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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.”

6

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?”

Flash Fic, November 27, 2025

It felt…not exactly awkward to be on Vulcan again after everything that happened with Spock but, perhaps, uncomfortable.

Jim didn’t feel unwelcome. He wasn’t treated badly. Spock’s parents always treated him with respect and kindness. In some ways, he was treated by those on Vulcan as a hero given saving Earth and other planets recently.

But Spock was only just getting his memories back and sometimes Jim felt as though his…husband…if he could still call Spock that…was closer to McCoy then he was to Jim. Unfair, perhaps. He tried not to be jealous by Spock being forced to give Bones his Katra.

And yet Jim was floundering just a bit.

“There you are, Jim.”

He turned to greet Amanda.

“You’ve been missing for a while.” She smiled. “Are you all right?”

Had he? Jim had admittedly lost track of time. He’d come out to gaze out the Vulcan desert from this stone bridge because it had a cover and was reasonably comfortable temperature otherwise.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was gone for so long.”

And now that he noticed the shadowed areas around him he realized it had been a while.

“I come out here myself sometimes to think,” Spock’s mother admitted.

She was looking a bit frail these days and Jim was reminded Human spouses did not live as long as their Vulcan mates. And yet, Spock had died before him. Coming back to life thanks to Genesis notwithstanding.

“It’s a great view,” he commented as she came to stand beside him.

“You wouldn’t be avoiding Sarek, would you?” She seemed amused. “He means well even if he’s quite severe.”

Jim smiled. “No. Of course not.”

“Ah.” She nodded sagely. “It must be my son then.”

He wanted to deny it but found that the words to do so stuck in his throat.

She put her hand on his arm. “He is trying.”

“I know. Maybe that’s what makes it all so hard. It’s illogical I know, but I’m hurt and disappointed that there’s so much of me, of us, that he can’t remember.” Jim sighed and looked out over the desert landscape. “He might never remember.”

“I think he will, but if he does not then you build new memories. Jim, I understand. There are memories of his childhood that will likely elude him. But you must remember yourself that Spock did not choose this.”

Jim shook his head. “He did in a way.”

“To save you. To save your ship and your crew. He did not think he would return so he would never have forgotten you. Having him back, however he is, is a gift to us, Jim. You must remember that.”

“Yes,” he agreed. “I know.”

She squeezed his arm. “Come, we are about to gather for the meal.”

“All right.” He took a step forward and then stopped. “I just remember back on Earth, in Iowa, today is Thanksgiving.”

“That’s right. I recall.”

Jim chuckled. “I haven’t had one of those in I don’t know how long. My parents, my brother, they’re gone now. I have a nephew but I haven’t seen him in years. And my son…”

Amanda smiled. “We can remember our past loved ones while being thankful for those who are still with us. We, Spock, Sarek, me, we are your family, Jim. Let us count this meal as our Thanksgiving.”

He impulsively hugged her and felt less weird about it when she willingly hugged him back.

As they entered the house, he spotted Spock standing just inside the door looking rather anxious but trying to hide it.

“I found him on the bridge,” Amanda announced. “Wool-gathering.”

“You are all right, Jim?” Spock asked.

Jim offered his husband a smile. “Yes, I’m just great.”

A couple of days early. Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends. And this concludes November’s flashes.

Flash Fic, November 21, 2025

This story is inspired by the not unexpected announcement that Paramount would not be making another movie in the Kelvin universe. After nearly 10 years since the last one and several false starts I don’t think anyone is that surprised given the new ownership there. I have mixed feelings. I would have loved to see one more movie with them all but on the other hand I can now happily break up Spock and Uhura without ever having to see them together as a couple in another movie. They didn’t work, they never will.

Anyway, just one more after this for “family” month and I might make it TOS. We shall see.

“So unfortunately they’re pulling the plug on any more adventures,” Jim confirmed to his crewmembers gathered before him. He sighed. “If the Enterprise goes out again, it’ll be with a new crew.”

“So the rumors are true,” Bones said softly.

Jim nodded. “Afraid so. Some of you may be offered assignments elsewhere in Starfleet.” He smiled faintly. “But for this exact crew, that’s the end.”

Scotty grunted. “Aye. Maybe it’s for the best anyway. With Pavel dying on that last mission, it doesn’t quite seem the same without him.”

“True. Anyway, check your own messages for assignment in the future, but for now you’re all officially on leave.”

Bones shook his head. “That’s it for me. I’ll be sending in my resignation. Been thinking about it anyway. Kind of tired of dealing with so many catastrophic injuries. I’ll probably head back to Georgia and set up practice to be an old country doctor.”

That didn’t really surprise Jim. He could sense Bones’ weariness for a while. And the death of Chekov and Bones’ inability to do a damn thing about it was sort of the last straw. He got it. More than most, really.

“How about you, Sulu? What do you think you’ll do?”

Jim knew Sulu was likely to be promoted to captain soon and the pilot would deserve it.

Sulu shrugged. “For now, I’ll be going to Yorktown to be with Ben and Demora. I’ve missed too much time with them.”

“Scotty?”

“Don’t know yet and that’s the truth. Not sure I’m ready to hang up my engineer’s hat, so we’ll see what they have in store for me. What about you, Jim?”

“They want to promote me to admiral,” Jim admitted. “Have me stationed at HQ. I haven’t decided whether to accept it. I’ve got more aches and pains in my limbs than I have limbs,” he joked. “I’m considering retirement.”

Uhura, who had stood there looking defiant, had her arms crossed in front of her chest. “And what go back to being a farm boy?”

“Maybe.” Jim turned to look at Spock, who had remained stiff and silent, as usual. “What about you, Spock?”

“I have already offered my resignation,” the Vulcan said. “I have no desire to command a ship, and I have already served with the two finest captains in Starfleet. My intention is to settle on New Vulcan.”

Which is entirely what Jim had expected to hear. No reason to expect anything else.

He simply nodded and went to turn away when Uhura made an irritated noise. He glanced her way.

“What is wrong with you?” Uhura demanded. “You both act like this is all settled and off you go.”

“Uhura—”

“No. The rest of you might keep your mouths shut but I definitely won’t. Just like that, you’re going to let him go to New Vulcan without ever telling him how you feel?”

Jim opened his mouth, closed it.

She then turned to Spock. “And you! I can’t believe you. You’re really going to leave him behind and never tell him he’s your T’hy’la and you’ve worshipped him from afar for years?”    

“Nyota, this is not your concern.”

“You bet your Vulcan ass it is. We broke up because of the way you feel.” She pointed at Jim. “And you go around with a sad puppy dog face all the time while drowning your sorrows in booze and casual lovers because you think Spock will never love you or want you and I’m sick of both of you. So get your act together. I don’t care if you both resign from Starfleet but you sure as hell aren’t going to sit here and tell us you’re living separate lives.”

Jim stared at her, his heart pounding.

“I know I speak for all of us,” Uhura said. “We’re a family. All of us. And you don’t get to walk away from us without a payoff for all the time we’ve put up with you two.” She pointed at Spock. “You…talk to him. The rest of us will be over here, pretending not to listen.”

Jim watched as the group of them took several steps away from him and Spock. He was shaking as he glanced at Spock, who was clearly blushing.

“Um, listen, what she said, you don’t have to—”

“It is true,” Spock interrupted quietly. “Everything Nyota said.”

Jim swallowed. For a moment he couldn’t form words. But then he tried to lighten the mood a bit because everything seemed so intense all of a sudden.

“I’m sure worship is a little over the top.”

Spock shook his head.

“No?”

“I do worship you, Jim.”

“Well.” He didn’t know what to say. He felt overwhelmed.

Spock suddenly looked smaller. “You are under no obligation to—”

“Yeah, I am,” Jim said, quickly. “It’s not that…it’s really kind of a shock.”

“A shock?”

“To go for years wanting something you know you’ll never get, couldn’t get, to suddenly be looking at it staring you in the face, somehow actually getting it, I don’t know how to act, what to think. I’m at a loss.”

“What does that mean exactly?”

“It means I think I’m having a heart attack.”

“Jim—”

He shook his head. “No. That’s wrong. I love you, Spock. I think I always have. From day one. From the minute you tugged your uniform down to accuse me of cheating. I don’t know. I just know it’s always been you. Always will be you.”

“Why don’t you kiss him then?”

Jim glanced over at the group and saw Bones smirking.

“Do you mind? You’re supposed to be pretending not to listen. And—”

Spock kissed him silent, speechless. Jim grabbed hold of him and clung to him as the kiss deepened between them.

“I don’t think Spock will be going to New Vulcan after all,” Uhura said, smugness in her tone.

No. At least…not alone.

Not alone.       
   

Flash Fic, November 14, 2025

This one is more like the lead up to the family gathering.

“How do I look?” Jim asked his husband after observing himself first in the mirror. He’d chosen not to wear his uniform for this was a personal occasion and they were not on duty. While Spock had dressed in Vulcan robes, he had opted for nice slacks and a long-sleeved button-down shirt he was certain he’d be too warm in.

“Acceptable,” Spock replied, absently.

Jim sighed inwardly. “Some day you’re going to have to tone down those compliments, Spock. They’re starting to give me a big head.”

Spock glanced at him. “Your head is of appropriate size.”

“That’s a relief.” He tamped down his annoyance. “Do you think she’ll like me?”

‘She’ was Sarek’s new Vulcan wife. Many years after the death of Spock’s mom, he had formally bonded with another and Spock and Jim had been invited to their home on New Vulcan for a ‘Meet and Greet’ or a family dinner, Jim supposed. Sarek had offered his lodging for them to stay overnight as well.

“I cannot say.”

“You can’t even guess?”

Spock shrugged slightly. “To speculate would be illogical. I do not know her specific preferences and cannot speak to them.”

“See, on Earth when you meet someone’s parents and they ask if they’ll like you, the usual preferred response is ‘I am sure they will love you as much as I do’ or some variation.”

“That would not be an accurate statement,” Spock told him. “Vulcans do not form opinions based on the perceptions of others.”

Jim’s jaw clenched. “Your dad likes me, though, right?”

“He has never stated whether he does or does not.”

“But you must have an impression.”

Spock denied this too.

“Oh my God. Why…why am I even going to this with you?” Jim exclaimed, no longer bothering to hide his anger and disappointment.

Spock now appeared perplexed. “Because you are my husband and I want you there with me.”

Jim narrowed his eyes. “What for?”

“Because you are important to me and should be included in a gathering with my family.” Spock came forward and took Jim’s hands in his. “Jim, their opinion of you is irrelevant.”

“How?”

 “Whether they like you or not, it does not change who you are. You remain an outstanding individual with many honorable accomplishments, a great many admirers, a number of people who love you and respect you, me most especially.”

Jim blew out a breath and smiled a little. “You most especially?”

“Of course. I only meant that I cannot predict what her opinion of either of us will be, but that it does not change what is true, who we are to each other, and how we will go forward. That is what I mean by irrelevant. We remain committed mates with a deep, lifelong bond.”

Jim’s smile widened. “When you put it like that…”

Spock smiled slightly. “On the other hand, I cannot imagine how either my father or his new wife could find you lacking, because you are a treasure to me.”

Now he laughed. “Okay, okay. Now you’re making up for it. Come on, Spock. Let’s go meet the parents.”

“She is not my parent.”

“You know what I mean. Your father’s wife.”

“Indeed. And while I will respect that and perhaps even come to appreciate her, she will never replace my mother.”

Jim kissed him. “I know. Not in a million years. Come on. They’re waiting.”

Flash Fic, November 07, 2025

This is “family” themed month. Enjoy

“It’s going to be all right, Captain. Just rest.”

Jim nodded, or tried to. It seemed to take more strength then he could manage.

Uhura. That’s who was with him. She put her hand on his forehead.

“You’re burning up.”

“F-freezing.”

“That’s the fever,” she told him. “But it’s going to be okay. They’re coming for us.” She tucked blankets around him, the emergency kind, so they weren’t particularly soft and cozy.

“I know, Jim, but that’s all we have.”

He hadn’t realized he spoke that out loud.

“You’ll be with Spock any minute, okay? But in the meantime you need to stay with me here. Rest but don’t close your eyes.”

His dry lips felt like they were about to crack open and bleed. “Water.”

She held up a canteen and helped to lift his head up so he could take a sip.

“You need to drink more.”

“No. Save it for you.”

“I don’t need it. And they’ll come and get us before I will,” Uhura insisted.

“Listen.”

“I’m listening, Captain.”

“Tell Spock—”

“No. You tell him yourself,” she said firmly.

He was dying. He knew he was. And he was fading fast. He could barely think coherently. He’d been speared in the side by a native of the planet and he’d been bleeding pretty badly. He was going into septic shock. And unless the ship beamed them up right now, he was going to die.

“Not going to make it,” he whispered.

“You are too!. Listen to me, Jim Kirk. We’re all supposed to have shore leave in just a couple of weeks on Earth and we’re going to your mom’s farmhouse in Riverside for a big Thanksgiving gathering for all of us as family and you most certainly are going to be there!”

“Nyota.”

“You are! They’re going to get to us any minute and then Leonard is going to fix you.”

“Tell Spock—” He closed his eyes.

“Jim! No! You open your eyes! You hear me! Open your eyes.” She sobbed and grabbed hold of him. “Open your eyes!”

****

He woke up. Somehow he was not dead.

“There you are.”

“Bones?”

Bones gave him a small smile. “Welcome back.”

“I thought I was a goner.”

“We all did. We beamed you up with Uhura draped over you begging you to wake up. If it weren’t for Spock—”

“Spock?”

“He’s here. He did something in your bond, somehow he brought you back.” There were tears in Bones’ eyes. “Here.”

Bones disappeared and in his place was his…Spock.

“Hey.”

Spock grabbed Jim’s hand and held it tight.

“Close huh?”

Spock nodded but did not speak.

“Guess I’m going to make it to that Thanksgiving shore leave after all.”

****

“Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go. The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh, through the white and drifted snow.”

Jim, Sulu, and Bones finished singing as they approached the Kirk Farmhouse.

“Only she’s not our grandmother, this isn’t a sleigh, and there’s not a hint of snow anywhere!” Jim declared.

Spock said, “The original poem was actually written to Grandfather’s house and was written in 1845.”

Jim grinned. “Thanks for the history lesson, babe.”

“You are welcome, Jim.”

“Doesn’t know sarcasm when he hears it,” Bones muttered under his breath.

They all got out of the hover car and headed to the kitchen door to enter the house. They’d always used that door growing up, Jim mused, rarely using the front door.

His mom greeted them warmly and as they all filed in before him, Jim used the chance to pull Uhura aside before she entered the house.

“I wanted to thank you for everything you did down there,” he told her.’

She smiled. “It was nothing, Captain.”

“It was more than nothing and we both know it.”

“You would have done the same thing for me. And now we’d better get in there. Ever since that incident, Spock won’t let you out of his sight.”

Jim laughed. “Yeah.”

And sure enough Spock was waiting anxiously by the door.

“Still okay, honey,” Jim assured him.

Spock looped a hand around Jim’s upper arm and held on to him, drawing him close. Jim let him.

“Now, welcome everyone,” his mother said, cheerfully. “We’re going to have turkey and stuffing and pie, and yes some vegetarian fare, and wine and cheer. We’re all thankful and blessed.”

I’m here Jim sent through the bond, sensing some underlying anxiety still coming from Spock.

For which I am thankful.

Jim smiled and squeezed his hand, then accepted the glass of wine his mother brought to him.   

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