#star trek strange new world imagine

[ireallyamabear]

The choice to put Una Chin-Reily on a Starfleet recruitment poster in the late 2370s seems a nod to the extraordinary person she is and her exemplary service, but Boimler’s enthusiasm for her as a personal hero cannot mask the fact of what Starfleet execs are really doing here: while it is Starfleet tradition to honour esteemed personnel from its centuries of history, we have to look at the poster as a product of its time: it seems clear that, shortly after the devastating death toll and the rapid militarisation of the Dominion War, putting a prominent figure of the Great Exploration Age - and notedly someone who had not served in the Klingon War - as the poster person for Starfleet is an indictment that contemporary young people of the Federation are not drawn to the service as it is in their time anymore.

Critically, Starfleet has to use somebody from a 120 years ago, a timeframe that would lap generations of even especially long lived member species like Vulcans or Denobulans, to attract new recruits. Boimler says himself that seeing Una as a representative and her motto - “Ad astra per aspera” was: “Uh, it was a really big reason why I joined.” Clearly there is a wealth of recognisable Starfleet officers from 2370 and onwards, but their entanglement in the Dominion War, or at least in the Borg threat makes them unsuitable as role models for people like Boimler who cannot help but associate these contemporaries with the horrors of war and intergalactic conflict. Thus, the retreat to a “safe” historical narrative, with Starfleet still being about peaceful exploration reflects the growing divide between the realities of a colonised galaxy, the ongoing need of new bodies to fill the posts on all those ships and space stations and the aspirations and values of young people today. In this essay I will question whether Starfleet can keep its promise of scientific integrity in the face of growing political unrest in the UFP and ask what “Number One” herself would have thought about-

[chasingstardustandmoonbeams]

Once More Masterlist (In progress)

Description: It was almost maddening. Repeating the same day over and over again. Waking, dying, waking, on and on again until you nearly spiraled. Or at least you would have if it wasn't for him. There was no one you could turn to outside of each other. You had only yourself, him, and the endless loop that trapped you both.

*updated 12/6/24*

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Because I don’t know when I will update due to work I’ve created a taglist here

Soundtrack to the fic

[2063april5]

Every time snw producers say they're gonna do something completely new that has never been done in trek before I think "like address the Tarsus thing?" and I remain hopeful to this day

[gallavichsreddie1128]

What is with you? (Spock)

Description: When Spock suddenly becomes human, he can’t hold back.

Warning: Smut

Word Count: 1,357

Request: If you feel like writing smut/fluff Spock (SNW)/reader, I would be eternally grateful ❤❤❤ it seems I've read everything in the tag....

Y/N was so confused when Spock tried attacking Sam Kirk. She had always assumed that he hated the man but Spock did pretty good with holding himself back. The other officers had to hold him back as Sam kinda looked scared. Y/N’s eyes were wide at the sight. Spock never acted out like this before. “Control your boyfriend.” Kirk told her and got up to leave the room.

Y/N rolled her eyes. Spock wasn’t her boyfriend. They were good friends and while she wished that they were dating, they were not. “Spock, are you okay?” Y/N asked once Sam left the room. “Yeah I don’t know everything about me is changing. I’m human now.” His ears did look human now that he pointed it out and even his hair wasn’t in his usual style.

“So you can’t control your emotions?” She asked, walking up to him. “It appears not.” She nodded. “Well, welcome to being human.” She joked. He chuckled, something he never really does. 

The rest of the day was crazy. Spock had no idea what his body was doing and Y/N felt so bad. He went on and on about wanting to kick Kirk’s ass. “He sucks.” Y/N agreed with him. “And he spreads rumors about us.” Y/N points out. Spock looked at her confused, “Rumors? What kind of rumors?” Y/N sighed.

Does Spock really have no idea? “That we are dating.” He didn’t look mad about that rumor after all. He almost looked pleased? “I know it’s not the worst rumor that could be going around.” She said and he agreed. “But don’t let him get to you, Spock.” She told him but she had no idea how different and hard this was for him. “That rumor is not bad compared to what others have said about me.” He looks down. He was getting sad. Y/N set down her fork and grabbed his hand. He was no longer Vulcan so it shouldn’t matter. But she almost missed the dark look in his eyes as he looked at their hands.

“Spock, don't listen to them. Those people suck and are racist.” She tells him and gives his hand a squeeze. He looked up at her and the sadness that was in his eyes for not even a minute was gone. It was replaced with something that she wasn’t aware of. “Spock, are you okay?” She asked. She pulled back her hand just for him to grab it again. “So uh tell me Y/N. What do you think of these rumors of us?” She looked a little surprised by his actions and words.

“Uh well, like I said it’s not the worst rumor that could be spread.” She said and she noticed the grip he had on her hand. “What about you?” She asked him. “I think that rumor shouldn’t even be a rumor.” She nodded. “It should be true.” Her eyes widened at her friend. “Spock…” Before she could finish her sentence he was on her side of the table with his lips on hers.

Her eyes widened during the kiss and she pulled back. “Spock, what is with you?” She asked. “I’ve held back for years but now since I’m human I can longer do that.” He almost growled and kissed her again. “Spock, maybe we should take this back to your quarters.” She looks at the people watching them. 

The second they are in his quarters and the door is shut he nearly pounces on her. Her back was against the wall and his lips practically eating her up. He had her pinned to the wall as his lips left hers to kiss down her neck. She closed her eyes and let out a pleasured sigh as he bit and nipped at her neck, definitely leaving a mark or two. His hands pulled up her shirt and he sank to his knees.

She watched as he kissed down her stomach and to her pants. He looked up at her and smirked. The dark look in his eyes no longer made her nervous but made her wet. He pulled down her pants and smirked at the sight. She had forgotten to wear panties. “Fuck.” She whispered but he chuckled. “That’s perfect.” He said and ran a finger to gather her wetness. She held her breath. His eyes darkened at the gooey substance on his finger. She was really wet.

She looked down at him with pleading eyes, silently begging him to do something. He looked up at her pleading eyes and put his finger in his mouth. He moaned at the taste and his eyes nearled rolled back. Her jaw dropped as he did this. “Spock.” She whispered to the man. “You taste so good.” He grunted and she threw her head back against the wall. As she did that he rubbed his perfect nose against her clit.

She gasped and felt his hot breath against her wet pussy as he chuckled. Both his hands rubbed up her thighs to get a good grip on them. He gave an experimental lick on her clit and her hands went down to grip his hair. He took that as a good sign and began eating her out like a hungry man. Her moans filled his quarters and she gasped as she felt one of his fingers circle her dripping wet entrance.

“Please Spock.” She almost screamed as he teased her hole. Her legs were shaky, almost too shaky as he inserted a finger inside of her. His mouth sucking on her clit. She could barely stand as the pleasure coursed through her body. Spock took notice of this and placed her legs over his shoulder. Before she could let out a sound, he stood up and she was higher on the wall than she was. Spock was tall. If she was to open her eyes she would be able to see all of his quarters. But his tongue and now two fingers pleasuring her was making it very hard for her to focus.

Her thighs were trying to shut as they squeezed around the vulcan’s head but that seemed to excite him and continue his abuse on her pussy. “Spock.” She whined. The whine was very loud and if anyone was outside his quarters they definitely heard it. She felt like she was floating. Being in the air and getting her pussy eaten out was definitely something that needed to happen again.

It was too long until he felt her thighs shake and her pussy squeezing his fingers. Her breathing turned to panting and her whines turned to whimpers. She was close. He added a third finger causing her to gasp his name and release on his fingers and tongue. She was trying to catch her breath as he ate her out like a meal and worked her through her orgasm. It wasn’t long before he pulled away from her and looked up. She was still trying to breathe and her eyes were closed.

He tapped her thigh and her eyes opened and looked down at the man and gasped. His face was covered in her slick as were his fingers. “Spock, that was amazing! But what the hell has gotten into you?” She asked. He helped her onto the ground, ignoring the question and kissed her.

She moaned as she tasted her sweet juices on his tongue. She never really thought about how she would taste but she totally understood why he was going at it. She pulled away and looked at him. He was still Spock but something was different about him.

Not just him fully being human but the look in his eyes. She was ready to drop to her knees and repay the favor but a chime was heard through the quarters that someone was at the door.

Spock rolled his eyes and asked who it was. M’Benga and Christine found the cure. “Be down there in a minute.” He yelled out. Y/N tried to stand up so he could go get fixed but he kept her on her knees. “I’m not going anywhere until you repay me.” He winked at her.

[woman-of-many-fandoms]

lol, I mean...

[to-boldly-nope]

Like Crazy (Peck!Spock x Reader)

Plot: just...angsty pining

Words: 566

Warnings: drinking, brief mentions of making out (so slight nsfw), angst, self-angst(?)

A/N: Hey!!! First of all, if you've read that one post about the reason why I stopped writing, I'm here to say everything is still OK between me and my fiance and we plan on getting married in October! Second, it's been a while, like I don't know how long, maybe 2 years? Maybe 3? How's it going! And third, my dad started watching Strange New Worlds and holy shit Ethan Peck is...woah...(in a good way..obv)

Another A/N: If yall see me posting a lot just message me and tell me to get back to my school work because I'm a master procrastinator.

You sit at the bar on the ship, watching as the people party and drink and you do too, well, you drink. You watch as Christine flirt with Spock for the umpteenth time tonight, he looks bored as he makes eye contact with you from across the room. Was he actually uninterested or did he just look like that? You take another shot. 

You see Spock walk up to you and you grimace softly. “Too much Christine?” 

“Indeed,” he simply said. I try to sit up, but I sway softly. Was the ship unbalanced or were you drunk? You couldn’t even tell until Spock’s hands steadied you. His face was blank, but his eyes were concerned. “You’re intoxicated.” 

“I’m not. Why do you care?” 

“You are a valued member of this crew,” he said, his voice deep like always and it sent shivers down your spine. This wasn’t even right. Spock shouldn’t be caught in the middle of whatever was going on. Between you and Christine pining after him, trying to win his affection. You swore that there was something there for you in his eyes. He always had a softer look, a softer voice, a softer touch. You don’t want this to end, but if you kept on being a coward then Christine would win him over first. 

“Right,” you say with an eye roll. 

“I mean it, (Y/N),” he whispered and the shiver returned again. 

~

You don’t remember when you made it into the science lab with Spock. Maybe it was adrenaline or maybe you were drunk, but those thoughts went away as Spock pressed you against the table. 

“Don’t wake me,” you mumbled against his lips. 

“What was that?” Spock asked while pulling away. 

You just shake your head. You were scared of that one wrong thing and you’d wake up from this dream. You’d wake up and Spock would realize that you didn’t deserve any of this and he should be with someone like Christine and not some tough security officer. Someone who matches his intellect and can have conversations and requires logic and not force, but you could do that too. What’s the difference between you and her anyway? You can be logical and intellectual too. You seem to be viewing yourself from outside of your body, like a reflection. You see yourself wrap your legs around his waist as he easily lifts you up on the table, making some of the glasses fall to the floor and shatter. 

You’re afraid that everything will disappear. Maybe he’s just here to help numb the pain, the pining. Maybe he made his choice and decided that he wanted you and not Christine, she was leaving for the Fellowship after all. Maybe this wasn’t a dream after all. 

You let him lean into you, placing kisses against your neck, one of his hands holding your thigh and the other resting on your lower back, holding you up, making sure you don’t touch any of the broken glass. Your hands go towards his uniform shirt, grasping it.

~

You wake up in your bed, the skin on your neck tingling softly from where you dreamed of the kisses and the bites. You take a minute to ground yourself, making sure that you are awake and aware, your fingers slowly touching the tingling skin. 

“Alone again,” you hissed to yourself, wiping away tears, “what’s the point?” 

[45780]

Una: did you give anyone good grades? Cus at this point I don't think so.

Pelia: well there was one

Scotty: only one! You cannit be serious.

Una: who was this apparent perfect person

Pelia: Amanda's daughter, Michael Burnham.

Pike, who had not heard any of the previous conversation and is now panicking at the mention of Michael,almost dropping a roast chicken: SHE IS DEAD! SHE'S DEAD I SWEAR SHE'S DEAD

Spock, who also hadn't heard the conversation: ITS TRUE I WAS THERE SHE WENT BOOM!, BIG OLD RED LIGHT, BANG, THEN DEAD!

[elen-aranel]

Helloo~ May I make a Christopher Pike x reader request? It's a month old scuttlebutt, that the captain is involved with you, based solely on misconstrued events (leaving the direction of his quarters early morn in a rumpled uniform, stopping by medbay for a 'shot') Everyone knows that everyone knows, from cadet to captain. Except you don't. And noone has bothered checking. And the captain finds it funny (and you 'apparently' don't mind either as you've not bothered to shoot it down) so any moments you two have in view of others, he gives you a conspirational wink with some flirty banter. You think (hope) he's really flirting and not just being friendly.

Is it a bit much for a request? If so lemme know. Or i can commission? Idk. The idea hit me and it made me giggle with all the ways it could go.

Thank you so much for the request, and for your patience... this took a while! I hope you like the direction I've gone with it <333

Common Knowledge

Pairing: Christopher Pike x F!Reader (no Y/N) Warnings/Notes: Reader wears the dress version of the standard SNW uniform. Food mentions, alcohol mention. WC: 5.8k

It all starts the morning after you spent gamma shift in a Jeffries tube. Well. Several Jeffries tubes, in fact, chasing down an issue with a relay that had blown and taken a bunch of circuitry out with it, including some life support systems.

You’re feeling good, though, as you step out into the corridor on a deck full of crew quarters. Yes, your red uniform dress is creased and you’re in dire need of a shower, but the relay and the burned-out circuitry are replaced, and all systems are back online.

You deserve a water shower, not a sonic one, you tell yourself as you head toward the turbolift, nodding to the occasional officer as you walk by them. You just need to make sure the ops console on the bridge is reading everything correctly, then your duty shift will be done.

“Commander, Lieutenant,” you greet Lieutenant Commander Chin-Riley and Lieutenant Ortegas as you enter the turbolift. Unlike you, they both look fresh and ready to face the day. Number One nods in greeting, but Ortegas looks you up and down quite blatantly, and you find you’re trying to smooth your skirt despite yourself.

“Long night?”

“I—” you start, but before you can reply—

“Computer, hold. Open the doors,” Commander Chin-Riley says, and as you turn, Captain Pike is walking into the lift. And somehow, even though you’ve been on the Enterprise for a while, you’re never not struck by his presence. His broad shoulders. How handsome he is.

“Good morning, Number One, Ortegas. Lieutenant.” He puts an odd weight on your title, even though of course he knows your name, and then your mind goes blank as he winks one of those blue eyes.

“C-captain,” you stutter, well aware of Ortegas trying to stifle a laugh next to you.

“Sleep well?” Una asks, something knowing in her voice, after the captain directs the turbolift to the bridge.

“I’ve had… more restful nights,” he says, and looks at you sideways, doubtless taking in your rumpled dress and less-than-fresh appearance. “Like the lieutenant here, I’d wager,” he adds, and you must have missed a memo somewhere because this ‘lift ride has gotten very weird, very fast.

You decide keeping quiet is your best bet — it’s a short ride, thank goodness.

But you can’t shake the feeling that there are eyes on you as you finish your work on the bridge.

It may have started in a Jeffries tube, but it continues in sickbay.

You appreciate knowing sickbay is there. Doctor M'Benga and Nurse Chapel are skilled at their jobs, and you’ve had cause to be grateful for them when accidents happen, from a pulled muscle during a workout to a painful plasma burn from faulty equipment.

That doesn’t mean you love getting your quarterly check-up and shots. But you decided early on in your career that you weren’t going to be one of those people doctors had to chase for their physicals. Every three months you turn up. You’re due for routine vaccinations against some common alien viruses that human immune systems need reminders about, and your contraceptive shot.

Not that you really need it, of course. You aren’t getting any. The closest you’ve been since you joined the Enterprise was Lieutenant Paulson, a senior engineer who sometimes commands gamma shift when you’re on that rotation. He asked you out to dinner on Starbase 1, and while you like him as a person, you had to decline. You’d known him for a while, and never felt any kind of spark. And there’s been no-one— there’s been almost no-one else on the ship that you’re interested in. But still, you get your shot.

Today your appointment is during your shift. You didn’t want to be interrupted; you’re working on a new scanning device to be used on a planet with an unusual combination of atmosphere and magnetic field, which affects the resolution of normal scanners. So when your reminder went off you kept hold of your PADD, and you carried on entering the design parameters as you walked.

“Woah there,” a voice cuts through the equations you’re focussing on, and you feel hands on your arms, steadying you as you stumble.

As it turns out, walking with a PADD is a mistake.

Especially when you walk straight into the captain in the corridor outside sickbay.

“Captain! I’m so sorry! I—I was— I’ll pay more attention.” You look up, flustered, into his blue eyes, suddenly keenly aware of the bulk of him, of the controlled strength in his hands.  Happily, he seems amused rather than annoyed, that half smile playing about his lips.

“I do admire your... dedication, Lieutenant, but you’re right. Paying attention is a good idea.”

And as the doors to sickbay swish open, letting Chief Kyle and one of your fellow engineers out onto the corridor, you realise the captain hasn’t moved. You’re still in his space, and he’s still holding you.

“Captain, Lieutenant... are you joining us?” Nurse Chapel looks as though she’s suppressing a smile. “You’re, uh... both here for your quarterly shots, right?” she adds, as Pike finally steps back, and you walk with him into sickbay. You nod, mutely.

“Yes. Timed it perfectly this time, didn’t we Lieutenant?” he says, and he grins at you, knowing.

“Sure,” you find yourself saying, sitting down a little abruptly on the biobed Doctor M'Benga indicates. Is Pike… flirting with you? Or just being his usual warm self?

“This shouldn’t take too long. I’m sure you want to get back to your... duties.” M'Benga looks meaningfully at Pike, who shrugs, a picture of innocence.

“Can you blame us?”

You can’t help your smile.

But actually, now you really think about it, maybe you’re wrong.  Maybe it started with the onions.

You have a shift free, moving from nights to days as you do on a semi-regular basis, since some edict came down from Starfleet that people shouldn’t just work nights for health reasons. It doesn’t entirely make sense to you; you’re on a ship, so it’s not like anyone has a real day or night, but being able to socialise with people who are always on alpha is a plus, and you suppose the same rules apply to planetary bases which do have day and night.

The captain has invited you to dinner. That isn’t special, even though you wish it were – he likes to get to know the whole crew in an informal setting, and it’s just your turn. And maybe you over-think it just a little, during the day, planning what to wear to make yourself look pretty but not like you’d tried too hard.

Either way, you are early. You only realise as you press the chime for the door, when it’s too late to back out.

But the captain’s smile is warm and welcoming. “Hi, come in, come in. You any good with a vegetable knife?”

You grin in return, relaxing. “Yes sir. It’s been a little while, but I can chop.”

“Chris. We’re not on the clock right now.”

“Yes, Chris.” You follow him into the kitchen area of his quarters, taking in the fire, the view of a green forest through the windows, all the details that mark the space as his.

“Excellent. That spatial anomaly today— well. I’m playing catch-up here.”

“Oh wow, you really are...” the vegetables are all laid out ready, and there are a lot. But then, you don’t know how many people will be here. “Set me to work. How do you want the carrots?”

Pike’s knives are sharp and well balanced, and it’s easy to chop carrots into even circles, and to dice potatoes into neat cubes. You chat, too, about the food he’s making, and the special unit he had the ship’s botanists set up to let him grow fresh herbs in space.

You’re pretty much on autopilot by the time you get to the onions. You know the technique: you slice them in half through the root, then make sure you don’t cut the root again as you cut from close to the root to the tip, then across into chunks.

“So, there’s something I’m curious about,” you say as you grab the next onion.

“Oh?” Pike pauses for a moment, hand poised over the control for the oven.

“The forest overlay you have for the windows. Is it somewhere special to you? It’s really lovely.” You blink a little as you chop. Perhaps you got a lash or something in your eye.

Pike presses the control on the oven, then turns to look at you. “No, actually it’s—” he frowns. “Wait, are you all right?”

You blink again. “Of course, why wouldn’t I be?” Your brow draws together, and you put your knife down, turning to him a little more.

“Because you’re crying.” He starts towards you.

“Oh, damn.” You can feel it now — that tell-tale sting in your eyes. You look down at your chopping. “The onions. But I was being careful.” You sigh, blink again, and feel a tear roll down your cheek.

“If there are a lot it doesn’t matter how careful you are. I’m sorry, I should have done them.” He reaches past you, and you’re terribly aware of him in your space. He pulls off a piece of kitchen towel.

 “It’s not your fault—” the words die on your lips as he turns to face you, blue eyes filled with concern.

“I’ll just—I don’t want you to use your hands—” and he takes the towel and dabs your face, and you suck a little breath in at his closeness, wondering why it has to be in a circumstance like this, when the door chime goes. “Enter,” he says, distractedly, blotting away one more tear before stepping back. “There. No harm done. But you should wash up. Ah, Spock, perhaps you can take over the chopping.”

You look round to see that Spock, Sam Kirk, Ortegas and Uhura have all walked in, just in time to see you with red eyes from the onions. At least, you think as you wash the onion off your hands, your makeup is waterproof.

Regardless of how things did or did not start, you’re pretty sure the captain only thinks of you as a friend. That this flirting is just a joke between the two of you... even if you wish it were real. Either way, you decide you might as well enjoy it.

You get back to the transport point from your solo hike on Chi Orianis Prime �� it’s beautiful, with fluffy peachy-pink grass that’s soft underfoot and smells very slightly citrus-y when you tread on it, interspersed with lavender coloured bushes, with views of blue lakes and red mountains in the distance – right as Pike gets back from his fishing trip. Given how he’s carrying his cooler, it must have been a successful one.

You’re just about to ask him about it when Chapel and Ortegas arrive, with Uhura and La’an in tow, laughing together. They’re wearing t-shirts and shorts and sandals, carrying towels — clearly back from the beach, La’an actually looking like she might have caught the sun a little.

You take a step closer to him.

“Enjoy your trip?” The smile on Erica’s face is just a little too innocent.

“Yes, thank you. Wouldn’t have been the same without the lieutenant here, though.” Pike catches your eye, and you smile back at him, sappy, playing along.

“The captain’s right. We had a good time.”

None of your close friends wanted to go to movie night with you tonight. They’re showing a classic 20th century Earth film, Casablanca, and none of them were interested in seeing something that old. But it seems pretty popular with the rest of the crew when you get there. You pick up some popcorn first, wondering once again whose idea it was to put a Starfleet delta on the containers, and you head to find a seat.

Maybe it was a good thing your friends didn’t come. There aren’t too many spaces left when you go to sit down, but there are a few seats a couple of rows in front of where Spock and Nurse Chapel are sitting together. You settle in, allowing yourself three pieces of popcorn before the lights go down.

And right before they do, Pike slides into the free seat next to you.

“I thought you were going to stand me up,” you tell him, tilting your popcorn container over.

“A gentleman would never,” he replies, and you can hear the smile in his voice as he takes a piece.

The back of the shuttle is open to the bay, and Cadets Novakova and Manuel, on engineering rotation, are standing inside it with you, PADDs in hand. You’ve popped a panel off the inside of the shuttle, and you indicate a junction point.

“So, okay. You want to interplex the circuitry here. What will be the result of that? What are you hoping to achieve?”

“Well, the increased signal strength will improve thruster response time and efficiency.” Manuel says, shrugging his broad shoulders like it’s obvious.

“Yes, and we need better responsiveness for the planet. The atmospheric differentials are almost out of spec.” Novakova nods. “This is the easiest way to achieve that.”

“All right. And looking at the systems in front of you, will there be any other consequences?”

“No, there shouldn’t, it should just—” there’s a pause, then Novakova steps back, playing with a twist of her blonde hair as she considers. “Wait. That pathway, it connects to the impulse engine as well, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, it does, and the boosted signal would go through there too…” Manuel’s fingers fly over his PADD.

They look at each other as the penny drops, and you notice Pike in the bay, listening in. You tilt your head and raise a brow in a silent invitation, but he shakes his head a little, content to observe.

“So if we interplex the circuitry there, we will get an increase in thruster efficiency, but at the expense of introducing instability into the impulse control matrix.” Manuel sighs.

“You’re flying along, minding your business and then boom. Impulse reactor overload.” Novakova winces. “I didn’t see that.”

You nod. “You didn’t. Because neither of you really looked. For what it’s worth, it would probably have worked on the shuttles at the academy. But these are a different model. You have to work with what’s actually in front of you. That’s half the battle.”

“Wise words, Lieutenant.” Pike leans into the back of the shuttle, and you can’t help your smile at the praise as the cadets turn to acknowledge him. “The two of you should take them to heart.”

You're sitting on a bench in the bar, sipping a favourite drink, listening to Ensign Thyra play an Earth guitar but sing a wistful sounding song in her native Andorian, when Lieutenant Ortegas sits down next to you. And then Nurse Chapel sits on your other side.

“So, you and the captain. How’s that going?” Christine’s opening is straight to the point.

You give her a sceptical look. “It... isn’t? Hi to you too, by the way.” You turn to Erica. “To both of you.”

“Oh, come on. You guys are not subtle.” Erica rolls her eyes. “It’s been scuttlebutt for weeks. Me, Number One,” she starts counting off on her fingers, “Christine, Mbenga, Uhura...”

“Sam Kirk,” Christine adds.

“Yes, Sam Kirk, Spock, La’an...”

 “We’ve all seen it. I even heard the cadets talking about it. Everyone knows.”

You shake your head, putting your drink down on the table in front of you. “We’re not... I don’t—” you look from one to the other. “There’s nothing between the captain and me.” You take a breath. “He flirts, sometimes I flirt back, but it’s just a joke.”

“Doesn’t look like a joke to me.” Christine says, her voice soft, almost sympathetic.

Erica shrugs. “It’s okay. You don’t have to admit it, if you guys are keeping things to yourselves... We just wanted you to know that we’re happy for you. Pike should have someone on the ship. And you. You should have someone too.” Her smile as she stands to leave is genuine.

“I—I’m not hiding anything. But thanks, I guess? I appreciate the sentiment.”

Arriving early when the captain invites you to a crew dinner is your habit now. You enjoy helping with prep when you can, and having a quiet moment to chat with Chris.

But this time you use the computer to check that others have arrived before you get there. You try to relax; these are your friends, Chris is your friend, but with what Erica and Christine said… you feel self-conscious. Second guessing everything you do and say.

 You leave as soon as you can without being rude.

You feel a bit self-conscious with work, too, although you try to bury it. Especially with Pike piloting the shuttle for this mission. You’re sitting in your tactical uniform in the back of shuttle Kepler with Spock, Sam Kirk, La’an, and a couple more science officers. You would expect Kirk especially to pass some comment, but even he is quiet, because Zeta Lyrae VI’s wind shear is every bit as bad as science predicted.

A long-range scanning probe identified it as a possible source of dilithium as well as some other useful minerals — visual scan only, though, because the strange magnetic field prevented scanning of the interior. But that’s where the scanner you developed comes in. The visual scan also tagged some potential ruins which Kirk will investigate, and there’s general surveying to do too.

You grit your teeth against the turbulence. You trust that the captain’s piloting skills and the modifications you and the cadets made to the shuttle will see you safely to the ground, but you still feel motion sick. You know, though, there are pattern enhancers in the cargo. Perhaps you’ll be able to beam back up.

The turbulence lessens as you get deeper into the atmosphere, but you’re still very glad when the shuttle touches down. There’s a metallic tang to the air as the shuttle door opens, but it’s cool and refreshing despite that, and you take a deep breath, settling your rolling stomach, before you get to work.

The dawn sky of Zeta Lyrae IV is muted shades of pale blue and grey, warming a little to mauve-pink at the horizon, where the two suns have just risen. Barren-looking plains stretch out in front of you, with a river lazily meandering across, and there are hills leading to mountains not far away to your right. It’s hard to make out, but the lines of dark stones partially embedded in the ground to your left could well be the remains of a wall, and there are other, more defined structures further away in that direction.

“Lieutenant, you have everything you need?”

“Yes sir.” You lift your last case again, the heavy one, and try to keep your face blank at the weight of it. You know you’ll be feeling it tomorrow, but its contents were too large for your backpack. “I’ve identified a site two kilometres away that’s suitable for the scanner base. Enhanced scanning should be online within an hour.”

Pike nods. “Kirk, La’an, you have the ruins. Spock, the science survey is yours.” He turns to you. “Let me help with that.”

“I’m fine, honestly,” you protest as Pike takes the case from you, fingers brushing yours for one tiny electric moment.

“We’ll make quicker time if we share the load. Which I’m sure Spock will appreciate.”

“Aye, sir.”

You notice that there’s no flirtatious comment today.

This planet feels a bit like a dream, with its dead quiet, muted colours, pearly grey sky and the two suns gently highlighting the landscape. The only evidence you can see of the turbulent atmosphere are the occasional blue-green clouds scudding quickly across the sky.

You pick your way through the pathless terrain, looking for any signs of life. While there are scraps of ragged looking vegetation here and there, a lot of it seems dead, and the planet as a whole seems mostly barren.

You don’t make conversation; there’s something about the planet’s quiet and your confused emotions that steals your ability to make small talk, and Pike is quiet too. There’s just the sound of two pairs of boots crunching on the ground.

Until you almost step on a flower: a seven petaled bloom in the shape of a star, pale blue in the middle deepening to grey-purple just at the tips. You pause to get a better look, to see if there are any others like it nearby, but it seems solitary.

“Are you all right, Lieutenant?”

You look up to see Pike has stopped too, mild concern on his face.

“Yes sir, I’m fine.” You straighten up. “I just... this flower is the only one I’ve seen, and I wonder... is it the last gasp of the life that used to live on this planet, or is it a glimpse of hope for the future?”

Pike glances at the flower, but his focus is on you when he speaks. “We’ll likely never know, but I... I choose hope.”

The site you chose from the visual scan is obvious when you get there. You’re at the edge of the hills, and there’s a grey cliff curving round one edge of a flat open area. Geophysics had identified it as a potential location for dilithium, and as you get close you can see veins of the pink crystal running through the rock.

Now you just need to find out how much there is.

With Pike helping it doesn’t take too long to set the scanner up. You start with the base in the case he was carrying, and together you fold it out into a large circle, locking struts and its three legs in place.

You attach the probe that will drill into the soil, the antennas to communicate with the smaller unit near the shuttle and with the Enterprise, and to facilitate scanning in the atmosphere. Finally, you attach the computer from your backpack which is the brains of the system — you can’t help your private smile of satisfaction as it comes online. The shuttle is far enough away that its systems don’t affect the sensitive scans, and when the probe deploys and calibration data flows straight through immediately.

You talk to Commander Pelia and Lieutenant Spock on comms, making adjustments on the fly to the different parameters, optimising the uplink from the scanner and away team’s tricorders to the Enterprise.

Pike checks in with La’an at some point, but next time you look up you see he’s a little way away, tricorder out, following a standard scanning pattern working outward from where you are. You’re a little surprised he didn’t tell you that’s what he was going to do. Then the scanner beeps as the drill returns a result outside expected tolerances, pulling your focus.

It’s easier to get lost in your work than think about him, and for a long while, you do.

“Lieutenant, do you see that?” There’s a note of concern in Pike’s voice, and you follow his gaze to the horizon to your right.

It almost looks like a distant rain shower would on Earth, but there are green lights sparking all through it. Like lightning but less directional. You take a breath, and realise the metallic smell has intensified, to the point you can almost taste it.

“Yes, sir, I do.” You turn and meet Pike’s eyes.

“Plasma storm?”

“Plasma storm.” You redirect your scanner’s gain to maximum in that direction, sacrificing resolution elsewhere.

Pike’s tone is rueful. “Should’ve known when I scanned a burned patch of vegetation. It must have developed quickly.”

“Looks like it’s moving fast, too.”

“I’ll contact the rest of the away team, have them meet us at the shuttle. You start packing.”

“Sir,” you reply, distracted, already deep in the scanner readouts. You vaguely hear Pike calling Spock, then La’an, but you’re focused on one last scan.

“Lieutenant? I gave you an order.”

“Yes sir, you did, but look.” You point to the readout of the storm’s speed on the screen. “Scans show that even if we leave right now, we can’t make it back to the shuttle before the storm hits. We don’t even have time for them to pick us up.”

Pike frowns. “Options?”

“The cliff. There’s a cave system behind it. I don’t think there’s an entrance close enough, but...”

“Phasers? All this dilithium makes it risky.”

“Plasma burns are no fun, sir. I would know.”

He raises a brow. “Sounds like a story for later. All right. Let’s do this.”

You grab your phaser from your holster and dial the power up.

“Fire.”

You focus your beam on the weakest spot, and Pike fires at it too. And... nothing happens, for long enough for a shade of doubt to creep in. Then there’s a sound, a pile of rubble, and a gap. Just large enough for a person.

The cave is dark. It’s big, too, enough that the torches on your vests can’t illuminate the other side from where you are.

The storm is still raging outside, but the sound of it is quiet in here; the narrow space you opened the gap into curved round for a few metres before opening out into the space you’re in.

Now all you can do is sit and wait.

And you’re so aware of Pike, sitting with you.

He’s quiet, and now you come to think of it he has been all day. Definitely no flirting. You try to steal a glance at him, see what he’s thinking, but it’s too dark, and you don’t want to turn to face him.

You cast around for a distraction, and find a piece of dilithium embedded in the rock floor of the cavern next to you. The surface is flat and glassy-smooth, but with a few imperfections, and you like the feel of it under your fingers. In your head you go over the dilithium crystal eigenstates you memorised at the academy in one of your classes in warp field mechanics, and calculate the power output you would need for your phaser to trigger different levels.

“Sir, I’d like to try something, to give us some more light. It’s safe.”

“Sure. Go ahead.”

You adjust your phaser to its second lowest setting, scoot across a little and fire on the dilithium, counting seconds in your head. It starts glowing red immediately, but as you shut the beam off the glow spreads, along one vein, then another, then another, until the whole cavern is lit up like its own galaxy, surrounding you on the floor, the walls, the ceiling.

“Wow, that’s—that’s good work. Thank you.”

There’s something in his expression as he looks at you, the wonder in his eyes melting into a smile, that makes you brave.

“So… I had an—an interesting chat with Chapel and Ortegas the other day.”

“Oh?”

“Apparently the scuttlebutt is that we’re dating... we’ve been dating for a while. They wouldn’t believe me when I told them it wasn’t true.” You stare out across the cavern at all the glimmering lights.

“Oh.” He exhales. “Hah, yeah… I’m, uh, sorry about that? Things… got away from me.” You hear him stir, move into a different position.

You frown. “I don’t understand. What are you sorry for?”

“I’ve always been interested in you. And you’re not the sort of person that’s cowed by rank – Paulson is your superior, in your chain of command, but I was in the bar when he asked you to dinner, and you were so sure of yourself when you rejected him. So that day in the turbolift, Una and Erica jumping to conclusions... Your face was a picture, and I had to take Una’s bait. But by the time she told me there was already a rumour, you were joining in, and I—”

His voice goes quiet, like a confession.

“I couldn’t stop. And that wasn’t fair to you… making you an object of gossip like that.”

“Chris, I—” but now it comes to it, you can’t find the words. How do you tell him that you wouldn’t mind, not at all, if only the gossip were real? “But you did stop. We’ve barely spoken today. Until now.”

“I can read the room. You weren’t up for it the other night. Or today. And… I would never force my attentions where they clearly aren’t wanted.”

“But... they are, Chris. They are wanted.”

The cavern is dead quiet, and you almost wonder if you actually spoke aloud. But the look in Pike’s eyes when you finally turn to meet them—

“Lieutenant Spock to Captain Pike. Come in, please.”

Pike shrugs a little, face apologetic, as he flips open his communicator.

The ride back to the Enterprise is as quiet, and bumpy, as the ride to the planet. Spock and the rest of the away team had sheltered in the shuttle with shields up while the storm passed over them, and when the Enterprise’s scanners had shown that another one was forming, they came to pick you up.

All the equipment you left outside was destroyed.

But you think, as you climb in the shuttle, you catch a glimpse of one of those star-shaped flowers, still intact. Still blooming.

And Pike makes a point to catch your eye as you leave the shuttle bay. It’s subtle, but you recognise the invitation.

You think you can smell food as you press Pike’s door chime, and the scent only gets more appetising as you walk in. The lights are low, apart from the fire burning brightly, and Pike pauses, apron on over his gold uniform, to smile at you as you walk over to the kitchen area.

“You came.”

“Of course.”

He picks a small bottle up, and pours from it into a salad bowl in front of him. “I hope you’re hungry… I may have gone a little overboard on the mac and cheese. I thought we could use a little comfort food after that planet.”

“It smells amazing. Anything I can do to help?”

“It’s almost ready. You could pour the wine?” He indicates to the bottle and two glasses on one end of his L shape table. You uncork the chilled bottle and take care of the drinks while he brings plates, salad, and the macaroni cheese, piping hot and smelling delicious.

Sitting next to Chris, rather than opposite like you might at a restaurant or on the other side of the L as you have when you’ve been to crew meals here, feels so intimate. As he reaches over to get some salad, or you go to pick up your glass to sip some chardonnay, you can’t help but touch. You try not to let being this close to him distract you… as intimate as this is, as hopeful as you are, nothing is settled.

You take a bite of your pasta and sigh. “It’s perfect, Chris. Creamy, the cheese— everything. Perfect comfort food. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” You see him relax a little as you load up another forkful; he cares what you think.

You eat for a while in companionable quiet, then he takes a breath.

“I’m planning on demoting Spock. He has the worst timing.” He quirks one of those half smiles at you, the kind that make you melt a little, but then his expression goes serious.

“My position on this ship… I have to be careful of it. Your training – everyone’s training – tells you to do as I say. So, if I’m… interested… in someone, usually I try to set that aside.” He puts his fork down and shakes his head a little. “Clearly I didn’t do well on that score with you. But… I would have to be sure, before I truly pursue anything, that a person isn’t saying yes because of my rank.”

“I told myself that flirting was just a joke between us. That you don’t get involved with your crew. I want it to be real, but when people assumed that it was… It spooked me for a moment there.” You turn to face him more fully, to look into his eyes.

“I understand what it means for you to be Captain Pike. I understand that the Enterprise comes before me. But I felt that—that pull toward you, long before whatever this was started. It’s not your rank, your position of authority, Chris, it’s you.”

Chris stands from his chair, reaching a hand out to you. You stand and take it, his fingers warm in yours, and let him draw you to him, feeling the press of his body all along yours. You stare into his eyes, and see a wonder there that you’re sure he sees in your eyes too – the knowledge that you can finally have this. But then your eyes drift shut as he kisses you, gently, unhurried, savouring the moment.

You part for just a second, and then it gets passionate as you kiss him back, one hand on his chest, while his other hand finds its way to your lower back, holding you tighter. Your lips part, his tongue finds yours and you taste him, and you can’t get enough.

“So I know your shots are up to date,” Chris says, voice gravelly, when you pause for breath. “Would you like to take this to the bedroom?”

“Yes please.” You don’t care if you sound needy; you just want him. He takes your hand again and leads the way.

You are not quite sure what happened to your dress. You remember Chris helping you take it off last night, but quite how it got this crumpled is a bit of a mystery. You lift it up from the floor, and try to shake it out, not very successfully.

“Breakfast is served,” Chris says, looking fresh and neat in his uniform, not a hair out of place. No evidence to be seen of your activities last night, or how little sleep he may have had. “Oh, did you want a new uniform? I can synthesise one.”

“No need. I’ll have time to change in my quarters before shift.” You pull it on and try to smooth your skirt. “Breakfast?”

“Waffles. And real maple syrup. I know this little farm—”

It isn’t far from Pike’s quarters to the turbolift, and the officers in the corridor nod and smile to you as usual. Until you meet Lieutenant Ortegas.

She looks you up and down, taking in your creased dress with a raised brow and a sly smile. “I saw the duty rosters; I know you’re on alpha today. So… you get lucky last night?”

You try to hide your smile, but you feel too good – you don’t really want to.

“Yes, Erica, I did.”

Everyone will know, but you don’t mind. You and Chris are at the start of something special.

[imamotherfuckingstar-lord]

imagine getting spock to relax

The crowd of Klingons gathered around the Vulcan, cheering him on his non-Vulcan ways. You slumped against the canteen, watching as Spock downed a another helping of blood wine. His attempt to partake in the crowd's grunts of celebration made you smile.

Anything Spock did made you smile.

As the crowd died down and everyone began to converse, you pushed away from the bar and walked over to the him. His eyes caught yours and for a brief moment, you thought witness a hint of softness in them.

"Enjoying yourself, Spock?"

"Indeed."

Smiling, you attempted to look into his mug and he quickly went for a refill when your face dropped. He said not a word as you thanked him and gently took the mug from his; fingers touching his, Spock's jawline tensed.

You lifted the mug to cover the smile on your face - the wine was bitter but the after taste was sweet. "Not bad."

"Human's enjoying drinking."

His statement received a nod from you. "You're human too, Spock. You should enjoy yourself."

The Vulcan stood taller and gazed around the crowd before his eyes landed on you; the beating of your heart intensified when he wouldn't look away. When it seemed like he had something important to say, the inner fighting of his human and Vulcan side on full display. Until everything seemed to stop and his facial expression gave away to clarity and resolve.

"I suppose it would be beneficial to partake in human behaviors."

Laughing, you reached a hand to his shoulder and gave it a squeeze, to which his body seemed to relax under. "Believe me, Spock, human's aren't the only ones that enjoy drinking. So, shall we?"

Spock seemed to smile - as much as a Vulcan could smile and motioned to the canteen with his hand. "We shall."

[starfleetimagines]

Dating Una Chin-Riley

You’re very close to Pike by proxy. He found out about you and Una when hosting a dinner one night. You and Una were chatting and laughing together all evening, and Pike just watched from his kitchen, curiosity evident on his face. Spock noticed his captain’s expression and asked what he was concerned about. Pike just laughed, added more basil to his pan, and pointed his spoon towards you and Una. “Not concerned,” he said, “just wondering when that happened.” So after everyone else left, Pike held you and Una back and just gave you both a look: faint smile, warm eyes, slight raise of the eyebrow. Una groaned (she knew what that look meant) and asked what gave you away.

Pike doesn’t care about your relationship. He knows it won’t affect either of your jobs, especially with how intense and focused Una is at hers. But he’s very invested, always asking Una how you two are doing and if there are any updates about xyz (e.g., saying you loved each other, moving in, etc.).

You’re also very close to La’an. She’s like your sister, but is also very protective of Una. She’s the first person to find out about you two. Una talked to her about having feelings for you long before anything happened, so it wasn’t a surprise when Una told her she finally asked you out. La’an gave you a talk though, saying if you hurt Una she’d sign you up for hard-core security practice so she had a reason to beat your ass.

She’s very professional around you when on duty, and even off duty if in a public area. She maintains a certain distance between the two of you when you’re working together. In private, though, she’s very nurturing and affectionate. 

She is, in a way, married to her job though. She works hard and she doesn’t take a lot of time off. At the beginning of your relationship it felt like you had to fight for her attention at times. She realized early on though that she’d have to make some sacrifices if she wanted to maintain your relationship. So she tries to make time for you and makes you promise to tell her if she’s too caught up in her work.

After finding out she’s Illyrian, you’d be very curious about that. You want to learn all about her culture and express as much. She’s hesitant at first just out of instinct; she hid her identity for so long, she isn’t used to talking about it. But she slowly opens up and as she talks about Illyrian culture, she finds it easier and more rewarding to do so.

Tag list: @agent-catfish-kenobi @plaguedoctorsnake @shadyfirecollector

[make-me-imagine]

Time to Kill

Request: Jim Kirk + “Cozy Autumn day watching Halloween films”

Requested By: Anonymous

Pairing: Jim Kirk x Gn!Reader (established relationship)

Warnings: None, just some cute autumn fluff.

Words: 632

You smiled with contentment as you finished laying the soft blankets on the bed. Lying down, you checked that the projection screen was set up just right before you dimmed the lights and turned on the fake fire nearby. The windows showed beautiful fall trees swaying in a light rainy breeze, and for a moment, you really did forget you were on Starship deep in space.

Halloween was approaching on Earth, and the whole ship buzzed with ideas of Halloween parties and costume contests. As you traveled to a distant area of space, you had time to kill, so the crew was allowed to do as they pleased.

Time to kill, also meant, the two of you could relax and have a cozy evening all to yourself. Something Jim was more than happy about.

Hearing a buzz at the door, you looked over to see it slide open, revealing Jim, clad in a cozy outfit, holding a tray brimmed with various foods and snacks.

You grinned as you locked eyes and you felt a warmth fill your chest as he walked over to the bed.

"Wow" He smiled as he looked around, noting all of the various changes you had made to give his suite the perfect autumn vibe.

"You like it?" You asked a bit uncertainly.

He smiled at you as he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. "I love it, its perfect."

You smiled in relief, before your eyes widened a bit, seeing all of the food he had brought. You recognized old Earth Halloween candy, as well as some of your favorite sweets. There were small cakes, chips and dip, and hot chocolate complete with mini marshmallows.

"And how did I do?" He asked with a smile.

You grinned up at him, "Perfect."

He clapped his hands, "So we ready then?"

You nodded happily as you gingerly moved the tray to the middle of the bed, allowing Jim to climb in next to you. He let out a relaxed sigh as he leaned back.

Looking over his shoulder he quirked his brow. "Where did you get all of these pillows?"

You grinned, "I'm a comfort hoarder, you know this."

He chuckled, "Right."

He reached out his arm as you settled in to lean against him, hot chocolate in hand.

Grabbing a PAD he started to flick through the various movies you had downloaded for the evening.

"Ooh, we have to watch this later." He smiled as he pointed at Beetlejuice.

You nodded, "Of course."

"Hmm, but first." He stopped on a movie in the list and your eyes widened. You had not downloaded that one.

Immediately you shook your head, "Absolutely not."

He scoffed, "Why not? IT's a classic!"

"I don't care if it's a classic, I hate it!"

"Oh come on, it's not that bad!"

"IT is that bad" you chuckled "I watched it as a kid and it gave me nightmares, and it made me hate clowns."

"If we aren't watching IT then we aren't watching Hocus Pocus."

You gasped as you sat up, setting down your hot chocolate before you spilled it. "Those movies are not comparable! And Hocus Pocus is so much better!"

He shook his head stubbornly and you pouted at him, your eyes glaring playfully. He glared back, but you saw his resolve failing as his eyes drifted to the pout on your lips.

He finally let out a sigh and rested his head back. "Fine, we can watch Hocus Pocus, BUT, we have to watch a different horror movie if we can't watch IT."

You thought for a moment before nodding "Okay, fine, but nothing with clowns!"

He chuckled, grabbing you and pulling you back into his chest. He pressed a kiss to your temple "Okay, nothing with clowns."

xx End xx

General Taglist: @criminaly-supernatural, @imaginesfire, @onuen, @rexit-mo, @witchygagirl, @alexxavicry

Star Trek + SNW Taglist:  @starfleetimagines, @groovy-lady, @asgardianhobbit98, @agent-catfish-kenobi, @starship-argo, @cs-please, @gatefleet, @tinymushrooms

[chasingstardustandmoonbeams]

Once More (III)

A/N: I would like to thank Star Trek: Short Treks for giving me permission to have Spock laugh and smile. I did so much research for this, it's not even funny. I must have stared at the Enterprise schematics for a full hour.

Word Count: 4k

Warnings: None (unless you count minimal proof reading)

Masterlist & Playlist

Side by side you walked with Spock through the Enterprise hallways. You weren’t quite sure where you wanted to go, you just knew you’d be damned if you lived through another routine loop again. You chewed on your lip, there were so many endless possibilities in front of you right now. The part that you still had yet to wrap your head around was that none of it mattered. No matter what you did with Spock, you’d simply reset as if none of it ever happened. Just an endless Thursday. Over and over again until the end of time itself. 

At least you weren’t alone. At least you had Spock. Spock who always seemed to escape you and capture you all at once. Trying to figure out Spock was almost as maddening as trying to figure out what was causing the loop. 

“What destination did you have in mind?” Spock asked gently, his gaze on you as he matched your stride. It was so hard for you to imagine how he was feeling. Did he feel helpless like you? Was he anxious about finding a way to end this? 

“Rec room?” You questioned. You weren’t sure why you said it - being on the Enterprise didn’t leave you with very many options. 

“Are you inquiring or stating?” He cocked his head to the side, eyebrow arching. He was teasing you as only Spock knew how. 

You let out a snort, your gaze on Spock as the corner of his mouth twitched. “Stating. Come on, I doubt there’s a crowd. Alpha shift is up and running and beta should be heading to bed soon.“

Spock simply nodded at you following your lead. You both found an empty corner in the rec room. You didn’t miss the odd looks from some of the crew. You understood for the most part. You and Spock weren’t necessarily seen together outside of the odd job or two. Though it wasn’t for lack of trying - at least on the part of Erica andUhura’s. Your two friends often meddle in a way that leaves you more perplexed than you’d like to admit. 

Sitting across from Spock, you anxiously began to drum your fingers. There were too many thoughts racing through your head. You had been trying your best to hold it together. You knew there were at least five loops where you had become a total asshole to everyone around you. Spock, of course, had never wavered. His eyes landed on your hands, his eyebrow raising in question. 

“Are you alright, Lieutenant?” The words left his mouth so softly, that you nearly found yourself crying. It was too much - it was all too much. 

You paused the drumming of your fingers, a beat passed before you let out a humorless laugh. “I’m fine, Spock, really.” The last thing you needed was for Spock to think you couldn’t handle yourself. 

“Fine has variable definitions, Lieutenant. I would not consider fine an acceptable term for our situation.” 

Spock had a way of surprising you. He always had. You ran a hand over your face letting out a breath, “I’m…hanging by a very thin thread,” you sighed. “I need a break. I need to not think about the anomaly or the loop. I want…” your voice drifted. You weren’t sure what you wanted. 

“What do you want, Lieutenant?” Spock had gradually leaned forward, his chest now pressed against the side of the table. 

“I want you to stop calling me, Lieutenant, Spock,” you said, a smile appearing on your face. “I think after everything we’ve been through so far we can dispense with the formalities.”

You watched Spock, there was something there, an emotion at the surface that you couldn’t quite register. 

“That would be acceptable,” he paused, “Y/N”. The corner of his mouth tugged slightly upwards, it would be nearly imperceptible to anyone who was not paying attention. You found yourself wanting nothing more than to emit the response again. 

Smiling as you sat back in your seat, your mind reeling with the thought of knowing more, more about him,  “Can I ask you a question?” 

“Anything.” He said it so simply, so matter of factly that it almost took your breath away. You could almost hear Uhura and Erica muttering about how you and Spock try to talk more. There had been a conspiracy between the two of them that you were never able to get to the bottom of. 

“How do you feel about all of this? I know my emotions are more on the surface, but I can’t -” You hesitated, “This is selfish, but I need to not feel so alone.” 

Spock’s eyes met yours before his gaze drifted. “I am unsure of how to proceed,” he paused, “I worry for the safety of the crew and for you.” 

“Thank you,” you breathed. Spock gave you a simple nod in response. You found yourself leaning forward on the table, arms loosely crossed in front of you. “You know, I really didn’t think you’d agree to playing hooky with me.”

“Playing hooky?” 

“Ditching our jobs to do absolutely nothing meaningful,” you shrugged your shoulders. 

Spock leaned forward slightly across the table, “I do not believe I would categorize our interactions as having no meaning.” 

You made a face to let him know you doubted his meaning, “I’m sure there are at least twenty people you would have rather gotten stuck with than me.”

“On the contrary, while I would rather neither of us be in this situation, I am grateful for your company.” 

Instinct told you to deny, to argue that he would rather be with Chapel, La’an, Una, or Captain Pike. Instead you fought the instinct and gave him a small smile. “I’m glad I’m with you too, Spock.” 

Your answer seemed to satisfy him in some way, “Do you have other suggestions on how to best spend our time?” 

You let out another laugh that left Spock confused, “My plan is to have no plan.” 

“That would be counterintuitive,” he reasoned. 

“Yes, but considering our last twenty odd plans have literally and figuratively blown up in our faces, I think maybe going with the flow might work in our favor.” 

He paused, you could almost see the wheels turning in his head, “That is an acceptable premise.” 

“So-” 

“Lieutenant L/N there you are!” You watched as one of your engineering crew members, Kyle, briskly walked towards you both. 

“You ready to run?” You quickly got up from your seat. 

“Run?” 

“I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to spend the rest of this loop in the brig.” 

“Lieutenant!” 

Spock gently stood up from his seat, pushing in his chair. “What is the destination?” 

Your smile only grew wider, “Just follow me.”

Spock nodded at you. Both of you began your sprint out of the rec room. Faintly, you could hear both of your names being called. You could feel Spock matching your stride beside you. By nature you knew he was faster than you, still, he matched your speed. 

You felt free for the first time in a long while, your smile never leaving your face. You dodged and weaved your way through the sparse crowds in the hallways. You made your way to the turbolift, your own anxiety rising as you made your way inside. 

You looked at Spock now, he gave you a reassuring nod as you both walked into the turbolift. Gently you pressed the handle, “Deck 21.”

“Clarify,” Spock was looking at you in utter confusion. 

“When’s the last time you went bowling?” You leaned against the side of the turbolift. 

“I do not recall utilizing the bowling alley.” 

“Perfect,” you smiled, standing straight as the doors opened. 

Wordlessly, Spock followed you to the bowling alley. Of the six lanes, only one was occupied. There was a small group of ensigns huddled together to the farthest wall. Generic 20th century music echoed through the room. 

You spun to face Spock, “Tell me, Spock, have you ever bowled before?” 

Spock’s gaze flicked between you and the bowling balls. “I cannot say that I have, though I am familiar with the rules.” 

“I’ll go easy on you,” you smirked. You went first, carefully selecting a bowling ball before setting yourself up in front of the lane. You could hear cheers coming from the other side of the room as ensigns began high fiving each other in celebration of their game. 

“Be the ball,” you whispered. 

“I do not understand. How can one be the ball? It is not a sentient being.” 

You let out a sigh, “Figure of speech Spock, now please, shush,” you paused, “I need to focus,” you breathed out before releasing the ball. You watched as the ball rolled nearly perfectly straight down the middle of the lane. You successfully knocked down all of the pins save for one. 

You picked your ball back up and knocked your final pin over. You turned smiling facing Spock. “Your turn,” you encouraged, watching as he tilted his head to the side examining each ball before picking one. 

Spock stood rigid in the center of the lane, he simply stared at the pins in front of him for a minute before he swung his arm back to release the ball. You watched as the ball rolled perfectly down the center before knocking down all of the pins. 

“What? How did you- you’ve never bowled before?” You sat baffled on one of the chairs as Spock walked towards you. 

“I used simple geometry to calculate entry angle and its impact on pin deflection.” 

You stared gaping at him, “Did you,” you blinked, “did you just hustle me, Spock?” 

“I believe that to hustle you I need to have lied about my skills at bowling. As I have never played the game before I would not consider this swindling you.” 

You got up from your chair, grabbing your bowling ball. You turned to look at him, “Just you wait, by loop one hundred, I’ll be taking you for all your money.” 

“I am not sure that would be sufficient time for you to succeed.”

You spinned around to look at him, eyes wide. “Now you’re trash talking me?” You said in disbelief. You nearly found yourself laughing. He was staring at you with the straightest face imaginable, but his eyes, oh his eyes told you a different story. 

“I am simply stating that your current skills would need more practice.” 

“I see,” you bit your lip to hide your grin. “Well, we’ll just have to see about that now, won’t we?” You brought the ball up to your face before swinging it back and bringing it forward. You watched as you got a perfect strike. 

With a bounce in your step you walked directly in front of Spock who sat with his eyebrow raised. You leaned down a bit to better meet his eye level, “Don’t hustle the hustler,” you teased before taking a seat across from him. 

“Indeed,” he replied. He stood walking to retrieve his own ball. You watched as Spock got another perfect strike. “Perhaps we are a better a match than I had anticipated.” 

You found your mouth had gone a bit dry at the thought, “Oh, we’re just getting started,” you said softly before getting your ball. “I will win.” 

“I expect nothing less than your best effort,” he replied. 

On and on you went, one strike after the next. You tried not to let your minder wander, though Spock had a way of distracting you in ways that you weren’t used to. There was one goal and one only, win. Your life was full of nothing but loss lately, but this? This you could win. 

It was the final game, if Spock got another strike it would be a tied game. After he bowled a perfect game you couldn’t see how he wouldn’t get another strike. 

Spock spared you a glance before he let his final ball go. You watched the ball veer left going straight into the gutter. He quickly collected his ball and managed to only knock down five pins.

You jumped up from your seat in disbelief. “Did you just-?”

“I miscalculated the trajectory,” he said simply before sitting down. “I believe your next turn determines the winner.” 

“Spock, I’ve never seen you ever miscalculate anything,” you sputtered. 

“It is illogical to believe I can never make mistakes.” 

You looked at him, trying to find any tell that he was lying. You squinted at him before finally acquiescing. You lined your ball up and watched with bated breath as you got a strike. You screamed jumping up and down. 

“I won! Oh my God, I won!” 

“Well, played,” Spock stood behind you giving you the barest hint of a smile. 

“You totally threw the game so I could win, didn’t you?” 

“I lost fairly,” he stated, “I believe it is time for our midday meal.” 

You sighed, “Yeah, okay.” 

You followed Spock from the turbolift to the mess hall. Both of you walking towards the replicators. You were making your way over to Spock, when you were suddenly yanked backwards. 

“And just where the hell have you been?” 

You stared wide eyed at Erica. Unsure exactly what to say. 

“Engineering has been looking everywhere for you,” she squinted at you, “Well, you and Spock.” You watched as her face went from confusion to questioning to disbelief. “Were you - were you playing hooky with Spock?” 

“Um,” you hesitated. 

“You, you actually got Spock, Vulcan rule follower, Spock to ditch work?” 

“Well…”

“I knew it!” 

“Knew what?” 

“Oh, no, Uhura is going to want to hear this too.” Erica steered you towards a table where Uhura sat sipping her soup. 

“Hey, what’s-” 

“Y/N was playing hooky with Spock,” Erica rushed out. 

Uhura’s eyes went wide. Her gaze drifted behind you and back to your face. “That explains why Spock is just staring over here. He actually looks a bit…well a bit like a kicked puppy. What happened?”

“Nothing, nothing happened. We just…went bowling.” 

“Bowling,” Erica repeated. “Is that a new code for-” 

“No!” You cried out shrinking a bit as you got stares from the crew around you. “We literally were bowling…I won, not that it matters.” 

Erica and Uhura looked at each other before turning back to face you, “What brought this on?” 

“I can’t say,” you mumbled. 

“What do you mean you can’t say?” Erica questioned. 

“I literally can’t say.” 

“We won’t say anything, this is just between us,” Uhura said softly. “It’s just, well, we’ve noticed a bit of a…” 

“Connection,” Erica offered. 

“I was going to go with tension, but that works too.” 

“What are you two on about?” You argued. 

“That’s why we’ve been trying to get you and Spock to hang out more. There are these, I don’t know, lingering looks between the two of you.” 

“What?” You stammered, “There are no lingering looks between Spock and I.” 

“Oh, yes there are,” Erica urged. “So again, what has got the two of you playing hooky?” 

“I can’t,” you insisted. 

“Oh, come on, we’re your best friends.” 

“I can’t-” 

“Just tell us.”

“I really-” 

“Just-” 

You stood up harshly from your seat, “Fine!” You could feel the entire mess hall looking at you. “Spock and I are stuck in a time loop!” 

“What are you-” 

Alarms began to blare throughout the Enterprise. 

“Shit,” you sighed, sitting down and putting your head down on the table. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You knocked on the door timidly. Spock opened the door and looked down at you. 

“Okay,” you sighed, “That one was on me.” 

Spock gave you a look that made you run your hands over your face in frustration. Spock turned to the side allowing you entry into his room. 

“May I inquire as to what prompted you to tell Lieutenant Ortegas and Ensign Uhura about our situation?”

You could feel heat rushing towards you face, you quickly turned away from Spock and looked anywhere but him. 

“Uh,” you started, “They were just asking me a bunch of questions. I got a bit overwhelmed and it kind of just…slipped out.” 

“It slipped out?” 

“Mhmm,” you replied, your eyes locking on the Vulcan lute in the corner. “I didn’t know you played,” you said softly, your eyes finally meeting his. 

“I find it helps me to work through difficult problems,” he stated. 

“Has it helped with figuring out the anomaly?” 

“No, it has not.” 

“Would you…would you play something for me?” You weren’t sure what made you ask. You never in a million years would have just straight asked Spock anything like this, but now - now things were different. At least in the loop. 

He nodded his head before retrieving his lute. Spock took a seat, following his lead you took a seat next to him. You watched as Spock delicately plucked the strings, the sound emitting from the instrument was like nothing you’d ever heard before. 

You weren’t sure how much time had passed, you found that you had completely gotten lost in his playing. When he plucked the final notes, he gently set the instrument aside before meeting your gaze. 

“That was beautiful, Spock, really.” He looked different to you now, calmer, more relaxed than you’d seen him in a while. It was nice, different. This version of Spock was new to you, but you found that he was someone you wanted to see more of. 

He gave you a curt nod, his hands now folded in front of him. “I do not believe everyone would agree with you. I have received a noise complaint before.” 

“What? That’s crazy. Who would do that?” 

“I was not able to procure the identity of the complainant, however, I have my suspicions.” 

You silently nodded chewing on your lip, “So,” you started, “How should we spend today?” 

Spock furrowed his brow, “Are you familiar with the game Yahtzee?” 

You smiled widely, “You could say that.” 

You played with Spock for hours. Laughing as he said would yell out Yahtzee with that emotionless tenor. 

Spock’s eyes met yours as you threw your head back laughing at a passing comment he made about winning. You were doing a victory dance after finally beating him after five rounds of losses.

The sound hit your ears before you could register what was happening, you quickly looked to see Spock laughing, his smile wide as you paused your exaggerated movements. You smiled at him in disbelief. 

He quickly clamped his mouth shut, “My apologies.” 

“Why are you apologizing?” 

Spock seemed to hesitate, “I was advised to ‘keep my freaky to myself’”

“Spock, we are living nothing but freaky now, please don’t hide yourself from me. You and I are all we have.” 

The corner of Spock’s mouth turned upwards to a smile, “Noted.” 

“Do you want to try take two on getting food?” You prompted. 

“That would be acceptable,” Spock said. 

The both of you walked side by side towards the mess hall. Spock all the while discussing with you the probability formula he used to help him with the game. As you walked into the mess hall, you avoided the replicator from yesterday. You watched as Spock used it instead. Erica, instead of you targeted Spock. 

You watched from across the mess hall as Spock no doubt endured the same cross examination you did on the last loop. You watched as his gaze bounced back and forth from Uhura to Erica. Both women fired off one question after the next. 

You heard alarms blaring overhead, a laugh escaping from you. Crew members watched you wearily as you stood up on a table, hands cupped over your mouth to help carry your voice. 

“Looks like this one is on you, Spock,” you laughed, enjoying the embarrassed expression on his face. You could swear you could see his ears tint green from your angle on the table. 

“I’ll see you in a few!” you yelled out before white light enveloped you. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spock met you in front of your own room, you opened the door with a small smile. 

“Do I want to know what they said to get you to spill the beans?” You teased. 

Spock’s gaze drifted down, his hands folding behind his back, “I do not believe that the conversation was relevant.” 

You let out a small laugh, “If you say so.” 

Making your way out of the door, you walked beside Spock through the hallways. You could see Sigala up ahead with your cup of coffee. You took the cup as you passed him without looking, “Thanks Sigala!” You said in passing. 

You sipped on the warm drink as you walked with Spock, both of you held a comfortable silence. You spent the majority of the day with Spock hiding in cargo bays to keep from being questioned. The both of you managed to find the food preparation bay, saving you both from the questioning of Erica and Nyota. 

Time passed around you both slowly, blurring around you until the only thing you could see clearly in front of you was Spock. It was terrifying and comforting and another emotion you couldn’t quite put your finger on - thrilling you almost thought. 

Spock, for his part, had managed to occupy you both with an endless barrage of questioning. Some of it involved your opinions of the mechanics of the warp core, and other questions had you trying to hold back laughter. When Spock had asked if you liked eggplant, you had nearly hit your head against the cargo wall. 

It was easy with Spock. Something you could not have predicted, you found yourself almost oddly grateful with the time with him. 

You both managed to find more food before making your way to the observation deck. You both sat across from each other on the floor of the observation deck. 

“There’s nothing quite like it is there?” You said out loud, your eyes fixed solely on the view in front of you. 

“No, I do not believe there is,” Spock replied. 

You turned to look at Spock, his gaze already on you. 

“How many loops has it been, you think?” You set your dinner aside and gave Spock your full attention. “I feel like I lost track around twenty loops ago.” 

“Eighty-six.” 

Your brow furrowed as you tried to think back on your loops. “Really?” 

“Yes, we attempted to notify Captain Pike and the crew-” 

You silently waved him off, “It’s okay, I’m sorry I asked.” You found yourself slumping against the wall. You were deflating again. 

“You know,” you prompted, “I think this is the farthest we’ve made it without dying.” 

“You are correct,” he agreed. His gaze fixed solely on the view of the stars.

“What are you thinking, Spock?” 

“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” he paused, “My mother used to read it frequently when I was a child.” 

“It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” 

“You are familiar with the book?” 

You gave him a soft smile, “A little. I think I read it when I was a kid. I only remember small details here and there. It kind of feels like we traveled down the rabbit hole a bit, doesn’t it?” 

Spock let out a warm hum in response, “I would be inclined to agree with your statement.” 

Alarms began to blare overhead, repeating red alert. 

“Well, I guess that’s it for this loop,” you sighed, scooting your way closer to Spock. You were shoulder to shoulder now. 

Spock turned his head to look at you. You looped your arm through his, your head resting against his shoulder. 

“Spock?” 

“Yes?” 

“I…” you bit your lip, unsure of what you wanted to say. Words clawed their way up your throat, but died on your lips. 

Your vision began to swim with white. You squeezed your eyes shut, holding onto Spock’s arm more firmly. 

I think I’m being to fall in love with you, you thought before you felt the pull in your stomach. The rest of time falling around you.

[laney-rockin]

Silly little headcanon that in "Lost in Translation" Kirk DID in fact know that Vulcan's are touch telepaths and DID in fact know how to greet Vulcan's properly.

He was just very smitten with the science officer before him and figured "hey! fuck around and find out". And Spock was just as enamoured with Kirk to go along with it with no complaints.

(This is based off the fact that in "Journey to Babel" Kirk respectfully nods his head towards Sarek and doesn't immediately try to shake hands. It's a reach but honestly who could blame me? I like the idea of nerd boy Kirk learning how to be respectful to other races in the Federation but 100% be offering to throwdown with the sexy Vulcan he comes across on the Enterprise)

[curator-on-ao3]

Hi! How's you? Lord's Grace, I'm fine.

Just wanted to ask, what are the standout moments from both the seasons about, for, in, about Pike and Una? Ones that you remember or half-remember but they feel like they're the defining moments about them, or reveal something about them or just moments where they're together and we simply enjoy them, moments you'd love to write more fics about.

:') Lord Bless! Have a lovely more lovely even more lovely day

I’m glad you’re doing well. ❤️ Thank you for asking — this was fun to consider!

I understand the boundaries of your question, but I’m gonna color outside the lines a little bit to say that it starts for me in The Cage when Pike is so considerate of Number One’s feelings that he apologizes for the reasonable choice not to put her on the landing party. Then, on Talos IV, they work together so cleanly, handling the same equipment and picking up on each other’s ideas and plans. Yes, the episode kicks off the ship in the obvious way of revealing that Number One fantasizes about Pike. Yet the episode also makes clear why — a closeness and camaraderie that’s evident from the start. (And at the end. Colt asking who would have been Eve and Number One shutting Colt down, then Boyce pressing the question and Pike shutting Boyce down. Meanwhile there’s me ignoring the Lilith story to shout: “Her name is literally ‘Number One,’ y’all. Who else would be Eve?”)

Then we get to Discovery and she appears before him in a shimmer of transporter beam and the camaraderie, the understanding, the care for each other — it’s all still there. He teases her about her food and drink order. She teases him right back. She knows his orders before he gives them. He trusts her completely. It’s so lovely and comfortable and real-feeling.

There’s more in the Short Treks (Number One freaking out when Spock notes her “most careful study of the captain,” etc.), but let’s get to the heart of your question.

Strange New Worlds took the care, the camaraderie, the understanding, and deepened all that even more, made it so Chris has never served on a non-redacted ship without her, made it so they’ve known each other most of their lives, made it so we see them talk about life and duty and journeys whether in his quarters or the ready room, it doesn’t matter because the comfort they have with each other transcends location. Both times she even mentions resigning, he says absolutely not. Twice, he holds her service record in his hands and rushes off to do what he can to save her from a dangerous situation. And, as we all know, Mr. “He Views Resorting to Force as an Admission of Failure” (per Number One in Q&A) gets violent when Starfleet arrests her and is about take her away from him.

So, in terms of truly answering your question (finally), I love how, in the premiere, the second Chris walks in to rescue Una from Kiley 279 that she starts teasing him, he instantly teases back, and she knew damn well that he would come and rescue her even though he wasn’t technically on duty. I also love little things like how when he’s helping her get around despite her injured leg that there’s no self-consciousness in touching (even in underboob territory) because they’ve served together in close proximity for ages so why would they be self-conscious?

Which takes us to Children of the Comet and more talking and domesticity (yes, I can fully believe that dishwashers are a lost technology since that means I can watch them do dishes together) and sharing hard truths in his quarters. There are layers at the dinner party, stories and him teasing her in front of other people for everyone to be able to laugh together … and her deep care for his feelings when he’s not laughing at all.

Clearly, I could keep going for season one:

Ghosts of Illyria when he subtly checks in on her feelings at the beginning, then she’s so worried about him on the surface, and finally his stalwart support for her in the ready room.

Memento Mori when he asks how she’s doing — and the way he asks in the midst of a crisis with softness in his voice.

Serene Squall with the casual intimacy of her helping him put on his gear, then their history together and understanding via the Alpha Braga IV reminisce.

Quality of Mercy when she chases after him even though he put her in charge of the meeting, then his reaction to her being missing in the future, him trying to figure out what happened to her, him standing by the command chair when he finally sees her again, and, of course, as mentioned before, his reaction to her being taken away.

And I could keep going for season two:

Ad Astra Per Aspera, like, all of it but especially when he speaks of the loss it would be to him if she left, the fact that he’s an adult who suffered from asthma as a child yet he risks asphyxiation to help her, the picture of them both that she keeps in her quarters, everything about The Hug™️, and so much more.

Charades with the There Was Only One Couch scene and, earlier, the “🎶 first contact get down, get down, first contact get down” look on the bridge.

Those Old Scientists having them both like the communicator better than a commbadge — and getting how Pike and Una visually check in which each other so much than even their cartoons do it.

Subspace Rhapsody letting them kiss (I always say I will send a bouquet of flowers to the editor who put that in the show).

Under the Cloak of War showing him listening to her and trusting her where her talents exceed his.

I’m leaving things out that I’ll remember as soon as I hit post.

There are vibes and glances. There is body language. (🎶 There were moments of gold/ And there were flashes of light/ There were things I'd never do again/ But then they'd always seemed right.) There’s a certain groundedness that lets me believe these two truly know each other.

And, for all of that, I am grateful.

Fun fact: This is my first post in which I hit the image limit and couldn’t add more. Even after I combined some. Whoo-hoo! Also, I apologize for not sourcing the gifs. I had them saved and Tumblr gif search is a nightmare.

Edit: I remembered one of the many things I’m sure I’m leaving out: their conversation in The Broken Circle. The mutual concern, the lived-in feeling of their talk, the vibe that this was far from their first conversation since everything went down. I loved it all.

[lamelycool]

Done All Wrong

Spock x FemReader

An: uh...this didn't quite go as expected so I'm sorry lol. By time noticed it was off subject it was too late soooo I deciced to go ahead and finish it. But don't worry I'm working on a fic more on subject to what you requested! 😭

Request: Spock x Reader where reader works under Spock and is terrified/attracted to him and thinks he hates her bc of his blunt Vulcan behavior? But in the end discovers he secretly is attracted to her and feels protective of her.

Warnings: embarrassing situations, anxiety, and some adult language.

Summary: You have a certain pointy earred alien on your mind for multiple reasons. You should hate him like he hates you but you can't bring yourself to. Much to your dismay... Embarrassing moments ensue.

You sigh staring at the specimen in front of you. A boring plain leafed plant from one of the recent expeditions. Ordinary nothing special. Quite lackluster and disappointing. Not someone anybody would care for. Someone? Gosh you need a break, this is getting sad. Projecting your angst on to a poor little plant is defiantly a new low. You shake your head and sigh running a hand over your face. A few of your fellow science officers send concerned glances your way. You flush slightly embarrassed.

'I need to get back to work,' you think. You know that you can't keep pushing of your work because of your silly angst. Especially since Sp- he would notice. 'Don't need to give him a reason to nag me.' Well not like you'd have to give him one. Lately it seems all he can do is nag and belittle you. Critiquing each and every little thing that you do. And yet you still lov-

"Ugggh, get it together lieutenant and stop acting like a child." You groan under your breath aggravated.

You pick up your pad and look at the plant to continue your observations. Aroma? Earthy and warm. Size? 11.9 inches. Form? Stalky lean. Leaf shape? Spatulate. Flower color? You lean forward, silky black blossom. Your heart races but you take a deep breath and continue. Leaf color? A lovely shade of green. It reminds you of the faint flush of-

"Is everything alright?"

"!" You let out a gasp and whip around. And of course wouldn't you know it, it's the last person you'd want to see. The object of your frustration and affection, Spock.

Spock's eyebrow twitches up. "My apologies I did not intend to frighten you."

"No! No it's fine. I just wasn't expecting you to just show up so sudden is all..." You put a hand over your racing heart. You can feel your cheeks burn with embarrassment. You wish you could just disappear right now. Maybe if you ju-

"Lieutenant, are you well? You have been distracted since you arrived for your shift. Aswell as your excessive sighing and your flush cheeks. Are you sick? If so I will have to implore you to go to sick bay." Spock admonishes you.

"I- I am not sick! I admit I'm distracted but...It's not- I'm not sick." You stammer. You can't believe he's calling you out like this, so loud and very public. It's humiliating. Your can't even look him in the eyes anymore. Because you're certain if you did he'd peer into your mind and learn as to why you been so distracted. You'd rather die then for him to find out. He's already cruel enough. Gosh, how could this get any worse?

And you to your horror you realize, quite easily is the answer. While avoiding his burning yet apathetic gaze you notice your coworkers glancing at the scene. Judging and knowingly. Some whispering, some pointing. They all know. They know why. They can tell. Your feelings. Oh my god...Oh god...Oh god-

Spock either doesn't notice your panic or doesn't care because he continues to chew you out. "Are you certain? Because it appears you are flushing even worse now. But if you are not sick would you care to explain your actions? Particularly talking to the plant you are supposed to be inspecting. That is certainly not an action a healthy and sane person would take. Perhaps you need to see a counselor or be reliev-"

"Just stop!" You snap you can't help it. You're so overwhelmed. Everything is too much. All the eyes looking at you. And him. Why does he have to hate you so much. Why... Oh god and now you've yelled at him! You've just made this into an even bigger scene. Thank god there's not too many people in the labs this late at night. But everyone will soon hear about this...oh god you're fucked.

You begin to tear up. You look into his eyes finally. His eyebrows are raised almost holding an expression of shock and maybe concern? Who are you kidding as if he could care. Even if he could care he'd definitely not care for you.

"Why? Why do you hate me so...so-" you're cut off by a small cry that escapes. You quickly throw a hand over your mouth to stop any more from escaping. Tears begin to run down your face. You panic, you need to get out as soon as possible and spare yourself any further embarrassment. You dash out of the labs. Leaving behind a shocked and confused Spock.

°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°••~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°

"I simply do not understand why she was upest."

"You don't understand why she was upset? You don't- My god how could someone so smart be so stupid!" Leonard McCoy exclaims exasperated.

"You think that I am smar-"

"That is not the point you pointy eared hobgoblin! Goodness gracious...look." McCoy sighs and leans forward in his seat giving Spock a tired glare.

"You insulted and embarrassed the poor girl in front of all her lab rat coworkers. Hell if I was her I would have done a whole lot more to you then shout and cry. I'd give ya what for." McCoy states plainly punching his palm with his clenched fist.

"I see...it was not my intention to embarrass her nor do I hate her."

"You don't?" McCoy looks at him in disbelief.

"What? Of course I do not hate her nor harbor any ill intentions towards her."

"Goodness Spock... you sure have a way of showing it. Look, I talk to her. We're close and let me tell ya you've been giving her some hell. Ya leave her as ill as a hornet. If you don't hate her then why do ya insist on angering and embarrassing that poor little lady?"

"I- I was unaware I was angering or embarrassing her." Spock says quietly eyebrows furrowed and slightly lowered. Truly he would never wish to upset you. He just wants the best for you and to help you be the best you can be.

"My god...you like her don't you? Heh... Spock you're in deep." McCoy laughs at Spock's expense.

"Please do not tease me. What should I do?"

"Your asking ME for advice? I never thought I'd see the day. My my my you do have it bad."

Spock gets up to leave but is stopped my McCoy's hand that pushes him back into his seat. "Yer not goin anywhere. Sit right there I'm gonna grab some drinks. We're gonna need it."

•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°

"You've got five minutes to explain." You snap at him while leaning in your doorway.

Spock nods, " I am deeply sorry. It was not my intention to anger you or to embarrass you. Nor do I hate you, it is quite the opposite. I- I deeply enjoy your company and I find you fascinating. You make me feel although I do not know how to show it. But I will endeavor to do better if you could forgive me? And if you return my feelings?"

You stand in shock. There is no way this is really happening. "Pinch me."

"No, why would I wish to harm you? Did I not explain well enough I do not wish any form of harm or discomfort to you?" Spock says looking offended and confused.

"Nonono sorry, its just an expression. I just can't believe this is real. I must be dreaming."

"Dreaming?"

"Yes, because there is no way that this is real. That you're basically confessed to liking me and asking me out! No, its too crazy..."

"You are not dreaming. And yes I do 'like you'. I also would not mind if you would allow me to court you."

"I-I really?"

"Indeed." Spock looks at you. Wondering if he's made a mistake. Perhaps you don't feel the same? Or he's hurt you too much. Or any other reason.

"Yes! I mean, yes. I would like that very much. I've liked you for awhile now. Um but just please try not to be so mean?" You say with a bright beaming smile.

"Of course." Spock nods seriously.

"Can I please hug you? I'm just so happy!"

Spock nods and stoops down to wrap you in a gentle hug. You wrap yourself up in his lanky form. Maybe the plant is loveable after all.

@yoursparkdoll @lucycola

[tinderbox210]

Murder mystery? Sign me up.

Fingers crossed it'll be Spock and La’an teaming up like Holmes and Watson to crack the case. They've already shown they know to ask to right questions.