Ch 2 Push
Spock's normally pristine hair stood at all angles as he worked at the console in his quarters. Here, he could afford a slight display of disarray. He had only one more science report to finish before he could finally settle into the warmth of his bed.
The door intercom chimed, asking permission to enter from whoever was outside the door.
"Enter." He kept his place, quickly typing his findings into the computer, his stomach suddenly leaping, although his outward appearance never faltered. The door slid open and Jim entered Spock's quarters.
"Good evening, captain. I apologize for the lack of formality. However, I am at a critical point in my research."
"No problem, Spock. God, it's hot in here." Jim half-heartedly threw himself onto Spock's bed. "You know, I'm glad we are friends now. I would have had my work cut out for me if-"
"We are hardly friends, Jim." The Vulcan spun his chair around to look at the brash young man. The mock banter had begun as it had done every night since Jim had made a habit of the visits.
Jim steadily gazed back at the Vulcan.
"We're getting there."
Spock twirled his chair and continued his work. Jim raised himself from Spock's bed and strode over to his first officer. Slowly, awkwardly, he let his hands rest on Spock's shoulders. He could feel Spock tense and waited in anticipation for the ass kicking he knew may be coming.
"Vulcans are not fond of personal contact, Jim." Spock's heart began to race. He grew angry at his body's response, only to then chastise himself for feeling anger.
Yet… Jim thought, Spock had made no attempt to remove Jim's hands. He took a deep breath. Might as well push him, right?
"You know, Spock, your hair looks good like that. You shouldn't be so stiff all the time."
Still nothing. No reaction. An awkward silence hung in the air as Jim stared down at the Vulcan and his pointy ears.
Huh…they look slightly green…Jim crinkled his forehead, searching his mind as to why Spock's ears would be flushed.
"Captain, if you do not have any urgent matters that require my attention, I have reports to complete."
There it was. The rejection. Jim sighed and slowly removed his hands.
"Okay, Spock. See you in the morning."
"Good night, captain."
Without a backwards glance, Jim left, leaving the Vulcan to his science reports. As the door slid shut, Spock allowed his head to drop into his hands and his face to convey his emotion.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
"Illogical."
With that, Spock stood, stripped off his uniform, ran a hand through his hair and threw himself into his bed. The science report could wait until morning.
