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*****

Mirage


*****




1. A Vulcan?!

"Spock! Dammit, man, are you there?"


Spock raised an eyebrow as Dr. McCoy's impassioned Southern drawl came through his intercom. "May I help you, doctor?" he asked coolly, not bothering to point out, for the 23rd time, that he was not, in fact, a man.


"Get your pointy ears to the transporter room. Stat."


"Dr. McCoy," Spock said, with a patience he was not entirely certain McCoy deserved. "I am attempting to construct an argument against the Captain's solo mission to Britar VI that will be irrefutable to even - "


"Jim tried to beam down early," McCoy snapped. "And something went - wrong."


A frisson of fear that would not be suppressed shot through Spock. "On my way," he said, already half-way to the door.

*****

Spock heard the voices of McCoy and Kirk the instant the turbolift doors opened.


" - Bones, I'm warning you, if this is some kind of prank - "


" - now Jim, you just calm down and take it easy - "


He allowed himself a small moment of relief. Kirk was, at least, alive and from the sound of things, unharmed. He could hear the whirring of McCoy's tricorder scanning as he hurried down the corridor towards the transporter room.


"What the hell is all this about Britar VI?" Kirk's voice sounded slightly different to Spock - a little lower in pitch, with an unfamiliar tough edge to it. "I wasn't on Britar, I was on Romulus - with the Praetor's gorgeous daughter and her very flexible girlfriend, I might add. And then I beam up and find I've somehow shrunk and got a haircut, that you've had all your tattoos removed and Marus is MIA?"


"Dammit - my third scan and nothing's coming up wrong! I hope Spock has some brilliant theory for this - "


"Spock?"


Spock, who had just set a foot in the transporter room, froze, because the way the word had been uttered sounded as if Kirk had no idea who he was. In the room in front of him, Kirk had his eyes closed and was rubbing his temples brusquely, like he did when he had a headache. He looked exactly as he always did - tauntingly muscular, unfairly handsome, and utterly forbidden to Spock.


"Speak of the devil," McCoy said, as he looked up from his tricorder and spotted Spock still frozen in the doorway. "There's your favorite Vulcan now."


"A Vulcan?!"


With a speed Spock had not previously thought humanly possible, Kirk exploded into action.


In one smooth, graceful burst of power, he shoved McCoy to the floor protectively and launched himself at Spock. Spock went flying backwards as the human catapulted into him with shocking force; throwing him back out into the corridor and then slamming him up against the wall brutally with a shoulder driven straight into Spock's diaphragm.


Spock gasped for breath. "Ji - "


He was abruptly cut off as the heel of Kirk's palm connected with his face - not with his eye, but with knife-like precision against one of his sensitive psi-points. Spock was temporarily incapacitated by a pain that cut through even his Vulcan controls, his head bouncing off the wall with enough force to leave his ears ringing. Kirk instantly exploited Spock's moment of vulnerability, and delivered an expertly-executed roundhouse kick to Spock's exposed side, right to his kidney, flooding him with another jolt of pain and sending Spock crumpling to floor.


"Jim, stop - " He heard McCoy order through the ringing in his ears.


"It's a Vulcan, Bones! He's the problem!"


And before Spock could move, Kirk was on him again. He jammed his knee between Spock's shoulder blades and forced Spock to his stomach, grabbing one of Spock's arms and wrenching it up behind his back at an excruciating angle. His hands twisted Spock's fingers in a crushing grip as his booted foot came down on the fingers of Spock's other hand, pinning them to the floor.


"You move one inch and I break your fingers beyond repair," Kirk threatened. He ground the sole of his heavy boot painfully against Spock's hand to make his point.


Spock went immediately, perfectly still.


"Good Vulcan," Kirk said, with a dangerous sweetness. His nails dug into the sensitive pads of Spock's fingers, as the treads of his boot scraped Spock's other hand. "Now you tell me what you did to my head, or I start snapping these little bones of yours into tiny, un-fixable pieces."


"Jim, what in hell are you doing?" McCoy demanded angrily, from somewhere very nearby.


"This Vulcan's got us bewitched with his mind tricks, Bones," Kirk said, as the pressure on Spock's fingers increased to almost unbearable levels. "But I won't let him hurt anyone. Lucky this one's so little; small enough for me to handle."


Little? Spock repeated to himself in confusion. Small enough to handle?


Three minutes earlier, he would have scoffed at the statement, but at the moment he had to admit that Kirk very much had a handle on him. He would not have thought Kirk to possess enough strength to truly hurt him, but somehow Kirk had managed, through incredible skill and knowledge of Vulcan biology, to channel the human strength he had so exactingly perfectly that he was causing Spock actual pain. Part of his brain absently registered that no fewer than 17 crew members were now at the scene, but he ignored their stares, focusing his attention on being as docile and submissive as possible beneath his clearly-crazed captain.


"You're hurting him." McCoy's voice had gone deadly calm, as he switched in roles from Jim's southern friend to one of Starfleet's best doctors dealing with a psychotic patient and a hostage.


"I have to keep him subdued," Kirk said insisted. "He's an enemy and he's using his mind control powers on us."


"He damn well isn't," McCoy said sharply. "Now let him go or I'll relive you of duty."


That got Kirk's attention. "What?" he barked, looking up at McCoy but not easing his grip on Spock one bit.


Spock's mind raced for some kind of explanation for Kirk's bizarre and aggressive behavior. Transporter malfunction; contamination somehow from the surface of Britar VI; mind-altering drugs, perhaps? He was irritated to realize that his thoughts were slightly derailed by a very faint pleasure, because his hand was intertwined in Kirk's, and even though Kirk was hurting him, at least he was touching Spock.


Now is a very unlikely time to experience any pleasure. Perhaps we have latent masochistic tendencies? a part of his brain offered; the hindbrain that Spock suspected was leftover from pre-Surak Vulcan and refused to accept Spock's chosen path of logic.


Perhaps now is not the logical time to ponder this? Spock returned, as Kirk gripped him warningly tighter.


McCoy snapped at Kirk again. "You've attacked your own First Officer, and in my medical opinion, that makes you unfit for command."


"My what? This - this animal is not my officer! He bewitched you while I was on Romulus!"


"Let him go, Jim."


Kirk made an angry noise. He turned his full attention to McCoy, his boot lifting just an inch from Spock's fingers. "Bones, listen to me - "


Spock seized the opportunity to gingerly flex his aching fingers. But the movement must have been too much for Kirk's liking, because Spock suddenly heard the sound of a phaser being drawn with almost inhuman speed -


And then his world went black.

*****

"Spock? Spock?"


Spock's eyelashes fluttered as he opened his eyes. The bright lights, soft beeps and bed beneath him instantly told him that he was in sickbay. McCoy was hovering over him. "Doctor?"


McCoy breathed an audible sigh of relief. "Oh Spock, you're awake. Thank heav - " McCoy cut himself off mid-sentence. "You and that misplaced heart of yours are so damn lucky that phaser was set to stun," he said gruffly instead.


Spock checked his fingers, relieved to find them unharmed. "The Captain values life, and so always sets his phaser to stun," he pointed out. An unnecessary statement, but Spock could rarely resist the chance to point out the things that made the out-of-reach Kirk so desirable to him. He wasn't completely certain why he did this, other than to torture himself even further.


Definitely a masochist, his prehistoric brain supplied.


"I still can't believe Jim shot you. That definitely proves he's out of his mind."


"He does not appear to be in full control of his mental faculties," Spock agreed as he sat up, suppressing the lingering discomfort that came from being stunned. "Where is the Captain now?"


McCoy suddenly became very interested in the readings over Spock's head. "When stunning you didn't, quote, get rid of your Vulcan mind control, he ran off."


Spock's eyebrow rose. "Why did no one stop him?"


"I had to deal with my sudden patient," McCoy said defensively. "And security wasn't prepared to stun the captain!"


"Surely the computer can tell us - "


"He snuck down to Engineering and shot part of the computer mainframe with his phaser. Fried the locator circuits." The doctor made a face. "No idea why he'd do that, instead of just hacking the damn thing like we all know he's capable of. Security's still looking for him."



"Do you have any explanation as to his current mental state?"


"I got nothing," McCoy said grouchily. "Ensign Wu said she tried to transport him to the surface of Britar, and she watched his atoms dissolve and then instantly re-assemble. When he immediately started freaking out about her lack of a mohawk, she called me. I ran scans on him for everything I could think of, and he's in perfect health - except that he thinks I should have tattoos, that he has a First Officer named Marus, and that somehow, you're a dangerous threat to the ship and everyone on it." McCoy snorted at the last bit.


"I will assemble a team at once," Spock said, standing from the bed. "We will find the captain and - "


"Dr. McCoy?" Uhura's voice came through the intercom. "There's an urgent call for Spock from New Vulcan. A Vulcan Ambassador. He says he's been trying to reach us for thirty minutes and only just now got through, thanks to the ion storms on Britar VI interfering with our communication equipment."


Or, in other words, the Ambassador had tried to call the instant after Kirk had tried to transport to Britar VI. Perhaps he knew something about his bondmate that the Enterprise did not. "Put him through to my quarters. I will speak to him immediately." Spock headed for the door.


"What about Jim?" McCoy demanded.


"I guarantee you, doctor," Spock said over his shoulder as he left, "there is nothing in the galaxy this particular Vulcan Ambassador - " or any version of myself " - cares about more."

*****




2. Counterparts

Spock sat at his desk and accessed his terminal. A moment later, a very familiar face appeared on the console. "What has happened to Jim?" the Ambassador asked instantly, not bothering with small talk or introductory pleasantries - not that they often did, too at ease in each other's presence for such things.


Spock quickly described the events that had occurred, speaking in the mash-up of Vulcan, Standard and their mother's native English that they used with each other. Kirk, whom Spock rather jealously knew worshiped the Ambassador, had once admitted that he loved to watch them interact. It's fascinating, he had teased.


"I see," Ambassador Spock said, when Spock had finished. He seemed to be deep in thought.


"How did you know something had happened to the captain?" Spock asked curiously. "Through the bond?" He tried to keep the jealousy out of his voice. He failed. This version of himself had something that Spock desperately yearned for but would never have. It was illogical to wish for something that could not be, and yet, Spock could not stop himself. He envied his elder the mark that he bore, the proof that a James Kirk had taken him as his own. He envied him so much it made him sick to his stomach.


"Yes," his elder self said slowly. "The bond has changed." He steepled his fingers. "You know that when I came through the black hole, I instantly felt that James Kirk existed in this universe."


Spock nodded. He often pressed his elder for details about the bond; torturing himself by hearing about their link and imagining it vicariously through the Ambassador.


And again with the masochism, his hindbrain unhelpfully pointed out.


"I also instantly knew that it was not the same James Kirk I had bonded to in my own universe." The Ambassador added kindly, "You will, of course, understand all of this better after you and the Jim of this reality have a bond."


Spock looked away. "You are aware that will never happen."


"I am aware of nothing of the sort. If you would simply speak to him - "


"I cannot." They had had this discussion forty-three times. It was futile. Spock knew the Ambassador believed Kirk had already forgiven Spock for his act of violence. He wanted Spock to speak to Kirk about a bond.


Spock knew that was not possible. His crime was too great.


When he'd pinned Kirk to the console on the bridge, crushing his throat and cutting off his air, Kirk's life-force, fierce and refusing to yield, had broken through Spock's telepathic shields and asserted itself, in all its brilliance, in Spock's mind. And with that assertion came the recognition that the being beneath him - the one he was choking to death with his own hand - was his t'hy'la.


The realization had shattered him, and left him nearly crippled with guilt. That guilt had increased when he learned that Kirk had "emotionally compromised" him only because the Ambassador told him to. Kirk had been sick over what he said about Spock's mother and had apologized profusely afterward. He hadn't wanted to say a single one of the words that had nearly cost him his life.


The Ambassador, for his part, had assumed Spock would only be briefly physically aggressive. He had never once imagined that any Spock, free of the madness of Pon Farr, could ever go so far as to try to kill Kirk. Spock knew he too suffered immense guilt at the situation; for putting Spock in a position where he would unknowingly hurt his t'hy'la, and for underestimating another Spock's capacity for violence and nearly getting his beloved Kirk killed at his younger self's hands.


Logically, it had been necessary to save billions of lives. That did not change the fact that what occurred had caused great pain for both Spocks. The elder Spock continued to try to make amends and see them bonded. The younger Spock knew it could never happen. He had forfeited his rights to Kirk. He deserved to remain alone; the gates to the oasis of Kirk's mind forever barred to him.


His elder self made a somewhat un-Vulcan-like noise not unlike a sigh. "As you wish," he said, although Spock knew the subject was not - and never would be - closed. "At any rate, the James Kirk that is currently on board the Enterprise is not the James Kirk you know."


Spock blinked. "Are you certain?"


"Quite." The Ambassador spoke firmly. "There is a James Kirk in this universe. I can feel him. But he is not the same James Kirk who was here an hour ago. The man you have been interacting with is an alternate James Kirk, as I am an alternate you."


Spock's mind processed this and accepted it. It was a logical explanation. Kirk was not crazy - he was simply an entirely different version of himself, residing in this Kirk's body. It was not without precedence.


The implications, however, were exceedingly troubling. "If that is true, then Jim is likely in an alternate reality as well." Spock met his counterpart's eye, trying to suppress - and only partially succeeding - the worry that began to gnaw at him. "I must bring him back as soon as possible."


"I will assist you. I am familiar with the theory, having once had my own captain switched with a version of Jim that was significantly more - " The elder Spock paused. "Fiesty," he finally said tactfully.


Spock had heard the story of the other universe and the I.S.S. Enterprise. Fiesty was not a word he personally would choose to describe a homicidal tyrant, but the bonded Ambassador had a very large soft spot when it came to any form of his human. "Is this version of the captain the one you imprisoned before, from the so-called mirror universe?"


"No. He is not that Jim," his counterpart said decisively. "That one had a bond with his First Officer Spock. This one is unbonded, and the feel of his mind is unfamiliar to me. I admit, I find myself a touch intrigued by him."


Liar, Spock was tempted to say. He knew that flash in his own eyes. His elder self was more than just a touch intrigued by anything involving any Kirk. "He was an outstanding fighter," Spock admitted. "His knowledge of physics and biology was deadly. Though he is human, I am not certain I could win an altercation against him."


"Jim is a genius," the Ambassador said, not without some pride. "If that ingenuity were focused on purely on the physical, rather than divided between mental and physical pursuits as is done in our universes, his skills would indeed surpass yours."


"He believed me to be an enemy."


"Although you had done nothing more than enter the room?"


"Correct," Spock said slowly, coming to a realization. "He believed me to be an enemy - purely because I am Vulcan." He met his counterpart's eyes, knowing their faces were identical mirrors of thought. "What kind of universe does he live in, that he considers any Vulcan to automatically be a dangerous foe?"


"Perhaps you should ask him," his elder said innocently. "You could invite him here, to your quarters to talk."


Spock raised an eyebrow. "You desire to make his acquaintance, despite his aggression towards our species," he said, his fingering illogically echoing with the ghost of remembered pain.


The Ambassador made a movement not unlike a human shrug, reminding Spock of just how much time his other self had spent with humans, and how close he had been to his own Kirk. "I believe you should make his acquaintance. After all, you have committed no acts against him that would hinder pursuing a bond."


For one moment, glorious and jubilant hope flared up in Spock - and then it crashed into reality and was snuffed from existence, leaving him aching and empty in its wake. "You think to have me bond with this Jim so that my Jim will recognize it when he returns," Spock said, looking down at the desk. "But it cannot be. I have forfeited my right to claim James Kirk. Any James Kirk. To tempt me with such a thing was cruel."



"Pi'shal," his counterpart said with a sigh, reverting to his Vulcan name for Spock, little self. "It is you who are cruel. Jim has forgiven you. He - "


There was a sudden buzz at the intercom at Spock's door. Spock raised a brow at the Ambassador. "Dr. McCoy, no doubt," he predicted. "I will share your conclusions with him."


"I will go on hold and wait," the elder Spock promised. McCoy did not yet know of the Ambassador's true identity, and Spock would wait until his Captain's orders to inform him. "I can begin examining the VSA records of the ion storms on Britar VI while you speak with the doctor." His image disappeared, and Spock's screen went blank as his console went into standby mode.


He stood up. "Enter," he called out, walking towards the doors to his quarters. The doors slid open -


To reveal Kirk, armed to the teeth: a Klingon bat'leth strapped to his back; a shoulder harness loaded with a laser pistol on each side; four KaBar combat knives and one of Sulu's katanas on his belt; a Klingon D'k tahg dagger strapped to his ankle; and a phaser in each hand, pointed directly between Spock's eyes.


Eyes that, despite Vulcan training, went involuntarily wide.


"Aren't you going to invite me in?" Kirk said, in a saccharine tone. Not waiting for the invitation, he stepped inside Spock's quarters, the doors shutting behind him.


Spock quickly backed away, hands raised in placating submission. "Jim, I - "


"Ah-ah." Kirk shook his head, advancing on Spock with weapons at the ready. "That's Captain Kirk to you. And I don't know how you infiltrated my ship while I was gone, but - " He suddenly paused. His eyes were scanning Spock furiously. He seemed to be trying to reconcile a multitude of confusing sensory messages at once; as if the sight of Spock had utterly baffled him. He took another step forward, and then stopped again. "Why do I - " He snapped his mouth shut. "You've messed with my head some more, haven't you?"


"No, Captain," Spock said earnestly, still a little wide-eyed from the sight of a heavily-armed Kirk training weapons on him.


"You have." Kirk grit his teeth. He seemed to have to force himself to keep his phasers raised at Spock. "You're bewitching me. I look at you and I see something cute; something sweet; something I want to protect. Why would I see you like that if you haven't bewitched me again?"


"I do not know," Spock said, with complete honesty. "But I have not used any telepathy on you."


Kirk shook his head. "I should want to shoot you. You're dangerous. But instead, I can't bear the thought of hurting you. I just want to keep you safe." He studied Spock openly, as Spock tried not to squirm under the scrutiny. "I'd never feel like that about a Vulcan, unless - " His eyes suddenly widened. "Of course," he said. "You're just a child, aren't you?"


Spock blinked. "I beg your pardon?"


"I didn't get a good look at you earlier, in the transporter room, when I - ah - fought you," Kirk said, and he actually seemed ashamed of himself now, for beating up on Spock. He lowered the phasers to his sides - but didn't holster them, Spock noticed. "I just thought you were the smallest Vulcan I'd ever seen. But now that I see you, really see you, I think you're more than small; you're young. You're practically a baby."


Spock blinked again. "I most certainly am not."


"You most certainly are," Kirk insisted. "I should have realized it sooner. It's the eyes that give you away. I've seen adult Vulcans, and there's no way that's what you are. Your entire face is way too innocent and sweet for you to be full-grown."


Spock found himself rather at a loss for words.


"Do your parents know you're on a human ship?"


"I - yes?" Spock said, nonplussed but ever-truthful.


Kirk's expression hardened. "So this is Vulcan's new plot, then? Using children to take over human ships?" He made a disgusted noise. "That's disgraceful."


Spock furrowed his brow. "I assure you, Captain - "


"You must be so frightened, a baby Vulcan alone on a human ship," Kirk said, moving a little closer with obvious caution, as one might approach a lion or bear cub. As if Kirk still thought Spock was dangerous but didn't want a fight. Considering that Spock was unarmed and Kirk was quite armed, Kirk would be likely to win any altercation between them. Spock assumed that his reluctance stemmed from Kirk's desire not to have to hurt what he thought was a child.


A fascinating display of a rather warrior-like morality, but Spock hastened to correct Kirk's misinterpretation. "Captain Kirk, I am not frightened," he said. "And I am not a child."


"Bullshit you're not a - oops," Kirk said, biting his lip. "Sorry. That's a bad word. You shouldn't say that word."


Spock could only stare. "I am older then you," he finally said.


"Hey now," Kirk said sharply. "I don't know what your rules are on Vulcan, but on Earth we teach our children not to tell lies."


"Vulcans are incapable of lying, sir," Spock pointed out, a little helplessly.


"Barbarian Vulcans, teaching children to lie," Kirk muttered to himself, ignoring Spock's protests. "Look," he said, addressing Spock - who couldn't help but notice that Kirk still chose not to holster his weapons. "You don't have to do whatever horrible thing you were sent to my ship to do. And I promise, if you behave no one will hurt you." Kirk paused. "Again," he added apologetically.



Spock thought he might be getting a headache. "I am not a child," he repeated firmly.


"I don't believe - "


"I am above the age of majority for both of our species," Spock interrupted. "You have made a mistake. Despite the misconception you have formed based on assumptions made regarding my appearance, I assure you that I am a fully-grown adult."


Kirk paused. He crossed his arms and looked at Spock appraisingly.


"I am an adult, Captain Kirk," Spock said again, more simply, emphasizing the word. "Not a child. An adult." He pointed at Kirk, feeling very much like he needed to make his point understood. "I am older than you."


Kirk's eyes swept over Spock from head to toe. "You sure about that? You're a fully-grown, fully-adult Vulcan running loose on my ship?"


Spock only just managed not to roll his eyes. "Yes."


Kirk shrugged. "Well, in that case - "


Spock was suddenly sent sprawling backwards as a perfectly-executed kick to his chest catapulted him across the room. He crashed onto the side of his bed, only to be forcefully grabbed by the back of his neck and slammed face-down onto the mattress by the unstoppable force that was Kirk in motion.


Spock felt his arms wrenched up behind his back painfully, and then the sudden cold bite of metal on his wrists. "Romulan-grade restraints," Kirk said, as Spock felt the echoing snap of matching cuffs closing around his ankles. "They'll hold you."


There was another small click, and Spock realized that Kirk had locked the ankle restraints to the foot of the bed - and that it had taken Kirk less than ten seconds to completely incapacitate Spock.


"Wait - " Spock said - not at all desperately, because obviously Vulcans don't get desperate even when chained up by alternate versions of their unrequited loves. "If you would allow me to explain - "


"Oh believe me, I'm all ears," Kirk said, as he checked that Spock's restraints were secure. "I can't wait to hear your explanation for why I'm still hallucinating that I've got baby blue eyes and lost thirty pounds of muscle."


Spock's mind raced to come up with a way to conduct an academic discourse on alternate universes while handcuffed by a Kirk armed with six types of melee weapons. But all he actually managed to say was, "Thirty pounds of muscle?"


"At least," Kirk said distractedly, oblivious to the fact that Spock's mouth had chosen that unlikely moment to go dry. Spock heard a thunk as Kirk shed the Klingon bat'leth that had been strapped to his back, dropping it and the weapons belt to the floor next to the phasers. He tossed the shoulder harness to the ground as well and then climbed on Spock's back and straddled him just below his handcuffed hands, his knees pressed tightly to Spock's ribs.



What a remarkably pleasing turn of events, Spock's primitive - and apparently confirmedly masochistic - hindbrain expressed, with not a small amount of glee.


Kirk grabbed one of Spock's hands in his, and Spock might have enjoyed the contact - if not for the accompanying sound of Kirk's one remaining weapon, the Klingon D'k tahg dagger, being drawn from its ankle harness. "Captain Kirk?" he ventured.


"You made me soft when I thought you were a kid." Kirk's grip on Spock's hand tightened. "But not anymore. We're gonna play hardball now, Vulcan."


"But I have done nothing to warrant your aggression," Spock protested. "Why do you distrust me so?"


"You have to ask?" Kirk's disbelief was clear. "Your species is nothing but brutal savages. You torment and enslave any beings you come across. You terrorize the rest of the galaxy with your vicious threats of violence. Human nightmares are made of Vulcans. Human children can't sleep at night because of your planet; because they're so afraid of a Vulcan invasion."


"Oh," Spock said, a little lamely.


Kirk twisted Spock's fingers in his grip, nearly wringing a wince from Spock. "I don't like torture," he said bluntly. "Not even when it comes to Vulcans. But I have a ship of people under my protection, and a whole planet that I will defend with my life. I need my answers, Vulcan. Start talking, or start losing fingers. Your choice."


Spock swallowed and went for it. "You are residing in the body of a different James Kirk, in an alternate universe in which I am your First Officer, and Vulcans are a peaceful race and a founding species of the United Federation of Planets."


"Now you're just insulting my intelligence." Kirk did not sound impressed. "You think I can't cut through this titanium you Vulcans call bone? Trust me; I know exactly how to wield this knife and exactly where to apply the pressure."


The word was accompanied with a jab of pain as Kirk twisted his fingers again, so hard that Spock almost made a sound of discomfort. "On the contrary, I believe you quite capable of carrying out all of your threats."


"Then just tell me what you're doing to me!" Kirk said, and Spock clearly heard the note of stress in his voice. "I need you out of my head; I have to protect my ship!"


"Captain, I am telling you the truth."


"You're a liar." Kirk wrenched Spock's smallest finger up. "I won't enjoy hurting you," he said, with grim earnestness. "But if I have to, don't think for a second that I won't."


Spock - and his fingers - had absolutely no doubt that Kirk would carry through. "Jim, you must listen - "


"Don't call me Jim," Kirk said warningly. "Just - don't call me that."


Spock struggled against his restraints, rearing up beneath Kirk. Kirk responded by striking him on the back of his head with his elbow, the blow channeling Kirk's human strength so precisely that Spock nearly blacked out. As his face hit the bed again, and he realized that he was utterly helpless beneath Kirk, he tried to reach out across space with his mind, willing the Ambassador to hear his call for help through the familial bond they shared.


As he called to his counterpart, he felt Kirk's muscles tense; felt Kirk steeling himself against any internal weakness and preparing to attack. Spock was not above begging; not when it came to Kirk. "Jim, please - "


Another voice suddenly broke through their fight. "Spock? What has happened? Are you injured?"


Spock, head sideways on the bed, squinted toward his desk with not a small amount of gratitude. His console had come back to life; the face of the Ambassador now filling the screen as his voice echoed around the room. He opened his mouth to speak - but Kirk beat him to it.


"That voice," he said, his own voice a little strained. Spock felt his weight shift as Kirk turned to face the console. "Where is - who is that?"


"Jim?" On the viewscreen, Spock saw the Ambassador staring at the two of them on the bed: Spock on his stomach with his hands and ankles cuffed; Kirk straddling his back with a knife in one hand. The elder Spock raised a brow. "I appear to be interrupting," he observed.


Spock wanted to roll his eyes.


Kirk, however, climbed off Spock. He approached the desk and the viewscreen, setting the knife on the edge of the desk as he climbed up into Spock's chair. "I know you, somehow," he said, settling into the chair on his knees, his eyes never leaving the Ambassador's face. "You're - have we met?"


His elder self gazed back at Kirk. It made Spock's chest hurt to see them interact; to see the look of smitten wonder on Kirk's face and the adoring delight in his counterpart's eyes. Spock wanted to look away from this reunion between bondmates; but, masochist that he must have been, he didn't. Instead, he watched as an outsider as his heart's desire fell in love with another Spock. Again.


"Yes, Jim," the Ambassador said, with deep and abiding fondness. "We have met. Several times, in fact."


Krk - who not ten seconds earlier had been threatening to cut off Spock's finger - broke into a gut-wrenchingly gorgeous smile at the other Spock. "I knew I knew you," he said, as he impulsively reached out a hand towards the screen and the Ambassador's face.



Spock was not going to sulk about the unfairness of it all.


He wasn't.


"I've never seen anything as beautiful as you," Kirk said, with the same earnestness he'd exhibited when promising he would torture Spock if he had to, making Spock ponder the idea that maybe, sometimes, the universe was just illogically unjust.


"Really, Jim, my modesty," the Ambassador said, eyes gone very soft. "I am old enough to be your grandfather's great-great-great-grandfather."


"You're perfect," Kirk insisted. He straightened up on his knees in Spock's large desk chair. The pull of the bond was affecting this version of Kirk on a very simple, very deep level. "I know this might seem sudden, but - marry me," he said, with heart-breaking sincerity. "I'm a starship captain; I'm a great fighter; I can take care of you. Whoever you are, I don't think I ever want to live without you again. Please. Marry me."


The lovelight in his elder self's eyes was enough to scandalize most of Vulcan. "I already have, t'hy'la."


Spock let out a very tiny sigh; his head and shoulder slumping on the bed with just a hint of visible dejection. His hands struggled half-heartedly against their restraints for a moment, and then he gave up. The other Spock got heart-felt proposals of marriage; he got handcuffed. Life was clearly grievously unreasonable.


"That word, t'hy'la. What does it mean?" Kirk asked curiously, outright adoration for the being he'd just met visible on his face.


"That I belong to you," the Ambassador said, nearly glowing back at this new version of Kirk. "In whatever form you find me."


Kirk's smile became even sweeter, and something in Spock's stomach twisted painfully. "They always love you," he muttered quietly in Vulcan, knowing the Ambassador would hear him with their sharp Vulcan hearing.


"They would love you too, if you would only give them the chance," his counterpart murmured back.


Kirk touched the console screen, his fingers tracing the image of the Ambassador's eyebrows. "Tell me your name," he implored.


The Ambassador blinked innocently. "My name is Spock."


Kirk hesitated. "Spock," he repeated slowly, turning his head to glance at where Spock was still restrained on the bed. Spock averted his eyes. "That's the name of - "


"Of the individual you currently have handcuffed to the bed, yes," the elder Spock confirmed pleasantly.


"Oh. Because this Spock I've got tied up is a dirty Vulcan spy, you know."


The Ambassador shook his head. "He most certainly is not."


Kirk furrowed his eyebrows. "How would you know something like that?"


"Did he tell you that you are in the body of an alternate Jim Kirk in an alternate universe?"


"Yes, but that can't be - "


"It is true," the Ambassador said kindly. "You have not been bewitched, Jim. You are in an alternate body in an alternate universe. A universe in which Vulcans follow a very strict discipline of logic to control our emotions. In this reality, we are a race dedicated to peace. We are the species who made First Contact with humans and co-founded the Federation."


Kirk's eyes widened. "I mean no offense, but - uh - that's not what Vulcans are like where I'm from."


"So we gathered," the elder Spock said, with a trace of wryness. "In any event, Spock is your First Officer in this universe and you are in no danger from him."


Kirk looked like he was wanted to believe the Ambassador but was struggling against everything he'd ever known about Vulcans. "I trust you, of course. Somehow, I just know I can trust every word that you say. But - how do you know I can trust him?" he asked, his gaze cutting to Spock again with a touch of worry; like someone was trying to tell him that the lion he'd chained up was actually a kitten, and he wasn't sure whether it was true.



"Because I am him."


There was a moment of stunned silence. "What?" Kirk finally said. He'd gone slightly pale.


"I am also from an alternate universe, in which I had my own version of you, of Captain James Kirk. A series of unforeseeable events brought me to this universe. But I assure you, Jim," the Ambassador promised, "the being you have captive on your bed is a younger version of me."


Kirk blanched. "Oh God," he said, as he leapt from the chair. "What have I done - " He was across the room in seconds. Frantic human fingers were suddenly pawing at the restraints on Spock's ankles. "I'm so sorry; I'll get you out of these - "


"You are going to be insufferably smug, I take it?" Spock muttered to the Ambassador under his breath, as Kirk rushed to free him.


"I shall take that to mean thank you," his counterpart returned. "Now do try to enjoy yourself for once. I would wager that this Jim is quite the hellion in bed."


"Were not an exercise in illogical self-flagellation, I might consider insulting you."


"As I believe Dr. McCoy would say - cry me a river."


Spock raised his head an inch, to make his best go fuck yourself eyes at the Ambassador - and didn't that just raise all sorts of paradoxical problems - but his elder self was gone. The console had gone back into stand-by mode; the viewscreen now dark.


There was a clink as the metal around his wrists came undone, and then Spock was being guided upright by arms and hands that seemed to know quite as much about caring as they did about fighting. "I am so sorry," Kirk said, his eyes mind-meltingly sincere as he took both of Spock's abused hands in his own. "I promise I had no idea what you really were to me. If I had known - Spock, I never would have hurt you if I had known, you know that?"


"Um," was Spock's ineloquent reply, because Kirk just started massaging his hands with strong fingers and Spock's brain had decided to short-circuit under the pleasurable assault of Kirk unknowingly Vulcan-kissing him, and rather passionately at that.


"You even tried to tell me and I wouldn't listen!" Kirk lavished particular attention on the pinky finger he'd threatened to remove, stroking it apologetically. "Vulcans are just so deadly where I'm from, and I just assumed - but I should have known; I knew when I saw your face that you were something sweet and special and that I was supposed to keep you safe." He brought Spock's hand to his lips. "I can't believe I hurt you. You must think I'm such a monster. Do you think I'm a monster who gets off on torturing helpless little Vulcans?"


"Um," was again all Spock was able to say, his eyes wide as Kirk gave a small kiss to Spock's little finger.


"You are a little angel and I am a complete monster," Kirk said decisively, as he turned Spock's hand over and pressed an contrite kiss into Spock's palm. "Will you ever be able to forgive me?"


"- yes," Spock managed to say, pleased that he finally knew the answer to something. "Yes. A grudge would be illogical when you were not fully aware of the extent or consequences of your actions. You are forgiven."


Kirk breathed an enormous sigh of relief. "Thank you," he said sincerely.


And then he reached out, cupped the back of Spock's head in one hand, and drew their lips together into a human kiss.

*****



3. Have More Faith

Spock froze in shock, as lips he'd yearned for for months to kiss were suddenly flush against his, soft and cool. Kirk's lips were so much sweeter than he'd even dreamed, and Spock was passingly grateful that he hadn't known how lovely they truly were lest his tortured yearning been that much more unbearable. He lost himself completely for a moment; nothing penetrating his mind beyond Kirk's perfect kiss.


But when the wet tip of Kirk's tongue touched his lips, Spock was suddenly jolted back into reality. He drew back in alarm. "Captain, what are you doing?"


"If you have to ask, I'm doing it very wrong," Kirk said playfully, leaning in to kiss him again.


Spock scrambled backwards on the bed, trying to put some distance between them, no matter how his body ached at the sudden loss. "You kissed me," he blurted, aware that it was an illogical statement of the obvious but lacking more eloquent words.


"Of course I kissed you. We're married!" Kirk crawled after him.


Spock's back hit the headboard of the bed, and he had nowhere else to run. His eyes widened as the object of his unrequited affection determinedly reached for him. "Captain - "


"Call me Jim," Kirk said, insinuating himself between Spock's legs and fisting a hand in the front Spock's uniform tunic. Then he smiled in a way that sent heat straight to Spock's groin. "Or Daddy. I'll answer to both."


Spock's eyes went from wide to huge. "Captain - "


"Although actually, Captain's kind of working for me," Kirk said thoughtfully, pulling Spock closer by the front of his shirt. "You can stick with Captain. I do like giving orders."


Ooooh, his hindbrain thought excitedly. We love it when Jim orders us arou -


Spock squashed that train of thought. "You and I are not married," he said, with a touch of desperation.


"Course we are. The other Spock said he and I are married, and he said he's you. So clearly, that means you and I are married."


"Your logic is not - ah - unsound," Spock said, his breath hitching as Kirk leaned in to plant a teasing kiss on Spock's jaw. "But neither is it accurate."


"Listen to you; such a little smarty pants," Kirk murmured against his skin. "You're so adorable I can hardly stand it."


Kirk suddenly executed some kind of wrestling move that Spock thought might be Klingon in origin, and he found himself flat on his back on the bed, Kirk looming over him.


"Captain - " Spock scrambled to sit up; Kirk put a hand on his chest and pushed him back down.


"What, baby?" Kirk cooed, bending his head down for another kiss.


Baby? There would be words exchanged about Kirk's choice of endearments. Or there would have been, if Spock didn't have to put an end to any contact between them. "You must stop," he said, as firmly as he could, planting a hand on Kirk's chest and halting his moment.


Kirk immediately stopped. He suddenly looked unsure of himself. "I - " He let Spock push him back into a sitting position as he stared into Spock's eyes. "Of course," he said. "Oh, I'm such an ass. You must still be so scared of me."


Spock sat up too, facing him. "That is not - "


"Poor, peaceful little Vulcan," Kirk said, as he covered the hand on his chest, lifting it off to hold it in his. "I'm not going to hurt you."


Spock had a hard time thinking straight with his hand wrapped up in Kirk's. "I did not - "


Kirk brought Spock's hand to his lips and lovingly kissed it.


It was too much. Spock couldn't think under the exquisite assault of Kirk's affection. He lunged forward, flattening Kirk on the mattress, pinning his wrists to the bed with unleashed Vulcan strength that no human should have been able to break. "Jim," he began sternly, intending to hold Kirk down so he could keep his head while he explained to Kirk why Spock absolutely could not have him.


Kirk, however, only looked delighted. "Oh, you like it like that, then?"


He hooked his leg around Spock's knee and, in one powerful move, flipped Spock over and off him. Spock hit the mattress with his back, bouncing slightly, utterly breathless with shock as he found their positions reversed. Kirk was now on top of him, between his legs. Spock stared up at him, wide-eyed. "How - ?"


"Physics wins over brute strength every time, baby."


Kirk's lips met the sensitive skin of Spock's neck and Spock might - possibly - have felt a moment of panic. "Jim, we are not married and you cannot kiss me," he blurted out, ignoring the protest of his body at the words.


Kirk drew back. "Why do you keep saying we're not married?" he asked, and Spock felt about an inch tall for putting that hurt expression on Kirk's face. "The other you said - "


"The other Spock had a marriage bond with his version of you, in his reality," Spock hurried to explain. "That is what you felt when you heard his voice. A bond such as theirs creates a mark; a mark you instantly recognized when he appeared. Although you are a different Captain Kirk than the one who marked him, you still instinctively knew the other Spock belonged to James Kirk - all James Kirks, including you."


Kirk paused. "And you?" he said, eyes still clouded with confusion. "You don't belong to me too?"


Spock's throat was a little tight. "I am unmarked," he said quietly. "I do not share a bond with any version of you."


"You and the Jim of this reality aren't bonded?"


"No," Spock said, trying to suppress the looming depression that threatened to smother him. "We are not."


"I guess that explains why I attacked you and not the other Spock," Kirk said, a little guiltily. "So we're really not together, you and I?"


Spock shook his head. "No," he repeated, refusing to let any hint of sadness into his voice. "We are not."


Kirk heaved a sigh. "Shame. You're really cute," he said sincerely, as he sat up, gently pulling Spock up into a sitting position across from him.


Spock flushed slightly. He let out a small, scoffing breath to hide it. "Cute is not a compliment," he protested. "In fact, I believe my appearance made you assume I was a child."


Kirk smiled at him. It made Spock feel a little light-headed. "It was the only explanation I could think of. I came to your room, ready to take down a ferocious Vulcan, and what I found instead was an adorable little creature that set off all my protective instincts." His smile turned rueful. "Turns out I should have protected you from me."


"I do not require protection from you, Captain Kirk," Spock said haughtily.


"Want to bet?" Kirk asked sweetly. His eyes flashed with a predacity that Spock didn't think he'd ever seen on his Kirk, reminding Spock of just how dangerous this version of Kirk was.


He swallowed, and his gaze involuntarily darted to the Romulan-grade handcuffs and the many weapons on the floor. "May I ask if you are planning to restrain me again?"


Kirk looked amused. "That depends on whether I need to," he said teasingly. "Are you dangerous?"


"Rarely," Spock said dryly.


Kirk laughed, and tugged on the tip of Spock's ear in an affectionate manner that made Spock's stomach flutter helplessly. "You're so cute. I think you misled me, and you really are just a baby," he teased.


"I am twenty-seven in standard years, and therefore older than you," Spock reminded him.


"Not so fast," Kirk objected. "This isn't my body. You have no idea how old I am or what I really look like."


That drew Spock up short. "You are correct," he conceded. He cocked his head to the side. "Enlighten me."


"I'm bigger in my real body," Kirk said, indicating his chest and arms. "Longer hair. Green eyes and a really hot scar, right here." He pointed next to his eye.


"I see," Spock said, a little weakly, picturing the other Kirk and finding both images of Kirk quite pleasing.


"And I'm thirty-two."


"Oh." Spock blinked. "Then I am corrected. You are, in fact, older than me."


Kirk grinned. "Such a serious little thing," he said, with obvious delight. He sounded a bit smitten. "I've never met anyone like you. You're absolutely darling."


And Spock couldn't bring himself to protest the choice of words; too busy wishing he could stop time and bask in the affection in those beautiful eyes. Even if it was borrowed from the Ambassador. Even if he didn't deserve it and couldn't keep it. For this one moment, Kirk was looking at him like he was something special. Spock could have lived in the moment forever.


Then Kirk's expression grew more serious. "Why aren't we bonded, Spock? I'd kill to have what I just felt with the other Spock, and you - you're enchanting," he said, with his simple earnestness. "So it can't be me stopping a bond between us. Do you not want the Jim in this reality?" he asked, his beautiful eyes going a bit dejected. "Do you not want us?"


"No!" Spock burst out, before he could stop himself, unable to bear having put that look on Kirk's face. "He - you - are my heart's desire." Kirk's eyes lit up. Spock hastened to add, "But - "


"So then you are mine, aren't you? And this other Jim just hasn't staked a claim on you yet?"


Spock's eyes widened. "Well - "


"Am I your - what was the word the other Spock used? T'hy'la?"


"...yes, you are," Spock admitted, unwilling to lie about something so sacred.


"He said that word meant you belonged to me," Kirk said, with satisfaction. "That means you're mine. And since I want you back, what's the problem?"


Spock almost winced. Kirk made it sound so simple. "The problem is that I forfeited my right to ever be yours," he said, a little hoarsely.


Kirk stilled. "What did you do?" he asked, eyes intent on Spock.


Spock looked away, ashamed. He didn't want to tell this version of Kirk. It had been so nice to be wanted; if only because of the Ambassador, and if only because this Kirk did not know of his crime. He would lose this Kirk's affection once he explained - but Spock had no choice but to confess. Kirk deserved to know how low Spock really was. "Vulcans in this reality maintain strict emotional control. But I lost that control once. I became - angry - with you. And in my anger, I attempted to kill you."


Kirk looked like he was considering this. "What did I do to piss you off?" he finally asked.


Spock shot a confused look at him. "What does that matter?" he asked honestly. "You may do, or say, anything you wish to me. My t'hy'la should never have to fear that I will be angry as a result."


Kirk's expression softened. "I have to point out that I just attacked you, handcuffed you, and threatened you with torture," he said. "And you didn't get angry with me at all."


"Of course not," Spock said. "The thought of being angry with you is anathema to me."


"So I see. So what did he do that was bad enough to make you mad?"


Spock hesitated. "I can show you, if you like," he offered, raising his hand.


"Show me?"


"Through a Vulcan mind meld. I can join our minds so that you may view my memories."


Kirk's eyes grew huge. "You can do that?" he asked, sounding impressed.


"Certainly." Spock was surprised that Kirk, who knew so much of Vulcan biology, didn't know about the mind meld.


"Then yes, definitely. Do it."


Spock stretched out his hand and gently placed it on Kirk's face. "My mind to your mind..."

*****

"We are travelling at Warp speed. How did you manage to beam aboard this ship?"



Spock hurts like he never has before. Vulcan is gone. Amanda is gone. He wants nothing more than to curl up in a ball of pain and leave the galaxy behind, but he has a duty to Starfleet and he is in command of the Enterprise. He has to press on; make logical and rational decisions. He has to.



"You're the genius, you figure it out."



But now Kirk, the one person who challenged his logical command decisions, is somehow back on board, staring him down. Those blue eyes cut straight to the pain in his blood; combine with it; ignite a small spark that starts to burns deep within Spock.



"As acting captain, I order you to answer the question."



"Well, I'm not telling, Acting Captain," Kirk says insolently, and the spark inside Spock grows a little; consumes a little more of Spock's sanity. Then Kirk has the gall to smile knowingly at him. "What - now that doesn't frustrate you, does it? My lack of cooperation? That doesn't make you angry?"



There is a strange ringing in Spock's ears. He thinks he might have said something to the man with Kirk, but then Kirk is back in his face.



"What is it with you, Spock? Your planet was just destroyed, your mother murdered, and you're not even upset."



The spark becomes a flame and Spock fights for control; fights to put out the fire before it rages. He loved his mother and now she's gone, and would be all too easy for his pain to find expression in anger. "If you are presuming that these experiences in any way impede my ability to command this ship, you are mistaken."



"And yet you were the one who said that fear was necessary for command. Did you see his ship? Did you see what he did?"



"Yes, of course I did." Spock saw it all, and it tastes like poison in his mouth.



"So are you afraid or aren't you?"



"I will not allow you to lecture me about the merits of emotion." Spock feels dangerous right now; dangerously close to breaking. And Kirk is getting too close to him, his presence like gasoline near the flame inside Spock.



"Then why don't you stop me?"



"Step away from me, Mr. Kirk," Spock warns.



Kirk doesn't listen. "What is it like not to feel anger...or heartbreak...or the need to stop at nothing to avenge the death of the woman that gave birth to you?"



Spock can hear nothing but Kirk's words over the ringing in his ears. Can see nothing but Kirk's face through the haze of his pain. Can feel nothing but Kirk's close body through the heat of the flames inside him. "Back away from me."



Kirk's accusation echoes around him. "You feel nothing! It must not even compute for you. I bet you never even loved her - "



The fire inside Spock roars up; engulfing him; and Spock explodes, his anger and grief unable to be contained now that they have a target. He attacks Kirk, his body on autopilot and his instincts unleashing Vulcan fury on the fragile human body in front of him. In seconds he has Kirk across the bridge, thrown down on the console with a hand around his throat. Blinded by rage, he's intent on crushing the breath from Kirk's throat.



He distantly hears his father say his name, just as Kirk's brilliant lifeforce breaks through Spock's telepathic shields and Spock recognizes the being he is killing for what he is -



T'hy'la.



Spock releases Kirk instantly, but it's too late. The being he should have cherished has been harmed by his own hands. He stares down at the broken human, self-loathing spreading through him as the full consequences of his anger are revealed. His soulmate is gasping for breath on the console; struggling to get air into lungs tortured by Spock. His glossy blue eyes cannot even focus on his tormentor.



Spock nearly killed his t'hy'la. Thousands of years of Vulcan culture condemn his for this disgrace. He wants to crumple to his knees and beg forgiveness, but he knows he will never deserve it. Instead, he banishes himself to the solitary confinement of his quarters, to be alone.



He knows he'll be alone forever now.

*****

Spock broke the meld and pulled away from Kirk. He knew his shame was visible on his face, but he could not contain it. Re-living the memory had opened the wound and made it bleed fresh. He could not bring himself to meet Kirk's eyes, unable to bear seeing that affection replaced with disgust. "Jim did not even want to say those things," he said, staring at the bed. "He did it because he knew what needed to be done to save Earth and I was too stubborn to hear; marooning him instead of listening to him. So you see, I - "

"Oh, Spock."

And suddenly Spock was flat on his back again, inescapably pinned by Kirk. His lips met Spock's in a breath-stealing kiss, hands grabbing Spock's face as his body flattened Spock to the mattress.

Spock was too shocked to react. Kirk broke their lip-lock to pepper fierce kisses all over Spock's face. "My poor baby," he said, as he pulled Spock close and kissed him repeatedly. "You lost your planet and your mother in one blow."

"Yes, but - "

Another kiss was pressed to his mouth, stealing his words and silencing him. "Not your bondmate, though," Kirk said against his lips. "You didn't lose your Jim that day."

Spock ruthlessly crushed the hope that rose before it could take root. "I did," he whispered. "Logically, Jim must hate me for what I did."

"No, Spock," Kirk said, heart-breakingly sincere. "He made you lose control on purpose. He won't hold that against you."

"How do you - "

"Because I am him," Kirk said. "And I know. Have more faith in us."

Emotion welled up in Spock. He forced it down. "Jim deserves - "

"You," Kirk interrupted. He rested his forearms on the bed, bracketing Spock's head. "He must be crazy for you."

"I highly doubt - "

"I bet he pines for you," Kirk interrupted, reaching out to trace Spock's ear tip with his finger.

Spock flinched. "Do not taunt me, Jim," he pleaded, trying to keep a shred of self-control.

"And I know he must be in love with you," Kirk said earnestly. "Because we just met, and I'm more than halfway there myself."

Spock drew a sharp, pained breath. "Stop, please," he begged, pride gone. "No more."

Kirk pressed his body impossibly tighter against Spock. "You said you're unmarked, unbonded - but you want me, don't you? You want to be bonded to me?"

"I have no right - "

"What if I wanted a bond?"

The question hung heavily in the air for a moment. "What?" Spock finally said hoarsely.

"I want what I felt with the other you," Kirk said, with complete conviction. "I want a bond."

Spock outright winced. "I cannot. If I bond the two of us, I will bear your mark and the other Jim will recognize it in me, as you recognized the Ambassador. I forfeited that right."

"Mmm, but it's not really just about you anymore, is it?" Spock realized with horror that Kirk's eyes were getting that determined look that accompanied all his against-the-odds victories. "Now it's about me as well. And I know what I want. I want to feel the bond again, for the rest of my life."

"Jim - "

"Besides, I don't think I like the idea of you running around without my mark on you."

"You - what?"

"My adorable baby Vulcan," Kirk cooed at him, fluffing Spock's hair. "I'm afraid I'm getting a bit possessive over you."

Spock stared at him. "Possessive?" he repeated.

"You belong to Jim Kirk. And I don't want any one else to steal you from us. The idea of someone even trying is - " Kirk paused. "Let's just say someone might get hurt."

The easy certainty with which this Kirk claimed him set Spock's lonely heart pounding. He tried to collect his thoughts. "I cannot - "

"You have to bond us, Spock. I want to mark you so that all Jim Kirks, and everyone else in all galaxies, know you belong to us."

Spock closed his eyes. "Stop, please. I beg you. I desire to belong to you more than I desire to breathe, but I cannot."

"Spock - "

The harsh buzz of the intercom suddenly interrupted. "Spock?" McCoy's voice came over the link, Southern accent surly and thick as a result of his worry. "Any news on Jim you'd like to share with the rest of the class?"

Kirk and Spock's eyes locked. For a moment, a staring contest ensued. Finally, Spock called out, "...he is in here with me, doctor."

"Shit." Spock could hear McCoy's surliness disappear, replaced with fear. "Jim, listen, don't hurt him - "

"It's okay, Bones," Kirk said, his eyes never leaving Spock's. "I know who Spock is now. And I'll never hurt him again."

Spock struggled to repress a shiver as a sigh of relief came through the intercom. "Oh good, you're back to normal," McCoy said, with feeling. "Listen, you're needed on the bridge. Something about the Britari chief wanting to talk to you. Come by sickbay when you're done and we'll try to figure out what came over you back there."

"Sure thing, Bones," Kirk said, his pleasant voice belying the fierce eyes pinning Spock in place. "I'll head up to the bridge now." The intercom shut off. Kirk pulled back from Spock. "This isn't over," he warned, as he stood from Spock's bed.

Spock quickly sat up on the edge of his bed, smoothing his shirt and his ruffled hair. "You must go to the bridge and assume this reality's Captain Kirk's duties," he said, striving for a neutral tone. "And I must begin calculations to return you to your proper reality." His head drooped slightly and he stared at his feet. "I do desire you but I am not allowed to have a bond with you," he said quietly. "I am truly sorry it cannot be otherwise, Jim."

A hand was suddenly under his chin, gently lifting his face to meet Kirk's eyes, the familiar blue dancing with something feral and untamed. "You think you're going to win a fight against me, angel?" He shook his head. "You have no idea what you're in for, baby Vulcan."

Spock's eyes widened. "But Captain - "

Cutting off Spock's words with a quick kiss that all but smoldered, Kirk left a now-speechless Spock to his calculations.

*****




4. Checkmate

"This is entirely your fault."



"I should certainly hope so."


Several hours after Kirk's departure, Spock was speaking with his counterpart again, and trying very hard not to feel frustration. "He requested a bond!"


"As is his right as our t'hy'la," his counterpart said mildly.


Spock huffed. "It is not that simple, as you are well aware," he said testily, his nerves frayed. "If I mark him, I will in turn be marked."


"Yes, you will."


Was Spock himself ever this insufferably smug? "You think this is the answer to my problem. But I will not have Jim return from the alternate universe to find a being whom he hates - a being who tried to kill him - marked as his mate," he said. "He will have no defense against the bond and will forgive me when he does not wish to. I will not manipulate him that way."


"Your concern for him is very inspiring, if completely misplaced."


Spock had the childish, un-Vulcan urge to make a very rude Earth gesture at him. "Therefore," he said, stressing the word, "if this Jim wishes to have a bond, you must do it."


The Ambassador's eyes gleamed. "Nothing would please me more."


"You do realize this Jim is highly dangerous, and can incapacitate us in 9.87 Earth seconds."


"That would certainly make for an eventful Pon Farr."


Both of Spock's eyebrows flew up. "You are scandalous."


"You will live," his counterpart returned. "Unfortunately, the likelihood that I can arrive on the Enterprise in sufficient time to create a bond with Jim before he must be returned to his universe is less than .83 percent. So the duty falls to you."


"No. He will have to get his bond from the Spock in his universe, because I will not do that to the other Jim."


The Ambassador actually looked faintly amused. "Pi'shal, Jim is one of the galaxy's master strategists. If he wants something from you, he will find a way to get it. You would do better to concede gracefully to his wishes then to fight him."


"But I cannot." Spock bent his head to the desk. "This is torture," he said brokenly. "He offers himself to me; a perfect vision of the oasis I have longed for. But he is an illusion that I cannot allow myself to have. He is only a mirage."


"He is no mirage," the Ambassador said. "And he has plans for you."


Spock froze. Slowly, he raised his head. "He what?"


"How are your calculations coming?" his counterpart asked innocently.


"Adequate, and do not change the subject. What plans and how do you know of them?" Spock's eyes widened. "You spoke with him again," he accused.


"Perhaps." The gleam was back in the Ambassador's eyes.


Spock knew what that meant. "Did you actually converse with him regarding anything of merit?" he asked sarcastically. "Or did the two of you indulge yourselves solely in a gratuitous verbal repartee of a licentious and indecent sexual nature?"


"Sarek would be appalled at your manners," his elder self said primly, which was not at all a denial that he had engaged in cybersex with the alternate Kirk.



"Did you at least finish your calculations for the ion storms on Britar VI?"


"Naturally." Spock heard a small beep as his console received the file from his counterpart. "I believe the best window for switching them back will occur in 4.32 hours. If you adjust the calibrations on the transporter and beam Jim to Britar VI at the moment I have identified, it should put him back in his proper body and restore the Jim of this reality to his."


Spock scanned the documents. He'd been working non-stop on his own calculations for the transporter calibrations since Kirk had left. Through their combined efforts, their plan had a 93.432% chance of success. Spock allowed himself a small sigh of relief.


There was a beep on his console; signaling an incoming transmission. "Admiral Pike," Spock identified with some surprise. "For what purpose is he contacting me?"


"May I suggest you take Christopher Pike's call at a later time?"


"Do not be illogical," Spock said. "He is a commanding officer; I will not make him wait."


His elder self made his delicate shrug-like motion that clearly conveyed suit yourself. Refusing to feel trepidation, Spock put the Ambassador on standby and answered the call from Admiral Pike. "Spock here."


Pike's angry face filled the console immediately. "Commander, you're in deep shit."


Spock's eyebrow rose. "If you could, perhaps, elaborate?"


"You let Jim handle those dilithium negotiations with the Britari by himself and he nearly started a war!"


Spock was not going to wince. "With all due respect, sir - "


"Jim threatened to beam down and personally dismember the Britari chief if the contract terms weren't favorable. Starfleet hasn't used such hostile negotiating tactics since the Eugenics Wars!"


"Did you speak to Captain Kirk about this?" Spock asked, possibly dreading the answer.


"You bet your ass I did, Commander. Kid had the gall to ask me what the problem was."


Spock kept his face as expressionless as possible. "Were the negotiations successful? Did the Britari sign a contract?"


Pike let out an angry huff. "Best dilithium contract terms in the Federation," he said sourly. "But that's not the point."


"Of course not, sir," Spock said, trying not to grit his teeth. "I will speak to the Captain."


"You damn well better. Consider yourself reprimanded for giving me gray hairs. The both of you."


Spock opened his mouth to protest that this was hardly his fault, but Pike had already cut the line. The Ambassador's face re-appeared. Spock gave him what both of them knew was a dirty look.


"I did warn you," his counterpart said unhelpfully.


Spock gave in to his human urge and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. It had been a very trying day. "Did Jim do anything else I should be informed of?"


"Why not ask him yourself?" the Ambassador said innocently. "He is, after all, standing right behind you."


Spock spun around in his chair. Sure enough, not ten feet away was Kirk, looking unfairly desirable and slightly dangerous. "Captain!" Spock swallowed. "I did not hear you enter."


"Mmm, I really do like it when you call me Captain." Kirk winked at the Ambassador. "Hey, sexy. Ready to go another round?"


"You are incorrigible." It somehow sounded like a compliment. "I shall leave you and my younger self alone."



"Wait," Spock said quickly - not nervously, obviously, because why should he be nervous just because Kirk had that unfamiliar predatory look about him again?


"Don't worry; I'll take care of baby you," Kirk promised the Ambassador. He smiled at Spock much too sweetly. "Very good care."


Spock's stomach jolted in anticipation.


"We believe you have suffered long enough, pi'shal," his elder self said kindly. "Remember he is no mirage. He is yours to take."



"Wait - " But Spock's console had gone dark. As Kirk stepped forward, Spock jumped up from his desk chair, standing behind it as if he could use it as a barrier. "Captain, you really should - "


"Surely you're not telling your captain what to do, First Officer?" Kirk sounded darkly amused. "Because that would be insubordination, and a little angel like you wouldn't be insubordinate, would he?"


Spock flushed. "I - "


"Not unless he wants me to punish him."


Spock could not suppress a shiver at Kirk's low, seductive tone, as his hindbrain went into near spasms of delight. "But sir - "



"Then again," he said, more seriously. "You're much too good at punishing yourself already, even when you don't deserve it."


"Captain - " Kirk took another step forward. Spock threw dignity to the wind and darted behind his desk, keeping the large piece of furniture between him and the human he so craved. "Captain, you will be pleased to hear that the calculations to return you to your proper reality are complete," he said professionally, as if he wasn't hiding behind his desk from his advancing captain.


"So I heard. I go back in 4 hours." Something in Kirk's expression reminded him of a chess match with the other Kirk; when Kirk would move pieces seemingly erratically, so that Spock couldn't quite make out what his plan was even as he could instinctively sense him closing in on Spock's king. "Plenty of time for you to bond us."


Spock cringed. "Jim, I wish to but I cannot," he said brokenly. "You must find the Spock who resides in your universe and request a bond with him."


Kirk was on the other side of the desk now. He very casually took a seat on the edge. "So you think there's another Spock in my universe? And that he'll also be my - what's the word - t'hy'la?"



"Yes," Spock said, both relieved and heart-broken that Kirk seemed to be interested in seeking out another Spock. "There will be another Spock, and he will be your t'hy'la. We are always t'hy'la, in all universes."


Kirk nodded slowly. "I'd already planned to find him, actually. As soon as I'm back I'm taking a ship to Planet Vulcan and looking for him. He's my new mission in life, you know; finding the one of you that I can make my own."


Spock's shoulders slumped slightly. This Kirk was so fiercely romantic; so quick to love simply and deeply. A beautiful illusion that Spock could not have.


Kirk glanced down at Spock's desk, apparently innocently investigating the PADD with Spock's calculations. "Of course," he began meaningfully, "Vulcans don't do math like this in my universe."


"No?"


"No. Where I'm from, Vulcans aren't as sweet as you. Especially when it comes to humans. " His eyes met Spock's. "In fact, the standing policy of the Vulcan Star Empire encourages killing humans on sight."


Spock froze. His mind raced, recalling the history lessons he'd had as a child, of what Vulcan had been like before the discipline of Surak had been enforced: a planet of brutal, murderous savages. He remembered Kirk's aggression and fear towards Vulcans when they met. And he could only stare helplessly as the full truth of Kirk's implication sank home.


"I'm afraid the other Spock isn't going to invite me in for tea when he meets me," Kirk said self-deprecatingly. "In fact, seeing as I'm human, he'll probably try to kill - "


"Do not say it," Spock whispered. If he, raised to a life of peace and logic, had been capable of nearly killing Kirk, what would a Spock raised in a world of brutal savages be capable of inflicting on a human? He leaned against the wall, feeling like a cornered chess piece desperate for an escape route. "Do not seek to find him, Jim. It will not be safe for you."


"I have to find him, Spock. I have to have one of you for my own." Kirk's gaze flitted over Spock again, where he was clinging to the wall. "But even if I didn't look for him, don't you think he and I will find each other anyway? Isn't that how this whole soulmates business works?"


Spock's shoulders slumped again. He took a couple deep breaths. "Yes," he said quietly, unable to defy that truth. "It is."


Kirk got to his feet. "Of course," he said, very casually, "that Spock would know he was my t'hy'la right away, if I was marked by you."


Spock closed his eyes, as the full plan of Kirk, ever the master strategist, was revealed. They had only four hours remaining before Kirk would return to his universe - a universe in which he and the other Spock would inevitably meet, and in which the other Spock would inevitably attack Kirk. The Ambassador could not make it to the Enterprise in time to create a bond with Kirk. Spock could not allow his beloved human to return to his reality only to face harm, or worse, death, when he could prevent it.


And he could not abide the thought that another Spock would endure the banishment from his t'hy'la that Spock himself endured.


He mentally tipped his king.



Checkmate.


"To create the bond will require us to engage in intercourse," Spock said, opening his eyes to find Kirk leaning against the desk, eyes already alight with anticipation, as if he'd known he would win their battle all along. "But as I do not deserve this bond in the first place, I will attempt not to enjoy it."


"You think I'm going to fuck you and you're just going to lie back and think of Starfleet?" Kirk looked insulted. "I'd like to see you try."


Spock was suddenly crushed against the wall, Kirk glued to his mouth with a savageness he hadn't known existed outside of Pon Farr. Kirk flattened Spock's body into the wall as he kissed him breathless, holding Spock's face firmly between his hands and allowing him no retreat. A shocked mewl was torn from his lips as Kirk shoved a leg between Spock's and ground his thigh against Spock's half-formed erection, with enough force that Spock slid up the wall and onto his toes. He gasped at the pleasure that coursed through him and scrambled for a hold, hands frantically grabbing for Kirk's shoulders and the back of his head.


He felt Kirk's hands leave his face to latch themselves onto his ass. "Attempt not to enjoy it," Kirk repeated disgustedly. He squeezed Spock's ass warningly hard, and it felt so good that Spock decided he would have to more seriously investigate his hindbrain's claims of masochism. "You are in so much trouble."


Kirk spun them around, forcing Spock backwards until they reached the desk, never breaking their kiss. The edge of the desk dug into Spock's hip for a moment, and then he was being lifted to sit on the desk's surface. He clung to Kirk's shoulders, needed something to anchor him, his legs automatically going around Kirk's thighs. Spock was starting to feel light-headed as he kissed Kirk back frenetically, unwilling to let those lips get even an inch away.


Hands were suddenly yanking at his tunic, and Spock made an angry snapping noise as Kirk forced the fabric up and over his head, cutting off their kiss. He grabbed the front of Kirk's shirt and tugged impatiently, and Kirk quickly lifted lifted his own shirts off, revealing that perfect torso Spock dreamed about so much. Kirk was already tearing open the fastenings of Spock's pants as Spock grabbed for him again, his hands greedily soaking in every inch of bare skin they could touch, his telepathy practically sparking as his psychic barriers came crumbling down.


A crash sounded as Kirk reached out and cleared the surface of the desk behind Spock with one swipe. "My research - " Kirk pushed him down on his back, pinning him to the desk surface with his hard body and bringing their hard cocks together, and Spock promptly forgot his complaint. It's not like he didn't back every bit of data up anyway.


Another jolt of pleasure as their hard cocks brushed, through Kirk's trousers and Spock's briefs, and Spock shuddered. He suddenly realized he recognized this light-headed feeling, and the slight ringing in his ears. "Jim - my control - " he gasped out in warning. "I will lose my self-discipline - "


"Bring it on, angel." Kirk grabbed Spock's wrists and held them captive against the desk as he rutted against him. "You don't scare me."


Kirk thrust particularly hard, sending searing pleasure through Spock, and a snarling sound Spock hadn't known he could make was torn from his lips. Something inside him snapped, and he surged up under Kirk, Vulcan strength unleashed, intending to turn the tables and throw the human down on his back on the desk.


But Kirk rode the momentum and rolled them, so that Spock's movement only served to launch them off the desk and onto the floor. Spock slammed into the ground on his back, Kirk on top of him and between his legs. "Fiesty Vulcan," Kirk said with relish. "I love it."


Spock snarled again and tried to flip him over, but Kirk seemed to anticipate his every move, rolling them 360 degrees every time and shoving Spock down on his back on the ground. Spock distantly registered that they'd knocked over first his desk chair, and then his entire dresser, which had spilled its contents all over the floor. But as his upper back hit the ground for the fourth time, and he realized his cock was only growing harder each time Kirk pinned him, he switched from resisting to grabbing Kirk's ass and pulling him closer.


Kirk made a hissing sound as Spock's fingers dug into his cheeks. "Yes," he said, the word hoarse and excited. He kissed Spock sloppily, his hands still on Spock's shoulders, letting Spock take some much-needed stimulation from the brutal slide of their erections together.


Then he was suddenly twisting, forcing Spock over onto his stomach amidst the clothes strewn across the floor. As Spock tried to free his face from the t-shirt it was buried in, his trousers and briefs were yanked unceremoniously to his ankles. Before he could roll back over, hands were on his ass, spreading him, and then Kirk's tongue was -


"Jim!" Spock's entire body spasmed in pleasure as Kirk licked a broad stripe right over his hole, and he thought he might have bit through the t-shirt. Kirk's fingers dug into his ass more tightly, forcing Spock to stay still as he rimmed him with firm, wet strokes. As Kirk's tongue pierced inside him, his hands clawed uselessly at the floor, one of them closing around a pair of socks and the other rumpling a spare science tunic beyond repair.


Kirk pulled back, and landed a smack to the curve of Spock's ass. "Who's not enjoying things now?"


"Jim - " Spock whined, trying not to keep a shred of dignity and not rut against the floor in hyper-sensitized pleasure. "I need you - "


"That's right, you need me. Now say it again."


Spock groaned. "I need you," he panted, into his bitten t-shirt.


Kirk's hand remained territorially on Spock's ass. "We need lube - something slick - "


Spock struggled to think. "Oil - " he said, pointing in what he hoped was the direction of his bed, where he kept a deeply moisturizing body oil that he'd relied on on his desert home world.


Kirk's weight was suddenly gone, as he leapt up to grab it. Spock seized the opportunity to jump to his feet and try to get out of his boots and pants.


"Fuck, you are hot." Kirk tackled him, and Spock, whose feet and ankles were still twisted in his clothes, fell down on the bed on his stomach. Kirk, arms around Spock's middle, kicked at Spock's boots with his own feet and they finally came off, Spock's pants following them with what might have been ripping noise.


Kirk rolled him over, and somehow they managed to get Kirk out of the last off his clothes. Naked, they sprawled together in a tangled heap of limbs and kissed haphazardly, as Kirk fumbled to pop the top off the oil. He slathered his fingers in the slippery substance as it leaked all over Spock's sheets.


When two of Kirk's fingers pressed inside him with surprising gentleness, Spock's eyes rolled back in his head. "Get on with it," he snapped, sheer need making his voice raspy and harsh.


Kirk twisted his fingers inside Spock, wringing a shocked cry of pleasure when he pressed against Spock's prostate. "Ordering me again, angel?" he said, playfully threateningly. "I don't stand for insubordination."


And instead of pushing inside Spock's body, like Spock wanted, he shifted on the bed to wrap his lips around Spock's cock, three of his slippery fingers pushing in and stretching Spock further. Spock keened harshly; the whining sound coming from deep in his throat. Kirk's mouth was maddening; the sensations incredible but calculatedly shy of enough to push Spock over the edge. He tried to thrust up but Kirk shoved his hips back down to the bed, sending his fingers even deeper.


Spock desperately wanted more. "Jim - Captain - please - "


Kirk pulled off his dick. "Begging, however, is entirely acceptable. Especially if you call me Captain." He dove back on top of Spock, the mattress bouncing beneath them. Spock grabbed him with arms and legs, ready to fight as hard as he had to to get Kirk inside him. Kirk seemed to be done teasing, though, because he hooked one of Spock's legs in the crook of his elbow and carefully pressed inside.


As Kirk slowly filled him, Spock let his head fall back against the mattress, his breathing rapid and heavy. Kirk was cool and smooth in his arms; his soft skin wet from the sheen of perspiration that covered him. His thick cock felt like it'd been made for him; an exquisite, perfect fit. He felt overwhelmed and surrounded by Kirk; like a warrior who, after months in the desert, reaches the waters of an oasis and plunges face-first into their cool depths.


And just when Spock thought it could not get any more perfect, Kirk pulled partway out and then thrust back inside.


Their twin groans echoed around the small space of Spock's room. He grabbed Kirk by the ass, fingers digging into the muscle as he tried to pull Kirk even more deeply inside. The force of their thrusts began to rock the bed, which banged against the wall, the sound swallowed up by the ship's hull and the stars beyond.


After only minutes, Spock began to feel the tell-tale building low in his stomach. He fumbled for Kirk's meld points, his body acting on pure instinct to claim his long-sought mate, as Vulcans had done for thousands of years.


"Yes, do it," Kirk ground out, not slowing his thrusts. "Bond us."


Spock's fingers found their home and latched onto Kirk's face, and his telepathy flowed with the ease of water to open the link between them. He closed his eyes, reaching for Kirk with mental hands - and Kirk met him halfway; not the Kirk of his reality, but the same essence; pure and bright and utterly his. As their bodies surged together one last time, their bond burst into life; etching its indelible mark on both of them, forever recognizable to the other as t'hy'la.


*

*****

"Whoa." Kirk seemed a bit punch-drunk in the aftermath of their bonding, his eyes glassy as he stared down at Spock. He was still sprawled between Spock's legs, keeping Spock pinned to the mattress territorially. "That's some telepathy you've got."



Spock made a non-committal noise. His limbs felt heavy and sated; his mind content and at peace, thrilled with its new bond.



Kirk bent his head, and pressed a lazy kiss to Spock's lips. "You know, you've got a hellcat hidden beneath this kitten exterior," he said, his hands gently stroking over Spock.


The corners of Spock's lips twitched in what was almost a small smile as he submitted to being kissed and petted. "Only you," he murmured, "would say something so illogical."


"You love my illogicalness," Kirk returned, playing with Spock's ear again as he seemed to like to do.


The bond trilled its agreement. The feeling was incomparable and ethereal. Spock thought he finally understood why the Ambassador had worked so hard to see him bonded. "Are you going to go and make your goodbyes to my counterpart?" he asked, willing to share Kirk with his elder self, sending a soft thank you along their familial bond for his efforts.


"Of course." Kirk hesitated slightly. "I know I can't stay with you two. I have to go back to my reality, but - I'm going to miss you, Spock."


Spock's throat was suddenly tight. "And I you," he confessed.


"Look - " Kirk said, going very serious. He took Spock's hands in his, pressed to the bed next to Spock's head. "When the other Jim comes back, you tell him he has to protect you, okay? If I can't be here, you make sure he - "


"He will not know what transpired between us."


Kirk drew back slightly. "But the bond - my mark - "


"I will erect mental shields in my mind," Spock said quietly. "He will not be able to feel the mark and will not know of its presence. He will then be free of its manipulation."


"Spock, no - "


"It is well, Jim," Spock said. He let go with one hand, and gave into his urge to touch Kirk's face. "The mark will still be there behind my shields. That is more than I ever dreamed of having."


Kirk turned his head, pressing his face into Spock's hand. "He'll make you take your shields down. He'll make you his; I know he will."


"Jim - "


Kirk suddenly kissed him, a kiss as sweet as spring water. "This isn't an illusion. It's real," he said earnestly. "He loves you too. And he'll prove it when you get him back, you'll see. Have faith in us."



Spock touched his lips with his fingers, tingling with the ghost-touch of Kirk's lips against them, and allowed himself one illogical, completely human moment of hope.

*****




5. Through the Looking Glass

As Spock broke the meld, Kirk found his chest aching from seeing Spock's memory of the other Kirk's time on the Enterprise. "You could have chosen him," he said in realization, staring into the calm brown eyes he liked so much. "You thought I didn't want you but you knew he did, and you could have kept him and left me in the other reality."


Spock ran his thumb over Kirk's meld point gently. "You also chose to try and return to me," he said. "Despite believing that I did not return your affections, and despite the opportunity to stay with the other Spock. We did not wish to abandon each other."


No way in hell Kirk would ever abandon this Spock. He made a silent vow to the other Kirk; sealing the pact that he'd protect Spock in his absence. "I'm glad the other two have each other," he said.


"Indeed. The other Jim was somewhat less controlled than you," Spock said thoughtfully. "But I found him appealing nonetheless."


"I know what you mean," Kirk said, remembering a certain crazy, but much-loved, Vulcan prince. He tried to imagine the version of himself he'd just seen in Spock's memories handling that beast.


Oh hey. Instant. Boner. "I wish I could toss you around like he did," he joked, crossing his legs in a move he hoped was subtle.


"It was a unique experience," Spock admitted. He looked almost wistful.


Spock's expression - and Kirk's interested dick - gave Kirk the boost of confidence he needed to broach an idea he'd had for awhile, but thought might be too kinky for Spock. "You know, if you miss being manhandled like that, we could always - pretend."


He braced himself, expecting Spock to scoff outright and dismiss the idea.


What he got was a raised eyebrow and a loaded, "I am listening."


Kirk was very encouraged. "Well, I'd pretend I knew all those fancy Klingon martial arts moves, and I'd pin you down and try to have my wicked way with you," he explained. "And you'd, you know." He licked his lips nervously, trying not to show how turned on he already was just from the idea. "Let me."


Spock gave him a sideways look. "Your suggestion is - not completely lacking in merit."


Kirk's cock pulsed, because that was Vulcan dirty talk for my ass is totally yours, Jim. Emboldened, he poked Spock experimentally in the chest with one finger.


Spock obediently went immediately down, flat on his back on the bed. "Oh no," he deadpanned, blinking up at Kirk with overly-innocent brown eyes. "An illogical event appears to have brought you back to my reality, directly to my quarters. As I have no recourse against your superior combat skills, I believe I may be in trouble, Captain."


Kirk's dick grew hard enough to nearly rip through his pants. "Yeah, baby, you know you are," he growled, and pounced.

*****

Spock smoothed the bangs of his bowl-cut wig, staring at his reflection. "This is a very functional haircut," he remarked to Kirk, who was sprawled across their bed on his stomach, green eyes watching him eagerly.


"Don't get any ideas about cutting your hair," Kirk warned him. "That's why we got a wig. And try to sound more like a human; you're still speaking in your sexy Vulcan accent."


Spock paused. "You find my accent sexy?"


"Hell yes I do," Kirk said fervently.


Their eyes met heatedly. Spock took an eager step forward.


"Wait." Kirk shook himself. "We can't get distracted this time," he said sternly. "We're doing this."


Spock huffed. He did not like having to exert control over his desires. "Does my appearance, at least, suit your specifications?" he asked crossly.


He watched as Kirk's eyes raked over him, drinking in his chest and arms, where the blue science tunic was stretched ridiculously tight by bulging muscles. The human was nearly panting. "You look amaz - fuck it, just get your ass over here."


Spock lunged for the bed, but then Kirk held up a hand. "No," he said firmly, as much to himself as to Spock. "We can control ourselves. Fifth time's the charm." He sat up on the edge of the bed, taking a deep breath. "Okay. Remember, hide the accent and use big words."


"I am not certain that I know any big words," Spock said dubiously.


"Just say illogical a lot then."


"Very well." Spock cleared his throat, and tried his best to mimic Kirk's strange, human way of speaking. "Jim, an illogical event appears to have - "


"Captain."


"What?"


"Call me Captain."


Spock put his hands on his hips. "You are not my Captain."


"I would be, if you'd join Starfleet like we keep asking you to."


"Should I decide to be your officer, I will still be a Prince," Spock said haughtily. He stomped his foot. "I will not be your subordinate."


Kirk licked his lips. "You're so hot when you're a brat," he said, with feeling.


Spock narrowed his eyes at the only being in the galaxy who dared to speak to him like that. "Remind me why I have agreed to do this?"


Kirk smiled in a way that Spock had learned meant Kirk was about to get his way. "Because if you pretend to be my little angel, I'll pretend to be the other Kirk for you. You know," he said meaningful. "Your kan-bu."


Spock eyes lit up. "Oh no," he said dramatically, striving to sound like a native Standard speaker, and knowing he more-or-less succeeded when Kirk's eyes glazed over. "An illogical event appears to have brought me to your reality, directly to your quarters. As I lack your superior combat skills, I believe I may in trouble. Captain."


"Yeah, baby, you know you are," Kirk growled, and pounced.

~*Finis*~