From The Matchmaker
“Where is Jim?”
Spock looked up from the book he was reading to gaze into the consternated eyes of his young nephew.
“Vanik. You let yourself in again.”
“Affirmative.”
“Now that Jim lives with me it is not appropriate for you to show up in our apartment unannounced.” He really didn’t think it was appropriate before either, but he would not bring that up again. “Jim values his privacy.”
Vanik nodded. “Understood. In the future I will knock loudly on the door so that neither of you are surprised by my arrival. But…where is Jim? I thought for a moment that you had already managed to chase him away.”
“Vanik.”
The boy shrugged, a smile tugging at his lips. “A small jest at your expense.”
“Clearly.” Spock put his book down. “Why are you looking for Jim?”
“More specifically I am looking for you to learn what you have planned for your anniversary.”
“My what?”
“Anniversary. Approximately six months ago, you and Jim met, which set you on the course to become the brilliant example of couplehood that you are now.” Vanik straightened. “I could take full credit for that, but I believe that would be unfair to Jim. He had something to do with it as well.”
“And I have not?”
“Not much. You are…obtuse. In any case, what have you got planned?”
Spock paused. Glanced around the apartment. “Nothing.”
“Nothing? No Christmas in July celebration?”
“I do not participate in the merriment that surrounds Christmas, why would I have Christmas in July?”
“Because Jim does.”
“Well. But we were not yet engaged in our ‘brilliant couplehood’, as you put it, last Christmas.”
“All the more reason,” Vanik said, with a dramatic pause, “that you should do something to mark the occasion now.”
Spock shook his head and rose from the couch, followed by Vanik, into the kitchen. “I really do not believe that is necessary. Jim has not mentioned a particular interest in such frivolities.”
“As to that, since you are, obtuse, I am not certain that is the case.”
“Stop saying I am obtuse.” He sounded mulish to his own words.
Vanik waved this away. “It is not something you can help. It is what it is. Kaiidth.”
“You have been paying far too much attention to your father lately.” He reached into the fridge for the pitcher of iced tea. He took out two glasses from the cabinet. Shook his head at Vanik when he put out his hand for one. “This is for Jim who should be home any moment. You are not staying.”
As if Spock had conjured him, and he would if he had the power, the door of the apartment opened and Jim, dressed in his red cadet’s uniform stepped inside.
“Oh. Hey. Hi Vanik. Didn’t know you were coming.”
“No one did,” Spock said, pointedly. “And he was leaving.”
Vanik gave him a petulant pout before turning to Jim. “I was under the impression the Academy was out for a few weeks due to the summer holidays.”
Jim smiled. “I enrolled in the summer program to get ahead of everyone in the command track.”
“Oh. That is logical. Happy Anniversary.”
Spock cleared his throat loudly but his nephew ignored him.
Jim looked at Vanik quizzically. “Anniversary?”
“Six months since you and my uncle met. Does no one understand the significance but me?”
Jim laughed. “Um. Sure, kid. It’s definitely significant. And Spock and I love that you remembered. You’re so cute.”
Spock was amused when Vanik blushed.
“I am sure your mother would appreciate you returning home as quickly as possible,” Spock told Vanik.
Vanik sighed and nodded. “Very well. Do try to do something celebratory in my absence.”
Jim’s smile widened. “I’m sure we’ll think of something.”
Spock walked his nephew over to the door and watched him leave. “Let us know you made it home safely,” he reminded Vanik.
After closing the door, Spock turned to Jim. “Welcome home.”
“Thanks, Spock.” Jim gave him a lingering kiss. He grinned. “And about that celebration…”
July 8, 2020 at 5:18 am
This kid. He kills me! I adore the snort out of him. Really.
And I am in love with this Spock and Jim. Bc Vanik isn’t entirely wrong, Spock is a bit obtuse. At least when it comes to human romantic rituals.
So freaking cute. I can’t stop smiling
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July 8, 2020 at 7:19 am
thank you! I figured I couldn’t leave out Vanik!
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July 8, 2020 at 7:50 am
I too was all smiles and giggles when I saw Vanik appear, and then all through this. I’d quote the lines, but I’d pretty much be copying the entire thing back to you.
I just LOVE this character you invented. But more than that, I LOVE who Spock is with him. Sometimes I think Spock isn’t as obtuse as he pretends to be. I think he loves shooting zingers at his nephew. And of course, Spock owes this child for his life’s happiness. I half expected Vanik to show up asking if they were pregnant yet! Cause, you KNOW Vanik wants a little cousin to explain the universe to!
I dearly love this Christmas in July idea of yours for all month. Happy me!
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July 8, 2020 at 8:38 am
I feel certain Vanik will appear in December’s flashes as well, the little sneak!
He’s a cutie pie and I agree, Spock is very amusing with him. And very lucky to have that Jim!
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July 8, 2020 at 11:52 am
I love Vanik ❤
This was cute and can't wait for the rest of the Christmas in July fics
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July 9, 2020 at 7:05 am
thanks! 🙂
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July 8, 2020 at 1:31 pm
Oh, Vanik! He’s so adorable. I love everybody in this verse. Spock and Vanik are absolutely brilliant together. And to be honest, slightly obstuse (although I somehow think he might be playing with Vanik a little bit) is very entertaining. I definitely hope we’ll see Vanik again.
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July 9, 2020 at 7:05 am
You will definitely see him again!
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July 9, 2020 at 1:41 am
Love Vanik and I loved this story. It made me chuckle several times. Vanik is such a cutie!
And now about that celebration!
❤️💚😘🖖
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July 9, 2020 at 7:05 am
Yes indeed there will be celebrating for sure ha ha
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