Lessons (Star Trek: TOS story by Emily Adams)

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	Lessons
Author(s):	Emily Adams
Date(s):	1987
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
External Links:
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Lessons is a Kirk/Spock story by Emily Adams.

It was published in the print zine First Time #15.

Summary

"After noting a change in Kirkʼs reaction to women, Spock asks for lessons in beginning a relationship."

Excerpt

""Excuse me, Captain," the Vulcan apologized, seeing Kirk's desk. "If I am disturbing you, I shall return at a later time." "No, Spock, that's okay. Sit down." Kirk pushed the stack of papers away again with relief as Spock drew up a chair and seated himself across the desk from his CO. "It was occurred to me," the Vulcan began, "that there is a subject on which I am lacking knowledge. I have previously experienced no interest in this area, but am now finding myself at a disadvantage. As you are reputed to have experience and, shall we say, expertise in the matter, I thought I should apply to you for the necessary information." Spock looked expectant. "What is this area of expertise I seem to have acquired?" "I wish to learn something of courtship rituals.""

Reactions and Reviews

I recently bought this older zine and was struck by the thought that well done K/S has no expiration date. This tale of misunderstanding and affection was as delightful to read in '98 as it probably was when it was first written. The story is a pleasure on two fronts. First was the excellent characterization of Kirk and Spock. Spock was suitably hesitant and uncertain of both his understanding of humanisms and his reading of JTK. The author wrote a concerned and affectionate Kirk who was aware of his friend's feelings. The second thing I liked was the basic plot of the story. Spock comes to Kirk asking for advice on how to 'woo' a person. Kirk is willing to help his friend, but in the process is forced to explore his own feelings for the Vulcan. Both characters are dealing with the same issues from opposite ends. Friendship, jealousy, yearning and concern for each other are wrestled with by both men. These misunderstandings are fully resolved to both their, and my own, satisfaction. Seen the idea before but not this deft execution. The reactions are right on, the sentences are clear and the prose is clever. Just right!

I thought that the author might have over-played Spock's innocence in this story. Believability really broke down for me when Kirk asked Spock to sleep with him and Spock responded "What will that accomplish?" Spock has been around humans too long to ask that question. Surely he heard about "sleeping together" in the Academy. What-about Leila? I thought the best lesson of all the ones Kirk taught Spock in this story, was the one about loss of control. Both control and loss of control is indeed the hardest for a Vulcan—as Emily illustrated so well.