Private Moments

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	Private Moments
Author(s):	Charlotte Frost
Date(s):	1987
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
External Links:	on AO3
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Private Moments is a Kirk/Spock story by Charlotte Frost.

It was published in the print zine First Time #9.

Summary

"McCoy orders Kirk and a still disturbed Spock on medical leave after they are rescued from the Klingons who beat and tortured them."

The Author's Comments

Kirk and Spock are captured and held hostage. Then they’re rescued. Spock gives Kirk a massage – or is it vice versa? Anyway, I’m amazed that I remember that part. Of course, sex eventually ensues. I remember this story because the editor made me flesh it out – “This is a nice outline; where’s the rest?” And also because someone gave feedback and referred to it as a “slave” story, which puzzled me greatly. In K/S, slave stories were a genre all their own. How does being held hostage make one a “slave”? Yes, a bizarre thing to quibble about now, but at that time the distinction was really, really important!

Reactions and Reviews

The beginning of this story impressed me because the descriptions of the torture the Klingons did to Kirk and Spock, and their physical effects on them, were factually graphic without being gross or written to thrill-seek. In the sick-bay scene I would've liked to see a little more of an explanation into Spock's depression. Later, Spock's denial that he'd fallen asleep while Kirk was massaging his back was fun; plus there was a good point about Spock disliking therapeutic massage - most understandable for a touch telepath. I admit - I am extra-fond of sexually innocent Spock, so I quite enjoyed the leading-up-to-it part of the love scene. Plus I thought Spock's questions as to the "mechanics" of things and Kirk's slight embarrassment at answering them, were very in-character. A most satisfying story.

This particular author has always been one of my favorites and I know that when I sit down to read one of her stories, I won't be disappointed. So it is a real pleasure to see her work appearing on the internet so that other K/Srs can enjoy her wonderful stories. Including this one.

The story begins with Kirk and Spock held captive on a Klingon ship. Both are bound and beaten repeatedly, with Spock getting the worst of it. Rescue comes just in time, but the effects of their ordeal seem to linger with Spock. At McCoy's suggestion, Kirk and Spock take medical leave, with Kirk hoping to find out what's bothering Spock. When he does, the truth is rather shocking and certainly not anything he'd expected. Yet he is willing to trust that both he and Spock are ready for this radical change in their relationship as they look to a new future together. What makes this story so unforgettable is the author's ability to draw the reader right into the story and make one a part of it. The scene aboard the Klingon ship is a perfect example. One can almost feel the pain and anguish both men are going through as they are perpetually abused. When Spock undergoes a particularly savage beating, the reader suffers along right with him. Later after rescue, Kirk's compassion and tenderness as he cares for the still-healing Vulcan is both moving and yet totally in character. Later as their relationship progresses, he is sure to go slow and careful with the nervous, uncertain Vulcan as they make love for the first time. Yet let it also be said Spock himself is no frightened, wide-eyed, unwilling virgin. While he definitely lacks experience making love, he is eager to learn. When that first time is rather rushed on Kirk's part and he left feeling guilty because he might have been using Spock to prove he was still a man following his encounter with the Klingons, surprisingly, it is Spock who assuages his guilt with nothing more than simple logic and both are then free to go forward with a new beginning both are more than willing to embrace.

Definitely one of this author's best.