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[mouth_breather]

'You've reached the voice mail of Jim Kirk. If this is an emergency, hit the pound key to deliver your message via the speaker. As long as I've got my comm with me, I'll hear it. If this is about a class assignment, press one. If this is regarding the location of any of my crew, press two.

If this is Spock questioning my orders to relax every once in a while, wait for exactly 43 seconds, press your thumb to the screen, and speak the secret passwords: 'It's okay to relax every now and then because I trust my captain, as a friend, to know what's good for me.'

...

Did you do it? Now just press 2, it would have got you the same results.'

BEEP!

Comments

[vulcanyounot]

Okay, gotcha. I don't want to scare her away.

Do you think it would be okay I if I just like took a peek in there to make sure I'm doing okay? jkjk unless it is okay

[vulcanyounot]

Which it's not I know. But it would be great if it were

[mouth_breather]

I think you answered your own question. I'd say don't do it. If you're doing well, you'll know. She'll smile. If you're blowing it, she'll find excuses not to look at you.

[Obviously Kirk doesn't know Winter if he's saying this, but for the rest of the week, he's right at least.]

[vulcanyounot]

Yeah yeah I know. But she could just be acting interested and actually be really bored.

[mouth_breather]

If you want to test it out, touch her arm. If she stiffens up, she's pretending. If she leans into it or touches you back, she's interested. Got it?

[vulcanyounot]

See how her subconscious reacts. That's really great advice. Thanks

[mouth_breather]

Don't mention it. You'll be fine.

And don't take it personally if she doesn't kiss you on the first date. Most women won't do that.

[Unless it's Kirk.]

[vulcanyounot]

Then how will I know if it went well?

[ Can you tell that he hasn't been on a first date in many years? ]

[mouth_breather]

You're going to have to trust me on this one. You'll know. She'll let you know. Pay attention to her responses and the way she looks at you, those will be your biggest clues.

[vulcanyounot]

Okay, got it. So long as I know what to look for I'll be fine. Thanks for your help.

I need to get ready now. I'll let you know how it goes.

-----------------------------------
[Hours later, Spock is pretty sure that it went really well. He sees Kirk's light is still on, so true to his word he knocks on Kirk's door as soon as he's seen Winter out.]

You can come out now, Jim. She's gone.

[mouth_breather]

[Kirk's sitting up against the headboard, the remnants of his dinner on the nighstand next to him: a crinkly plastic wrapper that once held a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a plastic cup that used to have fruit (only a wrinkly gross grape sits at the bottom now), and an empty glass with the film of milk washed over its inside. A few books are spread out around him as he makes notes on the datapad propped against his knee. At the sight of Spock entering the room, he tugs out his earbuds. AC/DC's tinny screams can be heard. Just how loud did Kirk think those two were going to be?!]

How'd it go?

[He glances at the clock to check the time. It's been a while, but it's not absurdly late.]

[Much as he's tempted to ask Spock about the hair (how did he change the length and style that quickly?), he's already got a strong suspicion that the city is in the throes of yet another "Event" given how many others seem to be exhibiting strange behavior. He just needs to know if he should intervene or not. So far, it seems harmless.]

[vulcanyounot]

[Spock slips in and closes the door behind him. There's no one home, but it's something of a habit, he supposes.

He puts his best poker face on.]

Well, I did what you said, complimented her, let her talk, all that. And... We kissed. A lot. [A crack of a grin breaks out.] Made it to fist base.

[He walks further into the room and takes a seat at the foot of the bed.]

She's fantastic, Jim. As a person, I mean, not a kisser. Though actually, she's pretty fantastic at that, too.

[He's pretty pleased with how the night had gone.]

[mouth_breather]

[It's a good thing they discussed his relationship (or current lack thereof) with Uhura earlier, otherwise Kirk would reluctantly advise a hell of a lot of caution right now. He's still boggling at the way Spock behaves, just making himself comfortable at the foot of the bed, completely twitterpated with this girl. It's like nothing Jim has ever seen, and doesn't expect to see again.]

Not bad, not bad.

[First base is pretty significant, especially since he'd told Spock not to expect a kiss on the first base. This woman blew tradition out of the water, apparently. Listening further, Jim's very large eyebrows climb higher up his brow.]

You're really serious about this one. I've never seen you light up like this.

[What's he going to do next, grow a five o'clock shadow? Smoke?]

Are you going to see her again?

his eyebrows are sizeable

[vulcanyounot]

[Please, Jim, smoking is hazardous to one's health. He would never do such a thing.

Spock hitting first base on the first date should also speak volumes since regular Spock probably wouldn't be so quick to get there.]

What's not to like? She likes to read! And she wants to learn how to meditate, and [dramatic pause] she's a captain. How cool is that? [he says to his captain] She's also gorgeous. Her eyes might even be bluer than yours.

[His smile shifts to a genuine one at the thought of going out on another date.]

I definitely plan on seeing her again. I just need to figure out where to take her.

They consumed many other innocent eyebrows to reach that size.

[mouth_breather]

You'll have to fight my mother on that one.

[Jim's eyes are the bluest of the blue. He's kidding, though, pushing himself up to lean on one knee. Listening to Spock actively gush about a woman is, to coin the Vulcan's favorite term, 'fascinating.' He feels as if he should be recording this for future posterity. If only he knew why, and how long it's expected to last.]

Second date options, huh?

[Like Jim goes on a lot of those. He has to think about it for only a few seconds before he snaps and points.]

Somewhere cold. You're more susceptible to chilly temperatures, right?

[He holds his hands out as if he's made a stunning yet obvious conclusion.]

Perfect excuse to huddle close to each other. Let her warm you up.

He and Mercury should have an eyebrow off

[vulcanyounot]

[He wasn't sure where Kirk was going with that at first, but he pulled through. Man, is he lucky to have such a ladies' man as a best friend.]

Well that shouldn't be too hard. It's supposed to be well below zero C for the next two weeks. We'd probably be frozen after five minutes out there.

[He looks over at him, curious.]

What were you thinking? Like a hike or something?

[Turns out this version of Spock doesn't have much of an imagination either.]

More like an eyebrow ON

[mouth_breather]

It's a good way to keep the blood circulating so you won't get too frozen. As long as it's daylight, the scenery will work in your favor. Skating or skiing would work too.

[He's been through a few Iowa winters in his youth, a drop in temperature doesn't mean a drop in romantic opportunities.]

...Wait, are you still set on getting those glasses? If so, skip the skating and skiing, they'll be toast.

Ha!

[vulcanyounot]

No, I haven't decided on the glasses yet. I was thinking about maybe going back tomorrow to try them out again. But I could always wear them on future dates.

[He pauses for a moment.]

I've never done either of those before, though - San Fran isn't exactly known for its winters. Do you think I should skip them then, or is learning together a thing that women like?

[Maybe he should ask Weiss what she thinks.]

[mouth_breather]

Skip it.

[Minako would have told him to go for it, but Jim? Nope. He's all about situations where he can provide for his date and make her feel safe with him. That can't be done if he's falling on his ass over and over.]

I think the joint lessons are the sort of thing you go for when you're completely committed to each other. Make sure you've got someplace warm you can go to after the hike. A coffee shop if you want to play it safe, her place if you're going for another base.

[vulcanyounot]

Hiking it is then. Assuming she likes that. I'll get confirmation.

[Though Winter might enjoy seeing him act all dorky on skates, he's deferring to Kirk's expert opinion.]

As much as I wouldn't object to making it to second, that's really her call. So maybe a spot in proximity to both would be ideal? That way I can suggest the coffee shop but she can counter with her place if she wants.

[mouth_breather]

[Kirk's pointing finger slowly wags up and down in the affirmative as he grins.]

Yes. Yes, that's perfect. You're a natural at this.

[But he already knew that if he managed to sweep Uhura off her feet where Kirk had failed. And crashed. And burned. And continued to smolder in the smoking remains of a dumpster.]

Make sure you call her tomorrow, too. It'll keep you fresh in her mind.

[vulcanyounot]

[Spock nods. That makes sense.]

Call or text? And what am I supposed to say to her?

[This was so much easier when you lived on the same ship and worked on the same shift as your intended.]

[mouth_breather]

[He has to think about this one. Kirk doesn't usually call back the next day is the thing, but he knows it's a good way to show you're serious.]

Text shows you're respectful and willing to wait for her to answer at her own pace, but an actual call makes sure she knows you're sincere about wanting to see her again. So that's a decision you'd know how to make better than I would, since you know her a lot better.

Start with "Hi, how are you?" And follow it up with what you liked. It'll flow naturally if you guys are both crazy about each other like you mentioned.

[vulcanyounot]

[He weighs his options. Winter is pretty formal, so a phone call seems good. But she's usually pretty busy with her camp, so a text certainly has its advantages. He'll have to think on it.]

We made out, but I don't know if that means that she's into me or if she's just looking for a fling. I know I'd like more, but...

[mouth_breather]

[Kirk might be the wrong person to ask about this--Kirk, who has had nothing but flings. He knows Spock can be committed, though. That's why he's actually thinking about what to say.]

How much 'more' are we talking about here? Remember you haven't known her all that long. This was just a first date.

...Even if it was, by the sound of it, a big success.