On December 8th we attempted to make cookies, here a are some pictures
Spock watched as his Captain visited with his mother. They seemed to get along very well. Many times while they reminisced over things they had shared and things they had not, they both laughed. Jim laughed often, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he did so.
He had not been back to Vulcan for a long time. Well, he supposed that wasn’t entirely correct. He had been back for his…unmentionable time with T’Pring…which of course had been nothing short of a disaster. But for a visit to his parents, well, it had been years.
But since seeing his parents when they were being transported to the conference on Babel, his mother had been asking for a visit on Vulcan.
During a rather recent disturbingly violent mission, the Enterprise had been damaged enough that they stopped at a Starbase for some repairs, which permitted the crew to take a short break.
Since Vulcan was only a short transport ride from the Starbase, Spock could find no logical excuse to avoid going there. And he’d asked his Captain at the last minute to join him. He had expected Jim to say no.
He had not.
“And then there was the time when we were on Earth and Spock sang in a performance at his school,” Mother’s voice rose enough to catch Spock’s attention.
Stiffening, Spock moved closer to where Mother and Jim sat in the breakfast nook having coffee together.
“Mother…”
“Oh, Spock, Jim wants to hear this.”
Jim smiled. “I certainly do. I can’t imagine Spock ever singing. I didn’t know Vulcans did much singing.”
Mother’s smile widened. “Oh they don’t. And of course that’s exactly what Spock said at the time. Sarek was spending an extended time on Earth for his ambassadorial duties. So Spock and I were living in Ontario near my family. He attended a school there and they put on a holiday pageant.”
“Oh?” Jim smirked and eyed Spock. “A new side to you, Mister Spock.”
It took every ounce of control for him not to blush. Fortunately he’d spent many years learning to control his emotions, his very self, actually, so he did not. He just stared stonily back at his Captain.
Mother stood up suddenly. “You know I believe I have a recording of little Spock singing I Have a Little Dreidel.”
“Mother…”
“I would so love to see that,” Jim said, quickly.
“I’ll go and get it,” Mother promised. “I’ll be right back. And with some Hamantaschen cookies.”
Spock watched her hurry away.
“Captain, I ask that you not indulge…”
“Oh, come on, Mister Spock, I’m looking forward to seeing you. I’m sure you’re just one of many children on stage. Your mother’s proud of you.”
“But Captain…”
“Don’t make me make this an order, Mister Spock.”
He felt a muscle jump in his jaw. “Very well.”
Jim patted his arm and smiled warmly at him, hazel eyes sparkling.
Mother came back then, holding a small PADD device in one hand and the plate of Hamantaschen cookies in the other. She set those on the table in front of Jim. “My own recipe. I haven’t made them in many years, but when Spock said you two were coming, well, I just couldn’t resist.”
Jim picked one up, a blackberry one, and took a large bite. “God, that’s good.”
Mother beamed. “I’d forgotten what a charmer you were. Here.” She handed the PADD to Jim. “I had nearly forgotten about this. Sarek…well, I’m sure you can imagine.”
Jim’s smile was gentle as he took the PADD. His gaze shifted briefly to Spock and in that gaze, Spock caught something he had never really realized before. His breath stilled as Jim’s gaze shifted back to the PADD. He pressed play.
Spock stepped close to look down at the screen in Jim’s hands. A group of children stood on a stage awkwardly singing.
I have a little dreidel
I made it out of clay
And when it’s dry and ready
Then dreidel I shall play.
Oh, dreidel, dreidel, dreidel
I made it out of clay
Oh, dreidel, dreidel, dreidel
Now dreidel I shall play.
It has a lovely body
With legs so short and thin
And when it gets all tired
It drops and then I win.
Oh, dreidel, dreidel, dreidel
I made it out of clay
Oh, dreidel, dreidel, dreidel
Now dreidel I shall play.
My dreidel is so playful
It loves to dance and spin
A happy game of dreidel
Come play now, let’s begin.
Oh, dreidel, dreidel, dreidel
I made it out of clay
Oh, dreidel, dreidel, dreidel
Now dreidel we shall play.
“Spock didn’t want to sing, of course,” she said. “He told me ‘Vulcans don’t sing’ and I said, yes, but humans do.” She laughed. ”In the end I won this one. But that was the one and only time.” Her smile grew wistful. “Spock wasn’t very indulgent.”
Jim looked at her and then back at the children. His finger stabbed down at the screen. “There you are, Spock.”
“Affirmative.”
“Amanda!”
She sighed and got up. “That’s Sarek. I’ll be back in a bit.”
When she had gone, Spock said, “I have seen enough.”
Jim shook his head, but he turned it off. “You were…cute.”
“Jim.”
Jim put his hand on Spock’s arm. “You were very cute, Spock. And you made your mom happy. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“Hmm.”
“Sit. And have a cookie.”
Spock sat beside his captain and took the offered cookie.
“Happy Hanukkah, Mr. Spock.” He reached over to Spock’s hand and curled his fingers around Spock’s palm. Spock met his gaze and gave Jim one of his very rare smiles.
I got a request from J who missed my usual decoration pictures I have posted in the past. So…here are some pictures, post 1. I will do other posts.
It was the day after Thanksgiving and all through the house…elves. My sister bought me a little Elf tree this year, so I decided to do all elf decorations. Yes, I am a dork. Anyway this is much much much smaller tan the usual tree, but it was cute!
Ignore any mess you see!
TOS OMS
“I want to go to Riverside for December.”
Spock paused in reading the missive he’d been sent by the Federation. He glanced up from his PADD. “What was that, Jim?’
He had, of course, heard what Jim said, but he was still having trouble processing the idea. Iowa was cold in December and sometimes even had…
“Snow, Spock.”
He stared at his husband.
Who smiled.
Jim sat in his favorite chair, sipping at a glass of brandy in front of a fire in their San Francisco apartment. It was November and to Spock it seemed pleasantly cozy there without having to add something like cold and frost in Iowa.
“I do not understand.”
“Of course you do.”
Of course he did. He knew what Jim said. OF course. But that didn’t mean he agreed with the idea.
“My ambassadorial duties…”
“Can be done from the farmhouse. You aren’t due to go off for any conferences or meetings until after the first of the year, Spock.”
“But—”
“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas. Like the ones I grew up with.”
Spock opened his mouth.
“The trees glisten with that white stuff. Like sparkling diamonds.”
“The temperature drops to freezing,” Spock said dryly.
Jim chuckled. “Yeah. Yeah, it does. Sweetheart, you don’t ever have to leave the house if you don’t want to. I’ll happily pamper you and allow you to take up the sofa wrapped in luxurious blankets and sipping tea and eating sugar cookies as you please.”
Spock had to admit that did sound rather nice. Perhaps his little Vulcan heart was melting to the idea.
He opened his mouth.
“We leave in the morning.”
“What?”
Jim smiled slyly and sipped his brandy. “I figured you’d agree. It’ll be great, Spock. You’ll love it. And I’ll take care of all the outdoor stuff. Firewood, shoveling snow, whatever.”
Spock inwardly sighed. “Very well, Jim.”
“Thank you. You’re the best.”
He shook his head and went back to his missive, but he could not concentrate, and instead got up to pack whatever passed for warm clothes in his wardrobe. He packed for Jim too.
Fall Guys
Jim woke with his Vulcan lying on top of him. It had sure been surprising to learn how clingy and cuddly Spock was. He could feel there was a chill to the air but with his Vulcan blanket he was anything but cold.
With a turn of his head he could see through the window the snow falling pretty heavily. Spock wouldn’t be amused.
“Ashaya?”
“Hi baby. Guess you’re awake.”
Spock shifted off him. Sort of. He remained very close and touching Jim still. “It is cold.”
“Yeah. Snowing. A lot.”
Spock made a sort of harrumphing noise, turned to lie on his back, and pulled Jim to lie atop him. “Then we should stay in bed.”
Jim chuckled. “Can’t totally argue with you there.”
“You will miss this when we return to the Enterprise.”
“Yeah. I know you won’t, though.”
“I will miss living here with just you, having nothing but time on our hands to do whatever it is we wish. But the cold? I will not.”
He smiled. “It won’t be long now. Our leave is up soon.”
Spock greeted this with a silent moment, then a heavily released breath. “Do you wish to see if it can be extended?”
“Extended?”
“I am not certain you are yet fully recovered from your injuries.”
With a sigh, he shook his head. “Nah. I am. Good enough anyway. They’ve been more than generous. More than I expected.”
“Yes,” Spock agreed. “But you have been enjoying our time here.”
“Sure. It’s been wonderful. And I’ve never had a better Christmas. So, yeah, I’m sad our time together is almost over.”
Spock stiffened beneath him.
Jim rose a little and looked down at him. “Not our time, Spock. That’s never going to end.” He paused. “Is it?”
“Not for me, no. Never.”
Jim took Spock’s hand in his. “Then what is it?”
“It is difficult for me sometimes to remember that this is real,” Spock said, softly. “That you really feel for me similar feelings to the way I have harbored feelings for you for so long. When I was with Nyota I was content.”
Jim searched his face. “Okay. Then why didn’t you stay with her?”
“Contentment was not enough for Nyota. She wanted to be happy.” Spock lowered his gaze. “She had guessed my feelings for her had changed to more of deep companionship rather than romantic and that I had fallen for you. That was not enough for her and she did not believe it was enough for me.”
“And?”
“At first I did not believe she was correct.” Spock’s lips curved as he lifted his gaze to Jim’s. “But now that I have happiness with you, I know she made the correct decision for both of us. I have not experienced what I have with you with anyone else and that is, of course, because you are my T’hy’la.” Spock raised the hand Jim was not holding to Jim’s cheek. “I want to marry you. I want to bond with you. My brother, friend, lover, my everything.”
Jim brought Spock’s hand to his face. “You’re my everything too. I want that. I want it all with you, Spock. Forever.”
Later, after they did get out of bed, Jim talked Spock into helping him make gingerbread men. And then sugar cookies.
Then they sat on the couch, next to the tree, with a fire going, munching on the cookies with some mulled cider.
Jim laughed. “I never did any of this as a kid.”
“Nor did I.”
“Did your folks celebrate anything?” Jim wondered.
“No. My father thought such celebrations were very un-Vulcan. Mother mostly acquiesced to his wishes on that. I believe when she herself was young and still on Earth she observed the Jewish feasts, remembrances, and holidays.”
He smiled faintly. “I’ve never done any of this as an adult either. So, thank you. It really has been the most wonderful time. Not just now, but for the couples of months we’ve been here. I’ll cherish it, for a long long time.”
“And I will cherish you, my James.”
Spock looked up from making his tea to the kitchen window. Alarm shot through him. The snow, which had been spraying lightly all day, had taken a turn for the worst. It was becoming a blizzard.
He turned away and glanced at his PADD sitting on the dining room table. He’d gotten an earlier voice message from Jim advising he would be leaving San Francisco that afternoon after having been there the last four days for Starfleet meetings.
They’d left active duty, both of them, and had been teaching classes at the Academy. Spock left San Francisco four days ago for the winter break. Originally Jim was to leave with them, but then Starfleet had asked him to stay for additional days.
“You go ahead and get settled at the farmhouse and I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Jim smiled brightly at him and gave him a lengthy kiss. “I’ll be home for Christmas, Spock. You can plan on it.”
And so Spock had left his husband behind.
Spock didn’t care much about Christmas either way. It was something Jim cared about and…
“He’s not going to make it, is he?” A small voice asked.
Spock looked down at the little girl with golden curls and pointed ears. His heart squeezed. He dropped down on his haunches to his daughter’s level. Her bottom lip trembled.
“He is trying, Amanda. But the weather may make it difficult.”
“He was supposed to come home with us.”
“Yes. But his work is very important.”
“Are they going to make him go back, Sa Mekh?”
“Back?”
“To command a starship,” she said, her eyes welling with tears. “To have him save the universe…again.”
He shook his head. “No.” He thought better of being so matter-of-fact. “I do not believe so.”
“I don’t want him to leave! He said he’d be here for Christmas! He’s supposed to decorate the tree with me.”
“Amanda…”
“I hate Starfleet!”
Suddenly the front door was flung open and the sound of loud stomping feet had them both turning eagerly.
“Wow, it’s just awful out there!”
Spock closed his eyes, relief and warmth flowing through him at the sound of Jim’s boisterous voice.
“Daddy!” Amanda turned from Spock and ran to the front door, laughing in delight as her daddy scooped her up into his arms.
Jim laughed. “Here’s my princess.” He strode toward Spock as Spock rose to stand tall once more. “And here’s my prince.” He leaned over and kissed Spock on the lips. He didn’t seem to mind that their daughter clung tightly to his neck.
“We feared you wouldn’t be able to make it,” Spock murmured when Jim’s eyebrows raised in question.
“I said I would, didn’t I?” He pulled Amanda off his neck, but continued to hold her. “Those aren’t tears I see in my big girl’s eyes, are they?”
She sniffed and wiped her eyes. “No, Daddy.”
“Good. Because if we’re going to build that gingerbread house we talked about there can’t be any tears.” Jim laughed again and set her on her feet. “Go get your jammies on, princess, and then come back down and we’ll start the house.”
“Yay!”
She scrambled for the stairs.
“No running,” Spock called after her. He stared deeply into blue blue eyes. “You are well?”
“Of course, honey.” He wrapped his arms around Spock and kissed him again and again. “I missed you like crazy. Both of you.”
“And we missed you.”
“You have the snow, how about the mistletoe?” Jim grinned.
“What?”
“Never mind. I love you.”
“I love you.” Spock kissed him one more time. “And I will show you how much later, but for now, you’d better get out of those damp clothes, and I’d better get the gingerbread ready.”
“You’re going to help us?”
“If I do not the house will be crooked and missing the roof.”
Jim laughed. “That was last year.” He held up his hands at Spock’s arched brow. “I’m going, I’m going.”
And Jim dashed toward the stairs. “No running,” Spock called after him. Sighed and then smiled. And went to get the gingerbread ready.
Jim hadn’t wanted to come to Riverside for the winter break. He’d told his mother no. At least a dozen times. But then he had nothing else to do. Nothing. Bones was going home to Georgia for two weeks with his daughter and to see his dad, and though Bones had invited him, Jim felt like he’d be an outsider.
And then Spock, who he’d hoped to maybe spend some time with, to, um, make it clear he liked the Vulcan more than as a buddy, had declared he was going to Vulcan to visit with his parents. There had been no specific invitation there and Jim would have turned it down anyway. Sweltering on Vulcan as the awkward friend who had no one to spend the break with, so Spock was stuck with him, wasn’t in Jim’s list of positive things to do.
Mom would be returning on the same day to Riverside from having visited with Sam and his family for the last month or so in Toronto.
From San Francisco to Riverside, Spock would be riding the shuttle with him. Spock had a short meeting at the shipyard there and then he would be taking another shuttle direct to Vulcan.
Just before they were due to land, the pilot had advised them that Riverside was experiencing a significant snow storm.
Spock eyed Jim. “I hope that does not mean what I think it means.”
Jim grimaced and took a chance, reaching over to pat his friend’s hand. Yeah Vulcan’s didn’t like touching. Except, well, Spock didn’t seem to mind it too much from him.
“I’m thinking it means what you think. Your shuttle won’t be leaving for Vulcan, Spock. Not today.”
Sure enough, when they landed and departed their shuttle, the boards were filled with cancelations to every single destination.
Jim stood next to Spock as they surveyed the information.
“Sorry, Spock. Looks like you’ll be stuck here. At least overnight.”
“It would seem so. Wasn’t your mother due to return on the shuttle from Toronto?”
Jim followed his gaze to the cancellation board for arrivals. “Uh-oh.”
“How long do you think this storm will last?” Spock asked, falling into step beside Jim as they walked toward the baggage area of the shuttle bay.
“I wish I knew. Sometimes they are gone in a day and other times…” His communicator buzzed. He pulled it out of his pocket. “Yep, that’s Mom. Hang on, Spock.”
He stepped away from the Vulcan so he wouldn’t be forced to hear any lame family conversations.
“Mom? You okay?”
“Was about to ask you the same thing. Listen, big storm in Toronto,”
He frowned. “Wait. What? There’s a big storm in Riverside.”
She chuckled. “Yeah. I heard about that. But I wasn’t getting out of Toronto today anyway, kiddo. And doesn’t sound like tomorrow either. Did you make it to Riverside before they shut it all down?”
“Yep. Just landed. Spock came with me because he had a meeting here, but looks like he’s not getting out of here to go to Vulcan.”
“That’s too bad. But it makes me feel better that you have someone with you at least. Look I had the neighbor over on Johnson Road, Mr. Witherspoon, stock up the house ahead of time for us, so it would be all ready for you and me when we got there. That’s good news for you as you probably want to head straight to the farm before it gets too crazy.”
“You think of everything.”
“I sure didn’t think of this,” she said with a sigh. “So I won’t be there for at least a couple of days. Hopefully not longer than that. Do you think Spock will stay there that long with you?”
“I think Spock will hightail it out of here the minute they tell him it’s okay. He’s a desert dweller. He won’t be amused.”
“Hmm. Well, I won’t keep you because I don’t want you to be caught in something you can’t get home from. I love you.”
“Love you too, Mom. Enjoy your extended stay with Sam and his family. Bye.”
Spock was waiting for him when he turned around, holding his own communicator in hand. “My meeting has been canceled.”
“That sucks.”
Spock nodded, then looked uncertain. “I suppose I should procure hotel accommodations.”
Jim snorted. “Get real. I have this whole huge farmhouse where you can stay. It’s just the two of us since Mom can’t make it out of Toronto. Let’s get going before it gets worse. You can notify your folks when we get there. But something tells me they already know.”
“Likely. But I will contact them there anyway.”
They got their bags and headed for the exit, with Jim quickly flagging down transportation to make it to the farm.
***
By the time the hover cab dropped them off the snow was falling so hard it was difficult to see in front of them.
“Hope you make it back okay,” Jim said to the driver.
“I will. You were my last fare. I don’t live too far. Have a good night.” And the guy was off.
Spock was pretty much covered in snow and not at all happy about it. Jim thought he was about as magnificent as anyone or anything he’d ever seen. And he wanted to tell Spock that, but he couldn’t get the words out and Spock was looking unhappier, so Jim turned toward the house.
“Guess you don’t think this is a Winter Wonderland,” he murmured as he accessed the front door with a swipe of his palm print.
He stepped aside to let Spock inside. Then he followed into the cold and dark house.
“Computer, voice authorization, James Tiberius.” He paused briefly.
“Authorization granted.”
“Lights and heat on.”
The house lit up bright instantly. He could see the tension in Spock’s shoulder lessen even as the chill in the front hall dissipated.
As Jim shrugged out of his snow covered outerwear, he smiled crookedly. “I’m guessing you won’t want to go outside to build a snowman we call a circus clown.”
The Vulcan’s brows furrowed. “Pardon?”
He shook his head. “Nah, nothing. Just a silly song.”
“A song?”
Jim sang, “In the meadow we can build a snowman and pretend that he’s a circus clown. We’ll have lots of fun with Mr. Snowman until the other kiddies knock him down.”
Spock stared at him blankly.
“When it snows ain’t it thrillin, though your nose gets a chillin…not much of a music lover, huh?”
“On the contrary,” Spock said primly. “I enjoy a very eclectic selection of music from different species.”
“Ah. Just not a Jim and music lover.” He gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Gotcha. You wouldn’t be the first to be resistant to my various charms. Come on. Take off your coat and I’ll get you settled in a room upstairs.”
Spock removed his snow covered coat and placed it on the coatrack Jim pointed out and then followed him up the stairs to the bedrooms.
“I guess you’ll be staying in Sam’s old room. I’ll get the sheets all changed and everything.”
He led Spock to the room and Spock glanced around the simple room made up of a bed and a dresser with a small attached bathroom.
“Thank you, Jim. I know this is all unexpected and you did not plan to have me as a houseguest.”
“Nah, it’s good on my end. What with Mom not making it, it’s nice to have someone here. I’m just sorry you’re stuck with me. Can’t be fun for you.”
Spock looked away for a second, then back to Jim. He looked suddenly very serious and not at all Vulcan blank.
“Jim, I am afraid that you are under a very mistaken impression.”
Jim frowned. “Oh?”
“I do not feel stuck with you.”
He brightened then. “Oh, I know. I didn’t mean anything. Just kind of a joke. I know you wanted to go see your parents for the break.”
“And I will still be able to see them once the storms pass, but that does not mean that I am in a hurry to depart from you.”
“Well.” Jim nodded. “Okay good.” Warmth blossomed in his chest. “We can change the sheets and stuff later. Want to go down for something warm to drink?”
“Yes, but if you will permit me, I would like to make contact with my parents. I will be down shortly.”
“Oh. Sure. Sure.”
When he got downstairs, he set water for boiling, checked out the fully stocked cabinets and refrigerator, as his mom had promised, and then checked his own messages. He had one from Bones.
Made it. I heard your area got a storm. Hope you made it safely. Listen Jim, when the break is over, you really ought to tell the hobgoblin, er, Spock, how you feel. Maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Make it your new year’s resolution.
Jim smiled. Glanced up to the stairs just as Spock was coming down. He had changed out of his uniform into a big brown fluffy sweater. He got a funny lump in his throat just looking at Spock.
“Jim? Are you all right?”
He swallowed down that lump. “Spock, I…I don’t know if this is the time or maybe if there never will be a time, you know, that’s good. It’s just…I really like you. As a friend, sure, but…but more than that. In fact, it’s more than like. And I guess maybe you probably…”
“Jim. Be quiet.”
His mouth hung open. “Did you just tell me to be quiet?”
Spock stepped close. “I did. You were about to say I probably did not share your feelings. Is that correct?”
Jim blinked. “Yes,” he whispered.
“I do.”
“You…do?”
Spock’s mouth covered his in a deep kiss. He then drew back. “What does that tell you?”
“That I won’t need to put sheet’s on Sam’s bed after all.” Jim laughed and pulled Spock back into a kiss. He heard a jingle of bells in the distance. He pulled back. “Did you just hear bells?”
“I did not.”
“Hmm. Still snow is glistening.”
“Are you talking about that song again, Jim?”
He grinned. “A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight…”
Spock’s gaze went to the window in the kitchen. “We are most definitely not walking in a winter wonderland.”
It’s been a while since we had a rambling due to the flashes taking over the blog, but I think that’s pretty cool actually.
I decided to do one today.
This past weekend we made the trip to Buena Park and Knott’s Berry Farm. Fun fact, they call it Knott’s Scary Farm for Halloween and Knott’s Merry Farm for Christmas. It’s got the Peanuts gang, Snoopy and Woodstock etc, so it’s cute. I got myself a stuffed Woodstock with a Santa hat on it because, yes, I am a dork. We also had mulled wine and cookie shots with a bit of Baileys. Anyway, it’s a fun place and we really enjoyed it. Here’s a picture of their giant tree.
December is fully scheduled for flashes except for the last Friday which will conclude At His Side for my Fall Guys. I intended for it to be done and scheduled too but the file I sent myself was corrupted.
But if you read this carefully you will know the fun did NOT stop after the 25 Days of Christmas flashes. But I wrote one from 26-31. Well minus the December 27th one I need to finish. They aren’t song-themed, but you get flashes!
In January, I will be working to update some neglected fics. The Wednesday and Friday flashes will return in February. Bright, shiny and new.
I’m pretty much done with my shopping, but have wrapped nothing. So this Saturday I hope to amend that. I am terrible at wrapping, not gonna lie, but I have fun with it. I shall drink and be merry while I am at it. Will be fun.
We are having cool weather for us. This morning at my house, with the wind chill it felt like 27. It’s even only supposed to get to about 57 on Christmas. It’s nice for us. Since we’ve had days of 80s at Christmas!
I think that’s about it for now. I am sure I will ramble some more.
Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto) 