Love Me Like You Do
Disclaimer- I own nothing from Star Trek, everything from the franchise belongs to Gene Roddenberry and Paramount. However, I do own the character; Kenley Joli. She is my own creation.
Hello beautiful people. I know, I know. Another new story posted when I already have so many on-going at the moment, what on Earth am I thinking? Well, I had this idea in my head for a while and decided to just post the story and get it out there.
So, this is a story that focuses on my own original character; Kenley Joli and her developing relationship with Spock (because let's face it, he's the best character in the series). I'm going to do my best to keep the characters in well, character but still have the relationship develop naturally. I'm also going to do my best to make my character as realistic as possible, not some Mary Sue who can do everything and is just there because I want her to be. I want her to have flaws and to struggle and make mistakes because that makes her a genuine person and far more interesting to follow through the story, or at least that's what I'm hoping for.
Also, due to my DW fanfiction; Love Don't Roam, I'm going to try and write longer chapters than what I use to because it just makes the story a little better in my opinion and then you lovely people have more to read before the next chapter is posted. Plus, it's more of a challenge for me and I love a good challenge; most of the time anyway.
Lastly, this will follow the movies and revisions of the original episodes with some of my own adventures thrown in. It also starts with Spock and Kenley's life in the academy since that is where their relationship 'starts' so to speak. It's where they begin to get to know each other and the foundation of their relationship is built at the very least.
Plus, I am trying once again to do my own thing here but if I do accidently take an idea or it seems too similar to other stories out there, let me know and I will quickly do my best to revise the story and try and get away from that.
Anyways, enough of my rambling. Please enjoy the chapter and let me know what you think.
0.1– The Day We Met
A loud white noise fills the air as people walk down the many halls in attempts to get where they need to be. All the noise blending together and making it impossible to differentiate between any of the voices or whose footsteps are whose. Just a sea of noise and red.
Among this mess is where she is currently moving.
Keeping her head bowed she walks swiftly and expertly through the crowds of people, moving in an elegant dance in which only she knows the steps and with a grace most people don't see because of how subtle it is. Her curls kiss her cheeks as they come loose of the simple ponytail she used to keep the long strands from her face and her study materials are clutched tightly to her chest as if to shield her from the world around her.
And that is in fact true. She knows that the books aren't much protection if someone wishes to physically harm her and that they can't protect her from what is going on around her every second she is alive but it gives comfort to just hold them and see them as this shield she can carry around with her.
It has only been four months since she joined the academy and she is still having trouble adjusting to being around so many people at the same time.
Now, having spent most of her life isolated and alone, save for a few experiences – some good, and some so disastrous they left scars that will never fade – it is understandable she isn't good with people. However, she wants to overcome this 'hindrance' and become a useful person to society, and prove to herself that she can do it. She also wants to explore the stars and help prevent events such as the one she suffered through in her early teens, thus making Starfleet her best option to achieve both goals simultaneously.
One of them many cadets, who like herself, are rushing to get to their next class accidentally bumps into her – barely touching shoulders if we are being exact – and she has to clench her eyes shut and lets out a quiet hiss as she stops walking, nearly stumbling in her surprise. It takes her about a minute to regain her bearings while taking a few breaths before she continues to make her way to her class, her head held high despite the fact it is bowed so she meets no one's gaze as she walks.
After weaving through a few more clusters of cadets she finally makes it to her dorm and has to swallow past the lump that has now formed in her throat. She quickly heads up to her seat, near the middle of the large seminar hall and sits down, spreading out her materials as quickly as she can while still being meticulous about it.
This is the hardest class for her and not because of the course or the work, but because of how many students actually take the class as a whole. Xenolinguistics is by far the most popular course offered at Starfleet academy and is generally overflowing with students every semester, with ever those who desire to take the course or those who it is mandatory for.
She is kind of a mix between the two, since she does need to take the course for her to continue on her path to become a linguist and negotiator but also because she simply loves languages as a whole. Every single one is fascinating and has its own beauty even if it sounds rough and such to the ears. And just learning them is a challenge in of itself and makes mastering them that more enjoyable.
She reaches to straighten one of her styluses when she notices that one of her gloves has slipped slightly since she left her previous course in tactical strategies (a course that is purely for fun and maybe a hint of self-preservation) and quickly moves to readjust it back into place up to her elbow instead of on her forearm.
The door opens once more as the professor strolls in, raising a brow when he spots her once more already sitting before the class is set to begin. She bows her head and moves her jacket sleeve back into place over her arm like it should be.
"Greetings Cadet Joli." He says politely, his tone firm but flat sounding.
Or, at least it would sound flat, to anyone else that is. She can hear the gentleness of his tone and it causes a slight smile to tug at her lips though he can't see this with her head bowed.
"Good day, professor." She returns as per customary with them.
Nothing else is said as he gets to work setting up for the lesson today while she sits quietly, reviewing her notes from the previous class, a comfortable silence between them.
Almost too soon, more students begin to enter the class – talking animatedly about other lessons they're taking or their plans for the coming weekend, slowly making their way to their seats.
She clenches her fists in her lap but keeps the rest of her face schooled as she finally raises her head, enough to show she is paying attention to the lesson but not enough to make eye contact with anyone. From the corner of her eye she sees the dark haired woman in the front row shoot a seething glare her way before she sits in her seat, eyes lighting up as she eyes the professor.
At the end of class the students file out as quickly as possible and she is gathering up her books as quickly as she can. She notices that the dark haired woman has moved to the front of the class and is standing before the professor with a wide smile on her face and her eyes shining in that way one's eyes do when they're interested in someone.
"Professor Spock," she says in a velvet smooth voice, "I was hoping we could have a private lesson since I'm having a bit of trouble differentiating between the Romulan dialects."
"Given the marks you currently hold within my course, I doubt this to be true." Spock replies, his hands clasped behind his back as he remains behind his desk, keeping the barrier between the two. "The last paper you turned in also suggests to the contrary of your statement."
She finally slips out of her seat and moves to head towards the door to leave when a sudden chill runs down her spine and someone pushes her from behind, their hand pushing between her shoulder blades. The sudden momentum causes her to stumble down the three sets of stairs – there are three more behind her that lead to the back rows - that elevate the seats in the back so each student can see the front of the room and the professor no matter how far back they are sitting and she falls hard to the floor. Her padds and books go scattering across the floor, towards where Professor Spock and the other cadet are standing.
The two look over at the disruption.
She bites her lip to keep from making a noise despite hearing the snickering behind her – not wanting to give them the satisfaction of knowing the fall actually hurt her instead of just embarrassing her - as the girls quickly leave the room but try to appear casual at the same time. She can feel their condescending and smug looks on her back as they pass her and another chill runs down her spine but she ignores them in favour of picking up her belongings.
"Are you injured, Cadet Joli?" Spock asks as he holds her text book on human history of dance and music out to her, kneeling before her.
"No, professor." She answers without lifting her head as she carefully takes the book from him. It surprises her slightly when he doesn't rise and instead helps her gather her remaining items. "Thank you."
She clutches them all to her chest as she had when in the hallway. Just like she does every day she has classes to attend.
"You have no need to 'thank' me." He says in reply as the two get to their feet, his eyes watching her carefully as she rises a bit more slowly – noticing her almost invisible flinch as she puts her full weight back on her abused knees.
The dark haired woman moves forward to stand to Spock's right, looking at him like he's the most amazing being to ever walk the planet, hope dancing in her gaze. "As I was saying, professor…"
"Cadet Uhura, I have already explained my reasoning for why you do not need my tutoring in my lessons." He says while keeping his gaze on the woman before him instead of the woman to his right. "Also, if you do not leave now, you will be late to your next lesson."
Uhura looks furious at the idea of being dismissed so swiftly by Spock but spins on her heel – her hair flicking behind her as she turns – and storms out of the room, her frustrating radiating off her in waves.
"If you will excuse me, professor." Joli whispers as she also turns to leave, following after the furious cadet who left before her.
She barely manages to take two steps when, "I would have you stay so I may speak with you, Cadet Joli." He seems to think on this for barely a moment. "You have no course to attend at this moment, so you have no reason to leave swiftly."
She pauses and turns to face her professor but keeps her head bowed, her gaze on the tips of her black boots as she awaits what he wishes to speak to her about. "Yes, sir?"
Spock tilts his head as he studies the young woman standing before him – noticing the black leggings she's wearing under the regulation cadet skirt and the gloves covering her hands - and wonders to himself why she won't raise her head to meet his gaze as most would normally do, since it is a sign of respect and considered polite in most societies.
"I wish to discuss with you, your participation in my course, or lack of participation in this case." He states after a moment's silence. "Though the papers you turn in are thought-provoking, thoroughly researched and provide insight into your understanding into other cultures and languages you do not speak within the lesson unless called upon, or when you are correcting someone else's error as you did with Cadet Uhura last week. You also, do not interact with your fellow cadets unless given specific instruction to do so."
Everything he just said is true.
Joli releases an almost silent sigh as she thinks back on that incident last week with cadet Uhura.
The very incident that is causing the other cadet to show open signs of anger towards her. Joli knows it is because Uhura is embarrassed that she got the pronunciation of the word wrong and that another student; Joli – the one everyone assumed couldn't speak and knew nothing – had pointed out her mistake before the professor she is obviously smitten with. This is causing her to show these emotions towards her fellow cadet though she has never done anything against Joli either, just sending scathing glares and basically ignoring her existence. It still confuses her slightly though that the woman can show such disdain for her when they have never interacted other than that one moment, yet she seems to hate her in spite of it.
"Yes, sir."
"I cannot ascertain your progress within my course if you do not speak up and reveal what knowledge you have gained from the course or what you are struggling to understand."
"Yes, sir."
"Is there any particular reason for your continued silence within this class?" he asks. After waiting a few minutes he raises a brow as she does not voice anything aloud. "From my perspective it would appear as if you are ill or dissatisfied with my lesson since you are always tense and pale and appear to be anxious to leave as soon as you are able. However, my conclusion may be incorrect since I do not have any evidence to prove this claim nor have you stated anything to the contrary."
Joli blinks a few times as she absorbs what he just said. To the untrained ear it would sound as if he was lecturing her about being distracted during his teachings and was demanding an answer of her, but she heard it for what it is. He is concerned about her and is trying to find out the reason for the 'distress' she's showing while here. This causes a small smile to pull at her lips once more.
"I am not ill, sir." She says firmly. "How much do you know of the Qrysis people, sir?"
It is Spock's turn to blink as he stares at the young woman before him, trying to understand what her question has to do with her silence in his course.
"Not much is known about the Qrysis since they are a private people, despite having joined the Federation of Planets two centuries ago." He starts. "Most of the people, about ninety perfect, have orange toned skin, though some have been known to have yellow or peach tones as well. They joined the Federation in the year of 2059, four years before humanity had first contact with the Vulcans. The Qrysis joined the Federation after fleeing from your home world when invaders came and enslaved your people, only a small number escaping, enough to be considered an endangered species though the exact number has been lost over the centuries. However, having been left in peace since their joining the Qrysis are now a thriving race once more. The Qrysis are a peaceful race that do not use violence and are said to have abilities natural to your people like how Vulcans are touch telepaths. It is very rare for one of the Qrysis to leave their planet permanently, most only leaving when needed to assist other races of the Federation before returning to their planet and none have ever been reported to having joined Starfleet despite having close relations since its inception. From that knowledge it is logical to conclude that you are the first to do so."
She smiles slightly at his explanation and how much it sounds like one of his lectures instead of him simply answering her question.
"All of that is true."
"Fascinating." He states after a pause. "However, I do not see how this relates to your continued silence in my class."
"There are too many people." She explains.
Spock tilts his head once more and his brow moves into his hairline at her answer, "Xenolinguistics is the most popular and necessary course in Starfleet aside from combat training."
She shakes her head, "No, sir… I mean there are too many people around me." She still sees the confusion in his eyes despite the fact that his face remains stoic. "As you said, Qrysis do have abilities natural to our people… We are… I am an empath sir, similar to a Betazoid but also different... It is hard to explain… But I can feel the emotions of everyone around me at any given time… all of the time and having not spent much time around large groups of people… I am just struggling to maintain control of my empathetic abilities… blocking out the emotions I feel from everyone else while also focusing on your lessons…"
He stands silently as he absorbs this information, staring at the orange skinned woman standing before him, waiting for a response to her statement. Spock has never met a Betazoid but knows their empathic abilities allow them to know the feelings of those around them and assumes the Qrysis operate in a similar manner.
"So, you are saying you can feel the emotions of every being in the hall during my lesson?" he questions, truly fascinated by the woman and her abilities.
Jolie nods her head, "I can feel the emotions of every person around me wherever I go. I can tell their intent whether good or ill, I can tell when one is lying – but that also ties into my ability to read facial expressions and body language, I can also influence the emotions of those around me if I so choose…"
The Vulcan can see how having such an ability would be troublesome while in large numbers such as this but it does bring up the question if she will be able to function on a starship if that is her goal. If she cannot handle the emotions of her fellow cadets then reason dictates that she would not be able to handle her duties once in space aboard a ship.
However, given how for four months she has been attending his class and has maintained a high grade – second only to Cadet Uhura in truth – that proves the opposite of her not being able to function while on assignment. Despite the small signs he has noticed while she is here in the lecture hall Cadet Jolie has never voiced any complaints or shown any distress at her current situation and he can see she is genuinely trying to maintain control of herself and focus on the task at hand. Something to be greatly admired for anyone but especially for someone like him who does everything within his power to maintain control over himself and his emotions.
He also can see why she would be an asset to Starfleet. If she can truly do everything she claims – he has no reason to doubt this – then on whatever ship she is assigned to (or planet) she will be able to help maintain calm and negotiate with their enemies and potential allies alike bringing peaceful resolutions more often than not. She would also be able to help find those who mean ill intent aboard a ship and spot those who try to be dishonest about any number of subjects.
But, it does confuse him slightly that she said that she's not use to large amounts of people.
"You are not use to this size of people?" he questions.
"I haven't had the traditional life of my people." She admits. "But, if I wish to be aboard a starship one day I must learn to adjust a large amount of people since there can be thousands of people on one ship at a time."
"Indeed. However, attempting to adjust to a situation you have miniscule experience with in an accelerated amount of time is not in your best interest and could hinder you in the future." He seems to think on this further, "It could also cause you harm whether physical or mental under the strain you are putting upon yourself."
"I have no other choice."
"Not true." Spock argues. "Your other courses consist of a smaller amount of cadets than my own course do they not?"
"…Yes…"
Joli eyes him a little suspiciously, not completely understanding what he is implying with the question while also keeping her gaze focused on his chest and not his face – something the Vulcan does notice.
"Therefore, logically you can begin to acclimate to the emotions of the individuals around you in a less stressing environment than what you experience while here and once accustom to that can slowly introduce more stimulus in smaller increments."
She blinks as she processes his words. Even with his feelings muted in comparison to humans or Orions she can still sense no ill intent from him, simply concern. But his words confuse her.
"Are you asking me to drop your course, sir?" she questions.
"Negative." Is his immediate response. She believes she sense a moment of panic from him but the feeling is gone too quickly for her to be certain in that assessment. "Given your skill and knowledge within Xenolinguistics it would be a 'waste', as I believe the Terrain saying is, to have you drop the course. Also, if your goal is to board a starship as a negotiator this course is essential to you."
"So what are you suggesting, sir?"
"Instead of coming to this course twice a week, you will come to my office afterwards to receive the same lesson but with only myself present until either you move on to your next semester and no longer need my course or become accustom to larger amounts a people therefore being able to rejoin the lesson with the other cadets."
Finally, Joli looks at him directly in the eye as her own gaze widens in shock.
Spock finds he is both surprised and fascinated by her eye colour since this is his first time seeing her eyes and eyes of such colour in general. They are a beautiful pale silver that he has never seen in another race but there are shades of blue and hints of white mixed in giving them a unique look all her own.
"Are you… are you offering me private lessons, sir?" She isn't able to completely wrap her mind around the concept.
Most of her other professors have just assumed that she isn't trying as hard as her fellow cadets. That she is merely some type of genius who doesn't actually need to focus to 'ace' their courses and have been rather short with her because of her attitude. Even the ones who know of her abilities have basically been rash and rather unsympathetic to her plight and have just been brushing her problems aside and trying to force her to 'be like everyone else'.
This is the first time someone – anyone for that matter – aside for the few captains, admirals and advisors who know about her, has tried to understand her point of view and has offered an alternate solution instead of trying to conform her to their way. The gesture is both baffling and sweet at the same time.
"It is only logical." Spock responds. "Being the only Vulcan here at the academy I had similar struggles during my time as a cadet and I wish to assist you in achieving your goals and help ensure your career with Starfleet will be prosperous for both the fleet and for you yourself."
They stand silently as the Vulcan lets the young woman take in his words and his offer.
The silence seems to drag on for an eternity but then Joli gives a slight, jerky nod.
"I understand your reasoning and I will accept your offer sir." She says, a smile on her face. "Thank you."
"Your gratitude is unnecessary."
She giggles a little at his reply since she can feel the slight pride he's feeling at the fact she's accepted his offer. Bowing her head Joli starts to head for the door.
"That may be true but you have it none the less." Joli replies happily, "Have a good day, professor."
She just reaches the door when,
"You as well, Cadet Joli." He calls after her.
Without stopping – though having to wait the moment for the door to slide open on its own – Joli leaves the room, clutching her books to her chest. However, for once they aren't her shield just something to hold onto in her joy as she hurries down the nearly empty hall.
Joli punches in the code to her dorm room and steps inside the room the second the door slides open to allow her access, her face hidden in her chest with her curls falling in front of her eyes like a curtain – since most had fallen loose of her ponytail after she had fallen down the stairs.
She crosses the common room towards her bedroom when,
"Where have you been?" her roommate calls out from the small kitchenette in the corner of the room, a cup of coffee clutched in her green hand as she eyes Joli in both suspicion and concern.
"Nowhere."
"That's not an answer." The other woman snaps, no real anger to her words or in her emotions at the moment. "Kenley, you're never late and I come back to the dorm after my class only to find you're not here like you normally are after Xenolinguistics. You also don't lie, so, where have you been?"
Kenley sighs as she turns to face her roommate, her friend, head-on and raises her head so they can lock eyes. This way the other woman will see the sincerity in her eyes.
"I was in the lecture hall because Professor Spock was curious as to my silence within his class."
Putting her cup down the other woman moves from behind the counter to stand before Kenley with fear and concern overwhelming her and making the empath's head swim with their intensity.
"Are you in trouble? Do I need to kick his ass?" she questions hotly.
Kenley can't stop the laughter that bubbles past her lips and the warmth that touches her heart at her friend's protective concern for her.
"No, no, no." Kenly denies while trying to stop her giggles. "First off Gaila, Vulcan's strength is far greater than that of an Orion such as yourself and I know you're aware of this. Secondly, though I appreciate your concern there is no need for it since Professor Spock merely offered to hold my lessons in private for the duration of the course or until I grow accustom to larger groups of people like that within his class."
Gaila raises a brow and gets a certain smile on her face that Kenley is instantly rolling her eyes at.
"Really?" she asks, with that tone the Qrysis knows all too well. "Private lessons?"
"Get your mind out of the sewer."
"It's gutter, Hon. And sorry, but it's too late."
The Orion watches as the other woman mouths the word 'gutter' to herself a few times to make sure it sticks within her mind, like she's filing it away for later use like she does with most of the human phrases she's come across since she's still mixing them up. She can't stop the fond affection that softens her gaze before she pulls the younger girl into a hug.
"I really love you to death, Hon, you know that?"
"I don't understand why you would want to love me until it causes me to expire…"
Gaila barks out laughter at her friend's oblivious cute nature and the fact that she can take things a little to literally at times, and hugs her tighter for a moment longer before pulling back and staring her right in the eye, her face completely serious.
"Now, Kenley, I understand that Professor Spock is merely trying to help you – and I'm guessing he's finally aware of the fact that you're an empath." She starts, waiting until she gets a nod from the other woman before continuing with her statement, "And though, I'm happy for you since this will help you and it's what you want, promise me you'll be careful. A lot of people – women and men alike – are interested in Professor Spock and aren't going to take too kindly to the fact that you're getting private tutoring from him. Some are even going to assume you're sleeping with him just to keep your grades up or to pass the course. They'll probably turn hostile on you in an instant if they find out. And given how fast gossip and news travels around here, they're going to find out rather quickly."
Kenley is touched once more by her friend's concern and nods her head in agreement.
"I'll do my best to remain out of trouble and if anything happens I'll be sure to let you know."
"You better." Gaila chastises before tapping her on the nose in the playful way she has since Kenley became more open to her friendly affection two months ago – since physical contact enhances her empathic abilities drastically, so unless she's related to or familiar with someone on an emotional level she is completely uncomfortable with touch, which is why it took her a little while to warm up to her Orion roommate - who personally loved the girl the moment they met at the beginning of term. "Now, you better go study like the good little girl you are before your grades drop even one perfect."
The Qrysis laughs as she watches the Orion head back over to her cup of coffee. "I shall, and it wouldn't hurt you to study a bit more yourself, Gaila."
All she gets in return is laughter as she twirls something on her finger, a playful smirk on her face.
"My grades are just fine."
Still giving her that look, Gaila watches as the orange skinned woman reaches up as realization dawns and sends a annoyed glare her way when she finally notices that the Orion has stolen her hair tie, causing her curls to come lose and tumble down to her shoulders in messy waves, the fuchsia ends turning almost fire red in the sunset rays shining through the window and the black roots shining orange in the light.
"Why do you always do that?" Kenley sighs as she heads towards her room once more.
"Because your hair is gorgeous and you shouldn't hide it by tying it up all the time." Gaila calls after her, just as she does every time this scenario plays out – which is almost every night to be honest, unless Gaila has a 'friend' over and Kenley stays in the library to study or when they have big exams to study for.
The Qrysis shakes her head fondly but enters her room and closes the door firmly behind her, a big smile splitting her face as she leans against the door, her eyes almost glowing in the dim light of the room.
Just a quick note, Kenley's hair is similar to Gamora's from the MCU's Guardians of the Galaxy in case anyone needs a reference. And on that note, when I write this character I seem to picture Billie Piper (who played Rose Tyler in Doctor Who, for those who don't know) as the character. I don't know why but that's who I see. So, please try to imagine that while reading the story.
Anyways, until next time.