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Flash Fic, April 07, 2022

Totally Modern Jim

Thursday after work and Jim came into the hallway of his apartment floor with his arms full of groceries for that night’s dinner. After all he could hardly live on take-out alone.

He was carrying a few more reusable bags than he probably should, but he didn’t really want to make several trips. And he had a few things he intended to take with him to Napa when he left the following day after work.

“Here, allow me to assist you.”

Jim almost jumped. It was a near thing, but he hadn’t been aware of Spock being behind him as he struggled with his key to open his apartment door until he was right there taking grocery bags from his hands.  

It bothered Jim that he wasn’t more aware of his surroundings. His building was pretty safe but he knew of a guy who lived a couple of blocks over who’d been robbed at gun point getting into his apartment.

Fortunately, this was just Spock and Jim had no clue why but he sorta trusted this weird guy.

“Thanks,” he said breathlessly, when he finally got the key into his door. “Bit off more than I could chew.”

Spock followed him into the apartment, most of Jim’s bags in his hands.

Jim had a moment where he was embarrassed by the state of his apartment. “Uh. Sorry. Place is a mess. I’m not much of a housekeeper.”

“And I am not much of a judge,” Spock assured him. He put the reusable bags onto the kitchen counters.

Jim smiled. “Thanks for the help.”

“You are quite welcome. I could hardly let you struggle when I could assist.”

Spock wore black slacks and a black pull over sweater this time. On his head was a wool cap pulled over to cover the pointy ears. His entire attire made Jim sweat.

“I’m about to make some dinner if you’d like to stay,” Jim offered, trying to keep the hopeful tone out of his voice. He’d been rejected before, sure, who hadn’t, but not by someone he was as into as he was into Spock, and that realization vaguely freaked him out.  

Spock hesitated. And Jim deflated.

But then…

“I must return to my apartment for a few minutes as I was just coming home myself, but if it is acceptable for me to return in thirty minutes then I accept.”

“Oh. Sure.” Jim’s mood brightened. “Yeah, very acceptable. And you can ditch your hat too, if you’d like.”

Spock nodded. “Very well. Thank you. What will you be serving?”

Jim did not want to admit it, but his choice of groceries for that night had been for a vegetable stir-fry in the hopes he would get enough nerve to coax Spock into coming for dinner. Spock helping with his bags had made the entire thing far easier than he had hoped.

“Vegetable stir fry with sticky rice.”

“That sounds good. I will return in half an hour.”

“Great.”

Jim followed Spock to the door, he wasn’t even sure why, and then watched as Spock made the short trip to his own door. He closed his and went into his kitchen to unload his stuff.  

Flash Fic, April 06, 2022

Jim was greeted by one of the owners, Ben Sulu, the minute he stepped through the doors of Sulu’s Asian Bistro.
“Hi Jim,” Ben called out from beside the cash register. “You just missed Hikaru. He went to pick up our daughter from school.”
Jim had been casual friends with the Sulus since they’d first opened the restaurant on the corner near his apartment building. He’d dined there many times, though, admittedly not recently. One of his last lovers was fond of the place and though Jim didn’t completely associate the Asian fusion place with that particular idiot, there was a small part of him that had been mostly avoiding the place.
He approached the register and grabbed one of the paper to go menus to take a look.
“Been a while since you’ve been in,” Ben remarked.
“Yeah.” Jim grinned sheepishly. “You know, uh, Allie liked this place, and well.”
Ben nodded. “Glad to see you.”
“You got a guy named Spock working for you?”
“You missed him too. Gave his notice yesterday. He was looking to get hired at the Science Institute. Guess he did.” Ben eyed Jim. “Friend of yours?”
“My neighbor. Fairly new.” Jim leaned on the counter. “Wondered what your impression of him was.”
“Good worker. Kept to himself. Had an odd thing where he always insisted on wearing a headband.”
Jim nodded. “He has pointy ears.”
“Does he?”
“Yeah, into that kind of thing, I guess.”
Ben shrugged. “All I know is he was a hard worker, very polite, and this was a temporary job for him. Is he a problem neighbor?”
“Oh, no. Nothing like that.” Jim smiled. “I, you know, kind of like him.”
“Oh.” Ben smiled. “Gotcha. I wish I could offer more intel on him then, but I don’t know much. He was here for only a very short time.”
Jim returned his smile and then glanced at the menu. “I’ll have the chicken rice bowl to go, please.”
Ben rang up the purchase. “Thirteen dollars and nine cents.”
Jim handed him his debit card.
A few minutes later, Ben was handing him a to go back with his rice bowl in it and Jim left the restaurant.
He was glad Spock got his job. But he’d been hoping to see him as he hadn’t run into him in the hallway of their building lately.
Jim wasn’t quite sure if he should impose on Spock again like he had the night he’d brought home a pizza.
But on the other hand, in a couple of days he was leaving to see his family in Napa. Jim just didn’t know what to do.
Which meant of course, he did nothing.
No sign of his neighbor in the hallway and no sounds coming from the apartment, so Jim went to his, chicken rice bowl in hand, and spent another night alone, wondering.

April 05, 2022 Flash

And Totally Modern Jim continues

Jim slid into the bench of the booth to sit across from his friend, Nyota Uhura. The restaurant she’d chosen was pretty bland and not his favorite. Hugo’s Health Food Restaurant.

“To think we could have gone for Asian fusion.”

Nyota wrinkled her nose. “I don’t like fusion. And besides you know I have to be careful. I can’t have dairy or gluten.”

“Or anything good,” he mumbled.

She snorted. “You’ll survive missing a cheeseburger once in a while.” She paused to glance briefly at the menu, but then she put it down just as fast. “So, what do you think?”

Jim knew what she wanted but he liked to make her ask for it.

“About?”

“Montgomery Scott. Is he…”

“I met a weird guy.”

“Everyone you meet is weird. Can we just—”

The waitress arrived at their table. “Something to drink?”

“Coffee?” Jim asked hopefully.

“Sorry, honey. We don’t serve coffee.”

Nyota smirked. “We’ll have a pot of cranberry tea, Doris. And thank you.”

“Cranberry tea.” Jim sighed. “He was weirder than most.”

“Can we get back to my problem?”

“So Scott’s a problem?” Jim was amused.

“You know what I mean,”

“Contrary to popular opinion, I do not have gaydar.”

“Jim—”

“But no, he’s totally straight. And into you.”

She looked hopeful. “Yeah?”

The waitress arrived with their pot of bloody red tea. Okay not bloody red, but it was pinkish nevertheless and wholly unappetizing. Come to think of it, Jim knew a lot of weirdos.

 “I’m pretty sure.”

She made a face. “Why hasn’t he asked me out then?”

“Because guys like that think girls like you are off limits to them. That you wouldn’t be interested in him.”

“Why not?”

Jim shrugged. “Probably because you prance around acting like you’re God’s gift to men.”

Nyota gave him a look. Sniffed. “I am.”

He laughed. “And that’s why he hasn’t asked you. Scotty’s an average guy. He thinks you’re out of his league. If you want to get something started, Ny, you’re going to have to ask him.”

“Fine.”

She poured them each a cup of the tea and Jim took a tentative sip.

“It’s as bad as I thought it would be.” He glanced at the menu. “What can I get here that won’t make grass grow on my chest or something?”

“They do have a veggie burger on a gluten free bun.”

“Swell.” But when the waitress came, that’s what he ordered.

She leaned her chin on her hand. “So tell me about the weird guy. Who is he?”

“He lives next door. He dresses pretty strange. Like a Tibetan monk or something. Some of the time, anyway.”

“Like what the Dalai Lama wears?”

Jim frowned. “No, no. More like, uh, I guess a Franciscan monk. Like Friar Tuck from Robin Hood. But sometimes he just wears regular pants and a sweater with a hoodie.”

She looked amused. “Are you stalking him? You know an awful lot about his wardrobe.”

“Of course not. But he lives next door. He also has pointy ears.”

“Pointy ears?”

“Like Legolas.”

“Oh.” She nodded. “Like a Lord of the Rings fanatic. Just like wears fake ones all the time?”

“I think his are real.”

She snorted. “All right, you’re right, he’s weird.”

“Thing is, I kinda like him. He’s trying to get a teaching job at the Science Institute.”

“You like everyone.” She patted his head. “Honey, you aren’t always the best judge of character as far as relationships go.”

“What?”

“Gary.”

“Asshole.”

“Ruth.”

“Bitch.”

She laughed. “You’re making my point for me. Just, you know, be careful with this pointy eared dude. What’s his name?”

“Spock.”

“Spock what?”

“Just Spock.”

She snorted again. “Be really careful, Jim.”

He sighed. “Yeah.”

April 04, 2022 Flash

AKA Totally Modern Jim

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

For a long time, the Human who’d introduced himself as Jim just looked at Spock. There was no fear on his face nor even open curiosity. His expression was simply blank. He rivaled any trained Vulcan Spock had known.

When the silence stretched on, Spock finally spoke.

“You do not seem surprised.”

“Well. I’m not sure exactly where Vulcan is,” Jim said honestly. He really was quite a handsome man. “Is it part of another country?”

Ah, that explained it.

“Do you not see my ears?”

Jim nodded. “Cosplay?”

“Cosplay?”

“Uh-huh. Like for an elf. Lord of the Rings I’m guessing. You just come from a convention?”

Spock frowned. “I am not an elf. My ears are…real.”

Jim cocked his head. “Plastic surgery? It’s cool. Whatever gets your goat.”

“Gets my…”

Jim smiled then. It was an appealing smile. “So not a monk?”

“I am not.”

Jim opened the pizza box. “You have any paper plates?”

“They are wasteful.”

“That a no?”

“It is, yes.” Spock gestured to his dining room table. “Perhaps we’d better sit down.”

Jim moved to do just that as Spock got out two non-paper plates from the apartment’s cupboard. He also poured himself a small cup of Sake.

“Do you wish a glass for your malt beverage?”

Those plump lips curved. “I’m good.”

Spock brought his Sake to the table and took the offered plate from Jim with a slice of pizza.

In truth, since his unexpected arrival there, Spock was not in the habit of explaining his appearance. Both in theory and physical. Most Humans would have trouble believing anyway. So Spock was uncertain what cause himself to lower the hood to expose his ears.

In general when leaving his apartment, Spock wore a hat or hood to cover his nonconformity.

“New here huh?”

“I have recently come to occupy this apartment, yes.”

He had been stranded on Earth for several months now, but found it necessary to leave the first place he stayed.

“I resided on the Eastern side of town until recently.”

“Rent increase?”

Actually, the warehouse he had been hiding in had been demolished.

“Something like that.”

“What do you do?” Jim asked. “Like I said before, I’m a teacher. I teach physics. Full name is Jim Kirk.”

Spock nodded. “As it happens, I am looking to get a position as a teacher myself at the Science Institute. I have interviewed and expect a decision at any time. In the meantime, I am waiting tables at an Asian Fusion restaurant on the corner.”

“Oh, yeah, I know that place. Good food. So are you a scientist?”

“Correct.”

“Cool. I’m glad we have so much in common. What’s your name?”

“As I said, Spock.”

“No, I mean, your whole name.”

“Spock.”

“Oh. Okay. Like Cher or Bono. Gotcha.”

Spock did not know what Jim got but he let it pass.

After he finished a couple of slices of pizza and his cup of Sake, Spock waited for Jim to decide to leave. He liked Jim and didn’t mind the company, but he hadn’t failed to notice several yawns from the Human.

“Sorry, long week. And my dad’s in the hospital, so a bit stressful.”

“I am sorry to hear it. Is he gravely il?”

“Not anymore. He had bypass surgery though. I’m going to drive out there to see them next week.”

“Where is out there?”

Jim laughed and it was a pleasing sound. Not that Spock could get close to Jim. Or anyone. His main goal was to return to where he came from. If that was possible.

“Originally Iowa. Riverside. But we moved away from there a few years back. The family unit now lives in Napa. My dad has a small vineyard. Sam helps him run it.” Jim smiled. “Sam’s my older brother. And now I’m babbling my life story. It’s just…you’re really easy to talk to.” Jim stood then and picked up his empty pizza box. Spock noted he had eaten quite a bit of it.

“I’ll let you get back to whatever you were doing. I hope to see you again, Spock. It was nice to meet you.”

“It was nice to meet you as well, Jim.”     

Flash Fic, March 30, 2022

Jim found her in Sam’s childhood room, looking over all the framed work he had on the walls. It hadn’t been removed even after Sam had left the Kirk farmhouse for, at the time, parts unknown.

She had stopped in front of a framed quote Sam had up there. Jim was well familiar with it.

“What though the radiance which was once so bright

Be now for ever taken from my sight,

Though nothing can bring back the hour

Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower;

We will grieve not, rather find

Strength in what remains behind;

In the primal sympathy

Which having been must ever be;

In the soothing thoughts that spring

Out of human suffering;

In the faith that looks through death,

In years that bring the philosophic mind.”

She turned to him then, smiling, her arms opened to receive his embrace. “I knew you’d come.”

“Of course I came,” he whispered, as she hugged him so hard it nearly hurt. She had strength, Winona Kirk.

“That was his favorite, that quote.”

“I know.”

She still held him. “You came alone?”

“Uh-huh. Took the shuttle out of San Francisco this morning. Spock had a meeting.”

She finally loosened her grip, but only to lean back to look at him. He’d worn his dress uniform here, not bothering to change, and he felt stiff and hot and uncomfortable in it.

“You look far too tired. Did you sleep at all?”

Jim shook his head. “Not much.”

His mother sighed and moved out of his arms to stretch her arms out indicating Sam’s old room.

“It’s stupid, you know. I feel closer to him here though he hasn’t been here in years.”

“Well, if it helps, who cares the reason?”

She smiled then, strained though it was, and she took his hand. “I don’t understand how this could have happened.”

“Deneva became inhabited by—”

She shushed him. “I know all the official details.  I want to know why once more I have to grieve for a member of my family. Why do I keep losing people I love?” She bit her lip. ”It’s not fair.”

Life wasn’t fair. Anybody who’d done any kind of living knew that. But his mom didn’t need to hear that nor would she want to.

“I’m sorry.”

“He was my son and I have to outlive him. He was a scientist! Not dangerous at all.” She closed her eyes. “Not like you and you had to go and die too.”

“Mom.”

“Don’t tell me again it was a mistake to tell me about that. The mistake was you dying. The mistake was letting you join Starfleet.”

Jim didn’t remind her he was an adult when he enlisted.

She turned her back on him to get herself under control.

When she turned back around her eyes no longer overflowed tears, but wetness stained her cheeks.

“How long can you stay?”

“A few days.”

She grabbed his hand and pulled him from the room and down the stairs. “I’ll make us some coffee.”

“Okay. Let me go get out of this uniform, okay?”

“All right. But just change in the bathroom down here. I don’t want to let you out of my sight for too long.”

Jim took his bag into the down stairs bathroom and sent a quick text to Spock.

I’ve arrived. She’s pretty hysterical.

He expected an immediate response, but was surprised when it didn’t come. Spock had to be busy then.

When he emerged a few minutes later dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, she was waiting for him, holding a mug of cream filled coffee.

He took it, smiled, and took a sip. “Haven’t had coffee this good in a long time.”

“Nothing can happen to you.”

“Mom.”

“Don’t Mom me. You have to promise.”

“It’s not that easy. Being the captain of a starship, I can’t promise that.”

She seemed to draw into herself. “At least you have Spock there to watch out for you. Right?”

“Yes.”

“I think he’ll do his best to keep you out of harm’s way.”

“He will.”

The tears flowed again. “You’re my baby, I can’t lose you too.”

“You won’t,” he whispered.

She put her coffee down and so did Jim as she threw her arms around him once more. He held her tight and let her cry.

“I can’t believe Sam’s gone.”

“I know, I’m so sorry.”

“Promise me, Jim. You have to promise me.”

He closed his eyes. “I promise.”

There was a knock on the door and they both pulled away from the embrace with a frown.

“Probably Mrs. Whatley with another one of her lemon cakes,” his mom said with a sniff.

Jim perked up at that. “Lemon cake?”

He went to the front door and opened it and—

“Oh, my God.”

For Spock stood there, looking about as wonderful as anyone could, and Jim pulled him close, holding him so tight, he might be hurting him.

“You came.”

“Of course I came.” Spock looked behind Jim to Jim’s mom. “I grieve with thee.”

“Come inside, before we all freeze,” she fussed, yanking them both inside the house and pulling both into an embrace of her own. “Thank you. Thank you.”

Flash Fic, March 28, 2022

Having a bit of fun with this, totally modern setting

“I think the guy next door’s a monk or something.” Jim lowered his phone for just a second as he eyed the door to the apartment next to his. He carried a pizza box. He was talking to his mom.

“Why do you say that?”

“I don’t know. I’ve seen him walking in wearing this gown thing. Well, you know, not a gown, but like a robe a Tibetan monk word wear or something.”

“They’re Buddhist.”

“Yeah, so maybe, I don’t know. But he wears a hood. Do they wear hoods?”

His mother laughed. “How should I know? How long has he lived there?”

Jim used his key to unlock his own apartment. He stepped inside and closed the door with a kick, ignoring the jaw jarring slam.

“I dunno. A week or so. I never see him without that hood.” Jim put the pizza box on the counter and the fridge for a beer. He twisted the top and took a swig from the bottle. “Long day. How’s Dad?”

“Fussing about still being in the hospital, but better.”

“He had triple bypass.”

“I know but you know your father.”

“Can’t wait to see him next week.” Jim yawned. “I should probably go and eat my pizza.”

“Okay, sweetie, talk soon.”

Jim set his cell down and glanced toward the apartment wall he shared with the “monk”. With a shrug, he picked up his beer and pizza box and grabbed his keys.

It took a few knocks on his neighbor’s door before it opened.

“Hi, I have a pizza and I was wondering if you’d like to have some. I’m your next door neighbor by the way. I teach at the University.”

The guy, hood and all, eyed Jim. “Does it have meat?”

“Just cheese.” Jim paused. “You a veggie”

“Vegetarian, yes. But I will eat some cheese.”

Jim was surprised when he stood aside to let Jim inside.

“Jim.”

“Spock.”

Jim set the pizza down on the table. “I could get you a beer if you want.”

“No. I have Sake.” Spock replied. “It is Japanese.”

Jim smiled. “Yeah, I know.” He peered at Spock as he took another drink of his beer. “Are you a monk then?”

“No.” Spock lowered his hood. “A Vulcan.”

Flash Fic, March 25, 2022

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

“Hey, are you okay?”

Sulu looked surprised by his appearance and his question. Maybe he ought to check on his helmsman more often, but Sulu was always the one crew member Kirk never had to worry about. He was as solid as solid could be.

Well, until now.

Of course, Kirk had heard the rumors that Sulu’s marriage was in trouble, but he didn’t listen to rumors. He hadn’t listened to the rumors Spock and Uhura had broken up for good nor that Kirk was the reason. That’s why he had been dumbstruck when Spock had grabbed him after a mission gone wrong again, and kissed him breathless. Spock had told him he was surprised Kirk didn’t know what everyone else did.

So yeah, Kirk didn’t pay attention to that.

But it was plain enough Sulu was hurting. He’d gotten rip-roaring drunk, took out his fencing sword and sent a group of first years scrambling for engineering.

He was now in the observation deck, still swinging that sword around, though fortunately not at Kirk.

“Sure, I’m okay.” Tears were streaming down his face. “Pavel’s dead and I haven’t seen my husband and daughter in fifteen months. But sure, I’m just peachy.”

Spock suddenly appeared behind Kirk and he went to move forward, his stance threatening because of the swinging fencing foil, but Kirk stopped him, holding him back.

“I’ve got this,” he whispered.

“He is—”

“Spock, I’ve got this. It’s okay. I’ll see you in our quarters.”

Spock wanted to argue, Kirk could see that, but he went anyway.

Sulu lowered his foil. “You get to work with your lover. It’s not fair. You guys share quarters even. Do you know how hard it is to maintain a healthy relationship long distance?”

Kirk did, but he knew that wasn’t the answer Sulu needed then.

“Would you like some time off, Hikaru? To spend with Ben and your daughter? I can approve a leave.” Kirk moistened his lips. “Chekov’s passing has hit us all hard and brings it really close to home just how isolated we are out here.”

“For-for how long?”

“How long do you want?”

“Six months? Is that too much to ask?”

“I’ll see.” He paused.  “I don’t want this, but it’s possible for you to request some kind of transfer to Yorktown to be with them full-time.”

Sulu shook his head. “I love my life on the Enterprise. I-I just wish…”

“I know. Take the leave. I know I can give you at least three months.”

Sulu nodded and swallowed. “Thank you, Captain. And I’m sorry I scared everyone. If I’m excused, I think I need to go throw up.”

Kirk smiled faintly. “You’re excused.”

Sulu left the observation deck and Jim walked to the view, looking out at the stars. Only seconds later, he sensed his first officer coming up behind him.

“You didn’t go to our quarters.”

“He had a sword.”

Kirk chuckled. “He was not threat.”

Spock shrugged. “There is no sense taking chances.”

His smile slipped and he pulled Spock into a hug. “Yeah, I know. I know.”

They all missed Chekov and Kirk wasn’t sure things would ever go back to the way it was before. But they would survive and thrive again.

But the Enterprise was all many of them knew. Their quarters was their home.

“Come on, babe, let’s go home.”

Flash Fic, March 23, 2022

“Oh good you’re awake.”

Leonard frowned and gazed up at his best friend as he rested on the biobed. “Isn’t that my line?”

“Usually. Listen, M’Benga says you’re going to be just fine, but you gotta rest for a couple of days. You took a nasty spill,” Jim told him.

“Rest? A couple of days? I don’t have time for that!”

“Now, Bones, calm down.” Jim patted his head. “I’m going to tell you what you always tell me and Spock.”

“You two are a couple of idiots. That’s different.”

“Uh-huh. Dr. M’Benga is a medical professional who knows exactly what he’s doing. Now be a good patient and rest like you’re told.”

“I feel fine,” Leonard grumbled.

“I’m sure. But you’re still resting in here for two days.” Jim paused dramatically. He was always dramatic as far as Leonard could tell. “Captain’s orders.”

“So, you’re gonna pull rank on me huh?”

“Yep.”

Leonard frowned. “You look far too happy about that. Where’s the hobgoblin?”

“Bones.”

“Fine, where’s Spock?”

“On the bridge taking command while I fret over you.”

“You? Fret over little old me?”

Jim smiled and leaned down to kiss his forehead. Leonard snorted.

“Yes, I worry. I told you, you took a bad spill. Conked your skull. Got yourself a concussion. All that to get out of work.”

Leonard yawned. “I am a bit tired. It might be good to rest.”

“Of course it is.”

“It’s a full-time job looking after you two lug heads.” Leonard sighed. “How’s that going anyway?”

“Me and the other lug head are doing just great.” Jim straightened and stepped away from the biobed. “Go to sleep. I’ll come by to check on you later.”

“You’re enjoying this far too much,” Leonard grumbled.

“Not a chance. Go to sleep. I’m going to go captain.” Leonard sighed, grumbled again, and closed his eyes.   

Flash Fic, March 21, 2022

Since both Primes birthdays are this week (22 and 26) I give you OMS

“Where shall we go for our vacation?”

It was the third time his husband, Jim, had asked him the question, and though in all truthfulness Spock had no particular preference, he supposed he was going to be required to pick a destination.

Still, Spock decided to try one more deflection.

“I do not care. You choose.”

Jim leaned back in his chair and eyed Spock over the rim of his coffee mug.

Jim had made the mug himself; it was one of the many hobbies he had attempted to pick up since he retired from Starfleet. He’s purchased all the equipment and supplied to make his own ceramics.

It had not gone particularly well, and Jim eventually grew bored with it. The kiln had sat unused in the basement of the farmhouse for months before Spock finally took the initiative to sell it.   

All the was left of Jim’s many attempts were the rather blah gray mug he used for his coffee and a bud vase that resembled an erect penis. Spock had hidden it away.

“Vulcan?”

“I have no particular need to go there at present,” Spock replied. “My parents were here on Earth not long ago and we saw them then.“

“You’re not homesick? To see the planet, I mean?”

Spock shrugged. “No.”

“We could go camping again.”

Spock barely refrained from showing a wince. “If that is your wish.”

Jim sighed. “It’s not my wish, Spock. This is your vacation too.”

Spock pursed his lips but did not respond.

“What?”

“It is just that we have been busy and running around for months, lately, years, if you think about it, and only recently have had the opportunity to return here to spend any period of time. I haven’t even been able to fully tend to my garden yet.”

Jim frowned. “Wait, are you saying you don’t want to go anywhere? You want to spend our vacation at home?”

“At one time it was called a ‘staycation’,” Spock explained. “I know that you wish to go somewhere exotic but—”

“No, no.” Jim put down his mug. “If you really want to stay here on the farmhouse, I’m good with it.”

“Are you certain?”

Jim smiled faintly. “Yeah. As long as you don’t mind me helping you with your garden. And putzing around the kitchen making bread.”

“Bread?”

“I got a new bread machine. You can help me.”

Spock nodded. “If you are sure.”

“Sure, sure. I just thought maybe we deserved a relaxing spa vacation or something. But if you want to stay here for a while, just the two of us, how can I refuse?”

“Thank you. I will be rising at five tomorrow.”

“In the morning?”

Spock’s lips twitched. “Yes, but you can join me in the garden later when you get up.”

“Whew.  Glad to hear it. I’ve had enough getting up early to last me a lifetime.”

Spock picked up his tea and took a long sip.

“I should have made you a teacup. You know when I was doing my ceramics.”

Spock nodded. “It is all right. It would have been nice but—”

“I could take it up again and—”

“I sold your equipment.”

Jim deflated.

Spock sighed. “I suppose we could purchase new.”

“Orrrrrr…I have been thinking of taking up painting. A nude of you would be—”

“No.”

Jim might be bored, occasionally, during their retirement, but with a husband like Jim, Spock was not.

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