I’m still here! I will be continuing the chess player guys story soon. Life is crazy right now is all.
We have family visiting, plus other stuff going on. I should have something soon. Plus I have been updating my AO3 stories so that’s taken up some of my time.
We are about to have a super duper major heat wave of 100 degrees something like 6 days in a row. Ugh. That’s all I can say about that. I know the East Coast likes to pretend Labor Day Weekend is the end of summer but the actual end of summer is like September 20th! A few weeks more to go. Plus we remain warm even in Autumn!
Leonard “Bones” McCoy, Jim’s friend and dorm roommate, looked frazzled when Jim got home later that day. He wasn’t particularly concerned as Bones usually wore that look.
“Hey.”
Bones scowled. “Hey yourself. I’ve got a million tests to study for. I ordered a pizza. Should be here any moment.”
“Oh.” Jim nodded. “Good. But I won’t be here.”
“Huh? Why not?”
“I’ve got a chess match.”
His friend’s frown deepened. “I thought that was this afternoon.”
Jim smiled. “It was. But this is a rematch because I creamed the other player.”
“Hmm. Still a chess match at dinner time?”
“We’re, uh, going to eat too.”
Jim was well aware Bones was not a fan of Professor Spock. He hoped to keep Spock’s name out of this conversation.
“Eat? Is it a date?”
Jim laughed. “What? No. No, of course not. Just a chess match. And some food. With the other player.”
Bones stared at him for a moment. “What’s the player’s name?”
“Chess Master.”
“Pretty arrogant.”
“Yeah, but for a good reason.”
“Yet you won the match.”
“Well, you have to be pretty spectacular to beat me,” Jim said with a wink and a laugh.
Bones snorted. “Do they have a real name?”
“I’m sure they do. Doesn’t everyone? We’re keeping things pretty…on point. Chess Master and…”
His friend arched both brows.
“My alias,” Jim said smoothy.
“I probably don’t want to know.”
“You definitely don’t. Anyway, sorry, Bones. Raincheck on the pizza. If there’s any left I’ll have some for breakfast.”
“You’re being pretty evasive. Something you’re not telling me?’
“What? No.”
“What gender is Chess Master?”
“Male.”
“Species?”
Jim laughed. “What? Um. Human.” Which wasn’t a total lie. Spock was half.
“Be careful.”
“It’s just a chess match, Bones.”
“Not a damn date.”
Jim flashed a smile. “Nope.” He patted Bones’ arm. “Gotta get going. See you later.”
I haven’t forgotten the continuation of this little chess playing story here. But it’s been a hell of a month.
Had to call the paramedics for M last night and even though alls well that ends well, I didn’t get home from that until late, and I’m pretty tired. I have updated a couple of stories on AO3. Plus I actually read two books for pleasure. That was nice.
So thanks again for your support and part 3 will come at some point (and perhaps a few other parts going on into September)
Though Spock hadn’t stated anything out loud, Jim could tell he was getting frustrated by Jim’s chess playing methods.
It was the tiny frown line between his brows and the almost subtle huff of breath each time he watched Jim lift a piece and hover it over the board.
Jim was used to surprising opponents. Back in the day, Sam ‘Sore Loser’ Kirk was legendary with the fits he threw when Jim declared “checkmate.”
Not long after he’d arrived in San Francico, Jim had left Pike himself perplexed and off-kilter as he had been forced to concede defeat.
But he could tell Spock was struggling with it more than most.
“Not used to losing huh?” Jim asked, casually lifting his iced coffee to his lips to take a drink.
Spock did not look at him. “That is hardly a conclusive outcome.”
Jim nodded even though Spock stared down at the board and wouldn’t see the movement. He couldn’t remember when he’d enjoyed a match this much. And despite what he’d told his mom it almost felt like a date.
Jim knew it wasn’t though. Spock was clearly attracted to him, but Jim had heard Vulcans stuck only with other Vulcans. Something about bonding as children or whatever. Jim didn’t know much about Spock, so for all he knew Spock could be full on Vulcan married. Too bad, because Jim would love to pursue something with Mister Tall Dark and Handsome.
Spock moved his piece. Looked up, arching a brow.
“That’s a brilliant move,” Jim said with an admiring smile.
“Indeed.”
Spock even looked a bit smug. It was quite cute really.
Jim leaned forward, moved his piece, and declared, “Checkmate.”
Spock’s gaze darted downward, then back up to Jim’s face.
“I think it’s conclusive now.”
“Not only are you too sexy, you are too smart,” Spock retorted.
Jim laughed. “Uh-huh.”
Spock pursed his lip. “I do not have time for a rematch at present. But perhaps, after dinner, we could play another match.”
“Okay. Here?”
“I was thinking my apartment after we finish eating.”
I hope to write something soon. But it’s been an interesting week.
Since I got back from my cruise the first weekend of August, we learned M’s beloved aunt passed away. Though we knew she was in hospice, we thought she had more time. She didn’t. This was someone we’ve both known most of our lives. It’s tough. And she lived in another state, Idaho, so M has to go back there and deal with her belongings/estate as her husband predeceased her.
They did a ton of layoffs at my company. I escaped them this time but it was a little scary and eye-opening. I am by no means the type who thinks I am not expendable. Everyone is. A few years back one of the best employees they ever had who was brilliant and highly regarded by everyone was laid off. It was a shock to everyone who knew him and his work ethics, so yeah I know if he could be gone, me too. I have 19 years with this company and I’m well thought of, but since others around me did get the axe, it was a bit jarring.
M’s relative and my friend who we had been expecting to visit for a week and half later this month, it had been planned for months, we had all kinds of things going on with it, suddenly told us they couldn’t come after all. It was a big disappointment, especially to M, but to me too. We hadn’t had a visit from her since 2021, and had so much planned around M’s birthday, and now…nothing.
Today they are cutting down a tree next to our townhome and to say it is super noisy is an understatement.
I am quite unmotivated to write at the moment. It’s bad. I am depressed and not feeling it. I’m mostly staying off writing sites so I don’t act rashly and delete works in progress. I think I can work through it and get more done but for now that’s where I am.
Jim was wandering around a quad area just off the biology building at Starfleet Academy. His mother had informed him that his great-aunt had passed away the day before. In all honesty Jim hadn’t seen her since he was a small boy and he hadn’t known her well, but his mother had. They had been close at one time.
“You need anything? Want me to come home? I could probably get a few days. Okay, just let me know.” Jim looked around the empty quad as he spoke into his communication device. “I was supposed to meet someone but looks like they aren’t coming.” He laughed. “No, not a date. This was a chess hookup with a club here at school. Okay, I’ll call you tomorrow. Bye.”
He rechecked the instructions about meeting at the quad by the biology building and the time it was supposed to be. Yep, stood up. Over a chess game.
Jim turned around and came face to face with a tall Vulcan male dressed all in black. His heart skipped a beat.
“Uh.”
An eyebrow shot up.
“Are you too sexy?”
Jim’s mouth dropped open. “What?”
The Vulcan huffed a slight breath. “Your information. Are you Toosexy?”
“Oh.” Jim licked his bottom lip and laughed. For a second he’d forgotten he’d used that silly nickname. “You must be ChessMaster.”
“Indeed. I apologize for being tardy. I was forced to deal with a classroom situation.”
Right. Now Jim knew who this was. Commander Spock. Jim had no classes with him but Bones did and complained non-stop about what an asshole the instructor was.
“Are you ready to play a match, Toosexy?”
Jim cleared his throat. “You probably should call me Jim. Jim Kirk.”
“Very well, Jim. Jim Kirk.”
Jim laughed. “You’re pretty funny.”
Spock’s lips twitched slightly. “I am quite sure no one has ever mentioned that before. My name is Spock.”
“Cool. I’m ready to trounce you.”:
“I am also quite sure that you will not.”
“Oh you are so on.” Jim started walking toward the hall that the chess club held matches in, but he stopped mid-stride when he noticed Spock…”Hey. Are you checking out my ass?”
Spock shrugged, unconcerned. “I believe that I am.”
Jim chuckled. This day was definitely starting to look up.
Not sure what August will bring here in the way of posted flashes. It’s a busy month, with family visiting for two weeks and some other stuff.
I have to admit I am feeling partial to Starfleet Academy fics right now (honestly my favorite to work on) so I may post some flashes related to that at some point, we shall see.
In the meantime, hope you are enjoying your summer and not suffering too much in the heat wherever you may be.
Jim’s hand wrapped around the last container of eggnog on Christmas Eve at the same time someone else’s hand grabbed it. Jim tugged.
“Oh no you don’t.”
Then his gaze lifted and he stared directly into doe-like dark brown eyes.
“This is mine.”
Jim blinked. “Uh, no. I got here first. And it’s my mother’s favorite.”
“It is likewise my mother’s favorite.”
He rolled his eyes and didn’t let go. “Really? Look…Jim Kirk.”
“What?”
“My name.”
Doe-eyed frowned. It was then Jim noticed the pointy ears sticking out of the dark blue beanie atop his head.
“Spock.”
“You’re a Vulcan.”
“Yes, I am quite aware.”
“And your mother likes eggnog?”
“My mother is Human.” Spock tugged a little and with that pronouncement Jim almost let go of the carton, but he stopped himself in time.
“It’s Christmas Eve and my mother is here in San Francisco and I promised her eggnog. It’s sold out everywhere else.”
“It is also Hannukah and my mother is here and loves eggnog. It is a holiday drink, not exclusive to Christmas,” Spock told him.
“I’m not letting go.”
“And I am also not letting go. It seems we are at an impasse.”
Jim’s communicator buzzed in his pocket. He was fairly sure it was his mom but he didn’t have a free hand for in his other hand he held a bag of Christmas cookies.
“Shoot.”
Spock arched his brow.
With a groan, Jim released the carton and fished the communicator out of his pocket.
“Hey Mom. Yeah I’m leaving the store now and am on my way. I’ll be there in like ten minutes.” He eyed Spock. “Bad news though. I couldn’t get any eggnog. Maybe we can find a recipe and make some from scratch, yeah? See you soon.”
Sighing with disappointment, Jim started to turn away.
“Mr. Kirk.”
“Yeah?”
Spock thrust the carton of eggnog into Jim’s hand. “You take it. I will find something else.”
Jim blinked, then smiled. “Thank you. But you know what? I’m thinking we can share it.”
“Share it?”
“Yeah. My mom’s staying at the Sheraton. Room 2045. Why don’t you bring your mom there and we can all have some. We’re having some desserts and hors d’oeuvres.”
For a long time, Spock did not reply, and Jim thought the Vulcan would turn him down. He was already thinking ‘better luck next time’.
“I have to check with my mother, but yes, I think that will be an acceptable alternative.”
“Yeah? Great. If you can’t make it, here’s my contact information.”
Spock took Jim’s information and then Jim made his purchases and went to the Sheraton.
Part of him thought Spock would text him no or even do a no-show, but then just as he was getting ready to set up a nice holiday display with cookies and finger foods, he got a text.
Jim had been sitting by Spock’s biobed for hours, actually possibly almost a day. It was a slow time, now that Spock had been rescued from a disastrous mission, and the Enterprise docked at the nearest Space Station for repairs.
Spock’s eyes finally flew opened and Jim leaned forward.
“Spock, how are you feeling?”
“Captain?”
Jim smiled faintly. “Yeah. Bones says you’re going to be fine but I want to know how you feel.”
Spock blinked but did not respond at first which concerned Jim. He rose from his seat and approached.
“Spock?”
“I am well, Captain. I was merely taking a moment to process the situation. I do not remember how I got here.” Spock frowned slightly. “This does not look like the Enterprise.”
“We were on Dravos 2 and the inhabitants attacked. Your actions prevented them from killing Sulu but you got injured in the process. Sulu is fine. The Enterprise was damaged in a battle with the Klingons as we were escaping. They were behind what went on down there. We’re at a Space Station for a week to do repairs and you’re in the hospital here. Most of the crew is at the holiday celebration.”
Because before all that happened, the Enterprise rec room was hosting a big holiday party combining Christmas and Hanukkah and anything else anyone wanted to observe. They switched it all to a hotel ballroom instead.
“You did not have to stay here with me, Captain. I know you intended to attend the party.”
Jim brushed that off. “Your well-being is more important than that.”
“You yourself said McCoy said I would be all right. It makes no sense to watch me sleep and miss out.”
“Sounds like you’re trying to get rid of me.”
“That is not my intention. But neither do I wish to be responsible for you missing out on an activity you had been looking forward to.”
“I don’t care about it.”
“Captain, there is no need to be here.”
Jim sighed, squelching down his disappointment. “Okay. I get it. You don’t want me around. I thought, well, maybe, yeah, never mind. I’ll just go.”
“Wait,” Spock called. “What were you going to say?”
Jim turned back. “With you no longer with Uhura, I was hoping you’d get that I wanted to spend time with you and that maybe you might reciprocate. But if you’re tired and just want to get rid of me, I’ll go to the party.”
“I do not want to be rid of you and I do reciprocate…Jim.”
Jim moved closer. “Yeah?”
“I genuinely did not wish for you to be disappointed to miss the holiday festivities.”
“That’s cool and I get it. But…I would rather be here with you.”
“Are you sure?”
Jim held up a twig of mistletoe and leaned in to kiss Spock. “I’m sure.”
Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto) 