In the After Time

[mirroredcommand]

After Jim and his Spock had left, Pike retreated into himself somewhat. He settled back into the chair he had left, his eyes closing and hand cupping his chin. Much had happened and been learned in a very short amount of time, some that had changed his very knowledge of not only this universe and their situation, but the people involved.

Kirk. That was a surprise in all of itself. Instead of the annoyed brat with a huge ego and a surprising sense of ruthless, charm, and intelligence to back it up, he was meeting someone he almost could respect. There was a keen sense of intelligence behind those golden eyes, tactile and strong, though obviously naive in certain cases. Even that naivety seemed protected by the knowledge of being aware of it. A most strange situation, but it came together in someone that in their universe, he would have considered a truly enemy.

Instead, he found himself surprised in the sense of having enjoyed himself within the limiting concerns of circumstance. There was a play between himself and Kirk that was as intricate as the game of chess that had been played out. Pike's eyes opened to focus on the board before him, pieces assembled off to either side. White, and black, with no shades of gray. He had found himself without another move, unable to win. Yet Kirk had been in the same circumstance. Both trapped, unable to make another move to win.

How very much like life.

Then, there was Spock. So similar to his own, yet vastly different. Shades of gray, indeed. He was curious to what had occurred during that mind meld that had drawn such reactions from his own bond mate, curious about the differences that were far more difficult to see. The relationship between the two men was unlike their own, forged in a vastly different way, but with the same purpose behind it.

He looked to his own Spock, who looked both thoughtful and tense to his knowing eyes and inner-sense brimming over from the bond between them. There had been a sense of dodging, avoidance, that he wanted to know the truth of.

"Spock."

Comments

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"Weakened but able to be molded. There is a naivety in him I have never seen before." It was delicious.

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

His head came up at the words. It was not the words themselves but the prickle of the bond that came with them.

"You want him, too."

This position, so familiar and comfortable to them both was suddenly...

Spock rose to his height and took a few steps back.

He had never had another at all and now Christopher wanted... another Spock?

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

The reaction made Pike tense, his eyes narrowing as he looked to Spock. "And if I did?"

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

He retreated another step and ignored the question in favor of his own.

Why him?

There was still a certain angry bafflement to the tone, and the beginnings of betrayal.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

The answer was easy, despite the tension in his body. He reminds me of you, when you were younger.

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

Even so, we are not the same. He would take you if he could.

The challenge to his bond had not come the expected place after all, the mated one with all of his connections to others tangled in his mind, spreading him wide.

The younger one and his own bond mate who did not understand.

He moved to the far wall, as much open territory between them as he could manage as he calmed his heart and his breathing.

Do you think he would bow to you so well?

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

I think he would bow no more then you would. Pike frowned at Spock, standing up.

He tilted his head, Are you jealous?

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

You did not want him in my mind - James T. Kirk's Spock, when I told you. Do you not like to keep what is yours?

There is a sense he has of the younger one, something that cries out danger when he remembers how that one would have inserted himself between them in the mind meld, when he came to Christopher.

He is quieter than usual, the syllabants slightly hissing.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

But I allowed it, did I not? His mental voice was crystal clear, a rumbling growl that betrayed his displeasure.

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

The bitter note is foreign to Spock's mouth.

I could not deny you, Christopher. You are aware of that. I was not aware that I also had to like it.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

And it is no different for me. His eyes were mere slits, anger bubbling up. I don't like that he was in your mind where only I have tread since your father.

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

And what if he came to my mind with a desire to take your place? To replace our bond with his own? Would you have so calmly allowed it then?

He closed his eyes.

He reminds you of me but he is... not me.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

Are you so blind, Spock Pike stepped forward again. Truly, have you become such a fool? The anger was real, now, burning hot. He had bonded with Spock for several years now, had trusted him for longer, and something so small would make Spock distrust him now?

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

He met Christopher's anger with his own, stepped away from his stance with his back against the wall - unconsciously seeking a better strategic position.

I am not blind, Christopher, though you may be - blinded by your lustful whim. He is a danger and you dwell on my jealousy instead.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

He could not replace you in this bond! Stop being foolish! His fingers flexed, feet shifting unconsciously as he prepared for an attack.

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

Do you think it cannot be done? Do you truly cling to such naive human notions?

He tosses his head, eyes finally wild.

Bonds do not go unchallenged. You may be my t'hy'la but such has been sundered before.

He trusts Christopher. He does not trust the younger Spock and his greedy, hungry mind.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

He is far from strong enough to tear our bond apart and replace himself in it! There was the slightest bend to his knees, and his fingers spread apart. Here, unlike in their sparring, in this situation, he would not hesitate to use his gloves.

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

He looks pointedly, disdainfully at Christopher's hands and defensive fighting posture. As if he would attack his lover in anger.

He already does so.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

In return, Pike flashed an image of Spock himself, getting higher ground, putting himself at ready. You are being a jealous fool.

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

He sneered.

This is your trust?

"You will, as ever, do as you wish."

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

Pike let out a small sound like a growl before crossing his arms. "I will not attack you, Spock, but you are acting like an angry child."

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

And now Christopher would show his lack of fear?

Spock was angry enough to push, just a bit. He stepped close, close enough for Christopher to feel the heat of his temper, to feel the warmth of his breath - lips a bare inch distant.

"And you are acting like my comfort is of no consequence to your lust. I see my current place, Christopher."

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

Pike stared into those dark eyes without fear. There was only a single time in his life he had ever shown fear to Spock, and that had left him broken on the floor of his own home. "My comfort was of no consequence to what you desired from that other Spock. You place is as it always was."

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

"I have never lied to you. I would not start now. But believe what you wish."

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"And you doubt me for foolish reasons. You are believing what you wish."