Seasons of the Heart (Star Trek: TOS story)

Fanfiction
Title:	Seasons of the Heart
Author(s):	Darien Duck
Date(s):	1983
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
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Seasons of the Heart is a Kirk/Spock story by Darien Duck.

It was published in the print zine And Another K/S Zine and was nominated for a 1984 K/Star Award for Best Short Story.

Summary

"It starts out with Kirk secretly nominating Spock for one of the highest awards that can be given to a scientist. When Spock receives a tape announcing that he is this year's recipient of the Hawking award, he was less than pleased. He was downright pissed off to find out that it was his bondmate who had nominated him."

Reactions and Reviews

1983

AAK/SZ had the best new story I thought...Darien's "Seasons of the Heart". Fantastic. For once Kirk doesn't act like a spoiled brat when he doesn't get his own way. (Of course, Spock is a bit of a shit...) I still like the way it was handled. A lot of stories that deal with an argument between them have a strong flavor of "get even". It was nice to see a mature Kirk (emotionally mature, that is) who didn't run off to the nearest brothel and fuck himself silly after having an argument with Spock. Or sit around like a lump and brood himself into a stupor. Good work, Darien.

1984

The final and longest story in the zine is by Darien Duck a co-editor of the zine. In (Seasons of the Heart) Kirk has nominated .Spock for a prestigious award. Spock, ungrateful creature that he is, is more than a little annoyed when he finds out and reacts, I believe, somewhat over-dramatically triggering defensive anger in Kirk. Impasse: Spock goes off to a symposium, Kirk stays behind then takes himself off skiing, rebuffing, thank God, some sexual advances in the interim. The two lovers, restore their differences of course, and it is nice to have some exploration of what problems might occur between a Terran and Vulcan bonded pair. But I still feel that Spock is rather stiff necked and, for a Vulcan, illogical in his dismay. It is obvious that the author intended that the split between them was potentially permanent but in that case Spock seems a little muddled by, on one hand, flouting Vulcan by loving a human and on the other, adhering so much to his roots that he believes, to quote Sarek: "The reward for work that has been well done is the satisfaction of knowledge gained." It shows a certain maladjustment and inflexibility which make one wonder how the relationship ever survived Though, I suppose, in view of the fact it nearly didn't, it might be a valid theory.

Spock learns he has been awarded the "Hawking Prize" (Federation equivalent of the Nobel Prize) and dreads the attention and ceremony that awaits him. When he learns also that Kirk nominated him, he feels betrayed and a rift opens between the bonded lovers. The ensuing emotional interplay between the two protagonists is well written and expressed - a good read.

2005

The final story in this zine, “Seasons of the Heart” by Darien Duck, was the most captivating and satisfying for me. It depicted the love between Kirk and Spock exactly as I like to see it – strong but not sappy, gentle and yet passionate. The way the story opens, with their everyday shipboard life and how it has evolved as they became lovers held my rapt attention from the start. There is a good plot revolving around Spock’s being named to receive the prestigious Hawking scientific award. But his aversion to publicity and attention causes a less than pleasant reaction, which spells trouble when he learns it was Kirk who nominated him. I don’t like it when there is a rift between them, and yet it was an integral part of this story, and a necessary plot element. Beneath the turmoil of misunderstanding, it is clear that their love has not diminished, so this makes it palatable. The strength of both men’s character is ever-present as they deal with this new personal challenge. There is enough cuddling and raw exciting sex to please any K/S lover, as well as obstacles to be overcome. All in all, a story well worth reading again and again. This author is adept at pulling you into their lives and insuring that you wish to remain there.