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“I cannot see!”

The crowd was thick so Jim could understand why Vanik was too short to see the parade for J Ashton’s 150th birthday celebration.

The now legendary Starfleet Captain birthday had been June 14th. For the last sixty years there had been a parade and festival to honor Captain Ashton’s heroics. She had died at the ripe old age of ninety.

Jim considered. Vanik was just a kid but he was a Vulcan kid so he was tall and fairly heavy for his age. Still…

“All right, let me see if I can get you to my shoulders.”

“I would not want you to hurt yourself. Perhaps it would be wise and logical to wait for Uncle Spock to join us.”

Jim rolled his eyes. “The parade will be over. The effigy of Captain Ashton is supposed to be on the next float.”

“Very well. But should you become injured in the melee, Uncle Spock must care for you.”

“There will be no melee.” He bent down, grabbed Vanik, and hoisted him up on his shoulders, wincing as he did so. Okay so yeah, the kid weighed more than a Human kid that was for sure. “Can you see?”

“Yes. You are quite correct. The likeness of Captain Ashton is extraordinary.”

“Good.” He grunted.

Vanik looked down. “You are in pain.”

“No,” Jim lied. “Watch the parade.”

Only a few minutes later, Spock appeared.

“Jim?”

“He couldn’t see. And you know, he’s studying J Ashton in school.”

Spock nodded and reached up, easily taking Vanik from Jim’s shoulders. Jim winced and moved his shoulders around.

“You should have waited,” Spock said quietly.

“He shouldn’t have to miss any of it. It’s okay.”

Much later they returned to the apartment building and took a pleasantly tired Vanik back to his parents.

“You missed the parade yourself,” Spock pointed out as he began to knead Jim’s sore shoulders as Jim rested on his stomach on their bed.

“It’ll stream after my massage.” He closed his eyes.

“You are remarkable.”

Jim laughed. “Nah, he loves the story of Captain Ashton. He’s been talking about the birthday parade for days. Sore shoulders are nothing. And that’s what I have you for.”

“Indeed.”

“And perhaps for a little bit more.”

“I thought you wanted to stream the birthday parade.”

Jim flopped over onto his back and held out his arms. Spock leaned down at kissed him. And yes, the streaming could definitely wait.