Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Category: Flash Fic

  • Flash Fic, October 09, 2019

    “Do you believe in ghosts and the like?”

    “Oh, for God’s sake, Jim. I’m trying to study for a big exam here.”

    Jim nudged Bones’ leg as he sat before his terminal in their combined dorm. Bones didn’t just have a cup of black coffee next to him, but a carafe.

    Hand on one hip, Jim smirked. “I’m serious.”

    “You think asking me if I believe in spooks is serious?”

    “Uh-huh. I think I saw one.”

    “How much did you have to drink?”

    “Nothing! It was at the library. I was sitting at the table in the back by the philosophy section. All by myself.”

    Bones snorted. “And you’re surprised? It was philosophy. Boring.”

    “I know.” Jim rolled his eyes. “You’re a doctor not a philosopher.”

    “Yep. Go away. You’re bugging me.”

    “Anyway, as I was sitting there, he appeared…”

    “Of course it was a guy.”

    “Dark hair, pale skin, all dressed in black, and like a hooded cape on.”

    “And that makes him a spook?”

    “No. But I looked down at my PADD for like a second when I got a message from Sam and when I looked up the hooded figure was gone.”

    “Hooded figure? You watch too many movies. He just went to another part of the library, Jim.”

    “I would have thought so but I looked around everywhere and he was nowhere to be found.” Jim sat on the edge of Bone’s desk. “I think he was a ghost.”

    “Sure, sure.” Bones leaned back in his chair. “Did you tell the professor?”

    “No,” Jim said quickly. “He’d think I was crazy and illogical to boot.”

    “Gotta agree with him there. I’m actually surprised you aren’t with him. Or he’s not with you. I thought you two had been sewn together or something.”

    “Don’t be stupid. I asked if he wanted to be and he said no.”

    Bones rolled his eyes. “Didn’t I tell you to get lost?”

    “Yeah, yeah. He’s having dinner with his folks.”

    “Didn’t invite you?”

    “Not this time. It’s still pretty new, you know? And I think he’s waiting to see if he can stand me that long.”

    “Oh he can stand you. I know from all the times I’ve seen his tongue in your mouth.”

    Jim laughed and shoved him. “I’m going back to the library.”

    “In search of ghosts?”

    “Nah, philosophy. I still want to find a book I’m looking for. Haven’t found it yet, though it’s supposed to be there and no one has checked it out.”

    “Woooowooo, spooky,” Bones said, sarcastically.

    “Oh be quiet. See you later. And ease up on the caffeine dude. You’re shaking.”

    Jim headed back down the campus to the library. It was a quiet night without many people around. There was a slight crisp in the air, the kind that would make his boyfriend pull on a sweater but Jim didn’t mind it.

    It was a Friday night, so he knew hardly anyone would be around and though he’d mentioned his “ghost” to Bones, Jim hadn’t really believed it.

    He went right up to the Philosophy section to look for his book. He’d been looking for about ten minutes when he decided to go to the table he’d sat at before and leave his book bag there. He turned the corner of the aisle and saw…

    The hooded man. He was leaning over the table, placing something there.

    “Hey!”

    The man turned toward him and his hood fell slightly revealing pointed ears.

    Jim frowned, heart thundering. “Spock? Is that…”

    But no, the Vulcan looked older and…

    He disappeared in front of Jim’s eyes.

    “What the…”

    Jim shook his head rapidly. No way. He went over to the table and looked down at what the figure had placed on his table.

    It was the book he’d been looking for. He put his hand on it. Real.

    His communicator beeped and Jim jumped. He fished it out of his pocket, looked at who it was, and flipped it open.

    “Hi. You through? Yeah. Me too. I’m leaving the library. Meet you at your apartment. Bye.”

    He closed it. Put it away and stuffed the book into his bag.

    “Thanks,”  he muttered and left the library.

    Our Hooded Figure

  • Flash Fic, October 4, 2019

    Photo by Kate Stollery on Pexels.com

    Spock was knocked onto a giant pile of leaves that, fortunately, broke his fall. And normally he would be offended by the action, but since it was Jim who had done it…no, he was still offended. Even as his beautiful, laughing boyfriend lay atop him in the pile of moist, dead leaves of reds, browns, and oranges.

    “Gotcha!” Jim exclaimed, gleefully.

    “You already had me, Jim,” Spock replied, dryly. “There was no reason for an attack.”

    “It’s not an attack, sweetheart.”

    “You made a running jump upon my person and knocked me to the ground. How is that not an attack?”

    Suddenly Spock felt something wiggle right under his shoulder and he jumped ten feet.

    “There is an insect—”

    Jim laughed like a maniac. “Spock, sorry, sorry. That was me.”

    “What?” Spock’s heart was hammering in his side.

    “I wanted to see your reaction.” Jim grinned and leaned down to kiss Spock, who moved his mouth out of range. “Ah, now I made you mad.”

    “I am not angry. I just find your behavior childish.” Though perhaps Spock was very vaguely amused. Jim was appealing like this.

    “Sorry, sweetheart. I forgot you don’t like to be teased.”

    “I am not opposed to being teased as a means of flirtation, however—”

    “I know.” Jim kissed his lips, Spock allowed it this time. “I didn’t know you’d jump. You’re so calm, cool and collected most of the time.” Jim moved off Spock and he missed the weight of Jim’s body immediately as Jim turned onto his back to lie beside Spock in the leaves, staring up at the sky. “October was always one of my favorites, you know?”

    Spock turned his head to look at Jim. “Why is that?”

    “The leaves. They start changing in September, but really, in October they go crazy. And they fall like this and you pile them up. November too. I don’t know. It was different. And it was also light a little bit later than it is in November. It got dark really fast then. But October? I loved lazy days lying around in leaf piles.”

    “A strange custom.”

    Jim laughed and shook his head. “Not a custom, mostly. Just…I don’t know. Fun. Before Sam left he’d lie here with me in the leaves, like you are. And in the late afternoon we’d watch the clouds float by and decide what they were shaped as.” He sighed. “I loved it.”

    “You are sad, Ashayam.”

    “Only a little. Memories do that sometimes, I guess. There weren’t a lot of good memories from my childhood, but that was one of them.” Jim sat up. “Ready to go back inside?”

    Spock reached for Jim’s hand and drew him back down to him, to lie along Spock’s chest. “Not quite yet. Let’s stay a moment.”

    “Yeah?” Jim smiled.

    Spock pointed. “That cloud there? It looks like a cat.”

    Jim chuckled. “It does. The one behind it? Might be a dog chasing it.”

    “Perhaps. But it resembles a duck more to me.”

    “A duck? You need glasses!” He snuggled closer to Spock. Spock’s lips twitched. “I love you. And thank you.”

    “I love you as well. And it is a duck.”

  • Flash Fic Wednesday, October 02, 2019

    Every Wednesday in October you will get an October themed flash (including Halloweenish, though I will try not to make them too scary. Enjoy!

    “Bones hates pumpkin spice.”

    Spock looked up from his PADD to eye his captain who had just flopped down across from Spock at the table in the mess room. “While unfortunate considering your obsessive love for it, I hardly think it warrants the alarm in your tone, Captain.”

    “Well.” Jim sighed and leaned his chin on his hand. “I’ve known him for, I don’t know, years and years, and you think you know a guy and…then wham. They declare such a blasphemy.”

    “You could look at it as an indication that leaves more pumpkin spice for you.”

    His captain smiled. “That’s true.”

    “And also an indication that the doctor is not entirely right in the head.” Spock paused. “Although I have long suspected that.”

    Jim’s smile widened. “Damn, but you do know how to make me feel better.”

    “As first officer, it is my duty to do so.”

    “Mm. I guess so.” Jim lifted a cup to his lips and Spock gave a sniff.

    “Speaking of, is that…”

    “Pumpkin spice tea. Yes. Uhura got it for me on Starbase 9. She said she saw it in the store and knew because I was a pumpkin spice nut, I would appreciate it. She was right.”

    Spock considered. “It does smell good. But was it a recent gift, Captain?”

    “Uh.”

    “I wondered as this is the first time in my presence that you have had a cup and I could not imagine you were, perhaps, holding back from me that you had acquired it.”

    “Uh.”

    “As I recall Nyota returned from Starbase 9 a month ago.”

    “Well.”

    “The same as the rest of us. And I believe she also found pumpkin spice coffee for you at that time as well.”

    Jim bit his lip. “How’d you know that?”

    “She was excited to tell me about her findings. This may come as a surprise to you, Jim, but many of the crew think about your preferences when they are at places like the store on Starbase 9. They like to please you.”

    “That’s so sweet,” Jim said with a wide smile.

    “But you were, in fact, holding back the tea. And I don’t believe Nyota mentioned that purchase to me.  Did you convince her not to tell me?”

    “Uh.”

    Spock shook his head.

    “I’ll make you some tonight over chess,” Jim said in a rush. “And, you know…” Jim paused to let his tongue trace over his lips in a deliberate flirtation Spock was well aware of. “Before bed.”

    Spock inclined his head. “Very well. And the pumpkin truffles, too.”

    “Damn it!” Jim laughed, held his fingers out for Spock, who met them, and then went back to his PADD.   

  • Dancing on My Own Song Flash, September 27, 2019

    Today’s song flash is for Dancing on My Own by Calum Scott. At one time I wanted to do a full story to this song but it’s just not going to work out. So a flash it is. And that concludes my song fics for now.

    Spock wasn’t even sure how he had let this happen. It hadn’t been his intention.

    Things had been hot and heavy between him and Jim Kirk. Perhaps a little too hot and heavy and so, since Spock worried about appearances, and about Jim passing his tests for the semester at the Academy, he had suggested they take a break. Spock had meant to imply it was temporary, but Jim had gotten that shuttered closed off look he sometimes got and hadn’t spoken to Spock since. Had refused all communications with Spock.

    Then Spock had heard through others that Jim was dating someone else. Spock had been…heartbroken. That hadn’t been what he meant to happen at all.

    So, when Nyota had suggested they begin spending time together, Spock had seen no reason not to do so.

    Until Nyota had invited him to this club, pulled him onto the dance floor, and kissed him.

    Startled, Spock pulled her hands down from around his neck, and stepped back. “Nyota, I…”

    Her hands went up to her face. “Oh. Spock. I’m sorry.”

    “It is I who apologize. I have given you the wrong idea. It was…my error.” Spock looked around, trying to find a place off the dance floor where he could speak to her more privately. It was then that he spotted Jim, looking absolutely devastated, right before he turned and fled the club.

    Nyota followed Spock’s gaze. She looked back at Spock. “You’re still in love with Kirk, aren’t you?”

    Spock did not reply but he didn’t need to, not really.

    “You should go after him, Spock.” She touched his arm. “Before it’s too late and you both regret something.”

    He opened his mouth to argue, then nodded, and hurried off the dance floor and to the exit.

    There were two directions Jim could have gone and though Spock was unsure which way to choose, he went to the right toward a courtyard. It was later and hardly anyone was around.

    By instinct he had chosen this way, and he had been right.

    In the middle of the courtyard was a large, old fountain. Jim was next to it but he wasn’t standing or sitting. Instead he was swaying as though dancing to some invisible music.

    When Spock approached him, he looked over, but continued his dancing.

    “Jim.”

    “I…heard you were with her.” Jim gave a little gasp. “I didn’t believe it until I saw you kiss her.”

    “She kissed me.”

    Jim shook his head. “I knew it was stupid to come there tonight. But-but Sulu said you were there, with her, and I just had to see it.”

    “It is not at all what you think you saw.”

    “No?” He stopped dancing then. “I was there a while. At the club. You two were so engrossed you didn’t even see me. Is that why you broke up with me?”

    “Ashaya, I did not break up with you. That was…I made a mistake. I thought…we spent so much time together I thought I was interfering with your studies.”

    “Did I ever say you were?”

    “No. But both Dr. McCoy and Captain Pike implied that.”

    “What?”

    “I thought a short break would benefit you and there had been whisperings about the inappropriateness of our relationship. I did not intend to break up and have-have felt bereft that you thought that was my intention.”

    Jim took a step closer to him. “What was all Uhura then?”

    “There had been indications you were dating others and Nyota expressed a desire to go out a few times.” Spock paused. “I did not realize until tonight that she meant more than as friends. Jim, my preference is for…males.” He paused again. “My preference is for you.”

    Jim laughed then and it sounded a bit hysterical. “Spock, I’ve been…you broke my heart.”

    Spock felt an ache in his side as he reached for Jim. “I am sorry.”

    Jim kissed him, deeply, thoroughly. “Don’t be sorry. Just mend it.”

    Spock pulled Jim close, burying his face in Jim’s throat. “T’hy’la.”

    “What does that word mean? You’ve said it before.”

    Spock pulled back only far enough to kiss Jim’s jaw. “Come home with me. And I will show you.”

    “What about Uhura?”

    “She told me to go after you. She knows it is you I love. And always will.”

    Jim smiled. It lit up his face. “I love you, too. Yes, Spock. I’ll go home with you.”

    “And perhaps, you can stay there. With me.”

    Jim took Spock’s hand as they walked out of the courtyard. “You want me to move in?”

    “Yes. Jim. What were you doing by the fountain?”

    “Dancing. On my own.” He laughed. It was lighter than his earlier laugh. “Never mind. Come on, Professor. I’m dying for you. I’ll beg if you want.”

    Spock moistened his lips. “I do want.”

    And Jim laughed again. It warmed and loosened Spock’s heart. They quickened their steps for home.               

  • Flash Fic, September 25, 2019

    The Conclusion of our Clueless Vulcan

    Spock had barely been in his quarter but a few minutes when someone buzzed for access. Spock couldn’t have said why, but he suspected it was Jim.

    “Come.”

    “Hi Spock. Got a moment?”

    Spock found himself dreading whatever Jim would say. But he could hardly deny his captain. “Yes, of course.”

    Jim nodded. He looked uncomfortable and his gaze landed everywhere except on Spock. “Listen, I owe you an apology.”

    Of all the things Spock had expected the captain to say, that hadn’t been one of them. He was at a loss to respond or even know if he ought to, so he waited for Jim to continue.

    “I’ve been…behaving inappropriately. Giving you mixed signals. And I’m aware of it, but I haven’t been able to reconcile thoughts in my head until now. None of this is your fault, Spock. It’s all on me.”

    When he paused for a long time, Spock felt prodded to respond in some way.

    “What is?”

    Jim shook his head. He’d wrapped his arms around himself in body language Spock recognized as defensive.

    “I’ve had these feelings that I struggled with. I’ve found myself interested in you in ways far beyond friendship or camaraderie. And for much of that time, you’d be with Uhura and so I had forced myself to dismiss all of it. When you two broke up, I started to hope…” He shook his head again and turned entirely away from Spock. “I hoped that maybe, there might, someday, be some kind of reciprocation on your end. I convinced myself you’d been flirting with me. Vulcan flirting, but still. And that had me thinking that I’d been right to think there was a chance for us.”

    He paused again, seeming to shrink unto himself and Spock reached toward him even as Jim spoke.

    “But now I know I was kidding myself and all you’ll ever feel for me is friendship and that camaraderie. And finding that out…well…it hurt for a while.”

    Spock blinked. “When did I…?”

    “I heard you in the corridor with Uhura one night. I think my mom once told me that if you eavesdrop you’re bound to hear something you wished you hadn’t and she sure was right about that.”

    “But…”

    “I know I had no right to feel hurt. You didn’t owe me your affections or anything. But I took it badly. I drank myself into a stupor with Bones that night. And after, in order to protect both of us, or I thought so anyway, I pulled back from you even as a friend. That was wrong and I can see it negatively affected not only our working relationship but that of the crew.” Jim inhaled and exhaled. “So, basically, I’m sorry. I’ve made a big effort to get past it all and I think I have, so, from now on—”

    “No.”

    Jim turned around so fast to stare at Spock he almost lost his balance. His arms had dropped down from being crossed in front of his chest.

    “Excuse me?”

    “What if I do not desire you to get past it?”

    “Huh?”

    Spock let out a heavy, frustrated sigh, the likes of which were unheard from him, he knew, and very human, but at the moment he didn’t care. He was not good with words. Not emotional ones anyway. And if he’d needed proof, the fact that he had nearly destroyed what would absolutely matter to him most going forward, with carelessly spoken words he knew not to be true when he said it, should tell him that words were not needed just then.

    Instead he took the few steps left to reach Jim and took hold of Jim’s arms, gently in his grasp. Those blue blue eyes widened as Spock leaned in and kissed him.

    At first Jim’s lips didn’t move, didn’t accept the kiss Spock gave him and Spock had a momentary regret, fearing he’d gotten this all wrong after all despite Jim’s words.

    But then, as Spock was about to pull away, he heard the barest gasp of breath from his captain just as his stiff, unyielding lips softened under his, opened for Spock, and allowed Spock to conquer fully. Jim’s hands fisted in Spock’s uniform shirt as he sagged against him, accepting the intrusion of Spock’s tongue eagerly.

    Spock wasn’t sure how long they kissed. It felt like seconds, too short, but might have been years for all that he was aware of anything but Jim.

    And there would be things, surely, that they would need to talk about, together, their past, their present, and definitely their future, but for now their lips, their arms wrapped around each other as Spock moved them toward his bed, their very bodies, that was all the conversation they needed now.

    As he flung Jim onto the bed, his captain bouncing slightly upon impact, Spock flung himself onto Jim, his lips seeking purchase against Jim’s, his mouth wanting to return to the ultimate purpose of claiming this human as his…forever.

    But Jim, predictably, had to have more than mere action. He paused to seek out Spock’s gaze, a question in his eyes.

    “Spock, yeah?”

    He nodded. “I do not have the words.”

    Those sensuous lips, so addicting, curved into the slightest of smiles that somehow seemed more genuine than any smile he had yet given to Spock. There was a light within the blue eyes Spock had not seen.

    “I do,” said Jim, softly. “I love you.”

    Three standard words that had seemed trite and meaningless before. So many said them without ever meaning it.

    Yet Spock felt them all the way to his Katra and beyond. Perhaps he had the words after all.

    “And I love you.”  

  • People Will Say We’re in Love Flash Fic, September 20, 2019

    Today’s Song Flash Fic is brought to you by the song from the musical, Oklahoma, People Will Say We’re in Love. Quite appropriate for Spirk.

    Bones looked at Jim and Spock just as he was about to leave the conference room.

    “You know it’s behavior like you just did in this meeting that has everyone convinced you two are together.”

    Jim sputtered. “What? Together? What?”

    Bones shrugged. “That’s what the rumors say. Figured you knew. Well. Anyway, just thought you should know. You coming by later, Jim?”

    “Uh. Yeah. See you.”

    Jim stood, fists clenched, staring at the door.

    Spock cleared his throat. “Captain, I would not pay much attention to what the doctor said. It is likely he exaggerates.”

    “Hmm. Maybe. But even I’ve heard some of the whisperings.”

    “Captain—”

    “No. I really don’t like the crew gossiping about me behind closed doors. Linking our names together. Don’t they have anything better to do?” Jim eyed Spock, who looked more than a little uncomfortable.

    “Apparently not.”

    Jim narrowed his eyes. “Well. Bones is right. I mean, come on, the way you were looking at me during the meeting. We need to be better about that.”

    Spock said nothing.

    “Here. I’ve got a list for you.”

    “A list?”

    “Of things you probably shouldn’t do. At least for a while.”

    Spock arched a brow.

    “Definitely stop laughing at my jokes.”

    “You have me mixed up with someone else, Captain.”

    Jim smirked. “You’re too nice to my mom too when you talk to her.”

    “I should be rude?”

    “But see…now they all think we’re in love.”

    Spock pursed his lips.

    “Right there. That look. Together with that sigh. The way you look at me. And you really ought to give me back my shirt.”

    “I was trying to have it repaired.”

    “And my copy Of Mice and Men. I know you already read it.  It’s like you’re collecting things that belong to me, Spock.” Jim took a step closer to him. “It’s not like I care or not. If you want to keep the book. It’s just. It’s causing more suspicion.”

    Spock tilted his head. “I see. The thing is, Captain, there is a lot of talk about your behavior as well.”

    “Mine?”

    “A lot of crewmembers think you are worse than me.”

    “Bastards,” Jim said with a laugh.

    “You did insist the replicators be programmed to include not only more vegetarian options, but specifically authentic Vulcan dishes,” Spock pointed.

    “That’s true.”

    “And on the planet, Mor 12, it was you who asked me to throw our flower leighs into the Pond of Love.”

    Jim’s smile widened.

    “Given that, I suspect, you ought to take some of that advice you are giving me to heart yourself.”

    “Oh yeah?”

    “Indeed. You have been praising my intelligence too much. Repeatedly referring to me as ‘brilliant’”.

    “Well, you are. More than anyone I know.”

    “And also informing others that I have more of a sense of humor than they know. Even referring to my Vulcan charm.”

    “Uh-huh.”

    “You’re also always taking hold of my arms when speaking with me or checking on my welfare.”

    Jim nodded. “Okay, true also.”

    “And it is obvious that I do not mind when you do so.”

    Jim put his hands on Spock’s arms. “Like this, you mean?”

    “Exactly like that. This is why everyone believes we are in love.”

    “I wonder how they’d feel then if they saw this.” Jim pushed into Spock’s personal space and put his lips on Spock’s. The Vulcan’s mouth softened and parted under his, allowing Jim’s tongue to tangle with his.

    Spock’s hands came up to wrap around his waist and back, pulling Jim closer still. “They would surely guess the truth, Ashayam.”

    “Ah, hell, who cares? Let them say we’re in love. It’s true, anyway.”

    “Indeed. Your quarters or mine?”

    “Whichever is closer.” Jim grinned and kissed him again. Quite thoroughly.

  • Flash Fic, September 18, 2019

    Just one more part to go for this series of flashes!

    When Spock arrived at the Rec Room, early, he quickly noted that the captain was already there, again not his usual practice, and he was seated at a table for four with McCoy, Scott, and Keenser. They were playing some sort of card game.

    Spock approached. “Captain?”

    “Oh hi, Spock. Got involved in this game here with the guys. I meant to message you to tell you no chess game after all.” Jim smiled. “Sorry. Another time?”

    He could not help it, he felt himself stiffen, even as the other three occupants of the table stared up at him. Spock could not have said why, but he was convinced that Jim had started the game himself with the other three deliberately to get out of the game with Spock.

    “Very well, Captain. If you will excuse me.”

    And as Spock walked away, he heard McCoy whispering to their captain.

    After that, Spock decided there was a reason Jim would not agree to spend time with him, and whatever it was, Jim would tell him when he felt like it. In the meantime, Spock would cease to bother him with invitations to play chess or other time together.

    A week went by before, Nyota pulled him aside into the turbolift.

    “Spock, what’s going on with you?”

    “To what do you refer?”

    “You’ve been ignoring the captain for days. Barely speaking to him. Everyone’s noticed.”

    Spock frowned slightly, “Has the captain noticed?”

    Nyota gave him an incredulous look. “Of course he has. Haven’t you noticed the looks he’s been shooting you? Spock, if this is the way you intend to woo Jim, I’m afraid you’re going to fail.”

    “I am not attempting to woo him.”

    “Why not?”

    “Because he has given no indication that he returns my affections. And in fact…”

    “No indication?” She slapped the wall of the turbolift. “I give up. You two are too much for anyone.”

    The doors to the turbolift opened and Nyota hurried out, leaving Spock standing there by himself.

  • Nights Are Forever Without You, Flash Fic September 13, 2019

    Today’s flash is inspired by England Dan and John Ford Coley’S Nights are Forever

    Spock rose from bed after trying for two hours straight to get to sleep. It had not come and he felt as though he had simply wasted the time even trying.

    The time was two in the morning.

    He had deliberately stayed awake until midnight, expecting to be tired. Reluctantly, he had changed out of day clothing and wore a sleeping robe to bed.

    Even meditation had not helped.

    He walked out of the bedroom and over to the sliding glass window overlooking San Francisco. The rain, which had been coming down all day, had not let up even a little. It was splattered all over the window and in the distance, Spock watched as lightening flashed.

    The apartment was quiet. Too quiet.

    Spock went to the kitchen and pressed on the light. Tea was in order since he could not sleep.

    Over the years, when he could not sleep, it hadn’t been a problem, because he had someone who was more than willing to help him. Being a Vulcan with insomnia…well.

    His PADD sat upon the kitchen counter where he’d left it but there was no flash indicating he had any messages.

    “Computer, Classical Earth Music, Eighteenth Century.”

    Music filled the apartment.

    He picked up his PADD and sat on the couch.

    Subject: Nights Are Forever Without You

    Jim.

    Spock erased that.

    Dear Jim.

    Erased.

    Admiral.

    He winced and erased.

    My Dearest Jim.

    As the subject indicates, I am struggling to get rest without you here with me. I have been waiting and wondering about you. I had anticipated being able to hear from you during your Federation Conference on Rigel 3. I can only imagine that matters are not proceeding well and it requires your full attention. I realize that comes first. But my missing you is a much stronger emotional response than I had expected. It is too soon for my time, and yet, something is causing me a heightened sense of longing to have you with me. Perhaps it is simply that I have become so used to you as my husband and mate, here by my side, that even this time is too long. Still, when you departed for the conference, it was only supposed to be a week, and now you have been away for three.

    I conclude this logically unnecessary correspondence to reiterate the subject of the message.

    Nights are, indeed, forever without you.

    Yours, Always, Spock

    He hit send before he thought better of it. Jim’s last message had stated he would be back in another week, and that was half a week ago. So, therefore, Spock had a few more nights to deal with this. And he would, because he had to, didn’t he?

    He drank his tea and then, once more, went to bed.

    When he woke, he was surprised that he had actually fallen asleep at all. He turned his head on the pillow.

    “Jim!” The loud exclamation came out before Spock could stop it, startling Jim awake, the blue eyes going instantly wide. “I am sorry. Sorry, Ashayam.”

    Spock pulled Jim to him, so tight, he heard Jim squeak.

    “Morning,” Jim said, with a small laugh.

    Not willing to release him, Spock asked Jim’s back, “When did you get here?”

    “About an hour ago. Spock.” Jim laughed. “My ribs.”

    Wincing, Spock did lessen his hold on his husband and pulled back to look into that beloved face. “You managed to arrive and get into bed without waking me?”

    “Hey. I can be quiet. I know you have trouble sleeping sometimes, so I thought I’d better not disturb you.”

    Spock let out a shaky breath. “I cannot believe you are here. I thought I had to endure a few more days of solitude.”

    “Well. I missed you too.”

    He flipped Jim onto his back, leaning down to cover Jim with kisses, which only made his husband laugh, a little breathlessly.

    Then Jim put his hand up to Spock’s face. “Hey.”

    “Yes, Jim?”

    “For the record? Nights are forever without you, too.”

  • Flash Fic, September 11, 2019

    Does Our Clueless Vulcan Begin to Get a Clue?

    “Could we cut out the bridge chatter?”

    Spock straightened away from Nyota who had motioned him over to her station so that she could ask him what was wrong. He exchanged a look with her before stepping away.

    “My apologies, Captain,” Spock said coolly, returning to his science station.

    Jim waved that away. “Wasn’t just you.”

    Sulu and Chekov rather pointedly stared straight ahead.

    “Mr. Chekov, you’re part of the landing party. Lieutenant Uhura, please have Doctor McCoy, Mr. Hendorff, and Mr. Scott meet us at the transporter room.” Jim rose from his chair and headed for the turbolift, following by Chekov. “You have the command, Spock.”

    “Captain.”

    He stopped but didn’t turn around. “Yeah?”

    “During our prior meetings regarding this mission, it was concluded that I would be an asset on the landing party.”

    “I’ve decided to have Chekov in your place. He could use the science experience.” Jim turned then to gaze at Spock, expression schooled and blank. “Is that a problem, Mister Spock?”

    “No, Captain.”

    Jim nodded and entered the turbolift as did Chekov and the doors closed.

    Nyota approached him. “What was that?”

    Spock exhaled. “I do not know.”

    Much later after the landing party returned, Spock went to the medbay. Surprisingly, it was not Jim who had been injured, but Chekov and Hendorff. But Jim stood by the biobed next to the ensign while McCoy examined him.

    “Reporting, Captain. The situation is stable.”

    “Good,” the captain replied. “You okay, Chekov?”

    “Yes, sir.”

    Without even looking in Spock’s direction, Jim went over to the biobed with Hendorff. Nurse Chapel was with him. Spock followed.

    “Good work down there, Lieutenant.”

    “Glad to be of service, Captain.”

    “Extra service today.”

    “Oh?” Spock asked politely.   

    Hendorff shrugged. “Nothing, Commander. They were just going to take the captain hostage and I prevented it.”

    “And got injured in the process,” Jim added. “I’ll put an accommodation in your file. How is he?” He directed this at Chapel.

    “He’ll be fine. Few days of rest, he’ll be good as new.”

    Jim smiled and nodded, turning away and heading for the exit.

    Spock followed.

    Jim stopped just outside the medbay doors turning, toward him/ “I’m off duty so I’m headed for my quarters.”

    “You definitely could use some rest.”

    “Yeah. Why aren’t you on the bridge?”

    “Mr. Sulu is in charge at the moment, but I’m on my way there. Chess later?”

    The captain didn’t respond at first and Spock got the oddest feeling he was counting to ten in his head. But then he very slowly let out a breath.

    “Okay. Sure. Why not? Twenty-one hundred. My quarters.”

    “I will be there.”

    Jim started to turn away, but then stopped. “You know what? Scratch that. How about the rec room instead?”

    “The…rec room?” They had not played chess there in months. Jim preferred relaxing in his quarts and frankly, so did Spock.

    “Yeah. We should socialize more with the crew, I think. Put in an appearance of a united front. That kind of thing.”

    “As you wish, Captain.”

    Jim offered him a smile but it was brittle and Spock knew with absolute certainty he had failed some kind of Kirk test.