“City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday green, in the air there’s a feeling of Christmas.”

“It’s ninety-five degrees, genius.”

Jim smiled and winked at Bones. “Not in here it isn’t. I have the AC set to meat locker.”

Bones snorted. “It might make it freezing in here but it actually won’t snow.” He paused. “Or even form ice crystals.”

Jim shrugged. “Jury’s still out on that one.”

“Anyway, you’re singing it wrong,” his best friend informed him.

Jim sipped from his frosty peppermint mocha shake. “I am?”

“It’s… City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style.”

“Style? Well, that’s stupid.”

“I sure as hell didn’t write it so don’t look at me. It’s to rhyme style with smile from the next line.”

Jim shook his head. “Strings of streetlights, even stop lights, blink a bright red and green, as the shoppers rush home with their treasures.”

“It’s a dumbass song,” Bones muttered. “Why the Christmas stuff anyway. Frozen apartment, dumbass song, and peppermint drinks. And I’m pretty sure I saw mistletoe in the doorway of your bedroom.”

“I’m doing Christmas in July with Spock.”

“Spock know this?”

“He will soon enough. He’s not going to be around for real Christmas since Pike’s taking him out on an exploratory mission for like six months beginning in October to get his feet wet.”

“A Vulcan with wet feet. Wet behind the ears more likely.”

Jim gave him a look. “Shut up, will ya? Since Christmas in July’s a thing—”

“Who says it’s a thing?”

“I just did, didn’t you hear me?”

“Loud and clear unfortunately.”

“May I remind you that you actually asked.”

“You going to be okay all by yourself?”

Jim scowled. “I’m a mature adult. I can handle my boyfriend being gone a few months.”

Bones nodded, sagely. “Course. Since I’m sure you’re expecting the unfortunate object of your July Christmasy celebration at any time, I’m going to beat it.”

“Thank God. I thought you’d never leave.” Jim grinned.

Bones flipped him off and opened the door of the apartment.

Standing there was Spock who arched a brow at Bones’ uncouth display.

“Charming as ever I see, Doctor.”

Bones grumbled something, scooted past Spock and down the hallway.

Jim seized hold of Spock’s arm and pulled him inside.

“Jim, I know it is hot out, but do you not think you have the air conditioning turned up too high?”

“Merry Christmas!” Jim kissed him.

“Christmas?”

“Yep. There are chocolate thumb print cookies in the oven.”

“I-I see. Then we are…having a night in.”

Jim laughed. “Most definitely. Come here and unwrap me. I’m your present.”