Fic: The Gift That Keeps on Vexing: Part Four | Mirrorverse | NC-17

[ivycross]

Title: The Gift That Keeps on Vexing, Part Four
Author: ivycross
Beta: pamdizzle but all mistakes are mine
Series: Mirrorverse
Rating: NC-17
Length: 3,355
Warnings: N/A
Summary: It is Solstice and Captain Kirk keeps receiving gifts from a secret admirer. The thing is Kirk doesn't want the gifts or an admirer, because it would be daft to think that there is someone who actually wants him and not his command.

As he entered the transporter room, the first thing Kirk saw was McCoy's blue eyes glaring at him. "For fucks sake.  Could you have taken any longer to get dressed and get in here? I've been waiting over twenty minutes, you fucking peacock."

Kirk smiled and causally strolled into the room,  hands buried in the pockets of his black pea coat, a simple linen bag over one shoulder.  He gave the doctor a once over,  taking in the black pants, the white ruffled blouse, and the black domino mask that the doctor held in one hand and made a note to himself that when he wanted to, Dr. McCoy could be a bit of peacock himself

"You look nice," Kirk said conversationally which took McCoy completely off guard.

 "Uh, thank you," the doctor replied and Kirk enjoyed the awkward shade of pink McCoy was now turning.  Kirk stepped onto the transported pad and stood waiting for Lieutenant Kyle to fumble with the controls.  To his left he watched McCoy shrug into a tweed jacket.  They had been told to dress warmly since they would not be beamed directly into mansion but on the grounds outside the main entrance. Mr. Farrell and the rest of Kirk's security team were already down on the surface to sniff out any potential threats that might await them.

Lieutenant Kyle signaled to them that he was ready and Kirk gave a nod. He closed his eyes, feeling the familiar tingle of the beam down.  In no more than second his body felt the bite of cold air and his eyes opened to take in open moonlit grounds of the High Chancellor's mansion. Before him was Mr. Farrell in a standard red tunic with a black cap covering his bald head.

"The grounds are clear, Sir and they are waiting your arrival," Farrell said while saluting and Kirk simply nodded before turning to McCoy.  "Shall we, Doctor?"

McCoy snorted,  "Lead the way, princess."  Kirk made no reply to this. He wasn't in the mood, so he merely took to walking up the wide gravel path through the grounds, with his security detail surround him.

The High Chancellor's mansion was pretty much what he expected, so he didn't bother to stop and admire it as they approach, but rather bounded up the main stairs announcing himself to the man at the door.  Once inside he and the doctor were shown to a small atrium where a young man stood waiting to collect their coats.

Mr. Farrell once again stood in front of Kirk. "Sir, we have not checked the food and drink yet, would you like for us to do so now?"

Kirk eyed him gravely. "Well, since I would like to both eat and drink while I am here and I would rather not wait for you to run the test, it would be best if you did so now," Kirk said the bite of his tone making his bodyguard wince.  Mr. Farrell saluted and was gone.

"Aren't you going to take off your coat, Jim?" Kirk turned to see McCoy handing his jacket to the young man.  Kirk hesitated and realized too late that the doctor noticed. 

"What's up with you?" McCoy said giving him an appraising look. 

"Nothing," Kirk said too quickly, while making no move to remove his coat.

McCoy arched one eyebrow and took his captain by the shoulders.  "Excuse us," He said to the collector of coats and pushed Kirk into side room. 

"Alright, what is going on with you?"  McCoy peered hard into the Kirk's face.  Kirk squared his shoulders and started to push past McCoy, but he forgot that when he wanted to be,  the doctor could be as immoveable as a brick wall.  So, he crossed his arms over his chest with McCoy doing the same and the two simply glared at one another.

"You know, if you keep staring at me like this, I might try to kiss you," McCoy said as he gave a tiny half smile.

Kirk rolled his eyes and said, "If I let you do that will you move out of my way?"

"Nope," McCoy said shaking his head slowly.  Kirk thought to scream and punch the doctor in his face, but he paused when he realized that those hard blue eyes were softening with concern, just like Spock's had in the lift. It then dawned on Kirk that for the first time since his brother had passed,  there were people that might actually care about him. This was both a comforting and a disturbing notion.

Kirk ran a hand through his hair, careful not to mess his mane, and frowned. "It's... Well it's stupid is what it is," He started. McCoy just cocked his head to one side and motioned for Kirk to keep talking. Swallowing Kirk started again his voice soft.

"It's this admirer nonsense. They are supposed to be here tonight mingling in the crowd. They sent me one last gift and the deal is if I show up wearing it, they will know that I'm taking them seriously and I will get to find out who they are."

Kirk watched McCoy's eyebrows shoot up.  "Well, are you wearing whatever it is?" He asked and Kirk nodded turning his head slightly so he was no longer looking directly at the doctor.  From the corner of his eye he saw McCoy nod with understanding.

"Is that why you haven't removed your coat yet? You're scared?" Kirks face burned with rage and embarrassment. He turned his eyes back to the doctor.

"I. Am. Not. Scared. "

McCoy's face remained impassive. "Right. Of course you're not. Perhaps a better word here would be cautious? There is nothing wrong with being cautious."

Kirk's mouth tightened into a straight line but he said nothing so McCoy continued. "So you're being cautious about this whole thing, because you're unsure of what your next move should be. You're wearing whatever, but you don't want to broad cast it to whoever, because... You're worried maybe? But what would someone like you have be worried about other than an assassination attempt?"

"Isn't that enough?" Kirk asked.  McCoy Shrugged. 

"Maybe. Maybe not. I'm going to say maybe not here, because of what has been going on. I really don't believe this person has any intentions on harming you. I think the reason that you're being so cautious is because you don't know what to make of this person. You're used to people trying to use you or kill you, and god know what else, but someone that has taken a liking you, has professed their love for you, has been showering you with gifts and affection. Well, that's out of your depth."

There was a silence then McCoy added, "You want my opinion? I say go for it, because what have you got to lose?  Oh, I know you think my might lose your command or whatever, but that's maybe. Nothing is certain except that right now you have a chance of meeting someone that could be the best thing to happen to you."

"What if they're not?" Kirk asked. McCoy shrugged once more.

"Then they're not and you move on, but don't waste this chance on ifs, mights, and maybes. We're human and we're not meant to be alone ,but that is what our careers force on us. This empty loneliness that's all consuming and because of our careers, we either die horribly or go mad and we do it alone. That isn't any kind of life and we shouldn't have to be alone, but you have a chance to overcome that. So, what's it gonna be? You gonna take off that coat and meet your admirer face to face, or are you gonna sulk and hide all night?"

Silence filled the room again. Kirk eyed the doctor and then with no hesitation  he let his coat drop to the floor.  There he stood in something similar to his uniform, but instead of the sleeveless tunic being glittery gold and made of some course fabric, it was a shimmering midnight blue silk. The slash around his waist and imperial sigil on his right breast were both sliver and tucked into the sash was an ornate dagger. McCoy blinked and nodded his head clearly impressed.

Kirk smiled a  little half smile as he picked up his coat and pushed past McCoy who smiled back with approval. He marched up to the young man taking the coats handing the man his pea coat. Then taking a second to remove a blue and silver mask from it, Kirk hand over the linen bag too.

He and Doctor McCoy left the atrium, heading toward the main hall. Kirk paused outside the large doors that would lead them into the ballroom and  turned to McCoy mask in hand.

"How do I look?" He watched McCoy's face as the blue eyes trailed up and then down and back up.

"If it doesn't work out with whomever, you be sure to come see me,"  he said giving Kirk wink and a leer. 

"You're too old for me," Kirk replied teasing as he donned his mask. He opened the large doors and disappeared into the brightly lit ballroom.  McCoy stood there a second smiling and shaking his head before  he put on his own mask, joining the festivities.

*****

The ball was something completely new for Captain Kirk; he had never attended anything like it. It was a formal function but it was not stuffy or uptight. People laughed and drank with abandon, but there were rules and etiquette that had to be maintained. 

When walked in the doors, he was announced and everyone stopped to look at him. He endeavored to show that this was nothing new to him as he made his way down the main isle to greet the High Chancellor and his family. Once those introductions were over there were so many more. It seemed that everyone wanted to meet the handsome captain.

More over everyone also wanted him to meet their young and available sons and daughters.  Kirk made polite small talk and as many excuses as he could to avoid dancing with anyone, but after while it couldn't be helped. So by one partner after another,  Kirk was dragged out on the dance floor.

Once while trapped in a waltz with a very dull young man trying to explain the mating dance of type of spider only found on Beta Crom 20, Kirk spied McCoy with a plate of hors d'oeuvres in one hand and a drink in the other. He watched the doctor give a smug little smile and lift his glass to him.

When Kirk was finally able to break away from his partner and avoid the waiting line of new partners, he made his way over to Mr. Farrell, who had taken a section of wall to keep as his post. 

"Mr. Farrell, how is everything here?" Kirk asked. 

"Fine Captain. Nothing suspicious seems to be going on and I checked all the food and drink they will be serving.  Everything appears to be okay."

Kirk nodded and added, "Has been anyone watching me tonight?" 

Farrell knotted his brow little as he answered, "Well yes, sir. Everyone. It would seem that you are, as my granny would have said, the belle of the ball."  Kirk ignored the chuckle from his body guard.

"Yes yes, but has there been an extra attention from one person particular?"

"Have someone in mind, Captain?" Farrell asked not sure what else to say.  Kirk pursed his lips in annoyance. 

"Never mind," He said before heading to refreshment table. As the night wore on Kirk was approached more and more by the other guests.  Some wanted to chat, others wanted to dance, then there were those that came right out and wanted to take him to bed.  Each time someone new approached him, his heart would leap in his chest.   Could this be my admirer?  But each time it would turn out to be just another Beta Cromian wanting his attention and he would be disappointed.

Finally Kirk decided to make a circuit around the room at one point, figure maybe his admirer just hadn't seen him yet.  He then stood at the refreshment table in plain view of everyone and smiled at everyone that walked by. He also continued to flood Mr. Farrell  with question about people's behavior, which only seemed to confuse and worry the guard.

"Sir, I think maybe we should go back to the ship," Farrell said after Kirk's last round of questioning. 

"What? No. We can't go back yet," Kirk said sounding a little frantic. 

"We can't, sir?" Farrell asked caution oozing into his voice. 

"Now we can't," Kirk answered flatly. His guard nodded slowly, but said,  "Okay, but I thought it might be a good idea. It seems that most of other guests are leaving and well... you seem... tired sir?  Perhaps it best we go."

Kirk felt Mr. Farrell place a huge hand on his shoulder and he started to shrug it off when McCoy walked up to them.  "Now that was what would I call a party. I say we call it a night," McCoy said cheerfully

"I was just suggesting that to the captain," Farrell said his tone far too soft and soothing for Kirk's liking.

"But we can't leave yet," Kirk said avoiding the look Mr. Farrell gave him. He heard the large man lean over to McCoy and whisper, "I think he might be over worked or something. Perhaps you should talk to him."

McCoy sucked on his lower lip and nodded, "I'll take care of this. You gather your team and meet us outside."  Mr. Farrell nodded and was gone.  Kirk looked around the ballroom one more time and saw that there were less people than before.  It would seem that the night was ending.

"They never showed up, did they?" He heard McCoy ask. Kirk shook his head as he watched more people head out the main door, some smiling and waving at him as they left.

"The bastard," McCoy said under breath and then added a little kinder, "Come on then. Let's head back to the ship and we'll have drink. That sounds good, right?"

Once again Kirk felt an arm wrap around him.  He wanted to shake the doctor off, to scream at him. To tell him that he did not need or want his pity, but he didn't. He was too tired and hurt to do any of those things. Sos he let the doctor lead him back to the atrium where they collected their coats and together they joined Mr. Farrell and the rest of the security team outside.

Once back on board the ship, Kirk waived off McCoy's offer for nightcap and headed straight to his cabin.  He underdressed out the costume and put on his lounge pants. He crawled into his bunk and waited.

 So what his admirer didn't show up at the ball? That just meant they would show themselves here in his room. Better this way, Kirk thought. No one else around, so they could really talk and get to know one another. Kirk propped himself against his headboard and settled in to wait. Any minute, he thought. Any minute. 

When he awoke the next morning with a crick in his neck from sleeping upright he tried not to be disappointed.  They just didn't want to wake me, that's all.  He got up and collected a cup of coffee from his replicator.

He then moved over to his desk. He expected a note declaring his admirer's sincerest apologies about last night. That they would move heaven and earth to make it up to him. He expected another gift, something thoughtful yet showy to try to win him over once more.

He expected that he if stood there long enough, the person would just walk through the door of his cabin, unmasked and swoop him up in their arms.  They would caress his hair and face while professing their undying love him, then carry him to his bunk. He would COMM  Spock,  handing him the Conn for the day and bask in the warmth of this person who would adore him above all others.

You are an idiot, Kirk. Reality came crashing down at that moment and James T. Kirk had never felt more humiliated  in his whole life. He finished his coffee, his body shaking with rage as he did so and got dressed.  He threw the lounge pants into a corner and when he went to put on his boots, he picked up the standard issued pair, trying not to wince as he slipped them on his feet.

Marching out of his cabin, he did not watch where he was going and walked right into Mr. Spock. They bounce off each  and both of them landed on the floor. Kirk sat there sprawled and angry glaring at his first officer.

 "Watch where you are going, you clumsy thing," he growled while standing.  Mr. Spock did not answer right away, but instead stood, smoothed out his top and straightened his hair.

Once he was sure that he was presentable again, he replied, "My apologies, Captain. I did not see you there." Kirk eyed the Vulcan as he stood and took in the dark circles under his eyes.

"Jeez Spock. You look as bad as I feel. Rough night?" He asked his tone a little softer.

 Spock nodded, "Yes. There was a fiasco in one of the labs last evening and it was left to me to correct. It took me all night to do so too. I will say as a Vulcan I do not require a lot sleep but I do require some."

Kirk gave a mirthless laugh at that. "Yeah well, no rest for the wicked Spock and let's face it that would be us. Shall we go mind the store before those morons on the bridge start getting ideas?"

"That would be an excellent idea, captain." They walked side by side in silence as they made their way to the turbo lift. Once inside Spock turned to Kirk. 

"Forgive me if I am prying, but I take it the ball did not pan out."

Kirk frowned and turned towards Spock. "Let's just say that I was disappointed by something. All in all I would have been happier here on the ship."

Spock frowned ever so slightly.  "I am sorry to hear that, Captain."  Kirk's mouth turned up at the corners just a fraction.

"As am I, Mr. Spock. As am I." For a moment it looked as if Spock would say something more but right then the doors to the lift opened and Kirk stepped on to the bridge.

He took his seat and started barking orders at everyone to leave orbit and head to their next post.   For the remainder of that day Kirk sat quietly, seemly staring at nothing. There were  no threats, no flirting, no crass comments.

From their stations, everyone on the bridge took turns eyeing their captain, confused at his behavior. Mr. Chekov even tried bait him for a fight, but Kirk just turned his glaze to young navigator and said, "Chekov. Shut up."  After that Chekov quietly went back to his station and said nothing else.

No one else spoke the rest of that shift unless duty demanded it. When Kirk finally left the bridge to return to his quarters, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.  Back in his cabin, Kirk carefully collected everything he had been given: The flask, the boots, the pants, the book, the outfit, along with each note and place it all in a box to wait the time the ship passed a garbage scow.  

Then he went to the rec room and the first crewman that caught his eye he took back to his quarters. Once finished, Kirk promptly threw them out and went to bed alone. The way it should be, he thought to himself as he drifted off into a troubled sleep.

part Five