Flash Fic

Flash Fic Revisit December 21, 2023

From 2019, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

“Your nose is as red as Snow White’s Apple,” Leonard “Bones” McCoy cracked to Jim Kirk as they strode through the middle quad path at Starfleet Academy.

“Funny. I’ve been sneezing all day and my nose is starting to run. Think I caught a cold from…hey!” Jim squealed and covered his neck with his hand. “What you just stab me with?”

“Medication, you baby. Actually considering the time of year, your nose is as red as Rudolph’s.”

“You know that reminds me, don’t you think Santa was a dick to Rudolph?”

“Well. Sure. That was kinda the point, wasn’t it? To show that even a good guy like Santa can get it wrong.”

Jim stumbled and then stopped, putting his hand on his forehead. “I think I’m getting a fever.”

“I think I have something for that.” Bones dug into his medical bag.

“Easy.” Jim dodged him. “I’m still recovering from that bee sting you gave me only seconds ago.”

“Do you wanna get better or not? Haven’t you got a big date with the hob—”

“Jim. Doctor.”

“Speak of the devil,” Bones muttered.

Spock arched his brow at Bones but otherwise ignored him in favor of gazing at Jim intently. “You do not look well.”

“It’s the bright red nose.”

Jim shot Bones an irritated look. “Be quiet. I’m sure Spock can see for himself.”

“Pretty sure the whole campus can spot that shiny beacon,” Bones cracked. “It’s glowing. You sure you don’t want another shot?”

“You received a medical procedure from the doctor?”

“Involuntary, but yeah. That’s quite all right, Bones, I’ll pass. Be on your way.”

“Let me know if that fever gets worse!” Bones called as he hurried away.

Spock’s intense look became concerned. “You have a fever?”

“Just a small one.” Jim sighed. “But, um, I don’t think I should go to the dinner with your parents. I don’t want to infect anyone. I might be contagious. I’m sorry.”

“It is I who feel regret, Jim. I will cancel.”

“No, you don’t have to…”

“My parents are in San Francisco for an extended period. We can schedule the dinner for another time when you are feeling better. I would prefer to watch over your illness.”

Jim smiled. He did, even though, he really felt pretty damn miserable. But how could he not smile when he had this amazing Vulcan standing nearby, ready to take care of him?

And though Jim hadn’t quite got to the point where he told Spock he loved him or anything, Jim was certain he did.

“Okay.” He took a step forward and stumbled again, but Spock seized hold of him instantly. “Guess I feel pretty crappy.”

“Indeed. Come, Jim. It’s time for me to put you to bed.”

“Wish we were going to bed for something fun.”

“Jim…”

“I know. And this nose. It’s not very comfwutable.”

Spock shook his head and helped Jim out of the quad to get him to bed.

December 21, 2023

Flash Fic, December 18, 2023

“Why don’t you ask him?” Bones wondered. He had that kind of bug-eyed look he got when he thought Jim had lost his rocker.

Come to think of it, Jim saw that look a lot.

Bones took a large gulp of his brandy laced eggnog.

“You’re supposed to sip it.”

“What?”

“The eggnog. It’s best sipped. It’s not a beer chugging contest.”

There was that look again.

In the background Jim could hear the strains of a Christmas song sung by an ancient Earth crooner from the twentieth century. They were seated in the rec room as members of the crew had a holiday party.

“You think it’s true?”

“Doubtful from what I’ve heard about the hobgoblin.”

Jim frowned. “What have you heard?”

“Focus, Jim. Where exactly did you hear this anyway?”

“I read it about some old Vulcan well before I was born. She claimed it. T’Pol or something.”

“And what was the exact thing again?”

“Vulcans only mate seven years.”

“Well.” Bones smirked. “Do you think Uhura would have put up with no sex the whole time they were together? Did you ask her?”

“Get real.”

“Then you are back to asking Spock. You two just started seeing each other, what a week? Has he shown that kind of interest?”

“We’ve kissed.”

Bones nodded. “I can’t believe I’m going to ask this but did he, er, show any interest down there?”

“Aren’t you a doctor?”

“So?”

“I’m just surprised you’re embarrassed by that,” Jim said.

“Not ordinarily but this is you and Spock.” Bones straightened. “Saved by the entrance of the hobgoblin himself. I suggest you speak directly to him.”

Sure enough Spock had entered the rec room, immediately located Jim, and headed in their direction.

As Spock reached them, Bones stood. “I’m going to mingle.”

“Don’t leave on my account, Doctor.”

“Trust me on this, Spock. You’ll want me to.”

Spock arched a brow at the departing Bones and then turned his attention to Jim.

“You are not with the rest of the party?”

“Don’t feel much like it, I guess. Have a seat, will you? I want to talk to you.”

Spock dutifully took up the chair Bones had recently vacated. “How many of those have you had?”

Jim looked down at his empty eggnog and then set the mug aside. “Too many I think. Listen, I have a weird question.” He paused. “Or I think it’s weird.”

“Go on.”

“Do Vulcans have sex?”

“Yes.”

“No. I mean, yeah, I know they must as there are little Vulcans, but…you know, other than when Pon Farr hits.”

“I have a cousin who has a brother who is only fifteen months younger than himself. They have the same mother.”

Jim thought about that. “So they do?”

“Indeed. We do. Do you ask because we have not yet engaged in coitus?”

Jim was glad he’d finished his eggnog or he would have choked just then. Even then he sputtered.

“Er. Not really. I mean I’m fine to go at whatever pace you want. I just read about some old-time Vulcan once claiming that Vulcans only mated every seven years.”

“Vulcans undergo Pon Farr every seven years. The need to…mate…” Spock looked uncomfortable and blushed. “But we are able to engage in sexual activity whenever we wish as most humanoids can. There may be certain Vulcans who only participate during their time, but that is not common.”

“Why would she say that?”

“Likely she was, as Humans would say, pulling someone’s leg. Or deliberately provided wrong information. I cannot speculate. In my own case, I am also half-Human and therefore have normal Human urges.”

Jim felt a little giddy with relief. Not having sex for seven years hadn’t been a deal breaker or anything, but he couldn’t help feeling glad it wasn’t something he truly had to consider.

“In fact, if you are no longer interested in the holiday party, perhaps we could—”

Jim stared at him. “Are you saying—”

“I am not certain I could make it any plainer.”

“Hot damn.”

Jim stood and then grabbed Spock’s hand to pull him up out of the seat and toward the exit.

“Merry Christmas to me!”

“Captain?” Sulu asked as he entered the rec room. “Are you and the commander leaving so soon?”

“Uh.”

“Ship’s business, Lieutenant,“ Spock said, smoothly.

“Enjoy the party!” Jim called after him.

“Right,” Sulu muttered after they left. “Ship’s business.”

December 18, 2023

Flash Fic, December 15, 2023

All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth

It was at times like this, Winona missed George the most. He’d always been so good with their older son, though the time together had been all too brief. When George and Winona had been assigned to the Kelvin, they’d made the reluctant decision to leave their son George behind with her parents. Winona had expected to depart the Kelvin when it got closer to her time for Jim to be born, but the Kelvin had been destroyed by a rogue Romulan ship, Jim had been born prematurely, and all her dreams of happily ever after with George and their two sons had been destroyed with the starship.

Of course, George hadn’t been able to spend time being great with little Jimmy. He’d barely been alive long enough to know their son had been born.

But it was Christmas and Jimmy was six now. After the new year, fortunately after his seventh birthday in January, Winona had to leave Riverside on an assignment to a science vessel. She hoped it wouldn’t be long. A few months up to a year. Maybe.

So this Christmas was important to all of them.

And unfortunately, Jimmy was outside avoiding his grandparents and brother. Sam, as most everyone called her older son, had gone out to try to coax hid brother inside with promises of hot chocolate and cookies.

He’d returned inside the house a short time ago without Jimmy.

Winona grabbed her six-year old’s coat and scarf and headed outside.

She spotted him huddled on a row of old pallets she probably should have had removed a long time ago. No doubt they were warming with spiders.

“Jimmy, those are all dirty!”

“I don’t care,” he said sullenly.

“You’re gonna catch a cold out here in this weather.”

“Don’t care about that neither.”

“Either. And I do. Put your coat on. Come on. Stand up and put it on.”

He looked vaguely defiant, even as his bottom lip trembled and his little eyes seemed unnaturally shiny. No doubt the tears he was attempting to hold back. But he rose from the pallets and shrugged on his coat. She wrapped the scarf around his neck as he reseated himself.

She wrinkled her nose and decided to stay standing.

“Everyone misses you inside.”

“Even grandpa?”

Winona sighed. She could have kicked her dad for his careless teasing joke at her all too sensitive son’s expense.

“He was just teasing you. Everyone loses their baby teeth you know.”

“Both front teeth at the same time?”

It all came out lispy.

Both teeth had managed to become loose at the same time and then an ill-timed ball thrown that hit her son in the face took care of them both at once. They were growing back but too slow for Jimmy.

When her parents arrived in Riverside for Christmas, her dad teased Jimmy about not having his two front teeth.

“It happens. It did to you. But it’s temporary, honey. Your grandfather’s really sorry he upset you. You’re named after him, you know.”

“I know. The kids at school make fun too.”

“Kids are like that. But it’s Christmas and the whole family wants you to be inside with us. You’ve got lots of presents to open.”

“All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!”

Winona smiled. “I’m not even sure Santa could make that happen.”

“Mom, there’s no such thing as Santa.”

“Maybe not but the spirit of Santa endures in all of us. Come on.”

She reached down and pulled him to his feet.

“Hot chocolate and presents await.”

She put her arm around his shoulders and was relieved when he finally went with her toward the house. She’d make sure the rest of the day was magical.

December 15, 2023

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

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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