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“What candy should we get?”

Spock paused from peering into his shopping cart to make sure Vanik hadn’t added extra items he didn’t think were necessary to flick a glance at his nephew.

The little pest, to use Jim’s affectionate nickname for him, had insisted on going to the market with Spock as he prepared to select things for their Halloween movie night. Jim had decided the task of shopping should be left to Spock.

Jim had an important simulation test coming up he was preparing for and Jim had given Spock his best captain look, even though he was not yet one, and Spock had decided it was wise not to argue.

As he was departing for the shopping trip, Vanik had arrived to visit and Jim sent Spock’s nephew off with him. Somewhat gleefully, Spock noticed.

“Candy?”

“It’s going to be Halloween,” Vanik replied. “Jim has a sweet tooth.”

Spock stared at him. “Jim does.”

It wasn’t entirely a lie, Spock conceded. Jim was fond of certain sweets and candy was among them. But he also knew no one could beat Vanik for his love of all things sweet.

“And me. Hell hath no fury like a man whose mate forgot his candy,” Vanik made up on the spot.

Spock sighed. The pest wasn’t wrong. And he absolutely hated displeasing Jim. Likely other Vulcans would call him an illogical sap, but there it was.

“What do you recommend?” Spock asked as he wheeled his cart toward the Halloween candy display.

“He likes peanut butter cups.”

“True.”  Spock selected two bags while Vanik nodded his approval.

“And the nougat with the peanuts.”

Vanik’s favorite.

Spock picked up a bag and then added a second when Vanik gave him puppy dog eyes.

“Gummy worms?”

Spock nodded and added them and sweetarts as he knew Jim liked those too. “That is most certainly enough.”

“All right! Time to check out.”

And Vanik ran ahead. Spock wasn’t sure he ever had that much energy. But he followed after him, wondering how early he could get Vanik to go home. He wanted to spend some private time with his mate.