Fairy Tales
Title: Fairy Tales
Author: Jlm121
Rating: PG
Summary: This is my failed attempt at the last ship wars prompt (it did not meet word count).
Warnings: Fluff
A Sort of Fairytale
Author: Jlm121
Rating: PG
Warnings: Fluffy
Vulcans do not have fairy tales. They are great proponents of parables particularly ones that teach logic, but fairy tales by their very nature are illogical. When Spock was a child his mother had a large illustrated volume of fairy tales. He remembers the book itself in great detail. The leather cover and the gilt pages spoke of a world that by it's nature was different than Vulcan. The cover showed a sleeping girl, Spock was confounded by the number of stories that involved bewitchment resulting in sleep, with a rose clasped between her fingers. The other illustrations were. . . lush. Spock remembers the vibrancy of the colors and the details created by the artist but the representations were not always accurate. Always the beauty of the heroine and the handsomeness of the hero were exaggerated. The perils they faced appeared insurmountable. Dragons, which Spock knew even as a young child did not exist, nor magical creatures and when he voiced skepticism his mother would merely smile and inform him that many things in the universe remained unexplained. It could be possible that there did exist a land in which these people existed and these things happened. Without evidence to contradict her, Spock had to admit his mother's argument contained a form of logic.
When she is gone, along with Vulcan and the book of fairy tales, Spock finds himself keenly aware of their absence. The stories available on the padds do not inspire the same thoughts as his mother's big book. There is no sensation to be had in merely pushing the buttons to turn the pages and even though the stories are illustrated with exceptional images reproduced in high definition they are not the same as the images he remembers in the book. It's becomes an exercise in futility to find an exact copy of the book which belonged to his mother. Spock contacts rare book dealers and publishers exploring markets and promenades on Starbases searching for the book or even one similar. Unwittingly he becomes a collector of these impractical items. Logic would dictate that he should abandon his quest but Spock finds himself unable to and his collection continues to grow.
The Captain becomes an enabler. Because of his own fascination with books he has a ready list of book dealers and markets for the trade. Spock parts with a few of his own collected items in an attempts for find a book like his mother's each time he is disappointed.
"Fairy tales, Spock, I didn't figure you for the type." The Doctor makes the statement as he takes a seat across from Spock in the Officer's mess. Spock does not mind the Doctor's presence but he is uncertain if he prepared for an extended period of ridicule.
"I find them fascinating." The newest volume is a mix of Human and Andorian stories. It is not what the original seller had promised but Spock is impressed by the fluid combination of two very different traditions. The Doctor says nothing but Spock notes that the man is smiling. It is not what Spock would consider a mocking smile.
"I used to read them to Jo. She always preferred real books to padds."
"Children are tactile and sensory oriented." Spock does not revel his own quest or preference for fairy tale stories in real book form.
The Doctor eats while Spock ignores his own food in favor of his book. But Spock is aware that the Doctor looks up from his own meal.
"Do you have a favorite?"
"Excuse me, Doctor?"
"A favorite story? Jo was always fond of Beauty and the Beast. She liked some versions of Little Red Riding Hood."
"I do not have a particular preference for a story. My mother's favorite was Sleeping Beauty. Though when I was young I was puzzled by the concept of a curse. I did not know it was an illogical construct used merely to advance the plot. I believed that Prince Phillip would have been better served by pursuing a scientific method of reasoning to determine the cause of Princess Aurora's illness. "
The Doctor throws back his head laughing loudly. Several others in the mess turn to observe him and Spock can see their curious expressions.
"I like that image of you, Spock trying to reason with a fictional character."
"I was young."
"That makes it more endearing. I am sure your mother said this to you a lot but put the book away and finish your dinner. I want to show you something."
Spock is uncertain why he agrees with the Doctor's request but puts the book under the table to protect it then begins to eat his soup. The Doctor's expression is one of amusement as he finishes his own meal and waits for Spock.
"I wonder if Humans at First Contact thought y'all were elves. "
"Perhaps, but Vulcans do not live in forests or cast enchantments."
"Too bad."
Spock considers the Doctor's words and expression carefully. The nuances of social interaction with humans still eludes him.
When the meal is finished both the Doctor and Spock take their trays to the disposal and the Doctor motions for Spock to follow him. They draw interested looks from the crew. Most of the crew are aware that the relationship between the First Officer and CMO can be. . .difficult. Spock respects the Doctor's knowledge and skill but is less than impressed with the Doctor's emotional need for constant expression.
When they arrive at the Doctor's quarters, Spock raises an eyebrow but allows the other man to usher him in. The quarters are neat and well organized with few personal decorations except for large number books and images of the Doctor with his daughter. The man goes to the nearest shelf running his fingers over the spines of several books searching for a particular title.
"Here." A familiar looking volume appears in the Doctor's hands who presses it into Spock's. A moment of memory clouds Spock's mind. The dark leather binding and the cover illustration of the sleeping girl are the same as are the gilt pages. Quickly flipping through the pages, Spock finds the illustration of the kiss between Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip. The details are as he remembers them, the pale skin of the princess and the dark red of the prince's tunic.
"Where did you acquire this?" Spock knows that this book is not his mother's actual book but for a moment that does not matter. It is a duplicate and he finds comfort in that sameness.
"It belonged to my mother. I tried to give it to Jo before I left but she insisted I bring it with me. Something about reading to her when she comes for a visit."
It would be impolite to ask to buy the book. Spock also suspects that the Doctor has no interest in selling it.
"I brought you here to see it, figured you might like it."
Spock is tempted to explain that he has a sentimental attachment to fairy tales because of the loss of his mother. He knows the Doctor would not mock his loss, but he does not wish to subject himself to the Doctor's pity.
"Thank you, Doctor."
Silence stretches between them as Spock turns the pages. The typeface and illustrations spark the sound of his mother's voice in Spock's mind. He is so lost in the memory that the he is unaware of the Doctor's hand on his shoulder.
"Are you all right, Spock?
"Yes, Doctor." Spock tries to put the book back in the other man's hands.
"You've barely had a chance to look at it. Consider it a loan, though don't tell Jim, I'm not a goddamn library."
"Doctor, it is not necessary."
"Take the book, Spock. I have to admit I like the idea of you reading fairy tales."
"I will ensure that the book remains in excellent condition."
The Doctor does not ask for the book back nor does he mention it except to inquire if Spock enjoys it. Spock should give a standard Vulcan reply but cannot, instead they discuss the stories and about the book itself. Using the Doctor's copy as reference he is able to track down a dealer to furnish him with his own copy, but even after it's arrival Spock does not return the Doctor's copy. Spock finds interaction with the Doctor less strained and that even with his penchant for being over emotional he is an excellent conversationalist and companion. Their encounters move from solely focused on the book into other topics, medicine, art, and both Vulcan and Human history. The Captain says they argue but Spock and the Doctor both insist that it is merely lively debate. Spock begins to appreciate the way the Doctor's eyes flash when he is agitated or discussing an issue he is particularly passionate about. Spock endeavors to make that flash occur as often as possible.
The Doctor begins to insist that Spock call him Leonard or at least McCoy. The names feel like secrets on Spock's tongue though he attempts not to show how the gift of the name affects him. The book of fairy tales rests on Spock's desk and every night after meditation he finds himself reading the words over and over.
Love.
In their very essence these stories speak about love be it familial or romantic. It is the quest for and the defense of love that plays out in the characters actions.
Spock begins to dream. In itself that is unusual. Meditation is the proper method for sorting through one's thoughts and emotions and using that understanding as a control. The vivid nature of the dreams is also disturbing. Landscapes foreign yet strangely familiar fill Spock's dreams. Green forests, snowcapped mountains, and fertile valleys all populate Spock's dreams. They are fairy tale settings of which he has little experience except for in books. Crewmates and acquaintances begin to populate Spock's dreams but not in their traditional roles. Instead they are peasant farmers or nobility of an undefined time in Earth's past. As it becomes clearer that Spock is dreaming of fairy tales he resolves to return the book to the Doctor and put away his own copy. The fanciful nature of the stories is beginning to intrude upon his practice of logic. But still the Doctor's copy of the book remains on Spock's desk and he still finds himself touching the pages.
Spock wants to hear the Doctor. . . .Leonard read the stories. The thick accent of Leonard's natural voice caressing the words of the story. Spock cannot quite bring himself to attempt imagining how it might sound.
Leonard does not request that Spock return the book. Even after stopping by Spock's quarters one evening.
"Still reading the fairy tales?" Leonard is off duty and only wearing the black undershirt of his uniform and trousers.
Spock cannot lie directly but because of some of his interactions with humans he is aware that omission is sometimes necessary.
"I still read them."
Leonard's long fingers touch the pages following the words in the same fashion that Spock often does.
"I miss being read to."
"Excuse me, Doctor?"
"Leonard. Joanna was just getting to the stage where she could read out loud to me. But she knows these stories so well she was probably just reciting them from memory. I did that when I was little. Did you?"
Spock can only nod in affirmative remembering the horror he'd felt when his mother informed him since he had all the stories memorized she wouldn't need to read them to him. The fear of the loss of that closeness to her overwhelming him and she must have sensed it because she had smoothed his hair then kissed his brow. Instead she had propped the book up and insisted that he read to her.
"Yes." Spock can't think of anything else to say that will not reveal his emotions to Leonard.
The away mission is not supposed to be a dangerous one. The Captain and the Doctor are escorted by a security team to the planet's surface to attend to an ailing colonist. The attack comes quick and is organized which in retrospect makes Spock think the entire thing was a trap. Separatists attempt to capture the Captain and the Doctor but not before the Doctor is injured.
Spock reaches the transporter room before the medical team to find the Captain cradling a bleeding Doctor McCoy. Spock's immediate reaction is to throw the Captain aside and take the Doctor immediately to Sick Bay but that would be an illogical response. He assists the Captain in applying pressure to the Doctor's multiple wounds until the team arrives.
"He's been poisoned." M'Benga's tone is grim as he enters the area where Spock and the Captain await news on the Doctor.
M'Benga assures them that everything is being done to ensure Leonard McCoy's survival and requests Spock's help in isolating the neurotoxin. The hours are long as Spock studies samples of Leonard's blood watching the neurotoxin destroy his cells. Concentration is required but the thought stays with Spock that this is Leonard's blood and Leonard is dying.
Spock is able to find the differing components of the poison sending his results to Sick Bay. Leonard lays still on one of the biobeds.
"May I sit with him?" Nurse Chapel seems confused by the request and Spock knows this is not behavior that is expected of him. Spock does not say anything or do anything but watch the monitors until the Captain arrives.
"Still no change." Spock nods in affirmative.
"Hey Sleeping Beauty." The Captain's words to the Doctor make Spock straighten even higher in his chair. "You need to wake up."
Leonard does not stir.
After twenty four hours M'Benga assures the Captain and Spock that they have flushed the poison from the Doctor's system, but it will take time for him to recover. After the Captain leaves, Spock goes to his quarters and retrieves the book of fairy tales. He returns to Sick Bay and sits next to Leonard's bed. Opening the book, Spock begins to read.
"Once upon a time."
Spock reads four stories and is almost to the end of Sleeping Beauty when Leonard's eyelids begin to flutter and his hand twitches. Spock stops reading and stands next to the biobed.
"You're supposed to wake me up with a kiss." Leonard's voice is hoarse but the sound causes the corners of Spock's mouth to turn up slightly.
"I do not believe you are a princess, Leonard."
"You have evidence that it only works on princesses, Hobgoblin?"
"I have not gathered that data."
"Then consider me a willing subject."
"You may still be under the effects of the neurotoxin. It would be inappropriate. . ."
"I heard you reading to me. "
"You said you missed it, it was logical to attempt to please you."
Leonard chuckles softly and his monitor begins to beep but not in an alarming way.
"We've got about thirty seconds before M'Benga and Chapel barge in here, probably with Jim in tow."
"Your point Leonard?"
"Kiss me Spock."
"Leonard." Before Spock can offer a logical explanation of why it would be ill advised Leonard traces his fingertips over the back of Spock's hand.
"Just one kiss."
Spock intends for the kiss to be quick and chaste. Leonard's mouth ensures that it is neither. Spock is unaware of anything but Leonard and the warmth of the other man's mouth until the Captain clears his throat loudly.
"Took that Sleeping Beauty thing literally did you, Spock?"
"Shut up Jim. Leonard speaks, but still stares into Spock's eyes while his hand still rests over Spock's.
And they lived happily ever after.
Author: Jlm121
Rating: PG
Summary: This is my failed attempt at the last ship wars prompt (it did not meet word count).
Warnings: Fluff
A Sort of Fairytale
Author: Jlm121
Rating: PG
Warnings: Fluffy
Vulcans do not have fairy tales. They are great proponents of parables particularly ones that teach logic, but fairy tales by their very nature are illogical. When Spock was a child his mother had a large illustrated volume of fairy tales. He remembers the book itself in great detail. The leather cover and the gilt pages spoke of a world that by it's nature was different than Vulcan. The cover showed a sleeping girl, Spock was confounded by the number of stories that involved bewitchment resulting in sleep, with a rose clasped between her fingers. The other illustrations were. . . lush. Spock remembers the vibrancy of the colors and the details created by the artist but the representations were not always accurate. Always the beauty of the heroine and the handsomeness of the hero were exaggerated. The perils they faced appeared insurmountable. Dragons, which Spock knew even as a young child did not exist, nor magical creatures and when he voiced skepticism his mother would merely smile and inform him that many things in the universe remained unexplained. It could be possible that there did exist a land in which these people existed and these things happened. Without evidence to contradict her, Spock had to admit his mother's argument contained a form of logic.
When she is gone, along with Vulcan and the book of fairy tales, Spock finds himself keenly aware of their absence. The stories available on the padds do not inspire the same thoughts as his mother's big book. There is no sensation to be had in merely pushing the buttons to turn the pages and even though the stories are illustrated with exceptional images reproduced in high definition they are not the same as the images he remembers in the book. It's becomes an exercise in futility to find an exact copy of the book which belonged to his mother. Spock contacts rare book dealers and publishers exploring markets and promenades on Starbases searching for the book or even one similar. Unwittingly he becomes a collector of these impractical items. Logic would dictate that he should abandon his quest but Spock finds himself unable to and his collection continues to grow.
The Captain becomes an enabler. Because of his own fascination with books he has a ready list of book dealers and markets for the trade. Spock parts with a few of his own collected items in an attempts for find a book like his mother's each time he is disappointed.
"Fairy tales, Spock, I didn't figure you for the type." The Doctor makes the statement as he takes a seat across from Spock in the Officer's mess. Spock does not mind the Doctor's presence but he is uncertain if he prepared for an extended period of ridicule.
"I find them fascinating." The newest volume is a mix of Human and Andorian stories. It is not what the original seller had promised but Spock is impressed by the fluid combination of two very different traditions. The Doctor says nothing but Spock notes that the man is smiling. It is not what Spock would consider a mocking smile.
"I used to read them to Jo. She always preferred real books to padds."
"Children are tactile and sensory oriented." Spock does not revel his own quest or preference for fairy tale stories in real book form.
The Doctor eats while Spock ignores his own food in favor of his book. But Spock is aware that the Doctor looks up from his own meal.
"Do you have a favorite?"
"Excuse me, Doctor?"
"A favorite story? Jo was always fond of Beauty and the Beast. She liked some versions of Little Red Riding Hood."
"I do not have a particular preference for a story. My mother's favorite was Sleeping Beauty. Though when I was young I was puzzled by the concept of a curse. I did not know it was an illogical construct used merely to advance the plot. I believed that Prince Phillip would have been better served by pursuing a scientific method of reasoning to determine the cause of Princess Aurora's illness. "
The Doctor throws back his head laughing loudly. Several others in the mess turn to observe him and Spock can see their curious expressions.
"I like that image of you, Spock trying to reason with a fictional character."
"I was young."
"That makes it more endearing. I am sure your mother said this to you a lot but put the book away and finish your dinner. I want to show you something."
Spock is uncertain why he agrees with the Doctor's request but puts the book under the table to protect it then begins to eat his soup. The Doctor's expression is one of amusement as he finishes his own meal and waits for Spock.
"I wonder if Humans at First Contact thought y'all were elves. "
"Perhaps, but Vulcans do not live in forests or cast enchantments."
"Too bad."
Spock considers the Doctor's words and expression carefully. The nuances of social interaction with humans still eludes him.
When the meal is finished both the Doctor and Spock take their trays to the disposal and the Doctor motions for Spock to follow him. They draw interested looks from the crew. Most of the crew are aware that the relationship between the First Officer and CMO can be. . .difficult. Spock respects the Doctor's knowledge and skill but is less than impressed with the Doctor's emotional need for constant expression.
When they arrive at the Doctor's quarters, Spock raises an eyebrow but allows the other man to usher him in. The quarters are neat and well organized with few personal decorations except for large number books and images of the Doctor with his daughter. The man goes to the nearest shelf running his fingers over the spines of several books searching for a particular title.
"Here." A familiar looking volume appears in the Doctor's hands who presses it into Spock's. A moment of memory clouds Spock's mind. The dark leather binding and the cover illustration of the sleeping girl are the same as are the gilt pages. Quickly flipping through the pages, Spock finds the illustration of the kiss between Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip. The details are as he remembers them, the pale skin of the princess and the dark red of the prince's tunic.
"Where did you acquire this?" Spock knows that this book is not his mother's actual book but for a moment that does not matter. It is a duplicate and he finds comfort in that sameness.
"It belonged to my mother. I tried to give it to Jo before I left but she insisted I bring it with me. Something about reading to her when she comes for a visit."
It would be impolite to ask to buy the book. Spock also suspects that the Doctor has no interest in selling it.
"I brought you here to see it, figured you might like it."
Spock is tempted to explain that he has a sentimental attachment to fairy tales because of the loss of his mother. He knows the Doctor would not mock his loss, but he does not wish to subject himself to the Doctor's pity.
"Thank you, Doctor."
Silence stretches between them as Spock turns the pages. The typeface and illustrations spark the sound of his mother's voice in Spock's mind. He is so lost in the memory that the he is unaware of the Doctor's hand on his shoulder.
"Are you all right, Spock?
"Yes, Doctor." Spock tries to put the book back in the other man's hands.
"You've barely had a chance to look at it. Consider it a loan, though don't tell Jim, I'm not a goddamn library."
"Doctor, it is not necessary."
"Take the book, Spock. I have to admit I like the idea of you reading fairy tales."
"I will ensure that the book remains in excellent condition."
The Doctor does not ask for the book back nor does he mention it except to inquire if Spock enjoys it. Spock should give a standard Vulcan reply but cannot, instead they discuss the stories and about the book itself. Using the Doctor's copy as reference he is able to track down a dealer to furnish him with his own copy, but even after it's arrival Spock does not return the Doctor's copy. Spock finds interaction with the Doctor less strained and that even with his penchant for being over emotional he is an excellent conversationalist and companion. Their encounters move from solely focused on the book into other topics, medicine, art, and both Vulcan and Human history. The Captain says they argue but Spock and the Doctor both insist that it is merely lively debate. Spock begins to appreciate the way the Doctor's eyes flash when he is agitated or discussing an issue he is particularly passionate about. Spock endeavors to make that flash occur as often as possible.
The Doctor begins to insist that Spock call him Leonard or at least McCoy. The names feel like secrets on Spock's tongue though he attempts not to show how the gift of the name affects him. The book of fairy tales rests on Spock's desk and every night after meditation he finds himself reading the words over and over.
Love.
In their very essence these stories speak about love be it familial or romantic. It is the quest for and the defense of love that plays out in the characters actions.
Spock begins to dream. In itself that is unusual. Meditation is the proper method for sorting through one's thoughts and emotions and using that understanding as a control. The vivid nature of the dreams is also disturbing. Landscapes foreign yet strangely familiar fill Spock's dreams. Green forests, snowcapped mountains, and fertile valleys all populate Spock's dreams. They are fairy tale settings of which he has little experience except for in books. Crewmates and acquaintances begin to populate Spock's dreams but not in their traditional roles. Instead they are peasant farmers or nobility of an undefined time in Earth's past. As it becomes clearer that Spock is dreaming of fairy tales he resolves to return the book to the Doctor and put away his own copy. The fanciful nature of the stories is beginning to intrude upon his practice of logic. But still the Doctor's copy of the book remains on Spock's desk and he still finds himself touching the pages.
Spock wants to hear the Doctor. . . .Leonard read the stories. The thick accent of Leonard's natural voice caressing the words of the story. Spock cannot quite bring himself to attempt imagining how it might sound.
Leonard does not request that Spock return the book. Even after stopping by Spock's quarters one evening.
"Still reading the fairy tales?" Leonard is off duty and only wearing the black undershirt of his uniform and trousers.
Spock cannot lie directly but because of some of his interactions with humans he is aware that omission is sometimes necessary.
"I still read them."
Leonard's long fingers touch the pages following the words in the same fashion that Spock often does.
"I miss being read to."
"Excuse me, Doctor?"
"Leonard. Joanna was just getting to the stage where she could read out loud to me. But she knows these stories so well she was probably just reciting them from memory. I did that when I was little. Did you?"
Spock can only nod in affirmative remembering the horror he'd felt when his mother informed him since he had all the stories memorized she wouldn't need to read them to him. The fear of the loss of that closeness to her overwhelming him and she must have sensed it because she had smoothed his hair then kissed his brow. Instead she had propped the book up and insisted that he read to her.
"Yes." Spock can't think of anything else to say that will not reveal his emotions to Leonard.
The away mission is not supposed to be a dangerous one. The Captain and the Doctor are escorted by a security team to the planet's surface to attend to an ailing colonist. The attack comes quick and is organized which in retrospect makes Spock think the entire thing was a trap. Separatists attempt to capture the Captain and the Doctor but not before the Doctor is injured.
Spock reaches the transporter room before the medical team to find the Captain cradling a bleeding Doctor McCoy. Spock's immediate reaction is to throw the Captain aside and take the Doctor immediately to Sick Bay but that would be an illogical response. He assists the Captain in applying pressure to the Doctor's multiple wounds until the team arrives.
"He's been poisoned." M'Benga's tone is grim as he enters the area where Spock and the Captain await news on the Doctor.
M'Benga assures them that everything is being done to ensure Leonard McCoy's survival and requests Spock's help in isolating the neurotoxin. The hours are long as Spock studies samples of Leonard's blood watching the neurotoxin destroy his cells. Concentration is required but the thought stays with Spock that this is Leonard's blood and Leonard is dying.
Spock is able to find the differing components of the poison sending his results to Sick Bay. Leonard lays still on one of the biobeds.
"May I sit with him?" Nurse Chapel seems confused by the request and Spock knows this is not behavior that is expected of him. Spock does not say anything or do anything but watch the monitors until the Captain arrives.
"Still no change." Spock nods in affirmative.
"Hey Sleeping Beauty." The Captain's words to the Doctor make Spock straighten even higher in his chair. "You need to wake up."
Leonard does not stir.
After twenty four hours M'Benga assures the Captain and Spock that they have flushed the poison from the Doctor's system, but it will take time for him to recover. After the Captain leaves, Spock goes to his quarters and retrieves the book of fairy tales. He returns to Sick Bay and sits next to Leonard's bed. Opening the book, Spock begins to read.
"Once upon a time."
Spock reads four stories and is almost to the end of Sleeping Beauty when Leonard's eyelids begin to flutter and his hand twitches. Spock stops reading and stands next to the biobed.
"You're supposed to wake me up with a kiss." Leonard's voice is hoarse but the sound causes the corners of Spock's mouth to turn up slightly.
"I do not believe you are a princess, Leonard."
"You have evidence that it only works on princesses, Hobgoblin?"
"I have not gathered that data."
"Then consider me a willing subject."
"You may still be under the effects of the neurotoxin. It would be inappropriate. . ."
"I heard you reading to me. "
"You said you missed it, it was logical to attempt to please you."
Leonard chuckles softly and his monitor begins to beep but not in an alarming way.
"We've got about thirty seconds before M'Benga and Chapel barge in here, probably with Jim in tow."
"Your point Leonard?"
"Kiss me Spock."
"Leonard." Before Spock can offer a logical explanation of why it would be ill advised Leonard traces his fingertips over the back of Spock's hand.
"Just one kiss."
Spock intends for the kiss to be quick and chaste. Leonard's mouth ensures that it is neither. Spock is unaware of anything but Leonard and the warmth of the other man's mouth until the Captain clears his throat loudly.
"Took that Sleeping Beauty thing literally did you, Spock?"
"Shut up Jim. Leonard speaks, but still stares into Spock's eyes while his hand still rests over Spock's.
And they lived happily ever after.