Rhapsody in Rain
| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Rhapsody in Rain |
| Author(s): | Arachnethe2 |
| Date(s): | 1998 |
| Length: | |
| Genre(s): | slash |
| Fandom(s): | Star Trek: TOS |
| Relationship(s): | Kirk/Spock |
| External Links: | Rhapsody in Rain, Side by Side Collection on AO3 |
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Rhapsody in Rain is a Kirk/Spock story by Arachnethe2.
It was first published online to ASCEM in December 1998[1] and reposted there a year later by request[2]. In April 2004 Rhapsody in Rain was featured in the Side by Side Issue #12 Hall of Fame and then subsequently in the print zine Cyberdreams #2. Print zine art is by Lovin James T. and titled "Rhapsody in Blue."
Summary
"In a strange town, during a rainy night, Kirk and Spock healed their wounds."
Reactions and Reviews
This is wonderful follow up to the events in Amok Time and, for me was the best story in the whole zine. Although not very long it was a beautifully written account clearly portraying Kirk’s not so well hidden pain at what took place during their unscheduled trip to Vulcan. After finishing with the ceremonies on Altair 6, the ship returns to Earth and Kirk decides to take a short period of leave to get away from this ship and (somewhat surprisingly) Spock for a while. His feelings at this point are very well portrayed, his pain and bewilderment that Spock could behave so even while he understands that Spock was not really aware of what he was doing, and in any case, could not stop what was happening while in the depths on pon farr and his unwilling realisation that he is more than a little afraid of someone he previously trusted completely – to the point where he has been avoiding contact with Spock except for duty related purposes.I also liked this particular author’s depiction of the story’s rather gloomy setting – a rather cold and rainy evening in Hamburg which is a perfect reflection of Kirk’s mood as he walks through the wet and somewhat miserable streets seeking a distraction from his thoughts and the bar where he finally ends up. Of course, not long after, in spite of all Kirk’s efforts not to be found, Spock catches up with him, determined to do whatever is necessary to save their relationship and the encounter which follows is wonderfully described in this rather unusual setting.
I’ve always found rain a very romantic background for this kind of encounter and this story is no exception. I also liked the fact that in spite of the problems they are having at this particular point in time Kirk still feels concerned for Spock, when he arrives in the bar, having finally tracked Kirk down, soaking wet and freezing cold, knowing how much the Vulcan dislikes such conditions, which are a far cry from the kind of natural environment he is accustomed to either on Vulcan or on the Enterprise. This leads to their finally discussing what happened and what happens next which leads to a wonderfully described conclusion.
Another thing I particularly liked in this story was how the author fills in some of the blanks in detailing from Spock’s point of view his return to the Enterprise and his awful grief stricken journey from the transporter room to sickbay, when he still believes that he has killed the most important person in his life and his amazing joy and relief when he realises Jim is alive after all. How they overcome the lingering hurt and distrust which Kirk feels and proceed from there is a heart-warming and very sensuous reading experience which I thoroughly enjoyed. [3]
Count on magic when you read this moody, atmospheric, utterly romantic story. A rainy night in northern Germany. Strange city but the endearingly familiar beauty of their love. Kirk is running from himself, probing the emotions that have surfaced in him after the dramatic events on the red sands of Vulcan. Spock finding him, after doggedly pursuing his Human and persuading him to the logical conclusion of their friendship. Both men meeting physically and spiritually in sweet, gentle, intense pleasure. Gentleness, yes, but there is an edge to their actions, their honest, deep feelings. Satisfyingly for me, there is also a red-hot love scene on the window sill, with the rain as sensuous backdrop! Wow! It's exciting! A masterful storyteller gives us so much beauty and tenderness. I fell immediately under its spell, her competent style, the way she sustained the brooding tone of the scene. I hope no one misses this wonderful story. I don't know who Arachnethe2 is, but now that I'm captivated, I have a craving for more from this purely poetic author. Simply wonderful! [4]
How is it that sometimes when you start reading you know immediately you are in for a treat? Such was the case as I began “Rhapsody in Rain.” The depiction of rainy streets in Hamburg, Germany set such a clear and memorable mood. Kirk’s mood is captured with the same clarity and in the same somber tones as the dreary, sodden city.The portrayal of Spock is just as convincing. Their appearance is so well described it’s like seeing a movie. I can almost smell their wet clothing as they exchange the words that can change their lives. Such a difficult time this is—unbelievably difficult. The conversation between them as they stand both figuratively and physically in an unfamiliar place is beautiful and sad and full of hope. The words they speak are so simple and yet full of truth. “Why did you come to me,” Kirk asks. “There is no one else.” Powerful.
It was a little difficult for me later on to follow their thoughts even though there was an attempt to make them appear different on the page. But this was compensated by the continued progress of both the precipitation and the story. If I’m ever on a rainy street in Germany, I know what I’ll be thinking of! [5]
This is so wonderful! I love this story. It's so evocative that in spite of the fact it's 70 degrees here, I'm freezing to death.This is my favorite thing you've written.
That poor wet, cold, shivering, bedraggled Vulcan with the heavy, heavy heart. Thanks for fixing things up for him by the end.[6]
Oh, dear, what a *musical* story. AND what an amazing tenderness throughout. I usually consider Spock a lot less vulnerable than you painted him, but Kirk's thinking him as 'beautiful, naked Vulcan here was the shyest being, who might disappear with the first unexpected move' is extremely powerful and effective. Their revealing all, fragile, vulnerable, tender, is really touching. AND the image of a cold, miserable and quite sogged Vulcan you gave us is a rare gift indeed.[7]