Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Here is the end. Let me know if you’d like the whole thing together and up at AO3 for saving purposes or if not, here in parts where it was posted.

“You spent far too many credits trying to make me happy,” Spock told Jim as they left the market a couple of blocks from Jim’s apartment.

“I know. Vulcans don’t feel happy,” Jim joked.

“It is not that. Just being able to spend this time with you is enough for me,” Spock replied, feeling embarrassed at his overly emotional state. Perhaps he still felt some of the effects of his overindulging at the bar.

“I could kiss you for a statement like that but I’ll wait until we’re back at my apartment.” Jim walked beside him. “Hey did you let Uhura know you’re okay?”

“I did message her, yes.”

Jim nodded. “I know she doesn’t like me much.”

Spock shrugged. “I do not especially care about her opinion in this matter as I do.”

Jim laughed. “Good to know. Bar fights do tend to give someone the wrong impression. I didn’t start that. The idiots with her did.”

“I am aware of the circumstances, Jim. I do not fault you. My only question was why Captain Pike did not have those cadets dismissed as they were beating up a civilian at the time.”

“I think he didn’t want any more trouble than it already was.” Jim shrugged. “No harm done. Other than your friend’s opinion of me.”

They had reached Jim’s apartment building and Spock followed Jim inside. A part of him wondered if he should be imposing on Jim this much but the other part of him wanted to spend as much time with Jim as Jim would allow.

Once inside the apartment, Jim put their purchases in the kitchen while Spock set the little tree in a pot Jim had picked over in the corner by the window. It came with a few ornaments already on it, along with a silver tinsel garland.

“Did you send your resignation to the bar?” Spock tried to keep the hope out of his voice.

“Yep. You want that gingerbread tea we got?”

Spock came over to the kitchen. “Yes, if you will have some too.”

Jim frowned as his communicator buzzed. He sighed. “Mom again.”

Spock felt bad for hoping Jim would continue to wish to stay with him, but he said, “Perhaps you should take it and I will make the tea.”

Jim nodded. “Right. I’ll be right back.”

He disappeared into the bedroom and Spock went about making the tea, deliberately not listening to anything he might catch with his Vulcan hearing. If Jim changed his mind and wanted to go be with his family there was little Spock could or should do to stop him. He would set his own needs aside.

Presumably now that he had made contact with Jim and Jim had admitted a mutual interest in a romantic relationship, matters would continue between them after the winter break should Jim depart.

The tea was just finished brewing when Jim came back to the kitchen and Spock braced himself to hear bad news for him.

“Everything all right?” he asked politely.

Jim smiled. “Yep. I told Mom I had you here to spend the holidays with me. She was very happy to hear it. She was afraid I’d be working and spending it alone.”

“So you will not be going to Riverside?”

“Nope. I’m staying right here. Oh and my friend, Bones, also notified me he’s going to get to see his daughter. So everyone’s happy.”

Spock felt warmth in his side which he tried to repress. What kind of a Vulcan was he to give into such emotions? But he felt pleasure that he would get to spend time with Jim.

“Now.” Jim came into the kitchen and over to Spock. He put his arms around Spock’s neck and drew him close. “About that kiss.”

Merry Christmas Everyone! I am concluding this here.