Two Kirks And A Vulcan

Chapter Fourteen

Just a quick note, I kept listening to the song So Contagious by Acceptance while writing this bit, so I included a link to the song. 

Alex was right, the ship was talking all about the first officer and Captain Kirk's sister. Spock ignored the comments and stares, but on the bridge, it was harder to ignore. Uhura nodded at him when he arrived at his station but kept to herself. The captain kept their conversations professional. Spock didn't call him Jim that day. He was relieved when he was able to take his lunch break. Normally he would have ate in the mess hall, but he needed some privacy. He went to his quarters. When the door opened, he saw Alex was already there. He forgot they had made plans. Alex saw that Spock's face looked worn.

"How are you handling it?" Alex asked as Spock sighed.

"You were right. People are talking."

"I'm sorry Spock. I should have been more careful," Alex said. Spock walked over to her and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Do not be. They would have found out eventually."

"It just feels weird. Like we're the animals at the zoo," she said.

"It will only be temporary I'm sure."

"I hope so Spock."

Spock returned to finish his shift. Nothing important happened and that was just fine with him. He returned to his quarters, and on his bed, he found a book with a handwritten note. Spock raised an eyebrow as he saw it.

Spock,

I'm sorry humans are pathetic and have to gossip about us. I thought this could take your mind off it.

Alex

Spock picked up the hardback book. He had a few in his collection that he took pride in owning. He had some left on Vulcan but traveled with a few of his favorites. He examined the cover as he read the title, "Romeo and Juliet". He of course had read this classic before for studies, but not for pleasure. He smiled as he read the name Shakespeare. Spock sat down on his bed and began reading.

Spock stayed up later than he should have reading late into the night, but he enjoyed the distraction from the crew and gossip. While on duty, he tried to think of a book he could give to Alex in return. He thought about asking the captain, but someone always seemed to need to ask him a question when Spock tried. Spock thus returned to his quarters to examine his bookshelf for possible options. Spock had a book in hand when he heard someone at his door. Slightly surprised, Spock went to answer it. He and Alex had not made plans, so he wasn't sure who would be knocking. The door opened and Bones was there. He also had a bottle of Romulan ale.

"Doctor?" Spock said as he raised an eyebrow.

"I thought you might need a non-gossiping crew member to talk to," Bones said as he raised the bottle. Bones saw the book.

"What were you reading?" Spock looked at the book.

"Romeo and Juliet, Alex lent it to me."

"Ah, how appropriate. Are you giving her a book back?"

"I have not decided what book in my collection she would enjoy better," Spock said as he let the doctor in.

"Well, if you need some options, I have some juicy ones at my place." Spock looked concerned.

"The term juicy puzzles me doctor."

"Um, there's an old Earth book series called Fifty Shades of Grey. I found out about it from some other crew members actually. Got me too curious when they started to talk about it in Sick Bay... it's a bit raunchy though."

"Dare I ask what it is about?"

"Uh, well it is a love story of sorts..." the doctor started to explain. Spock raised both eyebrows as the doctor explained the tale. It also apparently had sequels and movies made of it.

"I'm not quite sure I should give that to her..." Spock's voice trailed off.

"Oh, come on. If the crew is going to talk about you two, then at least make it worthwhile."

"Giving her a book about sex doesn't sound the right way to go." Bones choked on his drink.

"Isn't that the same thing as Romeo and Juliet?"

"Shakespeare is a classic. I do not see how this one is."

"Spock you need to get out more."

"I can't. We are in space doctor." McCoy rolled his eyes.

"I don't know how she puts up with you."

"She puts up with you every day."

"Well played Spock. Look, I'll bring some options for you tomorrow. Just in case you want to get juicy."

"I do not think I'd want the captain to find out I gave her that book," Spock said.

"He won't find out."

"He found out about us."

"Whatever Spock. I'll give you the damn book either way. Maybe you'll learn something."

"I highly doubt I will, but thank you doctor."

"Anytime Spock."

Spock sighed after the doctor left. He couldn't decide what to give Alex, so he picked up Romeo and Juliet, and finished it before he fell asleep.