at his words and you wondered if that was supposed to be a form of dirty talk. Not that you minded though, it was quite pleasant to hear his voice while he was pleasuring you. What you didn’t like however, was how he told you to be patient because if he did not give your body enough time to prepare he would only hurt you. Now you couldn’t help an eye roll.

“But it sure doesn’t hurt me if you just touch me?” at first it seemed like he hadn’t even heard you or chose to ignore you but then he trailed his right hand, that was currently on your stomach lower and pulled down your underwear a bit. He lifted his head again to look into your eyes while he moved his hand to where you wanted it most and you threw your head back, letting out a weird grunting sound as you dug your fingers into his wrist. “Oh hell yes” you breathed, what caused him to raise an eyebrow and mutter something that most likely was ‘fascinating’. You wondered what he could find so fascinating, seeing that by now, he should know how you can react to his touch. And you too found that maybe it was time to make sure he got a move on as well. For that, you pulled his head down to yours and kissed him. When his left hand came up to the side of your face, you didn’t hesitate to grab it and lightly traced the pad of his first two fingers with the tip of your own. A wicked smile crept on your face when you noticed how he stilled and closed his eyes for a moment, obviously trying his best to stay in control but you weren’t done yet. Slowly, you brought his hands to your lips and started trailing kisses along the inside of his forefinger. Once you had reached the bottom and were on your way up he let out a growling sound.

“(Y/N)” he started but his voice broke off, probably because you now had his two fingers in his mouth. Among humans that surely was something playful, maybe even a bit sexy. For a Vulcan, however, it meant much more. Which was why you soon heard him mutter words under his breath and was trying to shuffle out of his clothing with just one hand. His actions made you grin and you released his hand, pulling his lips down to yours again while you grabbed the hem of his shirt to lift it over his head, which you only could when he parted from your lips. He also used that chance to rid himself of the rest of his clothing and before you knew it, also your panties were gone.

“What about the ‘I’ll hurt you if your body can’t prepare properly’ sorrows?” you teased

“Your actions have proven that you do not seem to mind” you smiled

“Well okay, you’ve got me there” you jerked your hips up, a silent plea to continue and to your relief he positioned himself and moved his hands to yours, pinning them down onto the mattress above your head and intertwined his fingers with yours. He only looked down at your for a while, prompting you to wiggle your eyebrows “That is all?” he raised his eyebrow and then pushed into you, making you squeeze his hands and let out a long moan. After a few gentle thrusts, your fiancé buried his face in the crook of his neck, obviously trying to accomplish his initial goal, to make others aware of the fact that you were taken. You wanted to do something as well but with his own lips trailing all over your neck, you couldn’t (better said didn’t want to) move your head too much and your hands were still pinned down. So basically all you could do was to wrap your legs around his thighs, trying to pull him closer to you. Finally, he released your hands and let his own wander along your chest, respectively stroking the side of your face with the other. “Spock?” you breathed and took his hand in yours, intertwining your fingers.

“Yes?” he asked pausing with his movements to look at you

“Don’t stop” you muttered, jerking up your hips slightly “But-but I just wanted to say that I love you” he raised an eyebrow and you feared that you had something wrong. A part of you whished you had not said it because you had told him before that you loved him but he had never really answered. Also today he seemed like he would not answer but then gave a nod and leant down to kiss you.

“I too wish to inform you that I hold great affection for you” you smiled

“You do know that’s the first time you reply to my ‘I love you?’”

“When you have expressed your feelings for me for the first time after we started our relationship, I have needed time in order to contemplate how I could best formulate what you mean to me” you smiled

“You mostly do that through actions. That counts too. Somehow even more than words” you leaned up to peck his lips “But speaking of actions” you chuckled and wiggled your hip again “Because as you’ve once told me, a woman can suddenly ‘lose’ all the progress she’s gained towards an orgasm if you stop for too long. And that could cause a problem for you because you promised me that you’d always hold back your own orgasm until I came. Because men don’t really ‘lose’ their progress that much if they stop. At least humans” you also knew that this probably wouldn’t be a problem for him. As a Vulcan, he could hold back his own orgasm for as long as he wanted. At times you even needed to tell him to just let go because he had been determined to go on for two rounds, at least two for you but you had convinced him that you liked it better if you both found release. He too seemed like he wanted to remind you about this but you shook your head and pressed a finger to his lips “Actions. Not words” you reminded him

“As you wish” he gave a nod and resumed his earlier pace while his right hand wandered to the side of your face, his fingers getting into position for a meld “May I?”

“Sure” you breathed and only moments later you were flooded with all of his feelings and sensations. Sometimes you didn’t know if that was what you liked most about having sex with him, to know exactly what he was feeling and thinking. And he too was an expert at reading you and sometimes knew what you wanted even before you did. It was especially helpful in the beginning when he had just sensed when he needed to stop or noticed that you were actually fine with something not even you had been too sure about before trying it out. One thing that did bother you a little, however, was that he always ended the mind meld a little after your orgasm because he didn’t want you to be overwhelmed by his own sensations, which could be quite intense apparently. Yet somehow you knew that he probably was right because even his actions were getting rather emotional and much unlike his controlled and composed self when he too approached his release. Somehow you didn’t want to know what must be going on inside his mind at that time. You felt his amusement and he mentally reminded you that you’d better focus on what was and not what could be “Right, sorry” you replied out loud.

“If you are getting distracted so easily I suppose it is imperative that I ensure it does not happen again” you swallowed and before you could even really process what exactly he meant, he increased his pace again while he let go of your face and moved his hand down to your clit again instead. You bucked your hips and as if he was not yet doing enough, Spock also brought his mouth back to the side of your neck, this time on the other than before. It felt like all the sensations were getting too much at the moment and you let out a muffled cry and tossed your head back. Apparently, Spock had thought he hurt you because he stilled for a short moment then continued his actions, even fiercer than before. You weren’t sure how you managed to handle all of it and were grateful that you could fist your hands in his sheets, to have something to keep you grounded or you’d have gone crazy. You started whimpering as you felt your orgasm approach. Of course also your fiancé noticed and while he got a little less fervent in his ministrations, he turned more sensual instead. Not much later, the bliss of your orgasm consumed you and only shortly after, Spock stopped altogether but stayed in the mind meld and wanted to know if you were okay. You could only answer after you had calmed down a bit.

“Yes” you breathed out and grabbed his wrist “But I’d be much happier if you continued to reach your release as well. I surely told you that every time” you pulled his head down to peck his lips. He responded with a nod and then ended your meld before he resumed thrusting into you until he too came with a deep growl against your neck. For a moment he stayed like that, trying to steady his breathing, before he let go of you and lay down beside you, pulling you against him so that your chest rested against his. He leaned his forehead against yours, making you smile “Thank you” you whispered, gently stroking the side of his face, then letting your hand wander over his neck to his chest.

“You do not need to thank me, (Y/N)” he replied, burying his nose in your hair. You moved your hand down to his heart which still beat even faster than usual

“I suppose I should go and get cleaned while you can have a moment to yourself to bring your emotions into order and let logic overrule all else” you teased, ruffling his hair with a giggle.

“We can do so later as well. I wish to hold you for a while longer”

“Of course” you nuzzled his neck and pecked his skin there. For some seconds you were silent, then spoke up again “I somehow don’t want to leave. Can I sleep here tonight?”

“If you have believed that I would want you to leave, you are mistaken”

“That’s settled them. I sleep here. But maybe we should finish our dinner first” you smiled and moved closer “I just hope no one says something about the hickeys tomorrow. Especially not my date” a short giggle left your mouth

“I am certain that he will not mind” he lifted his head to peck one of the countless hickeys on your neck “Seeing that I myself am responsible for them”

“Just next time I’m on an accidental ‘date’ with someone, you should give it to them straight that I’m taken” a big smile crept on your face “Although I admit that it is kinda funny and cute to see you being jealous and trying to hide it” you pecked his lips “And don’t try to deny it because as I told you earlier, actions mean more than words. But know what? I still love you”

[ichayalovesyou]

So I just reblogged a piece by @teddymaul about how low-key traumatized Kirk must feel by the things he did (or copies of himself did) whilst possessed by alien forces and so on and then I realized something:

Pavel Chekov goes through a lot of the same thing:

Trying to kill Spock & Jim out of sheer terror in And The Children Shall Lead

Attacking and coming this close to forcing himself on Kang’s wife while possessed/brainwashed by the aliens in Day of The Dove. (A situation where he was also tortured). Jim having to punch the crap out of him to get him to stop.

Losing his mind to the phase sickness and attacking Sulu & Spock in The Tholian Web.

That would really screw any 22 year old kid up, and I think Jim would just look at this boy, this kid he accidentally condemned to torture in the MirrorVerse and was like:

“I can’t let what’s happened to me happen to him.”

Pavel seems like he’s doing at least okay after all of these incidents and it has to have been with the Bridge Family’s help, picture this:

The first person pick up on it would probably be Hikaru since they’re helm besties and probably hang out outside of duty, and the sirens in Sulu’s Brain start going off when Pavel starts declining hangouts and is increasingly withdrawn at the helm. He nudges Nyota about it so that they can both keep an eye on him.

Nyota, being the good communications officer she is, observes, and keeps it to herself and registers the nonverbal signs of trouble, 15 minutes after Pavel’s shift ends, she finds a way to excuse herself (probably coordinated with Sulu and/or Scotty) and figure out where he goes and finds him just... bawling in an empty corner of the ship. She doesn’t say anything but she just delicately sets herself down next to him and holds him until he can pull it together. He won’t wanna talk about it but thank her anyway, Uhura nudges Scotty, maybe a no-pressure drink will get him to open up.

Scotty lures Chekov into having a drink with him, and drink becomes drinks, by the end of the night they are smashed and the rec room is empty and THAT is when Pavel goes off. Half of its in slurred, sloppy drunk Russian but Scotty gets the gist of it: the anger, the guilt, the self-loathing. He sobers up ASAP and immediately alerts Bones over comms while Chekov is still screaming at the wall, where Pavel’s head is at is a dangerous place to be.

Bones gets the memo and calls Pavel down for a “routine physical” after he sobers up and has had time to cool off. Bones does some secret psych eval tests and scans while doing small talk and gives him a “I know these past few months have been hard on all of us, I’m your doctor, you can talk to me.” conversation, of course Pavel would be like “no no I’m fine” and gtfo as fast as possible.

Bones would go to Spock first, after all the kid looks up to him and though he’d never admit it, Spock has a soft spot for him. So Spock arranges some lab time to which Chekov is ordered to partake. Spock brings up everything that’s happened in that aloof observational way he does and of course that tricks Pavel into talking, when Chekov starts guilt spiraling Spock logics him out of it. Pavel starts to leave “I have not dismissed you Ensign, I believe you would find... some benefit, in discussing this with Captain Kirk. I expect you may find some interesting parallels.”

Jim would probably need a bit convincing because we all know he hates opening up/talking about his feelings, but an Obsession style team-up between Bones playing the diagnosis/sympathy angle and Spock playing the reasonable one, Kirk would let up. He talks to Chekov, and to his surprise finds a LOT of self-forgiveness and reflection at everything he berates himself for by comforting Pavel. They talk about what happened to Jim in The Enemy Within especially: what happened to Janice, how many people his Negative Side hurt, how his struggle to accept his “evil” half almost got Sulu killed, how Bones & Spock were there for him in spite of that.

They both leave the room feeling a lot better, Chekov is “back to his old smiling self again”

[bowieandqueen11]

Soft Pavel Chekov x Reader Headcanons

Request: Hello♡ Could I please request soft headcanons with Pavel Chekov (Anton Yelchin) from Star Trek?

Would it be too personal to ask for a reader who is shy and autistic?

Thank you! ♡

Okay, first of all love @lunamooney2406​ THANK YOU!! I’ve been waiting so long for a Star Trek Request so bless you! Also, I tried to research as much about Autism as I could, so I really hope this is okay!!

Also, Chekov is around 20 in this!

Comments, reblogs and requests are much appreciated!

Being an ensign in the Operations Division, assigned as a Transport Officer on the USS Enterprise, you definitely saw a lot of Pavel Chekov and his adorable face.

Poor Chekov used to drive Scotty absolutely mad, until his face was as red as his shirt. This was because you’d try to get on with your work, sitting in your chair and trying to face the console pad, but you’d be unable to stop yourself smiling sometimes at the babble of the man sitting next to you. He’d have one leg half up, leaning against the console, but the rest of his body would be leaning forward towards you, arms animatedly flailing as he blabbers on about Russian Vodka or some mathematical equation he finds super interesting.

The rest of the crew would tease him mercifully for it down at the Mess Hall, but they also can’t help but notice the way his face lights up whenever he talks about you, or the way he rushes off down to the Transporter Room whenever he has even a second of free time.

Usually, Scotty sees him coming and tries to lock the door.

Because he knows you’re shy, and sometimes it’s difficult for you to express yourself to him, he decides to leave little post it notes and little letters everywhere, to tell you how well you’re doing. It gets to the point, though, where he accidentally begins to stockpile them in the wrong locker.

One day, unfortunately for Jim Kirk, he decides to clear out his locker, and ends up splayed out on the floor, having been thwacked over by a tidal wave of love heart shaped notes.

You start to become quite confused when he comes to have his daily chats with you, not really understanding when he keeps adding little Russian words and throwing in little phrases when he address you.

His cheeks will burn slightly as he glances over at you, his eyes sparkling as he blurts out a  ‘Ангел мой ‘ (my angel) or ‘ Золотце ‘ (darling).

One day, as he’s trailing after you on your way to work like a lost puppy, Sulu overhears him, sighs, and slides over to you at lunch to tell you that Chekov has been bugging him for weeks, telling him how he keeps calling you cute nicknames in Russian. Turns out, he’s afraid that if he confesses his feeling for you outright, you’ll reject him because he truly believes you are too good for him.

When the two of you finally do start dating, though, man this little ray of sunshine looks up to you as if you hung every constellation in the sky.

Genuinely, the lovesick look in his eyes, the slightly open mouth as he hinges onto every word you say to him, the way his heart beats out of his uniform when he falls into a natural, comfortable, familiar step beside you is enough even to melt Bones’ heart.

He makes sure he fits in with your normal routine, and will do anything to make sure you’re happy, and alright during the day. Seriously, he is always on call, and if he thinks something is wrong Spock barely has enough time to use the Vulcan Nerve Pinch to stop him from running out of the bridge and disturbing you.

He is so inexperienced, and vibrant, and full of life, and yet so shy at the same time - he completely waits for you to initiate things like hand holding, or kissing if you feel ready, or even moving into the same quarters together - but only if you’re completely comfortable with it.

His worst fear is doing something to hurt you.

Oh boi, though. If kissing is a part of your relationship, it is so soft and full of yearning and just complete sweetness! His face is always so flushed, and his lips so plump as he tenderly, and gingerly presses them against yours, the passion behind each move of his lips evident with every touch.

His cheeks, and the tips of his ears turned a complete scarlet after your first kiss.

His eyes rolled so far back in his head, he felt like he was floating in Stratos. He was so pale when Bones passed by him in the corridor, skipping and singing to himself in Russian, that he thought the man was having a nervous breakdown and hyposprayed him to take him down to the sick bay.

Because, sometimes, you find it quite difficult to read his expressions, or understand fully what he’s trying to say, he’ll steal the intercom when he knows a lot of the crew are down on some planet for some mission, just to tell you that he loves you.

Hearing the loud ‘hey!’ of Jim in the background once he catches him, and the sound of limbs falling is the funniest thing.

He loves it when, after a long, hard day, the two of you can just sit in silence in his room. He loves it when you decide to play with his curls, tugging them slightly and carding them through your palm, or the bliss as he shuts his eyes and feels your fingers stroke over the overjoyed dips and curves of his face.

Since he's so used to cold Russian winters, if the chill gets to you during the night on such a lone starship, he barges into your room at all hours. You can't help but laugh at the set of him, a few curls popping over an armful of his knitted sweaters and tartan blankets he stole from Scotty's room. 

[solarwindswriting]

Oh, The Places You’ll Go

Chapter 2

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

Loosely inspired by the song Greek Tragedy by the Wombats

Pairing: Scotty x FemalePresenting!Reader

Word Count: 3313

Summary: The Enterprise welcome party is in full swing, and our two main characters finally meet each other!

Warnings: excessive alcohol consumption (I think that’s it)

A/N: So, I didn’t notice how long this part was until it was too late. I wanted to slip it into two but I couldn’t find a reasonable place to do it. So instead you get over 3k words. Sorry lol. Also, thank you so much to those who showed interest in being tagged, you have no idea how big that is for me!

Tags: @mournthewicked @damalseer  

“Oh my, does this dress make my butt look bigger?” Sara asks, standing in front of the mirror in a shop.

“Is that what you want? If so, yes. Why do you need a new dress anyway? You have so many beautiful ones already.” Y/n wonders out loud while looking through the racks.

“Because I want to make a good first impression. Besides, I heard the crew of the Enterprise are all quite attractive. I’ve got to live up to that.” Sara responds, walking back into the dressing room.

“Sara, you are one of the most attractive people I know. Neither of us would have a problem if we went in something we already owned.” Y/n laughs, pulling out a flowing deep blue dress off the rack. “What about this?”

Sara pops her head out of the dressing room, watching as Y/n holds the dress up to her body. Sara’s eyes widen and shake her head frantically in agreement before her head disappears back into the dressing room, “absolutely. Go try that on right now.”

Y/n walks into a dressing room with the dress in hand. The dress was made with elegant royal blue tulle with embroidered stars speckled over the top layer. It fell over Y/n’s body perfectly, off the shoulders and stopped to about mid-calf, and whished when she moved. Stepping out, Y/n looks at Sara who was now sitting in a chair with the black cocktail dress she had tried on previously.

“You look like a greek god in that dress, Y/n,” Sara mused.

Y/n walked in front of the mirror and twirled. “Is it too much? If I get this, you have to pick a more exciting dress than what you’ve got.”

“It’s not too much but if it takes me getting that dress that makes my butt look good for you to buy that, I’ll do it,” Sara responds while walking over to the rack where she found the aforementioned dress.

With both dresses paid for, the friends left the shop and headed to Y/n’s apartment to pick up the things she needs to get ready at Sara’s.

“So, Let’s see what we’re getting ourselves into,” Sara started, looking at her datapad with photos of the crew while she walks.

“Sara, we’ve looked at these photos thousands of times. We know what they look like,” chuckles out Y/n, weaving their arm with hers.

“Yes, but that was different. Now we’re performing reconnaissance for the party tonight.” 

“And what does your reconnaissance tell you?” Y/n glances at the pad.

“That Lieutenant Uhura is very attractive and only one rank above us.” Sara giggles as she reads Uhura’s personnel entry. “She’s also incredibly smart.”

“And very taken by Commander Spock,” Y/n points to the relationship status on file.

Sara deflates slightly before swiping through the next few personnel files. She stops on Commander Spock next.

“And this is the Vulcan you’ll be working under. Good luck with that, Y/n. I hear he’s rather cold.” Sara comments before continuing to swipe.

“He’s not that cold if he’s in a relationship. Also, isn’t he half human?” Y/n stops Sara before she walks into the busy street.

Sara ignores the potential harm she could have caused herself, and next stops on Lieutenant Commander Montgomery Scott, better known as Scotty. 

“Cheif of Engineering. I hear he’s basically married to the ship,” Sara laughs and restarting to walk once the crosswalk is open.

“Next,” Y/n chuckles bad.

“Lieutenant Commander Leonard McCoy, Chief Medical Officer. I heard he has a cute accent but is a bit of a hardass. Remind me not to get hurt a lot.” Sara side-eyes Y/n while she talks.

“Good to know. Bet he knows how to make a good drink though.” Y/n speculates as they enter their apartment building.

“And Lastly, for the head of different groups, Captain James T. Kirk. Quite the looker.” Sara smirks to herself.

“And quite the flirt,” Y/n laughs at her friend as she unlocks her apartment. “I’ll be right over. I just need to pick up a few things.”

Living in the same building as your best friend had its perks. Getting ready for events was one of them. After picking up her makeup and a pair of heels that match her dress, Y/n walks over to Sara’s apartment and opens the door.

“Hey, why didn’t you wake me up this morning?” Y/n questioned, setting her makeup down next to Sara’s.

“Oh, I tried, you wouldn’t budge. I figured you’d make it eventually. And you did! So points for Sara.” She muses as she grabs two hard ciders from her fridge.

“I could have missed graduation!” Y/n fakes anger as she takes the cider from her dear friend.

Both get to work on their makeup and hair. Sara loosely curls her auburn hair, whereas Y/n does her hair in her favorite style. Once they were both ready, they left Sara’s apartment towards the location of the welcoming party, an old-style bar reminiscent of old San Francisco. The two stood in front of the main doors, peering into the windows, unsure if they should just walk in or not.

“Lieutenants! Very nice to see you two could make it.” A strong hand falls on Y/n’s shoulder, causing them and Sara to turn towards the voice to see a hand outstretched. “How about a proper introduction? I am Captain James T. Kirk. You’re welcome to just call me Kirk when we are off duty. And this is Commander Spock.”

  Y/n takes Kirk’s hand to shake then trading with Sara to shake Spock’s. “I am Lieutenant Junior Grade Y/n Y/l/n. I just go by Y/n when off duty. And this is-”

“Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Conners, Sir! It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Well, we should probably get inside and join the party, yes?” Kirk suggests, holding the door open for the other three.

The music playing was just above a comfortable volume, but quiet enough where you could hold a conversation without yelling. Sara and Y/s walk up to the bar to order drinks when a young man approaches them with a wide smile.

“Hello, I’m Pavel Ch-”

“Chekov. Navigation right?” Sara finishes for him, reaching out her arm. “Sara Conners. A pleasure to meet you!”

Pavel chuckles shaking Sara’s hand, “Did your research I see. And you are?” He finishes with a soft Russian accent, looking at Y/n.

“Y/n Y/l/n.” She says, shaking his hand. “Got any suggestions on what to order from here?”

“Well, the midtier brandy is spectacular here. But they do have a wonderful mint julep.” He states before waving over the bartender and ordering himself a brandy.

“We’ll take two mint juleps please.” Sara catches the bartender before he’s able to walk off.

“So, are you two in a relationship? You seem very close.” Pavel questions, sipping from his glass.

“No, just really close,” Sara answers, reaching for the newly arrived drinks and handing one to Y/n.

“Ah, cool,” Pavel beams. “Have you met the rest of the bridge crew yet? I can introduce you!”

Pavel leads Sara and Y/n to a table where Kirk and Spock were sat with two others.

“This is Nyota Uhura and Leonard McCoy. You’ve met the Captain and Spock already, yes?” Pavel introduces the crew with a bright smile. “Everyone, this is Y/n Y/l/n and Sara Conners.”

Hello’s and handshakes were exchanged. Pavel is pulled away by a few other ensigns towards what Y/n now notices a karaoke machine.

“So, Lieutenant Y/l/n, You will be working under me. Is there a particular area of study you wish to work on while abroad the USS Enterprise?” Spock questions.

“Oh, um yes. I’m looking specifically for new worlds with large deposits of Bio-mimetic Gel. It has many wonderful medical applications but very-” Y/n is cut off by Leonard.

“Regulated by the Federation. Do you have the proper paperwork and training to be handling such a hazardous material, young lady?” Leonard questions.

“Hey, we’re here to celebrate and have a good time, not to discuss work. Give the girl one more night of freedom.” Kirk interrupts and chuckles. “Also, call him Bones, he hates it.”

“I would love to answer your question, Lieutenant Commander McCoy. My last two years at the Academy majorly consisted of training and research with Bio-mimetic Gel under the supervision of Erika Biordi. My research has been in stabilizing the gel for transport and more widely used medical purposes. I have papers signed by President Kenneth Wescott and the proper containment materials that should already be aboard the Enterprise. This could be major for doctors all over the Federation. Also, I wouldn’t be able to do this work unless the Captain has approved it.” Y/n smiles thinly at the doctor.

Kirk, Spock, and Uhura all look impressed by the confidence in which Y/n spoke. Bones looks more apprehensive about the situation. Kirk broke the silence, “Y/n have you met Scotty yet?”

Y/n shakes her head no and notices Sara slinked off at some point to talk with Pavel more. Kirk leads Y/n towards the back corner to a table with three chairs. At the table sat a gentleman in a brown leather jacket and a Roylan both embroiled in a heated conversation about… power converters?

“No, Keenser, that will overload the Warp Drive, she won’t be able to take that kind of power without the proper energy suppressers.” A thick Scottish accent talks tensely between sips of whatever is in his glass.

“Can no one on my ship take a day off?” Kirk laughs, clapping his hand onto Montgomery’s shoulder.

“Ey, not when you have a potential explosion risk due to Keenser, Sir,” Montgomery responds.

“Well, I’ve got bad news then. I’d like to introduce you to Lieutenant Junior Grade Y/n Y/l/n. One of the newest graduates from Starfleet Academy. She will be studying Bio-mimetic Gel.” Kirk pulls the third chair out and motions to Y/n to sit. “She’s not getting along so great with Bones and thought you two might get along better.”

And with that Kirk walks away. The three are quiet, Y/n sipping on her mint julep that She’s about half done with.

“Sorry, I didn’t know I’d be interrupting a conversation. You can act like I’m not here.” Y/n said just loud enough to be heard over the sound of Sara and a couple of ensigns poorly singing Africa on stage.

“Why did you decide to study Bio-mimetic Gel?” The question from Montmonery surprised Y/n.

“Oh, um, when I was younger, Bio-mimetic Gel saved my mother’s life while out on a five-year mission. Her ship shouldn’t have even had any onboard, but they had just commandeered some from a smuggling vessel. If they hadn’t found that ship when they did and the doctor on board willing to take the risk, my mother would be dead and I would never have been born. So, when I heard they were wanting to do more research into it to potentially make it a commonly used substance by Federation doctors, I jumped at the chance. Sorry, that’s probably a lot more information than you were asking for.” Y/n found herself rambling.

The Cheif engineer just shook his head slightly, finishing off his drink. “No, I asked, Lass. I rarely get full explanations of why someone joined Starfleet. It’s refreshing. I’ll be right back, I’m going to get a refill. Can I get you anything?”

“Yeah, Sure. I’ll take one of whatever you’re getting. Thank you, Montgomery.”

“Please, call me Scotty.” He said, before walking off towards the bar.

Keenser and Y/n sat in more silence as they finished their drinks waiting for Scotty to return. Peering towards the bar, Y/n notices Scotty being stopped by some ensigns to chat.

“So, how long have you been on the enterprise?” Y/n asks Keenser.

Keenser babbles in his native tongue something along the lines of “not very long.”

Y/n nods in acknowledgment, “very cool. Do you like it?”

Keenser simply nods as Scotty returns, placing a glass in front of Y/n.

“Thank you, Scotty.” Y/n smiles at the man now sitting across from them.

“No problem, Lass. This will unfortunately be my last drink for the night. Going to head up to the Enterprise tonight to get a head start on some undocking prep. Coming with Keenser?” Keenser huffed in response, Finishing his drink and hopping down from his chair.

“Oh, okay. Have a goodnight then. Don’t overwork yourself. It’s supposed to be a night off.” Y/n waves goodbye to Scotty and Keenser.

Almost as soon as they leave, their spots are taken by Sara and Pavel.

“Y/n! You HAVE to get up there and sing!” Sara’s words slur as she waves her arm towards the small stage in the bar.

“Yes, you should take her advice, Lieutenant,” Pavel smiles towards Y/n.

“No, I’m perfectly fine here. And call me Y/n, Pavel. When do you want to go home, Sara?” Y/n looks with a soft smile towards her friend. She isn’t feeling the alcohol as intensely as Sara but she assumes that’s because she’s had significantly fewer drinks than her friend.

Sara looks at Y/n like they’ve just committed the most heinous crime. “What do you mean you don’t want to go up and sing. You have the most beautiful voice! And I bet your dress would look stunning under those lights.” Sara leans further into Y/n, head now resting her head on her shoulder, and whispers, “You can sing that old Earth song you like so much.”

Y/n chuckles at her friend while shaking her head. “You’re going to have to get a lot more alcohol into me before I’m willing to sing in front of the whole crew.”

Before Y/n could finish talking, Pavel was already up and at the bar, ordering a double round of shots. After a couple of minutes, he returns with a tray of purple shots. The trio cheers the first round to their health and quickly follows it with another to their safety aboard the ship. The trio continues to drink and after about an hour, Y/n is successfully sloshed. Sara convinced Y/n and Pavel to sing Sara’s favorite song that her grandmother loved called ‘Shut Up and Dance’. This was not a song to sing well, but more to just yell the word to. They even got a few of the old crewmates to sing along. Y/n was having a blast and finally thought she couldn’t wait to be working with these people. A group of nurses went on next and sang some modern rock anthem.

Y/n cut themself and Sara off after that song and convinced Sara to drink some water and eat some more food. Both slowly started to sober up, Pavel never seemed very drunk though. People begin to leave back to their homes or hotels for the night. It was starting to get late. Y/n shivers.

“Are you cold, Y/n?” Pavel asks.

“A bit, but I’ll be fine.” Y/n smiles at the kind man.

“Um,” Pavel looks around and spots something on the back of Sara’s chair and grabs it, “put this on.”

‘Scotty’s jacket? When did he take that off?’ Y/n wonders to herself as she slides the jacket on. ‘I’m sure her wouldn’t mind. I’ll just bring it to him on the ship tomorrow.’

“Y/nnnnn, come ooon. Barely anyone is left and I got you drunk like you said I had to. Go sing a solo song.” Sara nudges Y/n elbow towards the stage again.

“Fine, but I’m not happy about it!” Y/n laughs, walking onto the stage after the current song ends.

Sitting on a stool on stage, Y/n adjusts the mic to her sitting height. ‘Take Me To Church’ starts playing.

***

Scotty left earlier than he had planned. But talking with the new science officer made him feel odd and he didn’t want to be rude so he lied about needing to work on the ship. She’s much too young for him he thought. She has her whole life of research ahead of them. He couldn’t be with someone who dressed so elegantly, he was a bumbling fool and could never compare. She didn’t need him, some old Scotsman pinning for her. So instead, he and Keenser walked around the surrounding area until they got tired. About an hour had passed when Scotty realized something.

“Keenser, where’s my jacket?”

Keenser looks at Scotty and responds in his native tongue, “you left it at the bar.”

“Damnit, why didn’t you say anything?” He huffs out, turning around to walk back to the bar and get his Jacket.

He had walked further than he realized from the bar and took him about half an hour to return. As he entered the front doors, he watched Y/n walk onto the stage with his jacket on. Confused, he walks up to Kirk who now sat alone at the bar.

“Y/n said you went back to the ship,” Kirk prodded at the engineer.

“Yeah, but I noticed I forgot my jacket.” Scotty’s accent was unmissable.

“I noticed.” Kirk glances knowingly at Y/n who has started singing on stage.

Most people continued to talk but a few people stopped to listen to Y/n sing. Sara and Pavel sat at their table swaying dramatically to the song. Sara even started waving her arms slowly above her head, causing Y/n to chuckle as she sang. Scotty became enraptured in Y/n singing and began swaying lightly to her voice.

On the last line, “Good God, let me give you my life,” Y/n makes eye contact with Scotty, making her instantly blush.

Hopping off the stage, Y/n shuffles towards him while taking off his jacket.

“Sorry, Pavel found your jacket. I planned on giving it to you tomorrow on the ship but I got cold and put it on. Sorry.” Y/n talked fast, face beet red while shoving the jacket into Scotty’s arms and running back towards Sara before he could get a word out.

“Thanks,” Scotty whispers under his breath, looking down at his jacket.

He slides his arms into it, still warm from Y/n wearing it. Her song had entranced him. It wasn’t a song he was familiar with, must be old. He doesn’t usually care for music, but he thought he would listen to music for hours if she was the one singing it. Scotty shook his head free of those thoughts. By the time he came back to reality, Y/n was gone.

“What are you thinking about, Scotty?” Kirk prodded.

“Nothing, Sir. Goodnight” Scotty straightened out his back before leaving the bar and walking to his hotel room.

***

“Sara, it’s time to go,” Y/n spoke quickly

“What? But I’m still having fun.” Sara huffed.

“Yeah, and we both need to be up and on the transport shuttles at 0700. Let’s go, Rockstar. Goodnight, Pavel, we’ll see you tomorrow.” Y/n pulled Sara to her feet and waved goodbye to Pavel.

The cool, damp air was refreshing on Y/n’s skin. The walk wasn’t long to their apartments, which Y/n was thankful for. She helped Sara into her apartment and bed, setting their friend’s alarm with plenty of time to get ready before going to her apartment to do the same. Y/n quickly fell asleep with oddly invading thoughts of one Montgomery Scott.

[trek-tracks]

(I love your blog--it adds a lot of quality Trek content to my dash, so thank you!) For the ask meme: 8, 16, 23?

8. Which captain would you most want to serve under?

I like this question, because it’s not a “who is the best captain” question, but instead it dependent on one’s own personality and goals. Given who I am, probably Janeway. I get serious potential mentor vibes from her. She’s tenacious and kind, and I feel she really makes an effort to get to know everyone. This does NOT mean I want to get stuck in the Delta Quadrant, though. I like all of the captains I’ve seen except Lorca, though.

Actually, I have to say that Disco Pike is really growing on me as someone I’d like to work with. The one thing I’d like to refine about this question is: am I Senior Staff in this scenario, or a random ensign or something. I’ve tried to answer assuming I wouldn’t necessarily have a top position; it changes things.

16. If you could steal the basic plot of an episode for one show and apply to another which would you choose?

I’ve often thought that DS9’s “Past Tense” would be really interesting TOS-style, with Spock and Uhura playing some combination of Bashir and Sisko, and one or both of Jim and Bones taking on the Dax role of white privilege in action. I think particularly Bones would find his own privilege horrifying. It would have echoes of “City on the Edge,” for sure, as well. It would have been a good time to put some of the more unpleasant things McCoy said to Spock to rest for good, so we could focus on their moral arguments.

23. Favorite tropes?

I am an absolute sucker for a Hurt-Comfort plot. Every. Single. Time. I will call myself out mercilessly for this.

As a corollary to this, Noble Self Sacrifice is also a big one, particularly if we don’t actually have to sacrifice the character in the end! (I like the action but not the consequences.)

Found Family is superb, which is why all Trek is so great.

Idealism Wins Over Cynicism, Eventually is pretty much why I watch Star Trek.

Alternate History, Dress-up/Disguise and Time Travel, Psychic Powers/Telepathy and Racing Against Time to Cure a Disease are also fun.

I like “Monster-of-the-Week” storytelling if it’s used to tell us more about the characters. I like a balance of these and a continuous story - address things that happened in previous weeks, but not everything has to advance once major plot.

Thanks for asking, and thanks for the compliment! :)

[sarah-wants-to-write]

I Dare You to Love; Part Two (Star Trek AOS)

Shari has settled into her role on the Enterprise, and her friendship with Jim continues to grow. Days settle into routine, though it's thrown for a loop when she finds her friend in need of help. Help Jim didn't even know he needed and in the end, a truth comes to light that could change everything.

(A/N: feel free to ignore the subtitle in the gif. It’s the look he’s giving that matters~)

        It had been a few months since the Enterprise left Yorktown, and Shari wasn’t at all surprised to find herself busy. Day in and out, studying the records of previous planetary surveys that the Enterprise had done, along with her work with Asha, and the occasional away mission. Being the only high-ranking zoologist, she had been on plenty of missions. It didn’t hurt that most were with her new friend, Jim Kirk.

        Being friends with the captain definitely had its positives, both personally and professionally. Professionally, it meant that he trusted her judgment and actions even more than if he’d just based it off her work. Personally, it meant that she’d been introduced to and became friends with many people on the bridge. Spock found her work with Asha rather fascinating, discussing his old childhood pet I-Chaya with her in confidence. Shari gladly honored his request to not speak publicly, and expressed her sympathy at the loss of a beloved pet. Uhura was a perfect friend for fun talk, along with Sulu, and Chekov was like a little brother to her. Constant conversations in Russian, with Shari switching to Ukrainian or Polish when he was getting too…enthusiastic about something, just to get the kid re-focused.

        Of course, the rare occasion happened where someone found their soul mate, and shifted.

        It was the strangest part of human physiology, according to Spock, and Shari couldn’t help agreeing. Every human, and potentially half-human, had either an animal sleeping within their soul, or a song in their heart for their fated one’s animal. When someone was trying to find their soul mate, those with the animal within would hear from them, telling them yes or no. Some were more cooperative than others, from what she had heard.

        When a pair finally met, and the shifter’s fated one was in danger, the shifter would turn into that animal. Mostly predators, though some were larger prey animals that were scary when angry. Size also depended on the age at which it happened. When the shift happened, though, the shifter wouldn’t be able to change back without the help of their mate. For that person, they had to sing or hum the song in their heart, which usually ended up being a song that both in the pair knew, which fit the two perfectly. After that, the shifter would be able to change back and forth at will, to protect their mate.

        When Spock asked what determined which in the pair would be the shifter, Shari could only shrug. It was honestly something humans had speculated on for years. Sometimes only one person was the shifter, sometimes both were, and there were many theories about it.

        Each time a person shifted, Shari was immediately called in, just in case the person was injured and wasn’t changing back any time soon. Her gentle nature and firm hand had earned the lieutenant a reputation as one of the better medics on the ship, and most crew who were able to shift came to her for help on how to take care of themselves in animal form.

        The process of shifting what something that Shari talked about with Jim quite a bit whenever he came by her lab and office. They spent so much time together that he insisted she could call him Jim when they weren't on official business. Stuck there with her work most of the time, her dear friend came by to talk quite a bit when he could. Though mostly, he came by to say hello to Asha and spoil the levytsya with attention. Shari often teased that he only liked her for her lioness.

        “Well, not only.” Jim would shoot back, smiling as they both laughed. Most of the time, they did reports together, especially those concerning away missions they’d both been on. It was nice, having company, and always good for a laugh when one of her Ensigns came by with paperwork and jumped upon seeing their Captain on the floor with Asha’s head in his lap, just tapping away at his PADD like it was the most normal thing in the universe.

        However, today was somehow…different. Normally, Shari would have seen Jim at lunch, or just around in the halls, but she hadn’t seen hide nor hair of the man. Working in her lab, her back to the door, she smiled when she heard the tell-tale jingle and whoosh of the door opening.

        “It’s about time you showed up, sir.” She teased, keeping her back to the door.

        “Didn’t know you were expecting me.” Okay, that southern accent distinctly wasn’t Jim.

        Turning around, Shari was surprised to see Doctor McCoy standing there, with a slight smirk on his face.

        “Sorry, commander,” she smiled sheepishly “thought you were the Captain.”

        “Then I take it you haven’t seen him,” McCoy responded, more of a statement than a question “everywhere I’ve looked on this damn ship, I can’t seem to find the man. He’s either not been there or had just left.”

        “Is everything okay, sir?” she asked, concerned that their CMO was looking for the captain so thoroughly.

        “Our fearless leader’s dodging his annual physical again,” McCoy sighed “his usual antics, which he drags most of his friends into. If you see him, please try and send him my way.”

         “I’ll shoot you a message if he stops by here,” Shari agreed “and try to keep him here so you can actually find him.”

        “Even better,” the doctor nodded “thank you, Lieutenant. I’ll see you around.”

        “Of course,” Shari smiled, nodding back as he left “happy hunting, Doctor.”

        She could hear McCoy laugh a bit as the door closed, and chuckled a bit herself, before going back to her work. Though she couldn’t help her worry now. Jim seemed fit, so why would he avoid his physical? Sure, medical anxiety wasn’t uncommon-she dealt with it herself-but he seemed like the type who would do something he didn’t like right away just to get it over with.

        Not too long later, her door opened again, and this time it indeed was Jim.

        “Afternoon, Captain,” she greeted, smiling “busy day?”

        “Just making my rounds,” Jim replied, smiling back “how’s your work going?”

        “As interesting as ever, since it’s survey study day,” Shari declared, holding up her PADD to show the report “haven’t had many visitors, so it’s been quiet.”

        Watching as Jim greeted Asha, before settling into his usual spot so she could rest her head on his lap, Shari was even more worried. Jim may have been smiling and upbeat, but his smile didn’t reach his eyes. Was it just a long day?

        “Doctor McCoy came by earlier,” she spoke up, watching Jim’s head shoot up to look at her with guarded curiosity “asked if I had seen you, said you had an appointment and he’d been looking for you.”

        “What did you tell him?”

        “The truth; I hadn’t seen you yet today. Wished him happy hunting.”

        Jim chuckled a small bit at the snark, though his shoulders were almost as heavy as the near-silence in the room. The only sound was the occasional computer beep or chirp as both of them returned to their work.

        “Not curious about why?” Jim asked, not looking from his PADD. Shari glanced at him, and saw that Asha was watching him too, with a twitchier tail.

        “I am,” she replied, looking back down at her own PADD “but your reasons are your own, Jim. I’m curious, but I won’t pry.”

        Jim hummed in response, and it was quite for a good while. Shari had decided not to message McCoy, deciding that her friend needed time to sit and relax. The question of why he was avoiding the doctor had almost slipped her mind, if she was being honest.

        “It started with doctor’s exams. Said that it was to make sure people were okay during the famine.”

        Shari looked up at Jim’s sudden, quiet declaration. He was looking down at Asha, petting her head, and pointedly not looking anywhere else.

        “Most think it was sudden,” he continued “a jump from coup to…but it wasn’t. That’s why he could get as far as he did.”

        As he spoke, Shari got up from her seat to sit on the floor near Jim, heart breaking as she put two and two together. She knew that Jim was a survivor of Tarsus IV, but she hadn’t expected to ever hear about it from him.

        “And after, I was in and out of hospitals for a long time,” he concluded, shoulders tense as he finally looked up at her “so….”

        “You’ve got more reason than most, then.” Was all Shari said, hesitating before reaching and putting her hand on his.

        “You don’t seem surprised,” Jim declared, eyebrows furrowing “I’ve never talked about it, so how did you…”

        “I did my homework, when I found out about my assignment here,” Shari admitted, smiling sheepishly when his eyebrows shot up towards his hairline “I’d always admired and looked up to you, and wanted to know more. When I read about what happened on…well, my heart broke, and I now really understand why you don’t like appointments or physicals.”

        The look in Jim’s eyes was strange, but Shari didn’t squirm under his stare. It was more that she felt…seen. Like he was seeing the real her.

        “Though you should probably go and get it over with,” she suggested, watching his eyes lose a small bit of the twinkle that had come back “the Enterprise needs her Captain in top form. Would it help if Asha was there?”

        “I honestly don’t know.” Jim replied, looking down at the lioness, who seemed to have the same concerned look as Shari.

        “Would it hurt?” Shari continued, watching him think it over.

        “No.” he declared.

        “Then I don’t see why she shouldn’t go with you,” she replied, shrugging a bit “I’ll go as well, say I have to talk to M’Benga, so Doctor McCoy doesn’t question it too much. Could say it’s part of my work with Asha, as a potential comfort animal in the Med Bay.”

        Seeing she was offering him the choice, and a good-not to mention truthful-cover story for the situation, Jim was surprised to find himself agreeing.

“Okay, let’s go.”

~

        To say that Bones looked surprised when Jim walked into the Med Bay was an understatement. Shari walked in right behind him, and Jim watched as she went straight to M’Benga to talk. Asha stayed right by his side, though, clearly as dedicated to helping him as Shari was.

        “Alright, Bones, let’s get this over with,” he told his friend, nodding over to a bio bed “want me over there?”

        Bones could only nod, getting his PADD and equipment together as Jim went over to the bed, Asha sitting on the floor right next to his knee.

        “Lieutenant Neilson’s work?” Bones asked, nodding down to Asha as he got set up.

        “You could say that.” Jim nodded, hand going to Asha’s head to help ground his mind. This was one of his closest friends, nothing bad was going to happen. Asha was here, too, as was Shari.

       Nothing bad was going to happen.

       That became Jim’s mantra, helped by the rhythmic scratching and petting of Asha’s head during the whole appointment. Once things were done, and Bones stepped away to log everything, Shari approached with a smile on her face.

        “How did she do?” she asked quietly, gesturing to Asha, who had plopped her head on Jim’s lap in contentment from all the scritches and pets.

        “She helped,” Jim admitted, just as quiet as he gave a small smile that finally reached his eyes “draft up the paperwork, and I’ll make sure Bones gives the green light on this part of your experiment.”

        “I’ll head to my office and get started,” she nodded, smiling for him “I’m glad she could help. I hope you don’t hesitate to talk to me about things, if you need to. I promise I’ll listen. It’s what friends do, isn’t it?”

        Jim’s smile grew, putting his hand on her shoulder and giving it a squeeze as he nodded, before Shari woke Asha up. She bid Jim and Bones farewell before she left the Med Bay, Asha by her side. Jim watched as she left, heart feeling lighter than it had all day.

        Shari was a good and loyal friend, a highly intelligent scientist, and an incredibly beautiful woman in Jim’s eyes. She’d won his loyalty and fierce friendship, especially with what happened that day. Jim would rain hell on anyone who tried to hurt her.

        Deep inside, the wolf in his soul had fully woken up, and couldn’t agree more. 

[wooolfies]

In another life

Fandom: Star Trek TOS (aka Star Trek)

Summary: Years ago a war completely destroyed the population of Freyeon V. Now, Commander Spock sends teams to the surface to learn more about the extinct people. Including Markus Weiss and his daughter Johanna "Joan" Weiss.

Tags: Drama, Family, Friendship, Hurt / Comfort, Oneshot,  Original Character(s), Leonard McCoy, James T. Kirk, Spock

Warning: Hurt / Comfort, Injuries, swearing

Words: 2524

Betas: @sternenfall96​ and @ambermondfisch​

Translated and Beta: by @dirajunara​

Masterlist

A/N: This is my result of the 120-minute challenge that @fuckyeahtreknation posted.

I adhered to all the rules and had nothing planned in advance. As a starting sentence, I chose "I won’t leave you alone." And if someone wants to complain about the length, I am a fast typer but still had to correct a lot of typos.

For those who know "Up"/”In Richtung Oben”; don't worry about Joan's profession here, that was AOS, TOS here is quite different, including my own characters.

Inspired by: x    x    x     x

Enough talk: Have fun reading!

"I won’t leave you alone!", Joan cried out in despair and tried to somehow lift the steel beam with a metal bar.

"Fuck, it's better if you try to bolt."

Joan looked up to the gigantic heap of rubble and debris. Her father was buried up to his chest under the pile.

"Damn, I should have been a doctor, as Mama always said."

"No. It wouldn’t change a thing." Markus spoke softly, breathing shallow.

***

24 hours earlier

"The sensors have found traces of an extinct civilization on the fifth planet of this system. According to the first scans, they were in the atomic age when two different groups of people started a war against each other. The ignition of several hydrogen bombs led to the complete extinction of all intelligent life in this world. I suggest we send down an away team to find out about the lost people over the next few days," Spock looked to the captain, who nodded.

"I will organize teams that will look after specific areas. I've already put together a list of people I would like to discuss with you if that's all right."

"Of course, Spock. Go on."

"Ms. Paris and Lieutenant McGivers, as historians, will investigate, evaluate and summarize how the war could happen. I would be interested in architecture by Johanna and Markus Weiss. Lieutenant Uhura and Ensign Stojanović are expected to look over their language. Doctor M'Benga, Lieutenant Syl and Petty Officer Perf, I have used to find out everything about the physiology and personality of the breed, and Reynold's team is supposed to find out everything they can about culture and religion. Of course, the teams will also have to work together. Ensign Hong and I will deal with the lost science of this people. "

"That sounds very good, Spock, you can start the preparations. Tell me if you need anything else. "Kirk nodded contentedly.

***

Meanwhile, in the engine room: everyone was busy.

"Hey pa, can you give me the phase checker?"

Lieutenant Markus Weiss looked up and turned away from the console to take the required tool out of the box and hand it to his daughter, who was holding her hand out of the opening of a Jeffries tube.

"You're welcome."

"Thank you," said the muffled female voice, and the hand disappeared again.

Markus sighed with a smile and went back to work.

"Chapel to Weiss," a female voice rang from the communication system.

Markus sniffed contemptuously and went to take the call.

"Here Weiss, what's the matter?"

"You and your daughter are allotted for a physical exam. Both of you have to report at the medical bay for a medical exam today."

"I understand, I'll tell her," He let go of the Comm and walked over to the opening. "Jo!?"

"Yes?"

A head of shaggy hair appeared out of the opening. Markus repeated what nurse Chapel had said.

“Alright."

"I'd suggest you get up there right away, I'll get your work done, and then we'll swap places."

"Sounds like a plan. I can also inform Commander Scott on the way," She slid forward, then climbed out of the tube and wiped the coolant from her hands on her red overall. When she went to the door, her father called after her, still grinning.

"One more thing. Can you please not torment Doctor McCoy with questions again? Just let him do his job so you're done early and get back down here."

"Aye," Joan left the room.

***

The next morning at 0700 the participants of the away team  met in transporter room 2. All participants were briefed about the respective objectives and other necessary information.

The landscape of the planet was a spectacle. Buildings and ruins had been overgrown with plants over the years. Nature had reclaimed what civilization had taken from it. According to Spock's analysis, the radiation had fallen to a safe value over the years. To the north of the landing location a bridge had collapsed. It had broken in the center, between the pillars, and now the fragments rose like ramps.

"Okay, let's start with the city down there," Markus suggested.

Joan nodded and kept an eye on her tricorder.

The group parted and each team went to do their respective tasks.

The star of this system was a main star and was almost at its peak.

Markus and Joan began to climb down the hill only to find themselves in the overgrown streets of a former metropolis. Rusty vehicles were scattered all over. Most of the buildings were still almost intact. Evidently, in here the radiation had killed the beings because the damage had been caused by the disintegration. The air was mild and humid, birds and other creatures inhabited the thicket and the trees.

The two stopped in front of a high-rise, about 50-level high, which, apart from the vines on the walls and the trees on the roof, seemed completely intact.

Joan looked at her tricorder.

"What do you say, should we go in?" Markus asked, looking up from his readouts.

"The building is safe," Joan looked into the face of her widely grinning father

"Come on, my Vulcan," He took the front and went into the building through the missing windows.

"Pa, that was a little racist now," She followed him.

"It wasn’t meant to be, you just sounded like Spock," He looked around the former entrance hall.

From what they could take of the arches of the ceiling, everything had been round in form, round, just like the bar-like stone table, which seemed to have survived the time, even though he was clad with vines.

"This building consists of a steel core which is probably encased in concrete for fire protection, but also a metal is built into the walls, which has hexagonal shapes.”

"Like the honeycombs in beehives?"

"Yes, it is obviously a common behavior that intelligent species are copying from nature," He turned on his torch.

The two took the stairs to look for further reasons why the building was still so well preserved despite various weathering.

In the upper floors they encountered the first mortal remains of the former indigenous species, but after all these years they were little more than bones.

Joan was not a xenobiologist, but to her the skeletons looked similar to those of mammals on Earth. With a few differences, of course, but posture and walk could have been easily like that of humans, even though their skulls showed strange excrescences. But it was not Joan's job to examine these creatures, so she turned back to the building.

"Any idea what this building could have had for a purpose?" Markus asked.

"I have a guess. The distribution of the rooms and the large number of deaths as well as the remains of the furniture indicate that this might have been a kind of hospital. "

The furniture seemed to be mainly made of a kind of plastic, which needed a long time to rot, and here in the core of the building was not enough light for plants, so the rooms seemed to be still quite similar to their original condition. In the central core of the building was a spiral staircase, which seemed to enclose a kind of elevator shaft.

The two decided to go up to the roof, even if it would cost a lot of effort to do so.

On the roof grew trees, which had not reached high due to the lack of nutrients. The roof was spacious and there was something on it that seemed to be a separate building.

The view was exhilarating. The hospital was not the tallest building in the area, but one of the larger ones and the view was better than from the landing field. Looking around, Joan couldn’t help but feel wonder and, despite the destruction, amazement.

"I believe the stable construction supports my theory. You do not want the hospital to give in for a light earthquake. "

"Right. Now look at this, Jo,” Joan's father stood by a small house with a flat roof, that had been build on to of the hospital-roof, "According to the concrete used, this building was later erected as the building on which we stand. It is also completely different from the construction method and has only one floor. "

He ran his hand over the plaster and touched one of the plants tenderly, the leaves trembled, and the movement seemed to pass through the sprout axes and spread out in waves.

Carefully he entered the extra building through a round, door-like opening.

"Look at this,” he said.

Round windows pointed towards the city, an apparatus looking like a circuit diagram was built up, hundreds of plastic tubes connecting everything. Nevertheless, nature had spread here too, the ground was strewn with roots that had rattled in cracks.

Joan just peered through the door, then shrugged.

"You better come out. As we said: Not. Completely. Stable."

"Yes, on my way.."

He moved toward the exit and took a few more scans when he caught his foot on one of the roots. He shook his leg out of reflex to get rid of it, but this strong pull moved through the roots into the walls that began to crumble. Dust dripped from the ceiling. The plants seemed to amplify the vibrations unbelievably strongly, letting them echo again and again. A peculiarity of this world.

Precious seconds passed by before he had finally freed his foot and fled towards the exit. On the threshold he caught on again and fell to the ground. It was too late, the roof of the additional building broke and collapsed with a loud row.

Frightened, Joan had jumped back. Her father had found place under a steel beam and the two were wrapped in dust.

"Oh, shit." Joan fell to her knees before him to take a closer look on the situation.

The dust had settled quickly, and she spotted the extent. The beam was thick and looked heavy.

"Hey, mouse," he breathed with a forced grin.

Markus's face was unharmed except for a small laceration. Up to his chest he was covered in rubble. Except for the beam, who held him captive, but did not rest upon him with his full weight, it was only 'light rubble'; Stones and concrete from the masonry and roofing.

"Where does it hurt?" Joan asked.

"What are you doing" He countered, and Joan watched him grow paler.

She sighed, "You're in a shock. Again, where does it hurt? "

"Abdomen."

"Where is your com?"

"Belt."

But the belt was buried under the rubble. And if she moved the debris, more could follow.

Joan had to force herself not to panic, had to tell herself to stay calm, again and again, but her hands were already trembling.

"Go, leave. Who knows what triggered the vibration? Surely, you'll find another team that can call the Enterprise to catch the signature of my com and beam me up. "

"I won’t leave you alone!", Joan cried out in despair and tried to somehow lift the steel beam with a metal bar.

"Damn it, it's better if you try to bolt."

Joan looked up to the gigantic heap of rubble and debris. Her father was buried up to his chest under the pile.

"Damn, I should have been a doctor, as Mama always said."

"No. It wouldn’t change a thing." Markus spoke softly, breathing shallow.

"I'd think of something," Joan said, messing up her hair.  She began to move the debris from her father despite the danger of more rubble. She knew, if she’d run down the stairs and tried to find someone else in this huge city, it would certainly take longer. She was terrified, her hands trembled, the blood rushing in her ears. She had removed the last chunk and dug herself under the steel beam, and after about ten minutes of strategic digging she had pulled the Communicator out of the dust.

A moan of her father made her turn her head. She had increased the weight of the steel carrier by removing the substructure material.

To her relief, the Communicator still worked, he had been exposed to the least force.

"Weiss on Enterprise. Medical emergency."

"Prepare for transport," Uhura ordered.

No, shot through her head. "Wait! He might have internal bleeding, if you beam him, the blood can flow unhindered, now it’s still under pressure. "

"I'll give you McCoy," Uhura said, forwarding Joan.

Fuck, she thought.

"Joan, explain the situation," McCoy's voice came from the communicator.

"My father is caught a thick steel beam, he complains about pain in his abdomen, I can’t see anything else. Besides that, he seems to have a shock. "

"I think I have to throw up," muttered Markus.

"Prevent this, it can aggravate the condition," the doctor said sternly. "Can you scan his abdomen somehow?"

"No, he's buried up to his chest."

"Okay, it still seems that your feeling proves to be right. I'm preparing everything up here, keep him awake for two more minutes."

You could already hear him working away.

Joan put the Com to the side, but let it stay activated.

"Pa. I have a question.What do we really want to do when we are back on earth?"

"Oh, Joan, not now.."

"Come on, tell me!"

"I would go to Russia with you and your grandpa, what Chekov tells sounds fabulous. I would like to see that with my own eyes."

"Sounds good. But Russia is big, where would you want to go first?"

"To see the endless forests of Siberia, maybe see some wild bears ..."

He turned quieter and seemed to fall asleep.

"Hey, hey, hey. Come on, stay with me." She put her hand on his shoulder.

"No, I’d like to sleep, little one."

"Leonard, do something, he’s drifting away."

"Damn, be ready for transport."

***

After about four hours of waiting in her room and a half-hour second checkup, which was standard after missions on foreign worlds, McCoy ordered Joan into the intensive care unit of med-bay.

Markus was still asleep.

"Thanks to you, he's going to be fine. Seriously, if we would have beamed him up right away, he had died, because the preparation for such a procedure would have taken too long. You did good, you could have taken a medical profession," he said.

"Maybe in another life," Joan actually had to smile, because somehow she could imagine herself in this profession.

@commandersaru

[janeykath318]

Five Times Jim Lost Clothing In the Line Of Duty

[eirenical]

hm, trying to find something I'm not sure if you've ever written... AND YOU'VE WRITTEN A LOT OF MY FAVOURITE TROPES ;) hm, maybe... apocalypse AU? you might have already written that too and it just slipped my mind ahh

oh! or role reversal!

*laughs*  Yeah, I couldn’t think of any I liked that you hadn’t written, either.  Then again, this is a good problem to have, so I’m not complaining.  ^_~

OK, so apocalypse AU...

I confess, I do actually like apocalypse AUs.  ^_^  I’m not really a big zombie fan, but there’s something about stripping away all the creature comforts from your favorite characters and forcing them to survive by relying on each other that’s kind of appealing to me?  (Probably because the way I like it written, it skirts hurt/comfort territory, tbh.  ;D)  That being said, it’s never really occurred to me to write it before?  Not that I have anything against it, it just never occurred to me.

...is it kind of bad that now I DO kind of want to write it?  XD

OH WAIT.  I KIND OF DID, DIDN’T I??  One could argue that that Joly & Combeferre Post-Purges Jedi Healer AU ficlet I wrote is an apocalypse story, couldn’t one?  ;D

As for characters/pairings I’d most likely write it for, the one that springs most quickly to mind is the triumvirate--Enjolras, Combeferre, and Courfeyrac, but that could be because I’ve seen them written in that kind of AU most often.  I’d also love to just see ALL of Les Amis in that kind of AU.  Because it would be hard to just pick one set.  ^____^

...so, I’ve had Jeremiah on the brain since Yuletide and now this is making me want a Les Mis x Jeremiah fusion.  XD

And Role Reversal...

Again, not one I’ve ever really thought of writing before?  I suppose I could?  To me that particular trope is most effective when you have two characters of really disparate circumstances or conflicting POVs (i.e., a prince and a peasant, as an extreme example), but a lot of the fandoms I’m in and the characters I like are products of their circumstances and backgrounds in such a way that swapping those circumstances with another character would make them an entirely different character.  Which is a challenge I could appreciate -- trying to keep a character recognizable while changing them so completely -- so, when it’s done well, I really enjoying reading it (i.e., Killing Time by Delia Van Hise, one of my favorite Star Trek TOS novels in which time travel aftermath leaves us with Ensign Kirk and Captain Spock ^_^), but I don’t know that I’d ever personally want to write it.

That being said, if I DID write it... I don’t think I’d write it for Les Mis.  It feels more like a Star Wars trope to me.  Like... I don’t know... swapping Luke and Leia?  So, Luke grows up a Prince of Alderaan and Leia grows up the niece of Owen and Beru on Tatooine.

...ok, I think I’m about to eat my words, because suddenly THERE IS SO MUCH THAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT THAT IDEA TO ME, AND YES, I COULD SEE MYSELF WRITING IT.  *_*