(kirk sneaks a peek at his phone, figuring it's important for spock to message him knowing he's at a scheduled dinner, but he didn't expect to read a typo.
quickly excuses himself from the conversation to go to the washroom.)
[ And though this is a situation brought upon by his own mistake, and though it is humiliating, he doesn't apologize. Jim will know how this should be handled, as he is in full possession of his own faculties. ]
[ The messages coming through while he's attempting to type are overwhelming enough to slow him down, pausing to read each (even if only a repetition of his own name) with great care before remembering what else he was in the midst of trying to say.
The "how" is half-answered then when his captain continues onward, brow furrowed as he erases what he's typed and starts again. ]
The Emrald District night market. It is a bench. I do not wish to interrupt [ again ] but I cannot find my way.
[ Where he actually is is a shut down area of the large building hosting the market, away from the lights and commotion and drawn in on himself on a small bench near a set of restrooms that are closed for cleaning.
(emerald district. good. there are fewer physical dangers there than there would be in the ruby underground, but now, instead of his whereabouts, he's concerned for spock's mental wellbeing. whatever he's ingested must be taking a toll on his mind.)
Alright, Spock. I'm hailing a shuttle, so just stay there and I'll be with you in a few minutes. Understand?
Do not move from that spot.
(outside, ignoring anyone who may be at his back, he ducks into the automated vehicle and slams the door behind him.)
[ In person, he reads his captain's question and nods. While the pin has taken a while to drop on his other mistakes, for this one it fails to resonate for him altogether.
But now a new question as he braces his palm unsteadily against the bench, attempting to seem as unaffected and sober as possible. He is not sure whether or not he is succeeding. (He isn't.) ]
I seem to have eaten food tainted in a way that had ben unadvertised. I succeded still in getting groceries.
It is actually very interesting.
[ Ah. He reaches for the bag, drawing it closer to himself to ensure its safety. ]
Can't you make this thing go any faster? (kirk snipes at the artificial intelligence piloting the shuttle.
the response he receives is automated: "to learn more about your flight's rates and estimated times of arrival, please access the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS section on your air shuttle's dash-pad. if you need medical assistance or to report a disturbance to the diamond guard, press the BELL ICON now to be connected to a dispatcher. have a great SUNDAY!")
Interesting? How do you figure?
(a terse text back, already anticipating that spock will take his rhetoric seriously.)
5 minutes. Do you remember what it was that you ate?
[ Three questions. The word "captain" is muttered under his breath with a barely frustrated inflection, too faint for any distant passersby but still enough to force him to clear his own throat self-consciously.
Why, sir. ]
Six berries and one bread roll.
[ Of course he remembers. Which contained the sugar? Given his current condition, he suspects all of them. ]
It is interesting because I have not experiencde this in many years. I understand now the words of Faulkner. [ Pick any of his words. ]
kirk massages the bridge of his nose, trying to fight off a tension headache. "hi! my sensors are registering elevated stress levels from PASSENGER, LEFT BACKSEAT. if you are experiencing difficulty FASTENING YOUR SEATBELT, you will find a SEATBELT EXTENSION–")
Oh, shut up.
No matter how careful we are, accidents can always happen. We'll get you back to the house and you can tell me what you need.
(thankfully, they're landing. exiting the shuttle, kirk regrets not taking a job driving one, knowing he could've saved some poor civilians the negative experience. the night market's patrons spill out onto the sidewalk and he has to squint to spot a viable route through the crowd.)
I've arrived, Spock. You're indoors?
("bench" made him think he'd be waiting out front, but his gps is telling him otherwise. logically, kirk follows it.)
[ How is there a time when Faulkner is not appropriate. ]
That is very flattering, thank you Captain.
[ He has not been complimented.
Nevertheless he maintains enough faith in his words to send the carefully vetted message, double-checking for typos this time in order to maintain an illusion of sensibility. Not for his own pride, not when Kirk has seen him reduced to tears and manic with laughter, but to keep his captain from worrying. ]
I am by the toilets. You will pass mangos first. Proceed 9.64 meters north-northeast from the entrance.
(on checking the first message, he very nearly stops to take a minute to think. on checking the next, he remembers why he's here: spock is in a vulnerable state and trusts him to guide him home. only him, which is why he was the one who was asked for help. that is the very definition of "flattering," not whatever paltry excuse for comfort his last words were.
kirk knocks into a gentleman coming around the corner from the washrooms, getting an earful, but his vision centres on a lone figure in a distant corner.
spock, accompanied only by his groceries, in a foreign state of mind that makes something vital in his chest—deeper—restless. like it's been twisted in a fierce grip that takes the wind out of his lungs. their synchrony bond? not now; it couldn't be.)
[ His time on the bench is like an eternity of nausea and questioning, vision blurring against his will as he attempts to focus on his knees to keep himself steady. Occasionally his eyes return to his phone even as he attempts to avoid moving his head, no fresh messages taken as an encouraging sign. He's close – and sure enough he hears that familiar voice and looks up with a momentarily unguarded expression.
Eyes lighten as the corners of his lips begin to curve, bracing a hand against that bench in order to inch forward. It's enough, however, to disturb the bag at his side and upend it unceremoniously onto the floor, contents spilling everywhere. No matter when he can simply lean forward and begin slowly picking up each item – in his near vicinity – with exaggerated care. ]
Greetings, Captain. [ His voice is muffled when he's leaning over, fingers closing around a few cuts of meat wrapped in butcher's paper – with as many currents as they've attained recently he is able to pay more careful attention to Kirk's unique needs. ] My condition remains unchanged.
(it would be altogether too much for any unprepared man to handle. kirk spent the trip over threatening himself into being on his best behaviour. looks like the one spock's giving him, however, strain his resolve to respect the choice that was made. root vegetables making their great escape with a roll away from their feet don't help matters.
he's up, first focusing on the vulcan's pitch forward before sinking to a knee.) Watch that lean or you'll join us all on the floor. I'd rather you sit tight and hold that bag steady, please; I'll get the rest. (no response is given to the question posed, figuring it's unnecessary now with the distraction.
"full," however, would've been the word he used, having eaten more over dinner than he'd planned to.
kirk carefully saddles spock with a couple of sweet potatoes before chasing down beets now in desperate need of a thorough washing.) ... are you in any pain?
[ That "please" might as well be the post-script on a direct order for how it straightens his back, a highly military reflex that blessedly has him cease addressing the floor rather than his captain. The bag is opened wide to accommodate him as he waits patiently, breathing in deeply through his nose. ]
Yes, sir.
[ The bag is moved unnecessarily when Kirk returns with each vegetable, attempting to greet him with little sways forward that nevertheless don't slow their progress. Just make it into a bit more of a spectacle than it already was. ]
I am not, however, in pain. [ ... ] I am experiencing some discomfort in attempting to perform more complex calculations. [ What is a complex calculation to Spock, though... ]
(spock's behaviour is "adorable." yes, that's the best he could do.
he failed to think of a more poignant adjective to describe it after failing to convince himself he wasn't thinking anything inappropriate at all. biting the inside of his cheek to resist a smile was also a miserable flop.
why am i acting so stiff?)
Actually, I'm... relieved you contacted me. (dunking another grouping of vegetables into the bag before pushing off of a thigh to stand.) Do you want to know something? It was Mr. Yashiki's first experience with corn chowder. I couldn't believe it–and I didn't tell a single one of them it was vegan. They enjoyed it just as well as they would've if it'd had cream.
(excuse him, he's still astonished plant-based diets can taste good.)
All that to say that I'm well, Mr. Spock. Thank you for asking.
[ The buzzing in the back of his mind softens, turning from crisp cold white noise to a gentle brassy hum, like the wingbeats of a bumblebee on a sunny Earth day. He witnessed several during his time at the Academy, but they were never appreciated so well then as they are now, in memory.
He feels soothed. He doesn't have to wonder why. ]
That, Captain, is– [ His Vulcan mind hunts for an appropriate word as he eases himself to the farthest edge of the bench, preparing for his careful ascent to bipedal motion. ] –good.
It sounds as if you were pulled away from a very fascinating party. One in which corn chowder was the highlight of conversation.
[ ... ]
Do not tell them I said they were simple-minded. [ When did he say that, other than right now. More importantly, the implication here is that he wasn't serious in his review of the corn chowder's importance, and is therefore being heavily sarcastic. ]
(ducks his head the moment he begins to laugh as though hiding it will absolve him of the terrible crime he's committed against his friends. can he resist it when spock's only telling the truth as they both know it?)
I wouldn't dare repeat it, (kirk squeezes out, taking the bag of groceries from spock and reaching beneath his arm.) Though I hadn't realized gossip was a Vulcan discipline. I've been terribly lax in my studies. Now up you get– hang onto me–
(it's easy to manhandle him upright, but a far more precise task to get him steady enough to walk on his own. spock's tall, willowy in a way that kirk's considered elegant in the recent past, and it suits him to be all limbs. what they don't provide is stability where his current balance is concerned.)
[ Spock's response to Kirk's attempts to lift him, at first, is a heavy lean back onto the bench. No, this doesn't feel right... and the only way it will is if he reaches out for his captain's shoulder, squeezing just a bit too tightly as he relies on him to support his weight.
It's not unlike the first steps of a baby giraffe. ]
Very steady, Captain.
Gossip, as you would call it, is in fact a cornerstone of Vulcan society. It requires a subtle artistry. There was one master of this in my family, and it was not myself.
[ Alright, here we go, towards the door with another squeeze of that chilled hand. ]
(an eye shuts tight, his only brief, visible reaction to the vice on his shoulder. less painful than a nerve pinch, admittedly, which makes it easy to ignore. his training in the vulcan art sent him to the gymnasium mats more times than his poor derrière could tolerate.)
Spock, I mean this in the most respectful way, but are you referring to your own mother? (fondly remembers their very chaotic trip to babel and his private conversations with lady amanda.
but she wasn't all that subtle, apparently an integral part of this "cornerstone." kirk hikes the grocery bag higher up his hip and guides his first officer out into the night, sharply warding others out of their path with several variations of "excuse me.")
... on second thought, maybe not. I seem to recall Bones encountering very little resistance where talk of your childhood was concerned.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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quickly excuses himself from the conversation to go to the washroom.)
Go ahead, Spock. What is it?
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My functions are limited. I seem
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[ And though this is a situation brought upon by his own mistake, and though it is humiliating, he doesn't apologize. Jim will know how this should be handled, as he is in full possession of his own faculties. ]
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until:)
Spock.
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wait.
intoxicated? his first officer? his vulcan first officer?)
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No, belay that. I'm leaving now. Where are you?
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The "how" is half-answered then when his captain continues onward, brow furrowed as he erases what he's typed and starts again. ]
The Emrald District night market. It is a bench. I do not wish to interrupt [ again ] but I cannot find my way.
[ Where he actually is is a shut down area of the large building hosting the market, away from the lights and commotion and drawn in on himself on a small bench near a set of restrooms that are closed for cleaning.
Not his best moment. ]
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Alright, Spock. I'm hailing a shuttle, so just stay there and I'll be with you in a few minutes. Understand?
Do not move from that spot.
(outside, ignoring anyone who may be at his back, he ducks into the automated vehicle and slams the door behind him.)
Can you tell me what happened?
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But now a new question as he braces his palm unsteadily against the bench, attempting to seem as unaffected and sober as possible. He is not sure whether or not he is succeeding. (He isn't.) ]
I seem to have eaten food tainted in a way that had ben unadvertised. I succeded still in getting groceries.
It is actually very interesting.
[ Ah. He reaches for the bag, drawing it closer to himself to ensure its safety. ]
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the response he receives is automated: "to learn more about your flight's rates and estimated times of arrival, please access the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS section on your air shuttle's dash-pad. if you need medical assistance or to report a disturbance to the diamond guard, press the BELL ICON now to be connected to a dispatcher. have a great SUNDAY!")
Interesting? How do you figure?
(a terse text back, already anticipating that spock will take his rhetoric seriously.)
5 minutes. Do you remember what it was that you ate?
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Why, sir. ]
Six berries and one bread roll.
[ Of course he remembers. Which contained the sugar? Given his current condition, he suspects all of them. ]
It is interesting because I have not experiencde this in many years. I understand now the words of Faulkner. [ Pick any of his words. ]
Though the cost is high.
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kirk massages the bridge of his nose, trying to fight off a tension headache. "hi! my sensors are registering elevated stress levels from PASSENGER, LEFT BACKSEAT. if you are experiencing difficulty FASTENING YOUR SEATBELT, you will find a SEATBELT EXTENSION–")
Oh, shut up.
No matter how careful we are, accidents can always happen. We'll get you back to the house and you can tell me what you need.
(thankfully, they're landing. exiting the shuttle, kirk regrets not taking a job driving one, knowing he could've saved some poor civilians the negative experience. the night market's patrons spill out onto the sidewalk and he has to squint to spot a viable route through the crowd.)
I've arrived, Spock. You're indoors?
("bench" made him think he'd be waiting out front, but his gps is telling him otherwise. logically, kirk follows it.)
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That is very flattering, thank you Captain.
[ He has not been complimented.
Nevertheless he maintains enough faith in his words to send the carefully vetted message, double-checking for typos this time in order to maintain an illusion of sensibility. Not for his own pride, not when Kirk has seen him reduced to tears and manic with laughter, but to keep his captain from worrying. ]
I am by the toilets. You will pass mangos first. Proceed 9.64 meters north-northeast from the entrance.
1/2
kirk knocks into a gentleman coming around the corner from the washrooms, getting an earful, but his vision centres on a lone figure in a distant corner.
spock, accompanied only by his groceries, in a foreign state of mind that makes something vital in his chest—deeper—restless. like it's been twisted in a fierce grip that takes the wind out of his lungs. their synchrony bond? not now; it couldn't be.)
2/2
the first thing he does is touch his shoulder before sinking down onto the bench next to him.)
Are you alright?
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Eyes lighten as the corners of his lips begin to curve, bracing a hand against that bench in order to inch forward. It's enough, however, to disturb the bag at his side and upend it unceremoniously onto the floor, contents spilling everywhere. No matter when he can simply lean forward and begin slowly picking up each item – in his near vicinity – with exaggerated care. ]
Greetings, Captain. [ His voice is muffled when he's leaning over, fingers closing around a few cuts of meat wrapped in butcher's paper – with as many currents as they've attained recently he is able to pay more careful attention to Kirk's unique needs. ] My condition remains unchanged.
How are you?
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he's up, first focusing on the vulcan's pitch forward before sinking to a knee.) Watch that lean or you'll join us all on the floor. I'd rather you sit tight and hold that bag steady, please; I'll get the rest. (no response is given to the question posed, figuring it's unnecessary now with the distraction.
"full," however, would've been the word he used, having eaten more over dinner than he'd planned to.
kirk carefully saddles spock with a couple of sweet potatoes before chasing down beets now in desperate need of a thorough washing.) ... are you in any pain?
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Yes, sir.
[ The bag is moved unnecessarily when Kirk returns with each vegetable, attempting to greet him with little sways forward that nevertheless don't slow their progress. Just make it into a bit more of a spectacle than it already was. ]
I am not, however, in pain. [ ... ] I am experiencing some discomfort in attempting to perform more complex calculations. [ What is a complex calculation to Spock, though... ]
How are you? [ AGAIN. ]
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he failed to think of a more poignant adjective to describe it after failing to convince himself he wasn't thinking anything inappropriate at all. biting the inside of his cheek to resist a smile was also a miserable flop.
why am i acting so stiff?)
Actually, I'm... relieved you contacted me. (dunking another grouping of vegetables into the bag before pushing off of a thigh to stand.) Do you want to know something? It was Mr. Yashiki's first experience with corn chowder. I couldn't believe it–and I didn't tell a single one of them it was vegan. They enjoyed it just as well as they would've if it'd had cream.
(excuse him, he's still astonished plant-based diets can taste good.)
All that to say that I'm well, Mr. Spock. Thank you for asking.
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He feels soothed. He doesn't have to wonder why. ]
That, Captain, is– [ His Vulcan mind hunts for an appropriate word as he eases himself to the farthest edge of the bench, preparing for his careful ascent to bipedal motion. ] –good.
It sounds as if you were pulled away from a very fascinating party. One in which corn chowder was the highlight of conversation.
[ ... ]
Do not tell them I said they were simple-minded. [ When did he say that, other than right now. More importantly, the implication here is that he wasn't serious in his review of the corn chowder's importance, and is therefore being heavily sarcastic. ]
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(ducks his head the moment he begins to laugh as though hiding it will absolve him of the terrible crime he's committed against his friends. can he resist it when spock's only telling the truth as they both know it?)
I wouldn't dare repeat it, (kirk squeezes out, taking the bag of groceries from spock and reaching beneath his arm.) Though I hadn't realized gossip was a Vulcan discipline. I've been terribly lax in my studies. Now up you get– hang onto me–
(it's easy to manhandle him upright, but a far more precise task to get him steady enough to walk on his own. spock's tall, willowy in a way that kirk's considered elegant in the recent past, and it suits him to be all limbs. what they don't provide is stability where his current balance is concerned.)
Steady... alright?
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It's not unlike the first steps of a baby giraffe. ]
Very steady, Captain.
Gossip, as you would call it, is in fact a cornerstone of Vulcan society. It requires a subtle artistry. There was one master of this in my family, and it was not myself.
[ Alright, here we go, towards the door with another squeeze of that chilled hand. ]
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Spock, I mean this in the most respectful way, but are you referring to your own mother? (fondly remembers their very chaotic trip to babel and his private conversations with lady amanda.
but she wasn't all that subtle, apparently an integral part of this "cornerstone." kirk hikes the grocery bag higher up his hip and guides his first officer out into the night, sharply warding others out of their path with several variations of "excuse me.")
... on second thought, maybe not. I seem to recall Bones encountering very little resistance where talk of your childhood was concerned.
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