For Fun

Flash Fic, December 23, 2024

Here is the full flash

Ten years earlier…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Jim—”

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

And with that he stormed off and away.

Ten years later…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Spock? No. We don’t keep in touch.”

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

“Maybe so.”

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

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

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

“I will.”

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

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

****

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

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

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

“Great, thank you.”

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

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

As though in a dream he walked over.

“Spock?”

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

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

“Sit down.”

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

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

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

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

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

“I would agree.”

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

He swallowed his pride. It was a tough thing.

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

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

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

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

“Have we wasted these ten years, Spock?”

“Yes.”

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

Spock nodded. “I have not tried.”

“Not once?” Jim asked, surprised.

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

“Oh, God. Spock, I’m so so sorry.”

“It is I who owe the apology.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Agreed.”

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

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

Jim frowned. “Wait. Pon Farr?”

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

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

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

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

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

“I love you,” Jim said softly.

“I love you,” Spock returned.

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

The double doors opened.

“Gentlemen? Your room is ready.”

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

“Yes.”

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

May the holiday season warm you. Happy Holidays!

December 23, 2024

Flash Fic, December 20, 2024

The First Noel, the angels did say…

Jim smiled faintly at the music playing from speakers as he walked along the sidewalk directly outside of the shuttle bay on his way to try to catch a shuttle to Riverside.

Admittedly it was last minute. Only two days until Christmas. He’d left it too late, he knew.

But he hadn’t known until very recently that Bones, his roommate at the Academy, was going to Georgia for Christmas, nor had he known the Vulcan he was sort of seeing, Spock, one of the instructors at the Academy, didn’t do holidays. Like at all.

Spock had explained, rather stiffly, that he didn’t believe in a deity, had never celebrated Christmas since his mother was Jewish, and he didn’t celebrate any Jewish holidays either. He planned on catching up on grading mid-terms and some research he’d wanted to do but hadn’t had time during the break.

Since theirs was a very new relationship (meaning they’d had sex twice), Jim chose not to push it.

He hadn’t really wanted to spend Christmas alone in San Francisco.

Jim had visions of the song “Mr. Lonely” in his head. Yeah, true, he could be overly dramatic sometimes.

Unfortunately, his mom wasn’t going to be on Earth for Christmas. And at first Jim decided he wasn’t going to go to Riverside after all. But then with nothing else to do and no one else willing to spend it with him, Jim had decided to try to get a shuttle to Riverside anyway.

And just as he did, he heard the weather was going to be terrible and the shuttle might not even depart.

So he entered the bay, waiting for a shuttle to depart that was more likely to be canceled than not. And if it was, Jim guessed he’d go back to his dorm and drink spiked eggnog until he passed out.

Well, maybe not.

With delay after delay, Jim found himself dozing off. He jerked awake when his communicator beeped.

Where are you?

And that was Spock.

He typed back, “Shuttle Bay waiting for a shuttle to Riverside.’

I did not realize you were going to see your mother.

Eh, I’m not. She won’t be there. But I had no other plans so I thought…why not?

I see.

There was nothing else for a while, so eventually, Jim typed, “I don’t think I’m going anywhere. Bad snowstorm. I’m just waiting for them to officially cancel.”

If you find yourself seeking an alternative plan, you could come to my apartment.

And honestly he almost typed back he wasn’t in the mood to be Spock’s booty call but he wasn’t actually sure if that was entirely true.

Sure.

Another hour passed before the shuttle to Riverside was officially canceled. He was told he still could get a seat on one going out the next day, so Jim departed and headed off to Spock’s apartment. At least he’d have something to do tonight and then he could try again the next day.

So Jim was pretty surprised when from the street in front of Spock’s apartment he could around the window was a string of old fashioned Christmas lights. The kind with bulbs rather than the tiny ones.

He rushed inside and up the stairs, since the lift was always breaking down, and to the door on the end of the third floor. He knocked.

A moment later the door opened, and Spock stood there. Beyond him, Jim spotted the lights on the window.

“Spock, what—”

Spock stepped out of the way and gestured for Jim to come in.

To his surprise, it didn’t stop at the lights on the window, but Spock also had a small, artificial Christmas tree decorated with lights and red bows.

“I…”

“You said you wished to observe the holidays,” Spock explained quietly.

“Yeah but you said you didn’t celebrate. Or anything,”

“And I never have. However you wished to and I am not opposed to indulging your preferences.”

Jim smiled, suddenly feeling warmth in his chest. “You did this all for me?”

Spock tilted his head. “Who else, Jim?”

Jim stepped into his arms and Spock closed his arms around Jim, holding him close.

“I have mulled wine.”

Jim laughed and pulled away slightly. “Yeah?”

“Indeed. Do you…are you still going to Riverside when you are able?”

“No. I’m staying right here with you.” Jim kissed him. “Thank you.”

“You are welcome, Jim. Come let me get you that mulled wine.”

December 20, 2024

Flash Fic, December 18, 2024

I’m thinking only a few more parts of this after this one. Maybe 2-3 flashes to make up the final chapter.

Photo by Sebastian Voortman on Pexels.com

“I have some questions for you if you don’t mind,” Jim told Amanda later that morning as he dug into a plate of surprisingly good replicated eggs and potatoes.

They were seated at the marble dining room table in her kitchen. Spock had been summoned to speak with his father so it was just the two of them.

She smiled encouragingly as she took a bite of her blueberry scone. “Go ahead.”

“What’s it like being bonded to a Vulcan?”

“Has Spock asked you to bond with him?’

Jim laughed. “Nope. But he did take me to the ceremonial area and assured me it wasn’t intended to mean anything.”

“Ah.” She nodded. “I see.”

Jim ate another bite of potatoes. “Did you do that whole thing when you bonded with Sarek?”

“Oh, no.” She shook her head and smiled. “They were adamantly against it involving an outsider, you see. Sarek was considered a rebel when he chose to marry me. He’d been previously bonded to a Vulcan, but she died in childbirth many years ago.”

“Spock has a half-sibling?’

“Yes, although we never talk about Sybok. Let’s just say he is not close to the family. Anyway when Sarek and I decided to marry he wished for it to include a bond. The elders refused to do an official bonding ceremony with a Human involved, so Sarek bonded us himself.”

“So I’d guess Spock would run into a similar situation should he ever decide to bond with me.”

She shrugged. “Perhaps. But attitudes change all the time and elders die off and are replaced with more modern thinking Vulcans. It is hard to know for sure.”

“What’s the bond itself like? Is it painful or uncomfortable?”

“Heavens, no. Never. It’s probably not what you’re imagining. At least based on what my own hesitations were about. I feared it would be intrusive.”

“It’s not?”

“No. Most of the time it merely feels like a warm mental hug, if that makes any sense. I can get a sense of Sarek’s emotional state—”

“Wait, emotions?”

She laughed. “Of course, dear. If he’s upset, I can generally feel it. Anger. Even gladness. Those emotions, I sense those. But I don’t get random things like, ‘I’ll be home by four’.”

It was Jim’s turn to laugh. “That would be helpful.”

“Yes, it would. But it doesn’t really work that way. We can get each other’s direct thoughts only during melds, otherwise it’s just the emotional sense as I said. Or the warm hug. And none of it is painful. A meld is very personal and likely varies from bonded pair to bonded pair. It is nothing to fear.”

“Thanks, Amanda. I appreciate you answering my probably invasive questions.”

“Not at all. I suspect you will need this information yourself soon.”

“I don’t know. Like I said he hasn’t asked.”

“I know my son and he feels deeply for you, Jim. You’ll see.”

December 18, 2024

Flash Fic, December 17, 2024

“So, this is ‘the forge’, huh?” Jim asked as they wandered around an ancient area of Vulcan that Spock had brought him to the morning after their arrival. Not that anything on Vulcan wasn’t ancient. Everything seemed to be thousands if not millions of years.

Spock had briefly explained on the way to Vulcan that Vulcan children were generally informally bonded. Sort of an engagement bond, though most often Vulcans referred to their betrothal as spouses.

Spock was supposed to have been bonded but the other family changed their mind before the official ceremony.

Anyway, apparently, according to what Spock told him, somewhat shyly and with obvious embarrassment, Vulcans came to this area to officially mate at the appointed time. It was all more than a little strange in Jim’s opinion, which of course he kept to himself. He didn’t want to offend Spock or any of the other Vulcans, especially Sarek.

“It is.” Spock looked uncomfortable, and not because of the excessive heat, which certainly was making Jim uncomfortable.

“What’s wrong?” Jim wondered.

“It merely occurred to me that my showing you this might give you the wrong impression.”

Jim smiled faintly. “And what would that be?”

“That I intended to pressure you into something you are not prepared for. May never be ready for.”

Jim didn’t respond immediately, instead he walked around the area with stone arches and a rather enormous gong. “What’s this for?”

“The Vulcan male strikes it to begin the ceremony.”

“Ah.” Jim touched it. “All the elders don’t watch, do they?”

“Certainly not. Once the bond itself has been established, the elders depart, and the couple continue the rest of what is required.”

“Mm. Required,” he murmured.

“You did ask to see this area,” Spock said somewhat stiffly.

“I wanted to, yes. I’m just…taking it all in. Based on what you’ve said or maybe what you’ve not said, I’m guessing you are intending to establish that you don’t want to pressure me into a bond with you.”

Spock hesitated but then nodded. “I am aware that it is not something entirely acceptable to others outside of Vulcan.”

“Did your mom bond with your dad?”

“She did.”

“And she doesn’t seem worse for wear.”

“I would urge you not to treat the matter lightly, Jim.”

Jim snorted. “Well, as of this moment, you haven’t even asked me, so I’m not sure how I am supposed to take it seriously, Spock. I’m not a delicate flower, I can assure you of that. And there aren’t any misunderstandings between us and I don’t feel pressured to do anything since you haven’t asked.”

“Jim—”

“This is cool, well hot really, but can we go back to you parents house? It’s really hot out here and I think I’m getting burned.”

Spock looked instantly contrite. “I am sorry. I didn’t even think.”

He smiled and touched Spock’s arm. “It’s fine, all right? But let’s go back. I’m also kind of hungry.”

Spock nodded. “You have not yet had breakfast. I have appropriate Human food to your liking programmed in the replicators.”

They turned from the ceremonial forge and began to make their way back toward Sarek’s and Amanda’s house.

December 17, 2024

Flash Fic, December 12, 2024

Cool fact, today would have been my father’s 102 birthday!

This is Part One…. (warning for strong language)

Ten years earlier…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Jim—”

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

And with that he stormed off and away.

Ten years later…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Spock? No. We don’t keep in touch.”

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

“Maybe so.”

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

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

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

“I will.”

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

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

December 12, 2024

Flash Fic, December 10, 2024

“This is just great. Stuck in our quarters for a week while I miss all the holiday festivities.”

Spock leaned over on their bed to tuck blankets around his husband.

“It is indeed, unfortunate.”

“That’s the understatement of the year,” Jim grumbled, glaring at him. “Why are you in here anyway? Don’t you have a ship to command?”

“At present, Captain, Commander Scott is on the bridge. And I am here because my husband in ill in bed.”

“Mm. But you aren’t sick. You could be out enjoying the rum punch.” Jim sighed. “Well, not that, but you know what I mean. Mistletoe and holly. Forget the mistletoe too.”

“How could I possibly enjoy the festivities without you by my side?”

“Well.” Jim sort of shrugged, but he looked pleased with Spock’s statement, nonetheless. “Stupid creature with a stinger.”

Because yes, Jim’s current “illness” was caused by an attack by an alien creature on the last planet they visited. He had been poisoned and while Doctor McCoy had developed an antidote, Jim was still weak, nauseous and sometimes feverish. And quite grumpy. Especially after Leonard had advised he was to stay in bed and off duty for a week.’

“No, seriously, Spock. You should go to the parties and leave me to suffer here alone.”

Spock almost rolled his eyes. He only just stopped himself.

“I will not, so you are illogically wasting your breath. It is time for you to have the tea that the doctor prescribed for you.”

Jim made a face. “It tastes like licorice.”

“It is supposed to help with the nausea.”

“Pish. It makes me want to barf.”

“Jim—”

“Fine.”

Spock rose from the bed and went to get Jim’s tea. When he returned he handed the steaming cup to Jim, who immediately sniffed and frowned.

“This smells different.”

“Taste it.”

Jim took a tentative sip. “It tastes like vanilla and caramel.”

Spock nodded, pleased. “I was able to have the replicator reprogram the taste from licorice to something more to your liking.”

Jim’s eyes widened and he took another sip. “Wow. This is good. Really good. It reminds me of a drink my mom made us for Christmas when we were kids.”

“Yes. She described it for me when I contacted her.”

Jim’s eyes unexpectedly watered.

Spock could not help but express his confusion. “I thought you would be pleased.”

Jim sniffed. “I am. It’s just so sweet.” Tears rolled down his cheeks.

“The tea is too sweet?”

“No, no. The gesture. Sorry, babe. This thing is making me really emotional.”

Spock exhaled. “Clearly. When you sleep, I will meditate.”

Jim smiled through his tears. “Thank you. I love the tea.”

“You are welcome, Jim.”

December 10, 2024

If You’re in the Mood

For some Christmas Carol type stories, may I recommend…

Eb, which is not Spirk related, but is my take on this timeless classic

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12885231

Or for my Spirk version (which is super angsty but has a happy ending)

A Spirky Christmas Carol

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2707625/chapters/6059594

I hope to have a new flash up tomorrow and I’ll be working on the next chapter of Jim’s Christmas Wish, too

December 9, 2024

Flash Fic, December 04, 2024

We return to the ChessMaster and Too Sexy today.

“Well, looks like I’m basically settled into your apartment now, Spock. I didn’t have a lot. Just some clothes and a few personal things. All the furniture in the dorm was Starfleet’s.”

“It certainly makes the transition easier,” Spock replied. “Doctor McCoy has supplied me with enough EpiPens to place in strategic locations throughout the apartment to ensure you safety should you experience another allergic reaction to something.”

Jim snorted. “He overreacts. I doubt I’ll run across, uh, Frieresty Weed anytime soon.”

Spock shrugged slightly. “Since you are likely to accompany me to Vulcan later in this month, it is actually possible you will encounter it again. I am considering having Mother prearrange replicators there to make sure you are only given food that is known to already be acceptable to you.”

“A onetime allergy, Spock, hardly seems to warrant all this.”

“There may be other unknown allergens, Jim. You were unaware of Fieresty Weed before it affected you.”

“Yeah, okay. I can’t argue with that.”

Spock’s lips twitched. “It is good to know there is something you cannot.”

Jim tossed a throw pillow at him and then yawned. “God, I didn’t realize how tired I am. It’s been a lot these last few days.”

“Indeed,” Spock agreed. “Your hospitalization, going to Riverside, and now the move. I suggest you take a long hot shower and then dress in your pajamas. There is no need to go anywhere. I will order you some food when you are ready.”

Jim smiled. “That sounds great. Pizza maybe?”

Spock nodded. “Whatever you wish. I would like to spend the evening pampering you.”

“I would certainly like to spend the evening being pampered.” He laughed. “Happy Holidays to me.”

“And speaking of which, though we do not generally celebrate Earth holidays in my family, I am not opposed to you adorning the apartment with illogical and frivolous decorations.”

Jim hugged Spock, chuckling as he did so. “That’s me all over. Illogical and frivolous.”

“Jim—”

“I’m teasing, Spock. Let me go get that shower and then I’m all yours.”

“Mine,” Spock repeated softly. “I like the sound of that.”

Jim kissed him. “Me, too.”

December 4, 2024

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

Category

If You’re in the Mood

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