Pretty Paper

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Jim knew Spock didn’t really celebrate anything, even though he was Jewish on his mother’s side. In fact, Spock had told him that even his mother had not observed Jewish holidays given that she’d given up any Earth considerations to marry Sarek.

Jim thought that was crap, but he supposed that was between Spock’s parents.

Spock had advised Jim on more than one occasion that he did not believe in any sort of deity and saw no evidence to suggest one existed. Given Spock’s very logical way of thinking, he wasn’t surprised by this.

Still since the ship was observing the holiday season, Jim didn’t feel like his boyfriend should be left out of the festivities.

He’d asked Uhura what they had done during holidays together and she had advised she respected Spock’s decision not to observe anything and so they did nothing.

Jim definitely sensed her censure in there, but he had decided to ignore her. It was surprisingly easy to ignore Uhura, really.

So he’d carefully wrapped 8 little presents in pretty silver paper with blue ribbons and on each day of Hanukkah, left one in Spock’s quarters on his bed.

Just small things. The first night a menorah and candles, then envelopes of loose tea Spock liked, incense for his meditation, a small book of poetry he thought Spock might like, that kind of thing.

Each night Spock thanked him and kissed him, always mentioning to Jim that it was all unnecessary.    

Finally Jim said, “Spock, I just want to make you happy.” And when Spock opened his mouth, Jim forestalled whatever crap he was going to say. “Yeah, yeah you don’t feel happiness.”

“Actually, I do with you,” Spock replied. “It is not gifts that add to my satisfaction but rather sharing experiences with you.”

Jim started to feel warm and fuzzy and almost gave in but then he shook his head. “No dice, Mister. Part of the experience with me is getting celebratory gifts.”

Spock’s lips twitched with amusement. “Very well. But then be prepared to accept reciprocation for Christmas.”

Jim grinned. “Sure thing.”

“And if my last Hanukkah gift is you naked with a blue and silver bow wrapped around you, I will not complain.”

He laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

But the last gift was actually a round piece of polished silver with the image of Amanda Grayson superimposed over it and attached to a thick rope chain.

“So you can wear her close to you at all times,” Jim told hm.

“It is a most thoughtful gift, Jim.” Spock put the chain over his head and tucked it under his unform shirts.

It was nice to think of him giving something to Spock on a chain to wear just as he knew Spock had given Uhura a necklace she still wore.  Perhaps symbolic that it was Jim now in a relationship with Spock. He was sure there was psychology in there somewhere.

“Now, light the last candle.”

Spock took Jim’s hand and together they lit the eighth candle with the shamash and then returned that ninth one to the menorah.

“Thank you, Jim, for reminding me of my mother, even though in truth we never did any of this.”

“Mm. Thanks to your dad.”

“Correct but had she wished to continue it, I do not believe he would have objected. In the end I think it was a decision she made herself to fit in more on Vulcan.”

“Well, you never have to try to repress yourself to ‘fit in’ with me, Spock.”

Spock tilted his head and drew Jim away from the menorah. “And the same with you, Jim. Here, together, we can always be who we are.”

“Right you are. And now…about wrapping me up in a ribbon—”