A Privacy of Storm

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	A Privacy of Storm
Author(s):	Lyon
Date(s):	1985
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
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A Privacy of Storm is a Kirk/Spock story by Lyon.

It was published in the print zine First Time #4.

Summary

"While on a planet survey, Kirk and Spock take shelter in a cave during a storm, where Kirkʼs fear of thunderstorms creates the situation that brings them together."

Excerpt

"They had known the possibility existed that they would be trapped, but could not have known it would happen so quickly after beaming down. The bizarrely erratic atmospheric conditions on the planet, and the fluctuating radiations of its dying sun, had both intrigued the Enterprise scientists and presented a problem, complex and dangerous, for her transporter engineers. McCoy had peevishly labelled it "just another Go-At-Your- Own-Risk pleasure jaunt." The Vulcan had volunteered to take charge of the small survey team, and at first Kirk had seemed uncharacteristically content to let him do so. But another offhand, mildly critical comment by McCoy appeared to prompt the starship's captain to abruptly change his mind, and join the landing party."

Reactions and Reviews

1986

I have no idea why this story wasn't at least nominated for a K/Star Award. True, it is a bit of a cliche, but with one tiny swallow of belief set aside at the beginning, the rest of the story grips you by the proverbial balls. It's one of the most well-written stories I've read in the last 3 years. Both characters are 'in character' and totally satisfying to the romantic as well as the adventuresome of the fans. An absolute must! I'm really looking forward to reading more of 'Lyon's' work.

1995

Another cave story.... And what a wonderful one. This one got to me very much. This has a nice clean POV, Spock's. But sometimes paragraphs were too long and dense. And also, the beginning was in "had" tense unnecessarily.

A small landing party stranded by a storm.... Kirk and Spock are separated from the others and must seek cover from a sudden deluge. A small, warm cave of course. I love the very close-in sense of Spock's constant awareness of Kirk's moods—besides the forced closeness of the cave, it seems their link is particularly strong. Sensibly, Kirk takes off his soaking wet clothes. It starts to get too much (both for Spock and for me) when he helps Spock off with his wet t-shirt stuck to his wet body, uh oh. Spock is uncomfortable naked with Kirk, but it's necessary. Spock feels "a very private pleasure in seeing Kirk naked." Oh yes.

A beautiful moment-by-moment tension, the intensity in the air between their naked selves, between their thoughts and awareness of each other.

Spock lies down to sleep; Kirk lies too close. It turns out Kirk is afraid of thunder and lightning. This was perfectly believable. The storm gets worse, and worse. A very satisfying scene—Kirk's visceral fear, Spock's physical protectiveness, where this naturally leads.... Both sharing their fears, then getting closer, reassurance, comfort, caresses.... Then Spock's propriety, which Kirk won't let him hide behind.

There were a few moments so powerful I was absolutely breathless.... The storm/thunder is violent, Spock physically blankets Kirk with his body, covering his ears...and then Spock is out of control. Urgent, gorgeous sex—a storm of it—and exquisite relief.

And we also deal with Spock's panic and guilt afterward. A really great confrontation. Beautiful, beautiful words of Kirk. We wouldn't have chosen this graceless first coming together, but we both have wanted it.

Reading this story was sublime and then sublimely painful. Spock thinking this will only eventually lead to loss of the most precious thing in his life, Kirk's friendship. But he finally really believes Kirk's desire of him. Then, a slow, gentle lovemaking.

An exquisite story. I felt...melted. I loved this very strong Kirk and an uncertain Spock who learns quickly.

1996

From Spock's point of view, the writer packs a wallop and Kirk is very radiant.

... discover this terrific story by an author named Lyon. Kirk and Spock are stranded temporarily on a planet in a cave during a fierce rain storm. Well, you can guess... Lots of neat moments, especially as Spock watches his captain in such a close environment. Thon, of course. Kirk just has to take off all his wet clothes. Of course there's no privacy, nor something dry to put on. Of course Spock has to do the same.

I was a little unsure as to why Spock was described as having "embarrassment, apprehension, disapproval, reflected shame" and even "despair" at having seen Kirk naked. Slightly over the top, I would say, but nevertheless.

Then, of course, one thing leads to another.... In the morning, Spock is horrified at his actions of the night before, but Kirk assuages his guilt and fear. Here, too, lots of wonderful feelings and interaction. Very clearly and nicely written.

Then, they really have sex.

I love what Kirk says to Spock before they are going to be beamed back to the ship. He says: "We've done something that's changed our lives. Forever. We've crossed a line I never thought we'd cross. And we can't go back, Spock. We have to face what's happened here tonight what's happened between us. Accept it and go on from there." So much the captain, so much a man in love. This was beautifully done. Gorgeous ending as they touch hands in the Vulcan embrace until they are transported. This is definitely one of the earlier stories to be read.

1997

A coming together almost beyond their will, unexpected, perhaps never consciously admitted, but there nevertheless. Poignant and dramatic. No clear cut “and they lived happily ever after,” which is only in line and therefore more realistic. Two men of flesh and blood, both fallible, both courageous, both needing.