Flash Fic

Flash Fic, February 09, 2024

Jim is irresistible to Vulcans.

“There are currently three Vulcans outside wanting to see you.”

Jim pushed the glasses that had fallen down to the edge of his nose back into place. He stared at his friend, Gaila.

He was sitting at a table near the Green Tea Café where he worked part time just to have something to do during too quiet times on Vulcan. And there were a lot of quiet times.

He’d come to live there temporarily with his mother while she was on assignment for Starfleet there. They had a couple of months still to go.

Ever since they’d escaped the famine on Tarsus, his mom wouldn’t let him out of her sight. He was an adult now and she still wanted him with her.

“What for?”

Gaila, an Orion girl, laughed. “To give you Valentines, of course.”

He made a face. “Isn’t that illogical? I mean they’re Vulcans. They don’t have Valentine’s Day.”

“Earthers do and that’s what you are. So they are giving you something appropriate to your species. Or something like that. Face it, Jim, you’re irresistible to Vulcans.”

“Get real.”

“It’s true. They come here constantly and it certainly isn’t for the weak green tea.”

“What am I supposed to do?”

“Tell them you already have a Vulcan boyfriend.”

Jim laughed. “I don’t.”

She rolled her eyes as she poured herself a cup of the weak tea. “Yes you do. Spock.”

Jim snorted. “Right. He’s not my boyfriend. I’m tutoring him in Military Tactics.”

Gaila took a sip of her tea, filled one for Jim, brought it over, and sat across from him.

“What are you doing?”

“Studying for the Vulcan Science Academy exam.”

“You aren’t actually going to go there, are you?”

“No,” Jim admitted. “I just want to show them I could get in if I wanted to.”

“Just bat those baby blues at the council and they will let you in.” Gaila shook her head. “You’re blind.”

“Huh?’

“Spock has it bad for you.”

“He does not.”

“Do you honestly think a Vulcan needs to be tutored? About anything?” She rolled her eyes. “He wants you. He just comes at it differently than those guys out there with their Valentine’s. And that makes him smart. He spends hours next to you, gazing into your eyes, right where he wants to be. While they’re all out there still trying to get you to give them the time of day.”

“Gaila—” He shook his head. The door of the Café opened.

She looked behind her shoulder and smiled. “Speak of your Vulcan Lover Boy. It’s time for a…” She did air quotes. “’Tutoring Session’”.

*Look for Part 2 on Monday

February 9, 2024

Flash Fic, February 07,2024

A bit of a sequel to Monday’s flash

“How was shopping?

Spock accepted Jim’s welcoming kiss somewhat greedily. He would never tire of Jim’s kisses and he acknowledged that made him a sap.

“It was quite challenging until I thought, what would Jim do?’

Jim laughed. They were in the kitchen where Jim was preparing dinner. He handed a cup of steaming hot tea to Spock.

“A logical thought.”

Spock arched a brow. “Hardly. But as it happens I know you well enough to tell Amanda that we would just buy both of her purchases.”

“Bet that made her happy.”

“Indeed. For five minutes anyway.”

“Dad, Mandy’s cheating!”

“I am not. I just play better.”

“Dad!”

Jim sighed and laughed. “Seran, just…deal.”

There was a long-suffering sigh but the children quieted down.

“Did you acquire a Valentine’s Day gift for me?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Amanda told me you had and asked what I was getting you.”

“Don’t worry about it. I know gift giving isn’t your thing.”

“That is hardly the point,” Spock replied. “I am terrible at choosing presents, as you have repeatedly told me, but the effort must be made if you indulged me.”

Jim kissed him. “Just give me a rose. Or candy. Or something easy.”

“What did you get me?”

“Nothing extravagant. A special tea.”

Spock nodded. That wasn’t so bad.

“A teapot to go along with it.”

“Jim.”

“Maybe some matching cups. No big deal.” Jim smiled.

“I will never be able to compete with you, will I?” Spock asked dryly.

“Nope. So don’t even try. A small box of chocolate almonds will do the trick and make me your slave for life.”

Spock arched a brow. “For only a small box?”

“Mm. For a few hours then.”

“Father!”

“Oh dear.” Jim chuckled. “Now he’s going for the big guns.”

“I had better break up the melee.”

Jim gave him a lingering kiss. “Dinner in fifteen minutes.”

And so Spock went to deal with the children.

Life was amazing.

February 7, 2024

Flash Fic, February 02, 2024

It’s love month. And I’m on a cruise, but here’s a little flash for you

“Jim?”

He smiled faintly at his husband’s voice, already aware through the bond they shared that Spock was on his way to find him.

“Doctor McCoy said you left the celebration.”

Jim nodded even as Spock came up behind him and pulled him into his arms, wrapping his strong arms around Jim’s middle.

“Not really in the mood for all that.”

“You are sad.”

It sounded faintly accusatory and Jim supposed from Spock it kinda was. But he knew Spock meant well.

“Just a bit. Been a trying day.”

“I heard that Ensign Walker didn’t make it.”

Jim nodded. “I knew his mom. You know, back in the academy. She wasn’t his mom then.” He laughed. “God I feel old.”

“You are in the prime of your life,” Spock insisted.

“Mm. Thanks to evil maniacal blood.”

“Blood has no emotions or such characteristics. It is simply blood.”

“Well, in his case not simple.”

“I am grateful for what it has done for you. What else has you sad?

“I don’t know. Just…sometimes it gets to be a lot.” Jim turns and buries his face in Spock’s neck. “But you here with me is the best thing ever. I love you so much.”

“And I love you, my T’hy’la. If you do not wish to return to the party there is a massage waiting for you in our bedroom.”

“Now I really love you.” He kissed Spock. “You really are the best. Ever. Thank you.”

February 2, 2024

Surprise Flash, January 16, 2024

“Geez, I’ve never been so cold in my life,” Jim complained. He’d been fiddling with the heater controls in the farmhouse for what seemed like hours but was likely no more than twenty minutes. “What kind of moron decides to arrive in the middle of the worst blizzard to hit Riverside in decades.”

“When the plans were made, no blizzard was anticipated,” the robot replied.

Okay, he supposed that was unfair. The robot was Spock and he wasn’t really a robot. Still, Jim was mildly annoyed with him so at present he didn’t give a damn.

He eyed the Vulcan who wore a big woolen sweater as he gazed blankly back at Jim. He had been of no help whatsoever since they arrived. Jim had gotten the fire going in the living room and now he was fiddling with the heater to try to get it to go on.

His family had never switched to a computer-controlled heat apparatus. They’d been convinced an old-fashioned heater was “charming”. Charming his ass.

“If I’m this cold you must be freezing,” Jim said as amiably as he could manage under the circumstances.

“As a Vulcan, I am able to—”

“Blah blah blah.” If Jim didn’t have his hands full of instruments, he’d be sticking his fingers in his ears. Immature? No doubt. “You know you didn’t have to come with me.”

Jim was sorry he’d come with himself. Or you know, whatever. Stupid blizzard.

They’d barely made it there and he wanted to turn right around and leave except the weather got even worse and they’d been stuck.

“You did not want me to?” Spock asked, neutrally.

He had wanted Spock to. They’d just started a…thing…er a whatever. Prior to this shore leave or break, they’d maybe had sex. Okay, not maybe, they had. Even though they hadn’t had the conversation as to what that meant at all. Jim didn’t really want to have that conversation. It made him sick even thinking about that conversation. And as far as he could tell the robot didn’t either.

But instead of answering that loaded question, Jim grimaced. “If I can’t get this heater started we’re going to be in a world of trouble. That fire isn’t going to do it to keep us warm enough.”

“I could look at it,” Spock offered.

And it was on the tip of his tongue to ask what a stupid Vulcan would know about an old-time heater, because he was that irritated with the world, but what the hell. He wasn’t having any luck.

He stepped aside and thrust the tools into Spock’s hands. “Knock yourself out. Well, actually, don’t. I don’t think I have any medical equipment for that.”

Spock didn’t bother to comment on that and Jim didn’t blame him.

With a sigh, he rubbed his neck and said, “I’ll be right back. I gotta pee.”

So he trudged up the basement stairs, shivering madly as he made his way up to the bathroom. He was really starting to hate this place and he was going to have more than a few words with his mom over it.

In the bathroom, having to lower his pants to pee, he thought his dick was going to break off it was so damn frozen.

He was eying the faucet and wondering how cold the water would be when he washed his hands when he suddenly heard the heater kick on.

A moment later a triumphant Spock came up from the basement, looking altogether pleased with himself.

“How did you—”

“Well, scientifically speaking, I—”

Jim covered Spock’s mouth with his to shut him up.

January 16, 2024

Forced Retirement (2023)

And a sequel to the sequel

Photo by Sebastian Hietsch on Pexels.com

Jim’s at his retirement party.

He doesn’t want to be here. When he was young he liked parties, but he’s not young now. And even though the expert on all things Jim, Bones, has said all his vitals are good and strong due to the super blood running through his veins, he’s at mandatory retirement age for Starfleet.

It sounds just as weird thinking about it as it did out loud when he was told in what could only be described as a gentle nudge.

He remembers Bones talking about it when he hit retirement first. He was being “put out to pasture” in Bones Speak.

Jim’s gaze sweeps the noisy room, seeking out Spock, who dressed in Vulcan robes, speaks with a casually dressed Uhura.

He remember a time when he was jealous of her, even of their very close friendship after their romantic relationship ended. He never viewed his own friendship with Spock as being as close. It bothered him then.

But it doesn’t now. Everything they have has evolved into what they have now. It is beyond friendship and romance. Somehow. And he can’t really explain it but it feels right.

Better than right.

He is happy with life, except for the forced retirement.

Coincidentally, it is New Year’s Eve. Long ago he’d experienced a few painful ones. One in particular when he was still a young admiral.

He remembers the heartache like remembering a toothache when you are a child. It’s distant and no longer relevant, but a memory of one’s passage through life events.

He avoids the captain deliberately making a beeline for him by hurrying to the double doors leading outside. He should feel guilt but somehow he doesn’t.

He makes his way down to the oversized balcony he once stood at all those years ago and stops there. He looks down from there, at the side of the building where he once let go of a picture of himself and Spock.

A lot has changed since then.

Some has not.

He still never found out what happened to Sam. And that still breaks his heart when he thinks about it too much. He wishes he could have saved his brother. His mom wished that too when she was alive. But they both were unable.

“Admiral?”

A smile touches his lips as he turns to greet his husband.

“Not anymore, my love. Retirement, remember?”

“Indeed.” Spock pulls him into his arms and draws him close, holding him into the warmth of his embrace.

“It’s not cold tonight. You know, like it was then.”

“Mm. It has been a warmer year. What have you been thinking?”

“Little things, mostly. Wondering what the hell I’m going to do with retirement.”

“I feel certain I will find a way to occupy your time.”

Jim laughs and it feels good to do so.

Fireworks are suddenly released in the distance and Jim knows it’s time.

“Happy New Year, Spock.”

“Happy New Year, Jim.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

December 31, 2023

Flash Fic, December 26, 2023

“Another Christmas over,” Jim said, forlornly, as he sat on a stump in their yard next to his older brother.

It was after midnight, and they really should be in the house and in bed but they had no school so Mom had given them permission to stay up a bit late.

Jim was six and Sam nine.

“I’m glad.”

“Don’t say that Sammy.”

Sam snorted. “Now the grandparents can go home. And Mom’s new boyfriend too. I hate all those people in my house.”

“I like them,” Jim insisted. “Grandma and Grandpa anyway. I don’t like Mom’s boyfriend. Besides what if Daddy comes back?”

“I’ve already told you Dad’s not ever coming back. He died, stupid.”

“But I wished on a star!”

“Wishes don’t work. And guess what? There’s no such thing as Santa. That was Mom.”

“What? There’s no Santa?” Jim was on the verge of tears.

“The sooner you grow up the better off you’ll be. Dad’s gone. Santa doesn’t exist and Mom’s gonna marry that guy and ruin all our lives. Life isn’t fair, Jimmy. It’s just life. And you live it. And sometimes good things happen, but mostly bad things do. You just gotta accept it.”

“But—”

“And Christmas sucks.” Sammy rose from the stump he’d been on and went slamming back into the house, leaving Jim to sit by himself, now in tears.

He sat there for a while wondering why Sammy hated him. Because he must. Sammy was always mean to him, Jim thought.

He was still there when his grandpa came t sit with him on the stump beside him.

“Getting a little cold out here, isn’t it, champ?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve got some cocoa brewing right now, so when we go in you can have some before bed.”

“Grandpa?”

“Yeah?”

“Daddy really isn’t ever coming back, is he?”

“No, I’m afraid not. Your daddy passed away. But he saved a lot of people and was a hero. We’re very proud of him and you should be, too. And his spirit is always with us. All of us.”

“And Santa?”

“What about him?”

“Sam says there’s no such thing as Santa.”

His grandpa put his hand on Jim’s knee. “Sam doesn’t know everything, Jim. He only thinks he does. You believe me when I tell you Santa is real.”

Jim brightened. “It’s true?”

“You bet it is. Now let’s go in and get that cocoa, all right?”

“Okay.”

They got off their stumps and Jim took his grandpa’s hand as they went back inside the house. He felt much better. And didn’t care what Sammy said. Santa was real!

December 26, 2023

Flash Fic, December 24, 2023

There won’t be a flash tomorrow, so this counts as your Christmas Flash

“I wish Daddy was here.” Peter’s bottom lip trembled as Jim looked down at his three year old nephew. There were still tear tracks on his chubby cheeks.

“Me too, kiddo.”

In truth, Jim was on the brink of tears himself.

The last twenty-four hours had been a disaster.

Jim was currently in Riverside tasked with taking care of his three-year-old nephew while his brother Sam was on assignment for Section 31.

And Jim was waiting to see if the Enterprise would go out on a second five-year mission. If they did, would he retain the same crew, most importantly Spock. He wasn’t sure, considering Jim had confessed his romantic feelings for Spock at the end of the first mission. For the last few months of that mission, he and Spock had been engaged in a “sex for pleasure only” affair, or so they had insisted on calling it. Wasn’t supposed to involve emotion. Only for Jim, it always had.

He’d gone and cocked it up but admitting this to Spock. And Spock had left to go to New Vulcan.

So, when Sam had asked Jim about watching Peter, he had agreed.

Peter’s mom had passed after an illness.

Whatever. All of this was the lead up to the disaster of the day. There’d been a fire in the living room at the farmhouse, thanks to the Christmas tree, and though the whole house hadn’t been destroyed, the recommendation had been that they spend the next two weeks away from the farmhouse to avoid smoke inhalation and water damage. It would take that long to make everything livable.

So here it was Christmas Eve and he and Peter were about to check into a hotel in the city proper.

Jim guessed it wasn’t the worst Christmas ever. But maybe it was close. He had no gifts for the little tyke either. They’d gone up with the Christmas tree.

After getting them settled into a hotel room that included a kitchenette, Jim asked Peter, “What would you like to eat for supper?”

“Chicken nuggets! And ice cream.”

There was a twenty-four hour café attached to the hotel, so they went there. Fortunately he was able to get the chicken nuggets and ice cream for Peter.

“Will Santa find us?” Peter asked as he dipped a nugget into ketchup.

Yuck, Jim thought.

And his heart sank. What was he supposed to tell the little guy?

He had notified Bones what happened. And Bones had offered his sympathy, but he was in Georgia with his own kin so there wasn’t much he could do.

And most stores were already closed so how was he supposed to get anything for the child?

He needed a Christmas miracle.

“Well.” Jim smiled. “How’s the chicken?”

He himself had chosen meatloaf with mashed potatoes.

“Yummy.”

“Good. As far Santa…well. I think he’ll find us eventually, but it might be hard tonight or by Christmas. It might be when we go back home.”

“Okay.” But he looked so sad and forlorn that Jim’s heart just broke.

He was a terrible uncle.

After they finished eating, Jim took Peter around the area to look at Christmas lights, which did cheer both of them up considerably.

By the time he got back to the hotel, he had to carry Peter, as the boy had fallen asleep. He was surprised to see a wreath pinned to the outside of his hotel room.

Maybe something the hotel did?

He opened the door and stepped in carrying Peter. It was then he noticed the small artificial tree next to the kitchenette. It had been decorated with hundreds of white lights and little red bows. Beside it stood a very familiar Vulcan.

“Spock?”

“Merry Christmas, Jim.”

“How—”

“Leonard contacted me. It was not easy, but I made it in time.” Spock walked over to gaze upon Jim’s zonked out nephew. “Perhaps you should put him to bed before we place the presents under the tree.”

His breath caught in his throat. “You brought presents for Peter?”

“Indeed. Isn’t that expected by a child of his age for Christmas?”

Jim nodded, suddenly feeling tears sting his eyes. “Yeah. Let me put him down.”

Jim walked over to the bed and drew back the covers, setting Peter down on the bed, and covering him. He was very happy to see the boy remained sleeping. All the better to surprise him in the morning.

Jim then turned and went back to where Spock waited. The Vulcan was holding on to a Santa sack.

“I can’t believe you did all this.”

“Clearly you were in need of assistance, Captain.”

He swallowed heavily. “Yeah, I was, but…”

Spock glanced away. “In truth, I was coming to see you anyway, so it was fortunate Leonard contacted me in time to at least save some part of your holiday.”

“You were? Why?”

Spock looked at him again. “Because I find that I too had emotional involvement.”

It was Jim who arched both brows this time. “Yeah?”

“Yes,” Spock said, softly. “I apologize for it taking me this long to realize it. And I am sorry that you had a fire at your farmhouse.”

“Yeah, it sucked.” Jim stepped closer. “But this doesn’t.”

And he kissed Spock.

****

“Santa came!” Peter squealed, running toward the tree.

Jim exchanged a look with Spock. “Yes, he did.”

December 24, 2023

Flash Fic Revisit

From 2019

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

“Daddy, is that an elf?”

Jim Kirk looked to where his four-year-old son, David, pointed. They had just entered the department store in San Francisco. David had been asking to see Santa Claus.

At the moment, Jim had the care for his son as the boy’s mother and Jim’s ex, Carol Marcus, was off planet on a science expedition. Jim had readily agreed since it meant having David with him for the holidays. And now that he was on winter break from Starfleet Academy he no longer had to rely on his friends and fellow cadets to babysit.

Jim’s gaze widened as he grabbed David’s arm to keep him from rushing at the “elf”. “Er, No. That’s a…that man’s a Vulcan.”

And Jim’s current crush, Commander Spock, who had programmed the Kobayashi Maru Jim had taken and failed.

“Oh. Okay,” David replied. He looked up at Jim. “Does he know Santa?”

“Well…” Jim was about to say he doubted it, but in fact Spock was standing next to and speaking with Uhura, who was wearing a red and white Santa’s helper uniform, and Santa. Or whoever wore the Santa costume for the store. “Yeah, I guess maybe he does.”

“Take me to him,” David pleaded. “I want to ask him for what I want this year.”

He blew out a breath. He sure hoped David wasn’t going to come up with something like “my parents back together’ or anything similar. He’d met Carol back in Riverside when she’d been there on a temporary assignment for Starfleet and before he had enlisted himself. Their relationship had been brief and wrought with more drama than either of them had wanted to deal with. They made far better friends and co-parents than lovers.

But kids sometimes just couldn’t understand adult issues and wanted for things that couldn’t be theirs.

Nevertheless, his responsibility as “daddy” was to make sure David got his chance. So, Jim took his son’s hand and walked over to where they stood talking. He didn’t fail to notice the sign in front of Santa’s House that declared “Santa’s On a Break.”

Jim knew he’d probably get the brush off from Uhura and Spock, but maybe Santa would be nicer. He had to at least try.

As they approached he heard the lyrics of the song playing overhead.

He’s making a list, He’s checking it twice, Gonna find out who’s naughty and nice

“Santa Claus is coming to town,” he sang softly. He smiled down at David, who grinned back. He turned to the three standing there. “Excuse me, but…”

Uhura looked at him. “Kirk, can’t you see we’re…”

“Yes, but my son…”

Her gaze went to David and brightened instantly. “You have a son?”

“Yes. This is David. David, this is Ms. Uhura.” He glanced at Spock, feeling his face heat. He cleared his throat. “And this is Spock.”

“Spock?” David repeated, scrunching up his face. “Isn’t that the one you like, Daddy?”

Jim laughed, wanting to crawl away as Spock raised a brow. “Uh, ha ha. Kids. They say the darndest things. Listen. I don’t want to take up your time, I just wanted to know when Santa was…Bones?” He stared at Santa.

Bones narrowed his eyes. “That’s Santa Claus to you, son.”

David frowned. “I don’t see Uncle Bones. Where is he?”

Uhura kicked Jim. “He’s not here. Your Daddy was mistaken.”

Jim’s jaw tightened. “Hang on one second, David. Daddy wants to have a word with Santa Claus.” He glanced at Uhura. “Can you watch him for a second?”

“Sure. Hey, David, do you want a candy cane?”

Jim grabbed Santa’s arm and pulled him out of earshot. “What the hell? Why didn’t you tell me you were going to be Santa at the store?”

“Because you would have made fun of me for it.”

“No, I wouldn’t…okay, yeah, I would. But still.”

“Listen, I just wanted some side income to send some stuff to my own kid. Plus have something to get David a gift. It’s no big deal. Just a few hours a week.”

Jim nodded. “Okay. Well, when you talk to David try to talk him into something easy, will you?”

“You want me to lead your son?”

“Well, you know. To like toys and stuff. Nothing like universal peace or mommy and daddy together again.” Jim grimaced.

“All right, all right. And what was that about Spock?”

“Nothing.”

He pushed Bones back to the others and saw that David not only had a candy cane but several foil wrapped chocolate balls.

Swell, he thought. A hyped up David would be just what he needed.

“Uh. Thanks. Anyway I was wondering when Santa’s break would be over as my son wants to give him his wish list.”

“Santa” looked down at Jim’s son. “Have you been nice, David?”

David nodded. “’Course. Daddy says it always pays to be nice.”

Jim smiled.

“Well. I think you can tell him what you want right now, David. Santa can delay his break for you,” Uhura spoke up.

“That’s right.” “Santa” crouched down next to David and put his arm around him. “What do you want for Christmas, David? A toy space ship? A telescope? A little mini science lab?”

“Nope. None of that.”

“Er. Um, then, books? Coloring books or…”

“Perhaps it would be wise, Santa, to allow David to make the request himself,” Spock said.

“No, Santa,” David said, voice small. “Daddy can get me all that. Or Mommy.”

“Santa” glanced up at Jim, who shifted awkwardly. “All right. What do you want?”

David glanced over at Spock and then back to Santa. “Daddy needs a boyfriend.”

“David—”

“He’s super lonely and all he does is study and spend time with me. And Santa, I know he really really likes Spock.”

“How do you know that?”

“He told me!”

Jim saw Uhura smother a laugh and he glared daggers at her. “All right, David. I’m pretty sure we’ve taken up too much of Santa’s break as it is. We should go.”

“But Santa hasn’t said…”

“Well, now, David,” “Santa” interrupted. “It’s very difficult to give gifts of people, you know.”

“Sure. But I’m sure if Mr. Spock got to know Daddy he’d really like him.”

Jim coughed. “Lunch. Come on, kiddo. We’ll go to your favorite place. Say bye to Santa now.”

David pouted a little. “Okay.”

And to Jim’s further embarrassment, David walked over to where Spock stood, looking unfailingly serene.

“I know Santa can work magic!” David said to Spock. “See you later.” He waved frantically at Spock and then ran to where Jim waited. He smiled so brightly at Jim, he didn’t have the heart to be upset with the boy.

“Did you have fun?” Jim asked, as he steered his son away from the gawking group.

“Yeah! And I got candy.”

Jim laughed. “I know. But before you eat too much of that, let’s get some real food.”

****

“Daddy, he’s here, he’s here!”

Jim frowned at his terminal screen, paused it, and looked over at his son who was standing nearby jumping up and down.

“Who?”

“Spock.”

Jim blinked. “What?”

“At the door! He’s here.”

He got up from is chair and came around the desk. “David, I’ve told you before not to answer the door. Come and get me.”

He hadn’t even heard someone at the door.

“Okay,” David said. “But he’s here, he’s here.”

Jim couldn’t imagine what Spock was doing there. He’d never been there before and Jim didn’t even know Spock knew where he lived.

He went over to the apartment door and peered out the peephole, but he couldn’t see much.

“It’s what I asked Santa for!”

“David, shhh. It’s got nothing to do with Santa.”

He gestured for David to get back and then he opened the door.

Sure enough Spock stood there, dressed in his all black uniform, looking austere and intimidating.

Jim tried a smile. “Hi.”

“Good evening. May I have a word?”

He cleared his throat. “Sure. One second.” He turned back to David. “Wait inside, okay? I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Okay, Daddy.”

Jim smiled and then stepped onto the landing outside his apartment. It was a beautiful day, really. His second-floor apartment faced out onto the garden area of the apartment complex. He preferred that then looking out over the pool or the street.

“So, um, what can I do for you?” he asked Spock.

Spock’s gaze flicked briefly to the closed door. “Your son is quite appealing.”

“Thank you.”

Spock nodded. “His…mother…”

“She’s off planet. Carol Marcus. She’s a scientist. She’s not…” Jim licked his lips. “We’re not together.” He cleared his throat. “Anymore.”

“I see.” Spock straightened. “I was wondering if I may…that is, if you might be free to have dinner with me at some point.”

“Yes!”

Jim blushed, glancing quickly at the closed door. Clearly he needed to have a conversation with his son about listening in on adult conversations.

Spock quirked a brow but otherwise did not react to David’s yell.

Jim took a step further away from the door. “Listen, um, what David said at the store.”

“Children say all kinds of things,” Spock said quietly. “I am aware that you did not wish him to speak up, however I did hope there was some truth to what he said.”

Jim blinked. “Yeah?”

Way to go, Jim, he thought. You sound so brilliant.

“Leonard McCoy did advise me that David’s words were truthful but if—”

“Bones did?”

Spock fell silent but nodded. His cheeks were just the tiniest bit green.

Jim laughed. “Well, then. I guess I shouldn’t bother to deny it.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means, Professor, that I’d love to have dinner with you at any point.”

“I see. Then I am gratified.”

“I do need to arrange for a babysitter, though. How does tomorrow night grab you?”

Spock inclined his head. “It grabs me well.”

Jim grinned. “Fantastic. See you then? Did you want to meet somewhere or—?”

“I will come for you at seven tomorrow night.”

“Okay. Cool.”

Spock nodded again and then turned and walked over to the stairs that would take him to the ground level. Jim watched him the entire way until he was out of sight.

He exhaled deeply. “He’s making a list, checking it twice. Gonna find out who’s naughty or nice.” He shook his head. “Guess I’ve been nice.”

He turned back and opened his apartment door to face the eager brightness in David’s face.

“Guess you were right, kiddo. It did have something to do with Santa.”

“Yay!”

Jim laughed, dropped to his knees and hugged his son.

December 23, 2023

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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