Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

“What is your interest in Kirk?” Nyota asked Spock the moment he saw her again.

In truth he was rather taken aback by her…forcefulness. She had approached him as he obtained a to-go cup of tea from the science lab’s replicator.

He turned it back on her. “What is your interest in my interest?’

She blinked. “I want to warn you about him. He’s good looking. I won’t deny that but Spock…he’s a…”

He arched a brow. “A what, Nyota?”

“A player.”

Spock shook his head. “No.”

“Spock, at that bar he was hitting on me. Coming on pretty strong.”

Spock looked away, took a sip of tea.

“What?” she demanded.

“I learned from Jim about that night. He offered to buy you a drink and you refused, as was your right, then the other cadets approached, acted inappropriately, and tried to engage him in combat. He attempted to deflect but they persisted and attacked him unprovoked.”

She frowned. “Is that the story he told you?”

“No, Nyota.”

“I do not understand. Spock, maybe that’s what he told you but—”

“I learned that information from a meld. It is accurate.” Spock stared at her. “As for Cadet Kirk, I met him on Vulcan where he spent time with his aunt who was engaged to teach Non-Vulcan resident children. I am well acquainted with him and can vouch for his integrity.”

“I…didn’t know.”

“Acknowledged. Jim is living with me at my apartment.”

“I see.” She nodded. “Okay, Spock. I’m sorry. Looks like you know what you’re doing. I’m sorry I overstepped.”

“Apology accepted, Nyota. Now, I do have class. Lunch tomorrow?”

She smiled slightly. “Sure, see you then.”

Spock knew from experience that Jim was, perhaps, a bit of a flirt and playful, but not, as Nyota had surmised, a player.

Later, his classes at last ended for the day, for Spock had chosen a significant load, he made his way home to Jim.

And so we begin with Starfleet Academy. Will these same Academy Spirk boys dominate the month? We shall see. But here is our first flash of September.

Spock could hear buzzing in his ears, which admittedly was the droning voice of his friend, Nyota Uhura, speaking to him about how excited she was to attend her first day of classes the following day.

It was not his intention to be rude but as they sat at a table in the cafeteria at Starfleet Academy he had noticed the arrival of a tall, sandy-haired, blue-eyed cadet.

“Spock, did you hear what I said?”

“I apologize—”

Her eyes narrowed as she followed his gaze. “What’s your interest in Kirk?”

“You know him?”

Nyota shrugged. “I met him briefly in Riverside as we were shipping out from there. There was a bar fight.”

“Was he injured?”

“Just…I mean sure. It was like three guys to his one. Just a bunch of macho men. Why do you care?”

“I will explain later. Please excuse me.” Spock rose then and went after the cadet. “Jim!”

Jim Kirk turned at the call of his name and turned to face Spock. He smiled brightly. “Spock? Is that really you?”

Spock reached him and barely refrained from reaching out to touch him. “Yes. I had not anticipated seeing you here. I had thought on my first break from school I would seek you out.”

“Yeah, I got talked into enlisting.” Jim laughed. “I thought you were going to the Vulcan Science Academy.”

“It is a bit of a story, but I changed my mind.”

“That’s great luck for me.” His eyes were shining. “When I left Vulcan I didn’t think we’d see each other for maybe years.”

“Same. Although as I said when I decided to come to this Academy, I did anticipate visiting your city.”

Jim put his hand on Spock’s arm. “I can’t believe you’re here. I’m…” He wet his lips with his tongue. “I’m a little thrilled.”

“I cannot deny a feeling of pleasure myself. When do you being your courses?”

“Not until tomorrow. I was just trying to get a feel for the place.”

“Do you have a dorm?”

Jim shook his head. “I’m supposed to go later this afternoon to get an assignment.”

Spock hesitated for only a second. But then with a slight hitch of breath, he said, “I have an apartment across the street from the campus. It would be perfect for sharing.”

Jim’s eyes widened. “You mean it?”

“I do. We can go and inform campus housing that you will no longer need to be assigned a dorm.”

Jim nodded and just stared at Spock.

“Jim?”

“Sorry, I’m just…really glad to be here and really glad to see you.”

“I assure you, it is mutual.”

And then as turned to walk together, side by side, it seemed the most natural thing. Spock looked forward to informing his mother of his good news.