Standing in the Shadows

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	Standing in the Shadows
Author(s):	Faris Vincent
Date(s):	1987
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
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Standing in the Shadows is a K/S story by Faris Vincent.

It was published in Charisma #1 and Shadows in the Rain.

Summary

"Sequel to ST:TMP (Spock is concerned over Kirk's reaction to his hero status after V'Ger, and to his captain's insecurities caused by his own flight to Gol."

Reactions and Reviews

A tale of friendship and love, powerful and attractive. A Spock where he belongs at Kirk's side, helping him just by being there. He gives his silent support, putting everything back into perspective.

This story starts off with the kind of hook I like in a story - something has all ready happened to one the main characters and the other one has gone to find out what it is. Kirk, in this story is very reflective and somewhat quiet, certainly part of his character, but not a part we see real often. This story takes place after Vger and one where Kirk is again the hero that has saved the Earth. He has walked out on his own award ceremony. Spock, who is the always concerned friend, leaves and goes to look for Kirk. The exchange that takes place between them, seems to be a summation of their friendship for each other. With phrases like Kirk saying. "So now they're telling me I'm Captain Invincible again. But I'm not. I never was. I'm only Jim Kirk, nothing more, when his best friend is by his side. When the one being in the universe who is his hero is standing next to him." They acknowledge what they are to each other as friends, then take the next step in their relationship. I found the story flowed smoothly and was an enjoyable read.

I watched ST TMP the other day and I couldnt help but think of this beautifully written story which is a sequel to TMP. Kirk is being honored for saving the Earth, given Starfleet's highest medals of honor as well. But he feels undeserving and distressed by the whole honors thing, and when he leaves the award ceremony without a word, Spock follows him.

It's a favorite story of mine because of its sheer simplicity. There's no pon farr or traumatic events that bring them together. But there is lovely in depth dialogue, an incredibly sexy and tender first time love scene, and a real understanding of what each man has come to mean to the other and why. A story I come back to again and again for a smile and sigh.

One of my favorite parts is where Spock tells Kirk that he didn't come back because of VGer or for Starfleet. He came back to him. Of course I gasp, "yes!" And another scene where Kirk places his hand on Spock's shoulder in friendship and says that he loves Spock, realizing only moments after what he said. Again, I gasp, "yes!" It's just that kind of story for me.

[part of a longer review]: A post Motion Picture get together. This story isn’t bad, but doesn’t work very well for me. Somewhat OOC, with slightly off character voices. I need to understand where the characters are emotionally a bit better, and I need that to matter more within the context of the fic (stakes!!). I wonder why the story needs to be quite so long? The last sentence is difficult to parse. The motif of shadows keeps showing up, but nothing really comes of it. Charisma comes up–like that’s the theme of the zine or something… which is interesting because Kirk’s not that charismatic here.