Spock was sitting at the dining room table in Winona Kirk’s home in Riverside, Iowa, working on his PADD.
Captain Kirk and his mother were outside, apparently surveying her yard and crops.
“To see if it’s Harvest time”.
They were there, visiting in October. It was a temporary leave and they were nearer Earth than New Vulcan, so there was not enough time to visit Spock’s father.
He and Nyota had ended their romantic relationship for good and so Spock was not going to be spending their short leave with Nyota.
So he had gone along with Captain Kirk.
Spock had been glad that Doctor McCoy had gone to Georgia rather than come with them. Spock was looking forward to spending more time with Kirk because Spock hoped, at the end of this leave, to be able to announce his intention to court his captain.
If he could do so before, he would, but with Jim’s mom there, well, Spock hesitated. He did not begrudge Jim having this visit with his mom. He was aware Jim did not spend nearly as much time bonding with his mother as he would like, and though Spock was somewhat anxious to reveal his intentions, he would wait for the right time.
He heard Jim and his mother talking a mile a minute just before the back door opened and they came inside.
“Gonna be cold tonight,” Jim announced.
“Oh?”
“Sure will,” Winona agreed. “I’ll put some soup on. Why don’t you go up and stake out your rooms?”
“Yeah.” Jim smiled. “Come on. Let’s get settled, and I’ll get you some warmer blankets and stuff.”
Spock rose and went up the stairs with Jim.
He could tell Jim’s mom was thrilled to have them visit and Jim seemed happy too, so that satisfied Spock for the moment.
“Was it Harvest?” he asked politely.
Jim laughed. “Yeah. But Mom just has a small bit. Hardly anything. She can’t handle rows and rows of stuff. I’ll help her tomorrow.”
He stopped and walked into a bedroom. “This was Sam’s. Mom put on fresh sheets and cleaned it. But with the temperature drop, I think we’d better get you some warmer stuff. I don’t want to make you miserable.”
Jim’s sunny smile warmed him in ways the blanket would not, and Spock wanted to say so but it seemed so fanciful.
But Jim’s expression had turned quizzical. “Something on your mind, Spock?”
He didn’t want to lie so he hesitantly said, “Yes. But it can wait.”
“No. Go ahead. Tell me what’s up.”
“Captain—”
“Jim.” He grinned. “You can’t call me captain in my old house.”
Spock had no clue why not but decided to argue was pointless. And the topic was rather irrelevant to what he wanted to say.
“Spock.” Jim moved closer, it seemed, and his blue eyes got softer still.
Somehow it made Spock bolder, more confident.
“I wished to come along to convey my interest in changing the parameters of our relationship.”
Jim stared intently at him. “You want to leave the Enterprise?”
Alarmed, Spock shook his head. “No. I…”
Jim leaned closer still. “I know. I’m joking. I want to change those parameters too.”
Spock gave him a look. “Jim.”
He laughed. Put his lips on Spock’s who returned the kiss eagerly.
“Um. With my mom though. You probably ought to keep to this bedroom.” He laughed again. “Damn.”
Jim had just finished putting out the pumpkins and gourds all around his quarters and had a bag of artificial leaves to scatter around when there was someone at his door.
He was not expecting anyone, but he was captain so he could hardly ignore whoever it was.
“Yeah. Enter.”
And he was surprised to see Spock step inside.
“Oh. Hey.” Jim paused, thinking about the possibility he had forgotten some plan. “Were we supposed to play chess tonight?”
“There was no specific plan,” Spock assured him. “But I did think to ask if you were interested in a game.”
The Vulcan’s gaze darted to what Jim had clutched in his hands.
Jim felt himself blush. “I…I was decorating. For um. You know, fall.”
Spock’s brows furrowed. “There is no change of seasons in space on the Enterprise.”
“Yeah. I know. I just…” Jim shook his head. “Never mind. Aren’t you doing something with Uhura?”
“Jim, Nyota and I are not together.”
“Uh. I thought you…I mean yeah I heard you broke up, but I figured you’d get back together. Like you always do.”
“We are not. We care for each other, but we are not resuming our romantic relationship.”
Jim hugged himself, feeling weirdly vulnerable. Realizing he was still holding the leaves, he set them down on his desk. “I had planned on carving a pumpkin too.”
“Carving a pumpkin?”
“Back home it’s October. I got a message from my Mom and we were talking about the seasons and I got a little homesick. I replicated all this. I was going to make a Jack-o-Lantern. And maybe some pumpkin pie. Stuff like that. But sure, if you want to play chess, that’s cool.”
“I would like to spend the evening with you in any capacity. I am amenable to assisting you with your décor.”
“With me?”
Spock visibly deflated. “I had hoped…it is nothing.”
Something occurred to Jim then.
“Wait. You…you’re not going to resume a romantic relationship with Uhura and you’re…Spock. Are you?”
Spock sighed. “Yes.”
Jim allowed a smile to play on his lips. “Bones is right.”
“About?”
“My thick skull.”
He opened his arms and moved toward Spock. “Yes, I’d love for you to stay.”
Photo by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist on Pexels.com
Once more we visit these two from Who Does Spock Wake Up With/Hospital
Jim sits at a table at a teashop with Spock and his friends. He has stopped paying attention to whatever it is they talk about because over the few weeks of their relationship, Jim is aware Spock’s friends dismiss him as though he is nothing. Pretty much a passing phase for Spock.
Or so they all seem to believe.
Two of them are also Vulcan, a male and female, who Jim knows are a bonded pair. They have made references to Spock bonding someday to a mate, and they barely spare Jim a glance when they do, most often alluding to the fact Spock will bond with a Vulcan.
The other one is Uhura, who, apparently, since she could not consider Spock her boyfriend any longer, has decided to insert herself in his intellectual group of friends who meet weekly over tea as they are now.
Every one of them, including Uhura, like to pretend their intelligence is far superior to Jim’s. It’s complete bullshit and he knows it. He’d match wits and knowledge with any one of them and he’d likely win too.
But whatever.
They always share an enormous pot of tea that tastes like a combination of licorice and smoke. Jim hates it.
After two times of barely drinking it, he brings his own thermos of coffee to drink, and besides ignoring their superior sneers over it, he also ignores the proprietor of the teashop’s side-eye.
This time he brought pumpkin spice cookies with him and he munches on them while they continue to blather on about subjects he has no interest in.
Once in a while one of them says something to him about whatever it is they are speaking about, certain he will get the answer wrong. He can see it in the superior way they address it to him. When he answers correctly and without hesitation, he can see they are surprised.
Spock never is.
Finally, the evening wraps up and the two other Vulcans make their exit first.
Uhura still sits with them and she is now eying Jim’s cookies. “Are those good?”
He smiles and scoots two of them over to her, they are shaped like pumpkins and have frosting on them.
She bites into one. “You were quiet tonight.”
Jim shrugs.
“They are good. You should bring more next week.”
Jim thinks about saying he’s had enough and won’t be coming next week, but doesn’t. He doesn’t want Spock to feel weird about his friends and including Jim.
“Okay.”
Uhura eats a few more cookies and then rises to leave. She leans down toward Spock as though she plans to kiss him, but straightens and pulls away at the last second with a look at Spock.
“Goodnight, Nyota,” Spock murmurs, his eyes on Jim.
When she leaves, Jim smiles. “You want some of that tea to go?”
“No, I have had my fill. Jim.”
“Yeah?”
“If your uncomfortable at these gatherings I will make no objection should you choose to skip them.”
He gets up and so does Jim. They leave the teashop then and Jim is certain the owner is happy so she can clean up after them.
“I don’t. Want to skip. It’s fine, Spock. You like them.”
“But I am aware you do not care for them. Nor the tea. I don’t wish for you to be unhappy.”
“Eh. You put up with Bones and Finnegan. That bunch.”
Spock’s lips twitch. “Barely. But very well. Should you change your mind, I will not be offended.”
Jim nods. He can’t wait to return to the apartment because usually on such evenings, Spock likes to make up for Jim’s boring evening by being very enthusiastic in their lovemaking.
He is glad, later, to discover this pattern has not changed.
He lies on his back in their bed, naked, sweaty, and sated. Two recent orgasms have blown most thoughts out of his head. Spock has risen to get warm, wet cloths to clean them before they sleep.
Jim stares rather sleepily at the small pumpkin he has decorated the end table with. He loves how Spock indulges his nonsense. And yes, that is certainly part of the reason he indulges Spock’s friends.
And this…aftermath.
Spock returns to their bed, leaning down to kiss Jim’s mouth even as he wipes him down with the wet cloth. “Ashaya.”
“Love you,” Jim whispers, his eyes closing, exhaustion taking over and rendering him even more senseless than usual. He laughs.
A bit of TOS. It’s not really that related to October/Halloween/Harvest but I threw in some mentions to make it work!
“It was a dark and stormy night.”
“Why?”
Jim lowered the book and gazed at the small Vulcan child peering up at him from his seat on the floor. Jim was sitting in a chair. The child, Saran, had informed Jim he would sit cross-legged on the carpeted floor.
“Why what?”
“Why was it dark and stormy?”
“Uh. I don’t know. That’s just how the story starts.”
Saran eyed him but nodded.
Jim cleared his throat. Babysitting Vulcans. Ugh.
“Soon he heard an ominous noise outside his window.”
“Why was it ominous?”
“Because he didn’t know what the sound was.”
“Then it should say, soon he heard an unknown noise outside his window. He decided to investigate.”
Jim sighed and closed the book. “I don’t think you’re in the mood for a ghost story.”
Saran sniffed. “Ghosts are illogical.”
“Sure are. So what else would you like to do, Saran?”
“You could tell me about your exploits.”
Jim paused. “My exploits.”
“You are a famous starship captain.” Saran paused. “Or so I have been told. You must have exploits.”
Jim opened his mouth to reply, but then was saved by the sudden appearance of Amanda, Spock’s mother.
“Oh! Here I am. I’m so sorry, Jim, I didn’t mean to be gone for so long.” She came to him and clasped his hands. “Spock’s on his way back now. Thank you for watching Sarek’s nephew.”
Jim smiled. “You’re welcome.”
She leaned in to whisper, “He’s at a bit of a challenging age. It was kind of you to watch him. And I really hadn’t intended to be gone so long.” She patted his arm. “Why don’t you go and wait on the covered terrace for Spock? I’ll send him out there when he comes.”
He tried not to be too relieved as he made his escape out to the terrace. There was a pitcher of cool water out on a table there, so he helped himself to a glass.
Jim had been rather surprised at the invitation to join Spock on Vulcan after they had saved the Earth from impending disaster. Again. Jim didn’t even feel the slightest bit bad about being demoted back to Captain. The admiralty hat hadn’t ever quite fit him.
It seemed that Spock, though he had gotten many of his memories back, he hadn’t gotten them all. There was a vague memory there, Jim supposed, of their past intimacy, but not enough to convince Spock to reestablish anything. Or so Jim had believed, until this recent invitation.
The door on to the terrace opened and Spock stepped outside. He was wearing those Vulcan robes he seemed to favor on the planet. This was a short visit before they would return to duty.
“Everything okay?”
“Indeed.” Spock came to stand near him. Jim had been viewing some plants in pots there. “My mother’s garden. She has another garden in the back yard.”
“Yes, she showed me earlier. Told me there’s no real harvest time like there is back in Iowa.”
“Yes. I do apologize for staying away so long today. Mother informed me you were required to watch Saran for a time.”
Jim chuckled. “Yep. Not sure I’m very good with children. Probably a good thing Carol kept David from me.” His smile faded, his mood now melancholy.
Spock, of course, knew. “I am sorry, Jim. For the horrifying loss of your son.”
He nodded, turning away. “The pain is manageable.”
At least I have you, Jim thought.
It wasn’t in the same capacity of what he’d been used to, what he wanted. But it was something. Yes. He would have Spock however Spock would allow it.
“I tried to read a ghost story to Saran,” Jim said, changing the subject.
“A ghost story, Captain?”
“October, Mister Spock. The month of Halloween.”
“Ah.” Spock nodded. “I recall.” He gestured to two chairs. “Will you sit with me? There is something I would like to discuss.”
Trying to stem his curiosity, Jim took the seat and waited as Spock sat beside him.
“I would like to discuss us.”
Jim glanced at Spock’s face, trying to read what that meant. He was unsuccessful in figuring it out. “Us?”
Spock held his hand up in the air toward Jim, who’s gaze zeroed in on it. He swallowed. He must have hesitated too long for Spock began to lower his hand, his brows furrowed. Jim hastily thrust his hand out, rather clumsily, and touched his fingers to Spock’s.
“It-it’s been a long time for that,” he whispered.
“Is it unwelcome?”
“No.” Jim paused, feeling hope spring up in his chest. “No.”
It was weird not being on the Enterprise for three months, but it’s something Starfleet forced Jim to agree to after the end of their five-year mission. He was signing up for a new one, another five years, which he’d debated at least a thousand times with everyone he knew. And had decided that, yes, the decision was right for him.
Yet still they’d insisted on leave.
For the first month he’d been the dutiful son and visited his mom. She was thrilled for the visit.
But then now he was on New Vulcan, of all places, doing three six week classes to young Vulcans. Battle Leadership Tactics. Considering Jim’s checkered past with reprogramming a certain test, Jim had been surprised at the invitation, but Sarek had assured him it was genuine.
And it had allowed Spock to spend some time bonding with his father. If Vulcans did that sort of bonding.
The first six-week class was over and it was now time for new one. It was October, though as far as Jim could tell, this new version of Vulcan never changed temperatures much.
A throat cleared.
Jim looked up from where he sat at his desk, going over coursework.
A Young Vulcan male stood there.
“Hi.”
“Greetings, Captain Kirk. I have brought you something.”
Jim smiled. “Your completed assignment?”
“Not as yet.” The Vulcan stepped forward and placed a cellophane wrapped package on his desk.
Jim looked at it. It appeared to be an apple. His gaze rose curiously.
“It is a seasonal treat,” the Vulcan said, smoothly, rather proudly.
“Oh?”
“Indeed. A caramel apple. I have researched Earth and, also, your apparent fondness for fruit of this nature, so armed with this knowledge, I was able to provide a replication of this fruit seasonally dressed out with caramel.”
“Mm. Well. That is very considerate.”
“Then you are pleased?”
Jim smiled. “Yes. Now, please take your seat. I am hopeful you will provide as much enthusiasm to complete the required assignment.”
The Vulcan male nodded and went to his seat.
In his place were three others. Two females and one male. He remembered them from the first six-week course.
“You already completed this course.”
“Indeed,” one of the females conceited. “But…with barely passing grades, if you will recall.”
“I do.”
“We have decided to take it again to improve our scores and perceptions of the topic.”
“Uh. Okay. Sure.” Jim smiled again. “Take your seats.”
As he looked out, he noticed quite a few of the Vulcan from the first six-week course had come back for this one. He didn’t get it.
“Let’s get started.”
Jim stood up and came around his desk. He was pleased to see he seemed to have their undivided attention.
One raised her hand.
“You have a question?”
“Yes, Captain Kirk. Is it true that you are married and share a bond with a Vulcan?”
“That’s your question?”
“Affirmative.”
Jim nodded. “Yes. I am bonded and married to Spock, Ambassador Sarek’s son and my first office on the Enterprise.”
“For how long?”
“How long…I’m sorry what does this have to do with Battle Leadership Tactics?”
“Nothing directly,” she admitted. “Merely a curiosity.”
“Let’s get back on topic.” Jim dropped the stylus he carried as a matter of habit. With a sigh, he bent down to pick it up. He heard a collective creaking of the chairs, and then as he glanced at the students, he realized they were all leaning forward in their seats. He quickly straightened and turned to face them, putting his buttocks against the nearby wall.
No, no. It wasn’t possible they all had checked out his ass, was it? They were Vulcans, after all.
Jim decided to ignore the possibility and just continued teaching the class.
When that course was over and the new six-week one began, Jim was surprised to once again see many of the same Vulcan students.
Once again, he tried, “You’ve already taken the course.”
“Indeed,” said one Vulcan male. “But I learned so much last time, I am certain there is still much to learn from you, Captain.”
That first day, toward the end of the class, Spock and Sarek showed up. They stood to the back of the room to wait for the class to be over.
When it was, many of the students hurried out faster than normal, giving Spock a look as they basically fled the classroom.
Jim smiled as he approached Spock and Sarek.
“Hey, it’s great to see you.”
Spock spotted the package in Jim’s hands. “What is that?”
“Hmm? Oh. Another caramel apple. I swear they won’t stop giving me things. So weird.”
Spock arched a brow. “They are courting you.”
Jim laughed. “Right.”
“My son is correct. They are making attempts to win your favor.”
Jim frowned. “To get a better grade?”
Spock shook his head. “No, they are all…attracted to you, Captain.”
“What? Give me a break.”
“It is true, Jim. Father and I just watched. I had my suspicions but now they are confirmed.”
Jim rolled his eyes. “Whatever you say.” He touched Spock’s fingers with his. “I only have eyes for you.”
“I am gratified.”
“As a matter of fact, Jim,” Sarek said, “I have been asked to inquire if you might extend your stay and give another six-week course. Apparently there are some who would like to attend who could not get a spot.”
“Sorry, no can do. Once this one’s over it’s back to my ship.”
Spock murmured, “And not a moment too soon.”
Jim laughed again. “Come on you two. I’m starved, let’s go pig out on Kreyla or something.”
And Spock and Sarek fell into step behind him, both unbeknownst to Jim, eyeing his bottom as he walked before them.
Originally Posted June 13, 2015. Some people were disappointed that Spock needed nudging by Bones in this story to go to see Jim for shore leave, but in my opinion, Spock’s behavior was in character.
Mylocka provided artwork
Jim signaled to the bartender for another one and tried not to let his disappointment get to him. It was what it was. Just because he’d had other plans didn’t mean he was going to say a word. There’d be other opportunities. Not as good as this one, maybe.
“Jim?”
He forced himself to smile at Bones when his friend sauntered up to him at the bar just outside the transport station on their shore leave planet, Sedonia.
“Hi Bones.”
“Where’s Spock?” Bones asked with a frown.
“Oh.” Jim gestured to where Spock sat in a booth across the room with a group of other Vulcans. “When we got here they were here. Spock got excited to see them.”
“Spock got excited?”
Jim smiled. “Yeah. Well, more than usual, anyway. They’re only here for a couple of days. Staying at the hotel just down the street. They invited Spock to join them.”
“And he accepted?”
“I could see he wanted to, so I told him to go ahead.” Jim sighed.
“But-but the mountain and the cabin.”
Jim’s stomach rolled over. “It wasn’t meant to be.”
Bones knew Jim had planned this time with Spock at this snowy cabin—Sedonia boasted many areas similar to Earth—and Jim had hoped to tell Spock he was in love with him. As far as Jim knew, Spock didn’t suspect his romantic plans. He had just thought Jim invited him because Bones would be busy with Carol. Jim had let Spock believe that.
Jim had spent a lot of time second guessing his plans anyway. He’d told himself that there was an eighty-five percent chance Spock had a thing for him, too. After all, since Spock broke up with Uhura, he and Spock had been spending even more time together. But as the time for shore leave got closer, Jim began to wonder if he had calculated wrong. After all Spock had informed him he would be staying on the ship and not going on shore leave.
Jim had then advised Spock he wanted to invite him to the mountain cabin. Spock had not experienced snow and had informed Jim he was unsure he ever wished to do so. With a little whining, Jim had finally gotten Spock’s agreement. But it had been reluctant. Jim decided he most certainly had calculated wrong about Spock returning his feelings.
And then they’d run into the Vulcans and Spock had suddenly gotten excited about shore leave.
Bone squeezed his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Jim. I know you were looking forward to this.”
“Ah, well. It’s almost time for my transport if I’m going to make it there tonight.”
“You know if you don’t want to do that by yourself, I’m sure Carol won’t mind if you come with us.”
And Jim was just as sure she would mind. But would pretend she didn’t for Bones. Nope, no way.
“Bones, I’m fine. You and Carol go have a good time.”
Bones seemed reluctant, but he said, “Contact me if you change your mind. And check in with me at least once a day.”
“A bit excessive don’t you think?”
“No.” Bones sighed. “See you soon.”
Jim smiled. “Yeah.” After Bones left, he paid for his drinks, and headed out to the transport, where a superfast train would take him up to the mountain resort. He’d spared one last glance at Spock, but his first officer was deep in conversation with the other Vulcans. Obviously not sparing a thought for Jim.
****
By the time Jim arrived at the cabin that would be his for the next four days, he had stopped at a store for provisions, including food, coffee, and some firewood. Some alcohol, too. Something had to keep him warm.
As he was putting his groceries away it had begun to lightly snow. He started a fire after that and settled down into the couch to read one of the books he’d brought with him.
He could have changed his plans and gone with Scotty, Chekov, and Sulu. They had no romantic plans and planned to spend their time in the party town of Sedonia. Which is what Jim would have normally done.
Four days of no one but himself for company didn’t exactly appeal and Jim wondered if he wouldn’t be so bored after the first or second day, he’d just return to the Enterprise.
He eventually put his book down, made himself some dinner, and then after watching the snow fall for a bit, he went to bed…alone. As usual.
****
By the next afternoon, Jim was ready to give up and return to the Enterprise. He’d read, he’d gone for a long walk in the snow, he’d played some computer game on his PADD, he’d checked in with Bones. He was bored and lonely and sad. Not that he wouldn’t be on the Enterprise. Some. But at least he’d be with his lady there.
He looked up the transport trains for the next day, figuring he’d tough it out one more night. There was one leaving at ten the following morning. Jim planned to be on it.
It was just getting dark and Jim had been wondering if he should get up and make dinner. He had little enthusiasm for the idea. He’d already finished half a bottle of vodka. Or what passed for vodka on Sedonia, anyway. He was lying on the couch, staring at the ceiling. It had been snowing heavily most of the afternoon and promised to continue well on into the night. As a kid he had loved the snow. Which was one of the reasons he had hoped to share this with Spock to show him how romantic it could be. What an idiot he was.
He started to half-doze when there was a knock on the door to the cabin. At first he ignored it, thinking he was hearing things. But after three persistent knocks, Jim stumbled up from the couch and to the door.
Spock stood on the other side, his cheeks looking slightly green and storm whipped. His dark hair was dusted with snow. He held a small bag in his hands.
Jim just stared at him. Maybe he was still asleep and he’d conjured him up in his dream.
“I believe I was invited,” Spock said when Jim still continued to stare at him.
“Uh. Yeah.” He stepped away so Spock could come into the cabin. He closed the door and leaned against it. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
Spock’s eyebrow shot up. “Who were you expecting?”
“No one.” Jim frowned. “Weren’t you supposed to be staying with those Vulcans you met?”
“Actually I was supposed to be staying with you. I am gratified you allowed me to visit with them for part of our shore leave.”
Jim shook his head. “Allowed? You don’t answer to me when you’re on shore leave. You can do whatever you want. You could have stayed with them.”
“That would have been unfair to you as I had already agreed to come here.”
He smiled without humor. “Spock, it was all right. You didn’t have to come. Really. I’m planning on returning to the Enterprise tomorrow morning anyway.”
“You are discontinuing your shore leave?”
Jim shrugged. “It wasn’t what I hoped it would be.”
Spock put his bag down on the floor. “You are unhappy.”
“No, I’m fine.”
Spock stepped close. “You are not. I see it in your eyes. You are unhappy with me.”
“That’s not true,” Jim denied.
“I apologize,” Spock said softly.
“For what?”
“Disappointing you for your shore leave.”
“You didn’t.”
“It was not my intention,” Spock continued, despite Jim’s denial.
“You didn’t even want to come. It’s fine, Spock.”
Spock stared at Jim for so long that he would swear Spock was looking through to his soul. “You are mistaken. But obviously I have failed to make you understand.”
Jim frowned. “Understand what?”
“I did wish to come here with you. Not because of the snow or the cold. But because I wanted to spend the time with you.”
“Well, I…wait. You did? You do?”
“Affirmative. I should have explained that I intended to arrive this evening. I did not think you would choose to end your shore leave.”
“I just-being by myself was not what I had in mind,” Jim admitted, swallowing hard. “The truth is, I wanted to tell you—”
“You have romantic feelings for me.”
Jim smiled a little, licked his lips nervously. “Yeah.”
“It was not necessary for you to tell me during our shore leave. The news would have been welcome on the Enterprise.”
“Wait. Welcome?”
Spock shook his head. “Have you not guessed I share those feelings?”
Jim grinned. “Well, I had and then I hadn’t.”
“That is nonsensical.”
“That’s me. Nonsensical.” Jim put his arms around Spock’s neck. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Coming here. Not ruining my shore leave.”
Spock’s lips turned up at the corner just slightly. “So you are not planning on returning to the Enterprise tomorrow?”
Jim shook his head and leaned forward to kiss Spock. “Not if you’ll stay here with me.”
“I will stay,” Spock assured him. He glanced toward the kitchen. “Are you hungry?”
Jim kissed along Spock’s jaw. “Uh-huh.”
“What do you wish for dinner?”
“Later,” Jim whispered in Spock’s ear. “There’s a bedroom.”
Spock shivered. “Indeed.”
“And in that bedroom is a really big bed.”
Spock closed his eyes.
Jim’s tongue flicked the point of Spock’s ear.
“Dinner can wait,” Spock announced. “Captain.”
“Yes, Commander.” Jim pulled out of Spock’s arms and drew him toward the bedroom.
****
Spock opened his eyes to find that it was daylight, at least judging by the white light streaming through the slats of the window blind. He had not intended to spend the entire evening and night in bed with his captain, but it had ended up that way. They’d never had that dinner. Spock couldn’t find it in him to regret that.
Presently, Jim lay on his side, facing toward Spock, eyes closed, lips slightly parted. His blond hair was a bit on end and there were pillow line creases on his face. He was beautiful.
Spock had never expected to be here. While it was true he would never leave Jim’s side as long as either of them had breath, he did not expect to be in his captain’s bed…ever. It had never made logical sense for them to be romantically involved, no matter Spock’s deeply hidden regard. And yet…here they were.
Jim’s eyelids fluttered and then very slowly opened, blue eyes staring in confusion at Spock. Spock waited as the confusion cleared and the sleepy haze from those eyes cleared completely.
“Is it morning?” Jim asked, voice still rough from sleep. For some reason Spock found that quite appealing.
“It is. We missed dinner.”
Jim chuckled, which Spock also found appealing. But he had found Jim’s laugh appealing even before coitus. “Well, hell.”
“You are regretful?” Spock asked with an arched brow.
“Are you crazy?”
“I have had numerous psychological exams which indicate—”
“Spock.” Jim shook his head and smiled. “I don’t regret any of last night. I am hungry though.”
“We shall have to have a hearty breakfast,” Spock agreed.
Jim nodded but his smile faded which caused Spock’s heart rate to speed up.
“What is wrong?”
“Nothing. This is real, right? I’m not dreaming?”
“It is quite real.”
“And this isn’t just a shore leave thing?”
Spock frowned slightly. “A shore leave thing?”
Jim’s fingers touched Spock’s jaw. “Something where when we get back to the ship we pretend it didn’t happen and we go back to the way we were before. Like a vacation fling.”
“Is that what you wish for this to be?”
“No,” Jim whispered. “I want forever.”
“I am sure you are aware that Vulcans do not do shore leave things.”
Jim smiled. “Does that mean you want forever too?”
“I will accept nothing less, Jim.”
“Breakfast?” Jim asked as he kissed Spock.
“Mmm. Later.”
****
“Doctor,” Spock said to McCoy as they both left the transporter room upon their return to the Enterprise.
“Spock.” Dr. McCoy glanced at him. “What’s on your mind?”
Jim had stopped to speak to the transporter chief about something and Dr. Marcus had gone in the opposite direction of Spock and Dr. McCoy.
“I am forced to offer you my gratitude.”
“Oh?” McCoy smirked.
“You were correct in your assessment on Sedonia when you suggested that I join the captain for shore leave rather than continue visiting with the Vulcans that I met there.”
“Didn’t want you to miss the opportunity, Spock. Not sure you would have been given it again. Not with Jim.”
“He is a remarkably stubborn human,” Spock agreed.
“Something you share with him.” McCoy stopped outside sickbay. “Congratulations, Spock. I mean that.”
Spock studied him. “Yes, I can see that you do. Good day, Doctor.”
“See you, Spock.”
Spock returned to the transporter room just as Jim was stepping out. Jim smiled. “Have you been waiting out here?”
“No, I have returned after having a brief meeting.”
“Oh yeah?” They began to walk toward the turbolift. “With who?”
“Dr. McCoy.”
“You had a meeting with Bones?” Jim shook his head as they got onto the turbolift. He set it to go to the bridge.
“Indeed.”
Spock could tell Jim wanted to ask him what the meeting was about but he did not.
The doors opened onto the bridge and Spock went toward his station as Jim went toward his chair.
Jim was surprised how fast the time went since he’d arrived on Vulcan with his mom and Sam.
The original plan had been to stay in ShiKahr to see how well a non-dairy ice cream shop, Tastes Like Real Ice Cream Co., would do there.
His mom was one of the executives of the company and had been charged with making it successful on Vulcan. To pretty much everyone’s surprise it had worked. The Vulcans were…literally…eating it up.
The Kirks had trouble keeping every flavor stocked and usually customers were out the door. It had meant very little free time for Jim and his brother Sam.
From the beginning Sam had announced his intention to leave for Chicago where he was going to meet his fiancé Aurelan on September the first, but after Mom begged and begged, Sam had postponed leaving.
Now they were in October and Sam still hadn’t left. Jim hadn’t made any decisions about joining Starfleet either. The thing was, he wasn’t sure what his Mom was going to do if both of them left. Either of them really. But he knew Sam wanted to. Saw the far off look in his brother’s eyes when he thought no one was looking.
Jim for his part had met someone pretty much right away.
Spock.
They’d gone on a date, well, sort of. Spock was very reserved at dinner and Jim hadn’t known how to act with a Vulcan.
But it was nice, and Jim thought they’d see each other again.
Only at the end of dinner, Spock announced he was leaving in the morning for an extended mountain retreat.
Dumbfounded, Jim had asked, “For how long?”
“Uncertain.”
And that had been that. The whole summer passed with Tastes Like Ice Cream becoming a raving Vulcan success. Only he hadn’t seen Spock again.
And now it was October. Jim felt both disappointed and foolish for having gotten his hopes up.
Exhausted as the three of them were, Mom finally had to hire additional help in the shop, so there was now a young Andorian male working there, and also a Vulcan female.
Jim was on a break, sipping iced coffee, sitting at a table outside the shop, when Sam approached him, looking determined.
“I’ve had it,” Sam said, flinging himself into a chair.
“Had what?”
Sam rolled his eyes. “You know what. It’s already a month past the time I said I’d blow this rock. Mom’s so successful there’s no way she’s leaving anytime soon.”
“You think?”
His brother smirked. “I just overheard her, brother mine. She’s actually looking into buying a house here.”
“She…is?”
“Yep. And that’s fine for her if she wants to live on a melting rock, but I have plans with Aurelan. I told her today, end of week, I’m on the shuttle back to Earth.”
Jim bit his lip. “What she say?”
“I should do what will make me happy. And you know what? You should too. You wanted to join Starfleet. I know you said you hadn’t made up your mind, but I think you did and you’re just staying to help Mom.”
Jim scowled. “What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing. Except that you’re living someone else’s life, not your own. Just because she wants to stay here, doesn’t mean you do or should. Don’t let helping Mom keep you from your dream. And anyway, I don’t think she would want that either.”
“Easy for you to say. Dad died because of Starfleet.”
Sam sighed. “Dad died because of who he was, Jim. And he knew the risks. And so did Mom.” He patted Jim’s leg. “Just think about it. You could be on that shuttle with me back to Earth. Mom can hire others to take up the slack. There are plenty of people on Vulcan willing to work here.”
Jim opened his mouth to reply when he spotted a familiar face, well attached to a whole body of course, coming toward them. It was the Vulcan, Spock.
Sam followed Jim’s gaze, frowned, and then shook his head. He rose from his seat, squeezed Jim’s shoulder, and then moved off.
“Jim.”
“Hello. Long time no see.”
“Indeed.” Spock gestured to the seat that Sam recently occupied. “May I?”
Jim nodded.
“I apologize for my lengthy absence.”
“You don’t really owe me anything.”
Spock inclined his head. “Perhaps not. And yet when I told you I would be on a retreat, I had not anticipated the length.”
“And did it do for you what you wanted?”
“Affirmative. I have been considering Kolinahr.”
Jim frowned. “What’s that?”
“The purging of emotions. It is a lengthy process.”
“Uh. Okay. Why would you want to do that?”
“Vulcans value logic over primitive emotions. It is considered the ultimate logic and highest standard to undergo Kolinahr.”
Sounded awful to Jim.
“You said you were thinking of it, what have you decided?”
“To do so.”
Jim blew out a long breath. “I see. Well. Thanks for letting me know. I wish you well, Spock.”
He stood then.
“Gotta get back to work.” Jim glanced around, saw no one paying attention, and leaned down, placing his lips on Spock’s in what he hoped was a searing kiss. He pulled back and straightened. Smiled at the dazed look on Spock’s face. “That’s what emotions do, by the way. See you.”
Jim smiled from his spot lounging on the couch. Spock had covered him with a fluffy autumn throw and propped him up with big squishy pillows. He’d also lit a fire in the fireplace.
“Probably a box of more medicine.”
“We will see.”
They were currently spending Jim’s medical leave in a mountain retreat in the Rockies. They would be there for an extended time as Jim had been severely injured in a blast on an away mission.
Spock opened the box and looked inside.
“Well?”
He pulled out a box of hot cocoa “Pumpkin Spice” was labeled on the outside.
“Oh my God! I love Bones.” Jim grinned at the look Spock gave him. “I love you way more though. What else?”
“Pumpkin tea for the hobgoblin,” Spock read from the note. He narrowed his eyes. “A light up autumnal gourd.”
Spock held it up and flipped a switch as it lit up.
Jim’s smile widened. “Ah, I love it.”
“Why does it have a face?” Spock queried.
“It’s a Jack o’ Lantern for Halloween.”
Spock shook his head. “Count Chocula Cereal.”
“Score! Bones thinks of everything.”
“Pumpkin Spice coffee and also various bags of Halloween candy.”
Jim’s smile turned soft. “All the comforts of home. That is so cool. I’ll have to send him a note to thank him.”
“Later. For now, you need to rest.”
“Rest? I’m already lying down, Spock.”
“You need to sleep.”
“I’m not a little kid who needs a nap.”
“When we allowed you to have your leave here instead of in a Starfleet approved medical facility you agreed to do everything that either I or Doctor McCoy said.”
Jim sighed. “I know. Okay.”
Spock knelt down beside him. “I almost lost you again, ashayam. Please indulge me.”
“Of course I will. I’m sorry.”
Spock leaned up and kissed him. “I am not. I am grateful. When you wake, you can have some of the cocoa.”
“Join me?”
Spock rolled his eyes. “You are not yet ready for that. I will have tea.”
He laughed. “Okay.”
“Be good and close your eyes.”
Jim smiled faintly, but closed his eyes. He was still very pale and tired easily, but yes, he was here, and Spock would care for him.
I opened my eyes to see the spot next to me in bed was currently empty. I placed my hand there and it still felt warm from Chris’ body. I turned onto my back, looking up at the carved wood ceiling. The room was well-lit with both candles and sunlight from the open windows.
They’d been pulled closed before, so I knew Chris had opened them and lit the candles. I allowed no servants to enter my bedchamber when Chris stayed over. I glanced over and saw him standing there at the window looking out on Bulwary Street, no doubt at the carriages and riders passing by. There’d be fewer now. Though I knew London was never really deserted, even when the Season ended, which it had more than a month earlier.
“You’re up early,” I said.
“Have to be off,” Chris replied, not turning around. “Traveling out of London and to the Country seat this afternoon.”
I knew it of course, but the words and the meaning behind them still hit me hard. We wouldn’t see each other nearly as much over the next several weeks. He would be off to his family’s estates and me to mine. Miles away from London and our almost nightly visits.
I sat up then and swung my leg to the floor.
He turned then, his blue eyes sweeping over me. “You don’t have to get up, Zach. I wasn’t going to bother you.”
“No goodbye?”
“Wasn’t last night’s activities enough of a goodbye?” He smiled, sweet and almost shy. “Temporary anyway. It’s never truly goodbye.”
I rose and went to him. “And it shan’t ever be, Christopher.” I pulled him into my arms, and we kissed deep and slow.
He leaned against me, resting his head against my shoulder. “And when are you off?”
“Not until tomorrow morning. I’ve got some things to settle up here today.”
“Autumn is my favorite time in the country,” he murmured. “Only that we are parted is my one regret.”
“We will make time as always.”
“Yes.” He put his hand on my cheek, the bristle of the growth of beard on my jaw. “I love you. Only you.”
“And you have my love in return. May your journey be a safe one.”
Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto) 