Shared Space

Fanfiction
Title:	Shared Space (title in the print zine), Shared Spaces (title online)
Author(s):	Dana Austin Marsh
Date(s):	print zine-(06/1990); K/S Archive-(09/2009)
Length:	print zine-27 pg.; K/S Archive-10,912 words
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:	The Kirk/Spock Fanfiction Archive on AO3
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Shared Space is a Kirk/Spock story by Dana Austin Marsh.

title page from the print zine

art for this story in the print zine, by Deeb

art for this story in the print zine, by Deeb

It was published in the print zine Counterpoint #3 (09/1990) and later online in 09/2009

Summary

From Counterpoint #3: “Kirk's confession of his love when he believes he is about to be put to death by his captors, is complicated when a last minute rescue causes confusion regarding his and Spock's true feelings.”

Reactions and Reviews

Unknown Date

Starts off with an impulsive we’re-about-to-die kiss, but the thing I enjoyed most about this fic was the awkward attempt at first-time sex and the way it takes them a while to get used to each other.

1990

This is one story where having the big sex scene at the end was an asset, no matter how predictable. The relationship between the characters, and the anticipation, built so steadily that I was as anxious for the ultimate conclusion as Kirk and Spock were. Barely has the line between seemingly endless delays (which can be so frustrating) and rushing to the sex scene after a few pages (which can be so unbelievable) been traveled so successfully. And once the sex scene was reached, it was just the right length to remain consistent with the rest of the story. The one bit of trouble I had was in the beginning. I wasn't sure how Kirk and Spock could be so sure the natives planned to kill Kirk, as the native's words on pages 7-8 could have been interpreted a number of ways. (I certainly didn’t assume they meant death.) Then, once death was imminent, I couldn't imagine Kirk accepting it so easily, without even trying to reason with their jailers. Overall, “Shared Space” had an innocent, delicate aura, which I found very appealing. It left me with a good feeling.

2000

Sometimes it’s nice to read a sweet uncomplicated story — and that’s how I’d classify this one. It begins in the shared space of a cell, from which Kirk is soon taken to be sacrificed by their captors. In desperation, Kirk leaves his friend Spock with a passionate kiss to remember him by. Rescued and recovered, they hit a few bumps on their way to understanding their feelings, but only enough to make it interesting.

2009

Ah, another old-fashioned good read. Just what I needed today; have subconsciously craved for more weeks than should be. There should be no excuse strong enough, no reason compelling enough, to keep someone away from their K/S zines for so long!

The story begins lightheartedly, something I've come to expect from this author, but quickly becomes very serious when the immediate rescue from a dark prison cell that Kirk has predicted doesn't happen. Instead he is taken from the filthy space he shares with Spock and nearly killed. When he hears the guards coming and senses he may never see Spock again, he confesses his love and tenderly kisses his treasured friend.

Rescue does come - as does the sickbay vigil and Spock’s angst over not only Kirk’s near miss but over his own inability to decide if Kirk’s offer of love was a panic reaction and not the real thing. Blend in the usual misunderstanding that comes when such situations try to straighten themselves out, and you have a tense set-up for the eventual realization that, hey, we really do love each other and why should we deny it any longer? Good job!

What's especially nice about this story is the slowly growing love between them after they realize both want the same thing. There’s a mission involved, but explained only to the extent it needs to be without interrupting the pleasant flow of growing attraction and the gradual learning to occupy the same quarters. There is no immediate sexual encounter, which I found refreshing. I loved seeing them gradually become comfortable with more intimate touches and the occasional kiss sandwiched in between layers of duty to the mission. When the loving comes, it is as natural and comfortable and exquisite as one could imagine. Satisfying to the nth degree...not that Spock has any interest in calculations at the end.

I'm so happy to see TOS K/S zine fic being archived. The new movie version is fine but it's not my K/S. I'm glad so many of the old guard are making their print fic available to keep the flame alive. Bravo!

Yum!! I've never seen this one before and I love Dana's stories, have for years. So this is a treat!!

Greywolf, grinning and hoping she posts more of 'em!!

I have this story in its original zine form and loved it the first time I read it, and the many times after, because it's a story that you can go back to again and again and see something missed before. As always with Dana's writing, this is a beautifully crafted story with some original ideas.

I love that Kirk and Spock are a little awkward with each other, and nervous to begin with, and knocking into each other in their bathroom. And I love how they gradually and naturally overcome these initial challenges as they grow more comfortable with one another. There's something so endearing about this initial lack of perfection that makes the overcoming of those issues so much more satisfying.

When they finally manage to have sex, there's this wonderful quote from a very distracted Spock that says it all, really: "For the first time in my life, I have absolutely no interest in numbers," Spock admitted.

A lovely story and a highly recommended read.

I too have the zine where it originally appeared. I'm so happy to see it here! I've always loved the slow build, the awkwardness, the nerves, in short -- everything most real relationships undergo. And yet when everything finally clicks, oh wow does it ever! A wonderful story, timeless and well worth rereading.

2010

I absolutely love it! Particularly the first part, I must admit I love hurt/comfort stories ^^ The second one seemed not to really fit in, however, it was so quiet and private after the dramatic beginning. But it is possibly only my own impression.

2011

Their embarrassment of all that touched my heart.

This is the first story of "Jim / Spock first time" when everything is not going so smooth and comfortable.

It's much more interesting when every touch, every gesture or statement weighs wealth. I was enjoying every one of them.

I just loved this story from beginning to end. I have to admit I have a particular weakness for stories where from TOS they were in situations where one of them could have perished and I the thoughts were left unsaid. Not here though. Thank you. I have another, probably annoying, attribute of loving certain sentences within each story, and I just adored, "Surely, what he had found within Kirk's kiss and within his own responding soul would not be revealed only to be snatched away. "

2012

I just adored this story. I'm a sucker for hurt/comfort and really like the idea of Jim confessing his love in a moment of desperation. Well done!

2013

Thankyou for such a sweet fic. I'm glad i'm not the only one to take the approach that a declaration of love after so much uncertainty and awkwardness between our boys followed by them jumping in the bed and making expert love to each other isn't the way to go... I enjoyed the way you let them get used to each other. Sweet, as I said