Spock was coming around the corner when he heard his father’s voice. He was aware his father intended to speak to their temporary guest, Jim Kirk, a Human boy of fifteen, who had recently been rescued by the Federation from Tarsus IV.

Spock had met Jim and quite liked him. He was attractive and kind, though sad. Spock couldn’t blame him considering the circumstances. While Spock was aware eavesdropping was not admirable, he found he could not turn around and walk away.

“On Vulcan, the Terran holiday season, including Christmas, is not observed. I realize it is December and you are generally used to holidays, Vulcans are not. Since you are currently on Vulcan until you can be safely transferred to your mother’s care, you must accept how matters are done here.”

“Yes, sir.”

“If all goes as planned, you will be able to observe your celebration at this time next year in your Terran home.”

“I understand, Ambassador.”

“Good. Now, my wife is Human, and is experienced in cooking meals that will likely appeal to your palette and the replicators have also been programmed to offer meals you would likely appreciate. Given your lack of proper nutrition recently, I suggest you begin to make use of the replicators to eat until dinner later provided by my wife.”

“Yes, sir.”

“If there is anything else you require, you know how to reach me. I have a meeting to attend to, so I will see you at dinner.”

And then Spock’s father left, leaving the far too thin teen standing there staring after him.

Jim’s sandy colored hair was an unruly mess and there were dark smudges under his blue eyes, but he had been provided with trousers and a sweater to wear. They were too big, but it was more than he had arrived with. Due to his immediate rescue, he had come with nothing.

“Jim,” Spock called softly as he approached.

Jim turned and gave him a sunny smile. “Hey, Spock.”

Spock looked in the direction Sarek had gone. “I apologize for my father’s gruffness.”

“No, it’s all right. I’m the one who brought up Christmas. I should have known better.” Jim lowered his gaze shyly. “I mean, I knew there wouldn’t be like presents or whatever, I just wanted a bit of something normal and fun after everything.” His gaze rose. “I get it though. Of course you guys don’t do Christmas.”

“My mother was raised Jewish on Earth,” Spock told him. “But we do not observe any Jewish holidays either.”

Jim smiled and nodded. “Makes sense. Well, I think I’m going to go to my room for a bit, if you don’t mind. Probably take a nap. I’m pretty tired.”

“Yes, of course. I will see you soon.” And Spock was already formulating a plan.

Jim had just awakened from his nap when there was a noise at his door. Not a tap, more like a kick.

He rose from the bed and opened the door. Spock stood there holding about a two-foot pine tree decorated with lights and silver and gold balls.

“Spock, what—”

“May I come in?”

Jim stood back and let Spock inside. The Vulcan, aged eighteen he’d been told, stepped inside, not only carrying the tree but also a wrapped package and a filled red and green stocking.

Spock placed the tree on the desk in Jim’s room, and then set the package and stocking down.

“Mother assisted me with the present and stocking. I was able to replicate a small pine tree and decorations,” Spock said. “Since this is your room for the foreseeable future, I thought you should be able to have Christmas here if you wished.”

Jim’s eyes filled with tears, and overcome, he sat down heavily on the edge of the bed.

Spock frowned. “I do not understand. I thought this would make you happy.”

“It does. It’s just…it’s been a really long time since anyone has been…since anyone has been this nice to me.”

Spock knelt on the floor in front of him. “The package is more clothes for you. But in the stocking there are things like cookies and candy and oranges. Mother helped me research what would normally be included.”

Jim laughed and wiped at his eyes. “That’s pretty cute.”

Spock shook his head. “No one has ever called me cute.”

“I doubt that,” Jim said, shyly.

Spock did not argue. “And we have added some additions to the replicator including a drink called eggnog and gingerbread.”

“Wow. That’s-that’s more than I could have ever wanted. Won’t your dad be mad?”

“He is not. We advised him of our plan and he said because it would all be in your room, he saw no reason not to indulge your Humanness.”

“That’s awesome! Thank you so much.” He quickly hugged Spock, but did not linger, knowing it would make the Vulcan uncomfortable. He then went to his stocking, tree, and present.

It would be a merry Christmas after all.