hello, I'm currently doing my (it's basically monthly at this point) reread of YDHTSY, I've sent you a message before talking about how much I love it. I was wondering if you could elaborate more on why specifically spock fell for jim. (fyi, i don't think you did a bad job portraying it at all, I just kinda wanted to hear more from you about this couple, bc you seem to have such a tight grasp on their relationship) i love your work, have a lovely day!!!
Oh my gosh, this is a DREAM ask. First of all, thank you so much for your encouragement! (and repeated messages despite my inability to responsibly deal with my inbox, l-lol). It means so, so much to me and just. Yeah. Asdf. This ask made my night.
Part of why I adore this question is because you’re hitting a major nail on the head: the relationship between Spock and Kirk in AOS is very complex, and honestly kind of volatile. It doesn’t immediately make sense – or, at least, it makes sense in a chemistry way (they’re exact opposites with similar levels of intensity and attractiveness, heterosexuality doesn’t exist in the future, voila, instant PWP). But the question of why they might work out long-term isn’t as straightforward, since they (read: Jim) are kind of a hot mess. Put against TOS, where both characters are more settled and the Spock/Kirk relationship development feels very organic and inevitable and mmmm…. dare I say logical?? the difference in AOS is especially obvious.
So, okay, impulsive sex and crisis-motivated bonding aside, why did Spock fall for Jim? I really think it comes down to a combination of fascination and admiration. Spock and Jim share all of their most important values - individuality, passion for their jobs, protection of the vulnerable and marginalized - and absolutely nothing else. So you have Jim taking these totally foreign (fascinating) approaches to goals they find mutually important (admirable). I think it comes down to that knowledge that Spock may never be able to predict how Jim will act, but he’ll always be able to know he’s acting based on principles Spock appreciates and respects. And the same is true of Jim falling for Spock: they both don’t fully understand each other, but they do fully trust each other. And both sides of that dynamic are equally vital to their beautiful, hot mess of a relationship.
