Wounds That Bind

Fanfiction
Title:	Wounds That Bind
Author(s):	K Chaps
Date(s):	2005
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:	Wounds That Bind, Side by Side Collection on AO3
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Wounds That Bind is a K/S story by K Chaps.

It was published in Side by Side Special Edition #5, and was placed first in the Kirk/Spock Online Festival of 2004/2005.

Summary:

NC-17; After Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Kirk and Spock struggle to make sense of the events and find a new path.

Reactions and Reviews

K Chaps is a wonderful writer who focuses on the TOS universe. She‘s written quite a few stories, but one I think particularly stands out is Wounds That Bind.

The story is set in the aftermath of The Motion Picture, post V‘ger, as the Enterprise begins its second mission under Kirk‘s command – this time as an admiral. Both Kirk and Spock are adapting to the refurbished ship: Kirk appreciating the new technology he‘s surrounded by, while enjoying the luxury of greater space in his quarters; while Spock‘s attention is focused on trying to catch up on all the changes that have taken place while he was undertaking the Kolinahr in Gol. On personal notes, Kirk begins the story feeling elated to have Spock back, but once the initial rush wears off, he finds himself angry with his friend for having been abandoned for so long, expecting Spock never to return. Spock, meanwhile, is getting used again to ship life after having spent several years as an ascetic, and is still recovering from his meld with V‘ger. It‘s this latter point that has McCoy concerned, due to certain brain pattern anomalies that came to light while the Vulcan was in the doctor's care, leading him to believe Spock is unfit for duty despite the ̳milk run‘ they‘re on. McCoy‘s concern is valid – further testing shows it‘s not in the wake of V‘ger where Spock‘s difficulties lie, but the fact that he‘s entering Pon Farr much earlier than he should be. Spock shook his head. "It's not possible." "How long has it been?" "You are aware of the answer to that." Spock pulled on his tunic. "You are mistaken." "No, I'm not. Make some decisions now, while you can." McCoy put his instrument away. "I'm very sorry." "Your apology is unnecessary." Spock stared at the padd in McCoy's hand. "I would like to take it with me." McCoy lifted it and handed it to him. "It won't change from wishing." Now that Spock knows, he‘s adamant he doesn‘t want to return to Vulcan to take a wife – he‘d literally rather die. After he informs Kirk of his condition, feeling and frustrated at the turn of events and fearful for Spock's welfare, Kirk heads to sickbay to talk to McCoy. As they discuss options, the doctor reveals certain information about Spock that Kirk isn't expecting. McCoy gave him a small smile. "Jim, you and I have been friends for years, and I want the truth - have you had sexual relations with men?" Kirk felt his mouth drop open. He shut it, picked up the chair, and threw it against the wall. "No!" "Settle down. I believe you." McCoy came around from his desk and rescued the chair. He put it out of Kirk's reach. "I know you're not homophobic." "Of course not. I just never have." Kirk leaned against the nearest wall and rubbed his face. "It would have seemed like a betrayal." McCoy nodded and put a hand on Kirk's shoulder. He squeezed and said softly, "How will you feel if he mates with Sulu?" "Sulu? Why not Uhura?" Kirk swallowed hard. This conversation was one of the hardest of his life. If McCoy hadn't seemed so sympathetic, Kirk would have hit him by now. "Jim, there are subtle differences in brain formation. Spock isn't going to choose a woman, not ever for that." McCoy wrapped his hand around Kirk's wrist. "I think you need to sit down." Now that he fully understands the situation, Kirk wants to help, knowing Spock would accept him. But he‘s never been attracted to men and knows this isn‘t about a noble sacrifice for a few days – for Spock to survive, he will need to bond for life. K Chaps weaves this story into the day to day life on the Enterprise, conversations happening on shift between their various duties, which imbues the story with a degree of realism not always found in K/S fiction. Her characterisations, particularly of Kirk, Spock and McCoy as they appeared in the early movies is spot on, which just adds to a sense that this is what really happened after V‘ger. We have a more introspective Kirk and a more forthright Spock whose relationship with McCoy is far less antagonistic than it was on the first mission, allowing him to accept both help and advice from the doctor. The story switches between Kirk and Spock's points of view, although it‘s primarily Kirk‘s we see it from. The author deftly maintains the tension from the very beginning, building it up as the narrative unfolds and the circumstances that each of the characters faces becomes clear: Spock doesn‘t want to force himself on Kirk but wishes no other mate, and once he understands this, Kirk wants to help Spock but doesn‘t know if he can. Meanwhile, McCoy has to stand back and let the two of them figure it out. The reasons I like this story are first, because we get a strong Kirk, Spock and McCoy who all come across as mature and professional, putting their duty first, which makes their actions so much more believable. In addition, the dialogue between the protagonists, as well as with the secondary characters, is well written, and a pacy narrative causes the story to unfold at a satisfying rate. I know not everyone wants to read scenes of hot, sweaty sex and so it‘s worth mentioning this story is rated "Adult" though I would say R is more accurate – with relevant scenes mostly fading to black. Now, I‘m not one of those, myself, but the story is rich enough in everything else, that I really don‘t mind!

Wounds that Bind by K Chaps, on the K/S archive, ~11,500 words.

– anonymous