[ Well evidently Jim was never the least bit bothered by the fact that she did try to choke him once. It was at least interesting to see that the Vulcan had some emotions in there, though he's yet to figure out if her constant aim is to repress them or control them. Something he's come to find interesting to explore the more he gets to know her.
The more they get to know each other, even. ]
Right, that's why I mentioned it. [ He chuckles, glancing at her. ] It was a... thing, like three centuries ago, I think. Just a way to try and diffuse awkward silences when you had to share the small space with complete strangers.
[ Pursing his lips, he shrugs. ] If you ask me, though, it probably made the silence even more awkward.
[ Evidently. He is a rather illogical individual, though there is an odd sort of logic behind all of his bravado, a logic she can't yet decipher. It is, perhaps, good that he has no idea what her aim is regarding the emotions that Spock will deny having with every breath. She is not one to give up those secrets so easily. ]
We studied classical music in primary school, which did mention such concepts. Along with music on phones, while individuals remained on hold. [ Which just sounds odd, not even in an intriguing or fascinating way. Human history was something else entirely. ] According to the history books, the music was poorly received. Which would fit into your hypothesis, as to be stuck in a lift with an individual with whom one is not acquainted while terrible music is playing would be a strain on even the most hardened of individuals.
[ At least the turbolifts are faster than elevators, because it stops moments later, letting them off on the deck with the mess. ]
[ Luckily, and despite what might seem like to some people, Jim's never been one to shy away from more difficult endeavors. That she's not inclined to talk about her emotions and how she processes and handles them is no secret to Jim, but he figures with time and a lot patience he'll be able to get her to enlighten him, at least to some degree. ]
Right. Maybe it wouldn't make much of a difference to you, would it? [ He figures silence doesn't ever feel as awkward to Vulcans as it does to humans anyway. ] But humans don't really like feeling awkward. Or awkward silences. Sometimes they'll start stupid and pointless conversations just so they don't have to deal with that.
[ Case in point: Jim, right now. But the lift stops soon after, thankfully, and Jim steps outside with a quiet breath, starting the short walk down the corridor to the mess hall. ]
[ It is probably a benefit that Jim, and indeed a number of other individuals on the ship, are stubborn and drawn to challenges. Spock, though she might never admit it outside her own head (and even there only rarely), appreciates such traits. Especially since she possess it in illogical quantity. ]
It is illogical to feel awkward simply because one is sharing space with an individual with whom one is not acquainted, as it is likely to happen. [ Just ignore the possibility of other reasons for awkward silences. Just like she will ignore the awkwardness between them. ] Nor can a silence be awkward, as silence is not capable of such a projection.
[ Why humans? Spock cannot resist glancing to the ceiling, almost rolling her eyes, as she walks with Jim down the corridor. ]
It is beneficial that Starfleet has not introduced music to the turbolift.
Come on, you're familiar enough with humans by now to know we can be illogical about a great number of things.
[ And feeling awkward in all kinds of situations and over various sorts of topics is just one of those things. Jim isn't often one to feel awkward about just anything, though, so he wouldn't call himself the prime example for how humans can be when it comes to that. ]
It's a manner of speech. There's no need to take everything a human says so literally, you know.
[ He stares a little flatly at her, eyebrow raising as the mess hall doors open and they step inside. ]
My list of matters with which humans can be illogical continues to grow. Often exponentially, given our company.
[ She is mostly teasing, but it is nonetheless true; Spock always seems to learn something new about humans and how illogical they can be daily.
Life on the ship is rarely dull for her. Though she is aware enough to realize that Jim's reactions are generally not typical of humans. ]
On the contrary, Captain. It is quite necessary, as humans often forget about the illogical nature of their comments.
[ And she gets some satisfaction watching humans try to explain their sayings. Allow her to get some amusement in this. ]
I require only fruit and oatmeal this morning to satisfy my nutritional intake. [ Force of habit directs her toward the replicators, though she matches her pace to Jim's. ] I will admit to not understanding the intent behind such a question.
[ Jim chuckles, grinning at her. ] Now, that's just plain rude. [ Evidently he doesn't mean it. ] I'd be offended if I didn't like being illogical.
[ He just happens to translate 'illogical' to 'unpredictable', which more often than not happens to be true. And far be the day when all of Jim's actions are predictable. He likes keeping things interesting, after all. ]
We don't forget. We just don't care. You're not going to accomplish anything by pointing out the lack of logic to some of our turns of phrase. The fact that you keep trying, if you ask me, is what's illogical. Illogical and the very definition of madness.
[ Now he's teasing her, instead. At her question, he shrugs, pursing his lips. ]
Smalltalk. Like asking about the weather, or how your day was. [ And even though she doesn't ask, ] I'm having a waffle.
It is still true, even if you deem it rude. [ And truly, she does not mind the illogical humans with which she shares a ship. She has not yet left, after all. ] You would not be Jim Kirk were you not illogical.
[ No one would want Kirk to be someone other than who he was, illogical and unpredictable. ]
Simply because one does not care for the information does not mean I should stop. [ It amuses her too much to stop, so she will not, until it ceases to be entertaining. Not that she would tell that to anyone. ]
I still do not understand the need for human smalltalk. Is a waffle within your recommended diet, Captain? Dr. McCoy will scold us both if he catches you eating an item of he which he does not approve and discovered I was privy to your decision.
Guess that is true. I do like keeping you on your toes. [ He smiles teasingly at her, shooting her a wink before looking ahead again. ] And you wouldn't be Spock were you not true.
[ With a sprinkle of technicality here and there, of course— something Jim greatly appreciates. Spock knows how to skirt around certain inconveniences in very logical ways and without ever lying, which he sees as an impressive skill, one of the things that makes her irreplaceable in his eyes. ]
Fine, then. You're the one wasting your time. [ Or enjoying herself, more like. He doesn't point out how illogical that is. ]
Oh, come on. [ He groans a little, rolling his eyes. ] I do stick to a very healthy diet most of the time, there's nothing wrong with changing things up a little every once in a while. And what Bones doesn't know won't hurt him— unless you're planning to tell on me.
Captain, I assure you, it is not beneficial to be kept on one's toes. While stretching it is useful, the strain it can place on the foot, calf and shin, not to mention the readjustment of balance, is unnecessary. [ She delivers that in a completely neutral tone, though that particular phrase is one she has heard enough times that she is well aware of the intent, no matter the illogic.
It is also a perfect example of the topic of their discussion. That does not get lost on Spock, and if her lip twitches eventually, no one will believe Jim that she nearly laughed. ]
What is that human phrase - "variety is the spice of life"? You feel it holds true even when it applies to food? [ Just in time for them to reach the replicators and Spock to key in the sequence for her breakfast, though it takes a second longer than it should, as she debates for a moment. And when she gets her food, rather than the usual oatmeal and fruit, there is a waffle - with fruit, of course. ] I shall not inform Dr. McCoy of that which he is unaware.
[ Jim snorts at her answer, chuckling as he shakes his head. ] Smartass.
[ He says it almost fondly, though. Weirdly enough he does like it when Spock teases him, if nothing else because it comes to show she has a sense of humor in there somewhere, though most might not realize or even believe it. If that proof comes a little at his expense, well... that's something he can live with. ]
I feel it holds true to everything. [ He watches her as she gets her breakfast, lips quirking and eyebrow raising in amusement, even if he doesn't say anything. He gets the same for himself afterwards, fruit and everything (because he can compromise too), then tips his head a little at her. ] Your loyalty is, as always, very much appreciated.
The posterior of any individual is not capable of intelligence. You are aware of this fact and yet continue to use that term. [ There are aspects of humanity Spock does not comprehend and is unsure if she will ever comprehend.
She teases Jim only because she is comfortable enough with him to do so, knows he understands the uniqueness of Vulcan humor. ]
It is impossible for an idiom to apply to everything, as everything encompasses even that which we do not yet know. [ As far as her arguments go, it is not a strong one. But they have relaxed enough that she can let the argument rest. ]
Well, it depends on the posterior. I'm sure if anyone's could it would be yours. You are exceptionally bright, after all. [ There, that counts as a compliment. Sort of. Except he means it as anything but, as the teasing edge to his words makes plenty clear.
Grabbing his breakfast, he turns to Spock, waiting for her to lead the way to the table they usually take up. It's empty, as it usually is, probably because everyone on board the ship is used to this routine of theirs, by now. ]
Fine, then. Almost everything. A lot of things. That work for you?
[ Sometimes, Spock thinks she understands humans. And then certain individuals provide such illogical words, and Spock has to reconsider her beliefs. ] I would not desire a posterior that is capable of independent thought, Jim.
[ Though she does understand he is teasing, which means she only delivers her words in a rather deadpan tone, no accompanying eyebrow.
She leads the way to the table, taking her customary seat. After the oddness of waking up in Jim's bed, this moment of normalcy is comforting. ]
It is acceptable, though it still lacks precision.
Fine. Hey, maybe that's what happens when people talk out of their ass. [ (Ha ha, get it.) He knows Spock won't laugh but he still looks at her somewhat expectantly for her reaction. Even a faint quirk of her lips will be a victory.
The whole incident is at the back of his mind at this point. For how stiff and formal that Spock can be at times, Jim finds himself relaxing around her with remarkable ease. ]
I think we both know I often lack precision in a lot of things. [ And there he goes, doing it again. ]
[ That is not even remotely funny and Spock simply gives him a look, completely deadpan and determined to ignore it entirely. ]
Which is why it is a benefit that I am your first officer. [ One of them can lack precision, the other can be as precise as necessary. ] And if you will excuse me, Jim, I am reminded of the experiment I left in the lab prior to bed. I expect the results are ready.
[ Nonsense, he's hilarious. Well, he sure thinks he is, at least. Anyone else would've been in stitches at that joke. (Or just rolled their eyes and groaned.) ]
That's right. We're a good match, you and I. I mean, in the sense that we just balance each other out, not that we— right. You know. [ There's an awkward pause, then he just nods and turns his attention back to his breakfast. ] Yeah, go ahead. See you later on the bridge.
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no subject
The more they get to know each other, even. ]
Right, that's why I mentioned it. [ He chuckles, glancing at her. ] It was a... thing, like three centuries ago, I think. Just a way to try and diffuse awkward silences when you had to share the small space with complete strangers.
[ Pursing his lips, he shrugs. ] If you ask me, though, it probably made the silence even more awkward.
no subject
We studied classical music in primary school, which did mention such concepts. Along with music on phones, while individuals remained on hold. [ Which just sounds odd, not even in an intriguing or fascinating way. Human history was something else entirely. ] According to the history books, the music was poorly received. Which would fit into your hypothesis, as to be stuck in a lift with an individual with whom one is not acquainted while terrible music is playing would be a strain on even the most hardened of individuals.
[ At least the turbolifts are faster than elevators, because it stops moments later, letting them off on the deck with the mess. ]
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Right. Maybe it wouldn't make much of a difference to you, would it? [ He figures silence doesn't ever feel as awkward to Vulcans as it does to humans anyway. ] But humans don't really like feeling awkward. Or awkward silences. Sometimes they'll start stupid and pointless conversations just so they don't have to deal with that.
[ Case in point: Jim, right now. But the lift stops soon after, thankfully, and Jim steps outside with a quiet breath, starting the short walk down the corridor to the mess hall. ]
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It is illogical to feel awkward simply because one is sharing space with an individual with whom one is not acquainted, as it is likely to happen. [ Just ignore the possibility of other reasons for awkward silences. Just like she will ignore the awkwardness between them. ] Nor can a silence be awkward, as silence is not capable of such a projection.
[ Why humans? Spock cannot resist glancing to the ceiling, almost rolling her eyes, as she walks with Jim down the corridor. ]
It is beneficial that Starfleet has not introduced music to the turbolift.
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[ And feeling awkward in all kinds of situations and over various sorts of topics is just one of those things. Jim isn't often one to feel awkward about just anything, though, so he wouldn't call himself the prime example for how humans can be when it comes to that. ]
It's a manner of speech. There's no need to take everything a human says so literally, you know.
[ He stares a little flatly at her, eyebrow raising as the mess hall doors open and they step inside. ]
What are you having for breakfast?
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[ She is mostly teasing, but it is nonetheless true; Spock always seems to learn something new about humans and how illogical they can be daily.
Life on the ship is rarely dull for her. Though she is aware enough to realize that Jim's reactions are generally not typical of humans. ]
On the contrary, Captain. It is quite necessary, as humans often forget about the illogical nature of their comments.
[ And she gets some satisfaction watching humans try to explain their sayings. Allow her to get some amusement in this. ]
I require only fruit and oatmeal this morning to satisfy my nutritional intake. [ Force of habit directs her toward the replicators, though she matches her pace to Jim's. ] I will admit to not understanding the intent behind such a question.
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[ He just happens to translate 'illogical' to 'unpredictable', which more often than not happens to be true. And far be the day when all of Jim's actions are predictable. He likes keeping things interesting, after all. ]
We don't forget. We just don't care. You're not going to accomplish anything by pointing out the lack of logic to some of our turns of phrase. The fact that you keep trying, if you ask me, is what's illogical. Illogical and the very definition of madness.
[ Now he's teasing her, instead. At her question, he shrugs, pursing his lips. ]
Smalltalk. Like asking about the weather, or how your day was. [ And even though she doesn't ask, ] I'm having a waffle.
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[ No one would want Kirk to be someone other than who he was, illogical and unpredictable. ]
Simply because one does not care for the information does not mean I should stop. [ It amuses her too much to stop, so she will not, until it ceases to be entertaining. Not that she would tell that to anyone. ]
I still do not understand the need for human smalltalk. Is a waffle within your recommended diet, Captain? Dr. McCoy will scold us both if he catches you eating an item of he which he does not approve and discovered I was privy to your decision.
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[ With a sprinkle of technicality here and there, of course— something Jim greatly appreciates. Spock knows how to skirt around certain inconveniences in very logical ways and without ever lying, which he sees as an impressive skill, one of the things that makes her irreplaceable in his eyes. ]
Fine, then. You're the one wasting your time. [ Or enjoying herself, more like. He doesn't point out how illogical that is. ]
Oh, come on. [ He groans a little, rolling his eyes. ] I do stick to a very healthy diet most of the time, there's nothing wrong with changing things up a little every once in a while. And what Bones doesn't know won't hurt him— unless you're planning to tell on me.
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It is also a perfect example of the topic of their discussion. That does not get lost on Spock, and if her lip twitches eventually, no one will believe Jim that she nearly laughed. ]
What is that human phrase - "variety is the spice of life"? You feel it holds true even when it applies to food? [ Just in time for them to reach the replicators and Spock to key in the sequence for her breakfast, though it takes a second longer than it should, as she debates for a moment. And when she gets her food, rather than the usual oatmeal and fruit, there is a waffle - with fruit, of course. ] I shall not inform Dr. McCoy of that which he is unaware.
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[ He says it almost fondly, though. Weirdly enough he does like it when Spock teases him, if nothing else because it comes to show she has a sense of humor in there somewhere, though most might not realize or even believe it. If that proof comes a little at his expense, well... that's something he can live with. ]
I feel it holds true to everything. [ He watches her as she gets her breakfast, lips quirking and eyebrow raising in amusement, even if he doesn't say anything. He gets the same for himself afterwards, fruit and everything (because he can compromise too), then tips his head a little at her. ] Your loyalty is, as always, very much appreciated.
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She teases Jim only because she is comfortable enough with him to do so, knows he understands the uniqueness of Vulcan humor. ]
It is impossible for an idiom to apply to everything, as everything encompasses even that which we do not yet know. [ As far as her arguments go, it is not a strong one. But they have relaxed enough that she can let the argument rest. ]
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Grabbing his breakfast, he turns to Spock, waiting for her to lead the way to the table they usually take up. It's empty, as it usually is, probably because everyone on board the ship is used to this routine of theirs, by now. ]
Fine, then. Almost everything. A lot of things. That work for you?
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[ Though she does understand he is teasing, which means she only delivers her words in a rather deadpan tone, no accompanying eyebrow.
She leads the way to the table, taking her customary seat. After the oddness of waking up in Jim's bed, this moment of normalcy is comforting. ]
It is acceptable, though it still lacks precision.
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The whole incident is at the back of his mind at this point. For how stiff and formal that Spock can be at times, Jim finds himself relaxing around her with remarkable ease. ]
I think we both know I often lack precision in a lot of things. [ And there he goes, doing it again. ]
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Which is why it is a benefit that I am your first officer. [ One of them can lack precision, the other can be as precise as necessary. ] And if you will excuse me, Jim, I am reminded of the experiment I left in the lab prior to bed. I expect the results are ready.
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That's right. We're a good match, you and I. I mean, in the sense that we just balance each other out, not that we— right. You know. [ There's an awkward pause, then he just nods and turns his attention back to his breakfast. ] Yeah, go ahead. See you later on the bridge.