Jealousy (Star Trek: TOS story)

Fanfiction
Title:	Jealousy
Author(s):	Vivian Gates
Date(s):	1984
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
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Jealousy is a K/S story by Vivian Gates.

It was published in the print zine Out of Bounds: Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves.

Reactions and Reviews

1990

I don't really like what the author had Spock doing in this story, though his words to Kirk in the situation were quite believable. The point was to expose Kirk's jealousy, and that was done extremely well. We see in the beginning of the story Kirk's complete belief that Spock is naively unaware of just what Weiss is really suggesting, so he "rescues" Spock. When Spock tells him he knew exactly what was going on and he resents Kirk's interference, Kirk is utterly shocked - he truly had no idea of the truth of the matter. All of Kirk's subsequent jealous thoughts were very real — "Probably dyed his hair."— and very revealing — "He didn't seem to want Spock himself, but he didn't want anybody else to have him." The end, with no pat solution or easy answer, fit well with the overall tone of the story.

I enjoyed the way the author explored Kirk's own feelings, and his jealousy and introspection gave real dimension to his character. As for Spock, I don't understand why he should have been so harsh to Kirk after the human maneuvered him away from Weiss; but wished instead that he showed some wishful longing in Kirk's direction to mask his own unfulfilled needs. Of course, this doesn't seem to be the author's intent in this story. In which case, Spock's cold attitude and sexual encounter with the other man is a means by which the reader gains insight into the workings of Kirk's mind.

1998

Another thought-provoking story from a terrific author—she’s the one who often explores the case for Spock’s latent and otherwise homosexuality.

Kirk and Spock are at dinner at an Andorian palace. Kirk is seated next to a young woman and Spock next to a handsome male diplomat.

Kirk watches while the man’s attention gets more and more focused on Spock and while Spock returns the attention. I loved some of the dialogue like when Kirk overhears: “The development was hasty, but botanically significant.” When discussing the flowers in the floral arrangements. Also, the man is touching Spock and Spock doesn’t pull away or seem to mind. Kirk’s anger builds and when the man wants to leave with Spock, Kirk steps in and prevents it.

Later there’s a confrontation and Kirk asks if Spock realizes the man’s ulterior motives and Spock says yes. He had had an affair with this man. Very cool scene! So when Kirk asks: “You’ve done it before? With him?” and Spock answers: “I have done it before. With him.”—it’s terrific!

Spock goes to the man’s apartment and they talk about their first time and the circumstances. Spock wants to make love again and the man readily agrees. (Like there’d be a doubt?) Kirk is alone in his quarters, fantasizing about Spock being with the man and being amazed at his feelings of jealousy.

The story ends with no resolution which was both satisfying and very frustrating. It’s written so concisely that it feels like every line is important and that nothing is wasted. But I still thought it was too short and really wanted it to be longer.