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]

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."

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

"Only time will bear this out."

The tiny bubble of betrayal has grown and lodged in his throat - his words are whispered.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"You are acting like you want me to say yes, that I'd rather be with him." Came the dark accusation.

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

An arching wing of eyebrow rose slowly, insultingly.

"Are you trying to goad me into killing him? You are mine."

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"As you are mine!" Pike snapped back, every part of him tense.

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

He had replaced the sheaths, all hidden under even these clothes, in their places. Tiny knives, sharp and easily forgotten about.

The one from his sleeve. It hissed as he drew it.

He offered it, handle first, to Christopher?

"Am I?"

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

It surprised him. It honestly did surprise him when the knife was suddenly there, the hilt offered to him.

His fingers wrapped around the hilt and held the knife, eyes remaining locked with Spock's. "I marked you as mine. Mine."

Pike stepped forward all at once, the knife at Spock's throat.

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

Even his breath barely moved his body - he was still in Christopher's hands, under his own knife. He raised his arm, pulled back the sleeve to reveal the brand.

"I asked you for it. I would not do away with it."

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

A hand came up and grasped Spock's own, and he brought the brand to the small space between their faces. The knife was turned, and the tip dragged slowly across the sensitive scars.

[mirroredspock.livejournal.com]

It would not scar. The brand itself had taken repeated wounding.

He drew in a breath between teeth and his pupils blew wide.

"Do you no longer enjoy claiming me?"

There is a hint of teasing in this whisper.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"The only time that will ever happen is if I'm dead." Pike pressed harder, this time, as he went below the brand. It cut into skin, and with his eyes locked to darker ones, he leaned forward to lap away the blood.