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January 09, 2026 Flash

Rated: PG in case you are, er, um…offended by the functions of the body, or at least mention of them.

“Do Vulcans fart?” Jim asked, inappropriately, sure.

“What?”

They were trapped in a cave. The only way out would be folly. The aliens that had managed to injure both officers waited somewhere out there.

Jim had his back against an uncomfortable rock wall that dug into his back with sharp precision. He held his phaser at the ready, should it become necessary.

Spock sat nearby also holding his phaser. He had green blood smeared across his forehead from his injury. Jim’s left leg was currently oozing blood also from an injury.

“Do they fart?”

Spock gave him a trademark ‘you’re a dumbass human’ look. “I am not having this discussion, Captain.”

Jim shrugged. “I mean, I figure they do. Because you know, you’re humanoid and all. And all humanoids have those, er sorts of bodily functions, hell, even animals do. When my brother and I were kids, we used to speculate about that.”

Spock pursed his lips but did not make an inquiry as to what Jim meant.

“We’d play this game where we wondered which alien species would fart.”

“That is ridiculous.”

Jim laughed. “Well, we were kids. Bored kids at that. We’d sit out in the cornfields at night, looking up at the stars, and wishing we were anywhere but there. With Frank. He wouldn’t come out to those fields, so we spent a lot of time there.”

“I see.”

“I’ve spent time in pretty close quarters with a number of Vulcans, including you, and I’ve never smelled anything. So I wondered. But logically I’m guessing you do.”

“You are delirious,” Spock said without inflection.

He laughed again. “No. Just…I know I’m going to die here and I’m trying to distract myself with idiotic conversation.”

Spock glanced his way, but Jim didn’t move his own head to look at Spock. He kept his gaze trained where his phaser was pointed…the entrance to the cave.

“You are not going to die,” Spock said quietly.

“Sure.”

“At least not today,” Spock qualified.

Jim sighed softly but did not reply.

“For the record,” Spock spoke up. “I have also been in close quarters with you and have never smelled anything.”

Jim chuckled. “Good to know. You know you’re funny. No wonder Uhura wants to marry you.”

“Nyota does not wish to marry me.”

“Since when?”

“Likely around the time we ended our romantic relationship two months ago.”

“I didn’t know that,” Jim admitted.

“Because you do not pay attention,” Spock told him. “You are deliberately obtuse about a number of things.”

“Name one.”

Spock arched his eyebrow. “Besides the end of my relationship with Nyota?”

Jim rolled his eyes. “Yeah, obviously.”

“You do not seem to be aware that I have been attempting to court you for two months.”

Now Jim did look at Spock, with his mouth hanging open. “You what?”

“I have made my point.”

Jim blinked and looked back at the cave entrance. “Well. I mean, for the record, you are very subtle.”

 “Clearly too subtle.”

“Clearly,” Jim said dryly. “So, um, suppose we do make it out of this alive, would you…I mean…would you like to do something together that might be considered a date?”

“Yes, since everyone else believes we have been dating for two months.”

“Now you’re delirious.”

“Ask them when we return to the ship,” Spock replied.

“If we do, you bet your cute ass I will.”

His communicator beeped to life.

“Son of a bitch.” Jim fished it out of his pocket and flipped it open.

“Scott to Captain Kirk.”

“Scotty! Spock and I are injured. Can you beam us up?”

“Locking on to your signals now.”

Jim grinned. “Hallelujah!”

In seconds he and Spock appeared sitting on the transporter pad. Bones stood, scowling, nearby.

“Scotty,” Jim shouted. “I could just kiss you!”

“You probably ought to leave that soft of thing to Mister Spock.”

Jim looked at Spock, who shrugged.

Bones came to Jim, ordering orderlies to help him onto a gurney.

“Hey Bones? Are Spock and I dating?”

“For the last two months, why?”

Jim sighed, glanced at Spock again, and grinned. “I guess you are my boyfriend.”

Spock’s lips twitched. “So it would seem.”

Bones rolled his eyes. “Take them both to the medbay. Stat.”

“Bones, do you think Gorns fart?”

“That’s it.” Bones took out a hypo and aimed it at Jim’s neck.

“Nooooo.”

7

Flash Fic, January 02, 2026

Better late than never, I say. We return to Friday flashes for January. This is a follow up to the NYE flash of a couple days ago.

“How was your brunch with the doctor?” Spock as Jim the question as he rejoined the Vulcan after meeting Bones for a New Year’s brunch.

Spock had declined to accompany Jim, advising he had matters to attend to that would ensure the Enterprise leaving Yorktown would not be further delayed.

“Good.” He plopped down on the sofa beside Spock who had been typing on his PADD before Jim returned. “I told him about us.”

“Did you?”

Jim’s stomach turned nervously. “I mean…that’s okay, right? There is an us, isn’t there?”

“Of course, Jim.” Spock set his PADD aside and opened his arms for Jim to scoot closer so that Spock could wrap his arms around him. “You need not worry so.”

“I…I’m not. It’s just…”

Spock nodded. “I know. You are unused to such unwavering affection.” Spock’s lips twitched a little. “You will get used to it.”

Jim grinned. “I sure hope to.”

“I have already informed Starfleet of the change in our relationship.”

“You-you did? What did Womack say?”

“Congratulations.” Spock rubbed Jim’s back. “They are all well aware we make a good team. They have no immediate concerns but will of course monitor the situation for any changes.”

Jim laughed. “Of course they will. Man, this is the best New Year’s ever. And in just a couple of days it’s my birthday. You’re all the present I need.”

Spock kissed him. “No parties?”

“God, no. I already told Bones I don’t want a repeat of last year. I mean I know everyone needed the distraction after Altamid, but this year, I want to spend a quiet night with you.”

“I like the sound of that,” Spock murmured.

“I will have to call my mom, though, And I guess I should mention the change in my life.”

“That would be wise,” Spock agreed. “But for now…perhaps it is time to…cuddle…in bed.”

“I thought you’d never ask. Let’s go.”

6

New Year’s Eve Flash

Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com

It was hard to believe they’d celebrated his last birthday on Altamid and now it was nearly a year later, and he was attending a New Year’s Eve gathering. A tradition that Federation had adapted all those years ago when it had been founded.

Jim had his own memories of New Year’s Eve over the years. Some pleasant and some not so pleasant.

This time it just reminded him he was still in limbo. The Enterprise wasn’t ready and his life was delayed.

He was outside on a patio that had been decorated for this kind of thing. Gold and silver, balloons, garlands, glittering lights, champagne pyramids. All very classy.

Across from where he had temporarily placed himself stood Uhura with her new very close friend. A few months back, Uhura and Spock had ended things seemingly for good, but if Jim had anticipated anything changing, he was disappointed.

Bones walked over to him and handed him a flute of champagne. “You look miserable. You used to love parties.”

“Hmm. I can’t wait for the ball to drop on this one. I’m tired and cranky and look forward to sleeping all day tomorrow.”

Bones smirked. “First you have to play Chekov’s game.”

Jim groaned and glanced over towards Chekov who wore a tuxedo of all things and had Yeoman Martha Landon on his arm. Yeoman Landon wore a tight sparkly silver ball gown. They made a very attractive couple.

“He’s doing that again?”

“Yep.” Bones patted Jim’s arm. “He’s about to start.”

“Attention, attention,” Chekov spoke into a mike. “This year’s game vill be different than last year’s. My beautiful Martha vill draw a name out of this top hat and then that person vill be asked a question based on this prompt in this other hat.” Chekov paused. “Does everyone got that? Does anyone have any questions?”

“Yes,” Jim spoke up. “Executive officers are exempt, right?”

“Jim,” Bones muttered.

“Captain!” Uhura admonished.

“Fine. But at least the captain should be exempt.”

“All in good fun, laddie.”

“This is stupid,” Jim groused.

“Play along,” Bones told him.

Jim clamped his mouth shut.

Yeoman Landon pulled a name and handed it to Chekov.

“Keptin Kirk,” he announced, rather gleefully. She handed him another slip. “Oh! This is good. If there was one thing you could ask Commander Spock vhat vould it be?”

Jim looked around for Spock and saw him standing somewhat close to Uhura and her new partner. Jim shrugged.

“Are you a cuddler, Spock?”

Spock looked blank. “What?”

Jim spoke louder. “Are you a cuddler?”

“I do not understand the question.”

Jim snorted. “You understand. In bed…do you like to cuddle?”

“Jim,” Bones said in a low warning voice.

“You know…whatever.” He downed his champagne and handed the empty glass to Bones. “I’m not in the mood.”

He turned and went back inside.

“Jim! Captain.”

He turned to face Spock who had followed him. “What?”

“Are you all right? You seem…unhappy.”

Jim shook his head and kept walking. “It’s nothing.”

Spock grabbed his arm and stopped his forward motion. “It is not nothing.”

“It’s just…nothing has changed. I’ve been here a year. Nothing has changed. And Carol…”

Spock frowned. “Carol Marcus? What about her?”

“She just got married.”

“I was unaware you were following her life.”

“I’m not. I wasn’t. I mean…once we were…there was a chance.” Jim stopped and shook his head. “Never mind.”

“You were in love with her?”

“No. Not really. I really liked her. Once. We were going to give it a try but…it’s hard to fall in love with someone when you already love someone else.”

Spock seemed to consider this and for a moment Jim though maybe he’d ask if Carol loved someone else then which would certainly be the safe thing to say. To ask.

“You loved someone else when you thought about a relationship with her?”

“Yes. And I don’t really resent the fact she’s found someone and is happy. I don’t. But it just reminds me that I still haven’t moved on from the unrequited love I’ve felt for…years. It’s just…it’s making it just a little hard to think another year is passing me by.” Jim blew out a breath. “It’s not your problem, Spock, and I apologize for what I said out there. I need time to myself.”

“I do not think that wise, Jim. And besides…I have something to discuss with you that I think you may find of great interest.”

“You’re looking unexpectedly chipper this morning,” Bones grouched the next morning when he met Jim for brunch.

“Afternoon, actually.” Jim grinned. “I’m feeling pretty good, too. You look a bit worse for wear though.”

Bones grumbled. “What happened to you last night? You disappeared.”

“I found out the answer to my question.”

“Your question?”

Jim smiled. “Spock’s a cuddler.”

Santa Baby Conclusion

Here is the end. Let me know if you’d like the whole thing together and up at AO3 for saving purposes or if not, here in parts where it was posted.

“You spent far too many credits trying to make me happy,” Spock told Jim as they left the market a couple of blocks from Jim’s apartment.

“I know. Vulcans don’t feel happy,” Jim joked.

“It is not that. Just being able to spend this time with you is enough for me,” Spock replied, feeling embarrassed at his overly emotional state. Perhaps he still felt some of the effects of his overindulging at the bar.

“I could kiss you for a statement like that but I’ll wait until we’re back at my apartment.” Jim walked beside him. “Hey did you let Uhura know you’re okay?”

“I did message her, yes.”

Jim nodded. “I know she doesn’t like me much.”

Spock shrugged. “I do not especially care about her opinion in this matter as I do.”

Jim laughed. “Good to know. Bar fights do tend to give someone the wrong impression. I didn’t start that. The idiots with her did.”

“I am aware of the circumstances, Jim. I do not fault you. My only question was why Captain Pike did not have those cadets dismissed as they were beating up a civilian at the time.”

“I think he didn’t want any more trouble than it already was.” Jim shrugged. “No harm done. Other than your friend’s opinion of me.”

They had reached Jim’s apartment building and Spock followed Jim inside. A part of him wondered if he should be imposing on Jim this much but the other part of him wanted to spend as much time with Jim as Jim would allow.

Once inside the apartment, Jim put their purchases in the kitchen while Spock set the little tree in a pot Jim had picked over in the corner by the window. It came with a few ornaments already on it, along with a silver tinsel garland.

“Did you send your resignation to the bar?” Spock tried to keep the hope out of his voice.

“Yep. You want that gingerbread tea we got?”

Spock came over to the kitchen. “Yes, if you will have some too.”

Jim frowned as his communicator buzzed. He sighed. “Mom again.”

Spock felt bad for hoping Jim would continue to wish to stay with him, but he said, “Perhaps you should take it and I will make the tea.”

Jim nodded. “Right. I’ll be right back.”

He disappeared into the bedroom and Spock went about making the tea, deliberately not listening to anything he might catch with his Vulcan hearing. If Jim changed his mind and wanted to go be with his family there was little Spock could or should do to stop him. He would set his own needs aside.

Presumably now that he had made contact with Jim and Jim had admitted a mutual interest in a romantic relationship, matters would continue between them after the winter break should Jim depart.

The tea was just finished brewing when Jim came back to the kitchen and Spock braced himself to hear bad news for him.

“Everything all right?” he asked politely.

Jim smiled. “Yep. I told Mom I had you here to spend the holidays with me. She was very happy to hear it. She was afraid I’d be working and spending it alone.”

“So you will not be going to Riverside?”

“Nope. I’m staying right here. Oh and my friend, Bones, also notified me he’s going to get to see his daughter. So everyone’s happy.”

Spock felt warmth in his side which he tried to repress. What kind of a Vulcan was he to give into such emotions? But he felt pleasure that he would get to spend time with Jim.

“Now.” Jim came into the kitchen and over to Spock. He put his arms around Spock’s neck and drew him close. “About that kiss.”

Merry Christmas Everyone! I am concluding this here.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Santa Baby, Part 5

Thank you all for your kind words of support.

With a week or so left until Christmas, we’re up again. I know this one is a bit short and sweet but hey, I have lots of holiday stories on AO3 if you need something more substantive.

Spock showered quickly, though admittedly he was tempted to linger in the luxuriously warm water shower, and then brushed his teeth and used the mouth wash Jim had provided. Jim had left his sweatpants, a T-shirt and even a brand-new package of underwear. Apparently, the young cadet thought of everything. Indeed, there were also warm socks for Spock’s feet.    

Spock was unused to someone thinking so much about his welfare. At least on Earth. His mother would have been thoughtful like this, but since his move to Earth and being involved with Starfleet, he had not experienced such care. He welcomed it, though perhaps a little embarrassed that he did. If Vulcans experienced embarrassment, which of course they did not.

Spock exited the bathroom and found Jim waiting for him in the apartment kitchen, with a warm smile, and a cup of steaming hot tea.

“This ought to make you feel better.”

Spock took the tea gratefully and sat at the table nearby that Jim gestured to. Jim brought what smelled like coffee with him.

“I apologize once more for what happened last night at the bar,” Spock said after a tentative sip of his tea. “I am not usually so reckless and irresponsible.”

“Nah, don’t beat yourself up like that. Everyone makes mistakes.”

“I do not,” Spock said after a moment’s contemplation.

“No?” Jim gave him a strange look.

“There was lot of pressure on Vulcan not to fail.”

Jim shook his head. “Making a mistake is not a failure, Spock. Anyway, I am glad you’re feeling a little better.”

“It is a good thing it is winter break I do not have to teach a course today as I am not sure my concentration would be ideal today.”

“Understandable. You want some breakfast? I can make us some toast. I have blackberry jam if you don’t eat butter.”

“I will eat butter, but the jam does sound appealing.” Spock watched as Jim rose and went back into the kitchen. “Do you have a shift tonight at the bar?”

“No. Actually.” Jim paused, shrugged. “To be honest I’m growing a bit bored there. I’m thinking of quitting.”

Spock perked up. “I think that would be wise.”

Jim laughed. “Why is that?”

“Well.” Spock felt himself blush. “Just…then you would not be required to wear the uniform.”

“I thought you liked it.” Jim winked.

“I…do. Though it is shameful to say so. You should not be objectified in such a manner. But I do not like others ogling you in it.” Spock paused. “If I am allowed to say so.”

“You are. And sure it’s not ideal. But I did get some decent tips.”

“Are your intentions to see your mother and family for the holidays after all?”

“I wouldn’t go that far. I mean I feel a little bad for saying no, but I really didn’t want to travel, and she has my brother and his brood there. Right now, what I want to do, is get to know you better, Spock. In fact, I think I want to get to know you really really well.”

Jim brought over toast, smeared with jam, and more tea for Spock.

Spock picked up a slice and took a bite. “The jam is very good.”

Jim smiled. “I made it myself.”

Spock exhaled. “I may never leave.” He was joking of course. Sort of.

“I’m not kicking you out anytime soon. But I do need to go to the store for some stuff if you want to stay and if you want to come with me.”

“I will come with you.” Spock paused and took a chance. “And stay.”

Santa Baby, Part 4

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

Spock opened his eyes slowly, conscious of the heaviness of his eyelids as he did so.

“There you are.”

For a moment, Spock struggled to recognize the voice, which surely showed how really out of it he’d been, but then it came to him.

“Jim?”

And sure enough Jim from Nick’s Bar leaned closer, a beautiful smile lighting his face.

“Yes. How are you feeling?”

Rather than answer that question, Spock asked, “Where am I?”

“At my apartment. It was closer than yours, and you were in pretty bad shape.”

Spock blew out a long breath and tried to sit up. He felt unexpectedly weak.

“Easy. Let me help you.”

Jim helped Spock to sit back against pillows, and Spock realized he lay in a bed.

“Am I occupying your bed?’

Jim smiled. “Afraid so. I don’t have any other and I didn’t think the sofa would do.”

He no longer wore his skimpy Santa costume, Spock realized. He now wore a t-shirt and what looked like pajama bottoms. His hair was damp as though he had just showered and somehow he seemed even more appealing like this.

Spock had a sudden uncomfortable recollection. “Did I throw up?”

For some reason this made Jim laugh. “You sure did. All over. Me included.”

“No wonder you look freshly showered.”

“Yep. I did my best to clean you up too but you’re kind of heavy. If you want me to help you get into the shower, I’ll be happy to. I’m sure I have some fresh clothes you can wear.”

Spock looked down at the T-shirt he wore. “Yours?”

Jim nodded. “You didn’t get any on your pants. But I have some sweatpants you can wear after your shower and another shirt. That is if you’d like to take one.”

“I would, thank you. I am sorry to be so much trouble.”

“Don’t worry about it. Do you think you can stand on your own?”

“Yes, certainly.” Spock swung his legs out of bed and stood, feeling quite awkward in front of the object of his fascination.

“Okay, I’ll bring you to the bathroom. I’ll give you some clothes, too. And a new toothbrush with toothpaste and some mouth wash, too.”

Spock blinked. “You seem to know just what to do.”

“Wouldn’t be my first experience with overdrinking,” Jim told him. “Personal experience included.” He put a hand on Spock’s arm and directed him to the bathroom.  “Go ahead and turn on the water to get it warm and I’ll be right back.”

Spock went to the shower with the glass door and turned the handle. He wanted to explain himself to Jim when Jim returned.

A moment later Jim returned with the clothes and the supplies for cleaning his mouth.

“I wished to advise you that I have never done this before.”

“I figured.” Jim leaned against the sink. “Vulcans don’t normally drink, right?”

“That is true.”

“Well, I mean, you don’t owe me any explanations as to why you did. But I do recommend you be more careful.”

“It was more the chocolate,” Spock blurted out.

“What?”

“Since I am half Human the alcohol does affect me slightly more than full Vulcans, but the chocolate is somewhat intoxicating.”

“Oh.” Jim nodded. “Then, uh, why…”

“I wanted…I am interested in you.”

“In me?”

“Yes. I came to the bar because I heard you were working there. I was…attempting to get up the nerve to inquire if you might share my interest.”

“Really?” Jim seemed to consider that. “I didn’t know Vulcans could be shy.”

“I cannot speak about other Vulcans. I can only speak about myself. And I am shy.” Spock felt himself blush. “I have noticed you at Starfleet Academy for some time but…”

Jim smiled. “You should take that shower. I’ll make you some tea for when you come out. And the answer by the way is…yes.”

Santa Baby, Part 3

Photo by Daniel Reche on Pexels.com

“Mom, what’s up?”

“Have you changed your mind yet?”

Jim sighed. “No, Mother. Has Sam and his family arrived?”

“Yes, they have. You really should be coming too, Jim. Having the whole family together would be such a nice treat for everyone.”

“Except me.”

“James.”

“Look, you have Sam and Aurelan and their kids. And Tim. Or Tom.”

His mother sighed heavily. “It’s Todd. And you really should come. He’s a nice man.”

Jim started to get annoyed and he held onto his patience. How many times did he have to say no?

“Now isn’t a good time. I’m working.”

“At that bar?”

“Yes. Nick’s. Or right now Saint Nick’s. He’s changed it for the holidays.”

She snorted. “Isn’t that a little corny?”

“It’s a lot corny,” Jim agreed. “But it is what it is. And it’s working. We’re doing a great business.”

“There’s a rumor that you’re wearing inappropriate uniforms.” She sniffed.

He laughed. “Don’t believe everything you hear.” He glanced down at himself and winced. No reason for his mom to know. “Anyway, I’ll come there during spring break.”

“Spring break isn’t a fun.”

“Maybe not but it’s a lot warmer there in the spring. We can eat deviled eggs or something.”

“You really are determined to ruin Christmas, aren’t you?”

He rolled his eyes even though she couldn’t see him. “Bah humbug.”

“Fine. I’m not giving up, though. I’m going to call you again,” she insisted.

“All right, but I really need to get back to work. Bye, Mom.” He disconnected before she could say anything else.

Jim turned around and saw Spock slumped over the bar and looking vaguely ill, his martini glass empty. He hurried over.

“Spock, are you okay?”

“I do not feel so well.”

Jim bit his lip. “We need to get you home. What happened to Uhura?”

“She departed.”

“Great. Damn. Hang on. I need to find someone to cover my shift.”

Jim hurried away to contact another employee and after securing their agreement, Jim went back to Spock.

“Okay, they’re coming in. I should be able to take you home in about ten minutes. You think you can make it?”

Spock nodded, his head now resting on the bar.

“Okay. Hang in there, Spock. I’ll get you out of here soon.”

Santa Baby, Part 2

“How many of those have you had?” Nyota asked Spock as she pointed to his peppermint mocha martini.

“This is my first today.”

She picked up her mule. “How many have you had since you’ve been coming to this place?”

“Six counting today.”

“Spock!” She laughed behind her hand. “I can’t say I’m thrilled with your choice, but you should just ask him.”

“I’ve been hoping to work up the courage.” Spock took a sip of the martini. “What is your objection?”

“I wouldn’t call it an objection exactly. I just wish it was someone other than Kirk.”

“You do not like him?”

Nyota shrugged. “Just a bit full of himself. And I’m pretty sure he feels the same about me.”

“I am afraid it might be pointless.”

“Why?”

“He seems rather close to Leonard McCoy.”

She shook her head. “I don’t think they’re involved. I think McCoy is strictly hetero. Shh. Here comes Kirk. Now’s your chance.”

Spock’s eyes widened. “With you here?”

She smirked. “Just wait.”

Kirk sauntered over to them. “Need any refills?”

Nyota set her mule down. “I’m off to the ladies room. If you wouldn’t mind checking with me when I return?”

“Okay.” Kirk’s gaze followed her and then he looked back at Spock. “What about you, cutie? Another one?”

Spock did not miss Kirk calling him ‘cutie’. That had to mean something.

“I do not require another martini at present. However, I would like to make an inquiry.”

Kirk looked puzzled. “Yeah. Okay? What?”

“I would like to inquire as to whether—”

Kirk’s hip beeped.

“Shoot. Hang on.” His hand shimmied down the tight red shorts and fished out a small communicator. “Damn it. I really need to take this. Sorry.”

He took a few steps away from Spock and flipped it open.

“Mom? What’s up?”

The one good thing that came of the interruption, Spock thought as he took another sip of his drink, was that Kirk had turned his back to Spock, giving Spock a perfect look at the bottom straining the sequined shorts.

He sighed and took a larger swallow of the martini, his brain beginning to feel quite fuzzy.

Santa Baby, Part 1

The first words out of Leonard McCoy’s mouth were, “What the hell are you wearing?”

Jim turned from pulling a draft beer to smirk at his friend, who’d just took a seat at the bar.

“A Santa suit.”

He moved away from Bones, a nickname he’d given his friend, and delivered the beer to a big gruff weightlifter type, who, surprisingly, left him a hefty bunch of credits.

“I’ve never seen Santa wearing that,” Bones remarked dryly.

Jim laughed and shook his head.

“Since when has Santa worn red sequined shorts and suspenders?”

“That’s the boss’ idea.”

Jim’s uniform consisted of, as Bones noted, Christmas red sequined shorts, trimmed in faux white fur, with a black sequined belt around the waist that the suspenders were hooked to. The suspenders were black but the bow tie around his throat was also red sequined. On his head he wore a Santa hat, also made of the same sequined material and trimmed in the white fur. In the middle of the hat, also made from sequins, were holly leaves and a berry. On his feet were black Santa boots, which, thankfully, were actually comfortable.

Jim felt a bit ridiculous in the outfit, but he couldn’t deny he was getting loads of tips.

“You’re actually okay with wearing that?” Bones asked, gaping.

Jim shrugged. “The ladies are wearing similar outfits. I mean, sure, it’s totally objectifying, I get it. But it’s only temporary. I’m just working here through the Academy break.”

  Just then a gum smacking cocktail waitress came over to the side next to Bones with a tray for the drinks her customers had ordered. Instead of shorts, she wore a sequined body suit.

She glanced at Bones. “Hiya, cutie.”

“Hi yourself. How do you feel about wearing such a costume…” Bones paused to look at her name tag. “Janice.”

“It’s crass, misogynist, and humiliating,” Janice told him. “But it pays better than any other job out there right now and I need it to buy my kid Christmas presents. You dig?”

Bones sighed. “Unfortunately. I got a kiddie of my own.”

She placed her drinks on the tray and started to move away. “Figures. All the cute ones are married.”

“I’m not married,” Bones called after her. But she kept walking. “I’m not married,” Bones muttered. He glanced at Jim again. “That belt is stupid.”

“Yep. But it’s keeping these tiny shorts on.”

“Is it? I could have sworn they were painted on.”

Jim chuckled. “You’re in rare form. What can I get you to drink?”

“A whiskey sour.” Bones watched Jim make his drink. “You could have gone home to Riverside for the break. Spend Christmas with your family.”

Jim made a face. “Mom’s got Sam and his whole brood there, doesn’t need me too. And anyway, she’s got a new man.”

“Yeah? A new husband?”

“Nah. She hasn’t remarried since she divorced Frank. This guy won’t last. Most don’t.”

“What’s his name?” Bones sipped the drink Jim put in front of him.

“Tim. Or Tom. Or Tam. Who knows.”

Bones snorted and then his gaze went down to the other end of the bar. “Since when do Vulcans drink?”

Jim didn’t even need to look over to know who his friend was talking about. “He’s been coming in here the last few afternoons.”

“You don’t say. He looks pretty familiar.” Bones snapped his fingers. “He works as an instructor at the Academy. Spock is his name.”

“Yeah?” Jim considered this. “I think he’s the one who’s programmed the test.”

Bones rolled his eyes. “You and that test. Will you give it a rest?”

“I’ll pass it someday.”

“No one passes it.”

“I will.”

“What do you think he wants?” Bones asked, ignoring Jim.

Jim smiled. “A drink, I imagine.”

He left Bones to head to the other end of the bar and leaned against it to study the Vulcan.

“Peppermint Mocha Martini?”

Spock, if Bones was correct, nodded. “Yes, please.”

“That’s a very festive drink this time of year.” Jim smiled. “Are Vulcans into festivities?”

“I cannot speak for other Vulcans,” he said primly. “I only know that I am into Peppermint Mocha Martinis.”

“Coming right up. Hey, is your name Spock?”

“It is.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Jim.”

“Hello, Jim.”

Jim moved away to make the martini, but his mood soured as soon as he saw who suddenly appeared on the stool next to Spock. That just figured.

He finished the martini and brought it to Spock.

“Farm Boy,” she said with a superior smirk.

He didn’t rise to that bait. “What’ll you have?”

She stabbed her manicured nail at the menu of the list of holiday drinks. “The candy cane mule.”

Jim nodded. “Coming right up.”

When he reached where Bones sat, his friend said, “Boy if looks could kill. What’s up?”

“Ah, nothing. I met her on the transport to San Francisco. Wasn’t a good first meeting. And looks like she’s probably his girlfriend.”

Bones laughed. “Doubt that.”

Jim frowned. “Why?”

“His gaze never left your ass, Jim.”

“Oh sure.”

“Trust me. He’s not coming in for the charming atmosphere. He’s here for your sequined ass. Ask him out.”

“He’s an instructor.”

“So? You’re not in his class and the Academy’s on a break.”

Jim considered this. “Still. Vulcans don’t do casual and Jim doesn’t do serious.”

Bones snorted. “Suit yourself. Missed opportunities.” He turned away from Jim to gaze out over the main seating. “Now where is Janice?”

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