Summary: Grind Me Into Oblivion or Grind Me, as it has been affectionately reduced to, has become the unofficial coffee shop of Starfleet Academy.
Jim falls hard for First Officer Spock who has become a regular at the shop but feels intellectually inadequate to the Vulcan. He knows he's not a genius and that some people think he's slow but he's not just a dumb hick.
Grind Me had become, unofficially, a part of Starfleet and so it was only natural that it would help save the world.
Hello everyone!
I'm back with another Star Trek fic! I have been in such a writing slump lately (both personal and fan fic) so it's good to be back! I've been reading a lot of fan fic to help me get back into the groove and through all my readings I really wanted to see some slow!Jim (Jim not being a genius or as smart as everyone else on the Enterprise)
FAIR WARNING: Kirk may seem a little out of character (ooc) here but please bare with me.
I apologize for any mistakes and I hope you all enjoy!
Chapter One
Grind Me Into Oblivion or Grind Me as it has been affectionately reduced to, has become the unofficial coffee shop of Starfleet Academy. It was one of the few coffee shops that used an actual coffee grind rather then the cheaper solution of a replicator.
The coffee shop itself was large and spacious. The tables at the back with the comfy chairs and couches was usually claimed by studying cadets who needed to spread out and was large enough to accommodate study groups and blocked out the chatter of the other coffee patrons. Nobody seemed to mind this since the coffee shop was in the prime location of looking out over the water and the shop front had the perfect view of this and as well of the neatly kept greens of the academy.
Being so close to the Academy and with such a spectacular view it was no wonder that it became the unofficial coffee shop of Starfleet. A few cadets had even managed to secure part time jobs for those who could not afford the tuition on their parents' money.
It wasn't just the cadets that used the coffee shops, many seen sprinting off as their professors came in for their fix, pointedly looking at their watches and striding out without a word.
It wasn't just good coffee that they served but their variety of food from all over the galaxy. Since Starfleet had many different species working for them, Grind Me had accommodated to the needs of their clients or be forced into an early retirement.
Grind Me had become, unofficially, a part of Starfleet and so it was only natural that it would help save the world.
"Let me guess, your going to have the T'mirak rice," Uhura said as she looked over the top of her menu.
"You are teasing me," Spock said as he took in the curl of her lips.
"Very good, Spock," her smiled unfurled revealing her straight white teeth. "You get this every time we are here. Don't you think it is time you tried something else? Something that is not Vulcan food but still vegetarian?"
"I find that I am pleased with how accurate the T'mirak rice is. It reminds me of the many meals I had on Vulcan," Spock said. "However, you make a valid point in trying something different."
"I feel as if I should be recording this moment," Uhura said.
"I do not understand why you would need to create a holovid of this moment," Spock frowned.
Uhura laughed softly.
"Hey guys, welcome to Grind Me. What can I get you?"
"Hello, Jim," Uhura smiled politely.
Their regular waiter and one of the full time staff members blinked and then grinned. "Uhura! Sorry. All your uniforms make you look alike."
"That's okay," Uhura chuckled. "I'll have the chicken sandwich and a cappuccino."
Jim brought up his PAAD and slowly tapped in the order before turning to Spock. "Hey Spock. Do you want the T'marik rice?"
"Negative," Spock said, ignoring Uhura's snort. "I will have the vegetarian special and an Orion tea."
Jim blinked and looked at the special board. He squinted and very slowly tapped it into his PAAD and licked his lips. "Wait- what did you want to drink again?"
"Orion tea," Spock repeated patiently.
Jim frowned at his PAAD, his finger flicking at the screen. "I don't…" he trailed off.
"May I?" Spock asked, holding out his hand for the PAAD.
Jim shifted closer and held the screen out for Spock. It was not the first time that Jim hadn't been able to locate a specific item on the PAAD menu and had allowed Spock to help him out.
Spock selected the drink menu and located the tea before punching it in with the rest of his order.
"Thanks," Jim smiled and tucked the PAAD under his arm. "Won't be long guys." And with an affectionate pat to Spock's shoulder Jim made his way back to the counter.
Uhura watched as Spock's eyes trailed Jim back to the counter. The first time she and Spock had visited Grind Me both had been taken aback by Jim, not quite sure of what to make of him. Throughout the course of their stay Jim had managed to bring them someone else's meal, dropped Uhura's drink (missing her lap by an inch but getting her boots instead) and then had brought them their meal that was now cold.
Both had become annoyed but ate their meal all the same. Uhura had spent their meal watching Jim run around the coffee shop with narrowed eyes. She noticed that he made a couple of mistakes with other tables and was surprised that the other patrons merely laughed it off and ate what they were given. She frowned, wondering if Jim simply charmed them with his easy smile and startling blue eyes.
When they went to pay Spock pointed out that Jim had over charged them.
"What?" Jim blinked, looking down at the receipt and then back to Spock.
"You have charged us additionally for the first meal you delivered which was not ours," Spock explained. "Therefore with the deduction of the first meal the price is twenty three credits lower."
"You did that in your head?" Jim blinked.
The initial anger that Uhura had felt during their meal faded when she saw the genuine awe on Jim's face and she winced with guilt. Jim had genuinely made a mistake.
"It is simple mathematics," Spock said.
With additional help from the owner, Spock paid the correct amount and as they left Uhura thought that it would be the last time they would ever eat at Grind Me. Several months later and it had, to her surprise, become their preferred eating spot. Like everyone else, Jim grew on them and they didn't mind the small mistakes he made every known and then.
Uhura suddenly straightened, smiling wider. "Leonard."
Spock followed her gaze and watched at Doctor Leonard McCoy weaved through the tables towards them. He arched a brow at her and she scowled at him briefly before smiling once again.
"Uhura, Spock," McCoy greeted them when he arrived.
"Would you like to join us?" Uhura asked. "We could pull up another chair?"
McCoy shook his head. "Thanks, but I have a shift at the clinic in an hour. Just came to grab some coffee and check in on Jim."
Shattering glass made the coffee shop silent and at McCoy's sigh Uhura looked over her shoulder and bit her lip.
"Sorry, sorry," Jim was frantically apologizing, already crouching down and started picking up the broken glass with his bare hands.
"You dumb hick," the patron spat as he glared at Jim. "You spilt tea all over me. Hey, look me in the eye."
Uhura gasped and stood when the patron shoved Jim with his boot, causing Jim to fall over. Before she could move Spock and McCoy were already halfway to Jim.
"Hey! He said he was sorry," McCoy growled. "So why don't you be a gentleman, accept his apology and move on."
"How about this dumbass learn how not to screw up every damn day," the patron snapped.
"How about you learn some god damn manners," McCoy growled, shoving the man back with two hands.
The patron made to move on McCoy but Spock intercepted. "I suggest you leave immediately before we are required to forcibly remove you." His expression was terrifying and the patron swallowed before frantically looking to the owner who was watching the scene unfold.
"Are you going to do something?"
"You heard First Officer Spock. Get out."
The patron glared at the owner before turning it on Spock and McCoy. Coming to the conclusion he would not walk away unscathed he growled and stormed away, making a point to slam the door on his way out.
"Damn it, Jim. You alright?" McCoy asked, bending down as Jim cradled his hand to his chest.
Spock felt something stir in his abdomen as he saw the Jim's red blood seeping from a cut and swallowed thickly as he tried to push it down.
"S'okay, Bones," Jim said, batting the Doctor's hands away as he tried to get a closer look.
"You got glass in your hand, Jimmy. Let me get it out," Bones growled.
Jim huffed but offered his hand, wincing as Bones expertly picked the glass from his hand. From seemingly nowhere he produced a plaster and wound it over Jim's wound.
"There. Keep it clean and I'll run a dermo regenerator over it after my shift," Bones said. "And next time use a damn broom to sweep up glass, not your hand."
"Right," Jim said sheepishly. "Oh, sorry about your tea, Spock."
"Do not apologize where no offence is taken," Spock said.
Jim nodded but he looked confused so Spock wasn't sure if Jim understood what he meant.
"I'll get you another one," Jim promised and spun around to do just that.
"I got this mess," one of the other staff members, Gaila, chuckled as Bones sent Jim retreating form an exaggerated sigh. "You're coffee won't be long."
Spock and Bones made their way back to Uhura who had watched the whole scene with a dark expression. "Jackass," she said when they reached her.
"Although I do not understand the exact meaning of your statement I find myself inclined to agree with you," Spock said.
Everyone who was a regular at Grind Me knew that Jim came with quirks. You may not always get what you ordered but he delivered it with a charming smile and worked hard at his job.
Bones was the only one who knew Jim outside the coffee shop and had let slip one day that Jim had a hard time growing up and that Grind Me was the best thing that ever happened to him.
"Sorry about the delay," Jim said. This time he was carrying a tray. He gave Bones his coffee in a take cup, placed Uhura's cappuccino in front of her and placed a tall glass down in front of Spock. "I'll just get your food." And hurried away.
"This is not Orion tea," Spock blinked as he sniffed the cup.
"I think its iced tea," Uhura said as she examined the drink. "I think you'll like it."
Spock took an experimental sip and swallowed. "It is adequate."
"You'll damn well like what Jimmy give you," Bones scowled but there was no threat in his voice.
At the very beginning Bones had threatened Spock and Uhura that if they didn't like what Jim gave them then they could shut up and leave. Both had found the Doctors loyalty to Jim admirable and never once did they send back a dish.
Jim came back with their food, giving Spock the chicken sandwich and Uhura the vegetarian special. "Enjoy guys."
"Jim, I'll see you later tonight," Bones said. "Try not to drop anything else."
"I make no promises," Jim grinned.
Bones ruffled Jim's hair, ignoring his squawks of protest. "Infant. Bye Spock, Uhura." And the doctor left.
Jim was called away by another customer and when he was not looking Spock and Uhura traded meals. Uhura picked up the conversation, enquiring about Spock's latest experiment. While he spoke eloquently and without a falter Uhura noticed that his sharp eyes were tracking Jim's movements around the café. Normally she would have been annoyed if she was eating someone and they weren't fully focused on the meal they were sharing but she knew Spock had developed feelings for Jim, even if he wasn't able to express it. She wanted to tease him but knew it would be illogical for he would call her out on her own crush on the Doctor.
When they finished lunch they made their way to the front to pay.
"Okay," Jim drawled out. "Are you paying together?"
"Separately," Uhura said.
"Ah," Jim said and then promptly bit his lip. "Okay, sure. No problem. I've got this. You had the," he glanced up at Uhura.
"The chicken sandwich and the coffee," she supplied warmly.
"Right, so that's four credits," Jim said.
Uhura knew that wasn't correct but she handed over the four credits and put the rest she owed in the tip jar which was nearly overflowing as other customers had done the same. Every regular did this and the owner had been overwhelmed the their loyal customers.
"Spock that leaves the tea and the special which is twelve credits," Jim grinned.
He was correct this time and Spock handed over his credits, his face much less severe now that he had calmed slightly from the incident. He even left a small tip which made Jim's cheek blossom a cherry red.
"Are you coming by tomorrow?" Jim asked hopefully.
Spock opened his mouth to no doubt tell Jim that he wasn't planning on it but Uhura quickly intercepted.
"Yes, you'll see him tomorrow," she smiled. "Spock here has agreed to bring me a juice tomorrow morning."
"Cool," Jim smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow, Spock."
"It appears so," Spock inclined his head. He brought his hand up in a perfect Vulcan salute before leaving with Uhura.
"You are what humans refer to as 'meddling'," Spock chided as they headed back to the Academy.
"Yes, I am," Uhura agreed.
"Why?" Spock demanded.
Uhura sighed. "Because I can see how much you are interested in him, even if you won't admit it."
Spock was silent but his impressive glare told Uhura that she was right on the money.
"Don't dismiss the idea Spock," Uhura said gently.
"I take that you are heeding your own advice with your intentions towards the doctor," Spock said.
Uhura felt her cheeks heat up and swore that Spock looked smug though it was hard to tell with a Vulcan.
Please tell me what you think and I hope everyone enjoyed and there will be more to come!
Happy reading :)