Title: How High the Moon
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Angst, first time, hurt/comfort, romance
Length: Long (38,757 words)
Warnings: None

Author on LJ: kyliselle
Author Website: kyliselle @ K/S Archive

Author's Summary:
After the destruction of Vulcan, Spock shielded his mind to protect it from his broken bond with T'Pring. Little did he know another bond had already formed in its place. For a st_xi_kink prompt for soulbonding.

Review:
For me, angst is a means to an end. Or, more accurately, a means to a happy ending. Of course, the happiness of the ending must certainly be at least commensurate with or better yet, greater than the misery suffered by the characters. How High the Moon meets that standard and then some. The pre-destined bond Kirk and Spock share and its prominent role in the story ticks all the boxes for fans of the soulbond trope.

It goes without saying that to have hurt/comfort there must be a need for comfort, and the author crafts this scenario to perfection. Spock's callous demeanor toward Kirk is almost painful to read at times, so vividly is Kirk's despair portrayed. The physical effects he suffers as a result of Spock unwittingly blocking their bond are chilling, and Spock is entirely, painfully oblivious.

I like to see a Kirk with some vulnerability beneath the brash exterior. He's positively wrecked and his condition elicits strong reactions from his crew, particularly McCoy, who is perfectly characterized as the gruff but deeply supportive best friend.

Leading up to Spock's discovery of the bond and his reprehensible treatment of his bondmate, we see the cracks forming in the wall of his indifference and the gradual progression to the ultimate realization that he has done a terrible, terrible thing. Even after this revelation, it's no easy fix but Spock perseveres and at length we come to a satisfying conclusion that provides a delightful payoff for all the angst that preceded it.

How High the Moon