Thursday's Child - FIC POST
Title: Thursday's Child
Author: asmallcrime
Fandom: Star Trek: AOS
Pairings: Technically none, but could be K/S pre-slash
Rating: PG
Word Count: Approx. 2,500
Warnings: De-aged!fic, kid!fic, slight angst
Author's Note: Title taken from the popular nursery rhyme Monday's Child. I thought the title portion of the rhyme was strangely appropriate for the character of Jim. Also, credit for most of the chess info goes to Wikipedia. So please go easy on me if anything's incorrect, okay? =D
Disclaimer: I do not own the Star Trek franchise nor any of its characters. I am making no profit off of this story. This is purely a work of fiction. Oh, and fan-girl love! <3
Summary:Thursday's child has far to go...but thankfully Jim doesn't have to get there alone. He will always have Spock by his side, even if it's just for something as simple as a game of chess.
“Spooooock! Play with me,” whined the small boy, for the fifth time in the last 9.7 minutes.
And if Spock were not a Vulcan, and therefore incapable of experiencing such an unreasonable emotion, he might have seriously suspected that the tension filling his frame and the slight crease in his forehead signaled growing irritation.
Since he was not human - or, in truth, merely half - Spock was certain that it must therefore be the recent chaotic turn of events and the added stress of caring for a newly 6-year-old Jim Kirk that was causing him to imagine such a state was even a remote possibility. Indeed, no other solution could possibly be valid.
As it appeared that he had no choice, Spock set aside his PADD, where he had been running various program diagnostics as part of an ongoing research project he and his fellow science officers were currently undertaking, in order to give his full attention to the tousle-headed child standing in front of Spock’s desk and tapping one bare foot impatiently.
Raising one brow in curiosity, Spock questioned, “Jim, did you not inform me during the course of your last interruption that you were, in fact, quite content to peruse an illustrated children’s book written by someone named ‘Dr. Seuss’? And did you not also perform a most peculiar action you referred to as a ‘pinky promise’ and give your word that you would allow me to finish my work in peace?”
Jim pouted. Indeed, there was simply no other way to describe the sudden downturn of the child’s lips. However, Spock did not find the action entirely surprising, since it was one he had seen the adult Jim also make on more than one occasion. Particularly when Spock pointed out an obvious flaw in one of his Captain’s arguments or when Spock described Jim’s away mission policy as ‘needlessly risky and in violation of at least three separate Starfleet regulations’.
Shuffling his feet, Jim refused to meet Spock’s eyes when he replied, “Well, yeah. I guess so. But I read it already and now I’m bored again!” As he finished speaking, Jim peered at Spock beneath his lashes, gazing imploringly at his temporary Vulcan caretaker.
Letting out what he would never admit was a sigh, Spock debated on how best to handle the situation. It was true that the diagnostics were important, but the First Officer also knew that Jim had need of him, perhaps even more now, during his brief stint as a child, than he ever had as an adult Captain.
Now sure of where his duty lie, Spock conceded, “Very well, Jim. Of what activity did you wish us to partake together?”
Jim bit his lip, bright blue eyes taking on a contemplative expression as the boy puzzled over just what to suggest. Then, his face exploded in a grin while exuding an all-too-familiar air of mischief.
Bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet, Jim exclaimed, “I wanna play chess, Spock! You said earlier that you and my old self play all the time, so I wanna play, too!” That said, Jim ran excitedly over to the small table bearing the aforementioned chess set, which was accompanied by a pair of comfortable chairs situated at each end.
The corners of his lips lifting minutely, Spock nodded his head and gracefully acceded to the child’s request. A chess game would be most welcome, Spock concluded.
Making his way leisurely across the room, Spock watched the small boy impatiently struggle with one of the chairs, before successfully pulling it out far enough for him to clamber up into the seat. Spock himself had no such trouble, and quietly proceeded to take his own place facing Jim.
As Spock verified that all of the necessary pieces were accounted for and in their proper positions on the 3-D chess board, the First Officer turned his attention to Jim once again, surprised that he had stayed quiet for so long when he had seemed so animated mere moments before.
But Jim was currently kicking his feet back and forth and scowling down at the chess pieces. Spock thought the boy almost looked as if they had somehow betrayed him, although how inanimate objects could be capable of such a feat eluded Spock.
“Jim,” Spock called gently, “is there something wrong? You appear disturbed.”
Jumping lightly in apparent startlement, Jim opened up his mouth before shutting it just as quickly. Licking his lips in a nervous gesture, Jim plucked at the hem of his blue sleepwear top before responding hesitantly, “I…I wanna play, Spock. But, I…”
Jim’s voice trailed off, and the small boy’s cheeks began to take on a pronounced reddish hue as he blushed.
Beginning to suspect that he might know exactly what the problem was, Spock decided to take pity on the boy, “Perhaps it might be best to go over the rules and various methods of play before we begin an actual game. I believe this would be highly beneficial, and I assure you, it would be no bother.”
Glancing up quickly, Jim’s lips once again started to twitch upwards, and it wasn’t long before the boy appeared to have forgotten his initial embarrassment, though a touch of red still lingered on his face.
Smiling in a way that made his eyes almost seem to glow, Jim peered at Spock delightedly, and replied, “Whatever you say, Spock. This is gonna be so much fun! I can already tell!”
Gifting the boy with his own version of a smile, Spock was startled to feel a small pang of…something…near the vicinity of his heart. Disturbed, the First Officer focused a portion of his mental faculties in an effort to determine what the sudden problem could possibly be and if it were potentially serious. But the only thing Spock could determine was that the sensation had something to do with seeing the young Jim look at him in a way that was so strongly reminiscent of his normal self. Though why this should disturb Spock so thoroughly remained a mystery.
Quickly returning his thoughts back to Jim and their upcoming game, lest the boy notice his distraction and become worried or curious, Spock said carefully, “Indeed. As you seem very eager to begin, let us commence with some basic instruction. Chess is, at its most fundamental level, a game of high logic. Each player starts a game in possession of 16 chess pieces, with one of the ultimate goals of the game being to capture as many of your opponents pieces as you can. Inevitably, you wish to remove any and all of means of defense available to your opponent, while utilizing various playing strategies along the way. The winner of the game is the individual who successfully manages to checkmate their opponent’s king - which would be this piece located here.”
Holding up the game piece for Jim’s inquisitive inspection, Spock then went on to answer the boy’s many questions. Spock allowed Jim to study the playing boards intently as he demonstrated assorted rules and stratagems necessary to the fundamentals of the game. After an estimated 1.25 hours had passed, Spock judged the child to be knowledgeable enough to attempt a teaching game.
Overall, Spock had to admit that he was reluctantly impressed by how fast Jim absorbed the new information, although he knew that he should not be so surprised. After all, the adult James Kirk was well-known for both his genius and his eidetic memory.
Grinning, Jim shifted exuberantly in his chair and cried, “Let’s play, Spock! Or are you scared I’m gonna beatcha?” Jim clearly tried to wink playfully, but Spock was amused to note that instead the child only looked as if there was something caught in his eye.
Tilting his head to the side and watching Jim closely, Spock stated, “I believe you are mistaken, Jim. After all, Vulcans do not feel emotion - particularly such an irrational emotion as fear.”
Spock then gestured for Jim, who had command of the white side of the board, to make his first move. Jim did, his tongue clenched firmly between his teeth as the boy concentrated on moving one of his pawns to a nearby light square.
For a while, there was only silence as they both turned their attention to the game. Jim played in a rudimentary echo of his typical forthright and reckless style. Spock was especially pleased to note that Jim had heeded his advice and did his best to maintain a strong pawn structure. While it was true that this version of Jim was nowhere near as much of a threat as his normal self would be, Spock could still see the makings of the Grandmaster he would become.
It was all terribly fascinating. And Spock, distantly amazed, had to acknowledge that he seemed to enjoy playing chess with this younger Jim almost as much as he did the elder.
Spock first became alerted to the fact that something might be amiss when Jim had failed to make a move in 15.4 minutes. Both the boy - and the Captain - Spock knew were typically quick and decisive in their moves and rarely took more than five minutes to reach a decision. Such behavior as Jim was now displaying would have to be considered unusual, under the circumstances.
Flicking his eyes away from the board and up to Jim’s face, Spock was concerned to note that the child was gripping one of Spock’s captured pieces tightly and a noticeable fine trembling was running through his small body.
“Jim,” Spock called urgently, needing assurance that the child was not harmed in some indiscernible way, “what is the matter? Are you unwell? We can stop the game if you -”
“NO!”
Jim stared imploringly at Spock, before repeating in a much softer tone, “No, Spock. I don’t wanna quit playing. It’s just…when you said Vulcans don’t feel emotions, I got to thinkin’ ‘bout how I feel lots of things and I thought maybe you wouldn’t like me no more if you knew.”
The boy looked down at his hands shamefacedly, as if too frightened to want to see Spock’s reaction to his pronouncement.
Inundated by a peculiar sensation of growing warmth, Spock could only stare fixedly for a moment, before opening his mouth to speak in what he hoped was a reassuring tone, “Do not trouble yourself unnecessarily, Jim. I am fully aware of the fact that, as a human, you remain open to experiencing a broad range of individual emotions. I would never judge you for this. You may rest assured that I still…like you.”
Spock resisted the urge to shift uncomfortably upon making such a bold declaration. Although it would perhaps be accurate to categorize his relationship with his Captain as one of mutual respect and friendship, they had never spoken of such things aloud. Doing so now, and with this child version of Jim, left Spock distinctly ill at ease.
But if it gave the child some form of security, Spock judged such an action on his part to be entirely worth it.
Jim looked deep into Spock’s eyes, staring as if the boy thought he was the one with telepathic abilities, rather than the First Officer. Although, perhaps Jim had gleaned something from Spock after all, as the tension wracking that small frame gradually began to dissipate.
“So you’ll still like me if I tell ya I’m scared? And that I don’t wanna get back on the Transporter in a couple of days, so you can all try and make me a grown up again,” Jim questioned with just the slightest trace of nervousness in his voice.
Allowing a hint of affection to slip past his controls, Spock answered, “That is correct, Jim. Your fear does not disturb me. And though I find your concerns regarding the Transporter to be understandable, you are also well aware that it is simply too dangerous for you to stay in your current state indefinitely.”
Releasing a loud sigh, Jim shook his head, “Yeah. I know. But I’m glad that you still like me, Spock.” Jim gave a watery smile, still visibly upset but clearly not as much as he had been previously.
After that, they both went on to finish their game in companionable silence. Their play continued on for another 1.12 hours, with Spock using his moves to not only advance his position on the board but also as a teaching aid for Jim.
When all the possible moves had been made, Spock emerged victorious after capturing Jim’s white king. It was, of course, the expected outcome, and yet Jim did not appear unduly upset at his loss - something Spock might previously had anticipated. Instead, the boy simply sat calmly in his seat, observing the First Officer as he began placing the pieces in their correct resting positions.
Once Spock was finished with his task, he looked up once more to find that Jim was now smiling at him and radiating a feeling of supreme contentment.
Confused regarding Jim’s apparent swift change in mood, Spock was about to begin questioning the boy on his odd behavior when Jim slid out of his seat and walked around the table to come to a stop alongside Spock.
Seeing Spock’s puzzlement, Jim’s grin widened and his eyes began to sparkle with some hidden delight. Then in a teasing tone, the boy inquired, “Can I tell you a secret, Spock?”
Unable to stop a slight frown from appearing on his face, Spock said dubiously, “I…I believe that would be acceptable, Jim.”
Moving still closer, Jim snorted lightly before replying, “Spoooock! You gotta let me whisper it to you. I can’t say it out loud or it wouldn’t be a secret.”
Pondering the possible reasons behind such a strange practice, Spock nevertheless obeyed. Tilting his head down to the child’s level, Spock waited patiently to hear what monumental thing Jim had to tell him.
The boy moved his mouth into place next to Spock’s ear, and the First Officer felt the warm gust of the Jim’s breath hitting his skin before the child finally spoke.
With one hand cupped along the side of his mouth, as if the boy truly did think someone might overhear him otherwise, Jim said in a hushed whisper, “I like you, too, Spock. And I think your ears are really cute!”
Then, pulling away quickly, Jim released a light giggle as he ran over to the other side of the room and jumped onto his makeshift bed, pulling the covers up and over him before Spock could do more than blink.
Bemused, Spock tried very hard to convince himself that the sudden heat he felt rushing to his cheeks couldn’t possibly be a blush.
After all, that would be illogical.
Author: asmallcrime
Fandom: Star Trek: AOS
Pairings: Technically none, but could be K/S pre-slash
Rating: PG
Word Count: Approx. 2,500
Warnings: De-aged!fic, kid!fic, slight angst
Author's Note: Title taken from the popular nursery rhyme Monday's Child. I thought the title portion of the rhyme was strangely appropriate for the character of Jim. Also, credit for most of the chess info goes to Wikipedia. So please go easy on me if anything's incorrect, okay? =D
Disclaimer: I do not own the Star Trek franchise nor any of its characters. I am making no profit off of this story. This is purely a work of fiction. Oh, and fan-girl love! <3
Summary:Thursday's child has far to go...but thankfully Jim doesn't have to get there alone. He will always have Spock by his side, even if it's just for something as simple as a game of chess.
“Spooooock! Play with me,” whined the small boy, for the fifth time in the last 9.7 minutes.
And if Spock were not a Vulcan, and therefore incapable of experiencing such an unreasonable emotion, he might have seriously suspected that the tension filling his frame and the slight crease in his forehead signaled growing irritation.
Since he was not human - or, in truth, merely half - Spock was certain that it must therefore be the recent chaotic turn of events and the added stress of caring for a newly 6-year-old Jim Kirk that was causing him to imagine such a state was even a remote possibility. Indeed, no other solution could possibly be valid.
As it appeared that he had no choice, Spock set aside his PADD, where he had been running various program diagnostics as part of an ongoing research project he and his fellow science officers were currently undertaking, in order to give his full attention to the tousle-headed child standing in front of Spock’s desk and tapping one bare foot impatiently.
Raising one brow in curiosity, Spock questioned, “Jim, did you not inform me during the course of your last interruption that you were, in fact, quite content to peruse an illustrated children’s book written by someone named ‘Dr. Seuss’? And did you not also perform a most peculiar action you referred to as a ‘pinky promise’ and give your word that you would allow me to finish my work in peace?”
Jim pouted. Indeed, there was simply no other way to describe the sudden downturn of the child’s lips. However, Spock did not find the action entirely surprising, since it was one he had seen the adult Jim also make on more than one occasion. Particularly when Spock pointed out an obvious flaw in one of his Captain’s arguments or when Spock described Jim’s away mission policy as ‘needlessly risky and in violation of at least three separate Starfleet regulations’.
Shuffling his feet, Jim refused to meet Spock’s eyes when he replied, “Well, yeah. I guess so. But I read it already and now I’m bored again!” As he finished speaking, Jim peered at Spock beneath his lashes, gazing imploringly at his temporary Vulcan caretaker.
Letting out what he would never admit was a sigh, Spock debated on how best to handle the situation. It was true that the diagnostics were important, but the First Officer also knew that Jim had need of him, perhaps even more now, during his brief stint as a child, than he ever had as an adult Captain.
Now sure of where his duty lie, Spock conceded, “Very well, Jim. Of what activity did you wish us to partake together?”
Jim bit his lip, bright blue eyes taking on a contemplative expression as the boy puzzled over just what to suggest. Then, his face exploded in a grin while exuding an all-too-familiar air of mischief.
Bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet, Jim exclaimed, “I wanna play chess, Spock! You said earlier that you and my old self play all the time, so I wanna play, too!” That said, Jim ran excitedly over to the small table bearing the aforementioned chess set, which was accompanied by a pair of comfortable chairs situated at each end.
The corners of his lips lifting minutely, Spock nodded his head and gracefully acceded to the child’s request. A chess game would be most welcome, Spock concluded.
Making his way leisurely across the room, Spock watched the small boy impatiently struggle with one of the chairs, before successfully pulling it out far enough for him to clamber up into the seat. Spock himself had no such trouble, and quietly proceeded to take his own place facing Jim.
As Spock verified that all of the necessary pieces were accounted for and in their proper positions on the 3-D chess board, the First Officer turned his attention to Jim once again, surprised that he had stayed quiet for so long when he had seemed so animated mere moments before.
But Jim was currently kicking his feet back and forth and scowling down at the chess pieces. Spock thought the boy almost looked as if they had somehow betrayed him, although how inanimate objects could be capable of such a feat eluded Spock.
“Jim,” Spock called gently, “is there something wrong? You appear disturbed.”
Jumping lightly in apparent startlement, Jim opened up his mouth before shutting it just as quickly. Licking his lips in a nervous gesture, Jim plucked at the hem of his blue sleepwear top before responding hesitantly, “I…I wanna play, Spock. But, I…”
Jim’s voice trailed off, and the small boy’s cheeks began to take on a pronounced reddish hue as he blushed.
Beginning to suspect that he might know exactly what the problem was, Spock decided to take pity on the boy, “Perhaps it might be best to go over the rules and various methods of play before we begin an actual game. I believe this would be highly beneficial, and I assure you, it would be no bother.”
Glancing up quickly, Jim’s lips once again started to twitch upwards, and it wasn’t long before the boy appeared to have forgotten his initial embarrassment, though a touch of red still lingered on his face.
Smiling in a way that made his eyes almost seem to glow, Jim peered at Spock delightedly, and replied, “Whatever you say, Spock. This is gonna be so much fun! I can already tell!”
Gifting the boy with his own version of a smile, Spock was startled to feel a small pang of…something…near the vicinity of his heart. Disturbed, the First Officer focused a portion of his mental faculties in an effort to determine what the sudden problem could possibly be and if it were potentially serious. But the only thing Spock could determine was that the sensation had something to do with seeing the young Jim look at him in a way that was so strongly reminiscent of his normal self. Though why this should disturb Spock so thoroughly remained a mystery.
Quickly returning his thoughts back to Jim and their upcoming game, lest the boy notice his distraction and become worried or curious, Spock said carefully, “Indeed. As you seem very eager to begin, let us commence with some basic instruction. Chess is, at its most fundamental level, a game of high logic. Each player starts a game in possession of 16 chess pieces, with one of the ultimate goals of the game being to capture as many of your opponents pieces as you can. Inevitably, you wish to remove any and all of means of defense available to your opponent, while utilizing various playing strategies along the way. The winner of the game is the individual who successfully manages to checkmate their opponent’s king - which would be this piece located here.”
Holding up the game piece for Jim’s inquisitive inspection, Spock then went on to answer the boy’s many questions. Spock allowed Jim to study the playing boards intently as he demonstrated assorted rules and stratagems necessary to the fundamentals of the game. After an estimated 1.25 hours had passed, Spock judged the child to be knowledgeable enough to attempt a teaching game.
Overall, Spock had to admit that he was reluctantly impressed by how fast Jim absorbed the new information, although he knew that he should not be so surprised. After all, the adult James Kirk was well-known for both his genius and his eidetic memory.
Grinning, Jim shifted exuberantly in his chair and cried, “Let’s play, Spock! Or are you scared I’m gonna beatcha?” Jim clearly tried to wink playfully, but Spock was amused to note that instead the child only looked as if there was something caught in his eye.
Tilting his head to the side and watching Jim closely, Spock stated, “I believe you are mistaken, Jim. After all, Vulcans do not feel emotion - particularly such an irrational emotion as fear.”
Spock then gestured for Jim, who had command of the white side of the board, to make his first move. Jim did, his tongue clenched firmly between his teeth as the boy concentrated on moving one of his pawns to a nearby light square.
For a while, there was only silence as they both turned their attention to the game. Jim played in a rudimentary echo of his typical forthright and reckless style. Spock was especially pleased to note that Jim had heeded his advice and did his best to maintain a strong pawn structure. While it was true that this version of Jim was nowhere near as much of a threat as his normal self would be, Spock could still see the makings of the Grandmaster he would become.
It was all terribly fascinating. And Spock, distantly amazed, had to acknowledge that he seemed to enjoy playing chess with this younger Jim almost as much as he did the elder.
Spock first became alerted to the fact that something might be amiss when Jim had failed to make a move in 15.4 minutes. Both the boy - and the Captain - Spock knew were typically quick and decisive in their moves and rarely took more than five minutes to reach a decision. Such behavior as Jim was now displaying would have to be considered unusual, under the circumstances.
Flicking his eyes away from the board and up to Jim’s face, Spock was concerned to note that the child was gripping one of Spock’s captured pieces tightly and a noticeable fine trembling was running through his small body.
“Jim,” Spock called urgently, needing assurance that the child was not harmed in some indiscernible way, “what is the matter? Are you unwell? We can stop the game if you -”
“NO!”
Jim stared imploringly at Spock, before repeating in a much softer tone, “No, Spock. I don’t wanna quit playing. It’s just…when you said Vulcans don’t feel emotions, I got to thinkin’ ‘bout how I feel lots of things and I thought maybe you wouldn’t like me no more if you knew.”
The boy looked down at his hands shamefacedly, as if too frightened to want to see Spock’s reaction to his pronouncement.
Inundated by a peculiar sensation of growing warmth, Spock could only stare fixedly for a moment, before opening his mouth to speak in what he hoped was a reassuring tone, “Do not trouble yourself unnecessarily, Jim. I am fully aware of the fact that, as a human, you remain open to experiencing a broad range of individual emotions. I would never judge you for this. You may rest assured that I still…like you.”
Spock resisted the urge to shift uncomfortably upon making such a bold declaration. Although it would perhaps be accurate to categorize his relationship with his Captain as one of mutual respect and friendship, they had never spoken of such things aloud. Doing so now, and with this child version of Jim, left Spock distinctly ill at ease.
But if it gave the child some form of security, Spock judged such an action on his part to be entirely worth it.
Jim looked deep into Spock’s eyes, staring as if the boy thought he was the one with telepathic abilities, rather than the First Officer. Although, perhaps Jim had gleaned something from Spock after all, as the tension wracking that small frame gradually began to dissipate.
“So you’ll still like me if I tell ya I’m scared? And that I don’t wanna get back on the Transporter in a couple of days, so you can all try and make me a grown up again,” Jim questioned with just the slightest trace of nervousness in his voice.
Allowing a hint of affection to slip past his controls, Spock answered, “That is correct, Jim. Your fear does not disturb me. And though I find your concerns regarding the Transporter to be understandable, you are also well aware that it is simply too dangerous for you to stay in your current state indefinitely.”
Releasing a loud sigh, Jim shook his head, “Yeah. I know. But I’m glad that you still like me, Spock.” Jim gave a watery smile, still visibly upset but clearly not as much as he had been previously.
After that, they both went on to finish their game in companionable silence. Their play continued on for another 1.12 hours, with Spock using his moves to not only advance his position on the board but also as a teaching aid for Jim.
When all the possible moves had been made, Spock emerged victorious after capturing Jim’s white king. It was, of course, the expected outcome, and yet Jim did not appear unduly upset at his loss - something Spock might previously had anticipated. Instead, the boy simply sat calmly in his seat, observing the First Officer as he began placing the pieces in their correct resting positions.
Once Spock was finished with his task, he looked up once more to find that Jim was now smiling at him and radiating a feeling of supreme contentment.
Confused regarding Jim’s apparent swift change in mood, Spock was about to begin questioning the boy on his odd behavior when Jim slid out of his seat and walked around the table to come to a stop alongside Spock.
Seeing Spock’s puzzlement, Jim’s grin widened and his eyes began to sparkle with some hidden delight. Then in a teasing tone, the boy inquired, “Can I tell you a secret, Spock?”
Unable to stop a slight frown from appearing on his face, Spock said dubiously, “I…I believe that would be acceptable, Jim.”
Moving still closer, Jim snorted lightly before replying, “Spoooock! You gotta let me whisper it to you. I can’t say it out loud or it wouldn’t be a secret.”
Pondering the possible reasons behind such a strange practice, Spock nevertheless obeyed. Tilting his head down to the child’s level, Spock waited patiently to hear what monumental thing Jim had to tell him.
The boy moved his mouth into place next to Spock’s ear, and the First Officer felt the warm gust of the Jim’s breath hitting his skin before the child finally spoke.
With one hand cupped along the side of his mouth, as if the boy truly did think someone might overhear him otherwise, Jim said in a hushed whisper, “I like you, too, Spock. And I think your ears are really cute!”
Then, pulling away quickly, Jim released a light giggle as he ran over to the other side of the room and jumped onto his makeshift bed, pulling the covers up and over him before Spock could do more than blink.
Bemused, Spock tried very hard to convince himself that the sudden heat he felt rushing to his cheeks couldn’t possibly be a blush.
After all, that would be illogical.