Video; un: Spock

[sem_rik]

[ The picture shown to the audience is not a half-naked half-Vulcan. Rather, it's of the very luxurious bath house, carefully showing a view with no other people and just the lovely scenery.

Clearly, this is being taken from inside one of the pools surrounded by bamboo walls with little waterfalls and probably-fake rocks and it's just generally nice. Even the steam coming up from the bath is clearly inviting. Well, according to the guy taking the video, anyway.

Oh, and there's a voice. ]

Either there is a nefarious plot afoot that has left me unwilling to be without this establishment for any reasonable amount of time or this particular bathhouse is gratifying in a way that none have been in all my experiences across my galaxy. This may be considered out of character for me- [ Haha, meta. ] -but I implore any who are interested to please visit the Four Penguins. It is quite a relaxing and soothing experience.

[ A pause... ]

However, if this is a type of ploy devised either by the moons' whims, the proprietors of the Four Penguins, or an unconsidered or unknown entity - the likelihood of which I deem is uncomfortably high - then I believe now is an appropriate time to ask for assistance.

Regardless, I would not be adverse to company. Spock, out.

[ Hope you got all that. Mr. Social isn't one to repeat himself. ]

Comments

[winscenario]

[ Is it Spock's fault, really? He wasn't exactly making a show out of showering, just like he hadn't been necessarily tempting Jim into that kiss before. Granted, he may have encouraged both his kissing and his staring, but that can easily be blamed on the water.

Can't it? It has to. He's sure Spock would feel very differently if it weren't for that. As for himself, he's not so sure.

But that's neither here nor there, really. ]

You and I both, I think.

[ He chuckles weakly. Maybe he won't be so tempted under normal circumstances, but with how this place works... yeah, he's almost scared of what might come next that'll play with their senses, and their inhibitions.

He just tries not to think about that for now, turning off his own water and grabbing a towel quickly, wrapping it around himself before there's any further temptation to look. ]

[sem_rik]

[ He sighs quietly, no more than a breath of air to steady himself a little better. ]

We should reconvene at a later date before another moment escalates further. You should know, at least, that I do not wish our friendship to falter.

[ How often does he use the word 'friend' in regards to Jim, like really? It doesn't make it any less true, of course, but it feels like he's baring himself just that much more.

He doesn't want this to hurt them, though. And he's almost certain that things will happen, that something will eventually go further than intended. It's not just this place, but the planet is nudging them to something that Spock's only just now noticing. It worries him, makes him hope they can find some common ground or boundaries before what they have does falter. ]

[winscenario]

[ Jim looks up, almost surprised by Spock's words, then promptly nodding at him. ]

Yes. I know that, Spock. And neither do I.

[ No matter what might happen (or how, when or why), that at least will remain a constant. Spock's one of his closest friends, and this, whatever it is, won't change that.

He musters a small smile, something hopefully reassuring as he adds. ]

Hit me up whenever you want to meet again. We can— take some time to think. and then we'll talk. Sound good?

[sem_rik]

[ He gives Kirk a once over, not checking him out this time but studying him, making sure he's okay with all this. He doesn't seem not okay which isn't totally reassuring but the smile does help.

Nod. ] That would be agreeable. I will be sure to contact you within the next few days. [ Just as soon as he gets his head on straight, anyway.

He turns to leave. ]

[winscenario]

I'll be waiting, [ he says with a nod, voice quiet as he watches Spock leave. He debates on whether he could've said or done more, but— well, the issue here is that they've done far too much already as it is.

And now that little box has been opened, he really doesn't know how he'll feel about it later, if he'll still feel that want, even without some external factor affecting them as was the case this time. But avoiding Spock all the while they're here just isn't an option, and he'll refuse to do that. However, a few days apart to clear their heads will undoubtedly help. ]