And a sequel to the sequel

Photo by Sebastian Hietsch on Pexels.com

Jim’s at his retirement party.

He doesn’t want to be here. When he was young he liked parties, but he’s not young now. And even though the expert on all things Jim, Bones, has said all his vitals are good and strong due to the super blood running through his veins, he’s at mandatory retirement age for Starfleet.

It sounds just as weird thinking about it as it did out loud when he was told in what could only be described as a gentle nudge.

He remembers Bones talking about it when he hit retirement first. He was being “put out to pasture” in Bones Speak.

Jim’s gaze sweeps the noisy room, seeking out Spock, who dressed in Vulcan robes, speaks with a casually dressed Uhura.

He remember a time when he was jealous of her, even of their very close friendship after their romantic relationship ended. He never viewed his own friendship with Spock as being as close. It bothered him then.

But it doesn’t now. Everything they have has evolved into what they have now. It is beyond friendship and romance. Somehow. And he can’t really explain it but it feels right.

Better than right.

He is happy with life, except for the forced retirement.

Coincidentally, it is New Year’s Eve. Long ago he’d experienced a few painful ones. One in particular when he was still a young admiral.

He remembers the heartache like remembering a toothache when you are a child. It’s distant and no longer relevant, but a memory of one’s passage through life events.

  He avoids the captain deliberately making a beeline for him by hurrying to the double doors leading outside. He should feel guilt but somehow he doesn’t.

He makes his way down to the oversized balcony he once stood at all those years ago and stops there. He looks down from there, at the side of the building where he once let go of a picture of himself and Spock.

A lot has changed since then.

Some has not.

He still never found out what happened to Sam. And that still breaks his heart when he thinks about it too much. He wishes he could have saved his brother. His mom wished that too when she was alive. But they both were unable.

“Admiral?”

A smile touches his lips as he turns to greet his husband.

“Not anymore, my love. Retirement, remember?”

“Indeed.” Spock pulls him into his arms and draws him close, holding him into the warmth of his embrace.

“It’s not cold tonight. You know, like it was then.”

“Mm. It has been a warmer year. What have you been thinking?”

“Little things, mostly. Wondering what the hell I’m going to do with retirement.”

“I feel certain I will find a way to occupy your time.”

Jim laughs and it feels good to do so.

Fireworks are suddenly released in the distance and Jim knows it’s time.

“Happy New Year, Spock.”

“Happy New Year, Jim.”  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!