A/N: Hey guys! I've fallen in love with this fandom, so here's a fanfic for you. It's a WIP(obviously) and I'll be endeavoring to update every once a week or two. Depends on my mood really. Anyway, I hope you enjoy and leave a review if your feeling it! :D
Star-mapping couldn't get any more boring as Jim continues to sit in his Captain's chair while everyone else on the bridge works on the tedious process of mapping. Frankly, he wasn't jealous of them, yeah he did find it boring just sitting there but mapping?
'No way am I gonna to do something boring for something even boring-er.'
He figures something wrong with his grammar, oh the corrections he would receive from his First Officer if he heard that one. Spock would never let any grammatical error slip by if he ever heard it and with his superior hearing? It was a constant, a pleasant constant. For a moment, Jim wonders how Spock is taking in the star-mapping and decides to glance casually to the science station.
Spock is just sitting there with his back towards him, ramrod straight as usual but something catches his attention. Spock's shoulders are slightly, just barely slumped as he continues to type and work at the screen. Jim grins at him,
'Huh, I guess Vulcans get bored too.'
Just months after the beginning of their 5 year mission into uncharted space, Jim and Spock have developed into better friends. Their small interactions turning into regular meet-ups for chess or dining together at the mess. The joy he felt whenever he and Spock were together was something to look forward to everyday. Sometimes, the logical, uptight Vulcan would even show the tiniest signs of his human side and Jim was quick to catch on them. Silently proud of himself for noticing such miniscule expressions. Maybe older Spock was right. Maybe he too could experience a friendship with Spock much like their counterparts. Maybe… maybe even more.
Jim let out a long sigh, sinking into his chair. As much as he liked thinking about his First Officer, it wasn't enough to battle the boredom of star-mapping, or in his case, just sitting around doing nothing. He could visitsickbay to annoy Bones.
'Yeah, that'd be better than wasting away here.'
He quickly stands up pulling down on his uniform before calling out to his helmsman.
"Mr. Sulu you have the conn."
"Aye sir." Was the quick response, star-mapping was definitely affecting everyone on the bridge. Sulu didn't even bother to look as Jim went almost prancing to the turbolift.
XXX
"Bones!" Jim almost shouted, flashing the guy with his smile. He was almost glad seeing the annoyed look on Bones' face as he entered sickbay freely.
"Whaddya want Jim? I'm busy… unlike somebody around here" He muttered the last part, raising his eyebrow at Jim. Bones could finally do it without raising both of his eyebrows after practicing so hard. Jim was actually amazed.
"I thought only Vulcans could do that." He joked mockingly, patting the irritated doctor on the back. "I was dying on the bridge, Bones. Dying. Only star-mapping could do that." He said dramatically, waving his hands for emphasis.
"Apparently Jim, everything that doesn't have even a remote chance of killing you bores you." Bones snorted at him. "Seriously, why don't you just do something…? I don't know, productive."
Jim gasped, putting on a hurt face, obviously failing at it. "You hurt me Bones."
"You want me to hypo you for it?" Bones threatened, taking out a hypo and shaking it in front of him.
Jim relented, his hands in the air as a sign of surrender. Where the doctor took it from, he'd never know. And he casually strode moving to lie down on his biobed. Bones had started calling it such as Jim was a regular patient, always finding himself mangled or catching a disease after coming back from a mission. How Jim managed to stay alive for this long, was a universal mystery. One time Bones actually insisted on making a private room just for him. Maybe that wasn't such a bad idea after all.
"I'm so bored Bones." Jim sighed flatly, closing his eyes as he started getting comfortable on the bed.
"Yeah well, I've got 2 patients with some kinda flu and an ensign who's got a broken leg." Bones said in exasperation. Taking up his PADD and scanning it with a practiced eye. "You've got it easy."
"I've been thinking…" Jim said softly.
"Yeah? That never ends well." Bones quipped, too absorbed with his current task to spare the Captain a glance not noticing the angry glare Jim shot at him before letting out a depressed sigh.
"Bones… I've been thinking about… Spock." The name was almost a whisper but sure enough Bones heard it, even raising an eyebrow at him.
Returning to his gaze back to his PADD. "The hobgoblin? What about?"
"You know what." Jim quickly returned.
Bones didn't even flinch. "So?"
Jim bolted upright, shocked. "So?" he repeated with impatience, "So, I don't know? Aren't you going to tell me something?"
Bones snorted, gently placing his PADD down before setting his gaze on the blonde. "Listen Jim, I've told you this a thousand times. He's a Vulcan. A goddamn, emotionally repressed Vulcan." Jim dropped back down on the biobed, letting out an irritated moan.
"I don't know what you see in that damn, green-blooded hobgoblin Jim," He paused going to his business and scanning the PADD in his hand. "but he's not just gonna fall for the infamous charms of James Kirk… and you know that."
"I know, I know…" Jim sighed. Seriously, how many times did sigh? Just for today? The fault was obviously on this stupid, boring mission. Now it's got him thinking of Spock. Spock wasn't just some flimsy conquest, no. Jim had his heart on the line. Spock's just… well, he's Spock and not showing his feelings is something he does, which is cute sometimes, because he caught him almost, almost making a smile. It was really just his lips twitching or sometimes it actually moved upwards in millimeters. It was enough to make his heart flutter. And he's scared. Scared that he's built up this friendship so carefully, one fuck up could blow it all to kingdom come. There's no way he could take that… Spock hating him was just unimaginable. Although, that one time where he got a beating was, in all honesty, terrifyingly arousing. He'd rather be friends with the guy but then again, there was the prospect of becoming more…
Dammit, now his thoughts were being plagued by teenage, hormonal girly thoughts! He scrunched up his face in disbelief and let out a small frustrated scream.
"You are so deep in love with him. It's making me sick." Bones remarked blankly.
Jim stood up grunted and mumbling something about Bones being stupid and old while walking making his way out of sick bay.
"About time you left." Bones snickered before Jim made it to the doors.
Jim shot him an angry glare. "Shut up Bones." Harrumphing out of the doors with slight stomping.
Bones chuckled at the sight. It's not like he wasn't supportive of his friend's unusual choice for falling in love with but dammit he was a doctor not a love guru! As if his disastrous divorce wasn't enough proof for that. And Jim… well, Jim was an idiot. A self-destructive, obsessive, I-don't-believe-in-no-win-scenarios idiot. But he was a good idiot. If anything, it'll just be a matter of breaking down that somewhat less idiotic hobgoblin. If anyone could do it, that'd be Jim. It's not gonna be an easy catch, no sir. He knew Jim well enough, the bastard isn't gonna quit until he gets what he wants or dies trying.
XXX
By the time the turbolift opened to the bridge, well, Jim was still mumbling incoherent things that is until he relieved Sulu and sat back down in his Captain's Chair. Surprisingly, he wasn't bored this time around maybe it was because we was actually getting sleepy. 'Stupid star-mapping… Stupid Bones."
It wasn't a moment before his angry thoughts were disrupted by Uhura.
"Captain, urgent message from Starfleet." She announced, glancing at Jim for orders. Her brows furrowing at the sleepy look Jim had on his face.
Finally. Maybe they'd actually get a real mission this time.
Jim straightened up in his seat. "Patch it through Lieutenant."
The main viewscreen pixelated and focused, relaying the message for the whole bridge. Admiral Pike was on the display. His stern face was enough to drive the sleepiness away from Jim's body.
"Admiral Pike." Jim nodded briefly, putting on a smile.
"Captain." He returned. On his side, he glanced on something his hand before looking back to the screen. "Starfleet has new orders for you, you're off star-mapping, kid."
Jim's smile turned even brighter. 'Yeah!' Making a silent fist of triumph inside his brain. He collected himself before continuing. "Thank you Admiral. What's our new assignment?"
"We're sending you to a nearby solar system. Just the usual standard protocol. Send an away team, report back then get out. Starfleet doesn't want anymore… incidents happening, Captain." He paused "Considering it's you, Jim. That rarely happens."
Jim grinned sheepishly, "We'll be sure to be extra careful, Admiral."
Pike almost rolled his eyes, "Alright then, I'll be forwarding the formal orders to your comm officer. And Jim?" Jim leaned forward closer to the screen plastering a smile and raising his eyebrows "Don't do anything stupid."
Jim shook his head in amusement and with that the viewscreen turned back into the endless expanse of space, a plethora of stars beyond the distance.
"Captain, I've received a message from Starfleet. It's the formal orders, sir, relaying it to you now." Uhura announced, her back to Jim.
Finally, an exploration mission, one he wouldn't pass up the chance of being a part of. He grinned and sent the coordinates to Sulu. "Mr. Sulu, please set course to these coordinates. Warp 4."
With a few taps on his screen, Sulu turned to Jim. "Course laid in Captain. Ready for warp."
Jim nodded, "Punch it."
In a few moments, the stars in front of them stretched and distorted before it all turned into tunnel of light. Jim let out a tried breath through his mouth, sinking back into his chair. "Estimated time of arrival, Lieutenant?"
"42 hours sir."
Jim looked to his display, Alpha shift was almost over, might as well call it a day. He turned his attention over to Spock. He smiled gently, the guy was so absorbed in his work it was almost… cute. He huffed out a breath, internally arguing with himself on inviting the Vulcan to another chess battle. What's the big deal anyway? They'd already played dozens of times, yet it still unnerves him to actually confront Spock about it. Sucking it up, he stood up and straightened his uniform.
"Mr. Sulu, you have the conn until Beta shift takes over." He said casually, making his way, slowly, to science station.
Sulu looked back to him making a small nod. "Aye Captain."
Jim swallowed the lump on his throat, before addressing the First Officer "Mr. Spock." He briefly thanked the Gods that his voice didn't sound weird.
Spock swiveled on his chair, laying his chocolate brown eyes on cerulean blue ones. His face, the perfect mask of stoic-ness. "Captain."
Jim flashed him a million watt smile. "Would you care to play chess with me later in my quarters? Say at 2100?"
For a second, the Vulcan just stared at him, internally weighing his options. "Captain, I must respectfully decline your invitation to chess. My presence is required for certain sensitive experiments down in the laboratories." He stared blankly, his posture not even changing.
"Oh…" Punch in the guts, well, at least he tried. Jim forced himself not to look so disappointed by the rejection. He had a feeling Spock was busy, and there's no way he'd force the guy to waste his time on something like chess… even though, it wasn't really a waste of time. Not like he'd know.
He nodded slightly, afraid that if he spoke, his voice would betray him and expose the raw feelings. Jim turned and made his way to the turbolift, maybe he could just take a drink with Bones. But before he could even open the turbolift,
"Captain." Spock. Jim looked over his shoulder seeing the Vulcan's gaze on him.
"Captain, if you are interested, I will not be adverse to a game after I finish with the experiments. I will be able to come at 2300." He continued, tilting his head.
Jim turned around, his smiled returning to its brightness, releasing a breath of relief. "Yes, Spock. That'd be great." He turned around quickly and entered the turbolift, heat creeping up to his cheeks. Jim didn't even notice the raised eyebrow Spock gave him.
XXX
Jim paced around his quarters. It was, what? Almost 2300? Spock was coming and he was pacing. Thank God, he's gotten a long way since the first time. He took a seat on chair, the chess board already set on the table. He inhaled and exhaled to keep himself calm.
'No need to get shaky fingers.'
And just as the timer on his watch hit 2300 exactly, there was a buzzing from his door.
He stood up, straightened himself up, making one last brush through his golden locks. "Come in."
The door opened with a swoosh, Spock was standing there. Perfectly. As usual. His posture straight and his hands clasped firmly behind the small of his back. His head tilted ever so slightly was he made his way inside. Jim couldn't hide his delight.
"I'm glad you could come. It means… It means a lot to me. Chess I mean." Oh. My. God. Was he fumbling? Oh no, he was definitely fumbling.
Spock's head tilted a fraction more with his eyebrow raised. "Indeed?"
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get started." Jim managed to say. Quickly making his way on his seat, his own hands firmly on his lap, his gaze anywhere but on Spock.
"Since you have prepared the set up before hand, the first move is yours, Captain." Spock said as a matter of fact-ly.
Jim chuckled at his girly nervousness. He shook his head, moving his pawn. "It's Jim, Spock."
"Captain?" Spock moved his own piece. His gaze turned to Jim, almost penetratingly.
"We're not on duty." Jim fiddled with the piece on his hand, persistently resisting the urge to look at Spock. "You can call me Jim." He swallowed a lump, making his move.
For moment, his heart was beating so loud. When did this game seem like an interview? Dammit he needed to get his head clear.
"Jim." Spock's voice was deep and smooth, and his name sounded… oh shit. He couldn't resist, he glanced awkwardly at the rich chocolate brown eyes that were focused on him and suddenly the whole room got 10 degrees hotter. Heat was creeping up his neck. He chewed on his lips nervously.
"W-what?" Shit. Now, he was stuttering. Good job Jim. Captain of the Enterprise, acting like a blushing maiden.
"I believe, it is your turn." His eyebrow raised up, his head tilting with it. His gaze not leaving Jim's form.
'How could eyebrows get so hot?'
XXX
Jim was definitely unfocused for the rest of the night with the score at 2-1 in Spock's favor. He let out a slightly frustrated sigh, closing his eyes in defeat as his King was deceptively being set up into a checkmate. At least the flustering was gone. Thank God for that. He figured he'd have at least 3 more moves before Spock wins. No use in letting it drag on any further he supposed. So he moved his King into the trap and accepted his defeat.
"Checkmate." Spock declared blankly. Moving his final piece into position, blocking out Jim's escape.
"You win again Spock." Jim chuckled lightly. Spock definitely held true to his title as Grand Master.
"Obviously." Spock said blankly, too focused on picking up the pieces.
"Obviously?" Jim repeated, his tone a bit surprised. "So, I'm just so bad it was obvious you were going to win?" Jim teased, his grin slightly showing.
"Incorrect." Spock looked at him staring. Jim gulped audibly, his gaze just over the top of Spock's head. "I was referring to the result of the recent match." Spock continued. "You are not 'bad' Jim. Although your technique is undisciplined and unorthodox; I confess, its deceptive nature is difficult to predict." There it was again. That slight twitching on the corner of his lips.
Jim was at a loss for words. Spock was complimenting him and smiling, well as far as Spock has ever did when he 'smiled', his heart felt like it was about to pump out of his chest. "Thank you Spock." He forced out quickly, his voice barely hiding the glee.
"Thanks are illogical Jim. I was merely stating the facts" Spock returned blankly. "I believe, it is prudent that we retire for the night." He stood up, his hands clasped firmly behind.
"Yeah, I guess so." Jim smiled, he raised his elbow to the table, leaning on his hand letting his head rest. Spock made his way to the door, before turning around.
"I am grateful for your patience Jim. This game proved to be calming as were our past matches." Spock's gaze focused on Jim's lazy posture.
Jim smiled even brighter. "Didn't you just say thanks are illogical?"
Spock looked at the floor for a second but returned his gaze back to Jim. And Jim could see it, that distinct sparkle of emotion in the Vulcan's eyes. And somehow the rich chocolate brown become something even more breath taking, if that was even possible. He was taken aback.
'Beautiful…'
That was the only word for it.
Then Spock silently turned around leaving his quarters. Leaving Jim to his thoughts. Jim let his head fall to the fall with a thump, releasing a breath of relief and disappointment. Spock had him so strung up, he had no idea what it was doing to him. He clutched his hand tightly to his chest.
'Stupid teenage, hormonal girly thoughts…'
XXX
The last two nights have been hard for Jim. Especially since they weren't the only things that were hard. And so Jim got very well acquainted with his right hand for the past days. Being stuck on a Starship with a certain very hot, very single First Officer was definitely putting him on the edge. Everything would've been a lot easier if not for the fact that this certain First Officer was also very straight. Jim sat up in bed groaning, willing his brain to stop giving him these unwanted urges so early in the morning.
'Cold shower for you, Jimbo.'
He cursed himself mentally, not having the luxury to take nice warm showers anymore. He quickly made it to the adjoining bath, blasting ice cold water on to his body, shuddering and hopping frantically as the water effectively calmed his erection. Jim was didn't waste any time as he got out and finished preparing in record time before making his way to the bridge. He was obviously excited for today as they were finally nearing the orbit of a planet, their scanners revealed to be M class.
The turbolift opened and he strode over to his chair.
"Captain on ze bridge." Chekov announced, leaving his station for a moment before returning.
"Status update on the planet, Mr. Chekov." Jim sat down, making himself comfortable.
"Preliminary scans show ze planet's atmosphere is able to sustain carbon- life forms sir. We are also detecting signs of slight electro-magnetic interference on a planet-wide scale. But it should not a problem to our transporter and communications signals, Captain." He reported raptly.
"Alrighty then, fashion an away team, I'll be joining them at the transporter room in one hour." Jim hopped off his chair in excitement making his way to the turbolift.
"Captain, a word." Spock called out, standing beside his station.
"Yes, commander what is it? Jim's stupid grin all over his face.
"Have you forgotten what Admiral Pike clearly indicated in his message exactly 1.892 days ago?" Spock's tone was even, slowly nearing Jim's space.
"Remind me, Mr. Spock" Jim teased, he has obviously forgotten a crucial part of the debriefing.
"Admiral Pike clearly stated that we exercise caution to avoid any unwanted incident, if your memory serves you, you also stated "we will be extra careful"." Spock's eyebrow raising at the quotation.
Oh. Now he remembers.
"Thanks for reminding me Mr. Spock. I'll be sure to be extra careful." Jim patted the Vulcan on the shoulder before quickly making his way to the turbolift. Spock following him closely.
"Captain I do not believe you understand the situation at hand." The Vulcan insisted. In the tight confines of the turbolift was quite difficult not to be so close to each other.
"Spock, I understand completely. I'll be careful." Jim just grinned at him. Spock was obviously worried. That made something in his stomach knot pleasantly.
In an instant, he didn't even notice Spock pressing the emergency stop, all he saw was the Vulcan form in front of him stern and strict. Almost… angry.
"Spock I-"
"No. Captain, the chances of you encountering physical harm is 87.253%. I cannot allow you to participate in the away team. You must desist."
"What? How'd you even get those numbers?" Jim gaped at him in disbelief and frankly he was a little frustrated too.
"Based on nearly every report from away missions after the start of our 5 year mission. Of which, you are present whenever any incidents occurred leading to major injuries or persistent diseases." Spock calmly stated.
"Yeah, OK, you've got a point but in my defense I did that to protect the other crewmen from those 'incidents'." Jim stuck his head up to the Vulcan. "I need to go Spock."
"Captain I strongly suggest-"
"Spock." Jim stated firmly, his eyes turning suddenly showing the strength of the years he's endured, effectively silencing the Vulcan.
"Spock, if I don't go there someone's gonna get hurt."
"That is why there will be security members to accompany the away team." Spock raised his eyebrow in surprise. Was the Captain daft?
"I know that…" Jim held his head down. "but I have to make sure. I need to make sure." He looked up and suddenly the bright blue eyes held a strong passion in them. Spock was quite enthralled at the sight. He knew Jim would be adamant in participating with the away team perhaps, this was not the best solution to the problem.
"Very well, Captain. If you persist in participating, then so shall I." Spock turned activating the turbolift and it started moving.
"What? No. I don't need a babysitter." Jim protested, his arms locked in front of his chest.
"Incorrect." Spock stated sternly before invading Jim's personal bubble so dangerously close Jim could feel Spock's hot breath. His cheeks started heating up in reflex and his body betrayed him, blood running down south. Shit, shit, shit.
"You do in fact need a 'babysitter'… Jim." The last word was burning with heat, his mind replayed it over and over. His higher brain functions clearly failing him as he wasn't even bothered that the turbolift had opened and Spock had already left him, very flustered and very horny.
'Shit… I'm gonna need a quick shower.'
And that he did, he went back to his quarters and took the fastest coldest shower he ever had, it left him shuddering after but it had calmed his erection forcefully. Now that he didn't have to worry about being caught with a hard-on he quickly made his way to the transporter room. Obviously, Spock was getting to him so much worse now. He clearly need to calm his thoughts, this wasn't the time to be getting flustered at his First Officer.
XXX
After everyone assigned to the away team had gathered, they did a last minute check on supplies and the needed scanning apparatus they'd brought. OK maybe that shower didn't really do its job very well, because Jim was still feeling a tiny bit of warmth all around his body. He avoided the quick glances his First Officer threw at him and busied himself at some other things that needed to be checked.
Everything was good to go and everybody took their place on the transporter pad. Taking a deep breath he regretted the motion even before he did it, he took a glance on to Spock and sure enough the Vulcan was raising his eyebrow at him. He snorted to himself, forcing his gaze straight towards the floor.
"Readings are clear Captain. We're ready to beam you at your command." The operator chirped. Nodding his head to Jim.
He could only hope nothing bad would happen this time. Especially not since Spock was part of the away team. He shook his head from the awful thoughts plaguing it. Before giving out the order.
"Energize."