(no subject)

[captjtkirk]

There was really nothing more awkward than being stranded planet side with your first officer three hours after your best friend tells you he doesn't know what the fuck is wrong with you. Literally. Not in the normal sarcastic sense, the jury is still out on that one, but Jim is pretty certain Bones has his number down to the millionth decimal point. This.

This was something else.

And unless Bones mentioned it to Spock before they beamed down, then he was the only one who realized that his fingers on his left hand had gone numb a few minutes ago while on the hottest planet Jim had ever stepped foot on outside New Vulcan.

All in all things could be worse, at least Spock seemed to be in his element.

Comments

[spohkh]

[Spock took a moment to feel the warmth around him... The reality was that he was constantly cold on board the Enterprise, even the thermal wear wasn't enough.

But this weather? Spock was loving it... in his own way.
The Vulcan looked over at his Captain...hoping that the other man wouldn't be too uncomfortable in this heat.]

Are you well sir?

[captjtkirk]

Remind me to take you home in July.

[Which isn't a yes or no and Jim isn't far enough gone not to know that. He shrugs and offers Spock a sunny grin.]

How does anything grow around here?

[There are actual green plants. And not just the cactus kind.]

[spohkh]

I...would like that very much Captain.

[It must be the weather making Spock feel good...]
All species learn to adapt and thrive in their environment sir. This planet is of no exception to this.
What shall we do first sir?

[captjtkirk]

[Actually, Jim would really like that too now that Spock's agreed.]

New planet. No signs of civilization. I'd say we should explore the shit out of this place and get you and Sulu as many samples as possible and then get the hell out of here.

[spohkh]

Of course.... though I hope to not find an excess of fecal matter.
Do you have a reason for your haste Captain?

[Spock was wondering if there was anything wrong with his friend... it was as if he was hiding something from him.]

[captjtkirk]

You and me both, Spock. You and me both.

Other than Bones will skin me alive if I come back roughly the texture and color of an over-ripe tomato? None.

[Nope. Nothing to see here. Oh look. Purple grass. Neato. Isn't that cool, Spock? Jim is just going to crouch down by some and pretend he doesn't suffer a startling burst of vertigo that almost sends him toppling straight into foreign topiary.]

[spohkh]

[Spock felt a lingering doubt about Jim's truthfulness on his condition.... however, if it was serious, he would know by now, wouldn't he?

Spock allowed himself to be distracted by their mission... and went on his way to scan and take samples.]

Look at this plant Jim...
[It was colourful... and most aesthetically pleasing.]

[captjtkirk]

[It takes a second or two for Jim to fully stand and when he moves it's with a slightly stilted gait, but he comes to stand beside Spock after a moment and stares at the...]

Damn.

[That's...That's something.]

[spohkh]

[Spock watches Jim's every move....]

Captain, I used this plant as an excuse to observe your physical wellness... and I believe you would benefit from seeing Doctor McCoy.

[captjtkirk]

Save it, Spock. I already have.

[Jim's smile is all together much too brittle, but this is Spock and they've now been a team long enough that lying is almost impossible.

It's not like Spock wouldn't find out eventually anyway, Jim just thought he'd have longer to hide it.]

[spohkh]

[Concern was written all over the Vulcan's face....]

May I inquire as to what his prognosis was? You were obviously cleared to be apart of the away team yes?

[captjtkirk]

He cleared me because he didn't have a clue what was wrong with me and at the time I was fine.

[He hadn't even had a headache.]

He doesn't know, Spock. Bones doesn't have any idea, and I'm going to need you to keep me upright in a few seconds, I'm losing sensation in my left leg.

[He tries to make it sound like a joke, but his tone is too raw and his eyes too wide.]

[spohkh]

[Spock's eyes widened... for a Vulcan, that was no joke. Spock stood immediately and wrapped an arm around Jim's waist, stabilizing him. His other hand pulled out his communicator.]

Spock to Enterprise. Two for emergency medical beam out. Inform Doctor McCoy that the Captain has been compromised.

[Queue swirling beam of light....]

[captjtkirk]

[and the fun sensation of vomit in your shoes. Jim groans into Spock's shoulder, gripping him with his one good hand]

[spohkh]

[Spock ignores the vomit that lands unpleasantly on his shoes as he lifts his Captain into his arms.
The Vulcan, followed by a team of medical personal and a rather angry and shouting McCoy, takes Jim down to the med-bay...

...where the Captain is quickly taken from him. Spock is left standing there, waiting.
The tug on his heart and mind is a rather interesting feeling, but one he could have done without. Perhaps it would become clear to him one day. But right now, he was concerned... very concerned about his friend and superior officer.
So Spock waited....]

[captjtkirk]

[Which is great because when Jim to come back around an hour later, his heart is beating so damn fast and he can't move any of his left side. His eyes roam around the medbay with a terrified sheen, before hitting Spock.]

[spohkh]

[Spock had waited as long as he could... barely acknowledging Doctor McCoy as he took his place by Jim's bedside.]

Captain.

Jim, what is wrong? Were they able to heal you?

[captjtkirk]

[Its a quiet whimper, not a real response and Jim has to reach over his own body just to reach for Spock's arm. Because he hates that look on Spock's face, fucking hates that concern and worry in his tone. Hates it more than he hates his own body for failing him like this.]

They're looking into it.

[spohkh]

[Spock places his hand over Jim's... lowering himself so he can sit on the edge of the biobed.]

'Looking into it'? That would imply that they do not know what 'it' is.... [Spock's grasp tightened a bit...]

You should rest Jim. I believe my presence is aggravating you...

[captjtkirk]

Yeah, well, at least they're not going to give up on me.

[Thin hope. Bones definitely will put himself into an early grave before giving up on him, but that didn't make Jim feel any better.]

Being stuck here is aggravating me.

[spohkh]

I should certainly hope not. You are the Captain, you have high priority.

Is... there anything I can do for you Jim?
[He squeezes Jim's hand.]

[captjtkirk]

Stay? Just. Stay and talk to me.

[spohkh]

[Spock nods and situates himself more comfortably on the bed as he gives Jim a status report of the ship.

When he finished... he seemed at a bit of a loss for what to say.] Perhaps.... you wish to hear a story?

[captjtkirk]

[Jim has been drifting under the soft cadence of Spock's voice but he perks up.]

A story?

[spohkh]

Indeed... I am uncertain what you wish to hear at this time. I could regale you of the story of how my parents met.
Or any other request you might have...

[Spock's eyes are warm as he regards Jim.]

[captjtkirk]

That'll work.

[Spock doesn't exactly offer up information about his mom. Not to Jim. Though Jim never blamed him for it.]

[spohkh]

My mother worked as a translator at the Vulcan embassy... it was there that she met my father.
On their first 'date'... they went to walk along the beach. Somehow, she convinced him to wade in the water, but the tide seemed to have chosen that time to send a rather large wave.
Vulcans do not swim, and he was wearing traditional Vulcan robes which are quite heavy dry. Needless to say he went under and nearly drowned in three feet of water. That is, if not for my mother saving him. She told me that he had proposed that night... but she forced him to wait.

[Spock's eyes seemed far away.... but he squeezed Jim's hand.... ]

[captjtkirk]

You know, you're a lot more like her than you think.

[Jim grins and opens his eyes, titling his head toward Spock. There wasn't any mistaking the warmth in Spock's tone when he spoke about his mother.]

[spohkh]

[Spock was silent...his face showing a small amount of happiness.]

Indeed? I was not aware that you had known her Jim.

[captjtkirk]

I don't think I need to.

[Her influence is written all over Spock.]

[spohkh]

[Spock gave Jim one of his rare smiles... his hand coming oh so close to touching his Captain's.
What were these warm sensations? Were they feelings? Why was he feeling them towards his Captain?
Spock breathed...and for one let his barrier drop. He let himself feel.]

She would have liked you...

[captjtkirk]

Sounds like I would of liked her.

[Seriously, Spock, just take Jim's hand. His fingers twitch in what he hopes is an enticing manner for all that the movement wasn't fully voluntary, a small ripple of pain following it.]

Tell me what she thought of Vulcan?

[spohkh]

[Spock seemed to go as still as a statue....

...then ever so slowly, gently covered Jim's hand with his own.]

I remember her complaining about the heat. However...she was content. She missed Earth...

...but she loved her family so much more. She told me that we were her happiness.

Jim...

[captjtkirk]

[If Jim thought he could get away with it he'd make Spock talk about his mother forever. It was the way his entire person softened and became clearly and painfully human that Jim didn't think he could possibly hate seeing.]

I'm sorry.

[spohkh]

Apologies are unnecessary and illogical Captain...
[Spock straightened his back for a moment...but then started to relax once more.]

...however, your condolences are appreciated Jim.
I find that in your presence...the pain of severed bond is less.
[Spock squeezed Jim's hand...]

[captjtkirk]

[Jim. Well, what was Jim meant to say about that? He doesn't know enough about Vulcan bonds to make any sort of real call here, but the very way Spock said it. Like it bewildered him in every possible way...]

I'm just that awesome.