The Unexpected Gift

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	The Unexpected Gift
Author(s):	Heidi M.
Date(s):	1999
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
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The Unexpected Gift is a Kirk/Spock story by Heidi M. The art is by Shelley Butler.

It was published in the print zine First Time #50.

Summary

"Spock accompanies Uhura on a shopping expedition but when each has a package delivered to the ship, the accidental switching of them gives Spock what he has most desired "The captain opened his mouth. Closed it. Opened it and closed it, cleared his throat and began slowly, haltingly. 'I recieved your gift, Spock. I don't know what to say.'"

Reactions and Reviews

The Enterprise orbits a planet with “lavish marketplaces, wild casinos and friendly bars.” Sounds like my kind of place.

Uhura and Spock walk through the marketplace and Spock expresses his opinion that shopping is illogical— very cute! I thought the Maracan souvenir items for sale were so funny like the T-shirts with lots of arms and the one that reads: “Shop Maracan till you drop”! Adorable. Quite clever how Spock knows to the hour when is Kirk’s birthday. So he finds a mini-sailing ship and buys it early because he can’t wait for the actual day.

I loved the fun quality of this story and the very funny scene when Spock goes to Kirk’s quarters to find him lying on the bed in his birthday suit. Poor Spock keeps imagining it’s some Terran custom with birthday presents!

Most women say that "straight" men absolutely do not like to shop, and most of these don't like to see Kirk and Spock shopping. But I know some men (well, two) who actually and honestly do love shopping (and are good at it). So there. Now, this story isn't about Kirk and Spock shopping, but I wanted to preface my comments with some words about men shopping. (I like Kirk and Spock shopping, by the way.)

This story was so fun, Spock having been roped into accompanying Uhura to the marketplace on some planet on some leave time. Now Spock doesn't dislike shopping simply because he's a "guy." He has very good reasons, and it was so enjoyable to read the many paragraphs in his head as he thinks how illogical it is and what a waste of time. However, he finds a gift for Kirk, a miniature sailing ship; and he and Uhura have their selections (Spock's with a note) sent up to the ship. I just knew there would be trouble, simply because of this minor detail being mentioned so specifically. The scene that transpires later is sexy...but also just very funny, with clueless Spock wondering what erotic significance sailing ships might have in Earth culture.

So, this was silly in such a sweet way, and a good use of a simple but unique scenario.