“Thanks again for inviting me to your mom’s, Jim,” Bones said as they settled down into the shuttle to make their way back to San Francisco. “It was real nice. Delicious too.”
Jim yawned and leaned against Spock. He probably shouldn’t but Spock didn’t seem to mind and in fact made room for him.
“You’re welcome, Bones. She loved having all of us there for Thanksgiving. She hasn’t been able to do a meal like that for years, so it made her happy.”
Bones nodded. “It was a pleasure. I’ll be going home over the holiday break to see my kid. What are you two lovebirds planning?”
Jim angled his head to glance at Spock. “What are we planning, fellow lovebird?”
Spock appeared a little amused. “I have no particular plans at present. Vulcans do not really celebrate holidays as we don’t believe in a higher deity. However, Mother was raised Jewish. She didn’t celebrate anything either. I am happy to do whatever you wish with regard to them. I only ask that, if possible, we spend a few days on Vulcan. My parents will have returned there by then and I would like to do so if we can.”
Jim smiled. “Of course we can. Let’s plan on it.”
Bones snorted but then asked, “When is the official move-in date?”
Spock shrugged slightly. “I defer to Jim.”
“No time like the present? I was thinking this week makes the most sense. That okay, Bones?”
“I don’t have much to say about it, do I? My only decision is whether to keep the double dorm or change to a single, so I don’t have to share with anyone. You let them know you were vacating?”
“Yeah before we left.”
“I don’t know if anyone can replace you, Jim. So I’m thinking of requesting a single.”
“Awe, Bones. You care.”
“I don’t want anyone who’s even more of a pain in the ass than you.”
Jim straightened and glanced at Spock when he heard a low rumble that might have been a laugh. He narrowed his eyes, then laughed himself.
Jim woke up early, like he always did, and made his way downstairs. He was not at all surprised to find his mother was up and already getting ready to begin the food for Thanksgiving.
She turned to him with a smile and a mug of coffee, which he took gratefully.
“You heard me getting up?” he asked, taking a grateful sip.
“Yes, plus I know you. You never sleep long. When you were little, I can count on one hand the times you slept in and it was usually when you were sick.”
“Mm. Thanks for doing all this, Mom. I know it’s a lot of work.” He glanced at the kitchen window. “There’s that snow you were talking about.”
“Just a few flakes right now. Who wants snow before Christmas anyway?”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Would you peel potatoes?”
“Of course.” Jim reached for an apron and then a peeler and got to work.
“So.” His mom paused to flash him a smile. “Is it serious between you two?”
“Yeah, I think so. Bones keeps asking me that and for a while I said I wasn’t really ready to think along those lines, you know to label it or whatever.”
“And now?”
Jim grinned. “Now I can admit I’m in love.”
She laughed. “Have you told him?”
“Nah, not yet. But I will. I’m pretty sure he feels the same way. He’s asked me to live with him. Vulcans don’t do casual.” He frowned. “Or I don’t think they do. I don’t really know.”
“The way he looks at you? It’s not casual, Jimmy.”
He nodded. “I hear movement upstairs so I think Spock and Bones are about to join us.”
“Great, because I have warm buns in the oven for breakfast.”
“Wow, you really did get up early.”
“I wanted everything to be perfect,” she admitted.
“It will be, Mom. Just because we’re here together.”
Okay, I finally saw the Unification short film. They did an incredible job on it really. I was quite stunned and moved by it. Thanks everyone for making me aware of it. Just Wow.
Jim’s mother picked them up from the shuttlebay when they arrived the Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving. Leonard McCoy had accompanied them.
She hugged Jim for a long time, then turned to McCoy.
“Leonard, it’s good to see you again. I’m so glad you decided to come along.”
“Thank you for having me.”
She turned to Spock. “And you’re Spock. I wish I could say I’ve heard a lot about you, but Jim’s tightlipped.”
Jim laughed. “Mom.”
“Nevertheless, I’m happy you’re here. I know you’re a vegetarian so have no fear, I have dishes that are Vulcan friendly.”
“That is kind of you, madam.”
“Winona, please. Now let’s get a move on, There’s a chance of snow later and I want us all safely settled and, in the farmhouse, where it’s warm and cozy.”
Spock had to agree a short time later when they arrived at the farmhouse that it was nicely warm and welcoming.
He was even given a room with Jim, which he hadn’t been sure that would be the case.
“Oh, please. I’m not naïve,” she’d them. “Way back when I was your age, George’s mom made us have separate bedrooms at Christmas and he snuck into my room anyway. Now that I think about it, I think that’s when your brother was conceived.”
Jim winced. “We sure didn’t need to hear that, Mom.”
She chuckled, wrapped them in embraces and then led all three of them back downstairs to where she built a fire in the fireplace.
“It’s really nice to have someone in this house other than me again,” Winona told them.
Jim who sat beside her, patted her arm. “It’s nice for us too.”
“I wish Sam would…” She sighed.
“You can’t change him. Let’s just be happy with what we have here this time.”
“You’re right of course, Jimmy. Let me tell you what we’re having tomorrow. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, squash, broccoli, pie and—”
Jim smiled at Spock over his mother’s head and Spock felt very warm indeed.
Jim woke up gasping and looking into the grumpy face of Bones.
“What—?”
“Easy. You’re in Starfleet Hospital. But you’re okay.”
“Hospital? Why?”
“Your boyfriend and his parents brought you here,” Bones explained. “You had an allergic reaction to the batter on a root at the restaurant where you were dining.”
The memories kicked in, and Jim nodded. “Yeah, okay.”
Bones patted his shoulder. “Want help sitting up?”
Jim moistened his lips and allowed Bones to help him into a seated position. It looked as though he was just in a room with an exam table and not an admitted room.
“Where are they?’
“Out in the waiting area. Well, Spock is. I think his parents left after I assured them you were going to be fine and would be released as soon as I got you up. How do you feel?”
“A little tired but pretty good. It’s nice to be able to breathe.”
“Right? I have something for you,” Bones told him. “You have to carry it with you at all times.”
“What? Why?”
“In case that happens again.” Bones showed him an injectable pen. “This is it. You had anaphylactic shock. That ever happen before?”
Jim shook his head. “No, I don’t think so.”
“We don’t need to take chances. If it happens again, you could die. Better to carry this. I’ll explain it all to Spock too, in case you aren’t capable of injecting yourself. I’ll also want to test you for other allergies but for now don’t eat anything with the Frieresty Weed in it.”
“That was in the batter?”
“Yes. It’s commonly used in that particular Vulcan dish. Like I said, I’ll be giving full instructions to Spock.” Bones eyed him. “He mentioned you’re going to move in with him.”
Jim winced. “I did kind of say yes, yeah. I was going to tell you after the Thanksgiving break.”
“I see.”
“Speaking of, you want to come with us to Riverside for Thanksgiving? Mom’s making a feast.”
Bones smiled slowly. “A feast huh? Turkey and all the fixings?”
“Of course.”
“All right. I’ll come. You think she’ll mind?”
“Nope.”
“How about him? He gonna mind?”
Jim laughed. “No. But even if he did, I’d persuade him. So I can go home?”
“Yes. Well, with Spock. I want him to keep an eye on you.” Bones helped him down from the table. “Come on, let’s get you out of here.”
To say Jim was nervous to have dinner with Spock’s parents was an understatement. In less than a week, though, he’d be bringing Spock home with him to Riverside to meet Winona and have Thanksgiving, so he guessed they were somewhat even.
Not that his mom was even half as intimidating as Sarek was. His expression seemed to always be somewhat pinched. Set in disproval. Spock assured him that he was imagining it but Jim wasn’t so sure.
A vegetarian restaurant had been chosen since Jim was the only one who ate meat, apparently, Amanda having given it up when she’d married Sarek and moved to Vulcan.
Jim wasn’t generally picky so he was okay with whatever.
“Spock tells us you met at the chess club.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Jim had decided to order a beer even though the other three did not have any alcohol. He took a big gulp, realized he had foam all over his lips, and quickly wiped it off with a napkin. “I’m not in the club anymore though.”
Amanda gave him a quizzical look. “Why is that?”
“Oh.” Jim blinked, glanced at Spock, and ducked his head.
Spock cleared his throat. “Due to some unpleasant members, Jim and I both no longer participate.”
“That’s unfortunate. I know how you like to play.”
“Since Jim is the best opponent I have faced, it is not a hardship.”
Sarek arched a brow. “Other than me, I would assume.”
“Yes, of course, Father,” Spock said, demurely.
“Meeting Spock is the best part of having joined the club,” Jim said quickly. “How long are you on Earth?”
Amanda laughed. “Are you trying to get rid of us?”
“No, no, I—”
“I’m teasing, Jim. No need to be so nervous and apprehensive. I assure you that neither myself nor my husband bite. Our intention is to return to Vulcan after the Terran holiday season, in January.” She smiled. “I understand your birthday is in early January.”
“Yes. But generally we don’t celebrate it.”
“I can certainly understand why, but if you are not too bothered by the idea, we would love to take you to dinner for it.”
Jim smiled. “Thanks. That sounds nice.”
“Spock says you are going to Riverside in a few days to celebrate Thanksgiving with your mom. I bet you’re looking forward to that.”
He laughed. “Maybe. My mom can be pretty enthusiastic when about people I date.”
“Have you dated many?” Sarek asked, politely.
“Er. No. I mean not that many I’ve, uh, introduced to my mom.” He reached for a sliced vegetable “fry” that was on a platter in the middle of the table and shoved it in his mouth so he wouldn’t have to talk.
But as he swallowed it, the voices of Spock and his parents faded away to background noise. He struggled to breathe and his throat began to close up.
Spock’s concerned face appeared in his vision and Jim pointed to his throat, then he passed out.
In the morning, Jim woke to realize Spock had been lying beside him watching him.
“Hey,” he said, his voice sounding raspy.
“I did not mean to wake you.”
“No, you didn’t. How long have you been awake?”
“Just a short time.” Spock paused. “Jim?”
“Hmm?”
“I suppose it would be premature to ask you to share my apartment.”
Jim smiled. “Yeah.”
Spock nodded.
“Are you asking?”
“I would like to.”
“Then try me.”
Spock looked slightly confused but then asked, “Will you share my apartment?”
“I would like to,” Jim responded in kind.
“Truly?”
“Sure.”
“But you said—”
“Well.” Jim shrugged. “Probably people will talk. Bones will. Maybe Uhura. Others. But really, do we care? This is our life, we get to decide.”
Spock looked thoughtful but then he inclined his head. “I am pleased you have accepted. Speaking of decisions, my parents would like to have dinner with us tomorrow night.”
“Okay.”
“You accept?”
Jim laughed. “Don’t look so surprised. I knew we would be doing that at some point. And while we are talking about it, my mother will want to meet you.”
“Have you told her about me?”
“Not yet. But she’s already hinted at having me come to Riverside for Thanksgiving. That’s just a few weeks so I thought maybe you’d like to come.”
“Of course I will.” Spock cupped Jim’s bruised cheek. “Does it hurt overmuch?”
My apologies for the delay. It’s been a challenging week. But I’m back with an update on the chess guys. So here we go. (and paid up for another year here too)
Jim wasn’t looking forward to Spock’s reaction when he noticed his injuries but he wasn’t going to hide it either. He wanted to see Spock as much as Spock apparently wanted to see him.
So he wasn’t surprised when the door of Spock’s apartment opened when his knuckles had barely rapped on the outside.
“Jim,” Spock said. “I am…what happened?”
Jim walked into Spock’s apartment, dodging Spock’s grabby fingers. He lifted his shirt to expose the bruises all along his torso. He didn’t see the point in not getting right to it.
“There was a fight.”
Spock’s dark eyes flicked up and down his body. “A fight? You can tell me about it on the way to the hospital.”
Jim laughed and backed away. “Nope. I had a doctor with me. I’ve already been treated as best I can. I’m okay, just some cuts and bruises.”
“You should sit.”
Jim didn’t argue with that and went to the couch, not surprised when Spock joined him there, and began to inspect Jim’s injuries himself.
“Who do I need to challenge?”
Jim laughed again. “No one. It’s over, okay?”
Spock’s gaze rose to focus on Jim’s face. “Explain.”
“The party was okay. Lots of chess geeks. One of them made a few stupid comments, I got pissed, and we got into a physical altercation.”
“Who and what was said?”
“That guy Chester. He said basically I was sleeping with you so I could win the chess tournament next week. Which,” Jim paused to roll his eyes, “is absurd, because I don’t even care.”
“That caused you to get into a fight?”
“No. It was when he implied that was the only reason someone would sleep with you and he called you a bunch of names and I just lost it,” Jim admitted.
“I see,” Spock said quietly.
“He’s just an ass. And you’ll be glad to hear Waincott kicked him off the chess club.” Jim smiled crookedly. “Me too, actually.”
“Jim—”
“I don’t care, Spock. All I care about is being with you. The stupid chess club is nothing. I hate bullies.”
“I have had my fair share of run-ins with bullies. When I was a child some of my schoolmates made comments on my mother.”
“What? You never say something about a guy’s mom.”
Spock nodded. “Indeed. I resorted to physical assault on the ringleader. They notified my father.”
“Did you get in trouble?”
“Not really. It was just stressed that I needed to control my emotions and remain logical.” Spock took hold of Jim’s hand. “In the future, there is no need to get into fights over insults directed at me. I would prefer you remain safe.”
“I wasn’t really in danger and I’m not going to let assholes shoot their mouths off.”
“I am requesting that you do.”
“Spock—”
“Jim.”
“I’ll try to avoid confrontations,” Jim said grudgingly.
“Thank you. And I have your assurance you are not suffering too much from your injuries?”
“Just a little sore and tired is all. But I’m really glad to be here with you.”
“I am glad too and I regret not attending the party with you.”
“Nah, you would have hated it. It was lame.”
“Perhaps, but I would have liked to have handled Chester myself.”
“I thought you wanted to avoid confrontation,” Jim said with a laugh.
“On my behalf, certainly. I can offer no such assurances when it comes to yours.”
“What? Now wait a minute.”
But Spock quieted him with a kiss and the truth was Jim didn’t mind.
“What was that?” Leonard “Bones” McCoy demanded sharply as they heard the rustling of leaves or maybe rats.
James T. “Call Me Jim” Kirk laughed. “Who knows?”
“Why are we here again?”
Good question, really.
They were traipsing through a very dark park at close to midnight.
“And why are there no lights?”
“Power’s out over half the city,” Jim reminded his friend.
“Oh, sure. So when there’s a major power outage we should make sure to go skipping through some dark secluded park. Makes sense to me.”
“When I agreed to come I didn’t know there’d be an outage. And aren’t you the one who declared it was just a park, nothing spooky about it.”
“Well, it sure as hell is spooky now.”
Jim took pity on Bones. “You can go back if you want. I’m okay by myself.”
“Sure when they find your body with your throat ripped out or your guts oozing out I’ll feel real good about having gone home.”
“Geez, drama much?”
“I don’t like this, Jim. Which is why I agreed to come with you in the first place. You shouldn’t meet some stranger for the first time on your own. He could be a serial killer or something.”
“Mm. I know, you told me.”
“Why couldn’t he meet you some place normal? A public restaurant? The movies? Come to our apartment so I can grill him?”
“That’s probably why. He heard I had a mother hen living with me and you scare him off.”
Bones glanced at him. “You told him about me?”
“Of course. We’ve been talking nearly every night for there months. You come up in conversations sometimes.”
“Computer talk or talk talk?”
“I think I understand. At first just on computers and text on communicators. But then voice conversations.”
“So you have heard his voice?”
“Mm hmm. And a great voice he has.”
“Spare me. Still think it’s weird. What’s his name?”
“Spock.”
“Odd.”
“Told you, he’s Vulcan.”
A twig or something snapped near by and they both froze. It sounded loud in the darkness. Jim raised his flashlight, illuminating the area. But there was nothing in the beam of light.
He did notice he had reached the clearing where he was supposed to meet Spock. But there was no sign of anyone but him and Bones.
“Think he spotted me and made a run for it?” Bones asked, with some amusement.
“Could be. You are scary.” Jim sighed. “Spock? You there?”
But the only sound was their own breathing.
“I’ll wait a few minutes, I guess.”
But first ten and then fifteen minutes passed. No sign of Spock or anyone.
“Maybe the power outage prevented him from coming,” Jim said to Bones.
“Could be,” Bones said non-committedly.
He looked like he felt a little bad for Jim, and honestly Jim felt a little bad himself. Jim wasn’t used to being stood up. And he really liked Spock, from what he knew about him.
Jim sighed. “Let’s go home. No point in waiting out here for no one.”
“I’m sorry, Jim.”
“It’s all right, Bones.”
They made it out of the park and toward their apartment without any incident, though Jim thought he heard some weird noises along the way.
Once he even said to Bones, “You don’t hear wings flapping, do you?”
“What now? Wings flapping?”
Jim just laughed. “Guess not.”
The power was still out when they got to their apartment so Jim just went straight to his room. He had no communication from Spock, which disappointed him further.
Hours later he woke to a sound in his room. Jim bolted upright.
“Who’s there?”
“Do not be alarmed. It is Spock.”
Jim blinked. “Spock? How did you…”
A light beside his bed switched on and a tall, dark-haired man with pointy-ears all dressed in black stood near.
“I apologize for not being able to make our rendezvous.”
Jim swallowed. “How did you know where I live? How did you get into my room?”
It was then he noticed the open window. But that made no sense as his apartment was on the third floor.
His gaze flew back to Spock and it must have been his imagination as Spock’s dark eyes seemed to glow.
“My roommate—”
Spock shook his head. “I have already taken care of him.”
“Taken care of him? What?”
“He is unharmed,” Spock clarified. “I merely meant he will not interfere.”
“Interfere? With what?”
Spock held out his hand and as Jim stared into those glowing dark eyes, he rose from his bed and placed his hand trustingly in Spock’s.
Spock drew him close and lowered his mouth toward Jim’s neck.
Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto) 