Flash Fic

Flash Fic, September 06, 2024

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It was nearly midnight when Jim sighed, leaned back in his chair, and looked regretful.

“So we’re still tied at this point. Two games for you and two for me. And it’s really late. I have to go. I have an early class.”

Spock found himself wanting to ask the cadet to stay, but he was well aware he should not. Though Jim was not his student and there were no regulations establishing more than friendship between them, it was still early in their interactions. He’d only met Jim earlier that day, which seemed odd now, as Spock felt as though they’d known each other for years.

Most illogical.

So as Jim rose, Spock did not make either an objection or a suggestion otherwise. He didn’t want to see Jim leave but he was forced to accept it.

Jim smiled at him as they approached the door to leave Spock’s apartment. The Human had an engaging smile that Spock, unfortunately, did find rather distracting.

“I had a really great time, Spock. Thank you for the matches and the dinner.”

“I enjoyed your company as well.”

But then Jim opened the door, called goodbye, and walked away.

Spock never even allowed himself to get to the point where he requested to see Jim again and he found that irritating about himself.

He closed the door and leaned against it, feeling as though he’d failed some test.

But just as he started to step away there was a soft knock on the door.

Spock’s heart picked up speed and he opened the door. Jim stood there with a half-smile on his face.

“Listen, it’s dark and windy out there and I really don’t want to walk all the way back to my dorm right now. Can I just sleep on your couch?”

Spock just stood back so Jim could reenter his apartment, and he closed and locked the door.

“Let me get you a sheet, blanket, and pillow.”

Jim’s smile became a full one. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

September 6, 2024

Flash Fic September 05, 2024

Jim reminded himself that this wasn’t really a date. He’d assured Bones of that and his mother too but he couldn’t deny Spock’s invitation to his apartment that included dinner had his heart racing a bit.

Spock was attractive as hell and Jim loved a guy (or girl) with a great mind. Spock was the whole package…tall, dark and handsome and brilliant.

But just because he invited Jim to eat dinner while they had a chess rematch didn’t mean the Vulcan professor thought of it their meeting again as anything other than a means to defeat Jim.

Of course, he had acknowledged Jim was sexy. But merely an offhand remark, right?

Still as he knocked on Spock’s apartment door he struggled to tamp down his anticipation.

The door opened and Spock stood there, dressed in his black professor’s uniform, looking cool as a cucumber yet hot as well.

“Come in.” Spock stepped aside to allow Jim to enter.

It was a simple apartment, just a couch and a chair, with a desk and a terminal in the living room. No sign of any entertainment devices.

The kitchen was tiny with just a table that only allowed for two chairs. Spock had set up the chess set there. There was a bar type counter on the edge of the kitchen with two stools and that is where Spock had laid plates of food.

Jim could see a short hallway across from the kitchen that presumably led to the bathroom and bedroom. No luxury whatsoever, just efficiency.

When Jim joined Spock at the stools he smiled down at the plates. “What are we having?”

“It’s a Vulcan dish made with root vegetables and a bland sauce.”

Jim laughed. “What? Did you say bland?”

“Most Humans do not find Vulcan food exciting. Humans are used to more flavor in their food and typically find our dishes boring and simple,” Spock advised.

“Did your mom?”

“Indeed. She has adjusted recipes to be more to her liking and neither my father nor myself object. I have used one of her recipes but it may still be bland to you so I wanted to offer the warning.”

“Got you.” Jim tasted it. He was not a fan of vegetables in all honesty, but he was raised to eat what he was given when you were hosted by someone at their home, and so he ate every bite without a protest.

Spock watched him, though, assessing him, though he waited until they’d finished before asking, “Your thoughts?”

Jim tried to think of the nicest way to put it but he ended up with, “Vegetables are not my first choice in meals but I found the dish pretty good.”

Spock inclined his head. “I applaud you on diplomacy.”

Jim laughed.

“Shall we adjourn to the chess game?” Spock asked. “I would appreciate getting to where I defeat you.”

“Mm. Confidence, Chess Master. I kind of like it.”

They sat down to play and Jim spend much of the time chattering about nonsensical, unimportant things, until Spock looked up with something of a glare.

“You are intending to distract me with your endless chitchat.”

“I’d think a master like you could handle a little distraction.”

“Perhaps I can. I must say I find your appearance more distracting than your rather inadequate attempts to distract me with conversation.”

“My appearance?”

“Because you are, as your chess name indicated, too sexy.”

Jim grinned and shook his head. “Now you’re trying to distract me by flirting with me.”

Spock arched a brow. “And it has succeeded. Checkmate.”

“Ah, damn.”

“Shall we play again?”

“You’re on.”

September 5, 2024

Flash Fic, August 26, 2024

A continuation

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.”

August 26, 2024

Flash Fic, August 14, 2024

Our chess boys are back

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.”

Jim blinked rapidly. “Oh.”

“Unless you have other plans?”

“I’ll break them.”

“Six-thirty then. I will send the address.”

August 14, 2024

Flash Fic, August 07, 2024

“I’m sorry, Mom. She went quick? That’s good.”

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.

(likely to be continued)

August 7, 2024

Christmas in July #14

And so we come to the end of another semi-successful Christmas in July. Thank you for reading!

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.

“We are coming.”

July 31, 2024

Christmas in July #13

This one might be a little simple but given that we’re almost at the end I have written 12 others I decided I’m good with that.

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.”

July 29, 2024

Christmas in July #12

This is a sequel of sorts to 2016’s I Heard the Bells (that can be found in my holiday collection on AO3)

Spock woke early, ready to prepare for the day ahead of him. He generally rose long before his husband and mate, Jim.

But it was not an ordinary day.

Over the years of being with Jim, Spock had learned to embrace the illogical celebrations of Terran holidays. His own mother had been raised Jewish. He was not unfamiliar with such traditions.

Jim was expecting a big day. He had invited everyone he knew. Even Jim’s mother and Spock’s father were coming. That had surprised Spock. Sarek had stated it was all illogical but he would be there anyway.

Both of their remaining parents were aged and fading before their eyes. This might be their last holiday season to see them, Jim kept saying, and Spock could not disagree.

He left Jim sleeping and went down to begin the preparations. He stopped in the living room to turn on the lights on the trees, two of them, and light the fire.

It was still a few hours until everyone arrived, but Spock started Jim’s coffee, and started getting ready to cook the food.

He’d been up for an hour when Jim came down, showered, and dressed and still looking gorgeous.

“Been up for a while, honey?” Jim asked, after giving him a kiss.

“A bit. Did I wake you?”

“No. I’m just anxious for the day. And your surprise.”

Jim had been talking about his surprise for a while now and Spock inwardly rolled his eyes. Jim meant well but Spock could not imagine what ‘surprise’ was supposed to be so wonderful.

“I am sure it will be well-received,” Spock said indulgently, though somewhat absently as he stirred a sauce.

He was a little surprised when Jim chuckled, kissed Spock’s nose, and then went outside to mess with the outdoor decorations.

It was several hours into the celebration when Spock commented to Jim.

“My father has not arrived yet.”

Jim smiled. “I think he’s here. I’ll be right back.”

And once more Jim went outside.

It was ten minutes later before he came back inside, bringing with him Sarek.

“Father, there—”

And then Spock saw her. Behind his father was his daughter, whom he had not seen in many years.

“Jim,” he whispered, knowing well that was who was responsible.

“Mm.” Jim kissed Spock’s cheek. “Happy Holidays. Surprised?”

“Yes.” Spock stepped forward to greet his father and daughter, unable to form words of gratitude for his mate.

July 26, 2024

Christmas in July #11

Appropriately this is taking place on Christmas Eve, 5 months exactly from today!

Now that Jim sat alone in the café on Starbase 13 he felt foolish.

He wasn’t used to being stood up. But this hadn’t been a “usual” meeting. This had been important. Too important and it hurt.

He gazed down at the sparkly green wrapped present on the table in front of him and felt more foolish still.

It was Christmas Eve and he had impulsively prepared the gift, a holo photo of them together, happy once, long ago, presented in a gold-rimmed frame and placed in a velvet lined box, then wrapped in Christmas green with a red bow.

It likely wouldn’t have been appreciated, but now he felt extra idiotic for even making the effort and he eyed the nearby trash.

“Want another drink, sir?” An Andorian woman, his waitress, asked, giving him a sympathetic smile. “Another George Washington Eggnog?”

He’d arrived early, too eager to wait any longer.

He eyed the remnants of his extra boozy eggnog, a recipe attributed to George Washington, but without much evidence he had ever been the creator of it.

“Mm. And some of those fried mushrooms with extra ranch dressing.”

“Sure thing, honey.”

Just before he sat across from Jim, he’d felt the concern flash through his mind. He hadn’t had time to reassure Spock.

“Hey,” he whispered, not trusting his voice to speak any louder without him crumbling.

Spock, dressed in a burgundy sweater that looked amazing on him, reached over and took Jim’s hand. He almost joked about how pathetic he must look if Spock was willing to show affection in public, but the lame joke never materialized.

“He is late.”

Jim shook his head. “He’s not coming. I should have known better.”

“I do not understand. It was your brother who contacted you.”

“Sam has never made any sense my entire life.” He gestured to the present. “I guess I’ll trash that.”

“You should keep it yourself as a memory of what you once were to each other. Right now you are thinking with your wounded heart but in a few hours you might change your mind.”

Jim nodded. “Maybe. I feel stupid.”

“Wanting a relationship with your family is not stupid, ashaya.”

“Sam’s never wanted to be my brother.”

“Jim.”

“It’s true, and I just need to accept it.”

The Andorian arrived with his eggnog and mushrooms. “Something, sir?”

“Cranberry tea, please. With an Orange scone.”

She nodded and hurried away.

Jim smiled faintly. “That sounds downright festive for you, babe.”

“It is Christmas Eve.” Spock shrugged. “While I did not celebrate holidays growing up, I am happy to observe them with you.”

“And Uhura before me.”

Spock inclined his head in acknowledgement.

“Ah well, at least I have the best husband in the universe to be with me.”

“I am fortunate to have the same.”

Jim laughed. He picked up a mushroom and ate it. “These are really good.”

Spock’s lips curved. “I will take your word for it.”

A moment later he had his tea and scone and they ate and drank in companionable silence until Jim received a message.

“I’m sorry, Jim, I’m not going to make it,” Jim read, rolling his eyes. “No kidding.” He set his communicator down.

“Will you respond?”

“I think I may just block him.”

Spock shook his head. “You will not.”

He sighed. “I know. Anyway, we have that holiday party tonight with the crew. What do you want to do before then?”

Spock arched a brow. “I can think of a thing or two that will keep us occupied.”

Jim laughed, leaned over and kissed Spock.

July 24, 2024

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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Flash Fic, September 06, 2024

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