ivansfanfiction

Throw Back Christmas Flash

From 2019

Jim closed the oven door after peering at the half-baked gingerbread people. He set the time on his watch. And glanced out toward the window. Sighed. He walked over to the coatrack and only picked out a scarf, which he wrapped around his neck.

She hugged herself as Jim approached her on the ground just below the porch steps. Each hand was on her sweater-covered elbows. She got kind of quiet and melancholy around the holidays. Thinking of his dad, Jim figured.

“You okay, Mom? The gingerbread’s in the oven.”

“Sure. It’s so…silent.”

He smiled a little. “There’s never a lot of noise out here.” His smile slipped. “Unless it was Frank yelling.”

“Mm hmm.” That was all she said in acknowledgement of their mutually hated enemy. Jim supposed there wasn’t much else to say. He knew her arm still pained her when it got too cold from the bad break he’d given her. Just as she knew he had never repaired the chipped tooth he had in the back of his month from the punch he’d taken. Dark family secrets best ignored now that Frank was gone. “It’s quietest when it snows, oddly enough. Think it’ll snow this year?”

“Probably not this early. Not this year. It’s been warmer than last winter I think. Pretty much everywhere.”

He wondered again why he had come here this winter break. Why he hadn’t just stayed in San Francisco, as he had the prior year. She had asked and he had nothing else to do and nowhere else to go. Bones went to Georgia. He’d invited Jim, but Jim didn’t feel like being a nuisance, the poor unwanted friend who messed up Bones’ family plans.

And then…

His mom stiffened suddenly as Jim saw the approaching hover car lights at the same time as she did.

“Who could that be?”

They both squinted against the bright light as the hover car stopped in front of them to the left. The lights went out and the door opened, a lone figure stepping out.

And though Jim couldn’t really see him well, Jim would know him anywhere, that shape, that height. That awareness.

“Spock!”

He moved forward and before he even thought to stop himself he threw his arms around the Vulcan. “You came.”

December 14, 2023

Flash Fic, December 13, 2023

Pretty Paper

Jim knew Spock didn’t really celebrate anything, even though he was Jewish on his mother’s side. In fact, Spock had told him that even his mother had not observed Jewish holidays given that she’d given up any Earth considerations to marry Sarek.

Jim thought that was crap, but he supposed that was between Spock’s parents.

Spock had advised Jim on more than one occasion that he did not believe in any sort of deity and saw no evidence to suggest one existed. Given Spock’s very logical way of thinking, he wasn’t surprised by this.

Still since the ship was observing the holiday season, Jim didn’t feel like his boyfriend should be left out of the festivities.

He’d asked Uhura what they had done during holidays together and she had advised she respected Spock’s decision not to observe anything and so they did nothing.

Jim definitely sensed her censure in there, but he had decided to ignore her. It was surprisingly easy to ignore Uhura, really.

So he’d carefully wrapped 8 little presents in pretty silver paper with blue ribbons and on each day of Hanukkah, left one in Spock’s quarters on his bed.

Just small things. The first night a menorah and candles, then envelopes of loose tea Spock liked, incense for his meditation, a small book of poetry he thought Spock might like, that kind of thing.

Each night Spock thanked him and kissed him, always mentioning to Jim that it was all unnecessary.

Finally Jim said, “Spock, I just want to make you happy.” And when Spock opened his mouth, Jim forestalled whatever crap he was going to say. “Yeah, yeah you don’t feel happiness.”

“Actually, I do with you,” Spock replied. “It is not gifts that add to my satisfaction but rather sharing experiences with you.”

Jim started to feel warm and fuzzy and almost gave in but then he shook his head. “No dice, Mister. Part of the experience with me is getting celebratory gifts.”

Spock’s lips twitched with amusement. “Very well. But then be prepared to accept reciprocation for Christmas.”

Jim grinned. “Sure thing.”

“And if my last Hanukkah gift is you naked with a blue and silver bow wrapped around you, I will not complain.”

He laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

But the last gift was actually a round piece of polished silver with the image of Amanda Grayson superimposed over it and attached to a thick rope chain.

“So you can wear her close to you at all times,” Jim told hm.

“It is a most thoughtful gift, Jim.” Spock put the chain over his head and tucked it under his unform shirts.

It was nice to think of him giving something to Spock on a chain to wear just as he knew Spock had given Uhura a necklace she still wore. Perhaps symbolic that it was Jim now in a relationship with Spock. He was sure there was psychology in there somewhere.

“Now, light the last candle.”

Spock took Jim’s hand and together they lit the eighth candle with the shamash and then returned that ninth one to the menorah.

“Thank you, Jim, for reminding me of my mother, even though in truth we never did any of this.”

“Mm. Thanks to your dad.”

“Correct but had she wished to continue it, I do not believe he would have objected. In the end I think it was a decision she made herself to fit in more on Vulcan.”

“Well, you never have to try to repress yourself to ‘fit in’ with me, Spock.”

Spock tilted his head and drew Jim away from the menorah. “And the same with you, Jim. Here, together, we can always be who we are.”

“Right you are. And now…about wrapping me up in a ribbon—”

December 13, 2023

Flash Fic, December 11, 2023

J had requested I repost this flash this year and I’ll be honest and say I am behind and couldn’t get a new one done for Monday yet so I figured this was the perfect time to use this one!

Jim could not contain his mirth as he eyed the outfit Bones wore. “Oh. My God. Are you actually the partridge?” He fingered the outer part of Bones’ costume. “And this part is the tree?”’

“Shut up.” Partridge Bones shoved him. “What the hell are you, anyway?”

“Five Golden Rings. Duh.”

Jim wore a lightweight T-shirt with golden rings he’d cut out from gold lame material and then attached them to the T-Shirt. No way was he going to wear something as ridiculously extravagant as Bones’ Partridge in a Pear Tree getup.

Bones narrowed his eyes and grimaced as he snatched up a glass of Holiday Punch as an ensign with a tray passed by. “I only see four rings. Four, Jim.”

Jim frowned. “Hmm. Weird. I wonder where that fifth one went.” He turned around to look behind him.

“No, it’s not hanging from your ass. Damn, Jim. You can’t even get something that simple right.”

Jim grinned and shrugged.

“Oh hell. There’s Scotty and Uhura as Two Turtle Doves. I may throw up.”

He laughed. “It was her idea to do this in the first place.”

“I know. Where’s your lover boy?” Bones scowled. “Don’t tell me you let Spock get out of this because…”

“I didn’t! He’s over there piping or something.”

“Huh?”

“Eleven Pipers Piping. That’s what Spock is. Only he’s just one. Obviously.”

“One Spock is enough to handle,” Bones said dryly.

Jim smiled. “I don’t know. I’d be happy dealing with eleven Spocks.”

“Love really is blind.”

Chekov suddenly appeared, looking vaguely harangued.

“What’s wrong with you?” Bones asked.

“I have a pounding headache, Doktor. Hikaru will not stop Drumming Drumming.”

Bones rolled his eyes. “Go A’Leaping somewhere else, will ya?”

Chekov eyed Jim. “There are only four rings.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll find the other. Must have lost it.”

Chekov leaped off.

The two turtle doves walked up then and Jim had to admit he might join Bones in throwing up.

Across the rec room he saw Rand doing the ladies dancing thing. He shook his head.

“Captain, you’re missing a ring,” Uhura pointed out.

“Yeah, yeah. Tell me something I don’t know.”

At that moment, Jim’s own true love appeared by his side, dressed as a piper and holding a musical pipe thing. He looked a little more Pied Piper of Hamlin than a Christmas Piper, but whatever.

“Hi, honey,” Jim greeted him.

Spock arched a brow. “What happened to the fifth golden ring?”

“Oh for heaven’s sake,” Jim exclaimed. He patted himself up and down. “It’s gotta be here somewhere.” He reached into his pants pocket and withdrew a small golden band. “Here it is.”

Uhura gasped.

Jim winked at her and then dropped to his knees. He wiggled the gold band. “Here’s the fifth one. Five golden rings. Spock, will you…”

“I can’t believe you’re gonna do this now,” Bones muttered,

“Shut up.” Jim grinned up at a blushing Spock. “Will you be my husband?”

“Jim,” Spock whispered.

His brows furrowed. “Is that a yes?”

“Of course it’s a yes!” Uhura yelled.

Jim smirked at her. “I’d still like to hear it from Spock, if you don’t mind.” He rose to his feet and held out the golden ring. “What do you say, Piper? Want to play my pipes for the rest of our lives?”

“Jim!”

“Oh. My. God. I take it back,” Uhura said, laughing uncontrollably. “He says no!”

Spock gave her a look, then looked back at Jim. “Ridiculous proposal notwithstanding, yes, I will.”

Jim whooped and pulled Spock the Piper into his arms for a thorough kiss.

“All right everyone. Places! We’re going to act out the song.” Scotty said with a clap.

Jim kept kissing Spock. “Later.”

“Much later,” Spock murmured, leading Jim and his golden rings away.

December 11, 2023

Flash Fic, December 08, 2023

I Saw Three Ships

“I’m sorry, Keptin,” Chekov said, looking sad as Jim and Spock surveyed the damage to the rec room and the destroyed holiday party decorations, including every decorated tree. “It took an indirect hit from those three Klingon ships, sir. Destroyed everything.”

“Yeah.” Jim sighed. “Can’t be helped. Get someone to trash all of this, would you? Scotty’s trying to get a much smaller celebration set up in the mess.”

“Yes, sir.” Chekov turned away.

“At least there were no casualties, Captain,” Spock said. “And repairs are already underway.”

Jim smiled faintly. “Right you are, Mister Spock. I’m going to help clean up a little. You have the bridge.”

“Yes, Captain.”

It wasn’t until much later that Spock realized Jim had not reported to the bridge and was still in the rec room. After handing command over to someone, Spock made his way back to the damaged room.

The damaged room was vacant except for his captain and everything had been removed except one small Christmas tree. Every ornament had been smashed into pieces, but Spock was surprised to note that the lights on the tree were on, and Jim sat on a chair nearby, staring at it.

As Spock approached he detected tears in Jim’s eyes.

“Jim? What has happened?” Spock asked, alarmed.

Jim shook his head and wiped at his eyes.

Spock knelt on the deck, directly in front of Jim. They were newly relationshiped and Spock was still getting used to Jim’s moods.

“I know the attack of the three ships was distressing but—”

“No. You were right. We got lucky. It could have been a lot worse. I’m grateful no one was killed.”

Spock took Jim’s hand in his. “Yet something still upsets you.”

“Just…” Jim swallowed heavily. “Memories.”

“Memories?”

“My stepfather was a dick. If Mom wasn’t home we didn’t get to celebrate…well…anything. One time when she was home though, he got drunk and fell into the tree. Completely destroyed it. Including a glass ornament my dad had given her. She tried so hard not to break down in front of us.” Jim blew out a long breath. “I never hated anyone as much as I hated him that year.”

“What was the ornament?”

“A starship.” Jim smiled and squeezed Spock’s hand. “Blown glass. He’d got it at a shop in New York. I guess I should get back to the bridge.”

Spock stood, lifted Jim up, and set him back in his lap as they stared at the tree together.

“It can wait.”

Later, Jim found a wrapped package on his bed. Upon opening it, he found a glass starship.

December 8, 2023

Flash Fic, December 06, 2023

“Want to go out for dinner?’

Spock shook his head. “I am not hungry.”

Nyota sighed. “How about that tea place you like? They’re having a holiday special.”

“I appreciate the effort, Nyota.” He sighed. “But that will remind me of the candy cane tea Jim likes.”

“Spock, you’re being illogical.”

“Yes. But even though I tell myself that I cannot seem to stop from feeling…sorry for myself. It is not only two days before Christmas and the middle of Chanukah, but we got married on Christmas Eve. Our anniversary is tomorrow.”

He knew that Jim wanted to be there. The snowstorm in Chicago prevented his return home. It wasn’t expected to let up until the day after Christmas. And Jim had been there in Chicago on Starfleet business.

“Come to the party with me. Everyone would be thrilled to see you.”

“Nyota—”

“I don’t want you to be alone. You’re far too sad.”

Spock replied, “Spending time pretending I do not miss Jim is not my idea of a great way to pass the time. My presence would only bring down your enjoyment.”

“No it wouldn’t!”

“Please, Nyota, I will be fine.”

She still continued to look reluctant but after a few more assurances, Spock finally got her to leave.

Spock made himself tea, put on some of Jim’s favorite holiday songs, and sat on the sofa, hoping that at least he’d hear from Jim. He hadn’t heard from his husband since the morning before.

He hadn’t even realized he had dozed off until he jerked awake at a fluttery touch on his cheek.

“Easy, shh. It’s me.”

“Jim!”

Jim laughed when Spock threw himself into Jim’s arms and he squeezed him tight.

“The storm—”

“You didn’t really think a storm would stop me, did you?” Jim kissed him deeply. “Miss Christmas, Chanukah, and our anniversary? Not a chance.”

“You didn’t take chances did you?”

“My middle name is Taking Chances.”

Spock frowned. “Your middle name is Tiberius.”

“Mm. Merry Christmas, Darling.”

December 6, 2023

General End of the Year Info

As you know I generally like to keep readers here informed.

I have made the decision to put all my ongoing stories (non Holiday/Christmas) on hiatus until January. I don’t like to do it but there is simply no way to avoid it this year.

I am doing I Just Want You to Know Who I Am and three holiday flashes a week here and that leaves little time for anything else because I gotta have a life too.

And boy is December jam packed. Amusement parks, family get togethers, dinners, getaways, doctor’s appointments, just everything.

Anyway, I will make them all a priority in January.

Thhh-tthat’s all folks

December 5, 2023

Flash Fic, December 04, 2023

“Baby, it’s cold outside.”

Spock stood at the kitchen window and glanced out with some dismay at the falling snow.

He didn’t despise snow…exactly. It could be quite pretty. But he was a desert creature and he liked it that way, quite well.

“I really can’t stay,” he said, reluctantly.

He was supposed to be on his way to the shuttle bay to depart for an important meeting in San Francisco with several members of the Vulcan High Council. Now that he was an ambassador, taking over many of the duties of his late father, his time was hardly ever his own.

“It’s up to your knees out there.”

Spock arched a brow. “I wouldn’t say that.”

“Well.” Jim came up and hugged him from behind. “It will be soon, I think.”

“That it is likely, I’d better hurry.” He turned toward his husband who took his hands in his.

“Your hands are like ice, I’d better hold them.”

“You do not want to come.”

“Definitely not,” Jim agree with a dazzling smile. “I put on a fire. Listen to it roar.”

“Jim—”

Jim leaned in to kiss him warmly.

Spock stared at him dazed. “Your eyes are like starlight.”

“It’s getting colder, you know. You’ll freeze out there.”

Spock’s communicator beeped. He flipped it open and stepped out of Jim’s space.

“Spock here.”

“Sorry, Ambassador,” his assistant, Storan, spoke. “There’s a blizzard warning there. All shuttle flights are cancelled.”

“For how long?”

“At least forty-eight hours, sir. I cancelled your meeting in San Francisco.”

“Thank you, Storan. You may as well take some time off. I will be staying here in Riverside with my mate.”

“Yes, sir. Storan out.”

Spock closed his communicator and turned to see Jim smiling smugly.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you conjured up this snowstorm.”

“Hey.” Jim laughed. “I’m not Jack Frost.”

Spock drew him close. “You said something about a roaring fire?”

“I sure did. Come this way.”

Fun Fact: In actuality Chris was Jack Frost, at least the voice in Rise of the Guardians

December 4, 2023

And…

Heat fixed…was a blown fuse in the unit on the roof, yeah weird, was free as it should have been, and since it was in the 40s this morning (California cold LOL), the three of us were grateful (Me, M and Luna)

Kitchen Reno dude came by today to look things over (no estimate yet) but he did state they’d not get it done until after the holidays, which is good really, as I wouldn’t want my holidays ruined anymore than they already are. There was some talk of moving us out for a week so they could redo the whole floor downstairs to match what they have to do in kitchen and dining room but there is a MAJOR disagreement between us on that, and you can bet your ass which one of us does NOT want to vacate the house for a week just so the living room matches the kitchen and dining room

And that’s all the news for now.

November 29, 2023

Flash Fic, November 29, 2023

“We could, you know, huddle for warmth.”

Jim made the suggestion not really even looking at his first officer. It was probably—okay it was—totally inappropriate. After all he was Spock’s superior, by rank anyway.

But the systems that regulated the ship’s temperature was offline and Scotty hadn’t been able to estimate when it would be fixed. In the meantime, it felt like a blast freezer in most everyone’s quarters, on this deck, anyway.

“Which is, you know, totally up to you,” Jim said, quickly. “No pressure. And it doesn’t mean anything except wanting to stay warm.” He paused to rub the back of his neck, self-consciously. “Unless you want it too.”

“Captain—”

“And if you don’t, that’s awesome too. Again, no pressure. None. Just two buddies huddling for warmth.” He attempted a grin, but it faltered, and he felt his face turn warm. He was pretty sure if he saw his face in a mirror just then it would be an alarming shade of beet red.

“Using one bed in your quarters to maintain optimal warmth seems logical,” Spock said, stoically.

Jim swallowed. “Okay then. Great.”

And so they did. Spooned together in Jim’s bed, clinging together for warmth, and Jim ignoring his unavoidable erection considering who occupied his bed.

In the morning, after Spock had left his quarters to shower, Jim contacted Scotty.

“Hey, Scotty, how much longer before we get some regulated temps? It’s fucking freezing in here.”

“Captain?”

Jim frowned at the confusion in Scotty’s voice. “You know the temperature thing.”

“Aye, Captain. But it got fixed last night.”

“Oh.” Jim tried not to be disappointed by that. But then why did it still seem so cold? “When were you going to tell me?”

“I knew you were playing chess with the commander last night, so I let him know.”

“Wait. You told Spock?”

“Aye, sir. The system was operational at 2100 hours.”

“Kirk out.”

That was before Jim had even suggested sleeping together.

He went to the temperature control in his quarters. Sure enough it was set to a very cold setting.

“Computer.”

“Working.”

“Who set the temperature in this room?”

“Commander Spock.”

Jim laughed. Okay then.

“Computer, raise temperature thirty degrees.”

Jim glanced toward the bathroom between his quarters and Spock’s. He could still hear the shower running.

He almost went in to join Spock, but then though that might be the wrong thing to do, at least for now. But at least now he knew Spock shared his interest. And that was enough.

November 29, 2023

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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