Chapter Text
James Tiberius Kirk were in the Starfleet Academy command track for over a year and despite what many believed his days were not all fun and games; he may have been quite intelligent, but he also had to spend some afternoons doing homework, assignments, and the occasional research project if he wanted to graduate in three years as he promised Pike.
Now, with one semester left before graduation, Jim had a busy schedule and considering the number of cadets from the academy's many branches it was safe to assume that he would never run into Commander Spock again. Jim wasn't sure what the Vulcan's exact field was, but he knew vaguely that he taught classes in the simulation building, as well as advanced xenolinguistics. Courses that Jim had already passed. Only a few days had passed since the kissing incident, but Jim was fairly certain that Commander Spock had no idea who he was and perhaps had no plans to find out, given that he had not yet been summoned to any academic hearings for making advances toward the Vulcan.
Jim wanted to forget about the whole situation and finish the semester in peace. He even hoped not to run into Gary, but he knew that would be nearly impossible since they were both in the same program. However, that was low in his list of concerns. For the moment, his biggest concern was the Kobayashi Maru. An exam he would’ve to take the following semester, and he still had no plan for how to approach it. He’d requested the analysis of the test from his former simulation professor, but replied that he was not responsible for the exam and couldn’t help him but he did send him the communication code for one of the assistants of the test so that Jim could ask if it was possible to obtain those analyses.
Jim had written to the assistant without reply, although that didn't discourage him it did worry him a little. He knew that theoretically everyone enters the Kobayashi Maru without knowing about the test itself, but the exam was so rigid that there were rumors circulating that it was unbeatable. However, if you could get hold of the creator's analysis, the test could be a piece of cake, and it wasn't like cheating since the creator himself had conveniently designed the test that way. It was like reading the synopsis of a movie before deciding whether it was worth watching. Although the exam was mandatory for all command track cadets, other majors could take it for extra credit.
But getting the analysis was the real complication. Those cadets who had it were unwilling to share it because they were either already commissioned on a ship or simply didn't want to. It was considered disrespectful to the creator to share his work without effort.
Jim was charismatic... in person; email messages didn't work for him because the first thing anyone noticed was his last name. Many people thought he believed he was entitled to many things simply because he was the son of the famous Captain George Kirk.
Jim sighed. Maybe he would find a way later; he still had time. He got up from his seat and headed for the break room. Some Starfleet’s benefits were that every building had one or two break rooms, and anyone could use them, although most of the time students preferred to study in the gardens, the library, or even the dining hall. Jim only passed through the rooms sometimes when he didn't want to go all the way back to his room between classes. Besides, the replicator in the break room of the engineering building had the best synthetic coffee Jim had tasted so far.
He entered the sequence for coffee into the replicator and when he turned around found Gary's frown right in front of him.
He scared the shit of him that he almost burned himself.
“Damn it!” He looked down to make sure nothing had actually spilled on him; he didn't have time to change before his next class.
“Kirk.”
That was a bad sign. Gary had never called him by his last name before.
“Hey Gary, how...”
“The other night...”
Shit, though Jim.
“Commander Spock.”
Double shit.
“Who?”
“Don't play innocent, Kirk. I know. I saw you the other night.”
“Oh, are you sure?”
Jim was sure that his expression was of total confusion. The academy had a drama club. Maybe Jim could check it out? Surely something there could be useful for future diplomatic missions.
“Yes, you were in one of the main hallways of the simulation building.”
“Oh, wow. I didn't see you, otherwise I’d have said hi.”
Gary frowned even more. He took another step closer to Jim, causing him to press himself against the table next to the replicator.
“Jim, it was clearly you and the Vulcan. Besides, you've been avoiding me all these days. You turned around in the middle of the hallway the other day.”
“Of course not. I've been quite busy... In fact, now I have to...”
Gary straightened up, narrowed his eyes, and crossed his arms over his chest, not believing Jim's words. They were alone, and Jim would have prayed to any deity for someone else to come in and interrupt. Usually, even though Gary demanded explanations from Jim, believing himself his owner, the blond never hesitated or let his nerves get the better of him like he did that day.
“Look, Jim,” Gary continued. “You know I don't care who you sleep with, and you know what I want from you. I'm even willing to let you see other people, but I’ve to tell you that what I saw the other day was pretty unnatural and I can't tolerate...”
“Careful, Gary. Some may think that’s a xenophobic thought ” Jim let out a snort after that, almost like an afterthought.
Gary shrugged, dismissing it.
“So? What is it? Are you his toy? Or are you going to tell me it’s love?”
“Gary, mind your own business. I don't owe you a shit,” Jim growled as he turned and slammed the cup he was still holding onto the table behind him.
The way Gary dismissively dismissed the situation with the Vulcan annoyed Jim. He wasn't entirely sure why, and it wasn't as if Jim had anything on with Spock, but Gary's gesture of almost disgust bothered him, as if Spock, just for being who he was, couldn't sustain a relationship with a human.
A clearing throat snapped Jim out of his thoughts.
He turned around and there was Spock, about two meters away from them. His arms at his back. Jim wasn't sure how much of the conversation he had heard, and Spock's impassive expression didn't help.
“Commander Spock, sir.” Gary stood up straight, suddenly like a model cadet in front of his own instructor.
Spock ignored him and looked only at Jim as he asked,
“Are you alright, cadet?”
Jim relaxed.
“Yeah, everything's fine, sir. Cadet Mitchell was just leaving.” Jim watched as Gary was about to reply, but perhaps he thought better because in the end he gave Jim only one last look before nodding again to the Vulcan and heading for the exit at a brisk pace.
Spock and Jim followed Gary with their eyes until the door closed behind him. Then Spock turned his gaze back to Jim and took a step closer to the blond.
“Are you sure you're alright, cadet?” the Vulcan asked again, this time lowering his voice to a soft tone.
“Yes. Yeah, it's just that...” Jim waved his hand, as if to dismiss all. “Thanks.”
“Thanks are unnecessary." Jim smiled at that response; somehow, it seemed like something the Vulcan said all the time.
“So…how much did you hear?” Jim asked.
Spock tilted his head, studying Jim before answering.
“Only the last part.”
Jim sighed and hoped that last part was just where Jim told Gary to go to hell for the thousandth time. But with Jim's luck (and the superior hearing of Vulcans), he didn't really know which part Spock was referring to, and the Vulcan didn't seem willing to cooperate.
“Thanks,” Jim repeated. Maybe the Vulcan was a renowned jerk, but at that precise moment, Jim was very grateful to him. “On the other hand, I couldn't notice that in the last seventy-two hours, ‘fleet security hasn't come to arrest me.”
The corner of Spock's mouth curved upward. Slightly.
“Indeed?”
Jim nodded.
“Which makes me think that maybe you didn't file the complaint. Although you would’ve been within your rights to do. So thank you. For that and... for intervening just now.”
The Vulcan stared at him for a long minute; suddenly he had returned to that impenetrable expressionlessness typical of his race.
“You shouldn't need anyone to intervene.”
Jim tensed. Sure, it was easy for him to say.
“Well, it's not like I asked you to do anything. I was going to...”
“And you shouldn't have to lie about your relationship status,” he continued. “Or imply, in this case. If Cadet Mitchell continues his behavior, you are within your rights to file a complaint with the academic committee.”
Wow. So he’d heard him when Jim explained why he had kissed him to deceive Gary.
“It's not that.” Spock raised an eyebrow, and Jim raised a hand to stop the judging. "It’s more complicated than just filing a complaint. It has to do with who I am. I can't just go around accusing other cadets of questionable behavior and Gary isn't just another cadet either. He has influences in the ‘fleet. And although one expects impartiality in these times, the truth is that as humans we are still as imperfect as we were two centuries ago.”
“And that's why you lie to him,” added the Vulcan.
“Well, yes, but... Now he thinks we're taken. You and me,” Jim blurted out.
Gosh. It’s been ages since Jim was in a relationship. Even if it's fake. All sounded even more bizarre than thinking about it.
“Wasn't that the goal?”
“Yeah, I suppose so. By the way, I'm James Tiberius Kirk. In case you're still interested in filing that complaint. I'm in command track with a specialization in engineering and tactical operations.”
Jim shrugged.
“I know who you are, cadet.”
“Oh, ok.” He must have looked him up on intranet. After all, it was easy to find his blond, blue-eyed features, which bore a striking resemblance (if not an almost identical) to the famous captain of the USS Kelvin. Jim thinks there must even be some news from when he joined the academy. The prodigal son finally following in his father's footsteps.
“I’m Commander S'Chn T'gai Spock. I’m instructor of...”
Jim couldn't contain his laughter and burst out, but he regretted it when noticed the Vulcan's frown and tensed up straightening his back even more, as if that were possible.
“I'm sorry, I'm sorry,” Jim began, trying to contain his laughter. “It's just that you're quite well known, Commander.”
Perhaps more than Jim himself. Of course, there are other Vulcans at the academy, but Spock is the best known and currently the only one instructor. Rumor has it that he is waiting for the completion of the Enterprise, as he was specifically requested to be the ship's chief scientist but Jim knows not to believe all the rumors circulating.
“I think you should call me Spock.”
Oh. That would be something.
Although relationships between teachers and students are allowed at Starfleet Academy, they involve a rigorous process. A lot of paperwork.
“I'm not sure that's the best idea, sir,” Jim concluded.
“Only when Cadet Mitchell is nearby,” clarified the Vulcan.
“Ah. Of course.” It made sense. “Thank you. Although I was sure that Vulcans didn't lie.”
Shut up, Jim, his mind shouted. Spock was offering him a chance to finally get rid of Gary, even if the Vulcan didn't have the entire information because Jim wasn't willing to share all his life.
Before Spock could respond, Jim spoke again.
“You know what, don't worry about it or anything. I can figure it out. I'll think of something.” Jim emptied the cup of coffee he never got to enjoy into the waste processor and placed the cup in the recycler. “I'm late for class, it's been a pleasure and...”
“I'll walk you there.”
“I don't think...”
“In case Cadet Mitchell is still around.”
“Commander, it's really not necessary.”
“I insist. I'm on my way out too.”
That last remark made Jim slow down in his hurried rush to leave the break room. It was true. What was the Vulcan doing in the break room of the engineering building? Jim was there because his next class was a couple of floors up, but he couldn't think of any reason for the Vulcan to be there. Was he looking for him? But he hadn't given him a summons, and that would be the most logical thing to do, even though summonses can be sent to his Starfleet account or even a security agent can show up at his dorm room. Jim looked at the Vulcan who was following close behind him as they both left the room.
Why was Spock there?
When they stepped out into the hallway, there weren't many students around, and those who were there paid no attention to Vulcan or Jim. The blond even looked both ways down the hallway to make sure Gary had really left. Jim started walking toward the stairs. He usually took the elevator, but for some strange reason, he didn't feel like doing so at that moment and letting the Vulcan think he might want to accompany him to his classroom. That would be even stranger.
“Thanks for the company, Commander.” Jim nodded and quickly walked away without waiting for a reply.
........
“Kid, you won't believe the crazy thing I just heard...” said Bones as he entered his shared room and left his suitcase on the bureau next to his bed.
Jim turned in his chair at the sound of his friend's voice. He’d been digging deep into the intranet about the Kobayashi Maru (as if he hadn't already read everything he could find there) and Bones entrance was a welcome distraction.
“What new rumor is circulating among the nurses, Bones?” Jim replied with a smile to his friend.
“Not just among the nurses, Jim. From what I heard, it started in science,” his Southern friend grumbled as he began to undress. Apparently, his day was already over. “Nurse Mendez heard that Commander Spock is dating a cadet.”
The sentence made Jim's smile fade and his posture straighten. Since Bones wasn't looking at him, he turned toward his PADD to hide his expression from his friend.
“There are always rumors about professors dating cadets,” Jim said in a neutral voice, downplaying the matter.
“Oh, but you won't believe this,” Bones continued, and with an amused tone of voice, he dropped a bombshell on Jim. “The greenblood elf’s supposed new romance is you, Jim.”
And Bones burst out laughing.
That laugh was the only sound in the room for several minutes until he realized that Jim wasn't laughing and became concerned. Bones approached Jim around to find the blond's guilty expression
“Kid, it's just a rumor.”
Then Jim laughed uncomfortably and tried to turn back around, but Bones hand stopped him and continued.
“Jim, not many people are gonna believe it's true. You don't even meet the Vulcan.”
“Hahaha, yes, Bones, you're right.” His friend frowned and narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
Bones let go of Jim's chair, pulled up his own chair, and sat down with his arms crossed.
“Spill it, tell me what you've done.”
“In my defense...” Jim began, raising his hands in the universal symbol of peace, and proceeded to tell Bones what had happened with the Vulcan until the day before, when he’d saved him from Gary (again).
“I could just say we had a date that didn't work out and forget about it.” Jim would let some gossipy cadet overhear him and in a day the rumors about him and Spock would vanish.
“I don't think that's how it works with Vulcans, Jim.”
“As if you know how dating a Vulcan works, Bones,” Jim grumbled.
“You're right. But I've heard things, and unlike you, I do know the elf.”
“Just because he's on your thesis committee doesn't mean you know him very well...”
“More than you do, yes. At least I know you're in big trouble.”
“I know. I keep expecting a security guard to come knocking on the door any minute now,” Jim sighed as he slumped over and buried his face in his hands. Bones patted him on the shoulder. “I really screwed up this time.”
“Well, have you thought about talking to Pike?” Bones asked.
“What?” Jim looked up at his friend.
“Yeah, Pike could help you. From what you've said, it seems like he likes you, and he's Spock's superior.”
“Bones, sometimes you're a genius. I could kiss you,” Jim smiled at his friend, this time a genuine smile while Bones rolled his eyes at Jim's nonsense.
“Careful, that's what got you into this mess in the first place.” Bones got up and headed for the bathroom, laughing.
Meanwhile, Jim was mentally planning to set up a meeting with Pike and explain the situation. It might not save him from a mark on his record, but at least he wouldn't have to worry about being expelled at any moment.
.........
Jim entered the campus cafeteria the day after his conversation with Bones and the first thing he noticed was the near silence that had fallen over the room. Usually, the dining hall was buzzing with conversation, but on this occasion, many eyes were fixed on Jim. Despite this, the blond handled it like a pro. Accustomed as he was to the constant harassment of the press toward his family ‘cause of his famous father, he ignored all the stares and walked confidently to get his food from the buffet-style shelves. By the time he found a table for himself, the chatter had resumed around him, and then Jim saw her.
Uhura was sitting with some other girls from her major, and Jim even saw Gaila sitting with her back to him and the brunette's piercing gaze over her shoulder.
Uhura's behavior was strange. Jim didn't share classes with her, but often ran into her in the dining hall, and they shared some social circles, so it was common to see her. Even if she still hated him for the terrible first impression Jim had made on her she had always been polite, but that day she seemed cold and hostile.
She had never paid so much attention to Jim, and her gaze seemed extremely fierce.
When the situation began to feel ridiculous, Jim looked up from his meal and greeted her with a wave and a mischievous smile. Uhura snorted, tossed her hair over her shoulder and stood from her table to the exit. Jim watched her until she was out of sight, then returned to his meal, at which point his PADD beeped.
Cadet Kirk
We have noted your outstanding grades in your application. Your current career on Starfleet has been exceptional and Captain Pike speaks very highly of you, so we would like to offer you the opportunity to complete your courses for the next semester during a year-long mission aboard the USS Farragut. Our current mission ends in two weeks, and we will be at the space dock for a while. If you are interested in the offer, please contact me, and we can schedule a meeting in person to discuss it properly.
Lieutenant Commander Tomas.
First Officer.
USS Farragut.
Wow.
Jim couldn't help but smile at the screen. The excitement he felt at the prospect of not just an assignment but perhaps a secure job was almost unbearable. The semester had barely begun, which meant that Jim had distinguished himself enough to receive an offer very early on; usually, captains and commanders began recruiting after the Christmas holidays. Jim had sent his application to the command at the same time as Bones, but he never expected to receive an offer so soon.
The Farragut was a good ship, not the Enterprise, that was for sure, but Jim was just starting his career in the Fleet and couldn't be so vain as to think that Pike wanted him around, even if he was fond of his father and him.
It was still too early to accept the Farragut, and Jim still had to take the Kobayashi Maru. Perhaps if he accepted, his plans would have to be moved up a bit, but that was a problem for the future Jim.
For now, Jim had to hurry to get to his fractal calculus class with Commander Vass.
He arrived two minutes late, but the commander was talking to her PA and didn't pay any attention to late students.
“Hey, Kirk! Over here!” someone called out.
An old student who had never spoken to him before moved his backpack aside and freed up the seat next to him. Jim sat down next to him as if they had known each other forever. It was better to accept small opportunities. Besides, the class was crowded and there were no seats left near the front.
“Hi,” Jim said.
“Hey mate, how are you?”
“Cool. You?”
“Great.”
There was something strange about that guy's smile, somewhere between lewd and fake. Jim was considering confronting him when Commander Vass connected her PADD to the projection unit and announced that class was about to begin.
Then things got even stranger after classes. Although he had always attracted attention for various reasons, it had always been from the other cadets; this time even the instructors were looking at him appraisingly. It was one thing for rumors of his possible romance with Commander Spock to circulate among his peers, but it was another thing entirely when his instructors believed it too. Jim urgently needed to see Pike.
The blond was on his way to Pike's office when a mass of reddish curls in a red cadet uniform and green skin attacked him from behind causing him to stagger and drop his PADD.
“Jim!” Gaila shouted, hugging the blond around the neck. “You're a slippery bastard. I've been looking for you all day.”
“What?”
“I texted you! I can't believe you let me find out from other people!”
“Oh.”
“Yes! I thought we were friends! I had to listen to a long lecture from Dakota, and you know I hate her. She was telling me that I should be ashamed because my boyfriend had traded me in for a...”
“Whoa, whoa, wait. Since when are we dating?”
“I asked that bitch the same thing. It turns out that everyone thinks you're in a polyamorous relationship with me and Commander Spock. Or that you're cheating at least one of us.”
"Gaila, I don't know what you're talking about. We're not in a relationship. Neither of us.”
"Yeah, sure, and that's what I've been telling everyone who asks me, but there are pictures. Of you and Spock.
“What!?”
..........
Jim should've realized earlier that it wasn't strange to run into Spock quite late in the simulation building if his office was right there. Since the laboratories were on the lower floors, Jim had never had any reason to go up to the top floors, so he didn't know the layout of the offices or that there could also be group study cubicles for instructors.
Jim asked around if anyone knew where the Vulcan was when he couldn't find him in his office. Someone sent him downstairs to a door that looked like any other office door, so Jim wasted no time in opening it after a polite knock. That was his first mistake.
When he entered the room, there was a sudden silence as about five pairs of eyes turned toward him. At least Spock was already standing.
Jim cleared his throat and, without the slightest hesitation in his voice, addressed the Vulcan.
“Can I talk to you for a minute, Commander Spock?”
Spock nodded, his natural impassiveness preventing Jim from knowing whether he cared that his students were gaping at the situation.
“Review what we just discussed, cadets, and I'll answer your questions when I return,” said the Vulcan before placing his PADD on the table in front of them and turning to Jim.
They walked out the door where Jim was still standing, and the Vulcan led the blond two doors down from where the Vulcan had been tutoring.
“Everyone knows,” Jim blurted out as soon as the door closed behind them.
Spock stared at him blankly for a moment.
“Are you okay?”
“What?” Jim was confused. “I’m telling you. Everyone knows. This.”
Jim gestured toward the two of them.
“This?”
“Us. The incident. The kiss. Whatever you want to call it.”
He seemed confused, at least confused enough for an expressionless Vulcan, so Jim explained it to him in more detail.
"I think Gary took a picture when he saw us that night and must’ve posted it on the academy forum or something. Bones told me he'd only heard rumors from the nurses but they're always gossiping so I didn't worry about it. However, today Gaila…" Jim began pacing around the room as he spoke.
“The academy forum?”
“Yeah,” Jim nodded.
“Could you lend me your PADD?”
“What for?”
“You mentioned that there are compromising images, so the offender's IP address is easy to find. If it’s really Cadet Mitchell as you suspect and with the evidence obtained we can request a hearing with Chancellor Barnett,” said the Vulcan as he approached Jim and held out his hand for the blond to hand over his PADD.
“Right. You… are right. Why didn't I think of that?” Jim slapped his forehead in dismay. The Vulcan's hand was still outstretched. Jim looked at it with a hint of guilt and told him the truth. “I'd give you my PADD but I already deleted the images. I'm sorry. I apologize that this all happened. I didn't think to look up the address to find out who uploaded them. It's all my fault.”
“I see,” said the Vulcan as he lowered his arm and placed it in what Jim assumed was his favorite position, behind his back.
“Damn it, damn Gary. I'm sure it was him. There was no one else in that hallway.” Jim growled angrily and continued trying to make a hole in the floor. “Why couldn't he keep it to himself?”
“Why would he do that?”
“What?” Jim stopped and looked at the Vulcan, who looked thoughtful as he stared at the front of the room where they were standing.
"The person who took the pictures must’ve had a reason. Discarding many options and from what I've learned about Cadet Mitchell he is someone who does not accept feeling insignificant, so the most logical reason for him to take those pictures and share them was to make you feel ashamed for having what he considers an ‘illicit relationship’ with an instructor.”
“I suppose...” Jim said doubtfully. “Wait. But it's not illicit. Relationships between students and teachers are allowed.”
“You mentioned that Cadet Mitchell has a relative in Fleet Command.”
"Yes. He told me once that his uncle is also a Commander and Chief Head of Department. I don't remember which one. Although, if he asked him to verify that our relationship was already registered and it wasn't... and since he saw us at night, with no one else around, then he could’ve come to the same conclusion you mentioned.”
"Indeed.”
Jim sat down in a chair while he considered his options.
“I'm going to say I made it all up. I'll tell Pike.” Jim looked at the Vulcan as he spoke, hoping the other man would tell him it was the most logical course of action.
“I agree, cadet.”
“Good. Good.” Jim exhaled a deep breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He stood up. “Cool. I'll go see if he can...”
“We could also tell Admiral Komack and Chancellor Barnett.”
“What?” Jim stopped. He looked at the Vulcan with confusion.
“Or perhaps a memo on the academy forum would be more efficient.”
Jim had never heard sarcasm in a Vulcan's voice before; it sounded exactly the same as any other sentence they uttered. It was odd.
“Damn it, man. I'm trying to clean up this mess,” Jim growled irritably.
“You have already exceeded the time limit for ‘cleaning up this mess,’ as you say.”
“Okay, fine. If you have any ideas on how to fix this mess I'm definitely open to...”
“We could submit the relationship log.”
Jim laughed. After several minutes, he saw that the Vulcan wasn't moving. Damn. He was serious. Jim stopped laughing.
“Wh... What? Are you serious?”
“Indeed. It's the most logical solution. We would only be verbally reprimanded since you are not my student. The void is only legitimately illegal when I am your direct superior. I assume Cadet Mitchell did not conduct a thorough investigation.”
That would be typical of Gary. Rushing to assume things about other people without investigating them properly. He must’ve thought that Jim seduced the Vulcan because he takes some of his classes altouhgt before the kiss Jim had barely glimpsed Spock from afar. Even though Bones complained a lot about the Vulcan, Jim tended to ignore his southern friend at those moments.
“Wouldn't that be like…lying?” Jim asked, puzzled.
“A relationship is a simple social contract between two people. You are committed to staying away from Cadet Mitchell, and I am committed to helping you. I don't see it as a lie.”
“When you put it that way, it sounds very simplified and technical.”
“Vulcans value technicalities.”
He really meant it. It didn't seem like a joke. It's not like Vulcans joked around, but with every passing second Jim became more and more certain that no one would show up and say, “Surprise, we tricked you,” and then send him to a penal colony for approaching the Commander.
“Aren't you...?” Jim had no idea how to ask. “Married or something? I thought Vulcans married young.”
“Betrothed. However, my former betrothed broke off our engagement when I decided to join Starfleet.”
“I'm so sorry.”
“Apologies are unnecessary. Kaiidth.”
“Right. What is, is.” Spock raised his eyebrows in amazement at the blond's curious familiarity with the Vulcan language. As if he had heard it many times before.
“Indeed.”
“One more thing...” Jim said and stared at the Vulcan, evaluating him.
“Go ahead.”
“What do you gain from this?”
Spock straightened up, opened his mouth, and for a moment Jim thought he was going to say something significant. But then he looked away and all he said was:
“As I mentioned, it would help you.”
“Yeah, well, I don't entirely believe that. You may not lie because you're Vulcan, but that's not enough for me either.“ Jim approached the other man, narrowing his eyes. Spock returned his gaze expressionlessly. ”At least, I should know what your motives are."
A few seconds of staring at each other were enough for Spock to make up his mind. Jim saw him relax his shoulders, as if sighing without sighing.
“Cadet, I ask you not to discuss anything I’m about to say with anyone outside this room.”
“Nothing we are talking about will leave this room,” Jim swore dramatically, his hand extended over his heart. If it had seemed before that the Vulcan had sighed, now he definitely did so at Jim's drama, which made the blond smile.
“There is... some opposition to my appointment as Chief Science Officer and First Officer of the new flagship.”
Jim's smile turned into a full laugh.
“What?” Jim said, laughing. “That's ridiculous. Isn't it?”
“Although I share your opinion. Some humans are quite distrustful and consider my status as Vulcan to make me unfit for a high-ranking position despite my credentials. My security clearance has been downgraded and several of my experiments reassigned. A relationship with a student would give me the credibility of being more... accessible.
“Oh, wow,” Jim snorted. "I still think that's ridiculous. You're not the first Vulcan to serve in Starfleet. You could be the first to rise through ranks but that has nothing to do with anyone's biology.”
Jim was starting to get annoyed.
“...I mean, I don't know you very well, but you're clearly outstanding in your position, and it must be against regulations to prohibit you from participating in certain experiments just because of that.”
“Actually, they can do that as long as my current position is at the Academy. It's more complicated on a starship, but my commission as an instructor ends with the inauguration of the Enterprise.”
“Okay, I understand that. But what makes them so nervous? I mean, if you already agreed to wait until the launch of the Enterprise, why are they suddenly targeting you? Are they really investigating your credentials? That's xenophobic!” Jim was very confused and extremely irritated. It was surely politics.
“Starfleet Command has been nervous since the Romulan sighting in 2233. Humans are too volatile and emotional.”
Jim knew he shouldn't be offended by the Vulcan's words; they were absolutely true. Besides, he knew better than anyone what Starfleet had lost during the Kelvin disaster.
Spock continued talking and pulled Jim out of his depressive thoughts.
“However, I was recently awarded a scholarship alongside another scientist from the Vulcan Sciences Academy. Despite my past with that institution the Command believes that this is a new opportunity to demand my return and prove my loyalty to my people. Given that my commitment as an instructor could end at any moment, some believe that not having connections on Earth makes my departure easier.”
"That does sound complicated. I get the part where they put you in the difficult position of choosing sides even though we should already know that this is what hurts us the most, but, and don't take this the wrong way, what's stopping you from having a real relationship?
"I hadn't considered it before.”
Jim snorted at that, then fell silent and watched the Vulcan for a few moments while allowing him to observe the blond in return. It was curious that many were afraid of the Vulcan. But Jim had only seen him a couple of times, and the Vulcan was anything but intimidating. He was the kind of person who was desperate enough to regain his peace of mind (as well as his research) that he would pretend to be dating someone.
Jim wondered what kind of situation would make him do the same thing if he were in the Vulcan's place... “Oh, but you already are,” his mind kindly provided the answer.
Well, that summed it all up then, didn't it?
“All right. Let's do it.” Jim said with a smile and extended his hand to shake the Vulcan's.
Spock stared at him long enough for Jim to blush at his blunder and begin to lower his hand until the Vulcan took it, sealing their fates.