October 2020

Tuesday’s Guess the Fic #2

Today you get several lines to see if you know the fic…

This fic debuted in September 2017…

Bones rushed in as though Jim was in imminent danger or something.

“Aren’t you supposed to be on the planet?”

“I’m back.”

His frown deepened. “But Sulu was supposed to—”

“Sulu was supposed to?” Bones prompted, already moving toward Jim with his medical tricorder out.

“Er.”

“Distract me with minor invented injuries so I wouldn’t notice you’re sicker than a dog?”

“Where’d that saying come in anyway?”

Bones shook his head. “You have a damn fever, Jim.”

“Is that why my eyelids are hot?”

“Idiot. Well, you’ve got a zinger of a cold, that’s for sure.”

Jim nodded. “I figured that’s what it was. I took myself off duty and I’ve got tea and everything.”

Bones looked past him to his screen. “That doesn’t look like you’re off duty.”

“Bones, I have reports oozing out of my hot eyeballs.”

“Yeah? How come?”

“That new damn Admiral Colton. He doesn’t like me,” Jim said, with a touch of petulance he could not help. “Mom says he went to the academy with Dad and that he never liked Dad either. They were rivals or something. And ever since he found out I wanted that vice admiral job on Yorktown he’s been looking for ways to prove I’m unfit for command.”

“What? Why?”

Jim shrugged. “I don’t know. He’s got something against me. Implies I have daddy issues or whatever. He wants me subjected to psych eval.”

“Psych eval? Why haven’t I been notified?”

“Because so far I’ve put him off that idea.” Jim sighed. “So here I am proving myself all over again. All of this has to be in before shore leave, which he barely agreed to, I might add. I can’t afford to be sick, Bones.”

“But, Jim, you are sick,” Bones protested.

“So shoot me with some hypos, feed me chicken soup, and be done with it.”

Bones leaned on the desk. “You’re suggesting hypos?”

Jim grabbed his tea and cradled it in his hands. “Desperation.”

“Why not ask Spock for help?” Bones asked, even as he pushed a hypo into Jim’s neck.

Jim bit his lip. “I don’t know. Things are still kind of strange between us.”

“How?”

“He tried to leave and I tried to leave and we both know it now. And, to be honest, we were kind of on strange terms even before all that. He kept giving me strange looks across the room.”

“Spock always gives you strange looks,” Bones told him. “You’re too illogical for his logical brain to take.”

“The last thing I want to do is push him to decide to leave again by piling work on him,” Jim told Bones. Then he smiled a little. “Anyway, I’m hoping if we can just get this shore leave, it’ll be better.”

“Hmm. What are we doing for this shore leave?”

“Oh nope. I’m not your wingman this time, Bones. I have plans. You’ll have to find someone else to hang with for shore leave.”

Bones eyed him. “Wait. You have plans? With Spock?”

“Get real. Of course not with Spock. He doesn’t even take shore leave, you know that.”

There was one time with Uhura where she had finally convinced him to go with her and they’d had such a disastrous time they hadn’t spoken for a full week. Another one of their on-again, off-again things. Which was a large reason Jim was convinced they’d be on-again in no time. There was a time…but no. He didn’t go there anymore. And wouldn’t.

“This time I’d say he needs it and you should go with him.”

“What? Bones, come on. Not that depressed Vulcan bullshit again. Spock’s fine. And he doesn’t need me to hold his hand or babysit him,” Jim insisted. “I’m spending my leave with Areel.”

“Areel Shaw?”

“Yep.”

“Are you nuts? She tried to ruin your career two years ago or have you forgotten?”

“Oh that.” Jim took a sip of his tea, happy as it soothed his aching throat.

“You must be delirious. Areel is not for you.”

Jim snorted at that but it didn’t work due to his clogged nose. It sort of came out sounding too wet and gross. “I’m not going to marry her, Bones. We’re just going to spend leave together. A while back I saw her on Yorktown—”

“You mean you fucked her.”

“Well, sure. Why not? Everyone else was doing their thing, why shouldn’t I?” Jim sighed. “Anyway, we’ve kept in touch ever since. The shore leave thing came up and it worked out in both our favors. So, no offense, Bones, but I have plans and I’m not changing them.”

“If you’re better.”

“I’ll be better.” He smiled. Ignored the pounding in his head. “I need to get back to these reports, so—”

“I’m going. But I intend to check on you later. Make sure you get rest and fluids.”

“Thanks Mom.”

“Shut up.” Bones straightened away from the desk. He went over to the replicator and then returned with chicken soup which he put beside Jim. “Eat that.”

“Yes.”

“And go to bed early.”

“Yes.”

“And don’t contaminate anyone else.”

If nothing else this will make you re-read some old fics! LOL

October 13, 2020

Flash Fic, October 12, 2020

A bit of TOS. It’s not really that related to October/Halloween/Harvest but I threw in some mentions to make it work!

“It was a dark and stormy night.”

“Why?”

Jim lowered the book and gazed at the small Vulcan child peering up at him from his seat on the floor. Jim was sitting in a chair. The child, Saran, had informed Jim he would sit cross-legged on the carpeted floor.

“Why what?”

“Why was it dark and stormy?”

“Uh. I don’t know. That’s just how the story starts.”

Saran eyed him but nodded.

Jim cleared his throat. Babysitting Vulcans. Ugh.

“Soon he heard an ominous noise outside his window.”

“Why was it ominous?”

“Because he didn’t know what the sound was.”

“Then it should say, soon he heard an unknown noise outside his window. He decided to investigate.”

Jim sighed and closed the book. “I don’t think you’re in the mood for a ghost story.”

Saran sniffed. “Ghosts are illogical.”

“Sure are. So what else would you like to do, Saran?”

“You could tell me about your exploits.”

Jim paused. “My exploits.”

“You are a famous starship captain.” Saran paused. “Or so I have been told. You must have exploits.”

Jim opened his mouth to reply, but then was saved by the sudden appearance of Amanda, Spock’s mother.

“Oh! Here I am. I’m so sorry, Jim, I didn’t mean to be gone for so long.” She came to him and clasped his hands. “Spock’s on his way back now. Thank you for watching Sarek’s nephew.”

Jim smiled. “You’re welcome.”

She leaned in to whisper, “He’s at a bit of a challenging age. It was kind of you to watch him. And I really hadn’t intended to be gone so long.” She patted his arm. “Why don’t you go and wait on the covered terrace for Spock? I’ll send him out there when he comes.”

He tried not to be too relieved as he made his escape out to the terrace. There was a pitcher of cool water out on a table there, so he helped himself to a glass.

Jim had been rather surprised at the invitation to join Spock on Vulcan after they had saved the Earth from impending disaster. Again. Jim didn’t even feel the slightest bit bad about being demoted back to Captain. The admiralty hat hadn’t ever quite fit him.

It seemed that Spock, though he had gotten many of his memories back, he hadn’t gotten them all. There was a vague memory there, Jim supposed, of their past intimacy, but not enough to convince Spock to reestablish anything. Or so Jim had believed, until this recent invitation.

The door on to the terrace opened and Spock stepped outside. He was wearing those Vulcan robes he seemed to favor on the planet. This was a short visit before they would return to duty.

“Everything okay?”

“Indeed.” Spock came to stand near him. Jim had been viewing some plants in pots there. “My mother’s garden. She has another garden in the back yard.”

“Yes, she showed me earlier. Told me there’s no real harvest time like there is back in Iowa.”

“Yes. I do apologize for staying away so long today. Mother informed me you were required to watch Saran for a time.”

Jim chuckled. “Yep. Not sure I’m very good with children. Probably a good thing Carol kept David from me.” His smile faded, his mood now melancholy.

Spock, of course, knew. “I am sorry, Jim. For the horrifying loss of your son.”

He nodded, turning away. “The pain is manageable.”

At least I have you, Jim thought.

It wasn’t in the same capacity of what he’d been used to, what he wanted. But it was something. Yes. He would have Spock however Spock would allow it.

“I tried to read a ghost story to Saran,” Jim said, changing the subject.

“A ghost story, Captain?”

“October, Mister Spock. The month of Halloween.”

“Ah.” Spock nodded. “I recall.” He gestured to two chairs. “Will you sit with me? There is something I would like to discuss.”

Trying to stem his curiosity, Jim took the seat and waited as Spock sat beside him.

“I would like to discuss us.”

Jim glanced at Spock’s face, trying to read what that meant. He was unsuccessful in figuring it out. “Us?”

Spock held his hand up in the air toward Jim, who’s gaze zeroed in on it. He swallowed. He must have hesitated too long for Spock began to lower his hand, his brows furrowed. Jim hastily thrust his hand out, rather clumsily, and touched his fingers to Spock’s.

“It-it’s been a long time for that,” he whispered.

“Is it unwelcome?”

“No.” Jim paused, feeling hope spring up in his chest. “No.”

October 12, 2020

Flash Fic, October 09, 2020

This was a prompt from J

It was weird not being on the Enterprise for three months, but it’s something Starfleet forced Jim to agree to after the end of their five-year mission. He was signing up for a new one, another five years, which he’d debated at least a thousand times with everyone he knew. And had decided that, yes, the decision was right for him.

Yet still they’d insisted on leave.

For the first month he’d been the dutiful son and visited his mom. She was thrilled for the visit.

But then now he was on New Vulcan, of all places, doing three six week classes to young Vulcans. Battle Leadership Tactics. Considering Jim’s checkered past with reprogramming a certain test, Jim had been surprised at the invitation, but Sarek had assured him it was genuine.

And it had allowed Spock to spend some time bonding with his father. If Vulcans did that sort of bonding.

The first six-week class was over and it was now time for new one. It was October, though as far as Jim could tell, this new version of Vulcan never changed temperatures much.

A throat cleared.

Jim looked up from where he sat at his desk, going over coursework.

A Young Vulcan male stood there.

“Hi.”

“Greetings, Captain Kirk. I have brought you something.”

Jim smiled. “Your completed assignment?”

“Not as yet.” The Vulcan stepped forward and placed a cellophane wrapped package on his desk.

Jim looked at it. It appeared to be an apple. His gaze rose curiously.

“It is a seasonal treat,” the Vulcan said, smoothly, rather proudly.

“Oh?”

“Indeed. A caramel apple. I have researched Earth and, also, your apparent fondness for fruit of this nature, so armed with this knowledge, I was able to provide a replication of this fruit seasonally dressed out with caramel.”

“Mm. Well. That is very considerate.”

“Then you are pleased?”

Jim smiled. “Yes. Now, please take your seat. I am hopeful you will provide as much enthusiasm to complete the required assignment.”

The Vulcan male nodded and went to his seat.

In his place were three others. Two females and one male. He remembered them from the first six-week course.

“You already completed this course.”

“Indeed,” one of the females conceited. “But…with barely passing grades, if you will recall.”

“I do.”

“We have decided to take it again to improve our scores and perceptions of the topic.”

“Uh. Okay. Sure.” Jim smiled again. “Take your seats.”

As he looked out, he noticed quite a few of the Vulcan from the first six-week course had come back for this one. He didn’t get it.

“Let’s get started.”

Jim stood up and came around his desk. He was pleased to see he seemed to have their undivided attention.

One raised her hand.

“You have a question?”

“Yes, Captain Kirk. Is it true that you are married and share a bond with a Vulcan?”

“That’s your question?”

“Affirmative.”

Jim nodded. “Yes. I am bonded and married to Spock, Ambassador Sarek’s son and my first office on the Enterprise.”

“For how long?”

“How long…I’m sorry what does this have to do with Battle Leadership Tactics?”

“Nothing directly,” she admitted. “Merely a curiosity.”

“Let’s get back on topic.” Jim dropped the stylus he carried as a matter of habit. With a sigh, he bent down to pick it up. He heard a collective creaking of the chairs, and then as he glanced at the students, he realized they were all leaning forward in their seats. He quickly straightened and turned to face them, putting his buttocks against the nearby wall.

No, no. It wasn’t possible they all had checked out his ass, was it? They were Vulcans, after all.

Jim decided to ignore the possibility and just continued teaching the class.

When that course was over and the new six-week one began, Jim was surprised to once again see many of the same Vulcan students.

Once again, he tried, “You’ve already taken the course.”

“Indeed,” said one Vulcan male. “But I learned so much last time, I am certain there is still much to learn from you, Captain.”

That first day, toward the end of the class, Spock and Sarek showed up. They stood to the back of the room to wait for the class to be over.

When it was, many of the students hurried out faster than normal, giving Spock a look as they basically fled the classroom.

Jim smiled as he approached Spock and Sarek.

“Hey, it’s great to see you.”

Spock spotted the package in Jim’s hands. “What is that?”

“Hmm? Oh. Another caramel apple. I swear they won’t stop giving me things. So weird.”

Spock arched a brow. “They are courting you.”

Jim laughed. “Right.”

“My son is correct. They are making attempts to win your favor.”

Jim frowned. “To get a better grade?”

Spock shook his head. “No, they are all…attracted to you, Captain.”

“What? Give me a break.”

“It is true, Jim. Father and I just watched. I had my suspicions but now they are confirmed.”

Jim rolled his eyes. “Whatever you say.” He touched Spock’s fingers with his. “I only have eyes for you.”

“I am gratified.”

“As a matter of fact, Jim,” Sarek said, “I have been asked to inquire if you might extend your stay and give another six-week course. Apparently there are some who would like to attend who could not get a spot.”

“Sorry, no can do. Once this one’s over it’s back to my ship.”

Spock murmured, “And not a moment too soon.”

Jim laughed again. “Come on you two. I’m starved, let’s go pig out on Kreyla or something.”

And Spock and Sarek fell into step behind him, both unbeknownst to Jim, eyeing his bottom as he walked before them.

October 9, 2020

Throwback Thursday #2

A Shore Leave Thing

Originally Posted June 13, 2015. Some people were disappointed that Spock needed nudging by Bones in this story to go to see Jim for shore leave, but in my opinion, Spock’s behavior was in character.

Mylocka provided artwork

Jim signaled to the bartender for another one and tried not to let his disappointment get to him. It was what it was. Just because he’d had other plans didn’t mean he was going to say a word. There’d be other opportunities. Not as good as this one, maybe.

“Jim?”

He forced himself to smile at Bones when his friend sauntered up to him at the bar just outside the transport station on their shore leave planet, Sedonia.

“Hi Bones.”

“Where’s Spock?” Bones asked with a frown.

“Oh.” Jim gestured to where Spock sat in a booth across the room with a group of other Vulcans. “When we got here they were here. Spock got excited to see them.”

“Spock got excited?”

Jim smiled. “Yeah. Well, more than usual, anyway. They’re only here for a couple of days. Staying at the hotel just down the street. They invited Spock to join them.”

“And he accepted?”

“I could see he wanted to, so I told him to go ahead.” Jim sighed.

“But-but the mountain and the cabin.”

Jim’s stomach rolled over. “It wasn’t meant to be.”

Bones knew Jim had planned this time with Spock at this snowy cabin—Sedonia boasted many areas similar to Earth—and Jim had hoped to tell Spock he was in love with him. As far as Jim knew, Spock didn’t suspect his romantic plans. He had just thought Jim invited him because Bones would be busy with Carol. Jim had let Spock believe that.

Jim had spent a lot of time second guessing his plans anyway. He’d told himself that there was an eighty-five percent chance Spock had a thing for him, too. After all, since Spock broke up with Uhura, he and Spock had been spending even more time together. But as the time for shore leave got closer, Jim began to wonder if he had calculated wrong. After all Spock had informed him he would be staying on the ship and not going on shore leave.

Jim had then advised Spock he wanted to invite him to the mountain cabin. Spock had not experienced snow and had informed Jim he was unsure he ever wished to do so. With a little whining, Jim had finally gotten Spock’s agreement. But it had been reluctant. Jim decided he most certainly had calculated wrong about Spock returning his feelings.

And then they’d run into the Vulcans and Spock had suddenly gotten excited about shore leave.

Bone squeezed his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Jim. I know you were looking forward to this.”

“Ah, well. It’s almost time for my transport if I’m going to make it there tonight.”

“You know if you don’t want to do that by yourself, I’m sure Carol won’t mind if you come with us.”

And Jim was just as sure she would mind. But would pretend she didn’t for Bones. Nope, no way.

“Bones, I’m fine. You and Carol go have a good time.”

Bones seemed reluctant, but he said, “Contact me if you change your mind. And check in with me at least once a day.”

“A bit excessive don’t you think?”

“No.” Bones sighed. “See you soon.”

Jim smiled. “Yeah.” After Bones left, he paid for his drinks, and headed out to the transport, where a superfast train would take him up to the mountain resort. He’d spared one last glance at Spock, but his first officer was deep in conversation with the other Vulcans. Obviously not sparing a thought for Jim.

****

By the time Jim arrived at the cabin that would be his for the next four days, he had stopped at a store for provisions, including food, coffee, and some firewood. Some alcohol, too. Something had to keep him warm.

As he was putting his groceries away it had begun to lightly snow. He started a fire after that and settled down into the couch to read one of the books he’d brought with him.

He could have changed his plans and gone with Scotty, Chekov, and Sulu. They had no romantic plans and planned to spend their time in the party town of Sedonia. Which is what Jim would have normally done.

Four days of no one but himself for company didn’t exactly appeal and Jim wondered if he wouldn’t be so bored after the first or second day, he’d just return to the Enterprise.

He eventually put his book down, made himself some dinner, and then after watching the snow fall for a bit, he went to bed…alone. As usual.

****

By the next afternoon, Jim was ready to give up and return to the Enterprise. He’d read, he’d gone for a long walk in the snow, he’d played some computer game on his PADD, he’d checked in with Bones. He was bored and lonely and sad. Not that he wouldn’t be on the Enterprise. Some. But at least he’d be with his lady there.

He looked up the transport trains for the next day, figuring he’d tough it out one more night. There was one leaving at ten the following morning. Jim planned to be on it.

It was just getting dark and Jim had been wondering if he should get up and make dinner. He had little enthusiasm for the idea. He’d already finished half a bottle of vodka. Or what passed for vodka on Sedonia, anyway. He was lying on the couch, staring at the ceiling. It had been snowing heavily most of the afternoon and promised to continue well on into the night. As a kid he had loved the snow. Which was one of the reasons he had hoped to share this with Spock to show him how romantic it could be. What an idiot he was.

He started to half-doze when there was a knock on the door to the cabin. At first he ignored it, thinking he was hearing things. But after three persistent knocks, Jim stumbled up from the couch and to the door.

Spock stood on the other side, his cheeks looking slightly green and storm whipped. His dark hair was dusted with snow. He held a small bag in his hands.

Jim just stared at him. Maybe he was still asleep and he’d conjured him up in his dream.

“I believe I was invited,” Spock said when Jim still continued to stare at him.

“Uh. Yeah.” He stepped away so Spock could come into the cabin. He closed the door and leaned against it. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

Spock’s eyebrow shot up. “Who were you expecting?”

“No one.” Jim frowned. “Weren’t you supposed to be staying with those Vulcans you met?”

“Actually I was supposed to be staying with you. I am gratified you allowed me to visit with them for part of our shore leave.”

Jim shook his head. “Allowed? You don’t answer to me when you’re on shore leave. You can do whatever you want. You could have stayed with them.”

“That would have been unfair to you as I had already agreed to come here.”

He smiled without humor. “Spock, it was all right. You didn’t have to come. Really. I’m planning on returning to the Enterprise tomorrow morning anyway.”

“You are discontinuing your shore leave?”

Jim shrugged. “It wasn’t what I hoped it would be.”

Spock put his bag down on the floor. “You are unhappy.”

“No, I’m fine.”

Spock stepped close. “You are not. I see it in your eyes. You are unhappy with me.”

“That’s not true,” Jim denied.

“I apologize,” Spock said softly.

“For what?”

“Disappointing you for your shore leave.”

“You didn’t.”

“It was not my intention,” Spock continued, despite Jim’s denial.

“You didn’t even want to come. It’s fine, Spock.”

Spock stared at Jim for so long that he would swear Spock was looking through to his soul. “You are mistaken. But obviously I have failed to make you understand.”

Jim frowned. “Understand what?”

“I did wish to come here with you. Not because of the snow or the cold. But because I wanted to spend the time with you.”

“Well, I…wait. You did? You do?”

“Affirmative. I should have explained that I intended to arrive this evening. I did not think you would choose to end your shore leave.”

“I just-being by myself was not what I had in mind,” Jim admitted, swallowing hard. “The truth is, I wanted to tell you—”

“You have romantic feelings for me.”

Jim smiled a little, licked his lips nervously. “Yeah.”

“It was not necessary for you to tell me during our shore leave. The news would have been welcome on the Enterprise.”

“Wait. Welcome?”

Spock shook his head. “Have you not guessed I share those feelings?”

Jim grinned. “Well, I had and then I hadn’t.”

“That is nonsensical.”

“That’s me. Nonsensical.” Jim put his arms around Spock’s neck. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Coming here. Not ruining my shore leave.”

Spock’s lips turned up at the corner just slightly. “So you are not planning on returning to the Enterprise tomorrow?”

Jim shook his head and leaned forward to kiss Spock. “Not if you’ll stay here with me.”

“I will stay,” Spock assured him. He glanced toward the kitchen. “Are you hungry?”

Jim kissed along Spock’s jaw. “Uh-huh.”

“What do you wish for dinner?”

“Later,” Jim whispered in Spock’s ear. “There’s a bedroom.”

Spock shivered. “Indeed.”

“And in that bedroom is a really big bed.”

Spock closed his eyes.

Jim’s tongue flicked the point of Spock’s ear.

“Dinner can wait,” Spock announced. “Captain.”

“Yes, Commander.” Jim pulled out of Spock’s arms and drew him toward the bedroom.

****

Spock opened his eyes to find that it was daylight, at least judging by the white light streaming through the slats of the window blind. He had not intended to spend the entire evening and night in bed with his captain, but it had ended up that way. They’d never had that dinner. Spock couldn’t find it in him to regret that.

Presently, Jim lay on his side, facing toward Spock, eyes closed, lips slightly parted. His blond hair was a bit on end and there were pillow line creases on his face. He was beautiful.

Spock had never expected to be here. While it was true he would never leave Jim’s side as long as either of them had breath, he did not expect to be in his captain’s bed…ever. It had never made logical sense for them to be romantically involved, no matter Spock’s deeply hidden regard. And yet…here they were.

Jim’s eyelids fluttered and then very slowly opened, blue eyes staring in confusion at Spock. Spock waited as the confusion cleared and the sleepy haze from those eyes cleared completely.

“Is it morning?” Jim asked, voice still rough from sleep. For some reason Spock found that quite appealing.

“It is. We missed dinner.”

Jim chuckled, which Spock also found appealing. But he had found Jim’s laugh appealing even before coitus. “Well, hell.”

“You are regretful?” Spock asked with an arched brow.

“Are you crazy?”

“I have had numerous psychological exams which indicate—”

“Spock.” Jim shook his head and smiled. “I don’t regret any of last night. I am hungry though.”

“We shall have to have a hearty breakfast,” Spock agreed.

Jim nodded but his smile faded which caused Spock’s heart rate to speed up.

“What is wrong?”

“Nothing. This is real, right? I’m not dreaming?”

“It is quite real.”

“And this isn’t just a shore leave thing?”

Spock frowned slightly. “A shore leave thing?”

Jim’s fingers touched Spock’s jaw. “Something where when we get back to the ship we pretend it didn’t happen and we go back to the way we were before. Like a vacation fling.”

“Is that what you wish for this to be?”

“No,” Jim whispered. “I want forever.”

“I am sure you are aware that Vulcans do not do shore leave things.”

Jim smiled. “Does that mean you want forever too?”

“I will accept nothing less, Jim.”

“Breakfast?” Jim asked as he kissed Spock.

“Mmm. Later.”

****

“Doctor,” Spock said to McCoy as they both left the transporter room upon their return to the Enterprise.

“Spock.” Dr. McCoy glanced at him. “What’s on your mind?”

Jim had stopped to speak to the transporter chief about something and Dr. Marcus had gone in the opposite direction of Spock and Dr. McCoy.

“I am forced to offer you my gratitude.”

“Oh?” McCoy smirked.

“You were correct in your assessment on Sedonia when you suggested that I join the captain for shore leave rather than continue visiting with the Vulcans that I met there.”

“Didn’t want you to miss the opportunity, Spock. Not sure you would have been given it again. Not with Jim.”

“He is a remarkably stubborn human,” Spock agreed.

“Something you share with him.” McCoy stopped outside sickbay. “Congratulations, Spock. I mean that.”

Spock studied him. “Yes, I can see that you do. Good day, Doctor.”

“See you, Spock.”

Spock returned to the transporter room just as Jim was stepping out. Jim smiled. “Have you been waiting out here?”

“No, I have returned after having a brief meeting.”

“Oh yeah?” They began to walk toward the turbolift. “With who?”

“Dr. McCoy.”

“You had a meeting with Bones?” Jim shook his head as they got onto the turbolift. He set it to go to the bridge.

“Indeed.”

Spock could tell Jim wanted to ask him what the meeting was about but he did not.

The doors opened onto the bridge and Spock went toward his station as Jim went toward his chair.

“Mr. Sulu, take us out.”

“Aye, Captain.”

October 8, 2020

Flash Fic, October 07, 2020

I did promise a continuation on these two.

Jim was surprised how fast the time went since he’d arrived on Vulcan with his mom and Sam.

The original plan had been to stay in ShiKahr to see how well a non-dairy ice cream shop, Tastes Like Real Ice Cream Co., would do there.

His mom was one of the executives of the company and had been charged with making it successful on Vulcan. To pretty much everyone’s surprise it had worked. The Vulcans were…literally…eating it up.

The Kirks had trouble keeping every flavor stocked and usually customers were out the door. It had meant very little free time for Jim and his brother Sam.

From the beginning Sam had announced his intention to leave for Chicago where he was going to meet his fiancé Aurelan on September the first, but after Mom begged and begged, Sam had postponed leaving.

Now they were in October and Sam still hadn’t left. Jim hadn’t made any decisions about joining Starfleet either. The thing was, he wasn’t sure what his Mom was going to do if both of them left. Either of them really. But he knew Sam wanted to. Saw the far off look in his brother’s eyes when he thought no one was looking.

Jim for his part had met someone pretty much right away.

Spock.

They’d gone on a date, well, sort of. Spock was very reserved at dinner and Jim hadn’t known how to act with a Vulcan.

But it was nice, and Jim thought they’d see each other again.

Only at the end of dinner, Spock announced he was leaving in the morning for an extended mountain retreat.

Dumbfounded, Jim had asked, “For how long?”

“Uncertain.”

And that had been that. The whole summer passed with Tastes Like Ice Cream becoming a raving Vulcan success. Only he hadn’t seen Spock again.

And now it was October. Jim felt both disappointed and foolish for having gotten his hopes up.

Exhausted as the three of them were, Mom finally had to hire additional help in the shop, so there was now a young Andorian male working there, and also a Vulcan female.

Jim was on a break, sipping iced coffee, sitting at a table outside the shop, when Sam approached him, looking determined.

“I’ve had it,” Sam said, flinging himself into a chair.

“Had what?”

Sam rolled his eyes. “You know what. It’s already a month past the time I said I’d blow this rock. Mom’s so successful there’s no way she’s leaving anytime soon.”

“You think?”

His brother smirked. “I just overheard her, brother mine. She’s actually looking into buying a house here.”

“She…is?”

“Yep. And that’s fine for her if she wants to live on a melting rock, but I have plans with Aurelan. I told her today, end of week, I’m on the shuttle back to Earth.”

Jim bit his lip. “What she say?”

“I should do what will make me happy. And you know what? You should too. You wanted to join Starfleet. I know you said you hadn’t made up your mind, but I think you did and you’re just staying to help Mom.”

Jim scowled. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing. Except that you’re living someone else’s life, not your own. Just because she wants to stay here, doesn’t mean you do or should. Don’t let helping Mom keep you from your dream. And anyway, I don’t think she would want that either.”

“Easy for you to say. Dad died because of Starfleet.”

Sam sighed. “Dad died because of who he was, Jim. And he knew the risks. And so did Mom.” He patted Jim’s leg. “Just think about it. You could be on that shuttle with me back to Earth. Mom can hire others to take up the slack. There are plenty of people on Vulcan willing to work here.”

Jim opened his mouth to reply when he spotted a familiar face, well attached to a whole body of course, coming toward them. It was the Vulcan, Spock.

Sam followed Jim’s gaze, frowned, and then shook his head. He rose from his seat, squeezed Jim’s shoulder, and then moved off.

“Jim.”

“Hello. Long time no see.”

“Indeed.” Spock gestured to the seat that Sam recently occupied. “May I?”

Jim nodded.

“I apologize for my lengthy absence.”

“You don’t really owe me anything.”

Spock inclined his head. “Perhaps not. And yet when I told you I would be on a retreat, I had not anticipated the length.”

“And did it do for you what you wanted?”

“Affirmative. I have been considering Kolinahr.”

Jim frowned. “What’s that?”

“The purging of emotions. It is a lengthy process.”

“Uh. Okay. Why would you want to do that?”

“Vulcans value logic over primitive emotions. It is considered the ultimate logic and highest standard to undergo Kolinahr.”

Sounded awful to Jim.

“You said you were thinking of it, what have you decided?”

“To do so.”

Jim blew out a long breath. “I see. Well. Thanks for letting me know. I wish you well, Spock.”

He stood then.

“Gotta get back to work.” Jim glanced around, saw no one paying attention, and leaned down, placing his lips on Spock’s in what he hoped was a searing kiss. He pulled back and straightened. Smiled at the dazed look on Spock’s face. “That’s what emotions do, by the way. See you.”

He began to walk away.

“Jim. What are your future plans?”

Jim turned around. “Me? I’m joining Starfleet.”

Maybe to be continued….

October 7, 2020

Flash Fic, October 05, 2020

“Doctor McCoy sent you a package.”

Jim smiled from his spot lounging on the couch. Spock had covered him with a fluffy autumn throw and propped him up with big squishy pillows. He’d also lit a fire in the fireplace.

“Probably a box of more medicine.”

“We will see.”

They were currently spending Jim’s medical leave in a mountain retreat in the Rockies. They would be there for an extended time as Jim had been severely injured in a blast on an away mission.

Spock opened the box and looked inside.

“Well?”

He pulled out a box of hot cocoa “Pumpkin Spice” was labeled on the outside.

“Oh my God! I love Bones.” Jim grinned at the look Spock gave him. “I love you way more though. What else?”

“Pumpkin tea for the hobgoblin,” Spock read from the note. He narrowed his eyes. “A light up autumnal gourd.”

Spock held it up and flipped a switch as it lit up.

Jim’s smile widened. “Ah, I love it.”

“Why does it have a face?” Spock queried.

“It’s a Jack o’ Lantern for Halloween.”

Spock shook his head. “Count Chocula Cereal.”

“Score! Bones thinks of everything.”

“Pumpkin Spice coffee and also various bags of Halloween candy.”

Jim’s smile turned soft. “All the comforts of home. That is so cool. I’ll have to send him a note to thank him.”

“Later. For now, you need to rest.”

“Rest? I’m already lying down, Spock.”

“You need to sleep.”

“I’m not a little kid who needs a nap.”

“When we allowed you to have your leave here instead of in a Starfleet approved medical facility you agreed to do everything that either I or Doctor McCoy said.”

Jim sighed. “I know. Okay.”

Spock knelt down beside him. “I almost lost you again, ashayam. Please indulge me.”

“Of course I will. I’m sorry.”

Spock leaned up and kissed him. “I am not. I am grateful. When you wake, you can have some of the cocoa.”

“Join me?”

Spock rolled his eyes. “You are not yet ready for that. I will have tea.”

He laughed. “Okay.”

“Be good and close your eyes.”

Jim smiled faintly, but closed his eyes. He was still very pale and tired easily, but yes, he was here, and Spock would care for him.

October 5, 2020

Flash Fic, October 02, 2020

A somewhat melancholy autumn day for the boys of The Thought of You is Consuming Me.

I opened my eyes to see the spot next to me in bed was currently empty. I placed my hand there and it still felt warm from Chris’ body. I turned onto my back, looking up at the carved wood ceiling. The room was well-lit with both candles and sunlight from the open windows.

They’d been pulled closed before, so I knew Chris had opened them and lit the candles. I allowed no servants to enter my bedchamber when Chris stayed over. I glanced over and saw him standing there at the window looking out on Bulwary Street, no doubt at the carriages and riders passing by. There’d be fewer now. Though I knew London was never really deserted, even when the Season ended, which it had more than a month earlier.

“You’re up early,” I said.

“Have to be off,” Chris replied, not turning around. “Traveling out of London and to the Country seat this afternoon.”

I knew it of course, but the words and the meaning behind them still hit me hard. We wouldn’t see each other nearly as much over the next several weeks. He would be off to his family’s estates and me to mine. Miles away from London and our almost nightly visits.

I sat up then and swung my leg to the floor.

He turned then, his blue eyes sweeping over me. “You don’t have to get up, Zach. I wasn’t going to bother you.”

“No goodbye?”

“Wasn’t last night’s activities enough of a goodbye?” He smiled, sweet and almost shy. “Temporary anyway. It’s never truly goodbye.”

I rose and went to him. “And it shan’t ever be, Christopher.” I pulled him into my arms, and we kissed deep and slow.

He leaned against me, resting his head against my shoulder. “And when are you off?”

“Not until tomorrow morning. I’ve got some things to settle up here today.”

“Autumn is my favorite time in the country,” he murmured. “Only that we are parted is my one regret.”

“We will make time as always.”

“Yes.” He put his hand on my cheek, the bristle of the growth of beard on my jaw. “I love you. Only you.”

“And you have my love in return. May your journey be a safe one.”

He smiled and kissed me once more. “And yours.”

October 2, 2020

Throwback Thursday #1

As you know flash fics are not posted on Thursdays. Since I’m trying to make this blog less about me and more about my writing, I thought it would be fun to make Thursdays (at least through the end if 2020), throwbacks. So I will be posting either the whole fic if it’s something short (or perhaps chapters) to remind you of a mostly forgotten fic you might have read before…or links to it if I don’t think posting it here work.

Only Friends – originally posted as Chapter 27 of My Spirk One-Shot Collection, Part One. Original posting date May 19, 2014

Dr. Leonard McCoy

I’d been told to wait in the transporter room for the landing party to beam back on board the Enterprise. Members of the landing party had been injured. M’Benga had been requested to be there as well. I figured that probably meant Spock was among those injured.

I suspected Jim was too because often when he was with the landing party, which was almost always, something went wrong, and generally Jim was a part of it.

The transporter activated and five crew members appeared. Sulu, Scotty, Uhura, and Jim, holding onto a bloody and unconscious Spock. Jim was smeared with Spock’s blood. M’Benga immediately went forward for Spock.

“What happened?” M’Benga demanded.

“Shot by one of the natives down there. Some kind of poison arrow thing,” Jim barked out. “Sulu analyzed it. Sulu, help M’Benga.”

“Yes, Captain.”

I watched as they quickly loaded Spock onto a stretcher and wheeled him out. Uhura hung back but looked like she wanted to follow.

Jim nodded at her. “Go ahead, Lieutenant.”

“Thank you, sir.” And she was out the door.

“Jim, what happened down there? Are you injured?” I demanded, looking him over, but I saw no outward signs of injuries, no signs of any red blood.

Jim’s mouth was grim, his stance all business. “Not me. Scotty hit his head. I want you to check him out.”

“I’m fine, Captain,” Scotty protested.

“Just to be on the safe side, Scotty. Don’t argue.”

“Aye, sir.”

I hesitated. “What happened?”

“We were ambushed. They shot Spock first. We fought them off. Scotty fell and hit his head when we were running away.” Jim shook his head. “I need to get to the bridge, get the ship out of here and talk to Starfleet. Keep me posted on Mr. Spock.”

Before I could question him further, Jim was out the door and running down the corridor.

Lieutenant Nyota Uhura

The medbay was quiet. Too quiet. I couldn’t stop pacing. If something happened to Spock, I didn’t know if I could face it.

Even though Spock and I had been having our problems for a while now, and we had in fact ended our romantic relationship two weeks earlier, I still considered him my closest friend and confidante. And I knew Spock felt the same about me. I had been standing next to Spock on the planet surface when he’d been shot.

The doors of the medbay opened and in strode Kirk. He still had streaks of green blood on his face and his shirt, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“Any word?”

“No, sir. He’s been in there for hours. No one’s come out.”

Kirk’s gaze went to the closed surgery doors. His expression was hard, cool, collected. He nodded. “If there’s any change, notify me.”

“Yes, Captain,” I agreed.

He turned away and headed for the doors.

“Captain?” I called after him.

He didn’t turn away but he did stop. “Yes?”

“Are you all right?” I asked, hugging myself. I wasn’t used to this quiet, reserved, hardened Kirk. I was worried.

“I’m fine, Lieutenant.”

And then he was out the doors.

The surgery doors opened then and Dr. M’Benga came out.

“Doctor?”

“He’s in a healing trance now, Uhura,” M’Benga said. “The worst is over.”

“So he’ll be all right?”

“Yes, we got to him in time. The poison hadn’t entered his bloodstream.” He paused. “If it had, this would be a whole different story.”

“Can I see him?”

“When we move him to a biobed.” M’Benga patted my arm and then went back into the surgery room.

I went to the comm on the wall. “Uhura to Captain Kirk.”

“Kirk here.”

“He’s going to be all right, Captain. Dr. M’Benga said he’s in the healing trance now. They’re moving him out of surgery.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant. Kirk out.”

Commander Spock

Nyota came by for the second time since I had awakened earlier. I had also been visited by Mr. Sulu and Mr. Chekov as well as both Dr. McCoy and Dr. M’Benga.

“Spock, you look great,” she exclaimed.

“You said that earlier.”

“You look even better this time. Can I get you anything? Are you allowed tea?”

“Yes. I would find that agreeable, Nyota. Thank you.”

She went to the synthesizer in the corner and returned with a cup of tea a moment later. She handed it to me with a smile.

I observed her over the edge of the teacup for a moment, then said, “The answer is no.”

“I didn’t ask anything.”

“You were about to ask if Captain Kirk had been by to see me as you did when you were here earlier.”

She huffed. “Okay I was. I can’t believe him.”

“What do you mean?”

“You two are bosom buddies! You play chess, you take your meals together, and you’re rarely seen without the other! And he can’t be bothered to come in and check on you?”

“I am sure the captain is busy, Nyota. He is down one of his senior officers.”

“He’s not just down any senior officer, Spock, he’s down you. He should be in here right now!”

“I am sure when he finds the time he will be, Nyota.”

“Finds the time? He can find the time now—”

Captain Kirk suddenly appeared directly behind her but Nyota hadn’t heard him so she continued to rant about him. He crossed his arms over his chest.

I opened my mouth to advise her.

“Don’t defend him! You know I’m right and—”

The captain finally cleared his throat behind her. Nyota spun around so fast she almost lost her balance.

“Oh! Captain.”

“Lieutenant.”

“I was uh just uh talking to Spock.”

“So, I heard.”

“About-about one of the lab techs,” she said obviously flustered.

“Hmm. You are dismissed, Uhura,” the captain said.

“Yes, sir. I’ll be by to see you tomorrow, Spock.”

“Thank you, Nyota.”

When she left, the captain approached my bed. “How are you, Spock?”

“I am well, Captain. Dr. M’Benga expects that I will be released the day after tomorrow.”

Captain Kirk nodded. “Bones told me.

I studied him, saw the dark smudges under his eyes, the fine lines around his mouth. “You have not rested?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“When was the last time you slept, Captain?”

He shrugged. “Since before we returned from the planet.”

“Surely, Mr. Scott can provide you enough relief to sleep.”

“I’m needed on the bridge and I don’t require it.”

“Captain—”

“I have to get back to the bridge,” he said. “I’m glad you’re recovering, Spock.”

I blinked as I watched him exit the medbay.

Captain James T. Kirk

Spock had been back on duty for three days. At first when Spock had left the medbay he had attempted to see me, had attempted to invite me to a meal or to play chess. I had refused all invitations and kept to myself.

The crew had noticed. I know they did. Each time I entered the bridge they greeted me but with caution. There was a tension on the bridge that hadn’t been there in a number of months.

I couldn’t tell them why either. I couldn’t tell them that I had discovered I was almost desperately in love with my Vulcan first officer. It was ridiculous. I didn’t do relationships. I liked women. Most of the time. Lots of women. I was emotional and had no intention of changing that. Spock was my friend and I had worked hard to get him to that point. He would not return my feelings. Had never indicated he had deeper feelings for me. Hell, until a few weeks ago he’d been with Uhura.

I needed to get myself under control though or I would lose him as a friend, too. I glanced over at his science station and noticed he was looking in my direction. I stood up and walked to his station.

“Hey, Spock.”

“Captain?”

“Chess tonight?”

I waited for him to refuse like I had.

“Very well, Captain. 1900 hours my quarters?”

“Sure, sounds good. Thank you, Mr. Spock.”

At the appointed time, I made my way to Spock’s quarters. He let me in immediately and I could see he had been waiting for me, but he hadn’t put up the chess set.

“Captain, I would like to speak with you prior to commencing chess.”

I nodded. “Okay, what’s on your mind?”

“You are.”

“Excuse me?”

“Or rather your recent reluctance to continue our friendship. If I have done something to displease you I would like to be advised so I may make an effort to correct it.”

With a sigh, I shook my head. “No, Spock. You haven’t.”

He hesitated. “Captain. Jim. Your friendship is important to me. I do not have many friends. And I have considered you my friend. I would not like that to change.”

My throat felt tight, raw. “No, it won’t. I’m sorry, Spock. I know I’ve not been myself.”

“No, you have not. And you are still not sleeping,” Spock said. “I see the exhaustion. If I can help—”

“You can’t,” I said immediately. “Spock, when you got hurt, I-I almost lost it. I couldn’t handle it. Couldn’t handle it if something happened to you.”

“Nothing did.”

I shook my head. “You almost died. You-you were bleeding. I had your blood on me.”

“Jim, I am here.” Spock embraced me, pulled me very close, and wrapped his arms tight around me.

“I can’t lose you,” I whispered.

“You will not,” he said softly. Spock’s hand came up to stroke my hair. “I am here.”

I nodded against him. I should pull away. I was sure I was touching him way too much. But instead of pulling away, I fisted his shirt and held him closer.

“Guess we’re not gonna play chess tonight,” I said after a while. Finally I gently pushed away and smiled. “How about some tea instead?”

Spock nodded. “That does sound good.”

Dr. Leonard McCoy

“You get any sleep last night?” I asked Jim the next day as he joined me at breakfast.

“A little. Went to play chess with Spock but we had some tea and I don’t know what happened but I fell asleep pretty quickly after that. Woke up in my quarters.” Jim shrugged.

“Hobgoblin carry you to bed?”

“I dunno. I haven’t seen him since he gave me the tea.”

“Speak of the green-blooded devil.”

Spock was approaching our table in the mess. “Doctor, Captain.”

“Hey, Spock.”

Spock sat down with a bowl of fruit and his tea. “How did you sleep, Captain?”

“Pretty good.” Jim studied Spock. “Do I have you to thank for that?”

“Captain?”

“You didn’t put anything in that tea did you?”

“You drugged Jim?” I asked, surprised.

Spock raised an eyebrow. “Do not be absurd, doctor.”

I shrugged and took a swallow of my coffee. “All right, but did you carry him to bed?”

“He did fall asleep in my quarters. It was necessary to avoid waking him.”

“Well, isn’t that sweet?”

“Bones,” Jim warned.

“I have to go to the medbay, anyway,” I said, rising from my seat. I gestured to Jim’s plate. “Eat. And you make sure he does.”

Commander Spock

“Did you really sleep all right, Captain?”

“Yeah, I was out pretty hard. I don’t remember much,” the captain admitted. “We were gonna play chess, right? But first I told you I was upset you were injured, we agreed to be forever friends, and you’d never leave my side. Then, we were having tea, right?”

I nodded. “Essentially, yes.”

He smiled. “Great. I guess I remember it all then. Thanks Spock. See you on the bridge?”

“Yes, Captain.”

He was fairly quickly replaced by Nyota.

She gazed at me shrewdly. “You still haven’t told him, have you?”

“Told him?”

Nyota snorted. “Don’t play dumb with me, Spock. It doesn’t suit you. You haven’t told Kirk about your feelings.”

“It is complicated.”

“How?”

“I almost told him last night but then he…the moment passed.”

“He’s stubborn that’s for sure, but Spock, I’m telling you he’s in love with you. I know it.”

With some hesitation, I nodded. “I do believe he almost confessed to that sentiment last night but then he withdrew.”

“Hmm.”

I did not like the look on her face at all.

Lieutenant Nyota Uhura

“Captain, glad I caught you,” I said as I rushed into the turbolift just before the doors were about to close on him. I leaned over and stopped its motion. “Can I have a word?”

Kirk frowned. “What can I do for you, Uhura?”

“I just think you should know that Spock’s really upset.”

“Upset?”

I nodded. “Yes, he thinks you don’t really think of him as your friend. That you like Leonard more.”

“But we talked about it last night.”

“He’s only pretending. You know how he is. Doesn’t want to show you how hurt he is. But he’s still upset over you only visiting him once in the medbay and then afterwards ignoring him. Spock’s afraid you are only being his friend because you think you have to, for the command team.”

“Wait, what?’

“I’m just saying, you might want to spend some time with him.” I restarted the lift and it made it to the bridge without any further conversation.

Captain James T. Kirk

Spock stood before me, his hands clenched behind his back. “You wanted to see me, Captain?”

“Yeah. Listen, you know we’re friends, right?”

“Yes, Captain.”

“I mean, really. I’m not pretending.”

Spock looked vaguely perplexed but he nodded.

“And yeah, it’s true I’ve known Bones longer than you, but I don’t feel any different for him than I do for you,” I explained.

Spock blinked at that and for a moment I thought I saw a flash of…disappointment in his brown eyes but it disappeared like I had imagined it.

“Yes, sir.”

“I just don’t want there to be any misunderstandings that I care about Bones more, because I don’t. You’re both my friends.”

Spock nodded.

I blew out a breath. “Okay, good. You wanna play chess or something?”

“That would be agreeable.”

Spock took a step forward and then swayed a little, then pitched forward. I caught him, my hands on his arms.

“Spock, are you okay?”

“I do seem to be experiencing some vertigo.”

“Come sit down.” I led him to the couch. “Damn it, Bones released you to duty too soon.”

“I am fine, Captain.”

“No, you aren’t.” My stomach twisted. “God, I could kill Bones.”

“Captain—”

“No, Spock. I told you, if anything happened to you…”

Spock stared at me intently. “It is the same for me.”

My breath got caught in my throat. “The-the same?”

Spock nodded.

I swallowed. “Are you saying what I think you are? Spock, do you—”

“Yes.”

I stared, wide-eyed at him. “God, really? Because I didn’t think you did.”

“I do.”

With a shaking hand I touched his jaw. “I’ve never—not anyone.”

“I know,” he whispered. “I have not either.”

“Not with Uhura?”

“Not this way, no.”

I leaned my forehead against his. “I really want to kiss you.”

Spock closed his eyes and tilted his head and my lips found his. They were unexpectedly warm and soft and way too addicting. I went to pull away and he pulled me back, deepening the kiss.

Finally I put my hand on his chest. “Spock,” I said with a shaky laugh. “I’m calling Bones.”

“I feel better,” Spock insisted.

“I still want him to check you.”

“Very well, but we can continue this while we wait.”

Dr. Leonard McCoy

“Damn it, Jim, are you making out with my patient?”

Jim blushed and pulled away from Spock whose cheeks were tinged green as well.

I came over to Spock and examined him with my tricorder. “What are your symptoms?”

“I suffered from a short bout of vertigo.”

“Hmm.” I took out a hypospray and jammed it in his neck. It made a hissing sound. “How’s that?”

“Now my stomach is upset,” Spock said.

I rolled my eyes. “Off duty for the next twelve hours and come in for an exam in the morning.” I looked at Jim. “And you, let him sleep. You both need sleep.”

Jim smiled. “Okay, doc.”

“And if you sleep together—”

“You don’t want to know about it.”

“Damn straight.”

Spock’s eyebrow rose. “It would be none of your concern.”

I nodded. “Remember that. Couple of idiots,” I mumbled as I left Jim’s quarters.

October 1, 2020

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

Month

Throwback Thursday #1

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