smartass_captain | The Academy AU for sensors

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snw spock

The Academy AU for sensors

The night Sam Kirk walks into the Kirk family farmhouse his little brother throws a fucking beer bottle at his face. He misses. If he'd hit, the next several years might not have happened.

Jim is twenty years old and his life is a fucking mess.

He's no longer in the goddamn hospital every other month, but still in mandatory therapy until he ages out of the system on his 21st birthday. His therapist has worked with him since. Well. Since he got mandated one by the University of Iowa's children's hospital when they brought him home and nursed him back from the brink of being starved to death. Sam isn't here about Tarsus though. He's here because he heard little Jimmy just got out of a stint in county for petty theft.

Why's a guy stealing bread in this day and age? Jim doesn't give him a satisfactory answer. He can't. There isn't one. He'd been better until he'd left his personal device at home for a weekend boke trip. Without his meal schedule Jim can't function. But see, his body doesn't tell him when he's hungry anymore either, so Jim hadn't noticed until it was day three and he started hurting. All sense left him. Next thing he knows he's sitting in a jail cell being watched while he eats the food they gave him because anyone can see Jim Kirk is still too thin. Jim hates it. That look of fucking pity.

He was home and on his fourth beer of the evening when his fucking older brother strides in like he hasn't been gone for the last damn near decade of Jim's life.

"Sober up. I want you to come into town with me tomorrow and take a test." Sam had said. Jim thinks he told his brother to fuck off. He thinks he tried, but he might have stormed off so the other didn't see him break down into tears. He dodges Sam for three days before they bond over noon breakfast talking about when their mom finally found out about and ditched Frank. Sam asks where Winona sent him then, since neither of them believes for a second she stayed Earthside to raise him herself.

Jim lies.

But the lie works. And so he lets Sam drive them into town chattering the whole time about Starfleet. He wants Jim to take an aptitude test. If he passes, well. Dear ol' big brother's gonna whisk him away to San Francisco so they can enlist together. Sam got in, you see. Second attempt, so maybe Jimmy won't be going with him Right away.

"Jim." Jim corrects him. He's toying with the idea of maybe letting Sam talk him into this, but he's not forgetting the last damn near decade so easily. Not forgiving it yet, either. He tells himself he'll take the stupid test to shut his brother up. And hell, maybe he'll even beat his 'big bro' and pass on a first try. He aces it, hangover and all. Sam seems real keen on congratulating himself for giving Jim pointers the last couple days and Jim doesn't argue much.

A change of scenery seems like a decent idea.

All he wants to take fits into a single duffel bag he tosses into the back of Sam's beater of a truck and they make for San Francisco...

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At this rate Spock is going to realize that this slot of afternoon time must be one of the few open slots in Jim Kirk's schedule. He's consistently been in the dorm at this hour on this day several times now. However, this time Jim isn't catching a nap. Sleep is the absolute furthest thing from his mind.

He's folding little square candy wrappers into little geometric shapes for something to do with his fingers while he studies the partially finished kal-toh set he's sat down in front of. Uniform jacket hanging open. His bag cast carelessly over his bed. It's clear Jim had not bothered to do Anything after coming into the dorm but pull up a chair and get to work.

Well. Nearly anything. He's got a half empty water bottle next to him and the little bag of wrapped candies he's been working on slowly one at a time. It clacks against his teeth as he works it from one side of his mouth to the other while lost in thought. The wrapper gets crumpled. Jim reaches up and moves three of the rods. Taps the tip of his index finger on the desk several times. Moves one back.

Tap, tap. tap.

Two more get moved in place of the one he returned. He reaches over to twist off the cap of the water bottle and take a sip. Pockets the crumpled little wrapper. Reaches for another candy. This one he pops into his mouth, wrapper and all, and reaches out to turn the set around about thirty degrees to get a better look at it from another angle.

Tap, tap, tap, goes his finger against the desk. A speck of reflection on the surface and Jim turns around. Damn, was it that late already? He reaches up to wave at Spock, then belatedly reaches up to pluck a perfectly intact wrapper from between his lips and throws that one away before he goes to wipe his hands off fastidiously. Shit he must look like a mess right now. He hasn't been able to solve this one nearly as fast.

"Oh," Clack! Goes the candy against his teeth. Jim shifts it so he can talk more easily. "Hey, sorry. I didn't realize it had got so late. I can get out of the way. I was hoping I'd have this done before you got back." A self depreciating little chuckle.

Unfortunately for both of them, by the time Kirk turns to look at Spock, Spock is fully distracted. He has spent the moments before being noticed alternately watching Kirk's work on the set and his hands' movements, and for a moment his gaze remains squarely on Kirk's hands before he seems to snap out of it and realize he is being spoken to, blinking twice before dragging his gaze up to his fellow cadet's face with some difficulty.

"My course ended early for the day," he finally says, "and I found myself with more unused time than is usual. You are not in the way," as he speaks he stalks over to look over the kal-toh setup, eyes flicking to each positioning, before:

"Had you finished it prior to my normal time of arrival after starting it today, I would have suggested you join a team of tournament players." Simple, to the point. "Your current progress is remarkable. What time did you begin?"

He almost sounds eager when he says it, but he swallows and stifles it after.

"Well, I finished the first one in a little over three hours. I wasn't sure what to expect for this one." Jim offers a bit of a cocky grin Spock's way. One that gets a little bit wider. More eager. When he thinks he might have caught Spock (!!) of all people checking him out. Jim can't help but to notice that compliments from his room mate are pretty rare.

Yet he does seem to be getting more than most. His brother's full of shit; Jim's definitely got a shot with Spock, right? He's looking at the Vulcan with the same expression he'd been giving the kal-toh set a moment ago for a second, but then his grin flickers back to full intensity.

Okay, operation: hit on hot Roomie is a go.

"Oh, I didn't get to start quite as early this time. I desperately needed a coffee after class so Bones, me, and this girl in my compsci class went to scope out this cafe on the other side of campus. Decent. We should go sometime." You know. On a date or something.

"Anyway. I've been at this for a good twoooooo and a half hours?"

Three hours for Kirk's first foray into kal-toh resulting in a completed sphere. That is beyond remarkable, and perhaps that becomes obvious in the way his gaze shifts again to the set and back to Kirk, something not surprise but certainly interest in his eyes.

"I see." He also sees the way Kirk is looking at him, and it is pleasant to think that he is finally giving him something that actually challenges him intellectually. He is not, in fact, thinking about being flirted with, because he does not believe that Kirk would be interested in him in that way.

The invitation sparks a thought in him, but he must clarify— "I do not drink coffee. I do drink tea, and should the cafe also have that available I would find it enjoyable to go with you."

But surely Kirk just wants to do so as roommates, acquaintances, whatever term Vulcans use for the Terran definition of "friend" that is so unlike their own. However, that does not stop Spock from glancing at him out of the corners of his eyes as he continues to inspect the set.

"Two and a half hours to progress this far is less than anticipated." It is clear in the way Spock says it that it is a statement of fact, not a dig in any way: Spock had until now been unfamiliar with the speed Kirk is able to complete the puzzles.

"Well, it's a lot harder this time." Jim admits. Spock doesn't sound disappointed, but Jim squirms a little all the same. He should have gotten further. He wants to see more of those Looks when he manages to impress his shy room mate.

Jim's just got to keep trying.

Sam keeps telling Jim he's crazy. Jim tells Sam to fuck off. Bones tells Jim that if the man's interested at all he's a goddamn idiot. Him...well, Jim doesn't tell Bones to fuck off but he sticks up for Spock so much it's clear that whatever Spock thinks of his room mate, JIM thinks the world of Spock. It's a little weird to see the guy who spent his first month returning every flirt he got and dishing out just as many all but ignoring the world in favor of one nerdy, socially maladjusted Vulcan.

Maybe all Vulcans are socially maladjusted. Bones wouldn't know.

Jim's managed to coax Spock out of their room a few times now. Out to a tea shop he found because he wanted to impress the other. Out for food to a Chinese restaurant he found that had really good vegetarian options for a change of pace from their usual fare. And he's kept an eye out for Spock more when he's in the library now that he knows the other frequents there. He thinks he's making progress.

The day after he solves the fourth kal-toh configuration Spock made for him (a good week of work, this time, goddamn are they getting tough) Spock asks him to take the set with him while they head out across campus. It's the very first time Spock has asked Jim to go out anywhere with him, so he's pretty stoked. Trailing along after the Vulcan toting the game set with little hearts practically floating off his head with every other step.

It may be impossible to tell by an outside party, but each day that passes sees Spock more and more enamored with Jim Kirk, despite knowing the human simply sees him as a pleasant acquaintance. Dangerous perhaps to allow himself to get such attachment, but it is a wholly new experience to have someone's attention so fully and willingly trained on him in positive ways and he finds that he desires it to continue whether their level of closeness ever changes or not.

That said. Spock notes the timing of each solution Kirk comes to, the method he took, and the level of difficulty for practiced kal-toh players. He takes photographs of each starting point before letting Kirk touch them so that there is visual information on the settings used.

And finally: a single week to solve one of the most complex starting positions for the set.

That night, he finishes putting together his work and requests an audience with the academic board. Then it is simply a matter of getting the completed set and Kirk there with him.

It is easy, of course, as Kirk is more than willing to go with him. Spock finds that gratifying and tells him as much. Once they enter the meeting, Spock nods toward Kirk and then to the table behind which the board sits and then stands at a sharp, parade rest, head tipped slightly so that it looks as though he is looking down his nose at them.

"Upon my last formal request to remove the prerequisite courses from the requirements for both Cadet Kirk and myself, I was informed that should I procure enough evidence of achievement, it would be considered." A beat, as he lets it sink in.

"I have done precisely that. Cadet Kirk has achieved in a week using his free time what took the leading professional kal-toh player on Vulcan two weeks of solely focused work. He did so after only completing four configurations. I have played kal-toh since I was a child and have found his work beyond remarkable. As such, Cadet Kirk has shown more than sufficiently that he should be allowed to progress into courses that will suit his heightened academic requirements. I have forwarded my notes and evidence to your PADDs, please take a moment to read them. Should you have any questions upon completion, I will remain to answer them."

He likely should have warned Kirk this is what he was doing, but he was too single-minded to think of that. He does, however, wait as he said he would while they pick up their PADDs to read everything Spock has sent them. He stands next to Kirk as they do, expression impassive save the slightest tension at the corners of his eyes.

Of course, Jim's got no idea just what Spock's pulling. He's also got no idea just how difficult these kal-toh configurations are supposed to be. More than once Spock's asked him about his technique, but every time Jim just shakes his head. It's not about one single technique. If he saw the same configuration more than once he might try to improve by getting the set solved in as few moves as possible, but for these new ones? Adaptability is his friend more than any predetermined plan.

He has to take in the whole puzzle. He also employs something very few Vulcans do. Jim's not afraid to make mistakes. He has gotten very skilled in moving pieces back two, three, even four moves at a time until he can get back to a state where progress might be made again. This allows him to cut his time drastically by testing out a strategy while paying enough attention that he can backtrack and try again without just sitting and inspecting the set for hours at a time trying to find the one perfect move.

Jim seems startled to see Spock put in a proposal without telling him. Maybe since it hadn't gone anywhere he didn't find it worth talking about. But then he keeps going and...uh? Holy shit? Spock doesn't sound like he's fluffing Jim up. Did he make a lab report out of this?? He wants to ask questions but when the board looks at him and asks him if this is the case Jim just nods with as serious an expression as he can manage.

Whatever Spock is playing at, Jim's not about to ruin his chances by opening his mouth.

"You're looking to persuade us with a Game you've been playing in your free time...?" One of the professors starts, and this time Jim does step forward.
"My attendance and grades are perfect so i believe you'll find this hasn't been affecting my studies, sir."
"That isn't the point."

Jim can't quite hold in his scowl entirely. This is bullshit.

Spock, on the contrary, never loses his calm, almost placid expression in the face of the disrespect. He does, however, turn his head toward the offender and arch an eyebrow slightly. Jim, of anyone, will be able to note that every bit of softness in Spock's eyes, the tell other Vulcans always used as "proof" of his humanity, is absent. His gaze is as sharp as one would expect from a calculating, emotionless Vulcan.

"Commander, I believe you are under the impression that games are only for children. While children on Vulcan do begin learning to play at a young age, it is at the tutelage of a parent who is guiding their child toward the principles required to follow the path of logic dictated in the writings of Surak."

If the room feels a little colder, it may be the implication of you are insulting my species' religion coiled in the words Spock just spoke.

A single beat's pause before he continues. "However, perfecting the implementation of these principles is a life-long process and requires countless hours of meditation, training, and effort. Often, kal-toh is a part of this process, but it is often given up as too difficult by those less," he considers his words here, "inclined toward the course of learning."

Spock moves to the kal-toh set as he speaks, fingers working deftly and swiftly to return the set to a starting point: the one it was in when Kirk first solved it.

"I invite you, Commander, as it is a game and in your statement implied to be unworthy due to this, to approach and find a similar solution to the one Cadet Kirk employed in his first encounter with the concept."

Calm. Cold. Flat. The disgust is almost palpable in the air, but Spock has said nothing untoward nor has he made an expression to indicate such, so there is nothing to reprimand him for.

Even with the report Spock had delivered taking apart Kirk's solutions right in front of them, it does not actually serve as a guide to beating the game set up in front of the board now. One of the older board members reaches forward to move a couple of the pieces just to bring the whole room up to speed on just how limited the actual options are and why strategy is so key in playing the game.

Seemingly satisfied with his observations, he sets the pieces back where they had been and reclines back in his seat to let his colleague remove the boot from his mouth if he can.

After some very hurried sputtering and some hasty apologies given, the board agrees to allow Cadets Spock and Kirk to test up to a class level that would be more suitable for each of them. On the condition that they provide clear intentions of a specialization in written format by the week's end.

It's brilliant. Jim can't believe that worked. He's not sure yet what to do about that paper but he'll figure it out. He's side by side with Spock hiking back to their dormitory with a huge grin on his face.

"I can't believe you got away with roasting them like that. Amazing. you didn't tell me you were writing a paper based on our little competition. Hell."

Probably for the best. This way Jim didn't forego any more sleep or classes to try to push himself harder.

"Finally we'll have something to DO around here."

Spock, it is important to note, has a deep-seated sense of self-satisfaction as they leave to return to their dormitory. Kirk's countenance is overwhelming in a way that feels as though Spock cannot even look at it for fear of being blinded. He has thought this before, as illogical as it is, but it is especially true now.

Still, he is drawn to it. He tilts his head toward his fellow cadet as they walk, a bit of the softness at the corners of his eyes having returned.

"I was given the impression that many Terrans enjoy surprises if they are pleasant," Spock finally says, "and I also did not wish to cause undue distress over weeks of anticipation had my plan not worked. I was reasonably certain it would, however. It is gratifying to have completed the goal."

Spock knows what his paper is going to be about. He has known his intended specialization since he stepped foot on campus.

That said.

"It is also notable that for many, the fear of being seen as discriminatory is enough to alter the course of their internal narratives."

See: It was bait, and the commander took it.

When they reach their dormitory, Spock waits for Kirk to enter the room before following suit.

With the pleasant mood Kirk is in, Spock contemplates only briefly before deciding now is the time to note his temperature preferences. "If possible, I would prefer to adjust the temperature controls of our room several degrees higher. I am amenable to achieving what I believe is called a 'happy medium' as well. San Francisco has much lower temperatures than Vulcan. Especially so in winter. My body temperature is difficult to maintain in such weather."

Explains all the layers Spock is constantly in, at least.

"It was so hard not to just give that guy the biggest shit eating grin I had. I thought my face was going to cramp I was trying so hard not to alter my expression at all. You make it look easy but it really isn't."

With a murmured thanks for Spock getting the door, Jim hauls the kal-toh set back up onto its place on Spock's side of the room. Once he's arranged it just so, he turns back to the other. He's just about to suggest further plans when Spock speaks up. For a second Jim just stares but then immediately hurries over to the thermostat to crank the temperature up.

"Damn, Spock. You should have said something sooner! I had no idea. I left it where it was at when I got in, figuring you'd already set to to where you wanted it."

Though after a second or two he adds,

"It uh. It going to be a problem if I dress down more often when we're just lounging in here then? I don't mind but it'll be pretty warm for me otherwise." And that is the truth, but Jim would be lying if he didn't also want to see if Spock ever tried to catch peeks of him in states of undress now that he's actively trying to get the Vulcan to notice he's hitting on the guy.

"It is unlikely that doing so would have changed the outcome, but it is still preferable this way. I am pleased you managed it."

—And just like that, at the slightest indication that Spock is suffering discomfort, Kirk is setting the controls higher. Spock blinks twice before contemplating the question posed to him. How to word his response, at least.

"I fail to see why it would be a problem," he finally confesses, "especially as your discomfort would be caused upon my request. In fact, I
too rarely wear so many layers in my quarters when they are a reasonable temperature."

"Well, feel free to crank it up more if it's not warm enough there. I just sorta turned it up randomly." Jim gestures toward the wall with a wave of his hand. Whatever Spock needs he's content to live with. Especially since the man doesn't seem like he's going to mind if Jim strips down while doing it.

"But, say. While we let the room heat up a bit, do you wanna go grab a bite to eat and maybe celebrate?? I can take you to one of my favorite haunts if you like. We can make an evening out of it. Have fun. You definitely deserve a treat after the stunt you pulled."

Another brilliant grin. Come out on a date with him Spock???

"I will attempt to ascertain the optimal temperature relative to that of the outdoors and our classes." See: he will make adjustments as necessary. "It is appreciated."

And no, he is not going to mind if Jim (he flashfire notes it in his head that he thought of him as Jim and he purposely switches back to Kirk with a small measure of alarm for how he has gotten too comfortable) takes off more layers.

He is brought out of his thoughts by the offer: despite himself the tips of his ears tinge green and he wishes he could stamp it down but instead carries on as if it never happened.

"I did not perform the "stunt" desiring a "treat" for doing so," he begins, "as I did it to ensure we both receive the education best suited for us. You stated a desire to finish in three years, correct? It was a logical choice to ensure that unnecessary courses need not be taken." A beat passes, and then: "Nevertheless, I would enjoy sharing a meal with you."

Spock is lost in thought. Jim however? Is nearly vibrating with his excitement. Spock's right. They're going to get to test up into more advanced classes. It feels like their time at the Academy is officially starting, just a month or so later than everyone else is. He's pacing their dorm with his eagerness, and when Spock agrees to go out with him for a split second Jim thinks that he's never felt so goddamned thrilled in his life.

He spins around, huge grin on his face and holds up a hand.

"Hell yeah we are! Hi fives!" Even as the words are out of his mouth Jim realizes his mistake. He falters, then laughs at himself and shakes his head. "No, scratch that. Sorry. Got too excited." HIs hand comes down to tug at the wrist of Spock's sleeve instead. Something the other has done before to get his attention and Jim has paid attention to it.

"Come on. I found a Thai place I've been dying to show you. We'll see if it's up to your standards."

It's been a work in progress getting Spock to come out with him for non-curricular activities, but food seems to be a semi-acceptable reason for stepping out of their routine. Jim's hoping to work up to taking Spock to some of his favorite places. The bar he and Bones like that has the dom-jot table. Out dancing maybe. Jim's not huge on holofilms--take 'em or leave 'em, but there's plenty of museums a short ride away in San Francisco proper.

"What're you gonna go for? Science, I'm assuming??"

When Kirk holds up a hand and requests a 'high-five,' Spock's eyes widen. Just slightly. It is the first time Kirk has ever done such a thing since they met and it surprises him so much that he almost, reflexively, allows it in the face of just how excited his human roommate seems and how blinding his grin is.

However, Kirk course-corrects quickly and Spock appreciates it, inclining his head slightly so that the further softening of his expression is not noticed. He shifts closer easily at the tug, meanwhile. "Apology is unnecessary where offense has not been taken," he reminds, as he has before, a gentle prod of I am not upset with you that has become routine whenever apologized to unnecessarily.

He nods to the suggestion: he is not opposed, and they are often able to make their dishes truly vegetarian.

Spock catches Kirk's sleeve between two fingers himself, technically connecting them as would hand-holding for many other species. He is unsure if Kirk realizes it in itself is a measure of intimacy, but it does not matter. He gently tugs Kirk out the door as he continues their conversation.

"My desired track is science, yes." He does not say I desire to become Chief Science Officer of a ship even though he does because it sounds childish in his head to do so. "I am most interested in astrophysics and computer sciences currently, but will be endeavoring to broaden my knowledge base while progressing through the Academy."

Honestly, Jim's got no idea if this is supposed to be intimate or not. Way he figures, it may just be Spock trying to meet Jim halfway on the man being as tactile as he is. Spock's the only person Jim doesn't throw himself all over. Ironically, he's also the only person Jim would Like to be all upons. His eagerness to get Spock to realize Jim's flirting with him claws at him. With any luck he'll be pinning the goddamn Vulcan to his bed and kissing him senseless inside of a week.

Maybe to celebrate getting into their new classes? That'd be cute and romantic and not at all weird that he's planning shit like this, right?

Either way, Jim's content enough to walk sleeve in sleeve with Spock out across the campus.

"Oooh, yeah computer science is also something I'm interested in. Kinda...not sure where I want to put down though. Because I feel like I could do good in a computer lab, or in a jeffries tube doing some mechanical engineering. Then there's piloting..." Jim would be lying if he hadn't considered what it would be like to sit in the Captain's chair monitoring All of it, too. A ship of his own.

But every time he considers it, he thinks about the Kelvin and it tamps that desire down. He's not some starstruck kid chasing after his dad's legacy. But Sam knows what he wants to do. So does Spock. Jim's going to have to decide on Something if he wants to join Spock in those more advanced classes.

It would definitely be cute and romantic and not at all weird! However, they are both fucking stupid so put a pin in that for later.

Spock is back to an almost serene (insomuch as he is ever serene countenance as they walk and discuss their futures. Starfleet is the first place Spock has felt he could ever even try to belong, and Kirk is one of the reasons for it. He considers his fellow cadet's indecisiveness for a moment, rolling the thought over in his head.

"Command would suit you well," he finally says, decisive.

The thing about Spock communicating such is this: of course he knows about the Kelvin. He has looked up and read up on the entire thing, knew before even coming to Starfleet Academy at least some of it. But all this time, he has never treated Kirk as though he is attempting to chase a legacy he does not deserve. Even hearing that Kirk wanted to meet and surpass his father's tenure at the academy had not drawn such a conclusion from him. Spock is earnest to a fault, and this is his opinion based off what he has observed, not what anyone else has done or told him.

"People are drawn to your personality." A beat. "I would not be opposed to such a commanding officer."

High praise from Spock, who has held polite derision for many of their instructors up until this point.

Jim can't help but to roll his eyes at the first. It prickles against that refusal to go through life as simply 'George Kirk's son'. There's no reason why he Couldn't do command track, is the thing. Jim knows he's capable of the coursework.

But Spock keeps talking before Jim can open his stupid mouth. His steps falter a little. It becomes Spock leading them and Jim tagging along without paying attention to where he's walking. The words kinda ricochet around in his noggin for a bit. There's a flush of red on his face so Jim turns to look with sudden intense interest at the building they're walking past instead. Spock's serious about this. About him.

"...Yeah." He should be spouting glib commentary. Inane nonsense that doesn't mean anything. Casual cockiness at odds with how nervous he feels in truth. But he just repeats that in his head a few times instead. This can't be real.

"I'd be lying if I said I'd never thought about it." Jim finally settles on. He's not meeting Spock's gaze until he can be certain he's calmed down. "Have to imagine most cadets do at least once."

Spock almost startles, to see the flush on Kirk's face. Almost. He does not, however, and wisely does not call attention to it as Kirk had not called attention to his own earlier, had he noticed.

Illogically, it almost feels as though his heart skips a beat in his side. That he finds the human as charming as he does has been a consistent issue for Spock, and that is clearly not changing any time soon despite the unlikelihood of Kirk being interested in him. He repeats this to himself several times before he says anything else; by now it has reached the point it rests on Kirk to lead them to the restaurant they will eat at, so he allows him to do so.

He looks at Kirk out of the corner of his eyes, briefly unable to hide the fondness there should Kirk so much as turn his head to see it.

"I have not," he says simply, "I am uniquely unsuited." The way he says it does not indicate he thinks that he cannot. No. He simply has no desire to be whatsoever. The extent he wishes his level of leadership to be is simply over a group of scientists. That, he thinks, would be enough.

They argue about it a little on the way to the Thai place. Jim settles into his chair on one side of the small table having barely looked at their surroundings so drawn into the conversation is he.

And well.

Argue isn't the right word. Jim can't even begin to start before Spock is factually pointing out reasons Jim could perform well in Command. And the thing is? Of all the options Jim presented to himself, if he considers it without the baggage of his old man...Command's where he wants to be. Where he thinks he could do the best. Jim just hadn't wanted to admit that to himself. Spock makes it easier. Soon the idea isn't Spock taking science classes and Jim regulations. It's Jim on a ship, in that chair, with Spock serving as a Science officer. He knows without a doubt Spock could get himself to that spot.

Could Jim get himself into the Chair?

A challenge. Jim sets a confident smile on his face. He can't let Spock show him up, can he? He'll do it. Soon the conversation shifts to the papers they'll have to write. To hurrying to get back to their dorm so they can look at the potential classes they can slot into instead of the ones they wish to leave.

The heat of the room hits Jim in the chest when they walk in. He laughs a little in his startle, having forgotten that they cranked it up. He disappears for a quick shower before dropping himself at his desk in just his underwear while he begins searching up reference material on his PADD he wants to include in his paper.

"Hell, after having to explain myself to you all evening, the paper almost feels like it'll be easy." Jim says, one corner of his mouth curling up into a smirk. "I'm gonna knock this out before bed while it's all fresh in my brain."

He forgets in his focus to try to look any more enticing than he may already sitting at his desk and working. The paper first. The classes he ought to be in. A clear goal in mind even if it'll take come coming around on. And the reward in the back of his mind for getting through all of this? Seated on the other side of the room. He's gonna kiss the hell out of that Vulcan to celebrate, just see if he doesn't.

It feels... Right to be sitting across a table from Jim Kirk debating. Spock is gratified by the mutual conclusion at the end of their meal and tells Kirk such.

He feels more confident than he has in a long time, or ever, to know that he has helped influence Kirk to where he is both best suited and will be happiest. He is born to captain not because of his father but in spite of him on his own merits.

The room is much, much more comfortable when they return, and Spock cards his glance toward Kirk's shocked laugh, about to offer the 'happy medium' again as Kirk realizes just how warm it is going to be, but the upset never comes. He simply leaves to shower and returns in the state of dress he will be most comfortable in.

Undress.

In any case he studiously, as always, does not let his gaze linger (while Kirk is looking at him) and goes for his own shower. He is not quite so unclothed when he emerges, but he is in simply loose pants and light short-sleeved shirt, the most dressed down Kirk will have ever seen him.

He sits at his own desk to work, but as they do, the image of Kirk as he currently is while he discusses the paper with Spock sits with him and sits with him and sits with him. He keeps resolutely turned toward his screen so that Kirk cannot see the very slight flush that splashes across his cheeks.

It is good like this, however. Spock is happy. He believes Jim Kirk to be happy and engaged as well, which is satisfactory.

He will simply meditate tonight to situate his thoughts and pull them gently away from peeling the last piece of clothing from Kirk's body and pinning him to the mattress.

And he does! It does not help, but he does.

Their papers are turned in promptly; there will be a day to process them before announcing the verdict, but Spock is confident it will go in their favor.

This is what he is on a call with T'Pring about in that interim day, in their dormitory in his dressed-down state and allowing her to go over the list of courses Spock has picked from the options to take and offer her opinions as a second set of (Vulcan) eyes.

The call is nearing its conclusion, though, and T'Pring informs him, utterly deadpan, that her mother sends her regards.

"Your mother has made her dislike for me clear since before we bonded," he replies, an extremely dry statement of fact, "and as such her regards are her relief that I have left Vulcan. You may also give her the regard of my satisfaction from not being on the same planet as her. I trust you to relay the message as given."

And then, with a slight tilt of his head reserved for people Spock holds at least a measure of affection for, he adds, "I have found our conversation illuminating and engaging. Thank you, T'Pring. I will contact you again when our schedules allow."

And that is the end of the call; Spock hangs up and returns to his work.

Jim's gone bright and early the next morning to go and support his brother and Bones for their first hour flight sims. Neither one of them is either very good or enjoys the simulations so he's ready for it to be stressful. Just not quite as stressful as it ends up being. Even by the time he gets there Bones and Sam are working each other up into even more bad moods talking about all the dangers of spaceflight and (in Sam's case) bemoaning why they need to know how to do this at all if they're going to be in labs all damn day.

Working on research papers. Jim's offering of coffee only seems to make things more tense as the pair are now caffeinated and pissy, but at least Jim's got a cup to see him through. Bones has to get his legs to stop shaking after long enough to drag himself off to the clinic for a shift, so Jim hauls Sam out to a cafe to calm down once the whole ordeal is over.

He asks Sam to look over his paper thinking that, you know, flight stuff might not be Sam's forte but the man loves his papers. Jim and he have talked at length about the kind of stuff Sam is genuinely interested in and while Jim's never going to get the same kind of pleasure from it his older brother will he is genuinely glad to see the man finding his place. He wants to do the same, you know?

But when Sam looks it over, the expression he's giving Jim is incredulous more than appraising.

"You want to go into Command? Seriously??"

The words dig harder because Jim's surprised to hear them. He thought he'd done a pretty good job explaining his intended path through the Academy in his own words. But that's not what Sam's asking. And Jim squirms in his seat.

"Yeah. I think I'd be good at it."

"Like it's that easy."

"Wh-No, obviously not. This isn't a paper to say why I should have a ship now, Sam. It's about why I should be allowed to test into higher classes to prepare me to get there." Classes at a higher level than what Sam is taking. That would put Jim out of the Academy before he graduates. His baby brother who rolled up to his aptitude test hungover and still managed to ace everything. Because apparently Jim just doesn't have to try at anything.

Just shows up and has it handed to him on a silver platter.

"Spock and I were talking about it last night and he thinks--"

"You really think the Vulcan knows what it's like out there for us? What it'll mean for You to have to smile and nod for every goddamn admiral who wants to talk to you about Dad??"

"His name is Spock, first off, and Yes like I said, I was chatting him up about it."

"Course you were chatting him up. I'm telling you that's a waste of time."

They're still fussing on the way back to Jim's dorm. No longer arguing exactly. Sam's upset and Jim can't for the life of him figure out why.

"If you didn't want to look over my paper in the first place you should have just said so." Sam doesn't say anything at that and Jim makes a disgusted sound in the back of his throat before they walk the last floor in silence so Jim can go pick up the books he needs to return from his room and hit up the library. He's so distracted being annoyed at Sam that he doesn't think to announce himself when he opens the door to catch Spock dressed down in a way he only Ever is when he's comfortable talking with a hot Vulcan lady.

He's pretty sure he hears Sam choke behind him at the snippet of conversation they overhear.

If Sam's needling about Jim's plans hurt, Spock not telling him that he was fucking engaged takes all the fire out of him. He stares down at his bed for several seconds. How did everything get so fucked in less than a day? He scoops up the books he wants off his desk.

Shoves them into his pack.

"Going to be studying, don't wait up for supper." Jim calls out over his shoulder as casually as he can manage. He steps back out into the hallway and seals the door.

"You're trying to sleep with a guy who's engaged, huh?" Sam finally asks after they get back into the dormitory lobby. Jim glares at him but that one, he figures, he deserves.

"Nope." Jim replies with extra emphasis on the P. "News to me."

"Hey, better to find out before you waste time, right?" Sam tries to console even though he's kind of shit at it. Jim shrugs. Maybe it doesn't matter to his baby brother after all.

"Yeah, sure. I'm gonna head to the library." While the original intent was to find a few new books and come back, now? Jim thinks it's time to spend some time away from the dorms for a while. Go find a drink or seven.

Ah yes, he thinks to himself while he wanders campus. Nearly forgot what it was like for that other shoe to drop. Every goddamn time...

Spock should have heard them coming. He was too engaged in his conversation with T'Pring, however, and by the time he turns to greet Kirk (and note that the elder Kirk (derogatory) is present), he is already shoving books into his bag and leaving. There is something strained in him that is not normally present around Spock and Kirk does not even give him time to speak before he is gone.

Spock is, frankly, mystified. However, he attempts to attribute it to human fluctuations in mood and the fact that Kirk and his brother often seem to be at odds with one another.

Something about it is off, but he forces himself to not think about it as he continues his studying, eats alone (which he has not done in weeks now), and goes to bed.

He is in what amounts to fitful meditation when he receives a call; it being from Doctor McCoy and the time of night both make something clench tight in his side; the explanation does not help in the least, but Spock hurriedly dresses and heads out to meet both McCoy and Kirk to assist in getting everything sorted out, hopefully before any faculty notice.

It is chilly for anyone out, but extremely cold for a Vulcan—Spock forgot a jacket in his rush, but it does not matter. What matters to him is Kirk.

It's an odd scene, and not a good one.

Dr. McCoy appears to be stone cold sober trying with mixed success to drag Jim back to the dorms. And Jim? Is a fucking mess. It doesn't help that he absolutely does not want to be touched by McCoy and has ended up toppled over into the grass after his latest little fish flop got him out of the doctor's grip.

"Fer fuck's sake Jim, you need t'let me see you--"

"Fuck off!" Jim half slurs, half groans. The ground is spinning. "Didn' assssk you t'show up."

He reeks of cheap rum and of sweat and blood. His face is bruised. His knuckles bloody. Someone must have contacted Leonard and the doctor? Contacted Spock.

The Academy AU for sensors

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