We come to the end of June (thank goodness, it’s been a rotten month for me). Look for Christmas in July starting next week!

Jim had never been a fan of extreme temperatures in either direction. He hated toe be cold. But at least you could curl up in front of a fire under a cozy blanket. Turn the furnace on. Bundle up.

But sometimes when it got too hot no amount of AC cooled him off. You could only take off so many clothes. Stay in the pool for so long.

Anyway, no. He liked mild temps.

This place was not that.

On the surface, pun intended, he could understand why the Vulcans chose this planet to colonize after the unfortunate and horrific destruction of their own. The surface temperature was a million which they were used to.

“Your propensity for hyperbole is showing, Captain.”

Jim sighed. “Maybe not a million.”

Spock arched a brow. “We would all be dead if it were.”

“And honestly, that sucks by the way.”

Spock gave Jim a perplexed look.

Jim tapped a finger on his forehead. “ I didn’t say that out loud, you know. You’re harvesting thoughts from my brain.”

“It is not ‘harvesting’ thoughts,” Spock almost snapped.

Hit a raw nerve, Jim thought, which only made Spock look more pissy. Unfortunately for Spock, Jim found his pissy face really sexy.

Jim smiled and gestured to the door. “Shall we?”

Spock leaned forward and opened the door. “Father? We are here.”

Jim followed Spock inside, relieved it was a bit cooler inside. Which was good as he swore he was about to pass out.

Spock glanced at him, frowning slightly. “Perhaps you should sit. I thought the doctor gave you a shot to help you breathe.”

“I can breathe, I’m just super hot.”

Spock nodded and grabbed Jim’s hand, leading him over to a chair and practically pushing him into it.

“Father?”

“I am here,” Sarek stated, arriving in the room wearing an absurd amount of layers of robes and looking as cool as a cucumber. Definitely not fair. “I will get you some cool water, Captain.”

“Thanks,” Jim said.

Sarek left briefly and then returned with a glass filled with ice and water, with slices of cucumber. Jim took it and wondered if Spock was the only one harvesting his thoughts.

“Father, I…” Spock paused. “I wanted to advise you that I have…I now have a mate.”

Sarek was silent for a moment and then he looked from Spock to Jim. “I see.”

Spock cleared his throat. “As you have surmised, my mate is Captain Kirk. Jim.”

Sarek nodded and turned to Jim. “Welcome to our family, Jim.”

Jim smiled. “Thank you, sir.”

“We shall now have a celebration meal,” Sarek announced. “You may call me Father if you wish.”

Jim blinked. “Uh. Oh. Okay. Sure.” He felt himself blush. “F-Father.”

Sarek’s lips turned upward slightly. “I believe it will take some getting used to for both of us.”

Jim laughed. “Yeah.”

“I will get things ready for the meal.”

“Do you require assistance?” Spock asked as Sarek turned away.

“No. Please sit and make yourselves comfortable.”

When they were alone, Jim sighed.

“You were nervous?” Spock asked.

“Of course. You weren’t?”

“Somewhat.” Spock admitted. “But you are much admired across the universe.”

Jim snorted, leaned over and kissed Spock quick.

“Drink your water,” Spock murmured.

There was a slight click and cool air flowed down on him from above. “Oh thank God.”

“I believe it was my father who was responsible not a deity.”

Jim laughed again. “Shut up.”