Sorry to keep you waiting, but I have been busy with work, study and I also managed to cut open one of my fingers (8 stitches). Because of all this the chapter is smaller than I usually write, but it is better than nothing.
WARNING: This chapter alludes to possiblenon-con and rape (none actually takes place), so it could be a trigger for some readers. I don't think it is that bad, but it is better safe than sorry.
Thank you to T'Arrah for being my Beta.
Star Trek isn't mine.
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It takes close to an hour for Kirk to unwrap his arms from Spock and stand under his own steam. Spock follows him to his feet and watches as Jim gives him a reassuring smile.
"I'm okay now. I feel good. Thanks for putting up with me while I let it all out. I bet you regret bonding with me now after seeing all my baggage that I have been carrying for a while now."
He is trying to hide his insecurities behind humour, but from the look on Spock's face, Jim knows that he hasn't fooled anyone. Spock leans in and brushes a light kiss against Jim's cheek before his lips move to his ear.
"I regret nothing. Discovering how your family has neglected you only makes me more determined to ensure that no one is able to hurt you like that again. You will always have me, James. I will protect you."
Kirk's face lights up in a smile and he turns to give Spock a solid kiss on the lips before stepping away. He glances about the room, placing his hands on his hips and his expression is one of exaggerated concentration.
"I think we should start packing up the things that I am going to take with me. We don't have much time left and I still have to meet with Mr Spock to make sure he is ready to take over."
Jim can hear the small growl that leaves Spock's throat at the mention of his counter-part, but he simply nods.
"That seems like the logical thing to do."
'ThoughIdon'tlikeit'goes unsaid, but Jim hears it anyway.
Spock moves towards the bookshelf without another word and begins stripping it of Jim's books, placing them carefully on the desk at his side. Kirk wants to laugh at the fact that his bond-mate is still jealous of his other self, but bites it back knowing that it will only cause Spock to become further agitated. He is just happy that Spock is being the bigger Vulcan here and trying not to show how how upset he is about the other first officer.
Kirk, biting his lip, walks over to the replicator and programs in a couple of large boxes. He watches as Spock delicately handles his treasured novels and waits for the boxes to be made.
They're halfway through packing Kirk possessions when Spock remembers that he was in such a rush to get back to Jim, he forgot to grab the disk with the medical files he needed from McCoy. Jim offers to go and retrieve it, explaining that it will be a good opportunity to say a private goodbye to his best friend.
"You know what is left to be packed, and I really do owe it to Bones to say a proper farewell. He hates doing that sort of thing in front of other people. I won't be long, ashayam."
Spock seems hesitant, but he eventually agrees.
"I will not stand in the way of you talking with your friend, but could you please comm me once you arrive at Sickbay. I do not believe that my other self has yet given up on you and I worry that he may corner you if he finds you alone."
Jim chuckles as he steps towards the door. "I really doubt that the other Spock is desperate enough to kidnap me, but I call if that makes you feel better."
Jim is out the door a second later, missing Spock's muttered words.
"One would be willing to do anything for one's t'hy'la. I should know."
Kirk is just stepping of the turbo-lift and heading toward the sickbay located at the end of the hall when a hand reaches out and pulls him into an empty storage room. He is facing the door, which he watches close as he is pulled against a hard body. There is a strong arm around his waist and a warm hand against his mouth. He knows exactly who it is and he is mentally kicking himself for not taking his bond-mate's concerns more seriously.
"I am sorry that I have had to take such drastic measures, but it was the only way I could ensure that we would have sufficient privacy."
Jim doesn't bother trying to speak. With the hand still pressed firmly against his mouth, there is no
way Spock will understand him. He doesn't relax though. He wants this Spock to know that he is completely uncomfortable in this situation and if he has to use his body to send that message, so be it.
"You must understand, Jim, I will do everything in my power to convince you to stay. I believe that once you see how sincere my regard is for you that you will change your mind and stay with me."
Kirk's body stiffens even further as he feels a hand come to rest on his abdomen and begins caressing the tight muscles there.
"Relax, Jim. I merely wish to show you how good we can be together if only you would give us a chance."
Jim tries to move away from the touch, but the solid body behind him and the firm hands holding him make that impossible. He can feel the soft press of lips on his neck. They are so familiar that his body begins to relax, but his mind stops that from happening. It is screaming at him that this is the wrong Spock and that he can't give in. It helps that the mental connection that he has with his Spock is not present with this one.
Tears of frustration and a little fear begin to trail down Kirk's cheeks and land on Spock's hand that is still covering Jim's mouth. The Vulcan pulls him even closer and is whispering words of comfort into Jim's neck, but it only makes the tears flow faster. Jim is practically sobbing when the door in front of him swishes open to reveal a shocked McCoy and a furious Spock... his Spock. Relief like Kirk has never experienced washes over him at the sight. The Vulcan holding Jim lets him go quickly, and it is Bones who pulls Jim out of the room. The doctor manoeuvre his shaking friend behind him and turns back to face the Spock of his ship.
"What the hell were you doing with Jim in here, Mr Spock? And your answer better be fucking good."
The Spock in science blue lifts am eyebrow at the language and responds.
"I was merely speaking with the Captain. Am I now no longer allowed to have a simple discussion with my commanding officer?"
Doctor McCoy's arms cross over his chest and he gives Spock an incredulous look.
"Not when that 'conversation' takes place inside a storage room and one person is obvioulsly held there against his will. Jim was crying for godsake. It is evident that what ever you were doing was not kosher, Spock."
The Spock in black, who has been clenching and unclenching his fists during his counter-part and McCoy's conversation, finally snaps and lunges for the Vulcan in blue. Before Jim and Bones can stop him, he has one hand around the other Spock's neck and raining down punches with the other hand.
"I told you that I would kill you if you ever touched my bond-mate again. Did you believe that I spoke in jest? Does my fist now demonstrate how serious I am? Am I making myself clear now?"
Just before he can land another punch, Jim's hand grabs a hold of his fist. Spock's head snaps to the side to find his bond-mate's pleading eyes locked onto his.
"Enough, Spock. Let him go. Hurting him won't solve anything."
Spock turns back to his other self and glares.
"Killing him might."
A soft cool hand pulls his gaze away from his target and he is once again staring into Kirk's clearly upset face.
"No, it won't. It will only cause more problems. We can't get out of here if you are in the brig for murder. I just want you and Bones to get me out of here. Please."
At the sound of desperation in his husband's voice, Spock releases the other first officer and instead wraps his arms around Jim. He begins to lead Jim back out the door, but the Human stops him. Kirk looks over at his, now bloodied and bruised, first officer with a mix of pity, anger and resolution. He waits until he is sure that he has the Vulcan's attention before speaking.
"Whatever small affection I may have felt for you has now been destroyed for good. Now all I feel is disgust. I only have a few more hours on this ship. If you come near me again during that time I will kill you myself. Do I make myself clear, Commander?"
The Spock in blue rubs his neck gingerly before responding.
"Yes, sir. I do have one query though. How will we conduct our meeting concerning the transfer of command if I cannot be in close proximity to you?"
McCoy answers before Jim can even open his mouth.
"That's an easy one. You won't be having a goddamn meeting. You haven't needed Jim's help in the past when you have taken command and he can easily send you any documents you need straight to your computer. You aren't getting another opportunity to do whatever you were planning to do. I promise you that, you green-blooded hobgoblin."
For the first time since that moment on the bridge during the Nero incident the Spock of this universe looks lost.
"I... I was not planning to-"
McCoy cuts him off. "Save it, Mr Spock. I may not have as high an intellect as a Vulcan, but I don't need one to figure out what would have happened if me and Jim's bond-matedidn't interrupt you. You are lucky Jim is leaving or else I would have you up on charges."
The angry doctor turns away from Spock and gestures towards Sick-bay, waiting for Jim and his Spock to take the lead. The couple leave without anyfurther prompting, and with one final glare at the Vulcan still inside the storage room, McCoy follows them.
Once Jim is safely inside Bones' office, he collapses into a chair and drops his head into his hands. His Spock is standing behind him, with his hands resting on his shoulders, and McCoy is pacing the room. He is obviously still pissed.
"I cannot believe that goddamn Vulcan! You pine after him for months and he barely looks in your direction, but then when you are happy with somebody else, he practically rapes you."
Jim rolls his eyes. "I think you might be over-exaggerating things a tad, Bones."
The hands resting on Kirk's shoulders flex slightly before Spock speaks.
"I do not think Doctor McCoy is over-exaggerating anything, James. I firmly believe that if the good doctor and I did not find you when we did then my counter-part would have 'had his way with you'."
Jim can't help but laugh at Spock's wording, even though he knows it is a serious matter. From the glare he is getting from Bones, it appears that the older man does not see the humour in the situation.
"This isn't a joking matter, Jim. As a Vulcan, you XO could have very easily overpowered you. I know you said to just leave it, but I really should report him to Starfleet in case he does it to someone else. At least let me tell Uhura. She should know what kind of scum-bag she married."
Jim shakes off Spock's hands that have been massaging his knotted shoulders, gets to his feet and stands before his best friend, shaking his head.
"He won't do it to anyone else. A Vulcan has only one t'hy'la and once I am gone he won't even have that. Also, I don't feel right telling Uhura, when I believe that this behaviour is only temporary. I am not going to destroy her life when the easier solution is for me to just leave. Sometimes ignorance really is bliss, and I want to give her that."
McCoy shakes his head as though he is going to argue, but then he pulls Jim into a fierce hug. Kirk's own arms come around to circle his best friend to return the embrace. Bones' chin rests near the crook of Jim's neck and he releases a deep sigh.
"You are truly a good man, Jim. Too good for this place I think, so it makes sense that you should leave. God, I'm gonna miss you though."
Jim tightens his hold on the his friend and breathes in the smell of whiskey and peaches that became the scent of home for him years ago. He swallows the lump that had formed in his throat, as a new determination overtakes him.
"You could come with us. Two McCoys may be a little hard to handle, but it can't be as bad as two Spocks."
McCoy pulls away. The look on his face tells Jim the answer before the older man even opens his mouth to speak.
"I can't, Jim. I can't leave Joanna. It is bad enough that I am on this starship instead of in Georgia with her, but going to another universe would definitely place me in 'horrible father' territory. Don't get me wrong, losing you will be painful, but losing her would kill me."
Jim nods his head in understanding and pulls the doctor back in for a hug.
"And that is why you are the best man I know, Bones. Just know this, I don't care what either of the Scottys say. I am going to find a way back to visit... even if it takes me years to do it."
Something that sounds vaguely like a snort comes from Spock's direction. Both McCoy and Jim turn to the Vulcan, and both men place their hands on there hips, seemingly upset about the ruined moment. Spock seems only slightly apologetic as he addresses them.
"I am sorry for interrupting such a tender moment. It was not my intent. I just believe that Jim's plan to do the impossible is humorous."
Jim is beyond insulted. "Why? Do you think I can't do it? You think I'm not smart enough."
Spock's eyes widen as he hears the hurt in his bond-mate's voice and quickly moves towards Jim so he can clear up the misunderstanding.
"On the contrary, James. Not only do I think you are capable of finding a way back here so that you can visit your friend, but I also believe you will do it in a relatively short space of time. What I find humorous is that it seems that only you can make the impossible, possible. It is as if you were created to show us lesser beings how, as you would say, 'things are done'."
Kirk's expression turns to one of bashfulness. His face goes red and his eyes fall to the floor. He is almost about to start shifting on his feet, but the sound of Bone's exasperated voice stops him.
"Okay, enough with this lovey-dovey crap. I want to have a proper good-bye and that means we all need to take a seat and have some proper drinks."
Jim holds back a chuckle and Spock lifts an eyebrow, when a few moments later McCoy is pulling out a bottle of Romulan Ale from a secret compartment on his shelf.
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If you have any flames keep them to yourself. My belief is that if you don't like something then stop reading it. Insulting peoples hard work is rude and uncalled for. Reviews on the other hand are completely welcome.
I really don't know when I will update next, but I plan to have this story finished by the end of the month.