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James T. Kirk did not expect his day to go like this. So when it happened it was quiet a surprise. Though maybe it shouldn't have been, because he is one of the worst trouble magnets this side of..... The world really.
Accidentaly falling over a guy, and then that said guy wanting to pound you for it was not something that has happened to him before. Usually he intentionally hits someone and knows to expect a comeback, but this was a really unexpected situation. He honest to God apologized, but it wasn't enough for that stupid guy, surrounded by even stupider followers or henchmen.
So why the hell wasn't there a police station or somewhere he could hide around in this neighborhood? It was really unfair and Jim was certain, if he comes out of this thing alive, he will complain to anyone who wants to hear (though that someone will probably be Bones, because he is one of the rare ones who can understand Jim's rambling).
Sharply cutting around the corner, Kirk sees an open door, and bolts over to it in a rush. Practically jumping inside, he baricades himself, and puts a chair to the door, to make it harder to enter. Just as he was about to lift another chair making it a practical weapon of defense, he hears someone clear their throat and smoothly ask what is he doing in their shop.
Instantly turning around he is met by two dark eyes, and a raised eyebrow that seems to have a mind of it's own. Those are some eyebrows, he thinks to himself before seeing another eyebrow raise and the Vulcan stranger asking him to indentify himself.
- Uh sorry I barged in here. I was just..... Really desperate for tea - Jim stumbles over his answer and hopes the guy is not too suspicious and just lets it slide without asking anymore probing questions. Good thing he saw where he entered like a maniac, because if he hadn't done that, this meeting would have been even more awkward.
- I see - the mysterious Vulcan stranger answers and instead of procceding to ask for his order and make tea, he walks past Jim and outside the door. Kirk tries to stop him, but the guys that were chasing him come before the shop and start to shout and point at Jim like some kind of misbehaving children.
- Gentlemen, I ask of you to either enter my tea shop or that you go away and stop making a scene here. And no, you cannot 'beat anyone up' while I am here. It is not logical. Or civilized. So what will it be? -
They scramble away with a couple of curses toward both the shop owner and Jim, and he is left standing outside the shop completely befuddled. - Sir do you want to enter the shop? - the owner asks, raising his eyebrow again, and Jim being weak against those kind of attacks agrees easily. He finds himself ordering some unknown tea and drinking quietly, while the owner does his job serving other customers and cleaning around the counter.
When Jim finishes, he pays, leaves a big tip and just before exiting finds enough courage to ask - What is your name? -
- My name is Spock. And yours? -
- Mine's Jim. Jim Kirk. Nice to meet you Spock. Uhh, I will return. At some time, probably really soon -
The-stranger-now-named-Spock raises his eyebrow yet again and says in a voice that sounds too close to sarcasm not to be one - Nice to meet you to Mr. Kirk. Have a nice day and I hope to see you soon -
***
- Bones!!! You will not believe what happened to me! -
- You are right. I probably won't -
- Don't be mean, Bones. Listen we have to visit this tea shop I stumbled upon. It is amazing! -
- I know I am going to regret saying this, but why is it amazing? -
- It's because of this guy! -
- Am I not enough for you? -
- No Bones! I haven't meant it like that! -
- Yeah I know. Just messing with you. -
- I said not to be mean! Why aren't you listening to me? -
- Because it usually throws me into trouble? -
- That's so not true. It happens sometimes but not always -
- So you were saying? -
- Oh yea! I think we should visit him. I think you would like him -
- Well I don't agree, and quite frankly I am too busy these days, so just go without me. Except if that tea shop has any good brandy? -
- Uh, as far as I know it doesn't -
- Nothing for it then, kid. See you at the room later -
- Wait Bones! Don't leave me alone, pleasee! You know I hate that! -
But Leonard doesn't listen and very quickly disappers from his view. Jim huffs in exasperation and decides to keep Spock for himself.
***
Leonard was very tired these days. So he really wasn't sure how had he ended on this lecture at all. Especially because it wasn't mandatory. But he was already here so why not use the opportunity?
He enters and sees a very young (at least he seems young. Like younger than Leonard) Vulcan preparing for class. Leonard sits somewhere in the middle and waits curiously for the lecture to start. The auditorium gets filled with a lot more people after a while, and the Vulcan soon starts with his presentation. Leonard can admit that it is midly interesting, even if the damn Vulcan talks more like a robot, than anyone Leonard had heard before ( and that includes actual robots and computers Leonard had displeasure of talking to). When the young Vulcan finishes, Leonard uses this opportunity to ask more probbing questions and to critique what he finds lacking in both the hypothesis and in the presentation itself.
They continue arguing until they realize the time, and Leonard curses himself for getting carried away. Surprisingly the Vulcan gives him his number and asks for meetups so they could have discussions further. Leonard agress, and for some reason feels like he got asked out on a date, which is frankly ridiculuos. Someone other than Jim, asking him out? Yeah, he is so tired, he started being delusional, that is the answer without a doubt.
***
Jim returns to the tea shop fairly quickly. Turns out Spock isn't the owner, but just a part-timer, who will change jobs pretty soon. He enthusiastically starts to talk with Spock and it turns out they have a lot in common. Or at least they can talk about a lot of stuff, which makes Jim really happy. He tries to use his charm to get Spock's number, but the Vulcan doesn't budge.
That just makes Jim more determined to succeed. The Vulcan will not know what he has unleashed when Jim turns on his 'Kirk service' at full power.
***
Leonard meets Spock for coffee. Though the pompuous bastard drinks tea of course. Why is Mccoy not surpised? It turns out alright. A pleasant evening of discussing (though some people would call it arguing) many areas they are immersed in. Even a couple of ones they aren't experts at.
The less said to Jim the better. He will not suffer another bout of teasing about possible dates and crushes. Because Spock does not fall into either category. He is just ............ a stupid Vulcan, patient enough to suffer Leonards bursts of emotions. Which maybe should have clued him on the real reason for that indulgence, but the doctor will play at being oblivious as long as he can. After all it is easier that way. Isn't it?
***
- You like the Beatles? -
- I find them adequate -
- I see, so you like them. What about Moby Dick? The book, not the 'other thing' -
- I haven't read it yet to have any opinion on it. And what is the 'other thing' you are refering to? -
- You don't know Spocky? Want me to tell you? -
- As you humans say, on second thought I would rather not know -
- Oh come on! You can't just back out like that! -
- Yes I can. And I will -
Spock walks away to serve another customer, and Jim's watches him with a smile. When he returns to give Jim his order, he starts again - You like punk music? Or maybe classical? You seem like a classy kind of guy -
- What is this interrogation supposed to be? -
- For getting to know you better, duh. Because you didn't want to give me your phone number or Ingta or anything, because you don't know me. So I am using this opportunity to get to know you, and in the process you get to know me to! Brilliant plan, isn't it? -
Spock doesn't seem inclined to agree out loud, but Jim takes that as a silent agreement anyway and continues to bug Spock while he is working. He counts this meeting as a success because Spock only throws him out once, and when he returns he let's Jim walk him to the station. So he wasn't that mad about Kirk's company, and he finds that a plus. He knew he was getting under Spock's skin.
Now just to find out Spock's number and Jim can count himself as a winner.
***
He will not accept it. He will not. He is not! Using! The 'L' word! Or the 'C' word! He is not no matter what Jim or anyone else says. He will not. He will not.
***
Jim slowly walks through the hallways, while yawning like a tired idiot he is. Haven't had a wink of sleep for the past, oh three days. So when he first notices a sight of someone he never expected to see here, Jim's first thoughts are that he is hallucinating or dreaming. But then he comes closer and realizes that yes he is seeing Spock just casually walking past him looking at some kind of Pad.
- Hey Spock! Didn't know you went to this university too!-
Spock seems as surprised to see Jim as he was to see Spock, so at least he wasn't the only one clueless.
- Jim you are working here? -
- Wha? Working? No I am learning here, going to classes and stuff. You are a teacher? -
Spock looks uncomfortable, but still answers his question -Yes, I am working here as a teacher-
- What is your subject? -
Spock tells him and Jim smiles at that.
- That is more of a Bones's subject than mine. But when I have time maybe I can visit you?-
- That is not necessary -
- Oh, but it is. I would love to see you in your element -
Spock turns a bit green around the cheeks, and Jim high-fives himself in his mind.
- I will be in this auditorium on Thursday at noon. My lecture is open to anyone who wants to listen -
- Great see you then! -
Jim continues down the hall, feeling excitement for more reasons than one.
***
After that one time, Jim now starts to see Spock everywhere. It turns his visits to the tea shop a bit redundant, but he still goes because he wants to see Spock. One time he was going out during the pause between lectures to eat something, when suddenly he sees Spock and calls out to him.
- Hey Spock! Want to go for a meal with me? -
At first Spock looks reluctant, but then changes his mind when Jim assures him that he can pick the place. Before they head out he texts Bones and happily follows Spock along.
When they arrive at the place it turns out into a pleasant outing, right until Leonard comes barging inside.
- Hey Bones! Over here! -
- What are you eating kid? Can I also have some?
- Sure! Here you go! Try it, it's delicious -
Leonard sits down and just as he was about to take the fork, he sees Spock looking at them both in mild confusion (or maybe a lot of confusion, you can't always tell with the Vulcans).
- Heya Spock. Didn't see you there -
- Hello Doctor -
- Don't call me doc...-
-YOU BOTH KNOW EACH OTHER??!! -
Jim screams out, both delight and happiness in his tone, which makes Leonard shut his ears up. - Don't fucking shout in public space, Jim! I though I taught you better -
- Sorry, Bones. I was just surprised that is all. So how do you know each other? -
No one answers him, which makes Jim pout. If you ask Leonard he rightfully deserved it after that stupid display.
But it seems like Spock is not done with this conversation, because he asks Jim.
- So this Bones you are mentioning is......... Doctor Leonard Mccoy -
- Still not a doctor yet, you nincompoop. I though I already told you -
Leonard doesn't succeed at being neutral, which just makes Jim seem more delighted than anything else. Great. He is so going to regret this later.
- And you were friends, without me knowing this! How is this possible? Am I really that unobservant? -
- Quite frankly Jim, yes yes you are. -
- You meanie. -
- No. I am just truthful -
- So, how do you both know each other? -
- I won't tell you Jim. So just drop it -
- Well! Maybe you won't tell me, but I still have Spock! Will you tell me Spock? -
Jim blinks at Spock, trying to project the image of innocence, which even Spock can see through and he proves it by raising his eyebrow and not saying anything. Jim pouts at that, but decides after a while that it isn't worth it, and orders more food for himself. Leonard and Spock start a conversation about their respective areas of research, and Jim pipes up at opportune moments. They pass the time in comfortable company, and after finishing with their meals break off in different directions.
After this succesful meeting, Jim vows to connect them again, and make something out of this.
***
- Wanna go to the movies with me? -
- Who goes to the movies anymore? Nowadays people just stay inside and watch things on Netglix or any other similar internet platform -
- Oh, come on Bones! You know I like old-fashioned stuff. And you are just too lazy to go out of the house, that is why you are using smartass excuses-
- Shut up you, no one asked what you think of my comments -
- Please Bonesy! PLEEASSEEE! -
- Just call Spock or something already! Stop bugging me! -
- Wow, that is a great idea! I am going to call him over! -
- What? Who said you can call the hobgoblin over? This is my room, it is of limits...... and he is already gone. Damn you Jim. -
.......a couple of minutes later.......
- Spock said he can come! Aren't you excited Leonard? -
- No, I am not. I just wanted to sleep. And you did this. -
-Come on, Bones. We haven't had alone time for a while. We should enjoy it while it lasts -
- Then why did you call Spock over? -
- Because you told me to call him! -
- I did not...... you know what. Nevermind. Just let me get dressed until the green Vulcan comes over -
- That's the spirit, Bones! I am going after you! -
- Yeah, yeah at least leave me alone in the shower -
..............a couple more minutes later............
- Hey Spock! Good to see you. Come inside, Bones is waiting for you -
Spock enters and see Leonard sprawled on the sofa.
- Sup. Welcome to my humble abode, hobgoblin. Make yourself at home -
- This is your room? -
- Yeah, though you can also argue it is Jim's too, because he has the keys and barges in here when he pleases -
- I love you too Bones -
- Whatever, you incurable bother. Go bug Spock now -
- I will! Come on Spock, sit here and we can watch what you want -
***
- That was awful. Do you really watch stuff like this all the time Spock? No wonder you are a killjoy then -
- No I do not. I thought Jim and you would appreciate this series more than me -
- Well you were wrong. As I said this is awful. Wish you never touched the play button -
- I don't know Bones. I think I liked it quite a lot -
- What?! You liked this garbage? How could you? What redeeming qualities does this series even have? -
- Well there is that side character... -
- Are you thinking with your dick again, Jim! Good God man, that is not how watching a series work. You have to take into account the script, the actors, the whole setting, the worldbuilding, if it is a series outside of this world and many other things to deem the series worth watching or worth only burning it and throwing it in a trash heap. -
- Or you can forget all that, and just watch it for one handsome person that appears there. If you ask me, that is much easier and less time spent on thinking -
- Whatever Jim. I see we will not agree on this at all. What do you say Spock? How did this series make you feel? -
- I must admit I share my opinion with Leonard -
-Ha! You see Jim, two of us have some sense here -
- I am glad you and Spock decided to agree on something. It seemed impossible until it happened -
- I....... I suppose you are right. Congratulation Spock we did it. Let's celebrate with some bourbon -
- I appreciate the sentiment, but I will have to pass on the alchocol. Vulcans don't drink -
- Suit yourself. More for me -
- And more for me too, Bones! Don't hog it all to yourself! Give a little to the poor too! -
- Yeah, over my dead body. Find your own bourbon... -
***
- So, last night was fun, wasn't it? -
- Yes, it was as you said 'fun' for me too -
- Great! So you won't decline if I call you on similar outings in the future too, right? -
- It will depend on my schedule. However I will not complain if you do -
- Fantastic! See you on the lecture later this day. Toodless! -
Spock wasn't sure why, but it suddenly felt like he has agreed to a contract with the devil.
***
Suddenly they were everywhere he went. At his lectures. At the tea shop. Following him to his apartment, or he was following them to their dorm. Frankly it was very confusing for poor dear Spock, who wasn't used to always having company. Jim and Leonard were usually together, but sometimes they would come visit him separately too. If his mother knew, she would have gotten a blast out of it, however Spock was not sure how to take it.
What did both of them want from him? Just friendship? Something else entirely? He was not so versed in human behavior to be completely sure of any conclusion. So the only solution to this enigma is blunt and clear questions.
***
- What do you expect of me? -
- Uhhh, for you to make a move with your chess piece? -
- No, Jim. I meant something else -
- What did you mean then? -
- I meant...... What do you expect from this relationship? -
- Uhhhhh.... -
- Ha! Finally! Someone asked the important question. What do you want from this relationship Jim? -
- I.....uh... -
- You see, Jim being as clear as usual. What do you say you and me elope and leave Jim alone with his unsure uhs and ahs -
- Hey! If someone is eloping here it is me! And not you Bones! You are too stuck up to ever elope with anyone! -
- Who is a stuck-up you little.... -
- Gentlemen. Now is not the time -
- You are right Spock. We should finally talk about the elephant in the room. Spock, Jim and me have been courting you for...... I don't know a year I suppose. And I think it is high time we come clean and ask you if you want to join our relationship as a valued member or not. Jim is technically the one who came up with this idea, but for some reason hadn't mentioned it for a long time after. So what gives Jim? -
- Uh, well you see.... I was very gungho on it at the beginning, but after a while I just enjoyed spending time with both of you, I kinda...... Forgot why I was doing this at first -
- Have I been hearing this well, Spock? Did Jim just say he started this whole mess and then forgot what it was all about soon after? -
- Yes that is what I heard too Leonard -
- God damn it Jim! You little shit! I am going to kill you! -
- Nooo, Bones! Please forgive me! Don't beat me up -
Leonard started to chase Jim around the room, knocking out everything that was on his path for revenge. When he caught up to Jim he gave him a noogie. Then procceded to french kiss him into submission.
When they pulled apart, both of them looked over at Spock with their dark eyes and red cheeks, like they waited for him to join them. - You want in or out? - Jim asked and Spock found himself thinking - Well I am already here, might as well -
And procceded to kiss the living daylight out of the two men.
***
- You know I never really liked it -
- Liked what? -
- The smell of tea. At least until I came here. And met Spock. Now I love it. Because it reminds me of him -
- Ahhh, that is so romantic. I also never liked the smell of coffee. And I still don't. But I tolerate it, because you drink it -
- Jeez, thanks -
- You are welcome -
- And what about you Spock? Do you feel the same? -
- No. Tea is superior to coffee, without a doubt -
- You hobgoblin! How dare you utter such lies in my presence??!!! -
Jim sighs and prepares for a long debate yet again. Though now that he understands Spock's and Leonard's relationship better, he is not as worried as before. So he drinks his tea in peace, and maybe joins in, when he wants to make a joke or make the disagreement last longer. Because nothing makes his life better than being in the presence of two most important people in his life. He can only hope they feel the same. (And something tells him they do).