The Winter is Past

Fanfiction
Title:	The Winter is Past
Author(s):	Vivienne Rivers
Date(s):	1983
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
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The Winter is Past is a Kirk/Spock story by Vivienne Rivers.

It was published in the print zine T'hy'la #3.

Summary

"A/R: Eighteen years after leaving for Gol, Spock sends a message to Kirk asking him to come to Vulcan."

Reactions and Reviews

1996

I like to think about our authors writing these stories after only one movie (or two or none), speculating on their future. I didn't start writing until after five movies, and would have to call this an A/U story if I wrote it now; but they were writing on a clean slate.

This one is sad, but with a wonderful ending. And really well written. In alternating POVs, very clear. Spock is on Vulcan, waiting for Kirk to arrive. at his invitation; this is 15 years or so after the five-year mission. Very atmospheric beginning; beautiful feelings in both of them, intense.

Spock has been married 12 years. To Kirk, it's just awful in that house in ShiKahr with Spock's cold, distant bondmate T'Sere. There is no love in this house, Spock says. Oh. I want to cry. Kirk is of course like water to a dying man. They take a walk; tentative touches, a beautiful and sad talk, about why they let so much time pass. Kirk is feeling old and sad over wasted years. But, they will leave Vulcan together, immediately! Oh, joy! Lovely story.

Here someone dared to be different. Eighteen years have passed since the end of the five year mission. Kirk and Spock have not seen each other since. Spock, married and nevertheless living an empty existence on Vulcan, has summoned Kirk by Stargram and waits apprehensively, watching the road.

The reunion is bittersweet as both men realize the price they have paid. Because, you see, the spark is still there to remind them of the barrenness of those eighteen years. This is a nicely evolving re-acquaintance, full of revelation and admission and all of it held together by that undeniable love. Nice job, Ms. Rivers.

1999

Spock contacts Kirk after eighteen years of silence and Kirk comes flying. This eagerness to be together is portrayed beautifully, but something doesn’t feel right altogether. The problem is I can’t put my finger on it. It’s just a feeling of general uneasiness.