Flash Fic

Flash Fic Friday April 26 2019

A continuation of the strip poker Spirk

“Making any progress?”

Jim looked up from his tropical drink. Orange and red with a cute little blue umbrella sticking out. He leaned back in his chair and gazed serenely at Bones. “Huh?”

“With Spock, genius.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Didn’t you two bond over chess and poker?”

Jim frowned. They were at an outdoor bar on Risa, enjoying a very much needed shore leave. “As friends, Bones. I mean isn’t he kind of, sort of, with whatshername.”

Bones snorted. “Uhura.”

“Yeah, that one.”

“You’re such a juvenile. And no, they broke up.”

“Didn’t they get back together after the whole rescue thing, ‘oh no, I have been injured, Nyota’?”

“You do a really bad Spock imitation by the way. They did, yeah. But they broke it off again.” Bones sipped his whiskey. “Rumor has it was because of some blue-eyed dreamboat.”

It was Jim’s turn to snort and roll his eyes. “Get real.”

Bone chuckled. “I notice you immediately assumed I meant you.”

“Fuck you. Anyway, this is all bullshit.”

“Spock likes you.”

“Well, of course he likes me. As much as Spock likes anyone, of course. We’re friends. Like you and me.”

“Definitely not like you and me. Okay. I see, because you are really a juvenile, I have to say it in a way you’ll get it. He likes you likes you.”

“Does not.”

Bone sighed, somewhat dramatically Jim thought. “Who else has he asked to play strip poker with?”

“That was a joke.”

“Spock joke? Since when? He’s got the red hots for you. Or in his case the green hots, I guess.”

“Do you ever listen to yourself?” Jim finished his tropical drink. “And forget all this crap. I’m here to get laid, not talk about my first officer.”

“You sure you want to do that?”

“Why not?”

Bones shrugged. “Do you really want to mess things up with Spock by fucking around with some nameless temporary lover?”

“There is no Spock!”

“All right, if you say so.” Bones stood up. “I have a massage appointment, so I’ll see you later. And try not to get yourself in trouble.”

“It’s shore leave.”

“Exactly.”

Jim watched his friend walk away. He mumbled, “There is no Spock.”

And yet, he continued to sit right where he was, not making a move to go seek out anyone. Stupid Bones.

The waitress came by to pick up their empty glasses.

“Another one?” she asked.

“Sure and maybe some fries, too.”

“Coming right up.” Then she tilted her head. “I think that Vulcan is looking for you, sir.”

Jim glanced over and saw that Spock had entered the bar inside and was glancing around. His stomach did a little flip. Must be the drink.

“Tell him I’m out here.”

She smiled. “He’s really cute.” Then she went inside.

A moment later, Spock appeared.

“Captain?”

“Hey, Spock. Have a seat.” He gestured to where Bones had been sitting.

“I thought the doctor was with you.”

“Oh. Were you looking for him?” Jim felt a little disappointed.

Spock sat down across from him. “Not in particular.”

“I’m surprised you came down. You don’t usually do shore leave.”

Spock shrugged slightly. “It was mentioned that you were in this bar and I thought it might be…appropriate…to join you for a drink.”

“You? You’re going to drink?”

“A tropical iced tea.” Spock paused. “Unless my presence is unwelcome.”

There was just the tiniest bit of vulnerability in Spock’s brown eyes that Jim was not used to and he realized, maybe, just maybe, Bones had been right.

Jim smiled. “No, Spock. It’s not at all unwelcome.”

April 26, 2019

Flash Fic Friday April 19 2019

Spock packed up all his belongings for the day, shoving them into the large business briefcase bag he carried with him daily from home to the Academy. It had been a long, tedious day, full of uninspiring students who barely paid attention.

Perhaps teaching again had not been the wisest decision. He had no patience for it and the sniveling giggling students he had to deal with.

He made it out of the building and looked up at the darkening sky. A storm was coming. He hoped he made it home before it drenched him.

For a moment he felt eager to get home, eager to end this day, and find the comfort of the apartment, a fire in the hearth, a steaming pot of tea and—

His steps faltered.

There was no one to go home to. No one who waited there to greet him with welcoming arms. The apartment would be empty, quiet and cold. No one would start the fire in the fireplace unless it was him.

No longer eager to reach his apartment, Spock stopped at a vegetarian restaurant and had a small meal and a pot of tea.

The rain had started by the time he resumed his way home and becoming miserably wet seemed appropriate.

As he approached his apartment door, his steps faltered again. There was a flutter in his side just before a warm buzz in his brain.

Spock gasped and quickly put his hand up to the door sensor.

The door popped open and he was immediately hit with the scent of Pasta Primavera. A lump rose to his throat as he stumbled forward.

“J-Jim?”

Jim turned from his position in the kitchen next to the stove. He smiled bright and beautiful, his blue eyes sparkling.

“Oh, hey. There you are!”

“I…I…”

The bright smile slipped from Jim’s face. “Spock?”

He felt his eyes fill with tears. “I-I did not know and I have-I stopped at Laru’s for a meal and I-I have ruined—”

“What?” Jim turned off the fire on the stove. “No. Honey, no. It’ll keep. Baby.”

Jim came to him and embraced him, and Spock clung to him, like he was life. He supposed, for him, Jim always would be.

“You were not supposed to return for six months.”

“I know. But, well, it was a surprise.” He cradled Spock’s face in his hands and kissed him.

Spock let out a sob and returned the kiss. “I am sorry I ruined it.”

“You didn’t, all right? Nothing is ruined.” He wiped Spock’s tears, Spock’s shame. “Hey, what’s going on?”

“I have missed you…terribly.”

Jim’s smile was sweet and gentle. “It’s going to take a while, Spock. To get your Vulcan side back. The human side is just out more right now. They said it might take up to a year.”

Spock nodded, holding Jim tight. “I do not like it.”

His husband laughed, but it was a warm and beautiful laugh. “I know, baby. I’m pretty okay with you as you normally are too.”

Spock looked at him doubtfully. “You will not be unhappy when my logical side takes over once more?”

“Are you kidding? I fell in love with Vulcan you.”

Spock frowned. “Then you do not love the human side of me?”

“The human side, the Vulcan side, Spock…I love my Spock.”

Spock pulled him close. “I would die for you.”

“Nobody’s dying, so cut that out.”

“How is it you are here? The Enterprise—”

“Is docked. There’s been some damage and she needs repairs. Long story. Which can definitely wait for later.” Jim took hold of Spock’s hands and squeezed them in his. “You’re cold and wet. I’ll start a fire, we’ll lie before it, and we can make love all night long.”

“You are truly here?” Spock swallowed. “This is not some illusion I have created?”

Jim looked into his eyes, his blue eyes bright as the sun. He took Spock’s hand and placed it over his beating heart. “Does that feel like an illusion?”

“No. But…I have fantasized us being together for so long that I…it is hard to trust this. Any of it.”

“It’s real, babe. I am.” Jim went to pull away and Spock clutched at him. “Spock—”

Spock shook his head. “If you disappear again, I’ll die.”

“I won’t, Spock. I’m here. With you. At least until the repairs are done. Longer if you want me to take a leave to stay with you until you’re better. Whatever you want, honey.”

Spock bowed his head. “I am ashamed. If my father could see me…even my mother would find me pathetic.”

“No. No. Your father knows. About all of it. And your mother? She would always be proud of you. You showed me her, remember?”

“Yes,” Spock whispered. “Just the same, I will go with you to start the fireplace.”

“Okay.”

He gripped Jim’s hand as tight as he could and though it prevented Jim from being quite as efficient as usual starting a fire in the apartment’s fireplace, Spock cared not.

And when they lay before it, Spock kept his gaze glued to his husband, and determined he would not fall asleep. If he did, he might wake up to find Jim gone. Again.

April 19, 2019

Flash Fic Friday April 12 2019

Mirror Spirk is back

Jim came into their quarters to see Spock standing near their bed dressed in the flowing robes he generally preferred when not on duty.

Jim narrowed his eyes. “What are you up to?”

“I am obviously up to nothing, Captain.” Spock tried his best innocent Vulcan look.

Jim snorted. “Uh-huh.”

“What would you like to eat?”

He shook his head and pulled his gold crisscrossed shirt over his head. “Shower first.” He unhooked the sash that held his dagger and phaser from around his waist. “I’m dead tired and sore all over.”

He sat on the chair next to his desk to remove his boots all the while the Vulcan continued to watch him, a neutral expression on his face.

Jim sighed.

“Do you require a massage?”

“Later for that too.”

“Or…something else, perhaps?”

He snorted again. “Later.” Jim stood and unzipped his pants, shimmying out of them, turning his ass toward Spock to give him a show. When he turned back around he saw Spock’s hands flexing.

“Later.”

“If you insist on going commando—”

“Did I give you permission to speak?”

“No, Captain.”

Jim chuckled. “You’re so easy.”

Spock arched a brow. “I am not the one is easy.”

He smirked. “You complaining?”

“About the ease with which you give yourself to me? Hardly.”

Spock took a step forward.

Jim held up his hand. “Later. And do behave or it’ll be someone else I give myself to easily.”

Spock growled.

Jim just laughed and went into the bathroom for his shower. He turned it to water and stayed under the hot stream for long enough to jerk himself off twice. Damn Vulcan deserved it to take him forever to come later.

When he came back into their quarters in only his bathroom, Spock jumped.

“Adun, you-you—”

“What is it this time? Spock. I knew you were up to something.”

Spock withdrew a big ball of fluff from within his robes. It snapped its teeth at Jim.

“A tribble?”

“It is very soft,” Spock said defensively. “And it purrs because it likes me.”

Jim did that himself so he could hardly protest. “Look at those teeth.”

“He is tame, my love.”

“Sure, sure. A tame tribble. You and your pets, Spock. The last one ate all my chips and bit me.”

Spock nodded. “And he was eliminated for it. Clearly that type of creature does not do well in captivity.”

“And tribbles do?”

“Yes, Adun. He will not bite you. I promise.” Spock set the tribble down on the bed. “What do you wish to eat, my worshipped one?”

“You must be horny, you’re laying it on pretty thick. A turkey leg.”

Spock nodded and went to the synthesizer.

Jim eyed the tribble dispassionately. “What are you naming it?”

“I believe the tribble is female.”

He rolled his eyes. Spock handed him the big roasted turkey leg. He took a bite. “Fine. What are you naming her?”

“Portia.”

“Oh, for pity’s sake.” Jim went over to his chair and sat, hiking his leg up onto the desk so that his robe fell open, exposing his already hardening cock to Spock’s gaze. “She’s not going to watch, is she?”

“Of course not.” Spock began to rub the bulge in his crotch.

“No? Because she’s on the bed, chomping those evil teeth of hers staring at me and my leg. The turkey one that is.”

“I will cover her with the sheet.”

Spock’s gaze grew hotter as he approached where Jim sat. His hand slid up Jim’s leg.

The tribble chortled.

“Spock.”

The Vulcan sighed, turned and scooped up his pet. He walked over to the laundry chute, opened it up, and tossed her in. “Satisfied, Captain?”

He took another bite of turkey leg and smiled. “Not yet. But I’d better be.”

April 12, 2019

Flash Fic Friday, April 05, 2019

“How many days have you slept alone?”

Jim scowled at his friend. “This is the third day…night.”

Bones sighed. “You gonna apologize?”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Course not.” Bones took a sip of his beer. “Still going to?”

“No!” Jim frowned. “I…don’t know where he is. Or-or anything.”

“What? He hasn’t been in touch for three days? That doesn’t seem like him.”

He shrugged. “Had a bad fight.”

Bones finished his beer and stood. “You contact —”

“No.”

“Want me to stay?” Bones asked, gently. “Or you want to come with me?”

“Nah.” Jim forced a smile. “Gonna do some studying and go to bed. See you tomorrow?”

When Bones left, Jim went for another bottle of beer, and then another. By the time he had stumbled to bed he hadn’t done any studying or even changed his clothes.

He woke in the middle of the night to a thud. He sat up, heart pounding. Was someone breaking in to the apartment? Shit. Jim tried to scramble out of bed but tripped on the tangle of blankets and sheets and fell flat on his face.

“Fuck! Ouch. Damn. That hurt.” He lifted himself up to his elbows and saw Spock standing in the doorway of the bedroom. “Are you breaking in?”

Spock arched a brow. “I live here.”

“What was that noise then?”

“I accidentally kicked the book bag you left by the door.”

“Oh.” Jim bit his lip and sunk back down to the floor in defeat. “Come to move your stuff out, huh?”

Spock sighed which had Jim lifting up to look at him again.

“Negative. But if you will recall the fight started because you left your book bag, grocery purchases, laundry, and—”

“Yeah, okay,” Jim mumbled. “I know. I’m a lazy slob.”

Spock stepped into the room and reached down to pull Jim to his feet. “You were drinking.”

“Bones was over and…yeah. I was.” Jim leaned against Spock. “Are you really back?”

“Are you apologizing?”

Jim waited a beat. “Yeah. Are you?”

“Affirmative.”

Jim drew back to look at Spock. Or at least as much as he could with Spock holding him pretty tight. “You are?”

Spock nodded. “Will you take me back?”

“I hate when we fight.”

“Me too.” Spock wrinkled his nose. “Let’s get you cleaned up. When did you last shower?”

“Uh…I don’t know?”

“Come. I will take care of you.”

Jim smiled and kissed Spock’s cheek. “You always do.”

“And I always will.”

April 5, 2019

Flash Fic Friday, March 22, 2109

This was a reader prompt, sort of, and while I doubt she had quite this in mind, well…here you go.

“So, um, you want to learn to play poker?”

Spock nodded. “That is what I said.”

Jim bit his lip. Turned away from Spock to pour himself a drink. Red wine tonight. A gift from Bones on his last birthday.

“Got it on our last shore leave, Jim, been saving it ever since.”

Spock was in his quarters now. He’d come to play chess, which they’d started to do once a week after the newly built Enterprise had begun its voyage after the whole Krall mess.

They’d kept it pretty casual, at first. They’d started in the rec room playing just one game each week. Though Spock won most of them, Jim had a few good days in there, too.

It moved to their quarters when Jim was running late one week and contacted Spock to say he would be later still. Spock had suggested he would just bring the chess set there. Jim had hid his surprise and agreed.

The next week, Spock had suggested playing chess in his quarters, and ever since they’d alternated between Jim’s and Spock’s. Never returning to the rec room. And they generally played several games now.

“Well, I think it was Bones who said he’d like to teach you,” Jim said, taking a sip.

There had been talk of poker when they’d been confronted by a hostile alien, or so they’d thought at the time. Balok. Jim had bluffed and suddenly Spock became interested in poker.

“You do not wish to teach me?”

There was just the hint of a tone in Spock’s voice that Jim could not quite place, but he knew it made him feel bad. “No, no. Not at all, Spock. You want to learn, that’s fine. Um, generally, it’s more than a couple of players though.”

“I see.”

“Yeah. So, you want me to find out if anyone else is available to play with us?”

Which honestly, Jim was not at all keen on the intrusion into his private time with Spock, and he feared it would quickly become a thing where everyone played every week, and there would go any alone time he had managed to obtain with Spock, which he’d won with a lot of effort, but, if Spock wanted him to get a group going for poker, Jim would do it.

“Is that the norm for strip poker?”

Jim stumbled forward, spilling wine on the floor. “What? Did you say…strip poker?”

“I have been doing some research prior to broaching the subject with you, of course.”

“Of course you have.” Jim went over to the bathroom for a cloth to wipe up the spilled wine. He bent down and cleaned up the mess. “I don’t think that’s a really good idea. Sit down, Spock.”

Spock took his seat dutifully. Jim had already set up the chess set, but as Jim sat across from Spock, it remained untouched.

“There are a series of hands that beat other hands.”

“Indeed, I researched those.”

“Good. That gives us a head start. Basically, poker is a lot of bluffing.”

“As you did with Balok.”

“Right. So, with the hand you’re dealt, unless you get a royal flush dealt to you, which believe me, doesn’t really happen, you’re usually going to want to convince those playing with you that you have a better hand than you do. If I have two queens and you have a full house, that beats me. But I want you to think I have something more than you do so you’ll fold. Or basically, give in.”

“I see.”

“Which is what I did with Balok. I wanted him to think we had a better weapon than he did, so he would fold. But he could just have easily called my bluff. Which is why in poker, you call.”

“So it is a means of lying.”

“Pretty much. Unless you really do have a royal flush, then you aren’t lying.”

Spock inclined his head. “I am certain that I would have no trouble knowing that you were lying.”

Jim laughed. “Yeah? Why do you think that, Mister Spock?”

“I know when you lie, I can tell. So I cannot be fooled by your bluff. We have known each other long enough for me to read you quite well, Captain.”

“That’s it! You’re putting your money where your mouth is.”

Sometime later…

“You won.”

Jim grinned. “Yep. Four queens.”

“But…”

“You only have a full house, Spock.”

“Yes, I know that your hand beats mine. It is simply that your behavior during the match—”

“Game, Spock.”

“As well as your body language indicated that you had a much lower hand than you were pretending to have and yet…”

“Yep. So you don’t know me as well as you thought, Spock. Not my lies anyway.” Jim leaned back. “I think you should remove your pants.”

Spock’s cheeks greened. “Captain.”

He burst out laughing. “I’m totally kidding. I know we weren’t playing strip poker, babe.”

Spock stared at him. “Babe?”

“I didn’t say babe,” Jim said quickly. “I said Spock.”

“No. I heard babe.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Mister Spock.” Jim stood. “Will you look at the time? I’m going to have to cut this short. I have about three hundred reports to do.”

Spock stood too. “Three hundred, Captain?”

“Three hundred and two. I forgot a couple.” Jim ushered Spock to his door. “As amusing as this was, next week, back to chess?”

“As you wish, Captain.”

Jim smiled, patted Spock’s arm. “Goodnight, Spock.”

“Goodnight…babe.”

The door of his quarters opened and Spock disappeared through it.

Jim stared after him. Shook his head. Too much wine going to his head. He laughed and turned away.

March 22, 2019

Kris’s Birthday Fic (March 19)

“Ouch. Damn.”

Spock pulled back from touching Jim, unable to prevent a frown from appearing.

Jim winced. “Sorry. Sorry. It’s just I kind of ache everywhere.”

“Doctor McCoy released you from the medbay too early.”

“No, honey. I’m all right.”

“Yet I am unable to touch you in any way.” He tucked the sheets and blanket around Jim’s prone form upon the bed. Carefully.

“Bones has me off for another 72 hours. Twenty four of those on bedrest. It’ll be fine. I will. I promise.”

Spock remained unmoved by his declarations. It had been a near thing. Jim had spent two weeks in the medbay, the first in a coma. Spock had nearly lost him more than once in those two weeks. After Jim had fixed the warp core was surely bad enough, but now that they were bonded, married, the loss of Jim was without comprehension. Spock would not entertain the idea.

“I love you,” Jim intoned softly.

“And I you. But you take too many chances and—”

“Spock. I’m the captain.”

“All the more reason you are not expendable on away missions.”

“Spock—”

“There has been discussion of late indicating that Starfleet will restrict commanding officers from landing parties,” Spock told him.

Jim frowned. “What? That is hardly fair.”

“What is not fair is how many times I have had to face your probable death,” Spock said, speaking more sharply than he meant to. But it had the intended effect, for Jim quieted down then, biting his lip and sinking against the pillows. His blue eyes were shiny but there were no outward signs of tears.

“I’m sorry,” Jim said softly, faintly.

It reminded Spock too much of the time Admiral Marcus had advised he was about to murder the entire Enterprise crew and Jim had turned to face Spock and all the rest of them to say he was sorry. Spock had never seen Jim look so hopeless.

Spock lowered himself to sit on the bed beside Jim and held out his hand toward Jim so that Jim could rest his hand in Spock’s rather than having Spock seize his hand. Jim put his warm hand on Spock’s, palm side down.

“Ashaya, I would never seek to turn you into something or someone you are not. I only ask that, now that we are two, perhaps three or more some day—”

Jim’s eyes widened.

“That you recall there is someone who waits for you, always, to return safely to them.”

“I never want to hurt you ever,” Jim replied.

“I know. So I ask, only, for your consideration,” Spock said. “And I will give the same back to you.”

A small smile appeared and though it was not Jim’s full wattage smile, Spock would take it. “You got it.”

“You should rest now, T’hy’la.”

“Are you going to the bridge?”

“Negative. Mr. Scott is there at present. I will work here in our quarters to watch over you.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I do, in fact.”

The smile widened. “Sorry about the birthday sex. Or lack thereof. When I’m better—”

“I am unconcerned for whether I get, as you said, ‘tail’ for my birthday,” Spock said, severely. “I just want you to be better. ‘Tail’ can wait.”

Jim laughed softly. “I love you. So so much. You have no idea.”

Spock tapped his fingers on his head, which made Jim laugh again.

“All right. Maybe you do.”

“Sleep. When you wake you can have something to eat.”

Jim lowered his lashes. Looked at Spock innocently. “Ice cream?”

“We shall see. Rest.” Spock rose, leaned over and cautiously kissed Jim’s forehead. As birthday’s went, it was not Spock’s finest, but Jim was alive and beautiful and in their bed, and that was acceptable.

March 19, 2019

Flash Fic Friday March 15, 2019

“Wow, he’s so cute.”

“Nyota.”

“Well.” She giggled. “He is. Look he’s kicking his legs.”

Sure, enough Jim, aged six, sitting on the edge of the biobed in the medbay, swinging his legs back and forth. Spock had the very human urge to pinch the bridge of his nose.

“This is not amusing, Nyota.”

“Spock, Leonard said it’s temporary. The effects should wear off in a few hours.”

“Or a few days. The Morapai on the planet were not very specific.”

Jim, blue eyes wide and stark in his face, glanced toward them. “Spock.”

“You’d better go to him. Poor baby looks freaked out.”

“He is not the only one.”

Nyota touched his arm. “Spock, it’ll be okay. Jim will go back to normal, and in the meantime, you’ve got this.”

“I have not had much experience with children.”

“Maybe not, but you’re going to be fine. And this is not an ordinary child. This is your husband.”

She pushed him toward little Jim, whose bottom lip had begun to tremble. Spock felt his heart clench.

“Jim, there is no reason to be upset,” he said gently.

“Are you kidding?” the little boy asked. “My feet don’t reach the ground!”

“The doctor says it will be gone in just a short time and you will be yourself again.”

Little Jim’s teeth pulled at his bottom lip. He’d seen Jim do it dozens of times. Now seeing him as a boy tugged at Spock’s heart.

“What if Bones is wrong?” His tiny voice warbled.

Spock had the same thought, of course, but he could not admit this to Jim. “He is not. He spoke to the elders on the planet. You only have to have a little patience.” He paused. “If you wish, I can take you to our quarters to wait, rather than your having to stay here in the medbay.”

“Yeah. Please. You know I hate it here.”

Jim struggled to get down and when Spock saw that he was getting frustrated, he went over to the biobed and lifted Jim off and to the floor.

He went to release the boy’s hand, but Jim tightened his grip and so Spock didn’t try to pull away again.

Spock was grateful they didn’t run into anyone on their way to the quarters, because he knew Jim would not be happy to have his crew see him like this, and though Spock figured the word had likely spread, it was better not to get the visual confirmation.

Once they were in their quarters, Spock turned to Jim. “Would you like something to eat?”

“I want to take a shower.”

“Very well. But it has been a while since you have eaten, so when you come out, I will replicate you something. Your choice?”

“Spaghetti?”

Spock nodded. “Do you wish for me to assist you, Jim?”

Jim seemed to think about it. “Maybe. I-I don’t think I can reach the shower handle.”

“Go in and get undressed and I will be in there in a moment.”

After Jim went into their bathroom, Spock looked toward his meditation alcove hopefully, but he forced himself to squelch the desire. Right now he needed to support and help his mate, not be concerned for his own needs.

Straightening he went into bathroom.

Jim stood by the shower, eyes watery. He was still fully clothed.

“Ashaya, come here.”

Spock dropped to his knees and held out his arms. Jim ran to him and Spock pulled him close, hugging him tightly. He felt the wetness on Jim’s face and his heart beat hard and painfully in his side.

“I just want to be normal,” Jim said, hiccupping.

Spock closed his eyes. “Shh. Come. Let us get your dinner. You can shower later.”

Spock got Jim spaghetti and then a hot fudge sundae. The boy ate silently, which was quite strange for Spock, because Jim was never silent unless very troubled.

When he was finished, he asked Jim, “Do you still wish to shower?”

Jim shook his head. “Just go to bed. Maybe I’ll wake up myself again.”

When he was in bed and Spock had tucked all the covers around him, Jim stared up at Spock, blue eyes still too watery for Spock’s liking.

“You make me realize one thing,” Spock said.

“What?”

“I want us to have a little boy who looks just like you someday.”

The slightest smile appeared on Jim’s face. “G’night.”

“Good night little one.”

Spock meditated for an hour and then pulled out a Murphy bed from the wall to sleep.

He was awakened early by the sound of the shower running. He glanced at the bed and saw that, sure enough, Jim was up. Spock flopped back down staring up at the ceiling, waiting for the boy to find out what he’d want for breakfast.

Then he sat up. The shower was running. Little Jim had said he couldn’t reach the shower handle. Spock slipped out of bed and to the bathroom door. He opened it and peered in.

“Good morning,” Jim called cheerfully. “You can come in. It’s all right.”

Spock did and sure enough his full grown mate was back, grinning from ear to ear.

Spock smiled in response. He could not help it. A part of him had doubted that Jim would return to himself and Spock was inordinately glad his doubts were for nothing.

“I’ll get your coffee,” Spock told him, then turned back to their room.

He replaced the Murphy bed and got to work.

All was well again.

March 15, 2019