Heart's Delight

Fanfiction
Title:	Heart's Delight
Author(s):	Jenna Sinclair
Date(s):	1993
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:	online here
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Heart's Delight is a Kirk/Spock story by Jenna Sinclair. It is also in Setting Course.

It was published in the print zine Counterpoint #9.

Series

• Sharing the Sunlight
• Reflections on a Lunar Landscape
• Pursuing Hyacinths
• Heart's Delight
• Primal Scream
• Parallel Courses
• Double Trouble
• Son of Sarek
• Promises to Keep
• Setting Course
• Jagged Edges
• Manna
• Journey’s End
• One Night
• In the Shade

Summary

"While on their first shoreleave together as lovers, Kirk and Spock visit an archaeological dig. Prequel: Pursuing Hyacinths. Sequel: Primal Scream."

Reactions and Reviews

1993

This was a well written exploration of K/S's adjustment to one another that stayed true to the movie version, yet allowed them to be lovers before Spock went back to Vulcan. The problem they face was plausible and their conversation and reactions were realistic.

Yes, this story was definitely a "Heart's Delight"! Just as my heart is always delighted, when I discover a Jenna Sinclair story! Since SHARING THE SUNLIGHT she's one of ay favorite authors.

This story again takes place in the STS universe. Kirk and Spock are on shore leave and we can experience together with then all their joys, doubts, hopes and insecurities. Nothing like 'sweet honeymoon", but "life" itself! I don't want to give too much plot away, because it's very gripping at times, only that I loved that tousled-headed Spock with eyes barely open in the morning (p. 104) and the love-scene at the beginning of Chapter 5. It was one of the most beautiful that I've ever read in a K/S zine! No sex, no desire, but so much love and tenderness. I have no words to describe it, but: wonderful, perfect! And the rest of Chapter 5... wow, was that gripping! I couldn't stop reading and experienced nearly the same fear as Kirk and Spock — terrific! A pity, that it's only a short story - I had loved to read another 60 pages (at least)!

Well written; good language, i don't care for references to events in the author's other stories, however. I'd rather have references to events in episodes, especially if one has not read her other stories. I understand wanting to do that, though.

Kirk talking to Commodore Wesley about a shore-leave planet to appeal to all species on board. Kirk and Spock want to bond/marry, but Comm. Wesley warns against it; has gotten the shaft due to his own marriage to another officer.

Sex scene in hotel room is hot. A number of really good details, the dinner, etc. I like the "Information and Imagination Emporium' and the logo. Spock drinking whiskey and water? In the sports bar: interesting air hockey, and Spock's social observations. The sex show, and Kirk and Spock talking about it in bed later, was good. More good details: the ruins, their trip there, interspersed smoothly with their musings/feelings. An exciting scene involved fear that supposedly dwells at the ruins. Krik overcomes the forces and saves the day. Saves Spock, then Spock is unaccountably withdrawn. The making up and intense sex were satisfying.

In a way I appreciate this author's "realism" (Kirk doesn't see Spock as "beautiful" for instance), but I prefer it when they do see each other through rose-colored glasses. I don't really read this stuff for realism.

I don't care for "prick." (The word, I mean.) Or too much talking during sex. In reality people do say they're going to come, but how they say it is not easy to put into dialogue. Here, when Kirk says he is about to come, it feels not right. There was other too-rational conversation during sex, also.

Story ends up in the air, as if intentionally to be continued?

Since when is this the "Sharing the Sunlight universe"? Looks like the original series Star Trek universe to me.

1996

What attracts me about Jenna's work, is her realistic portrayal of their relationship, The ups and downs, the insecurities and the misunderstandings, the anger, the hurt but most of all on a solid foundation of their love for each other, the determination to make that relationship work. Set in the "Sharing the Sunlight" universe, I feel it has it all.

1999

HEART’S DELIGHT commenced with a revealing conversation between Kirk and a newly married and very much in love Bob Wesley. You can tell Kirk’s buttons are popping with the desire to share his own good news, but the time isn’t right. I love the part where Wesley advises him to find someone special. He advises, “You wouldn’t care about leave on some world-weary planet. You’d be carrying your happiness around with you, not always looking for it.”

Normally mundane events always take on new meaning when they involve Kirk and Spock. Here we’re skillfully shown the details of checking into a shore leave hotel together for the first time. It’s great that Spock takes the lead in choosing their room with Kirk’s love of sunshine in mind. I also love that Kirk’s as fidgety as a new groom during the whole thing!

Beautiful unburdened lovemaking.

I was determined to be angry again (as in the previous installment) as Kirk once more showed total disregard for his lover and forgot him in the heat of watching a sporting event. Later, when they discussed it, Spock found it amusing and I felt like a fool! A fool that had perhaps learned a lesson from this terrific writer. Our heroes aren’t perfect. They’re human. And Vulcan. And they love each other. This is just a more authentic approach to that love than is normally related in K/S.

When Spock clams up after a disturbing event, I’m getting irate again and what do you know? The same wrath is affecting Kirk. “Why does he have to clam up on me?” Close to venting his frustration and making things worse, Kirk takes control of himself and realizes this is how Spock must deal with trauma. The author says it best: “He’d take the lover who had learned to deal with the hurts of a universe inflicted upon him any day, over a clinging emotional mess.”

The remarkable thing about this story is that Kirk and Spock come to an understanding of how complicated and encumbered love can be. Yet this author tells us in a gritty down-to-earth manner instead of the more familiar achingly poignant way. I found it very convincing. Sometimes too much so for comfort.

2002

Trademarks of this author are great plot, dedication to detail and heartwarming love expressed with complete devotion to the characters. Heart’s Delight is a magnificent example, and one to be read slowly and attentively.

It all begins with an announcement from Commodore Bob Wesley of his recent marriage and his recommendation to JTK of its merits. JTK, unsurprisingly, is already aware that he may have found just such a life- mate right beneath is nose. He and Spock have, in fact, been lovers for months.

I got the feeling reading this account of a shore leave, that I was exploring new territory with Kirk and Spock. How could that be when there are hundreds of stories under my belt? It happens because you are totally swept up in the events.

As I mentioned, so rich are the details that it is as though you were right there beside them as their love acquires new dimensions off the ship. If there were doubts as to how they would interact under these relaxed circumstances, they are quickly dispelled. Kirk and Spock learn their likes, their dislikes, the little things that intrigue and excite them are as mutual as their commitment to the Enterprise. The simple act of eating a meal together is a wonderful adventure into the delights of being in love.

Finding mysterious ruins to explore adds variety and suspense further defines the enhanced way that they respond to each other.

This is definitely not a jump in the sack story, although there are some splendidly romantic and erotic hours spent in lovemaking and lingering in the warm afterglow. Never were the characters more accurately or lovingly portrayed. Never have I felt more in tune with their innermost thoughts and emotions, their carefully hidden fears and their glorious triumphs. It is one of those memorable K/S moments from which you derive complete satisfaction, leaving you mellow and happy.