A Perfect Mate

You may be looking for The Perfect Mate, a K/S story by Jane Firmstone.

Fanfiction
Title:	A Perfect Mate
Author(s):	Anne McClean
Date(s):	1991
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
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A Perfect Mate is a Kirk/Spock story by Anne McClean.

first page

It was published in the print zine First Time #28.

Summary

"Kirkʼs inability to be faithful causes Spock to call off their affair after leaving Flintʼs planet."

Reactions and Reviews

1991

This was another extremely well-written story from this new author. I thought she had Spock totally in character throughout - first falling hopelessly and helplessly for his captain, then, realising the futility of the affair, breaking it off, only to ultimately welcome his lover back. I had trouble with Ms. McClean's portrayal of Kirk. I couldn't believe that he would get Spock drunk in order to seduce him only to then deny a bond to the very monogamous Vulcan. He had to know what it would do to Spock to be in such a relationship. In my opinion, Kirk might be a bit selfish and self-centered, but he'd never be that brutal, especially to Spock. But the story was totally readable and held my attention throughout. I'm sure glad that Kirk got rid of Leila Kaloai — never could stand that woman.

I am excited by this new author. I loved the intensity of this bittersweet story. I felt — and believed — every bit of Spock’s pain. The author writes with a great deal of depth and shows an unusual understanding of both characters. I particularly liked Spock’s reactions during the first sex scene, and the references to the "soft, innocuous pile between his legs" (p. 40) that quickly became "massive, swollen, horribly ugly.... his Captain would see this awful thing." (p. 41). Considering the somewhat ’dark’ tone of this story, I think the ending should have packed a bigger punch to show happiness as intense as the prior pain. Otherwise, this was a powerful bit of writing that left me thoroughly impressed.

1992

I'm not exactly sure I like this story. It's not that the story is written badly or anything. It's just... well I just can't see Kirk getting Spock drunk and taking advantage of him in that way. And personally. I can't see anyone, let alone Spock, being taken advantage of in this way and liking it. Kirk didn't even give Spock a chance to say no.

Plus, I'd honestly like to know how Kirk knew of a drink that would make Spock drunk... yet Spock not know about this drink and what it would do to him.

Would Kirk ever actually get Spock drunk in order to seduce him? Of course not. Would he ever use Spock emotionally as he does in this story: Certainly not. Was this a great story anyway? Yes! I loved the seduction scene with Spock. in a boozy mellow helpless state, at first thinking "He could not allow this thing to happen." only to shortly later think that, then again... maybe he could. This Spock was so sweet and innocent and eager to please, he was just a delight! And while I don't agree with the author's portrayal of a manipulative Kirk, I love her portrayal of a lustful, sexually assertive, knowing-what-he- wants-and-going-after-it Kirk. And besides, this story isn't intended as serious characterization; it's clearly meant to be strictly for fun.

As for Kirk's refusal to commit... This was such a sharp break with the lighthearted mood of the seduction scene that I was startled by it. But then, the abrupt mood shift was one also experienced by Spock, and in that respect was a very effective technique for making the reader share the effect on Spock of Kirk's unexpected reluctance to bond. I certainly didn't expect Kirk to react as he did!

Additionally, the situation the writer created was so interesting that I quickly became absorbed in it... especially after Leila Kalomi showed up! Also, I definitely felt Spock's distress at breaking off the relationship with Kirk. This was extremely well conveyed. And I have to admit that I liked Kirk's "bossy" capitulation -- I agree with the author's premise that a man who has been as flamboyantly heterosexual as Kirk is not going to blithely and eagerly accept penetration! This is going to be a major change and one accepted with a lot of hesitation. He simply isn't accustomed to relationships in which his lover can, so to speak, return the favor. By recognizing this, I think that the author very accurately captures what the early stages of a Kirk/Spock sexual relationship would be.

Some comments on writing technique: the dialogue was believable, transitions were uniformly smooth, and the author did a very good job of gracefully moving between the perspectives of the two men so that the reader knows what each is feeling and understands the complex emotional dynamics at work. I found this to be very satisfying writing.

The tension in this story built perfectly abetted by a portrayal of the traits our favorite Captain possesses of which many of us are none too fond. Despite the happy ending, I just couldn't help but feel that this relationship isn't going to work. The last couple of sentences left me with a very sad image of a tormented Spock bound forever to a man who only thought he knew what he wanted but finds, now that he has it, it isn't so satisfying after all.

1993

Unsubtle and uncool of Kirk to get Spock intoxicated. An interesting premise that Kirk is not with Spock exclusively, that Spock can't handle it and ends relationship. The inequality and intensity were played out very well. The plot a realistic, gritty conflict; and then the plot thickens... Leila, Kirk's jealousy. Effectively painful. I ended up still not really trusting Kirk.

1995

What a surprise! This gem of a story, tucked away in FT28, like a jewel waiting to be found. And without further ado, let me say—this story was so downright sexy that my jaw dropped open so many times, I thought I'd lose it. The first mouth-agape scene was Kirk barging into Sickbay without knocking and being confronted by Spock's alabaster buttocks. Kirk comes in his pants. Literally.

The next carpet-thrashing scene is when Kirk seduces Spock. He plies Spock with a special Vulcan drink. He whispers seductively in Spock's ear. He takes Spock's clothes off. He pleads beautifully. "Please, Spock. I need this so much...l need you so much. Spock. Please." Oh boy.

"And the battle was lost. Kirk's tongue pushed in triumph, demanding, arrogant; kissing Spock as he kissed his women—possessing." Boy oh boy.

Not only is Kirk's seduction absolutely wonderful, but Spock's attempts at comprehending and controlling himself are just perfect. Poor Spock! Melted before the sun that is Kirk! He hasn't a chance.

So much delight in this story. Stuff like Spock telling Kirk about their love-making: "It was a most educational experience." And: "He had just been sodomized by his captain—and he was happy—happier than he had ever been."

The story centers around Spock's desire and need to bond with Kirk and Kirk's own need for control and independence. This creates a wonderful angst-driven situation for them to deal with. One of the most poignant aspects was Spock's decision to continue a sexual relationship with Kirk without any commitment or promise to bond.

But here's where some problem comes in. Lengthy passages leJl us how Spock feels, what was happening and what had happened. It would have been fantastic to have actually seen what went on. Scenes like: "Empty nights he spent alone, when Kirk was with another lover." And: "Kirk did not want to want him; resented his own need...." And: "The slightest, most involuntary sign of possessiveness or public intimacy from Spock was stamped upon with ruthless completeness." Those are mini-synopses of what should have been actual scenes.

Another problem was the use of past tense for no reason. Continually frustrating were scenes told about that should have been portrayed. This drove me crazy because they could have been so powerful, so dramatic and so emotional. There is no excuse as one can easily see that this author is very talented. What a waste!

Now that I've said that, I also wish to say that I didn't want this story to end! I kept looking to see how many more pages were left, not because I wanted it to end, but because I didn't. I could read this same story a dozen times and not be tired of it.

HEART-RENDING MOMENT: Spock finally doesn't buzz for admittance to the captain's quarters. He always used to because he "never expected privileges from their intimacy."

BREAST-CLUTCHING MOMENT: Spock confronts Kirk with his decision that their relationship is over. When Spock stood there in Kirk's quarters and told him that their "liaison" was finished, I got tears in my eyes.

TRULY OVERCOME MOMENT: Kirk lashes out at Spock, telling him it wasn't a "liaison" at all that "we fucked each other". Spock responds: "Incorrect, Captain. You fucked me."

GASPING OUTLOUD MOMENT: Spock stumbles back to his quarters in exquisite emotional pain after ending the relationship and realizes he must find a proper mate. "And when he did—now that this ludicrous attachment to Kirk was ended—he would seek a bondmate. The chapter was closed. He was not even aware that he was crying."

SQUEALING WITH DELIGHT MOMENT: Kirk is fucking a woman and Spock calls on the intercom.

BRILLIANT, VIVID, TRUE-TO-CHARACTER MOMENT: Kirk is terrified of needing "another being so badly that he would shelve his scruples to get him." Kirk doesn't want to lose his self-image as a womanizer, nor to lose his supposed freedom.

LAUGH OUTLOUD MOMENT: Spock's announcement that Kirk was "quite bossy" during their love-making.

I could go on and on. Without a doubt, this story is a must read. And if you've already read it, read it again. I am at a loss as to any more praising adjectives I can heap on this superb story. I adored it.

Open note to Anne Mclean (if she's out there) — Please consider writing some more for K/S fandom. Maybe it's been a while and maybe you're into other things (gasp! Pod-alert!) but there is a whole new group of K/Sers out here that would go crazy for your stories! I'd be first in line.

2000

Anne McClean wrote just five K/S stories, and this is my second favorite. All her plotlines feature a very hard, difficult Kirk who has a bad temper, not much regard for Spock, and is selfish to boot. Somehow the author manages to make him appealing!

In this tale, Kirk becomes obsessed with Spock and seduces him by drugging him. Spock, however, is perfectly willing to continue the affair, he has such hopes...all to be dashed as time goes by. Kirk continues to sleep with other lovers, all women, never says “I love you,” he never allows himself to be penetrated, and the action always takes place in his quarters. Geez, don’t you think these are enough warning signs for Spock? But it takes the affair with Rayna to finally convince Spock that he is dying in slow pieces by continuing this hopeless situation with Kirk. He finally gets up the courage to say “This is the end,” and he also announces that he will turn his attention to finding a life-mate.

And then guess who turns up on the Enterprise? Leila Kalomi, and she dresses to kill at the first night’s welcoming banquet. It’s not just Spock’s head that is turned, Kirk’s does too, only his eyes are filled with smoldering jealousy. Suddenly, he realizes what he has lost, realizes that he had never really gotten over his obsession with Spock, and by God he wasn’t going to let anybody else have him!

Way back when, when I first read this story, I found it a little hard to take. This is not your typical K/S, none of Anne McClean’s stories are, and it took an adjustment of mind-set to accept this differently- characterized Kirk, his promiscuity, not to mention Spock’s apparent willingness to turn to Leila. I really do like Spock’s strength in rejecting Kirk, in turning away from their physical relationship when he really wanted to continue it. It is a hard decision to make.

I also like the structure of this story. It starts with Spock’s decision to end the affair, then goes back to Kirk’s pov and his realization of his obsession, continues with the seduction, then picks up again with Spock’s pov at the tail end of the sex scene and then into his confrontation that ends the affair. The end of the story is done from Kirk’s pov, showing his desperation and loss sharply. Very nicely done, no confusion of povs, and every switch serves a definite purpose.

Here’s a excerpt from the story during the seduction scene. Pretty hot!

“I want you to beg me, Spock. Tell me you want me....” He moved his hips forward, exquisitely slowly. “Please...I...want you, Jim....”

“Do you want me to fuck you, Spock?” He rubbed the tip of his aching penis against the prostate. Tormenting. “Uuhhnnnnn. Yes.... Yes....” “Say it.” Kirk hated himself but couldn’t resist. “Fuck...me.... Please. Jim....” The words sounded strange, unfamiliar—

innocent. It didn’t matter. He shook his head. “You belong to me, Spock.”

“Yes. Yes. Jim. PLEASE....”

If you haven’t discovered Anne McClean stories, I recommend them!