Home Again (Star Trek: TOS story)

Fanfiction
Title:	Home Again
Author(s):	Bersahki
Date(s):	1998
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
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Home Again is a K/S story by Bersahki in the zine Amazing Grace #4.

Summary

"Kirk has problems dealing with his fame after saving the Earth a second time."

Reactions and Reviews

This story takes place after ST4, life on the ship after Kirk has Spock back at his side.

There is a "perverse" way in which I liked something about this story that I might otherwise have been critical of. I wasn't critical, though, because I was in the right mood. In the time-honored tradition where the dancing around each other is the raison d'etat for a K/S story, I liked here how Kirkand Spock are not getting to the point even more than they usually don't in this kind of story. I might have said, oh puleez, spit it out already, will you? But I enjoyed the frustration this time.

First we see them at a diplomatic reception. Kirk is typically irritated with this kind of political-socializing; and we also learn he feels uncomfortable with all the notoriety. But after all the frustrating and often inarticulate not-quite- talking-to-each-other, with McCoy sticking his good intentions in there too, we finally learn what's really bothering Kirk, and the story from that point has such a lovely and loving wanrrth and a sweet-erotic mood.

There are also moments in Spock's head that are nice to eavesdrop on. For instance, his coming into Kirks quarters (finally, after not being able to get the compulsively overworking Kirk alone), where Kirk is wearing only work-out shorts. I love thinking about Spock, in his disingenuous way, observing Kirk's body so openly and finding it...pleasing. Mmmm.

I thought there were asides in McCoy's head that seemed irrelevant to the story. Sometimes you don't know this until you've read the whole story, if some little thing is going to come into play later. In this case it didn't seem these had good reason for being in the story. However, in a slice-of-life type perspective, as in real life, there are things constantly that dont make like cohesive fiction. But this is a point more trouble than it's worth to make. If they were relevant to Bersahki as she wrote, then I'll buy them as relevant.

Anyway, the point finally is that Kirk regrets what he never told Spock before he died. I love that Kirk says, I don't want to waste the gift of your return. I don't want to go on as if it's business as usual."

And so the last scene of this story is beautiful. Moment to moment of just standing and getting closer and starting to touch...and finally in each other's arms. Spock touches his lips to Kirk's neck, and it goes from there. This is a wonderful, slow, erotic scene, with Spock making most of the first moves. And a perfect coming-ending, in few words. I love to be left like this at the end of a K/S story.

This story starts off pretty ordinarily—Admiral Kirk (or as he describes himself, ex-admiral) is at a formal dress affair on a planet at the request of the Federation, but he wants to leave. There are some very good touches showing the manners of the society like this greeting: "...hands together, fingertips down, and opened them outward with eyes humbly downcast." But for the most part, this whole beginning scene seems unnecessary since it was far too brief and had little, if nothing to do with the rest of the story.

Then they are on the Enterprise and Spock comes in on Kirk and McCoy drinking and talking together. I loved McCoy's remark when Spock stands in the doorway: 'You're lettin' the flies in, Spock!" Then Kirk and Spock go to dinner together (at the Mess Hall? With food trays?) and Spock is aware that something is bothering Kirk. But still, all this is too brief and not explored enough.

But—and this is what I've been leading to—the moment that Kirk and Spock stop talking and start kissing, is absolutely gorgeous and completely swept me away. I cannot say enough about how this scene was written so exquisitely. It's a perfect moment-to- moment as Spock kisses Kirk on the neck and then it leads to a real kiss.

It's so beautiful and so erotic—you can feel the touch of their hands.

"Home Again" by Bersahki is a 22 page story set after STAR TREK IV. This is the second of three water based stories in AMAZING GRACE 4. It starts out on an alien planet where Kirk has served as a negotiator. The story is basically in three parts. The first part involves Kirk and Spock on the alien planet.

The second part is on the ship and involves McCoy. First Kirk talks to McCoy and then later Spock talks to him. So if you like McCoy, this story gives him a decent part.

The third part involves Kirk and Spock getting together for the first time in Kirk's cabin after Kirk has finished showering. I donl need to tell you what happens. There are places in this story by Bersahki which are very nicely written. She uses very fresh phrasing and has some interesting descriptions.