#symbiote!spock

[bonesmctightass]

McCoy: Hey can you do me a favor

Spock: I'd straight up die for you but go on

[bonesmctightass]

Domestic

There was little in life that was quite so labor intensive as grocery shopping, especially when one of the consumers was a ravenous alien. Not only did Leonard have to worry about keeping himself fed, but he also had Spock’s caloric intake to consider. Taking control of their body and maintaining their stature during their nightly aerobics burned a considerable amount of energy.

I am not ravenous. That is a gross over-generalization.

“I don’t think you realize how much you make me eat in a day, big guy.” Getting used to the stares he’d often gotten in public was surprisingly easy. Leonard didn’t enjoy being the center of attention and nothing screamed don’t make eye contact quite like an unkempt man in pajama pants who constantly talked to himself. The produce section was their ultimate downfall at every shopping trip. Spock didn’t quite understand why the monetary value of fresh fruits and vegetables was so much more than the junk in the frozen food section. Leonard couldn’t exactly make heads or tails of it himself, but that was beside the point.   

The steak you wanted is on sale this week, Leonard. I suggest we stock up while we are able.

“How do you know what’s one sale?” After grabbing a bulk bag of apples and adding it to the basket he made his way to the meat counter. The cut he’d been eyeing last time was indeed going for a discounted price. Not wanting to miss out on the opportunity, Leonard grabbed three packages and dropped them into the cart.

While you were engaged in your nighttime repose I took the liberty of perusing the circulars.

Well, how about that. Leonard knew that Spock didn’t require sleep. Sometimes during the day if he was writing or researching, Spock would curl up in one of his organs and enter into a meditative trance to pass the time. He’d never entertained the thought that Spock would busy himself while Leonard was sleeping.

I do many things while you are incapacitated, Leonard.

Not wanting to think too hard about whatever the hell many things actually entailed, Leonard took his leave of the fresh food department and made a beeline for the cereal aisle. When he was a surgeon he would never have been caught dead even looking at the colorful boxes. But he had pennies to save and two mouths to feed so he couldn’t even muster up the energy to be guilty. Just as he was about to grab Lucky Charms, Spock took hold of their arm and jerked it back.

That is bad for our body. Perhaps you should try this.

Leonard was about to ask what ‘this’ was when a thin black tentacle snuck out from beneath his sleeve to grab a box of heart healthy cereal. His immediate reaction was to panic and grab at it with both hands. “Have you lost your damn mind? Get back in me!” He hissed and shoved the appendage under his shirt.

Your cholesterol is quite high. This brand claims to lower it. Spock seemed completely nonplussed and manifested another tendril to get at what he wanted.

“You know what else needs lowering? My blood pressure!” The box was dropped into the basket Leonard was just barely holding on to. Spock sunk back into his skin and settled in his chest.

I could take care of that for you, Leonard.

He was so damn smug. He could practically feel Spock laughing at him. Leonard felt his face flame as an elderly woman a few feet down the aisle stared at him wearily. “If you do that again I swear I’ll evict you.”

No you won’t.

“Just stay in there until we get home, will you?” Leonard whispered harshly as he made his way to the canned items. “Gonna give me a damn heart attack.” Spock remained mercifully silent and stayed where he belonged for the rest of the trip.  

[hinge]

Hinge presents an anthology of love stories almost never told. Read more on https://no-ordinary-love.co

[bonesmctightass]

Spock: how did you make money before I came into your life?

Bones:

[bonesmctightass]

I want an elaboration on Spock's experiences with revolving doors. Please.

"Spock." Leonard sighed with exasperation. They'd been standing outside the department store for a solid ten minutes and Spock wasn't letting him move. "What are we doing here, buddy."

We are waiting.

"Okay... What are we waiting for, exactly?"

An opportunity to enter the tube. The timing must be perfect.

Leonard patiently pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled. "That's not how those work. You have to push it to make it spin. We're gonna be waiting here all day if you don't give me my arms back."

I will not take any chances.

Spock was not to be deterred where Leonard's safety was in question. Apparently, he viewed the revolving door as a potential hazard. So they stood their for another five minutes, watching people come in and out of the glass slats with bags in hand. Leonard could feel Spock's tension in his muscles.

Just as a mother and child emerged from inside, Spock lunged them forward and grabbed the door with both of their hands. Leonard shrieked as Spock somehow managed to move them forward just enough to get them wedged between the slat and the glass tubing. Their shenanigans effectively stopped the door from being used by any other shoppers for the next several minutes.

I have severely miscalculated.

"I hate you so much right now. I told you to let me handle it, you overprotective hobgoblin! Give me my damn limbs back so I can get us out of this. We're a fucking spectacle."

I see that now, Leonard.

And ever since that day, Spock was never allowed to be in charge of opening doors on any shopping excursions of any capacity.

[bonesmctightass]

Spirits in my Head

Life had been particularly cruel to Leonard McCoy. He used to be a surgeon. A damn good one, at that. And then the divorce happened. He lost his house, his wife. And then he drank so much that he lost his medical license, too.

Then the whole alien invasion thing happened and he found himself with a plus one taking up residence at the back of his skull. And then there was Khan, who was intercepting shipments of cancer medicine so that he could contaminate it and take control of the pharmaceutical industry with his own branding.  Keeping bad medicine off the streets turned out to be pretty exciting. Leonard had done some good work, questionable vigilante superheroing notwithstanding.

He hadn't felt lonely in a while. Not with Spock in his head. Even though he couldn't practice anymore, Leonard got by okay by writing articles for medical journals. The money wasn't bad. The crappy one bedroom apartment wasn't bad either. For once he didn't miss the big house, or his ex wife. Making this… whatever this was with Spock work took up most of his attention.

Leonard. I require sustenance.

Communicating without actually talking out loud was something Leonard still hadn't gotten the hang of. At least he could reply out loud in the safety of his apartment. When he did that outside people thought he was a nutjob. "Can you wait a bit longer? I'm almost done with this research paper." The heavy weight of Spock's mass materialized on the top of Leonard's head and along the curve of his spine making him hunch to accommodate it. He was warm. It was nice.

We did not partake in the morning meal today, Leonard. I am hungry because you are.

That was true. Before Spock crash landed in his chest Leonard hardly ever bothered to look after himself. Now he's got a voice in his head making him eat three square meals a day and do things like sleep and shower. "Alright, alright. I'm getting up."

One thing he'd learned about his symbiote over their time together was that Spock absolutely detested anything artificial. He liked being cooked for and, on occasion, taking over Leonard's body and preparing meals for the both of them. Budgeting for food that was healthy and natural was decidedly difficult and sometimes, sacrifices had to be made.

Poptarts are not food, Leonard. That is garbage.

"Be happy I'm eating at all. I told you I had a lot of work to do today. I don't have time to make something." He grabbed the box from the pantry and tore it open anyway.

If you put that in our body I will make you throw it up.

Leonard rolled his eyes and plucked a shiny packet from the box of fake pastries. "Threatening me doesn't exactly make me want to drop everything and cook for you." Spock said nothing to that. In fact, he was irritatingly silent as Leonard stood in front of the open pantry, staring hard at the treat in his hand. After several long, drawn out moments Leonard groaned. "Fine. Christ, you are such a needy Vulcan!"

As he stuffed the snack back into the cabinet he could feel thick tendrils winding around his torso. They squeezed just slightly, half melting into his skin beneath his shirt. It wasn't unlike a hug. Spock could get mighty affectionate when he wanted to.

You are correct. This is a hug.

"You don't have to do that. I know it takes energy to manifest." What Leonard wanted to say was I like it, but his mouth wouldn't cooperate. He knew this was just Spock's way of rewarding him for making a good decision. He was well aware of Leonard's predilection for touch.

You think too hard, Leonard.

Without the wherewithal to unpack that statement, Leonard grunted unintelligibly and placated his partner with an omelette before getting himself back to work.

[bonesmctightass]

Sorry (Not Sorry)

Leonard, are you afraid of me?

"You're in my head," Leonard replied as he turned a page in the magazine he was trying to read. "You tell me."

It wasn't the first time Spock had asked him that question. He supposed he really hadn't given it a definitive answer but he didn't want to talk about it. Couldn't think too hard about it. It was bad enough that Spock was like a lead weight at the bottom of his stomach. Leonard was painfully aware of his presence at all times. But it was better than the alternative.

I want to come out.

They had rules. Of course they did. They had to. The transition from him to them was traumatic, to say the least. Spock had to stay inside if Leonard was going to be able to maintain any semblance of normalcy. He wasn't allowed to manifest without permission, lest Leonard physically crumble under the weight of his new reality.

"Why?" He hesitated.

I want to look at you.

Leonard didn't really know what to say to that. The stunned silence wasn't a no so Spock apparently saw that as permission enough to emerge. It felt like something was tugging on all of his organs simultaneously. The feeling wasn't exactly pleasant. Sometimes it made Leonard nauseous.

The black liquid mass pulled together to form a face. Leonard flinched instinctively at the sight of those teeth. He stopped trying to read. The magazine slipped out of his hands and flopped onto the floor. As usual, Spock didn't move. He just sort of hovered there. Staring unblinkingly at Leonard.

"What the hell are you trying to see?" Leonard flustered.

You.

"I don't… know what that means."

He knew perfectly well they had to work together in order to achieve the symbiosis Spock so carefully explained to him that first night. Leonard wasn't trying to push Spock away, but he wasn't trying to bring them together either.

That awful pulling sensation returned full force as Spock manifested more of himself in the space between the couch and the coffee table. Leonard swallowed thickly as he watched, gaze tripping over the points where their bodies were connected. It wasn't natural but it was happening and this was his life now and nothing was ever going to be the same again.

When Spock reached out a hand to touch Leonard's cheek it was almost the end of him, right then and there. It was the first time since the first time that Spock had touched him and it was almost more than he could handle in that moment. Leonard squeezed his eyes shut and sat perfectly still, barely breathing.  

I would never hurt you, Leonard.

Then they were more than just touching. Spock had wrapped an alarming number of arms around him that Leonard didn't have the mental capacity to count. The pressure of Spock's hold was steady and… oddly comforting. Was it strange that he liked it? Was it wrong? He would think on it later. Leonard allowed himself to relax into it. Just a bit. For a moment.

I am sorry for what I've done to you.

And then everything became quiet. And still. Very still. Leonard didn't know how long they sat there like that. Holding and being held. He sagged incrementally with each drifting second. It felt like something clicked into place, somehow, with the passing of time. Leonard felt a little less uncertain. A little more stable. And maybe just a little at peace.

"I'm not."

[hinge]

Hinge presents an anthology of love stories almost never told. Read more on https://no-ordinary-love.co

[bonesmctightass]

Sweet Tooth

"I can hear the wheels turning in your head and don't you even think about it!" Leonard hissed under his breath. The second they walked into the cafe Leonard could feel Spock's eyes lock onto the pastry display. For an alien that claimed superiority over the human race, Spock was insanely weak for sweets. 

I believe I have earned a treat. I work very hard to keep our body healthy. 

That definitely wasn't not true. The problem here was that Spock had very little self restraint when it came to certain things, and hand-made pastries were pretty high on that list. Leonard still couldn't look at a macaron without getting queasy. More importantly, Spock still had zero grasp on asking for something versus demanding it. This was as good a time as any to work on said skill.

"We're not here to buy out their stock, we're here to work." Leonard picked a corner table and resolutely sat himself down without another word. 

This was their compromise. Spock would choose a public area with free WiFi for Leonard to do his dayjob and once it got too dark or too crowded to get anything done, they'd go home. This way Leonard would be forced to reduce his productivity to more humane hours and Spock wouldn't die of boredom and neglect. 

You said it was important to support the local businesses. Do you not support this establishment?

This was definitely a trap and it didn't take a sweaty, exhausted ex-surgeon to figure that one out. Crafty-ass hobgoblin. "If you keep nagging me I won't let you pick spots to work at anymore." Leonard pulled the laptop out of his backpack and prepared to set up shop for the next several hours. 

You and I both know that is an empty threat.

"You sure you want to test that theory?" Leonard quipped. That shut Spock up for a good few minutes. Leonard had actually managed to get a good paragraph in on his article before Spock grew restless again.

The sign says you must buy something to utilize the facilities. 

That actually gave him pause. Leonard looked up at the register and, sure enough, there it was. A sign which said the bathroom was for paying customers only. A sudden sense of dread settled over him as he stared at it. He swallowed thickly and narrowed his eyes. 

"You wouldn't dare." 

Except that Spock would and was and the insistent pressure suddenly closing in around Leonard's bladder made him increasingly and painfully aware that he was definitely not as in control of the situation as he thought he was. But he was, in fact, notoriously stubborn. Leonard set his jaw and started in on his work in spite of Spock being an absolute menace. 

This lasted for much longer than was strictly necessary. And, realizing that this was getting him absolutely nowhere and Leonard was absolutely not going to relent, Spock apparently decided to try a different tactic much to Leonard's delight.

Please buy me a pastry. Spock weedled desperately.

"Oh, so you do have manners." Even with the Bluetooth earpiece people still looked at him funny when he talked to himself. Leonard was well beyond the point of giving a shit about any of them. 

I do not understand the point of human pleasantries but this seems like a very convoluted way to teach me.  

"Well, Spock, you can't always get what you want. And annoying me definitely won't get you any closer to that bearclaw you're drooling over." 

I do not drool. Spock hissed defensively. 

"Yeah, you do. All the time. All over me." Leonard replied dryly and continued typing away on his keyboard. 

That is different and you like it very much when I do that. 

Leonard's face flamed and he ducked his head in embarrassment. That was a button he could tell Spock wasn't even trying to push and now that he'd elicited such a reaction he feared more of the same. "Jesus, I'll get you your damn pastry if you'll shut up for the next six hours." 

A quick trip to the register and by far the stupidest use of ten dollars later, they were once again seated at the table in the corner. Spock was absolutely trilling with delight. 

"Okay," Leonard prompted, "now what are you supposed to say?"

Thank you, Leonard. 

[bonesmctightass]

What does Spock think of cats?

EARTH'S FINEST APEX PREDATOR.

"I don't know how to tell you this, big guy, but a housecat is about as threatening as you are when you're trying to work a revolving door."

That was uncalled for.

"I'm not sorry."

[bonesmctightass]

Break

Having a little internal voice helping with decision making and generating interesting ideas is kind of amazing most of the time. Until suddenly it isn't. Like when it gets petulant, naggy, and just generally unpleasant. It's time like those when McCoy wished his cranial command center was a lot less vocal.

"Will you shut up for five minutes?" He snapped irritably. "I keep typing what you're saying! I'll never finish this article if you don't let me think!"

I would not need to be so incessant if you would listen to me the first time, Leonard.

McCoy grumbled and rubbed the bridge of his nose. This stupid argument had been going on for the better part of an hour and it was really starting to grate on his nerves. "I already told you I don't get paid until Wednesday. It's your own fault the cable was shut off anyway! How many times have I told you we have to pay for those on demand Bake Off episodes?"

Jim has a television. Jim likes us. He would let us use the cable.

"We're not going over there to mooch off Jim's cable! That's rude." McCoy closed the lid to his laptop, resigning himself to the fact that he was not going to be able to finish his work until his needy parasitic freeloader got to watch his show.

I am a living organism, Leonard. I am in need of mental stimulation just as you are. We have been sitting in this chair for six hours.

Shit. He did it again. Had it really been that long? McCoy looked at his phone and was startled by the realization that it was approaching five o'clock in the afternoon. A pang of guilt stabbed at his heart. Spock had been mostly quiet while McCoy did his writing. Maybe that's why he'd lost track of time so easily.

No, that was a lie. This was how it always happened. No sense in trying to make himself feel better about it. He'd sit at his desk and work the day away, ignoring Spock's needs in the process as well as his own. The only difference was today the Vulcan was without his usual means of entertainment.

Please, Leonard. I require a respite from the work time.

God, he sounded so desperate. McCoy was a monster. "Alright." He conceded, the weight of his unsavory mood slumping his shoulders. "Okay. You're right." McCoy patted his knee and Spock formed a portion of his mass from his left thigh. "I've been meaning to pay Jim a visit anyhow."

That was another lie. He would've kept on going if Spock hadn't so thoroughly distracted him. That made the sick feeling in McCoy's stomach kick up another notch.

Spock nudged his forehead against McCoy's hand appreciatively. And we will have the evening meal?

It was too early for dinner but that didn't matter. McCoy couldn't deny his well behaved Vulcan a chance to flex his cooking skills any more than he could deny Spock anything else right then.

"I guess we'll have to see what Jim's got in his fridge," he agreed. "Lord knows we don't have anything in ours."

This had to stop. Their developing relationship had always taken the back burner when McCoy's work was concerned, which was exactly how he'd gotten divorced in the first place. How his life went to shit. It was happening all over again. Just the thought of Spock leaving crippled him like nothing else could. It chilled him right down to his bones.

I would not leave you, Leonard.

Jocelyn said that too.

"Not really the best host. Wouldn't blame you if you did." He said it nonchalantly. Even playing at calm made his lungs constrict. He should really stop trying to pull one over on the Vulcan. It wasn't like lying had ever worked for him in the past. Spock knew the naked truth, all of his rawest emotions and selfish thoughts. If McCoy were the alien and Spock the human hotel, he would've left. And that was terrifying.

The pulling sensation came to a head as Spock lifted his mass fully out of McCoy's body. He settled himself in McCoy's lap and fixed him with a level stare. McCoy swallowed thickly and stared up into those unblinking eyes.

You think too much.

Yeah.

Allow me to quiet your mind.

Please. McCoy could beat himself up all night. Has before. He'd do it again if Spock didn't do something. Spock would take care of him. Spock always took care of him.

Put your arms around me.

McCoy did without hesitation. Lifted right up and draped his arms loosely around Spock's shoulders. He'd do just about anything Spock told him to do right now.

There is time to eat and be social later.

McCoy nodded absently, mouth dry. He knew perfectly well what that meant. Spock was hulking like this, filling his vision and his lap and his arms. The second that train of thought rolled around in his skull Spock pushed his clawed hands up under McCoy's shirt and gripped his waist possessively.

I am going to fill you everywhere else.

It doesn't matter that he expected the kiss. It's the tongue that McCoy can never adequately prepare for. Unreasonably massive and dextrous, just like the rest of Spock. And when it's in his mouth it's damn near impossible to focus anything else. That's exactly what Spock wanted. Everything else melted away.

That wicked tongue filled the cavern of his mouth and licked down his throat and all McCoy could do was grunt helplessly and take it. Fuck, it felt good. Exactly what he needed to turn his traitorous brain off and just the stimulating break that Spock was looking for.

McCoy, already high on endorphins, slumped back in his desk chair and settled in for the ride.

[bonesmctightass]

Thinking about Jim going over to McCoy's apartment one morning. He knocks on the door and McCoy answers. Jeans on, sneakers, no shirt.

Jim's like, "Bones you can't go to the diner half dressed. Where's your top?"

And Spock materializes over his torso and forms a sweatshirt and he's like, "I am right here."

[hinge]

Hinge presents an anthology of love stories almost never told. Read more on https://no-ordinary-love.co

[bonesmctightass]

Tension

Going around stopping tainted medical shipments from deploying and destroying the evidence really wasn’t something Leonard had any business doing. If it weren’t for some misplaced sense of righteousness and a bullheaded desire for the common good, he’d never set foot in any of these places. And if he didn’t have Spock to make him bigger and faster and stronger and safe , he sure as hell wouldn’t have been in the shipyard that night. Even with Khan gone, his operations were still running like clockwork.

I do not like this, Leonard.

“I know, Spock, but we have to get to the crates. This stuff could kill people.” They stood on a nearby rooftop overlooking the bay. Nothing had even happened yet and he could feel his partner’s tension. It was in the stiffness of his spine and a heaviness in the back of his skull. Almost subtle, but definitely there.

You cannot see what I see.

“Okay,” Leonard huffed, “then tell me what you see.”

Three men. All are armed.

It was unsettling. Of course it was. But Leonard was here now and he wouldn’t go back. He’d already turned his back on everything else. He couldn’t let this go, too. “So then we won’t get caught.”

They didn’t. Of course they didn’t. Spock enveloped him like liquid latex, careful not to make a sound. They did what they had gone there to do. When all was said and done none of the guards had been alerted. No worse for wear, none the wiser. Still, even though he was fine Leonard felt like his whole body was holding its breath. It was difficult to parse the feelings that were his and the ones that were Spock’s, but he likes to think he’s gotten pretty okay at finding the differences.  

We are playing a very dangerous game, Leonard. Spock hissed into his mind, ever vigilant of his host’s thoughts. It is unwise to take these matters into our own hands.

“Would you have let me get caught?” Leonard asked. The answering no came without hesitation. Everything in his body seemed to squeeze just a little. “Would you let them shoot me?”

I would sooner die than let harm come to you.

“Then what are you worried about? You kept me safe, just like y’always do.”

The walk back to the apartment building was relatively quiet. Some people were still milling about the streets, even at this ungodly hour of the night. No one so much as gave Leonard a second glance. It was cold but Leonard was so strung out on adrenaline he hardly even noticed.

Once they were inside Spock really started to squirm. Leonard sighed and moved over to sit on the couch. “Come out here, will you? I need to talk to you. Really talk to you.” The odd pulling sensation that always came when Spock took shape was still jarring. It felt sort of like being turned inside out. It didn’t scare him, not anymore. He waited patiently with crossed arms while the roiling mass took a humanoid form.

Spock was… handsome . The stature he chose was broad shouldered and nicely muscled, easy to make out even with the inky black skin. He had pointed ears and oddly expressive unblinking opal eyes with white brows upswept at the edges. Seeing him never failed to make Leonard’s heart hammer in his chest. Was it weird to think his alien tenant was easy on the eyes? He tried not to think too hard about it. Spock stood with his hands clasped behind his back, looking expectant.    

“Listen. I screwed up big time, okay? I can’t… I can’t help people the way I used to.” Leonard put his head in his hands and rubbed his face. “Doing this, this thing that we do,” he gestured vaguely between the two of them, “with the chasing the bad guys and saving the day isn’t just for fun. I feel like this is the only thing I can do to be helpful anymore. It gives me a sense of purpose. I know it’s weird and messed up but this is the only way I don’t feel completely useless.”

The way Spock was looking down at him, with his furrowed brows and slight frown, should not have been as endearing as it was. You are not useless, Leonard.

“I knew you’d say that.," he groaned and leaned back into the couch. "I know it doesn’t make any sense. Just consider it another one of my human failings, okay? Let's forget about it and get us fed.” Now that he’d brought it up Leonard had felt pretty damn stupid and sincerely wished he’d just kept his mouth shut. He tried to get up to make for the kitchen but Spock wouldn't let him budge.

Let me recount all of the ways in which you have been useful to a great many people. Your work on the medical journals and the news articles have saved countless lives. Without you, no one would have known about Khan’s misdeeds.

“Come on, Spock. That’s such a cop out. Anybody could’ve--”

I am not finished. Need I also remind you that it was you who uncovered Khan’s plot in the first place? The same hands that had just ripped open metal shipping containers like they were nothing but tissue paper grabbed onto Leonard’s hands and pressed them into the back of the couch. And what of me, Leonard? I would have died without you. I asked to have you and you said yes . You give me a home, provide me with nutrients, allow me to thrive on this planet. Could just any human do that?

Spock squeezed , holding his hands firmly yet so goddamn gentle that it was devastating. He was staring at Leonard with such naked adoration that it was almost too much. To know that someone looked at him and saw what he was beyond his mistakes was enough to wet his eyes. “I--I, uh. N-no.”

No. Certainly not. Apparently satisfied with his claim, Spock crawled into Leonard’s lap and sank back into his chest. You need not make such careless attempts to prove yourself, Leonard. I am well aware of your worth.  

With a quiet exhale, Leonard decided it was in his best interest to take that for what it was. He rose from the couch and headed to the kitchen feeling just a little bit lighter than before.

[bonesmctightass]

Hello! This is your resident Spones trash talking. On the venom au, would you be willing to write how Len met his favorite symbionte? Reactions and stuff... I've een dying to know how that went :) Love this au quite a lot!! Have a good day!

Okay so picture this. It's late at night. The kind of late where the only people walking around are drunken street urchins and strangers prowling for a cheap fuck or a hit. Leonard was one such lowly bastard. He'd tried to get Jim to come and get wasted with him but Jim just said, "No way, Bones. Your therapist says I'm an enabler." So he went alone.

Leonard wasn't a particularly rowdy drunk. When he'd overstayed his welcome at one bar he'd move on to the next. It wasn't like he had work to keep him sober anymore, so he was content to burn the midnight oil until he was too tired to stand upright. Just as he was walking along to the next block the ground beneath his feet shook so hard he almost fell over. It sounded like a meteor struck in the park at the center of the city. If he'd been in his right mind he would've let it alone and continued on his way. But he wasn't, so he didn't.

He couldn't very well walk all the way so he hailed a cab and shoved a fistful of dollar bills through the little window when he was dropped off. It was quiet. Almost deceptively peaceful. Leonard made his way through the thick thatch of woods just at the center of the park, fairly certain he wouldn't find anything but keen on the adventure of it anyway. He was just the right amount of drunk to think he was absolutely invincible. This was probably the most interesting thing to happen to him in a while.

And what if he did find something? Like an alien spaceship all smoking and hot from crashing through the Earth's atmosphere. He'd go up to it thinking whatever was in there was probably dead now. And he'd get attacked by a face sucker from the Alien movies and it would lay eggs in his chest and he'd become a fucked up human incubator.

"Yeah right," he laughed to himself. And just as he suspected, there wasn't anything to find. Just a crater. Maybe about the length of a minivan. It probably was a rock that broke apart on impact. Maybe he shouldn't have gotten so close, but he didn't really see the harm. And that's about when he closed his eyes. Or, more likely, completely passed out.

When he woke up the next morning he was face down on his own bed, still fully dressed and positively leaking alcohol from his pores. His head was pounding and the sun was way too damn bright. Everything from the night before was probably a dream. Leonard rolled himself into the floor and stumbled into the bathroom. God, he looked like a sewer goblin. He should probably take a shower. Had he paid the water bill? He couldn't remember.

He decided to just get his teeth brushed and plop himself down on the couch. After about five minutes he was feeling restless. The sudden uncontrollable urge to go for a run was so overwhelming that his body was already moving before he told his brain to do anything. It took him all of ten seconds to be out the door and on the street. He was jogging along the sidewalk without having any real idea of where he was heading and all he could think was, "this is weird."

Hungry!

"Jesus!" Leonard stopped dead in his tracks so fast he almost left skidmarks. Had his conscience always sounded like that? Maybe he was still drunk. He rubbed his face hard and continued down the street. A good cup of coffee, that's what he needed. Just a few shots of espresso to sober him up. Surely that would do the trick.

The line at the Starbucks was formidable but no moreso than usual. Leonard couldn't stand still. He was fidgeting with his shirt, looking around the cafe, trying to read the menu. Then he spotted the bakery display.

Want that. Give it to me.

Suddenly his body propelled forward, knocking him bodily into the woman standing in front of him. Before he even knew what was happening he was climbing over the display and shoving muffins in his mouth.  Wow, he was either really hungry or something was seriously wrong with him. "Sorry, just couldn't wait!" He told the barista who was absolutely mortified. Leonard laughed nervously and dropped a handful of cash over the counter before promptly turning and leaving the premises.

"Oh my god, oh my god." He couldn't believe he'd just done that. What the hell had come over him? Leonard needed to go home and take something then get right into bed. Maybe he'd feel normal after some sleep. That would do the trick. A nice long sleep, then it was back to business as usual. He certainly wouldn't be visiting a bar anytime soon after this complete mess of an afternoon.

When he'd returned to the apartment he went straight into the bathroom to wash his face. Maybe he just wasn't awake yet. That would account for the irrational and impulsive behavior. Leonard felt marginally better after the cold water woke him up a bit until he looked in the mirror. The thing that was staring back at him wasn't his own reflection. It was monstrous. Large and black, big white eyes.

With a shriek he stumbled backwards and fell out of the bathroom. This was crazy. Absolutely insane. Should he call someone? He should probably call someone. Jim. Jim would know what to do. Fuck, where was his cellphone? Leonard scrambled up onto his knees and lunged for the table next to his bed. He shoved things off of it until he found his phone under a stack of magazines. Just as he was about to unlock it and call for his friend, something jerked him back down onto the floor. The phone dropped out of his hand and skidded under the bed.

Leonard scrambled to get over into his back so he could see whatever was in there with him. The thing he saw in the mirror was looming over him. It was so much bigger up close. He wanted to scream but for some reason he couldn't.

Do not be frightened, Leonard.

It was way too late for that. He was scared shitless. Was this how he was going to die? Probably. Did he deserve this? Probably. Leonard was frozen into place, staring up at his captor. Maybe this was some kind of metaphor for the way he'd lived his life. Some kind of weird ass ghost of Christmas past bullshit. No, this was insane.

"This isn't real," he said to what he instinctively knew was an empty room. He was probably losing it. Finally lost his mind, completely off his rocker. He definitely needed to be committed.

I assure you, Leonard, I am indisputably real.

"Okay, sure," he said flatly. "How'd you get here without anybody seeing you then?" The creature leaned closer and opened its mouth into a lopsided smile. Leonard flinched hard at the sight of it's indecently sharp teeth and flattened himself to the floor as much as he could without physically becoming part of it.

You found me, Leonard. In the forest. I was weakened by the impact of the crash. I asked to take refuge in your body and you agreed.

Of course he did. Leonard was a fucking idiot. King of the idiots. He brought his hands to his face and rubbed his eyes hard. Okay, okay. This was happening. Actually really happening. "What are you gonna do, eat me?"

The beast paused as if considering. Seeming to sense Leonard's spike in blood pressure it backed up a fraction. I will do no such thing. I need a host to survive, Leonard. To kill you would also kill me. The journey here was far and I require rest. Time to heal unencumbered.

"Okay, fine." Was Leonard actually taking this seriously? He supposed he was. "Go back to where you came from, then."

Very well. I shall.

And with that, the alien seemed to liquefy on the spot. It became a puddle of sludge and slid it's mass over Leonard's torso where it seeped into his skin. Leonard bolted upright and practically tore his shirt off. He touched his own skin expecting to find something wrong but it was normal. It looked fine. Did that really just happen?

Yes, Leonard. It happened.

It didn't take a genius to connect the dots here. Clearly this… whatever it was… was using Leonard's body and puppeting him around to get what it wanted. He slowly rose to his feet and gave himself another once over. He didn't seem to be injured. A million questions raced through his mind but the only one he could think to voice was, "How do you know my name, anyway?"

I am inside of your body. I have full access to your brain. I know everything you know.

"Right," Leonard muttered to himself. "Course."

[bonesmctightass]

another question I got

Somebody asked me what Spock looks like and I thought y'all would wanna know

Symbiote!Spock in my head looks like OG Spock in shape and size. He has Venom's iconic teeth and irises. He can unhinge his jaw like a snake but only does it to scare people, not eat them (unless they be flirtin on Leonard), especially when threatened.

Spock's a weirdo on main because he doesn't like to fight. He'd rather be watching TV. Picture classic pre-reform Vulcan. That wild side of Vulcans is my jam.

Pretty much take a Spock and slap some shark teeth on that bad boy and you've got yourself a symbiote.

[bonesmctightass]

Exposed

The garlic is going to burn, Leonard. You must stir it.

"Ah, right. Thanks."

It had been a week since Leonard's meltdown on the couch. Things between them had normalized again. As much as things can be normal between a human and their symbiote. Spock continued to be overly affectionate whenever the opportunity presented itself and Leonard tried his hardest not to hyperventilate. There was still kissing. A lot of kissing. Things were moving forward slowly but surely. One night, when Leonard was feeling bold, he asked for more. But Spock wouldn't give it to him. You are not ready, he said. And he was right. Of course he was right.

Leonard was, however, ready to continue their progress. He wanted Spock. And he was okay with wanting Spock. He was even ready to show him off. Tonight was going to be important. Probably the most important night in their relationship so far. Jim was coming over.

"How much of the red stuff is supposed to go in the sauce?" He was trying so hard. Leonard could barely handle a slice of toast before Spock. But they'd been practicing and Spock was more than happy to take over and show him how to do things. Turned out to be a blessing that there was nothing but Good Eats reruns on television at three in the morning.

Paprika, Leonard. Two teaspoons.

Leonard stopped stirring to peak over at what Spock was doing. He was manifested from the waist up, pouring red wine into the pan to reduce and chopping greens which could have been parsley but Leonard couldn't quite remember. If he hadn't been staring he probably would've missed the way the corners of Spock's lips turned up just slightly as he tasted the ingredients. He felt sort of like a lovesick fool. It seemed so… normal. Like they'd been cooking dinner together for friends their whole lives.

As much as I cherish your attention, I should tell you that your garlic is burning.

"Shit!"

Minor culinary disasters aside, everything actually turned out beautifully. Spock had showed him the article he was referencing and the final product looked just like the picture. They made a great team in more than just the vigilante superheroing sense.

Now it was time for the second obstacle of the night. Getting dressed. Normally Leonard didn't care much about what he wore. He wasn't trying to impress anybody with his wardrobe so too-worn jeans and a college t-shirt from too many years ago was typically acceptable. But he wanted this to go well. Jim was his best friend and if he didn't accept what Leonard was about to tell him… Then what?

Not that one, Spock said as Leonard held up a button down shirt, much too dressy. Surely Jim will wonder if we are trying to seduce him. Save that for your interview next Thursday.

Leonard tried another option. A simple grey sweater, clearly well worn but casual. No, that will not work. There are holes in that.

"Spock, you put the holes in it."

… I apologize.

It went on like that until they finally settled on a pair of black jeans and a brown knit sweater. He was going to make a last minute decision to shave the scruff on his jaw until Spock had interjected and told him not to because he looked handsome with the facial hair. Leonard was still flushed over the admonition right up until Jim knocked on the door. Spock took that as his cue to disappear for the night.

Remember, Leonard. You must tell him what I am saying. I do not wish to reveal myself. Not yet. Not tonight. Leonard nodded and opened the door.

Things were surprisingly easy. Jim had a tendency to do that. Make everything less complicated. He was a good friend to Leonard and had been since college. He'd been there for the ups and downs of Leonard's life. Even the rock bottoms. Especially the rock bottoms.

"So when do I get to meet the guy you've been telling me about?" Jim said through a mouthful of mashed potatoes. He'd told Jim a lot of things but was still vague enough to throw him off. "You've got quite the spread here, Bones. Is he coming over?" What Leonard wanted to say was he's already here and the words were about to come out until Spock pinched him in the thigh.

Do not be so hasty. Patience. Do it right. Like we discussed.

"Uh, well… That's, uh. That's what I wanted to talk to you about, actually."

God, he was nervous. There was no good way to say hey, my boyfriend is an alien from outer space who sometimes eats people but is actually really nice and super good at making out! He stuck to the narrative that he'd practiced with Spock and prayed to whatever gods existed that this was going to work out. Leonard began with his mental breakdown in the restaurant when he'd jumped into the lobster tank. Jim paled slightly, vividly remembering the incident. Then he recounted the experience with the MRI, losing control of his limbs, surviving gunshots and car chases and Khan and slid into there's an alien in my body with as much tact as he could muster.

The sound of the fork clattering loudly into the plate as Jim dropped it was deafening. "Bones."

Do not be nervous, Leonard. We anticipated this. It will be alright.

"Look, I know how this sounds. I know it's crazy and wildly unbelievable but it's the truth, Jim. You think I'd make this all up just to drive away the one friend I still have?" Despite the comforting words in his head, Leonard was starting to cross over into that paralyzing sort of anxiety that only Spock could cure.

"Okay, okay. I believe you, I do," Jim said, holding up his hands placatingly. Leonard was so relieved that he sagged against his chair. Until Jim said, "Show me."

"What?"

"Show me." He repeated. "Let me see him so I can introduce myself properly. He's been listening to us talk about him this whole time, right? He should come out here and join the conversation. You know, so he can speak for himself."

I do not wish to frighten him with my appearance.

"It's fine, Spock. He can handle it." Leonard was starting to sweat and rolling up his sleeves wasn't going to help. "Come out."

I do not want to.

He knew he was going to have to coax Spock out. That was the only way Jim was going to truly believe him. It was the difference between acceptance and a psych ward committal. "Please. Please. Just come out. A little bit, at least. Give him something or he's gonna think I'm insane."

Very well. I will do this, Leonard, but only for you.

Leonard held his breath and Spock slowly pulled himself out. His mass solidified. Formed a head, then shoulders. A torso. Tendrils connected him to Leonard's shoulder. In just a handful of seconds Spock was out. Barred to Jim. He was strong and capable but oh so vulnerable in that moment. Leonard couldn't breathe.

"Hello, Jim."

[bonesmctightass]

hi! i hope you're doing well, i love seeing you on my dash. would you mind writing a little more symbiote!spock, if you're up for it? he's such a good boi, and he's so possessive over bones uwu

“Jesus, Spock, can you just...” Leonard hesitated as he watched his symbiote tear a stack of magazines in half. “Not do that?” 

He swallowed thickly as the alien in question eyed him wearily and paused before he was through with the second one. Spock hadn’t even broken a sweat. Did Vulcan’s even sweat? In any case, there wasn’t a hint of a struggle and it was hotter than it had any right to be. Why exactly he had all of these subscriptions in the first place would be considered at a later date. When Leonard had more than two brain cells firing. 

You asked me to get rid of the mail.  

That was true. And he had asked before Spock slid out of his body and started all that stupid flexing. It wasn’t like he didn’t know that Spock was inhumanly strong, but the reminder was decidedly ill timed. If he had known it was going to be that distracting he would’ve just thrown the damn magazines in the garbage himself. Or at least he would've not committed himself to this article he was trying to write. 

“Okay, but do you have to do it,” Leonard gestured vaguely at Spock’s arms, “like that?” 

Spock blinked uncomprehendingly and raised a brow. Yes. They will not fit in the trash bin if they are not properly shredded, Leonard. 

He said it like it was obvious, and it probably was. But the only thing Leonard could focus on was watching Spock’s muscles work as he tore a ream’s worth of paper like it was a piece of tinfoil. It was different, he realized, watching Spock do such mundane tasks with a single minded focus and intensity. Much different from when he was using his strength for… other things.

There was no point in continuing his attempts to work. He’d spent at least the last twenty minutes staring at Spock and the screen on his laptop faded to black three times already. At this point he didn’t even care all that much if Spock caught him looking. 

I have finished cleaning out the mailbox. What shall I do now?

It was a loaded question to say the least. Spock was very deliberately putting the ball in Leonard’s court. Or, perhaps more accurately, hurling said proverbial ball right at Leonard’s face. He knew that Spock knew exactly what he had been thinking. And Spock had known exactly what he was doing. 

Leonard thought for a minute. “Sweep up under the couch?” Not that he actually gave a single fuck about getting the floors clean. God knows what was actually under there. That wasn’t the point. They both knew that.

Spock said nothing, but he did look irritatingly smug as he moved over into the living room and lifted the couch off the floor with one hand. It was actually pretty gross under there, but all Leonard could do was stare at Spock’s arm with unrestrained curiosity. 

Would you like to try them out for yourself? Spock asked gleefully as he finished his task. He was very much like a dog with a bone when it came to...

It didn’t take a particularly creative leap to decipher where he was going with that train of thought. Leonard swiveled around in his desk chair and eyed up an innocent looking patch of wall for the briefest of moments. He couldn’t really get his mouth to make actual sounds that formed real words to answer that question. Instead he just snorted and scrubbed a hand over his face dejectedly. 

You are so transparent, Leonard. 

“Why do you ask me shit you already know the answer to?” He meant to sound irritated, but he really didn’t have it in him when Spock took both of his wrists in one hand and dragged him out of the chair. He wasn’t exactly a small guy, so it never ceased to amaze him how easily Spock could cart him around. 

Because I like the face you make when you want me. 

It was okay. Leonard wasn’t planning on finishing the article today anyway. 

[bonesmctightass]

Spock has some explaining to do.