“Captain.”
Jim glanced behind him, but didn’t reply. Uhura was the third crew member who’d come to his location, sitting by himself, on the beach of Loria 3. It was shore leave. Almost over as a matter of fact. Tomorrow it was back to the Enterprise.
“Jim.”
He sighed. “Yes, Lieutenant?”
“Well, that’s something.” She walked over to where he sat, dressed in swim trunks and a tan top. She was dressed casually, also, though in a rather flowy swing dress. Her feet were bare, and she dropped down on the sand beside him. “I hope you’re wearing sunscreen with your fair skin.”
“I have some on. And who are you, anyway, Bones?”
She smiled and shook her head. “Merely a concerned friend.”
“Uh-huh.”
She pulled her knees ups to her chest and wrapped her arms around them as she looked out to the purple colored ocean of Loria 3.
“Are you going to talk to him?”
“What is there to say?”
“I don’t know. Maybe, Spock, you’re being an idiot, you love me?”
“I’m not going to do that. His choices are his own to make. And I’ve never been much of a consideration for him when he makes them.” Jim shrugged. “It is what it is.”
“But this is wrong. You have to stop him.”
“No I don’t. I already approved his resignation.”
“But…” She frowned. Her gaze went behind him and then she sighed. “I have to go.”
“Good.”
She rolled her eyes and then rose. As she walked past him to go back to the town, he heard her whisper something.
He glanced behind him to see Spock, wearing jeans and a sweater. He looked forward as Spock approached him.
Unliked Uhura, Spock did not drop down to the sand when he reached Jim.
“May I speak?”
Jim waved his hand.
“I have withdrawn my resignation.”
Jim glanced up at the Vulcan, but said nothing.
“And have changed it to a six month leave.”
Jim still said nothing.
“I…apologize for not discussing this with you prior to making decisions.”
“Typical,” Jim muttered.
“I…Jim.”
“Do what you need to do, Spock. We’ll see what happens in six months.”
“I do lo…”
“Don’t.” Jim held up his hand and shook his head. “Don’t say it when you’re leaving. If it…if it still matters when you come back, if it’s still true, then, maybe you can say it.”
Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto) 
June 3, 2020 at 4:19 am
You with the heartbreak! But I get it. Spock should have talked with Jim about whatever he’s doing before doing it. And I’m with Jim. If it’s still true (which of course it will be) the reunion will be all the sweeter and have more meaning.
Excellent flash!
LikeLike
June 3, 2020 at 9:52 am
Yep Spock can be heartbreakingly clueless when it comes to Jim
LikeLike
June 3, 2020 at 4:24 am
I just finished reading Matchmaker and was happily living in this bubble of love and content. And then you throw this at us. *sighs* I do love heartbreak though, and since we obviously know that Spock will come back saying those important words, it’s not devastating. Still though, bad Spock for not talking to Jim about his plans, whatever they may be.
LikeLike
June 3, 2020 at 9:51 am
Hold onto that happiness with The Matchmaker 🙂
LikeLike
June 3, 2020 at 6:05 am
😦
I’m glad Spock changed it to a leave instead of resignation. I hope he returns and whisks Jim off his feet
LikeLike
June 3, 2020 at 9:51 am
we shall see in about six months lol
LikeLike
June 3, 2020 at 7:45 am
Oh good. So we know what will be posted on December 3 for the next 25 Days of Christmas, when Spock returns.
We’ll be holding you to that, mister!!!!! (or one of us will)
But hey, it’s never to early to plan for the future in the fandom.
(You write so visually. That was like watching a scene from a movie.)
LikeLike
June 3, 2020 at 9:50 am
thanks and you know that’s not a bad idea. I thought I’d resolve it long before then, but doing it in real time six months is a good idea
LikeLike
June 3, 2020 at 9:29 am
Sigh, heartbreak hump day drama, but it’s all good I know Spirk is every and always the goal. I do dislike it when this the beginning not not nearly as much as I’d this was the end cause then it’s Ben&Jerry with funny looks from the husband and dog.
Love your work Ivan it never fails to evoke feelings!
LikeLike
June 3, 2020 at 9:49 am
Thank you (I admit I do not know the Ben&Jerry reference, but I will trust you)
LikeLike
June 3, 2020 at 10:18 am
Ben & Jerry ice cream, Chubby Hubby flavor
LikeLike
June 3, 2020 at 10:20 am
Oh I know the ice cream, just not the context in relation to the flash, no biggie 🙂
LikeLike
June 3, 2020 at 11:43 am
First of all mister! Nooo! What the hell is Spock thinking!? And what the hell are you making him do?! Arghhh! Jim needs to listen to Uhura! Jim’s defeatist attitude is heartbreaking! “His choices are his own to make. And I’ve never been much of a consideration for him when he makes them.” Jim shrugged. “It is what it is.” Nooooo! At least Spock is making it a leave of absence. But noooooooooooo! And hey j giving Ivan the “six month till he updates” idea…. drums fingers…. Googles time machine for this and so many other reasons! Sighhhh!
Ivan, my impression about the Ben and Jerry’s comment… I am thinking it means that the eventual Spirk outcome of this story is the decadent sweet treat after all the angst you dish out to our boys!
Seriously this is so good but painful. Make it better! You’re killing me! ❤️💚🙏😘
LikeLike
June 3, 2020 at 11:56 am
Okay thanks, that makes sense! I am just slow today I guess, too much going on ❤
LikeLike