
Chapter Fourteen: On the Way to the Next Level
Spock had never been the nervous type. There was no logic to it.
And yet, as he waited for the arrival of Jim to his current place of residence, he had a fluttering in his stomach that might be related to nerves.
Because he planned to run Gad-Shen in Riverside temporarily, he had rented a studio apartment situated on top of the restaurant. There was a small staircase on the side of the building that accessed the front door of the studio.
As typical of most Terran studio apartments, his living quarters was basically one large room with no discernable separated rooms, save for the bathroom and a small closet to hang coats. Spock had placed a sofa and a lamp by the window that overlooked the street Gad-Shen faced, then a few feet from there he had placed a full sized bed and a dresser. Then there was the kitchen which was made up of a stove, a sink, and a refrigerator.
It was all very simple, but it was suitable and efficient for Spock’s current circumstances.
His pulse quickened when he heard footsteps on the stairs leading to his door. He had seen Jim only a short time ago at the restaurant, and yet, yes, Spock was filled with a certain anxious anticipation.
Spock was not at all without experience, but he found Jim to be more attractive than anyone he’d ever encountered and he also found himself feeling a rather interesting connective warmth whenever he touched Jim, even briefly. He had a theory as to the reason behind this very pleasing warmth, and he hoped to be able to test it that very evening.
He had moved to stand by the door when Jim tapped lightly on it.
Jim had dressed in a maroon pullover sweater and black pants, no doubt in deference to the chilly evening. It had been overcast all day and the restaurant staff had even speculated about the possibility of the first snow of the season.
“Welcome, Jim.” Spock stepped back to let Jim inside.
“Thanks. It’s getting really cold.” Jim rubbed his hands together. His cheeks were a becoming shade of red.
“What can I get you to drink?”
“What do you have?”
“I actually have a small bottle a red blend wine if you are interested.”
Jim blinked in surprise. “You have wine?”
“Yes. Though I admit I obtained it for you in anticipation of this evening.”
“Then by all means, I’ll have some.”
Spock opened the bottle and poured Jim a glass in a water goblet, since that was the only kind of glass he had there in the apartment. As he handed the goblet to Jim, Spock made sure their fingers brushed. He felt that same warmth immediately. Jim showed no outward signs that he experienced the same sensation, however.
“Thank you.” Jim took a sip, then nodded his approval. “What’s on the menu?”
“A Vulcan version of ramen noodles,” Spock replied.
Jim laughed. “That’s great. I love ramen.”
“I have included stir fried vegetables too. You may sit there on the sofa and relax with your wine while I finish up.”
“Okay, sure.”
Jim looked good sitting in Spock’s apartment, even though Spock knew it was no permanence there. To the apartment, of course. Jim and himself was a different story. Certainly he hoped so if what he suspected was true.
But he was, perhaps, getting ahead of himself. He had to get through dinner, and then, he hoped, something more.
Yes, Spock realized. He’d been using that word a lot in his mind.
Hope.
December 14, 2020 at 6:13 am
I love this so much. Spock is such a sweetheart and I love his hope!
I am loving every second of this story dude!
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December 14, 2020 at 7:44 am
Thank you ❤
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December 14, 2020 at 7:24 am
Minimalist for sure! But adequate for him. I’m sure Spock isn’t the only one with flutters and hope. Ah, tomorrow!
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December 14, 2020 at 7:46 am
The big day is Wednesday ha ha
But yes tomorrow is nice too 🙂
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December 14, 2020 at 9:35 am
Spock is so cute awaiting Jim’s arrival with a “fluttering in his stomach that might be related to nerves”. I just love his anticipation, his hope and then making sure to brush Jim’s fingers to feel the warmth that he gets from touching Jim. Jim has to be feeling the same way right now. It’s making me giddy. I’m looking forward to the future updates to this story. They are perfectly meant for each other. ❤️💚😘🖖
In RL I’m not looking forward to Wednesday night, I’m working overnight and they are predicting 12 inches of snow. UGHHHH!! I’m going to get stuck there.
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December 14, 2020 at 10:21 am
So sorry about the bad weather! I sometimes wish I got snow but then I’m like…nope! HA HA
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December 14, 2020 at 10:53 am
My stomach is in knots anticipating it! Snow!!!
And to top it off my twins, who are Zooming college from home have finals this week and we’ll probably have a power outage. We recently purchased a generator and the electrician was supposed to be here earlier in the month, but they had class that day so we put it off. His next opening was December 21. Now we’ve contacted him to see if he can rush it. He can send some of his employees on Wednesday for overtime. Praying this works! And it sustains our WiFi.
Ivan, I’ll send you my snow… ok? That’s a deal! 😘
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December 14, 2020 at 11:14 am
My sister now has a generator because of the answer to our horrible winds apparently is to shut the power off for thousands of people per the power companies. Last week my sister lost her power for 36 hours because Edison just decided to turn it off in case their equipment started a fire. It’s bonkers. My 94 year old mother has dementia and without power it is difficult to find ways to entertain her and not have her insisting she needs to go home though she’s lived there for many years. Sigh. Anyway, yeah. I understand your need for power!
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December 14, 2020 at 3:34 pm
Spock ❤
Yes, have hope. Hope is very good.
The feelings building between them…love it!
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December 14, 2020 at 6:45 pm
❤
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December 15, 2020 at 11:51 am
Aw, Spock. That is so cute how is anticipating Jim’s visit. I adore this so much, Spock being hopeful is so sweet. Seriously, this makes me all bubbly with happiness.
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