Off Center Love

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	Off Center Love
Author(s):	Zoey Brooks
Date(s):	1986
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
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Off Center Love is a Kirk/Spock story by Zoey Brooks.

It was published in the print zine Naked Times #12.

Summary

"As he and Kirk become lovers, Spock finds himself under a mental attack and later, his quarters are ransacked by an unknown assailant."

Excerpt

"I'm sorry, Spock," Kirk offered sincerely. "Reminiscing seems to make you unhappy." "Do not be sorry, Jim. I am… pleased… you would find my life a source of interest." Kirk smiled faintly. "I guess I just wonder how a lonely little Vulcan boy managed to become such an accomplished… and… gentle man… one I care a lot about." Spock thought his heart would whirl until it turned to butter like the tiger's heart in the human fairy tale."

Reactions and Reviews

A haunting story that I'll read again. OFF CENTER LOVE by Zoey Brooks was perhaps my least favorite story in the zine, though not because of the writing (which was quite good). I have never been a fan of mystery yarns, so I may not be qualified to give an accurate review of OCL. As for the K/S elements, this is an established relationship story with K/S as a backdrop for the plot. For mystery fans, this story will keep you guessing. For K/S fans, I felt it could have used a "real" love scene as opposed to the implied ones.

This was a very good story in that through it I could see just how much a person can be hurt when someone ruthlessly invades their privacy. Although Spock did have Kirk to help him through his hurt it was still a terrible experience to go through. I do have a question though. On page 118 the wounded girl refers to hers and Spock's blood as "coppery brown, similar to her own." Now I always thought Spock's blood was based on copper which made it a greenish color. If I'm right (and I believe I am) then why the color change in Spock's blood? Other than that one question I found the story to be very interesting. I liked the way that Kirk was hurt because Spock was hurting. I liked the closeness that Kirk and Spock shared.

A really excellent story with all kinds of interesting points. The beginning was very intense - the "she" spoken of and her thoughts and emotions, especially her fear of the attackers and her relief at being rescued. Zoey made some telling points concerning a rescuer/rescuee relationship. Also enjoyed Kirk and Spock's courtship behavior - the wondering "does he?" "what if?"; the awkwardness and misinterpretation; the final openness in revealing their feelings. What I liked best was the analysis of Spock's character - the needing time to adjust to his new relationship with Kirk and the change in his routines; his deeply private life and his reluctance to have others know of it. And Kirk's gentle love and understanding and patience while Spock adjusted.

“Spock felt the familiar emptiness open up in him. There seemed to always be that great empty nothingness inside him. Just when he thought it might be filled, even in the most minuscule amount, something would occur to remind him that it wasn’t possible, not for him.”

It is very difficult to describe loneliness. But doesn’t the above paragraph accomplish it as well as anything you’ve ever read? This understanding comes as Kirk and Spock walk together in the ship’s arboretum, both reluctant to give up the other’s company, both certain it’s too early to admit to the love that is growing inside.

A chance touch and a couple of misunderstandings later and you are totally involved in this can’t-turn-loose story. It is very well paced and easy to follow, and keeps your interest level very high. I found myself peeking ahead to make sure there was plenty left to read. It’s that good. A well-plotted drama, creatively intertwined with Kirk and Spock’s evolving relationship. In this account alone, there are many memorable loving moments.