[ Spock is already too aware of the gossip on the ship - most humans tend to forget the sensitivity of Vulcan ears - though any gossip around her tends to be more about her attitudes than anything else. Jim is a favorite topic, though it is more fond than harsh and critical or demeaning.
Still, no gossip is a benefit. And it means she can focus on why, exactly, she was drawn into his room rather than her own. ] I was unaware of how tired I was, Captain. [ Not that it explains why, and borders fairly close to a poor justification; had a student given her that excuse for missing a class when she was an instructor, she would have assumed it a lie. ] Our quarters are close and similarly situated, thus my lack of recognition when I crawled into bed.
[ Though she should have been aware that there was another presence in bed, at the very least. And that thought makes her flush even more.
She does ignore his comment about that. Jim has eyes, he can see. ]
If it is not unduly troublesome, [ she said instead, focusing on the blanket rather than looking at Jim. Though him getting out of bed meant she would see even more of him, but that was acceptable. ]
[ For what it's worth, Jim doesn't seem to be too preoccupied with the reasons that led her into his room rather than hers. It's definitely strange, even stranger when coming from Spock of all people, but he doesn't question it. He's evidently not uncomfortable or bothered by her presence there, and all things considered, it seems like a really good idea to not give her reasons any thought whatsoever.
Call it an accident. A fluke, or a coincidence. Definitely better than to think of this as some weird manifestation of her subconscious desires. ]
It's fine, Spock. You don't have to explain. I'm not upset, and I don't mind.
[ He offers her a smile. As nice as it is that she's trying to explain herself and apologize, she really doesn't have to. He's all but ready to let the matter drop.
So when she asks for him to get her clothes, he nods, then promptly crawls out of the bed, quietly relieved he's still wearing his boxer briefs. Even if they're tight enough that they don't leave much to the imagination.
He rounds the bed and picks up her clothes from the chair where she left them, then makes his way over to her side, setting them down near her. ] Here.
[ Spock abruptly shuts her mouth, swallowing any further explanations she had when Jim tells her that she does not have to explain. While it is not the first situation where she has been out of her depth, it is one of the first where she feels distinctly embarrassed, which is hardly an appropriate response.
She has enough control to repress that, at least, burying it deep down. She does not return the smile, simply inclines her head in gratitude. ] You have my appreciation for your understanding.
[ Staring is impolite, especially among Vulcan standards, so Spock looks away when Jim crawls out of bed, and if she happens to glance at him, briefly admiring the shape of his buttocks displayed so perfectly by those boxer briefs, then she is the only one with knowledge of that. ] Thank you, Captain.
[ She reaches for the bundle of clothes, then changes her mind, momentarily torn between deciding how to get dressed: suffer the indignity of putting clothes on beneath a blanket or make it less complicated and do it properly. Modesty, at least in this situation, is illogical and detrimental. So she folds the blanket aside and stands, reaching for her clothes.
At least she is efficient and swift about dressing. ]
[ Jim's none the wiser if her eyes happen to drift towards him, but chances are even if he noticed, he wouldn't point it out. Things are evidently awkward enough as it is for her, the last thing he'd want to do was to make things even more uncomfortable. Tempting as it might've been to tease her about it. ]
You know, I'd have thought waking up mostly naked on the same bed would've been enough to get you call me Jim.
[ Said more in an attempt to diffuse the tension than anything. Jim figures in a sense, addressing him by his rank right now affords her a certain level of distance and detachment that she wouldn't get were she to call him by his first name. Still, he's never going to let that go.
Not that it seems to particularly matter when she climbs out of his bed next. He's not even sure what he was expecting her to do to get dressed, but the sight of her standing up in nothing but her panties does catch him off-guard. Enough that he doesn't even realize that he's blatantly staring until she's already halfway through getting dressed and he catches a glimpse of her face. ]
... sorry. [ Okay, this is awkward. Even for him. He'll just turn around and make his way back to his closet so he can get dressed too. ]
[ Jim's comment does relieve some of the tension in the room, simply because it is a familiar complaint, and something with which Spock is accustomed to dealing with. She actually levels a look at him in the midst of pulling on her uniform. ]
If it were not a matter of a mistaken room, then using your name would be appropriate in such a situation. [ It will take more than just waking up in bed mostly naked to get her to use his name. Perhaps something vastly different than this situation. Using his title is one way of preserving her dignity, both in face of a mishap like wandering into the wrong room and in waking up mostly naked with someone she considers a friend.
When she realizes he is staring, at perhaps the same time he realizes it, she has to fight back a blush. It does motivate her to hasten getting dressed, her own gaze firmly fixed on the far wall. Once she is presentable, she clears her throat. ]
[ Jim doesn't even bother arguing, at least not right now. He knows it's a losing battle anyway, even if there have been a few times when Spock has used his first name. It's still a long way to go until she defaults to it, which is sort of his ultimate goal here.
But she's right. Maybe not when she's just woken up half-naked on his bed by complete accident. He tries not to give too much thought to how things would be if they happened to be in this situation for entirely different reasons. Seems like a very tricky and dangerous road to take.
Jim makes just as quick a work of putting on his clothes, tugging up his trousers and buttoning them up, then shoving on a gold shirt. His hair ends up sticking in weird directions, but he pays it no mind, glancing briefly at her as he turns and makes his way to where his boots are. ]
[ That is a dangerous path to take, one Spock certainly does not think about. Idle speculation is not something in which Vulcans indulge. Any theory or hypothesis would require more information to form, especially regarding relationships and the forms they will take.
Better to see what happens rather than speculate. But even Spock is aware that humans regard using titles outside of their official capacity as too formal, and easing up on the use of them during off-hours is not entirely inappropriate. ]
We have one point three hours until we are due to report to the Bridge. Would you be amenable to joining me for breakfast?
[ She does not look at him as she asks, instead focusing on pinning her hair up. Though she does not require a mirror to do so (having done it so often that she could manage in the dark), it is easier to focus on that than on Jim as she asks. The small measure of doubt is illogical, as they have often broken their fast together, but it is still there. ]
[ Getting dressed and fixing up his hair quickly becomes something very important for him to be focusing on, and he checks himself out on a mirror just to comb his hair to the side, looking far more proper and tidy by the time he's done. Could've used washing his face a little better, but at least he showered the night before, so there's that. ]
Sure. [ He catches how his short answer sounds almost dismissive, so he adds a small smile to it right after, nodding as he turns to look at Spock. ] I'd like that. I'm ready to go when you are.
[ Just grabbing his comm off the nightstand and he's all set. ]
[ Spock knows she needs to shower, but she can return to her quarters after breakfast, as that takes her only minutes in the sonics. Far better to retreat out of his room and not think about showering in the presence of the captain.
At least living on a starship has prepared them both for dressing quickly and efficiently, which translates into shoving her feet into her boots as Jim speaks. ]
I am sufficiently prepared, Captain.
[ They have had breakfast together in the past; it is, in fact, somewhat common. Thus Spock knows she should not be awkward, but slipping out of his quarters felt rather odd. ]
[ It's probably a bit more awkward than either of them really care to admit right now, but it would feel even weirder to just sneak out as if they were doing something wrong. So once Spock says she's ready, he promptly makes his way to the door, not giving himself room for thought as he gets it to open and steps outside.
Luckily for the two of them, the hall is currently deserted. A thought that comes to Jim's mind and makes him want to kick himself. He's sure he wouldn't feel this self-conscious if he hadn't let his eyes drift towards Spock's naked figure and linger.
Sighing more to himself than anything else, he locks the door and starts down the hallway towards the turbolift, waiting to make sure Spock's walking alongside him. ]
[ Vulcans are meant to be above the concept of embarrassment and shame, but Spock feels the first acutely. Awkwardness is not something that rests easily on the shoulders of anyone, and she has had so few encounters with it that she is a bit unsure of what to do. Especially since it was her mistake that landed her in Jim's room, and she has dragged the captain down. Instead of focusing on any of that, Spock simply represses her thoughts, and follows Jim out, heading for the turbolift. (And if she breathes a mental sigh of relief that no one sees her walking out of the captain's quarters, that is only for her to know. It is an action she has done multiple times, so there is no reason to acknowledge the deserted hall.)
The walk is rather quiet, which is not abnormal, but even Spock can read the tension there. Once they reach the turbolift, she clears her throat to ask, ]
Have we received our next mission parameters, Captain?
[ Jim isn't exactly familiar with the sentiment himself, as he's often unashamed and unapologetic when it comes to these things. However he's of the firm belief that sometimes the only way out is to push through, which right now basically translates to not talking about it and waiting until eventually the air clears around them and the awkwardness dissipates. ]
I'm expecting them at 0800 today, so any minute now. Sulu will get in touch, no doubt. [ He steps into the lift, addressing the computer and naming the deck where the mess hall is, wishing he already had something more concrete to tell her. The topic of their upcoming mission would be so harmless and it would fill the awkward silence so nicely. It might've even carried them through the whole breakfast. Not that Jim's usually the kind to appreciate work talk all the time, but this is one occasion where it would be very welcome.
Hands behind his back, he looks up and down the door as the lift glides smoothly across decks. Lips twitching a little, he shares the thought that's apparently amusing him. ] Wouldn't it be nice if these had some background music?
[ If Spock had allowed herself to flounder every time something awkward came up, she would no longer be in Starfleet, certainly not where she is currently standing - next to Jim. (Nothing quite tops awkward like becoming first officer for an individual one tried to choke.)
Spock is not unused to silence, and given enough time is sure the silence would eventually become less awkward. As it is, Jim interrupts. With what has to a highly random thought. ]
Negative, Captain. As the lifts are often used for conversation or in moments of concentration, music would be distracting. [ Her lip does curl slightly, acknowledging their unique situation. ] Humans once used music in the original versions of the turbolifts, I have learned from my studies, but I am unsure why it was deemed necessary.
[ 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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Still, no gossip is a benefit. And it means she can focus on why, exactly, she was drawn into his room rather than her own. ] I was unaware of how tired I was, Captain. [ Not that it explains why, and borders fairly close to a poor justification; had a student given her that excuse for missing a class when she was an instructor, she would have assumed it a lie. ] Our quarters are close and similarly situated, thus my lack of recognition when I crawled into bed.
[ Though she should have been aware that there was another presence in bed, at the very least. And that thought makes her flush even more.
She does ignore his comment about that. Jim has eyes, he can see. ]
If it is not unduly troublesome, [ she said instead, focusing on the blanket rather than looking at Jim. Though him getting out of bed meant she would see even more of him, but that was acceptable. ]
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Call it an accident. A fluke, or a coincidence. Definitely better than to think of this as some weird manifestation of her subconscious desires. ]
It's fine, Spock. You don't have to explain. I'm not upset, and I don't mind.
[ He offers her a smile. As nice as it is that she's trying to explain herself and apologize, she really doesn't have to. He's all but ready to let the matter drop.
So when she asks for him to get her clothes, he nods, then promptly crawls out of the bed, quietly relieved he's still wearing his boxer briefs. Even if they're tight enough that they don't leave much to the imagination.
He rounds the bed and picks up her clothes from the chair where she left them, then makes his way over to her side, setting them down near her. ] Here.
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She has enough control to repress that, at least, burying it deep down. She does not return the smile, simply inclines her head in gratitude. ] You have my appreciation for your understanding.
[ Staring is impolite, especially among Vulcan standards, so Spock looks away when Jim crawls out of bed, and if she happens to glance at him, briefly admiring the shape of his buttocks displayed so perfectly by those boxer briefs, then she is the only one with knowledge of that. ] Thank you, Captain.
[ She reaches for the bundle of clothes, then changes her mind, momentarily torn between deciding how to get dressed: suffer the indignity of putting clothes on beneath a blanket or make it less complicated and do it properly. Modesty, at least in this situation, is illogical and detrimental. So she folds the blanket aside and stands, reaching for her clothes.
At least she is efficient and swift about dressing. ]
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You know, I'd have thought waking up mostly naked on the same bed would've been enough to get you call me Jim.
[ Said more in an attempt to diffuse the tension than anything. Jim figures in a sense, addressing him by his rank right now affords her a certain level of distance and detachment that she wouldn't get were she to call him by his first name. Still, he's never going to let that go.
Not that it seems to particularly matter when she climbs out of his bed next. He's not even sure what he was expecting her to do to get dressed, but the sight of her standing up in nothing but her panties does catch him off-guard. Enough that he doesn't even realize that he's blatantly staring until she's already halfway through getting dressed and he catches a glimpse of her face. ]
... sorry. [ Okay, this is awkward. Even for him. He'll just turn around and make his way back to his closet so he can get dressed too. ]
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If it were not a matter of a mistaken room, then using your name would be appropriate in such a situation. [ It will take more than just waking up in bed mostly naked to get her to use his name. Perhaps something vastly different than this situation. Using his title is one way of preserving her dignity, both in face of a mishap like wandering into the wrong room and in waking up mostly naked with someone she considers a friend.
When she realizes he is staring, at perhaps the same time he realizes it, she has to fight back a blush. It does motivate her to hasten getting dressed, her own gaze firmly fixed on the far wall. Once she is presentable, she clears her throat. ]
It is of no concern. I am presentable now.
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But she's right. Maybe not when she's just woken up half-naked on his bed by complete accident. He tries not to give too much thought to how things would be if they happened to be in this situation for entirely different reasons. Seems like a very tricky and dangerous road to take.
Jim makes just as quick a work of putting on his clothes, tugging up his trousers and buttoning them up, then shoving on a gold shirt. His hair ends up sticking in weird directions, but he pays it no mind, glancing briefly at her as he turns and makes his way to where his boots are. ]
Right. Makes two of us, then.
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Better to see what happens rather than speculate. But even Spock is aware that humans regard using titles outside of their official capacity as too formal, and easing up on the use of them during off-hours is not entirely inappropriate. ]
We have one point three hours until we are due to report to the Bridge. Would you be amenable to joining me for breakfast?
[ She does not look at him as she asks, instead focusing on pinning her hair up. Though she does not require a mirror to do so (having done it so often that she could manage in the dark), it is easier to focus on that than on Jim as she asks. The small measure of doubt is illogical, as they have often broken their fast together, but it is still there. ]
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Sure. [ He catches how his short answer sounds almost dismissive, so he adds a small smile to it right after, nodding as he turns to look at Spock. ] I'd like that. I'm ready to go when you are.
[ Just grabbing his comm off the nightstand and he's all set. ]
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At least living on a starship has prepared them both for dressing quickly and efficiently, which translates into shoving her feet into her boots as Jim speaks. ]
I am sufficiently prepared, Captain.
[ They have had breakfast together in the past; it is, in fact, somewhat common. Thus Spock knows she should not be awkward, but slipping out of his quarters felt rather odd. ]
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Luckily for the two of them, the hall is currently deserted. A thought that comes to Jim's mind and makes him want to kick himself. He's sure he wouldn't feel this self-conscious if he hadn't let his eyes drift towards Spock's naked figure and linger.
Sighing more to himself than anything else, he locks the door and starts down the hallway towards the turbolift, waiting to make sure Spock's walking alongside him. ]
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The walk is rather quiet, which is not abnormal, but even Spock can read the tension there. Once they reach the turbolift, she clears her throat to ask, ]
Have we received our next mission parameters, Captain?
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I'm expecting them at 0800 today, so any minute now. Sulu will get in touch, no doubt. [ He steps into the lift, addressing the computer and naming the deck where the mess hall is, wishing he already had something more concrete to tell her. The topic of their upcoming mission would be so harmless and it would fill the awkward silence so nicely. It might've even carried them through the whole breakfast. Not that Jim's usually the kind to appreciate work talk all the time, but this is one occasion where it would be very welcome.
Hands behind his back, he looks up and down the door as the lift glides smoothly across decks. Lips twitching a little, he shares the thought that's apparently amusing him. ] Wouldn't it be nice if these had some background music?
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Spock is not unused to silence, and given enough time is sure the silence would eventually become less awkward. As it is, Jim interrupts. With what has to a highly random thought. ]
Negative, Captain. As the lifts are often used for conversation or in moments of concentration, music would be distracting. [ Her lip does curl slightly, acknowledging their unique situation. ] Humans once used music in the original versions of the turbolifts, I have learned from my studies, but I am unsure why it was deemed necessary.
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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.
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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.