Flash Fic

Flash Fic Friday, February 21, 2025

Spock watched from a distance as his captain embraced a young woman he’d just greeted on Yorktown. His stomach churned a bit when their foreheads touched as they gazed into each other’s eyes.

His relationship with Jim was new. But Spock had thought…

“Spock, what are you–?” McCoy had come up to stand beside him. He saw where Spock was looking. “Ah.”

Spock stiffened. “Doctor.”

McCoy sighed. “Do you know who that is?”

“No,” Spock admitted. “Obviously someone the captain is intimately involved with.”

“Mm. But not in the way you think.” He put his hand briefly on Spock’s shoulder. “You should ask him about it, Spock. Don’t just assume.”

And with that, McCoy departed, leaving Spock to continue to watch Jim’s interaction with the young woman. After a moment, she hugged him again, kissed his cheek, and moved away into the crowd.

It was then that Jim turned and spotted Spock. He smiled and headed in Spock’s direction.

“I didn’t see you there,” Jim said.

“My appearance in the area is coincidental. I was on my way to pick up a package sent by my father.”

Jim gave him a quizzical smile. “You sound a bit defensive.”

Spock shrugged slightly. “I did not wish for you to believe I was following you to witness an illicit meeting.”

At that, to Spock’s surprise, Jim laughed. “Illicit meeting? Is that what you think?”

“I…thought perhaps.”

Jim shook his head. “I told you I love you. Don’t you believe me?”

“I do,” Spock replied. “But not everyone believes in monogamy even when feelings are engaged.”

“You do.”

“Yes.”

“So if I didn’t, why would I get involved with you?”

“I…” Spock pursed is lips. “Who is she?”

“I told you I was on Tarsus IV,” Jim said softly, his mood turning serious.

“Yes.”

“May was too. She was five at the time. I had to watch over her. Over a lot of them actually.”

“You were young yourself.”

“Mm. But they were younger, you know? And the adults near us were gone. So…anyway. After surviving that, together, you have a little bit of a connection. So when she knew she was going to be on Yorktown, she wanted to meet. We’re having dinner tonight. Want to come?”

“I do not wish to intrude.”

“You aren’t. I’d love for her to meet you.”

Spock took Jim’s hand in his and though he felt foolish and awkward, out of his element, he also knew he could not love this Human more. “I would enjoy that too.”

Jim smiled, squeezed Spock’s hand and turned to walk. “Let’s go get your package.”

February 21, 2025

Flash Fic, Valentine’s Day

Jim had just stuck his spoon into dark red colored gelatin when a Vulcan came hurrying in. If he were not Vulcan, Jim would have said he ran. But that was completely undignified.

The Vulcan, Spock, stopped short when he saw all the red and pink carnations and roses surrounding Jim’s hospital bed. The frown was slight but noticeable.

“Hi.” Jim smiled, even though he felt like crap. But seeing Spock put the first smile on his face since he got there. “You didn’t smuggle me in a hamburger, did you?”

“He better not have,” Nurse Ratched screeched. Okay, her name was Palmer but close enough. She glared at what Spock held clutched in his hands. A big heart shaped box of chocolates. “He can’t have those either.” She snatched the box away.

“Hey!”

She shook her head without sympathy. “I’ll hold it for you until you can have it. Hopefully there will be some left but no guarantee.” She eyed Spock again. “You his boy?”

Spock sniffed. “I am a Vulcan.”

“His boy Vulcan then.”

Jim cleared his throat, about to tell Ratched Spock was just a friend, but instead Spock said, “I am.”

Jim blinked.

“Well, then how is it he got in a bar fight that gave him a broken arm, ribs and a concussion?”

“Obviously I was not there.”

“Humph. You get ten minutes and then out for the night. He needs his rest.”

She departed and Spock moved closer.

“You have many admirers.”

“What?’

Spock gestured to the flowers.

“Oh. Yeah. Just. I don’t know. Valentine’s Day.” Jim sighed. “You got me chocolates?’

“Milk chocolate butter toffee.”

“Oh my God. And I’m stuck eating this.”

“If there is none left, I will get more for you.”

“Yeah?”

“Of course. How do you feel?”

“Pretty bad, honestly. Thanks to that stupid fight I’m missing out on a date with you. Uh, I mean, dinner. Dinner. You know, not a date or anything.” He was beet red he was sure.

“It was meant to be a date,” Spock said softly. “What caused the fight?”

“Some assholes shooting their mouths off about my family.” Jim shook his head. “I need to let it just slide off my back.”

“But you have a temper.”

“A little. I’m sorry.”

“I am sorry you are feeling badly. But I assure you when you are released, we will still have out date.”

“We will?”

“Apparently I have not made my intentions clear enough.”

“Clear enough?”

“I am not going anywhere, Jim. And my interest is serious.” Spock paused. “Do you think I buy milk chocolate toffee for anyone?”

Jim laughed softly. “Probably not. I really want to kiss you.”

Spock leaned in and gave him a chaste kiss.

“That’s it?” Jim complained.

“There will be many more when you have recovered.” Spock touched two fingers to Jim’s, then sort of wrapped them around each other. “In the meantime, there is this.”

Jim smiled. “That’s nice.”

“All right. Out now.” Nurse Ratched came back in shooing Spock away. “Come back in the morning. He’ll be released then.”

“Very well.”

Spock headed to the door to exit.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Spock.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Jim.”

PS. I think I may go back to regular Flash Fic Fridays

February 14, 2025

Flash Fic, February 06, 2024

This is deliberately vaguish

“Truth or dare.”

Jim smiled at Sulu who had been chosen by the group of bridge officers to ask the questions.

It had been a boring few weeks and to unwind and have something to do, they’d chosen to play games in the rec room off shift. Yesterday they had played scrabble and of course Spock had won.

“Truth.”

“What’s the most unusual place you’ve had sex?”

“First question and we’re down and dirty,” Uhura commented with a snort.

Jim glanced at Spock, who arched a brow at him.

“Like Cincinnati or a closet?”

Chekov laughed.

“You pick since you’re answering the question,” Sulu said.

“A Jeffries Tube.”

“On the Enterprise?” Scotty exclaimed.

“Er,” Jim said evasively and shrugged his shoulders.

Sulu merely shook his head and set the card aside. He picked out another and turned to Spock.

“Truth or dare, Commander.”

“I always choose truth,” Spock replied with enough frost in his tone to chill the room.

Admittedly he had thrown something akin to a Vulcan fit when they’d chosen this particular game. He was not a fan and did not approve.

“Have you ever called out someone else’s name during sex?”

“Geez,” Bones drawled. “Let me guess. Jim picked out these questions.”

“Did not.”

Sulu ignored them. “Commander?”

“I will not answer that.”

“But you chose Truth.”

“I do not care.”

“Spock,” Jim said in a low voice.

“Do you choose Dare then?” Sulu asked.

“Lieutenant,” Chekov addressed Uhura. “You answer for him, since you vould know.”

She shook her head and crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Nope. Not going there.”

“That tells me that he did,” Bones chortled.

“Bones.”

His friend stuck his tongue out at Jim, who barely refrained from laughing. But he was captain, he should be above all this.

“I do not choose Truth or Dare as I am not participating,” Spock said even more coldly than before.

“Now, Spock, you agreed to play,” Jim reminded him.

That earned him a death glare. Jim cleared his throat.

“Consequence then,” he told them. “The rules say if they won’t do either, then it’s consequence.”

‘Okay,” Sulu agreed. “Let me think what the consequence is.”

Spock aimed his death glare at the pilot.

“Well, as captain, I think his consequence is that Spock has to bring Sulu his morning coffee for the next three days.”

“That’s it?” Sulu protested.

Jim gave him a quelling captain’s look and Sulu shrunk down in his chair.

“Fine, yeah. That’s your consequence, Commander.” Sulu turned to Uhura. “Truth or Dare?’

“Truth.”

Sulu smirked. “When you were together did Spock ever say someone else’s name during sex?”

“Okay, that’s it,” Jim declared. “Game over.”

“Captain—”

Jim arched both brows at Sulu.

Sulu deflated. “Yes, Captain.”

“Time to break this up and everyone get a goodnight’s sleep. That’s an order.”

Jim decided it was best to put some space between him and his grumpy first officer so he exited the rec room with Bones.

“Well, that sucked,” Bones told him. “That was just getting interesting.”

“What it was was awkward. I don’t want Spock to be uncomfortable and report me for a harassing environment, Bones.”

“Like he would.”

Jim shrugged. “It was not fun for him and so it had to end.”

“Yeah, yeah, you always play favorites.” Bones squeezed Jim’s shoulder. “Goodnight. And good luck.”

Jim laughed. “See you, Bones.”

Just then he spotted Spock coming down the corridor towards his quarters, so Jim quickly turned and accessed his own, entering and closing the door just in time. He leaned against the door and sighed at his escape.

His door chimed.

“Damn. Computer, identify visitor.”

“Commander Spock.”

Jim sighed and pressed the button to let him in.

February 6, 2025

Flash Fic, January 28, 2025

Finally, right?

Spock bristled as they entered the drinking establishment Kirk had insisted they go to after their somewhat disastrous afternoon at a museum Spock invited his captain to attend with him while they were on shore leave.

Kirk had been in a bad mood most of the day and Spock felt drinking would hardly help the situation.

“That was like the worst place ever,” Kirk grumbled as he approached the bar.

Spock was losing patience with his complaints.

“You did not have to attend with me. It was your choice.”

“Believe me, I regret it. Mazebelian Cocktail, please,” Kirk said to the bartender.

“That has three different kinds of hard liquor,” Spock pointed out.

“Trust me, I need it.” His captain downed the drink in three quick gulps. He signaled for another. “I’m never letting you pick where we go again.”

Jaw muscle clenched tight, Spock snapped, “There will be no further invitations from me.”

Kirk looked past Spock to a blonde woman at the end of the bar who was giving him the eye. “Great. So I can avoid being bored to tears.”

He finished his second drink, slammed credits on the bar and headed over to the blonde woman. After a few minutes of conversation, during which she put her hand on his arm, they headed out of the bar and, presumably to Kirk’s hotel room.

“Want anything, pal?” the bartended asked, scooping up the captain’s credits.

“Thank you, no.” Spock turned to leave when he noticed Kirk’s small personal PADD left on the barstool next to where Kirk had sat. Spock picked it up and found that it was open to an email.

I regret to inform you that our investigation has found that your brother, George Samuel Kirk, was shot and killed fifteen years ago on the planet, Altoos.

Spock took the PADD with him and left the bar.

***

In the morning, Spock knocked on his captain’s hotel room door. He only hoped that the blonde woman had already left.

Kirk opened the door dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, looking freshly showered. “Spock. Come in.”

Spock did and was relieved to see that the hotel room seemed empty besides Kirk.

Kirk closed the door and turned back to Spock. “I wanted to say I’m sorry for yesterday. It was not a good day.”

“I also wish to apologize.”

“You? What for?”

Spock held up Kirk’s PADD. “I…may have seen personal information you would not want me to see.”

Kirk smiled slightly and took the PADD. “No, it’s all right. I would have probably told you about it eventually.”

“You were looking for your brother?”

“Yeah. Mom and I wanted to find him. I guess we did.” He sighed.

“I grieve with thee,” Spock said, quietly.

“Thanks.” Kirk blew out a breath. “So, anyway, I know I was being a shit yesterday. You didn’t deserve that.”

“Your…companion has departed?”

“My companion? Oh. No. I mean, that didn’t…I didn’t spend the night with her, Spock. I sent her away. We didn’t hook up.”

“Oh.” Spock thought about it. “I thought when you left together…”

Kirk nodded. “I wanted you to think that. But…no. I know that maybe something between the two of us may never happen, probably won’t really, but I don’t want even the slightest chance to be ruined because I hooked up with some random somebody.”

Spock frowned. “Why?”

“Why?” Kirk laughed at that. “I might as well tell you the truth. I’m totally in love with you and have been for…a long time…I don’t really need to go into how long. I figured you had to know by now. Anyway, I know you don’t feel the same way, but as illogical as it probably is, some part of me is holding out hope that someday—”

Spock pushed him against the wall and started kissing him. Hard.

Kirk tore his mouth away. “Spock, what—”

“You talk too much, Jim.” And he kissed the words away until Kirk had his arms around Spock’s neck and he was practically crawling up Spock’s body.

But then…

“Wait!”

“What for?” Spock demanded.

“We’re meeting the others for breakfast this morning,” Kirk reminded him.

Spock shoved an available hand into his front pocket, which wasn’t easy as he was unwilling to put space between them and removed his communicator.

“Spock?” Uhura responded almost immediately. “Where are you and the captain? We’re waiting.”

“I am afraid some business has come up and we are going to be thirty minutes—”

Kirk shook his head.

“An hour late.”

Kirk smiled his approval and pulled Spock back into the kiss.

“An hour? What are we supposed to do for an hour?”

Spock sighed. “Have a mimosa or a bloody mary. Spock out.”

And then he hiked up Kirk until his legs were wrapped around Spock’s waist and he carried him to the bed.

“Might be ninety minutes,” Kirk murmured.

“Might be lunch.”

January 28, 2025

Flash Fic, January 15, 2025

“God, I’m tired. That mission was a bitch.” Jim yawned as he stepped away from the biobed where Scotty was unconscious. Bones had said he would be okay.

Bones followed him to the doors exiting the medbay.

“You should get some rest. You look like you’ve been kicked one too many times.”

“Nothing serious, though, right?”

Bones nodded. “Nothing broken. Just a few contusions. Surprised Spock didn’t protect you from damage.”

“Nah, Uhura was there, he was more concerned over her. I had security.”

They stepped out into the corridor.

“You and me? Drinks?” Jim suggested.

Bones glanced past him. “Nah, I have patients. And looks like maybe someone’s waiting for you.”

Jim turned around and sure enough standing a few feet away stood Spock, hands clenched behind his back.

“Oh. Hi. Something you wanted, Spock?”

“Indeed. Come with me, Captain.”

Jim went to say something to Bones but his friend had already disappeared back into the medbay.

Jim walked over to Spock. “What’s up?”

“I’m escorting you to your quarters.”

“I should be going to the bridge.”

“Lieutenant Sulu has it under control for now and you require rest.”

He sighed. “Can’t really argue with you. Too tired.”

When they reached his quarters, Jim expected Spock to say goodbye there but to his surprise, Spock entered with him.

“Still something on your mind?” Jim asked, confused. “How’s Uhura?”

“She is fine, she suffered no injuries.”

Jim nodded. “That’s good.” He waited expectantly.

“I am going to make sure you actually get into bed to rest,” Spock explained, patiently.

Jim laughed. “Oh, come on. Why?”

Spock sighed. It was unusual, so yeah, Jim gaped a bit.

“You really are clueless.”

“What?”

“I am not romantically interested in Nyota.”

“Uh. No?”

“I am romantically interested in you.”

Jim stared at him. Spock stared back.

“I would appreciate a response,” Spock finally said.

Jim blinked. “I think I’d better go to bed.”

Spock arched a brow.

To Jim’s embarrassment, Spock helped him undress and put on his pajamas, and then helped him get into bed and pulled up the covers.

When Spock turned to leave, Jim reached for his hand, grabbed and held it.

“Can you stay? I mean, you said Sulu—”

Spock sat on the edge of Jim’s bed and squeezed Jim’s hand. “I will stay.”

January 15, 2025

Flash Fic, January 13, 2025

Time for a January flash. I’m not a fan of the “aliens made them do it” trope, but eh this one came to me.

Jim glanced at his first officer’s profile as they stood next to each other in the turbolift.

The atmosphere in the lift was artic.

“Are we going to talk about it?”

“Talk about what?”

Gritting his teeth, Jim stepped forward, beyond Spock and pulled the lever to stop the lift.

“You know what!”

“Captain—”

“Oh my God. Less than twelve hours ago we were—”

“I would rather not discuss it, sir.”

Jim clamped his mouth shut. He should let it go. Maybe. But he wasn’t going to.

He moved to stand directly in front of Spock. He crossed his arms in front of his chest so he wouldn’t look as vulnerable as he felt.

“Look. None of this was your fault. Or mine. Those bastards on the planet, they were responsible. And as far as I’m concerned after this we don’t have to talk about it again. But I know you probably feel bad about Uhura so…”

“Lieutenant Uhura and I are no longer engaged in a relationship.”

Jim frowned. Did he know that?

“Um. Yeah? How long ago?”

Spock’s expression was frosty. “Two months ago.”

“Oh.” Jim nodded, feeling disoriented. “Still she probably would be, um, bothered.”

“There is no reason she would be.”

“Well, okay. You know her better than me. Anyway, Spock, I just wanted to acknowledge that you might be feeling guilty or something, and you shouldn’t.”

“I was not forced to do anything I did not want to do.”

Jim snorted. “That’s a lie. Aren’t Vulcans supposed to be truthful?”

Spock gave him a look. “I did not speak falsely. I was indeed forced.”

“But—”

“However, it was something I wanted to do,” Spock said. “Not under those circumstances, of course.”

Jim opened his mouth, closed it, opened it. Stared at Spock’s raised eyebrow.

There was only one thing to do now, he decided.

He pushed Spock against the bulkhead and fused their lips together, threading his fingers in Spock’s silky dark hair while he was at it.

Jim was delighted when Spock kissed him back.

The boatswain’s whistle sounded in the turbolift.

“Security to Captain Kirk. The turbolift you’re riding in has been stopped for several minutes, Captain. Do you need assistance? Repeat—”

Jim sighed against Spock’s mouth but when he went to pull away, Spock drew him back, kissing him fiercely.

“Captain Kirk? Sir?”

He rolled his eyes, kissed Spock’s nose and went to the intercom.

“Kirk here.”

“Giotto, Captain. Has your turbolift malfunctioned?”

“No. I mean, yeah, for a second, but it’s okay now. Everything’s fine. Kirk out.” He restarted the lift. Glanced at Spock. “My quarters or yours?”

“We are still on duty.”

“Damn.” Jim grimaced. “Tonight then?”

The turbolift doors opened on a deck and standing outside of it was Sulu and Uhura.

Jim smiled and got out as they got in. Spock didn’t move. “I look forward to it,” Spock said as the doors closed once more.

January 13, 2025

Flash Fic, December 30, 2024

Here’s my New Year’s Eve Flash (a few hours early)

“Here you are. I wondered where you’d gotten off to after the ball dropped.”

Jim smiled faintly. Another year past. This one spent temporarily based on Yorktown while the Enterprise was rebuilt after being pretty much destroyed on Altamid.

Delay after delay in the Enterprise being finished had Jim feeling pretty down as the Yorktown grand parties went on all around him. Like Bones said, he had snuck off to get away after the ball drop at midnight. Yorktown time. He didn’t want to think too hard on what time it was in Riverside where his mom had been spending the holiday season with Sam, his wife, and their son.

Jim wanted to be there, but Starfleet said no. And here he was.

He turned to Bones with false cheer. “Just needed to clear my head after all that champagne and celebratory kisses.”

“Mm. Your birthday’s in a few days again.”

“Let’s not go there. Not this year.”

“You sure you don’t want another party?” Bones moved to stand next to him at the railing that overlooked one of Yorktown’s many gardens.

“Positive. Last year we at least could be happy we defeated Krall and saved Yorktown from his nefarious plans. This year? We’re stuck here waiting forever for the Enterprise to be finished.”

“Scotty says he thinks it will be done and ready for the shakedown by the end of January. For real this time.”

Jim nodded. “He told me. And I hope it’s true. I’m sick to death of being here. It’s funny, I was feeling…I don’t know…almost claustrophobic on the Enterprise before all that. Now this place is driving me nuts.”

“And yet you thought you would be happy here.”

He shook his head. “Not happy, exactly. Content? Having something different? I don’t know. But I’m ready to leave.”

“Me too, honestly,” Bones admitted. “I’m sorry Komack said no to your family time.”

“He’s never liked me. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but yeah, I was disappointed. I haven’t seen Sam in years. And it would have been nice to…” He shrugged. “Whatever.”

Bones glanced toward the doors leading out to where they stood. “Spock’s coming. I’ll see you inside.”

“Thanks, Bones.”

A moment later, Spock took over the spot beside him that Bones had vacated.

“I didn’t mean for you to leave the party,” Jim said, softly.

“It is no great hardship.”

“I saw you talking with your dad.”

“Yes, but when I left he was talking with several other ambassadors. He did not require my presence.” Spock paused. “But you did.”

“I’m sure Uhura would like to spend some time with you.”

Spock sighed, softly and almost like a slight breeze. “Why do you deny yourself comfort when it is offered?”

“I don’t want to be a burden, Spock.”

“You are not a burden. You are my…boyfriend… to use an Earth term.”

“Not for long.”

Spock frowned. “Are you intending to end our relationship?”

Jim huffed a laugh and turned to him. He pulled him in for a quick but passionate kiss. “That’s not what I meant. I meant we haven’t been boyfriends for long.”

“Ah. The amount of time does not correspond to any lack of depth of feeling nor my desire to assist you out of this funk.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I’m just feeling sorry for myself.”

“You are sad because your holiday leave was denied. I do not think that is unusual or unwarranted.”

“I really wanted us to go to Riverside so I could introduce you to all of them.”

“There will be other opportunities, ashayam.”

“With all of us at once? I hope so, but every year something changes. Mom’s disappointment when I had to tell her was…it was hard.”

“I understand,” Spock said quietly. “Your disappointment was equally distressing for me.”

Jim walked into Spock’s arms, and Spock closed them in a tight embrace.

“I’m sorry. I should be happy to have you here with me. And that your dad is here for you.”

“Ashayam, there is nothing wrong with missing your family and being sad that your plans did not work out. You can also be glad I am with you. And we can find pleasure in spending time with my father.” Spock squeezed him. “And be anxious to resume command of the Enterprise.”

Jim chuckled against him. “I’m definitely tired of Yorktown.” He pulled back slightly to look at Spock. “But it’s here that we became what we are now.”

Spock’s lips curved. “That would have happened elsewhere, too. It was time for us both to stop denying what we felt.”

“Mm. That’s very logical of you, Mister Spock.”

“I tend to be that way.”

Jim laughed, kissed him, and squeezed him tight. “Let’s go back inside and find your dad. Maybe Bones, me, you and your dad can do a resounding version of Auld Lang Syne.”

“Let us hope not.”

Jim grinned. “I love you.”

And after Spock responded in Vulcan, “Taluhk Nash-veh K’dular”, they went inside.

December 30, 2024

Flash Fic, December 23, 2024

Here is the full flash

Ten years earlier…

“Don’t walk away from me in the middle of this!” Jim shouted. He was furious. He couldn’t remember when he was this angry.

Spock took a step back and shook his head. “I require meditation.”

“Meditation? Are you fucking kidding me? Right now?”

His eyes were impossibly dark. “I require meditation at this exact moment so that I do not give into the desire to strangle you.”

Jim gasped. “Are we really fucking back to that? Just try it, mister, and I’ll have you court martialed before you can say Kobayashi Maru!”

Bones stepped in and put his hand on Jim’s arm. “Jim, take a deep breath. Calm down.”

Jim felt enraged. “I don’t want to fucking calm down, Bones. I’m done.”

“Jim—”

“Nope. Fuck you, Spock. You can go straight to hell.”

And with that he stormed off and away.

Ten years later…

“It was great having dinner with you, Captain. I mean admiral,” Sulu quickly corrected himself. He glanced at his husband and now young adult daughter, Demora. “We all enjoyed it.”

Jim smiled. “Jim will do. It was great for me too. I can’t believe you’re entering the Academy, Demora.”

She blushed a little. “Yes, sir. I hope to be a pilot like Dad.”

Jim winked. “You have lofty aspirations, but I have no doubt you’ll succeed.”

They stepped outside of the restaurant and on to the San Francisco street. It was a little cool, so Jim pulled his coat around him.

“You want us to give you a lift to your apartment?” Sulu asked.

“No, that’s all right. I don’t mind the walk and it’s not that far.”

Sulu hesitated but then nodded. “You ever hear from Spock, sir?”

“Spock? No. We don’t keep in touch.”

“I just thought…never mind. I guess he’s probably on New Vulcan.”

“Maybe so.”

Ben spoke up then. “If you aren’t doing anything for Christmas, Jim, we’d love to have you over to our place. I make a great turkey.”

Jim shook his head. “Actually, I’m meeting Bones in Aspen, Colorado. I leave in a couple of days.”

“Oh.” Sulu’s expression brightened. “That’s good. Give Leonard our best.”

“I will.”

He gave Demora a quick hug, and then her parents too. “Merry Christmas.”

Then despite their offer again of a ride, Jim continued on his way.

****

After Jim stopped at the check-in desk at the Aspen resort to be told that his room wasn’t quite ready yet, he asked about Bones.

“I’m supposed to be meeting Leonard McCoy here. Has he arrived?”

The desk clerk smiled. “There is someone waiting for you out those double doors on the patio. We have heat lamps out there and you can order drinks.’

“Great, thank you.”

It was cold out but the only snow at the moment was already on the ground, so he felt going outside with heat lamps would be just fine. The place was supposed to have an indoor bar too so if it got too cold, he and Bones could move inside.

The double doors opened automatically at his approach, and Jim stepped outside. It was late afternoon so much of the patio had started to be in shadows, but then Jim spotted him, and his heart nearly stopped.

As though in a dream he walked over.

“Spock?”

Spock stood and looked as startled as Jim felt. “Jim?”

He didn’t to look around to know Bones wasn’t there.

“Sit down.”

And Jim pulled out the seat across from Spock, which was just under a heat lamp. In front of Spock was what looked apple cider and in front of Jim was a hot buttered rum.

Spock returned to his seat. “What are you doing here?”

“I had plans to meet Bones.” Jim paused. “And you?”

“Nyota,” Spock said softly. “I was even told to order that drink.”

Jim’s heart rate went somewhat back to normal. “I think we’ve been had.”

“I would agree.”

Jim picked up the drink and took a sip as he surveyed Spock. It was as though ten years hadn’t passed for the Vulcan. He looked just the same. And Jim knew that wasn’t true for him. He had more wrinkles and more gray hair.

He swallowed his pride. It was a tough thing.

“I miss you. All the time. Every day.”

When Spock didn’t reply, Jim chanced a look at the other man and saw that Spock had his eyes closed and wore a pained expression. As Jim observed him, Spock opened his eyes and there was unmistakable pain there.

“It has never been the same without you. I miss you.”

Jim took a chance and put his hand out toward Spock, who grasped and held it.

“Have we wasted these ten years, Spock?”

“Yes.”

Jim laughed, a miserable laugh. “No one has been you. Believe me I’ve tried.”

Spock nodded. “I have not tried.”

“Not once?” Jim asked, surprised.

“Never. You were the only one for me then and still.”

“Oh, God. Spock, I’m so so sorry.”

“It is I who owe the apology.”

“No. It was me. You know what? Let’s not do that. How the fight started or who was wrong or right, does it matter? God, just seeing you…I don’t know why I’ve stayed so fucking stubborn all this time.”

“Sirs?” A waitress stopped by their table. She handed Jim a red envelope. “I was told to give this to you.”

Then she walked away and Jim slid it open. There was a holiday card with a note inside.

“Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Happy New Year. By now you must know we’re not coming and we set this up for you two lugheads to get back together. You should never have been apart let alone for this long. We booked you two into the honeymoon suite from now until the end of the year. Don’t waste this opportunity.”

Jim put the note down. “Well. Lugheads. That was Bones.”

“Most certainly. And Nyota would be responsible for the honeymoon suite.”

Jim took another sip of the hot buttered rum. “It would be stupid not to take advantage of this opportunity.”

“Agreed.”

“The note even says so.” Jim looked at Spock. “Do you-do you want to?”

“More than anything,” Spock whispered. “These last ten years…not to be dramatic or illogical…have been torture.”

Jim frowned. “Wait. Pon Farr?”

“Since I had no bond, I did not experience it,” Spock admitted. “You and I never completed a bond and the one I had with T’Pring was severed upon her death in the destruction of Vulcan.”

“I…I’m glad you didn’t have to find a way to survive that.”

“It ended up being a fortunate thing we had not bonded prior to our estrangement.”

“Yeah, fortunate,” Jim whispered. He released Spock’s hand, stood and went to stand before Spock. “I really want to touch you now.”

Spock stood also and pulled Jim into his arms. They held each other very close and very tight for a long time.

“I love you,” Jim said softly.

“I love you,” Spock returned.

Snow began to fall in that moment which made Jim shiver in Spock’s arms.

The double doors opened.

“Gentlemen? Your room is ready.”

Jim laughed against Spock’s neck, pulled back and kissed him deeply. It was like coming home. “Shall we?”

“Yes.”

And with their arms wrapped around each other they entered the resort to go to the honeymoon suite.

May the holiday season warm you. Happy Holidays!

December 23, 2024

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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