When Lovers Say Goodbye

Fanfiction
Title:	When Lovers Say Goodbye
Author(s):	Elizabeth Scott
Date(s):	1988
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
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When Lovers Say Goodbye is a Kirk/Spock story by Elizabeth Scott.

It was published in the print zine Within the Mirror #1.

Summary

"Some words are hard to say as Kirk and Spock prepare to part for six months."

Reactions and Reviews

In general I'm not too fond of Mirror stories, but when I like one, it is often because the characters are portrayed truly, though without excessive violence. This short-short goes in that direction as the mirror Kirk and Spock, who are lovers, are saying good-bye to each other before a six month separation. They teeter on the brink of sincerely telling each other they will miss each other, but old habits are hard to break. Instead Spock says, "Sentimental delusions have never been necessary to our relationship." They taunt each other cruelly, claiming their relationship is only physical, even that some of their responses with each other have been feigned. Spock implies he's only Kirk's lover because otherwise the captain would be vulnerable to a trap set with sexual honey, and then the profits they share would be lost. Kirk says, "If you're looking for some flowers-and-violins confession of undying love, forget it. I'd never make myself that vulnerable." Kirkis unable to grant Spock's last minute request that they be celibate during their separation, admitting only that 'We'll probably tear one another apart when we see each other in six months." Those are the Mirror characters as I understand them, so this story works for me.

The title says it all for this three page story. The Kirk and Spock of the mirror universe are lovers, and Kirk is about to leave for six months and neither man can find it in himself to drop his guard and admit what they feel. Kirk admits that he will “miss this,” speaking of Spock’s ass. It’s easier for both to fall back on animosity or feigned detachment. But when the posturing is over and the words finally said, it’s beautiful.