Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

“Hey, Spock, how was—”

“Not now, Captain.”

And Spock practically ran down the corridor, holding his leather jacket closed as he entered a turbolift.

Jim turned to Uhura who had just exited the transporter room.

“What’s with Spock?”

She arched a brow. “How would I know?”

“Didn’t you guys spend shore leave together?”

Jim had abstained from shore leave this time. He’d been recuperating from an injury he’d gotten on a mission two months back and he had decided to stay on the ship and continue resting while doing some reports.

“As a group, sure. You know we’re not together anymore, so I didn’t watch his every move.” She looked at him. “I was surprised he came along as I figured he’d be looking after you.”

“He did too much of that when I was recovering, so I told him it was an order that he spend time on the planet.”

“I see. I think he was headed to his quarters, so you should probably check on him there.”

“So nothing weird happened?”

Uhura shrugged. “Not that I noticed, no. We all had a great time. That place had a Christmas in July Festival. It was fun, you would have loved it.”

“Probably. But the relative quiet here was nice too.”

“I’ve never known you to prefer quiet, Captain.”

“I’m turning over a new leaf.”

“Sure, sure. I’m dying for a big cup of coffee.” She yawned. “See you on the bridge later.”

She moved off and Jim sigh, deciding one thing she was right about. He needed to go see what was up with Spock.

****

Jim tried the door between the bathroom he shared with Spock to Spock’s quarters, the way he normally went into see Spock. It wouldn’t budge. Clearly locked.

“Spock?”

There was a loud thud.

“Spock?”

“One moment, Captain!”

Jim frowned and tried the door again. “Spock, what the hell is going on in there?”

There was another muffled sort of thud and just as Jim was preparing to go around to the main door of Spock’s quarters, the door opened and Spock stood there now dressed in his uniform, every hair neatly in place.

Jim eyed him suspiciously.

“What are you up to?”

“I…secured a present for you.”

“A present? What’s the occasion?” Jim moved closer. “Are you blushing?”

“It is possible,” Spock admitted. “For…Christmas.”

“In July?” Jim smiled. “It’s just a silly thing, Spock. It doesn’t require a present.”

Spock nodded. “Yes. But it was a ready excuse, plus I wanted to get something for you to address you recent depression over the length of your recovery period after your injury.”

“I’ve not been depressed,” Jim protested.

Spock arched a brow.

“Well, I hate being inactive and Bones kept me out for a long time. Totally longer than necessary.” Jim looked at Spock. “What’s my present?”

“I thought you did not require a present.”

“I don’t, but since you went to the trouble—”

Just then Jim heard a tiny little high-pitched meow. His eyes widened as Spock turned around, walked over to a drawer, and opened it. He reached out and pulled out a tiny furry cream colored fluffball.

“Spock!”

Spock’s lips curved as he put the kitten in Jim’s hands. “I have already arranged for the replicators to make cat food and arranged for her to have a litterbox. I have also cleared it with Starfleet.”

“You’ve thought of everything!”

“Well. Not everything. She will need a name.”

Jim grinned down as the kitten grabbed his finger. “Marshmallow.”

Spock made a snorting sound. “Very well.”

Jim leaned over and kissed Spock. “Thank you.”

“You are very welcome.”