Alright, moving on. I had some good response for the first chapter, which made me excited, so I hope that I continue to please you guys! I took a bit of liberty here; Vulcans are described as vegetarians, so I figured that dairy products and things like eggs would be something Spock might eat. I hope you guys enjoy!
Chapter 2
I Never Pictured
Spock awoke early, his internal clock waking him at his normal time. He settled on the floor for an hour of meditation, but the sounds of movement made him rise after only 45 minutes. The Vulcan cleaned himself up for the day, and then headed out of his room. He knew that his Captain would need help, whether or not he wanted it.
To his utter surprise, he found Jim already halfway through the task of making breakfast. Blinking in faint shock, Spock watched quietly for a moment as Jim carefully felt his way around what Spock knew to be a 21st Century stove, cracking eggs in the pan before moving to remove toast from the toaster.
"Fascinating." Spock murmured softly.
Jim let out a faint shout of surprise, whirling reflexively to turn his blind eyes to the sound, his hands clenched into fists before he managed to relax. "Spock! Jesus, don't do that, you scared the daylights out of me!"
Spock had to restrain a smile at the look on his Captain's features, carefully schooling his features back into blankness before responding. "Forgive me, Captain, I was merely interested to see you performing these tasks so well without the use of your sight."
"Psh, I could cook blind before I was… well, actually blind, and it's Jim, Spock." the blond man said lightly, turning around and returning to the task ahead of him. Spock moved forward to observe with interest, his dark eyes following Jim's every move.
Jim appeared to be using mostly smell and hearing to navigate what he was doing. He knew where the stove was by the sound of the eggs in the pan, easily avoiding the hot surface. Jim turned his head slightly in his direction, his eyes flicking briefly to Spock before returning towards the counter before him.
"You do eat eggs, right? I wasn't sure about those, but I know that you eat bread, so you'll eat toast…?" His voice sounded tentative.
Spock reflexively nodded before correcting himself. "Yes, as long as there are no meat products, I have no arguments with consuming whatever you decide to cook." Spock watched quietly for a moment before speaking once more. "If you do not mind my asking, how is it that you learned to cook on a primitive stove such as this one?"
Jim's lips quirked in a smile. "It's not exactly archaic, Spock. My mother had one in the farmhouse, and she liked to cook. I learned from her; it was a good way to spend time with her, at least, when she was around." Silence fell for a moment, and Spock sensed that his captain was reliving some sort of old and painful memory.
The sound of Jim's voice called his attention back to the younger man. "I suppose they like to keep them here because cooking is a good hobby that a lot of people have; it's rather soothing to certain people."
Spock nodded to himself; that made sense logically on some level. Hobbies were relaxing for the most part; having the hobby of cooking would calm certain types of people down. He turned his attention back to Jim as the blond carefully turned off the stove after only a second of searching with slender fingers, flashing a smile in Spock's direction.
"Feels like they're done, I hope they are. It's been a while since I've cooked, so you might have to double-check for me."
The Vulcan glanced at the eggs, blinking as he saw that they were perfectly fluffy, yellow and white scrambled eggs, not even a hint of burnt. "They are done very well, Captain. May I ask how you were able to ascertain that they were complete?"
Jim grinned. "Texture. That's how I always told anyway, so it works out in my favor. And Spock, my name is Jim, not 'Captain.' I'm not going to keep telling you."
"Forgive me, Jim, I will try to remember from now on."
In all reality Spock had no troubles remembering that Jim wished him to call him by his name; he just thought it more logical to refer to his superior officer as such. He also felt, somehow, that he had lost the privilege to call Jim by his name after his failure to protect his captain. However, as he was attempting to continue what he saw as a growing friendship between them, he would make an effort to call Jim by his name.
Jim moved carefully around the kitchen, searching slightly with his cane before moving forward. While the cane he held wasn't suited for this purpose, it did well enough in the rather small kitchen, and the blond found his way to the table with no trouble. He moved with enough confidence that it was obvious to Spock that he had been awake for some time, memorizing where everything was.
"How long have you been awake?" Spock asked as he served himself eggs and a few slices of toast, briefly considering before indulging in the jar of strawberry preserve which was in their small fridge.
"Um… About an hour and a half I think." Spock briefly felt surprise; he had not been awoken by Jim moving around, and had not heard him while meditating until he was nearly complete. "I tried to keep quiet cause I figured you were still sleeping."
Spock nodded slightly before speaking. "You did an exceptional job; there is not much that I miss and I did not hear you."
Jim grinned briefly before going at his own plate, easing his way through eating while blind. It took him a few tries to get the hang of where everything was around him without sight, but then he had it no problem and ate with ease. Spock began to eat as well, noticing with interest that Jim was a good cook; the eggs were perfectly scrambled and seasoned well.
"Would it be alright if we headed out to see the horses today?" Jim asked softly about halfway through their meal, glancing up towards Spock.
The Vulcan considered briefly. "I believe it would be wise to work on your memorization skills around this house so you can learn how to find yourself in your surroundings." Jim's face seemed to fall a little, and Spock amended his statement, some place deep in him wrenching at the thought of Jim's sadness. "If you wish it, however, we can visit the stables after we finish eating."
The smile that spread across Jim's face was like the sun rising, and Spock had to restrain the smile that threatened to spread across his own features in return. "Thanks Spock, that would be great." With those words he dug into his breakfast with enthusiasm, his skin seemingly glowing with happiness.
Spock took this moment to study Jim, his dark eyes pensive. His Captain was truly a unique individual, not only in his striking looks and charm, but in his intelligence and wit. With his golden hair, bronzed skin, and crystal blue eyes, he was a stunning sight, and even Spock had to admit that he was a singular creature to look upon. It was a loss that the young man's eyes had been damaged as they had; Spock could still see the damage that remained. Jim's eyes still had their unique color, but the scleras were littered with red abrasions and scars, and his eyelids were crisscrossed with marks as well.
The Vulcan shook himself slightly, turning back to his meal. His mind balked slightly at the thoughts that he entertained of the young man sitting across the table from him, and he pushed them away with ease, turning his thoughts to where Jim wanted to go.
"Why is it that you are so eager to visit horses, Jim? They are merely animals." Spock asked softly, genuinely curious.
Jim let his smile soften slightly. "They are so much more than that, Spock. Horses are… well, honestly, it's hard to explain. I've been around them since I was little, so I have a bit of a connection to them, but that's not all there is to it. I just feel like I belong when I'm around them." He shook his head slightly, setting his fork down on the plate. "I think you're just going to have to see it. I can't tell you much more than that."
Spock accepted that explanation. "Very well. I look forward to seeing the meaning of the words that you cannot express."
The blond chuckled faintly at those words, but nodded. "Yea, me too. It's been too long since I've been around horses."
The Vulcan returned to his meal, slightly curious and eager to see what Jim had in store for him; his Captain was turning out to be a surprisingly complex individual.
The change that came about his Captain when they reached the stables was surprising and incredibly fascinating for Spock. He watched with interest as Jim breathed deep when they got there, his hand tightening faintly around Spock's bicep before loosening again. The Vulcan turned his attention forward as a tall young man walked towards them with dark hair in a braid down his back and eyes a rather surprising shade of startling green.
"Well now, if it isn't the famous Captain Kirk and Commander Spock! Kimmie told me to be expecting you both before too long, but I must admit I didn't think we'd see you this soon!" He grinned as he came close, and Jim turned his blind eyes towards the heavy, booted footsteps.
"It's nice to meet you." Jim said politely, slipping his hand from Spock's arm to extend it in a shake. "And please, call me Jim. I get enough of that Captain stuff from Spock here."
The tall man laughed lightly, shaking Jim's hand firmly. Spock watched with mild interest, but made no move. "I'm Dakota Kidd, but you can call me Dak, most everyone does. I'm in charge of most of the horses, and I can go ahead and help you get whatever you need."
Jim smiled. "All I need right now is a good horse, it's been far too long since I've been with them. I missed it more than I thought."
Dakota nodded, eyes looking to Spock. "And what about you, Commander? Are you a horse man?"
Spock shook his head minutely, clasping his hands in the small of his back now that Jim had released his arm. "No, I have never ridden a horse before; I am merely here to accompany Jim."
The Vulcan couldn't help but blink as Jim elbowed Dakota rather squarely in the ribs, accurate to a tee even though he couldn't see the other man. "We need to get him up, though, might calm him down a bit. Nothing like the honesty of a horse to get through to a man."
Dak laughed good-naturedly. "Ain't that the truth? So what's your fancy, Jim? Got anything you like in particular?"
Jim shook his head. "Not really, although I must admit I have a bit of a weakness for the American breeds."
Spock watched idly as Dak stroked at his chin. "American, huh? Well then, I think we've got just the horse for you, then. He'll like you; too, you've got a good horsey feel to you. You'll fit right in."
At those words Spock felt a bit of confusion, he didn't see how his captain felt 'horsey,' but he was willing to follow and see what the new man was talking about. Jim allowed himself to be led by the hand once more, and Dak led them down the rows of stalls towards one on the end.
During the short walk Spock observed Jim. The change in the young captain was interesting to watch; the further into the stables they got, the more Jim seemed to brighten. He was standing a little taller, his nose raised slightly and nostrils flared as he inhaled the smell of the horses. He was turning his head left and right slightly, periodically, a motion that Spock suspected was something that he hadn't quite gotten rid of; he was trying to see what was around him. Spock could sense the content radiating off him as well, Jim was projecting the emotion quite fiercely whether he knew it or not.
"Here we are. Jim, I'd like you to meet Lightning Storm; we usually call him Light. Let's see how well you know your horses, Jim. Can you tell me what Light is?" Dak said, his voice light, but curious.
Spock felt a bit of confusion; Jim could not see the animal in front of him, how would he be able to discern what he was? And as for that; Dak must be referring to a sort of sub-species. Spock was currently unaware there was anything other than the simple definition of equine.
The Vulcan turned his head sharply towards his Captain when he heard a gentle clicking sound come from Jim's lips. He quickly discovered that Jim was clicking his tongue, and interestingly enough the horse in the stall shifted forward at the sound, raising his head from the ground and draping it's neck over the plastic-covered chain that kept the stall cut off.
Jim's hands raised, and Spock couldn't help but tilt his head slightly in curiosity as the big animal pressed it's muzzle into his palms. Jim cooed softly in his throat, his hands running gently over the animal's nose, his long-fingered hands firm and yet gentle. He leaned slightly, blowing into Light's nostrils and breathing deep of the animal's breath.
Spock blinked at this, not understanding the action, but he made no comment. Light nuzzled at Jim's cheek, at which the young man chuckled slightly, moving to take another step forward. Dak unhooked the chain as Jim took the step, his hands moving down the muscled neck and over the horse's back.
Spock watched idly, his dark eyes taking in the horse. It was a rather beautiful creature, with a coat the color of pale gold, cream mane and tail, and large brown eyes. The horse's shoulder was at about the same height as Jim's, and it had a refined head, a broad chest, and powerful-looking hindquarters. They were well matched; the horse's golden coat was nearly the same shade of Jim's hair, and the captain's bronze skin complemented the color of both.
A smile was in Jim's voice when he spoke next. "Quarter Horse. He's really got the typical shape of that breed."
Dak smiled. "Good call, Jim, I'm impressed. Light is full Quarter Horse, 7 years old. He's a good horse, and he'll be good for you, I can tell." The horse snorted faintly, throwing his head up slightly before butting his head against Jim's back, causing the young man to stumble forward to bounce off the golden side. "He likes you too."
Jim had the biggest smile on his face that Spock had ever seen, his hands running over the smooth coat, playing in the cream colored mane. His lips were moving slightly, but Spock couldn't hear if there were any words coming from his mouth.
"Alright, I think you'll be good with Light. I'll go ahead and show you to his locker; it's got all his brushes and whatnot, as well as his bridle. Which saddle do you prefer?"
Jim turned his head toward the man. "Actually I would prefer not to have one. If you need me to have one, though, western will do."
Dak smiled slightly. "That sounds good. His locker's right here across from his stall, I'll get it unlocked, and then I'll be in the office if you need me." He glanced to Spock. "I take it you saw the office on the way…?"
Spock inclined his head slightly, and watched silently as Dak opened the locker. Jim shifted away from Light, stepping towards Spock. To his great interest the horse clopped forward after the young man, at which point Jim simply raised a hand and the horse placed his nose in the curve of his palm. Jim pressed back slightly, and the horse stilled, staying where he was as Jim took another step.
"Spock?"
The Vulcan stepped forward at his captain's call. "I am here, Jim."
"You were so quiet back here, I was starting to wonder." Jim said with a smile. "Do you think you could help me out by getting me some stuff from the locker?"
Spock stepped forward in way of answer, bending slightly towards the locker. "What is it that you require?"
Jim took a step towards his voice, his eyes automatically scanning the area in front of him. "His brushes; I need to groom him before we go out, he'll like that."
Scanning the locker the Vulcan located a small basket that had an assortment of brushes and other devices in it, turning towards Jim and lifting his hand, wrapping it around the handle. "I believe this contains what you asked for."
Jim turned back to the horse, setting the bucket down after taking two steps and then feeling through it. He pulled up a stiff-bristled brush after a moment, a hand on Light's neck as he stepped beside the horse. Light made a soft sound as Jim started running the brush over his coat, pumping his head up and down slightly. Jim laughed and patted the muscular neck, murmuring softly again.
Spock could only watch quietly, interested to notice how relaxed and open Jim seemed. It occurred to him a few moments later that he had never seen Jim like this, not even in the 2 years that they had been serving together.
Perhaps this vacation would bring a new way to see his captain; his friend.
I have a soft spot for horses, I always have, and I've been riding for somewhere around the area of 13 years or so. I know that Jim was protrayed as an accomplished rider in the series, and so I pulled them into this story quite a bit, as they're good therapy animals, so it makes sense. I must admit, I drew some inspiration for this from the Native Sky series by theplanetmary (if you haven't read those, my GOD you MUST!) so I give a bow to that brilliant writer! Please review!
