Watching Spock Sleep
James T Kirk watched his First Officer sleep.
Awake, Spock's eyes dominated his face.
With them closed, the overwhelming intelligence - the unfathomable character - was hidden; and Jim could properly see the face that held them.
Long and pale, it was a strong face - full of muscle, and bone.
The black hair framing it was as severe as ever; the straight black brows as uncompromising.
But it was softer, younger-looking: Relaxed in sleep, all evidence of the man's fierce discipline was smoothed away.
Long black lashes swept his cheeks.
Even his skin seemed perfect, except for two small scars bearing witness to the fact that, given something to defend, Spock would fight.
During the long vigil, he was surprised that Uhura had not come to take her place at this bedside.
Then, he was not surprised at all. The Vulcan was a private man – and had been exposed to public scrutiny for horrendous reasons. She was private, too, in her own way. After one small lapse, the couple had been wary.
Kirk knew that they were together. Scotty, of course knew. He suspected that McCoy had an inkling; though Bones would not want to think it was possible. There had also been a technician in the room at the time… Not knowing either of them - and given what came before, and after - did he remember?
Jim looked again at the pale sleeping face.
It was strange to see Spock look vulnerable.
He wondered that Uhura did not come. Then it occurred to him: Perhaps no one had told her.