Work Text:
Kirk sets his data pad down to rub his eyes. Stars burst behind his eyelids and a groan escapes him as he stretches, popping his lower back. The ache in his neck dissipates as he applies pressure to overworked muscles.
“I will be finished in approximately nine point seven minutes, Captain,” Spock says in a flat tone. He meets Kirk’s gaze for a fleeting moment. “You need not stay for my benefit.”
They're the only ones left in the briefing room. They usually stay back while Spock finishes typing his notes and highlighting the most important bits of data from the other divisions' reports. Kirk on the other hand usually lags behind to let the information sink in and ponder his next steps forward.
Their routine keeps them in check. If they didn't allow themselves moments to sit in silence, keeping the other company, both men would surely fall apart at the seams. Though Spock would call him dramatic (or more accurately “illogical”), citing no significant decrease in efficiency. The thought makes Kirk's eyes crinkle and his tongue dart across his lips. Watching Spock work allows him to forget about the challenges ahead.
“I’m happy to wait, Mister Spock.” Kirk flashes him a smile. “I need to let my mind rest for a moment anyhow.”
“Very well.”
The steady rise and fall of Spock's chest as he stares forward at the data flashing across the screen hypnotizes Kirk. Beneath those science blues is thick wiry hair covering soft pecks. Kirk's hands ball into fists at the memory of them under his palm the night before. No matter how many times he drifts to sleep with his head on Spock's chest, he still isn't used to the absence of Spock's heartbeat in his ear. Kirk always keeps one hand curled around Spock's waist, around where the liver would be on a human, to make sure he feels the green blood pumping through his lover. Vulcan hearts beat roughly 4x faster than humans and Kirk often feels this is true in other ways too.
Loving Spock is easy. Dating him is another story. It's not that Vulcans are too stubborn (they are), or too emotionally constipated (no doubt), rather Spock's love for him is intense. Kirk can't help but feel undeserving most days. Why him out of all the sentient beings in the dimension? How did he manage to swindle Spock into seeing him at his core and convincing him there is something worth loving inside?
Angular cheekbones and Spock's well-defined jaw, leading up to the sharp lines of his pointed ear draw Kirk closer. He shifts to prop his elbow on the arm of his chair and rests his chin on his fist. Spock's sideburns curl into a point, following the natural definition of his bone structure. The gel holding the hair in place is wearing off and the individual ends are starting to splay in different directions. The hint of imperfection makes the corners of Kirk's mouth twitch upward and he exhales heavily. Spock's ear twitches at the sound, but he doesn't lift his eyes from his screen. After a moment, he stops typing long enough to take a sip of water.
"You're staring." Spock lets the unspoken question linger in his tone.
"Astute observation, Mister Spock," Kirk teases as he straightens in his chair, folding his hands over his stomach. Spock's eyes briefly meet his own before turning back to his data pad. Kirk lets the silence settle once more and Spock does not ask him again. How could Kirk put his thoughts into words? I love you is too shallow to grasp the depth of aching affection he holds dearly for his partner.
Instead, Kirk holds his index and middle finger out for a Vulcan kiss. Spock does not hesitate to meet him. Alien heat radiates where they meet. The tension bleeds out of Kirk’s muscles as the older man projects waves of comfort, contentment, and confidence. Humming, Kirk's eyes fall closed. He presses harder against Spock, rubbing their pads together and enjoying the slight inhale from the other man. Sparks stoke the fire tentatively building between them.
"Captain," Spock's voice is deep and low, barely above a whisper, "I believe I am capable of completing my assessment in my quarters. Would you like to join me for dinner?"
"Sure, if we can skip the dinner part." Kirk grins, peeking at his lover through his eyelashes.
Amusement shines in Spock's eyes. "As you wish, ashayam."