Gratification

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	Gratification
Author(s):	Savhiere
Date(s):	2010
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
External Links:	Gratification
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Gratification is a Kirk/Spock story by Savhiere.

Reactions and Reviews

First things first: The theme of this story is BDSM. And if that’s nothing you like, read the story anyway. It’s worth it alone for the style and structure and sheer intensity. Each sentence is like a story of its own, at least that’s my impression.

“Gratification” is mostly narrated from Kirk’s POV with some paragraphs within that switch to Spock’s POV. Kirk’s first-person view transports a good measure of connection and I was in the story and in Kirk’s mind very quickly. “Gratification” tells the story of Kirk’s desperate need to be dominated and beaten. Without belittling his commanding personality, he only allows himself to indulge when on Shore Leave and it never interferes with his captaincy. What fascinated me most of all was Kirk’s hunger for this and I liked that it is never explained where this hunger comes from because it doesn’t need to be explained. A fact Spock understands very well as he is pretty much the only person who, when learning about it, doesn’t ask Kirk why. Spock does learn about this when he stumbles into one of Kirk’s sessions and since then he is there to cater for him whenever Kirk returns, taking care of him. (You see, h/c plays a wonderful part in the story too.) Kirk starts to rely on him, and when Spock at some point stops being there, he realises how much he wants Spock at his side. Spock meanwhile decides to learn all skills and procedures necessary to master Kirk, and he studies them thoroughly. He offers Kirk his service. Kirk voices doubts that Spock can do this. It is only after a mind meld that they start their first session. One of many to come, and never has Kirk felt so free, so safe, so touched, while Spock is amazed with the feelings he can give Kirk as much as with the feelings Kirk gives him. The sounds, the sounds is what pleases Spock most. And although they never even kiss, the love is as blatant as their connection and when the story ends with Spock lying on their bed holding Kirk in his arms after a session, we know all will be well forever. I loved how the author worked Ruth in, it gave me a whole new perspective and whenever I see this episode now, “Gratification” is my background to it. You have to read it. When I try to look at the story objectively (which is very hard as I am tremendously subjective here) one probably has to say it’s more of a Kirk story, more of a character study. But then, we see and feel so much from Spock too and especially the fact that Spock enjoys and even craves to do this to and most of all for Kirk is heart-wrenching. I liked how much it is again clear and obvious that Kirk and Spock complete each other perfectly, and again they need each other and relish each other.

Kirk would never have guessed Spock would and could do this for him and Spock learns and accesses his own pleasure only through Kirk. Hadn’t they met, they would have missed that and that’s why it is such a wonderful K/S story even beside the (ehr...very hot) BDSM theme.