Jim was wandering around a quad area just off the biology building at Starfleet Academy. His mother had informed him that his great-aunt had passed away the day before. In all honesty Jim hadn’t seen her since he was a small boy and he hadn’t known her well, but his mother had. They had been close at one time.
“You need anything? Want me to come home? I could probably get a few days. Okay, just let me know.” Jim looked around the empty quad as he spoke into his communication device. “I was supposed to meet someone but looks like they aren’t coming.” He laughed. “No, not a date. This was a chess hookup with a club here at school. Okay, I’ll call you tomorrow. Bye.”
He rechecked the instructions about meeting at the quad by the biology building and the time it was supposed to be. Yep, stood up. Over a chess game.
Jim turned around and came face to face with a tall Vulcan male dressed all in black. His heart skipped a beat.
“Uh.”
An eyebrow shot up.
“Are you too sexy?”
Jim’s mouth dropped open. “What?”
The Vulcan huffed a slight breath. “Your information. Are you Toosexy?”
“Oh.” Jim licked his bottom lip and laughed. For a second he’d forgotten he’d used that silly nickname. “You must be ChessMaster.”
“Indeed. I apologize for being tardy. I was forced to deal with a classroom situation.”
Right. Now Jim knew who this was. Commander Spock. Jim had no classes with him but Bones did and complained non-stop about what an asshole the instructor was.
“Are you ready to play a match, Toosexy?”
Jim cleared his throat. “You probably should call me Jim. Jim Kirk.”
“Very well, Jim. Jim Kirk.”
Jim laughed. “You’re pretty funny.”
Spock’s lips twitched slightly. “I am quite sure no one has ever mentioned that before. My name is Spock.”
“Cool. I’m ready to trounce you.”:
“I am also quite sure that you will not.”
“Oh you are so on.” Jim started walking toward the hall that the chess club held matches in, but he stopped mid-stride when he noticed Spock…”Hey. Are you checking out my ass?”
Spock shrugged, unconcerned. “I believe that I am.”
Jim chuckled. This day was definitely starting to look up.
Jim’s hand wrapped around the last container of eggnog on Christmas Eve at the same time someone else’s hand grabbed it. Jim tugged.
“Oh no you don’t.”
Then his gaze lifted and he stared directly into doe-like dark brown eyes.
“This is mine.”
Jim blinked. “Uh, no. I got here first. And it’s my mother’s favorite.”
“It is likewise my mother’s favorite.”
He rolled his eyes and didn’t let go. “Really? Look…Jim Kirk.”
“What?”
“My name.”
Doe-eyed frowned. It was then Jim noticed the pointy ears sticking out of the dark blue beanie atop his head.
“Spock.”
“You’re a Vulcan.”
“Yes, I am quite aware.”
“And your mother likes eggnog?”
“My mother is Human.” Spock tugged a little and with that pronouncement Jim almost let go of the carton, but he stopped himself in time.
“It’s Christmas Eve and my mother is here in San Francisco and I promised her eggnog. It’s sold out everywhere else.”
“It is also Hannukah and my mother is here and loves eggnog. It is a holiday drink, not exclusive to Christmas,” Spock told him.
“I’m not letting go.”
“And I am also not letting go. It seems we are at an impasse.”
Jim’s communicator buzzed in his pocket. He was fairly sure it was his mom but he didn’t have a free hand for in his other hand he held a bag of Christmas cookies.
“Shoot.”
Spock arched his brow.
With a groan, Jim released the carton and fished the communicator out of his pocket.
“Hey Mom. Yeah I’m leaving the store now and am on my way. I’ll be there in like ten minutes.” He eyed Spock. “Bad news though. I couldn’t get any eggnog. Maybe we can find a recipe and make some from scratch, yeah? See you soon.”
Sighing with disappointment, Jim started to turn away.
“Mr. Kirk.”
“Yeah?”
Spock thrust the carton of eggnog into Jim’s hand. “You take it. I will find something else.”
Jim blinked, then smiled. “Thank you. But you know what? I’m thinking we can share it.”
“Share it?”
“Yeah. My mom’s staying at the Sheraton. Room 2045. Why don’t you bring your mom there and we can all have some. We’re having some desserts and hors d’oeuvres.”
For a long time, Spock did not reply, and Jim thought the Vulcan would turn him down. He was already thinking ‘better luck next time’.
“I have to check with my mother, but yes, I think that will be an acceptable alternative.”
“Yeah? Great. If you can’t make it, here’s my contact information.”
Spock took Jim’s information and then Jim made his purchases and went to the Sheraton.
Part of him thought Spock would text him no or even do a no-show, but then just as he was getting ready to set up a nice holiday display with cookies and finger foods, he got a text.
Jim had been sitting by Spock’s biobed for hours, actually possibly almost a day. It was a slow time, now that Spock had been rescued from a disastrous mission, and the Enterprise docked at the nearest Space Station for repairs.
Spock’s eyes finally flew opened and Jim leaned forward.
“Spock, how are you feeling?”
“Captain?”
Jim smiled faintly. “Yeah. Bones says you’re going to be fine but I want to know how you feel.”
Spock blinked but did not respond at first which concerned Jim. He rose from his seat and approached.
“Spock?”
“I am well, Captain. I was merely taking a moment to process the situation. I do not remember how I got here.” Spock frowned slightly. “This does not look like the Enterprise.”
“We were on Dravos 2 and the inhabitants attacked. Your actions prevented them from killing Sulu but you got injured in the process. Sulu is fine. The Enterprise was damaged in a battle with the Klingons as we were escaping. They were behind what went on down there. We’re at a Space Station for a week to do repairs and you’re in the hospital here. Most of the crew is at the holiday celebration.”
Because before all that happened, the Enterprise rec room was hosting a big holiday party combining Christmas and Hanukkah and anything else anyone wanted to observe. They switched it all to a hotel ballroom instead.
“You did not have to stay here with me, Captain. I know you intended to attend the party.”
Jim brushed that off. “Your well-being is more important than that.”
“You yourself said McCoy said I would be all right. It makes no sense to watch me sleep and miss out.”
“Sounds like you’re trying to get rid of me.”
“That is not my intention. But neither do I wish to be responsible for you missing out on an activity you had been looking forward to.”
“I don’t care about it.”
“Captain, there is no need to be here.”
Jim sighed, squelching down his disappointment. “Okay. I get it. You don’t want me around. I thought, well, maybe, yeah, never mind. I’ll just go.”
“Wait,” Spock called. “What were you going to say?”
Jim turned back. “With you no longer with Uhura, I was hoping you’d get that I wanted to spend time with you and that maybe you might reciprocate. But if you’re tired and just want to get rid of me, I’ll go to the party.”
“I do not want to be rid of you and I do reciprocate…Jim.”
Jim moved closer. “Yeah?”
“I genuinely did not wish for you to be disappointed to miss the holiday festivities.”
“That’s cool and I get it. But…I would rather be here with you.”
“Are you sure?”
Jim held up a twig of mistletoe and leaned in to kiss Spock. “I’m sure.”
This is a sequel of sorts to 2016’s I Heard the Bells (that can be found in my holiday collection on AO3)
Spock woke early, ready to prepare for the day ahead of him. He generally rose long before his husband and mate, Jim.
But it was not an ordinary day.
Over the years of being with Jim, Spock had learned to embrace the illogical celebrations of Terran holidays. His own mother had been raised Jewish. He was not unfamiliar with such traditions.
Jim was expecting a big day. He had invited everyone he knew. Even Jim’s mother and Spock’s father were coming. That had surprised Spock. Sarek had stated it was all illogical but he would be there anyway.
Both of their remaining parents were aged and fading before their eyes. This might be their last holiday season to see them, Jim kept saying, and Spock could not disagree.
He left Jim sleeping and went down to begin the preparations. He stopped in the living room to turn on the lights on the trees, two of them, and light the fire.
It was still a few hours until everyone arrived, but Spock started Jim’s coffee, and started getting ready to cook the food.
He’d been up for an hour when Jim came down, showered, and dressed and still looking gorgeous.
“Been up for a while, honey?” Jim asked, after giving him a kiss.
“A bit. Did I wake you?”
“No. I’m just anxious for the day. And your surprise.”
Jim had been talking about his surprise for a while now and Spock inwardly rolled his eyes. Jim meant well but Spock could not imagine what ‘surprise’ was supposed to be so wonderful.
“I am sure it will be well-received,” Spock said indulgently, though somewhat absently as he stirred a sauce.
He was a little surprised when Jim chuckled, kissed Spock’s nose, and then went outside to mess with the outdoor decorations.
It was several hours into the celebration when Spock commented to Jim.
“My father has not arrived yet.”
Jim smiled. “I think he’s here. I’ll be right back.”
And once more Jim went outside.
It was ten minutes later before he came back inside, bringing with him Sarek.
“Father, there—”
And then Spock saw her. Behind his father was his daughter, whom he had not seen in many years.
“Jim,” he whispered, knowing well that was who was responsible.
“Mm.” Jim kissed Spock’s cheek. “Happy Holidays. Surprised?”
“Yes.” Spock stepped forward to greet his father and daughter, unable to form words of gratitude for his mate.
Now that Jim sat alone in the café on Starbase 13 he felt foolish.
He wasn’t used to being stood up. But this hadn’t been a “usual” meeting. This had been important. Too important and it hurt.
He gazed down at the sparkly green wrapped present on the table in front of him and felt more foolish still.
It was Christmas Eve and he had impulsively prepared the gift, a holo photo of them together, happy once, long ago, presented in a gold-rimmed frame and placed in a velvet lined box, then wrapped in Christmas green with a red bow.
It likely wouldn’t have been appreciated, but now he felt extra idiotic for even making the effort and he eyed the nearby trash.
“Want another drink, sir?” An Andorian woman, his waitress, asked, giving him a sympathetic smile. “Another George Washington Eggnog?”
He’d arrived early, too eager to wait any longer.
He eyed the remnants of his extra boozy eggnog, a recipe attributed to George Washington, but without much evidence he had ever been the creator of it.
“Mm. And some of those fried mushrooms with extra ranch dressing.”
“Sure thing, honey.”
Just before he sat across from Jim, he’d felt the concern flash through his mind. He hadn’t had time to reassure Spock.
“Hey,” he whispered, not trusting his voice to speak any louder without him crumbling.
Spock, dressed in a burgundy sweater that looked amazing on him, reached over and took Jim’s hand. He almost joked about how pathetic he must look if Spock was willing to show affection in public, but the lame joke never materialized.
“He is late.”
Jim shook his head. “He’s not coming. I should have known better.”
“I do not understand. It was your brother who contacted you.”
“Sam has never made any sense my entire life.” He gestured to the present. “I guess I’ll trash that.”
“You should keep it yourself as a memory of what you once were to each other. Right now you are thinking with your wounded heart but in a few hours you might change your mind.”
Jim nodded. “Maybe. I feel stupid.”
“Wanting a relationship with your family is not stupid, ashaya.”
“Sam’s never wanted to be my brother.”
“Jim.”
“It’s true, and I just need to accept it.”
The Andorian arrived with his eggnog and mushrooms. “Something, sir?”
“Cranberry tea, please. With an Orange scone.”
She nodded and hurried away.
Jim smiled faintly. “That sounds downright festive for you, babe.”
“It is Christmas Eve.” Spock shrugged. “While I did not celebrate holidays growing up, I am happy to observe them with you.”
“And Uhura before me.”
Spock inclined his head in acknowledgement.
“Ah well, at least I have the best husband in the universe to be with me.”
“I am fortunate to have the same.”
Jim laughed. He picked up a mushroom and ate it. “These are really good.”
Spock’s lips curved. “I will take your word for it.”
A moment later he had his tea and scone and they ate and drank in companionable silence until Jim received a message.
“I’m sorry, Jim, I’m not going to make it,” Jim read, rolling his eyes. “No kidding.” He set his communicator down.
“Will you respond?”
“I think I may just block him.”
Spock shook his head. “You will not.”
He sighed. “I know. Anyway, we have that holiday party tonight with the crew. What do you want to do before then?”
Spock arched a brow. “I can think of a thing or two that will keep us occupied.”
Jim sniffed and wiped his eyes, smiling through his tears at his Vulcan boyfriend as they sat on the couch in the sitting room of Jim’s quarters on the Enterprise.
“Because Clarence got his wings,” Jim attempted to explain. “And George realized how important he was to the lives of those he loved and that it was okay to ask them for help.”
Spock shook his head, looking bemused. “You also cried during The Muppet Christmas Carol.”
“Well,” Jim said defensively. “It was sad when Belle dumped him. And even Rizzo cried.”
“A fake rat.”
Jim sniffed. “Tiny Tim didn’t die and Scrooge was saved.”
“And in the other one—”
“His heart grew twelve sizes.”
His boyfriend shook his head. “If they make you cry, why do you watch them?”
“Because I love them.” Jim smiled. “I haven’t seen them in years. I used to watch them every year but not for a while. A lot of people think I’m weird for loving them so much.”
“I am not sure weird is the term I would use, but I am not sure I quite understand it myself. You have, by your own admission, seen them dozens of times, yet you continue to watch them again and again.”
“Yep. I’m sure it’s quite illogical to Vulcans.”
“Hmm. My mother was Jewish, but we didn’t observe any holiday on Vulcan and I do not believe she did while on Earth before my father.”
Jim nodded. “My mother’s father was Jewish. But we really didn’t follow any specific religion when I was growing up. We treated everything kind of secular.” He leaned over and kissed Spock on the cheek. “Thanks for indulging me. Not only did you let me watch Christmas movies but in July. Or what would be July on Earth, anyway.”
“As illogical as you are, you are still my illogical Jim and therefore, of course, I indulge you.” Spock’s lips curved upward.
Jim glanced toward the little decorated Christmas tree in his quarters. “Even that?”
Spock nodded.
Jim laughed. “Come on. It’s time for bed.”
Spock sighed. “Do you still intend to wear the Santa hat?”
Spock was coming around the corner when he heard his father’s voice. He was aware his father intended to speak to their temporary guest, Jim Kirk, a Human boy of fifteen, who had recently been rescued by the Federation from Tarsus IV.
Spock had met Jim and quite liked him. He was attractive and kind, though sad. Spock couldn’t blame him considering the circumstances. While Spock was aware eavesdropping was not admirable, he found he could not turn around and walk away.
“On Vulcan, the Terran holiday season, including Christmas, is not observed. I realize it is December and you are generally used to holidays, Vulcans are not. Since you are currently on Vulcan until you can be safely transferred to your mother’s care, you must accept how matters are done here.”
“Yes, sir.”
“If all goes as planned, you will be able to observe your celebration at this time next year in your Terran home.”
“I understand, Ambassador.”
“Good. Now, my wife is Human, and is experienced in cooking meals that will likely appeal to your palette and the replicators have also been programmed to offer meals you would likely appreciate. Given your lack of proper nutrition recently, I suggest you begin to make use of the replicators to eat until dinner later provided by my wife.”
“Yes, sir.”
“If there is anything else you require, you know how to reach me. I have a meeting to attend to, so I will see you at dinner.”
And then Spock’s father left, leaving the far too thin teen standing there staring after him.
Jim’s sandy colored hair was an unruly mess and there were dark smudges under his blue eyes, but he had been provided with trousers and a sweater to wear. They were too big, but it was more than he had arrived with. Due to his immediate rescue, he had come with nothing.
“Jim,” Spock called softly as he approached.
Jim turned and gave him a sunny smile. “Hey, Spock.”
Spock looked in the direction Sarek had gone. “I apologize for my father’s gruffness.”
“No, it’s all right. I’m the one who brought up Christmas. I should have known better.” Jim lowered his gaze shyly. “I mean, I knew there wouldn’t be like presents or whatever, I just wanted a bit of something normal and fun after everything.” His gaze rose. “I get it though. Of course you guys don’t do Christmas.”
“My mother was raised Jewish on Earth,” Spock told him. “But we do not observe any Jewish holidays either.”
Jim smiled and nodded. “Makes sense. Well, I think I’m going to go to my room for a bit, if you don’t mind. Probably take a nap. I’m pretty tired.”
“Yes, of course. I will see you soon.” And Spock was already formulating a plan.
Jim had just awakened from his nap when there was a noise at his door. Not a tap, more like a kick.
He rose from the bed and opened the door. Spock stood there holding about a two-foot pine tree decorated with lights and silver and gold balls.
“Spock, what—”
“May I come in?”
Jim stood back and let Spock inside. The Vulcan, aged eighteen he’d been told, stepped inside, not only carrying the tree but also a wrapped package and a filled red and green stocking.
Spock placed the tree on the desk in Jim’s room, and then set the package and stocking down.
“Mother assisted me with the present and stocking. I was able to replicate a small pine tree and decorations,” Spock said. “Since this is your room for the foreseeable future, I thought you should be able to have Christmas here if you wished.”
Jim’s eyes filled with tears, and overcome, he sat down heavily on the edge of the bed.
Spock frowned. “I do not understand. I thought this would make you happy.”
“It does. It’s just…it’s been a really long time since anyone has been…since anyone has been this nice to me.”
Spock knelt on the floor in front of him. “The package is more clothes for you. But in the stocking there are things like cookies and candy and oranges. Mother helped me research what would normally be included.”
Jim laughed and wiped at his eyes. “That’s pretty cute.”
Spock shook his head. “No one has ever called me cute.”
“I doubt that,” Jim said, shyly.
Spock did not argue. “And we have added some additions to the replicator including a drink called eggnog and gingerbread.”
“Wow. That’s-that’s more than I could have ever wanted. Won’t your dad be mad?”
“He is not. We advised him of our plan and he said because it would all be in your room, he saw no reason not to indulge your Humanness.”
“That’s awesome! Thank you so much.” He quickly hugged Spock, but did not linger, knowing it would make the Vulcan uncomfortable. He then went to his stocking, tree, and present.
Jim was rushing home from having made a last-minute stop at the toy store. It was already two days before Christmas and he had to make sure Santa was going to deliver all the presents Georgie had asked for.
That morning, just before twenty-year-old Jim had left to go to his classes at Starfleet Academy, his little girl, Georgie, short for Georgette, named after his father, had advised him she’d asked Santa for a “Shelley Doll” and she sure hoped Santa would give it to her as she really really wanted it.
Jim had drawn a complete blank. He had never heard of this doll and it was the first time he’d heard Georgie ask for it.
Georgie was just four years old and very strongly believed in Santa. When Jim was sixteen and still living on Tarsus IV, he and his friend, Helen, slept together. Helen ended up pregnant and later, after giving birth to their daughter, she hadn’t survived the famine and killings there. Jim had taken Georgie back to Riverside with him and for a while, while he was still just a kid, his mom helped him.
But now his mom was back out in space herself, and Jim was going through the Academy. Georgie was with him in San Francisco.
He had to get that doll as there was no way he was going to disappoint his little girl. Fortunately, after his last class today, he was done until the second week of January.
But he was running late, later than he had intended, and he’d just received the second text from his babysitter asking when he would pick up Georgie.
So it really shouldn’t be a surprise when he ran smack into someone so hard that he went flying in the air and landed on the ground, smacking his head and his tailbone as he did so.
“Ow, fuck.”
“I apologize, I did not see you barreling toward me.”
The familiar voice cut through his pain filled head. Spock, the Vulcan instructor. Just figured.
Jim groaned and tried to sit up.
“Lie still, Mister Kirk. I will call for emergency transport to the hospital.”
“No, no, no. I can’t go.” Jim rubbed the back of his head. He wasn’t sure what hurt more, his head or above his butt. “Wait! Where’s my package?”
“Package?” Spock was crouched in front of him.
“Yes! Damn it. Where is it? I can’t lose Shelley.”
“You clearly need the hospital, you are delirious.”
Jim frowned, getting annoyed. “I’m not delirious. I had a bag from the toy store with a doll in it for my daughter for Christmas.”
“You have a daughter? But you are barely twenty.”
“Yes, I know. Where…” Jim spotted the bag nearby just before it was about to be stepped on. He snatched it up. “I hope it’s okay.”
He opened the bag to peer in. The doll seemed intact.
“Perhaps it is best to get up and out of the way of the pedestrians.” Spock reached down and pulled Jim to his feet. He held on to him when he swayed a bit. “I highly recommend you go to a hospital.”
“Can’t. It’s two days before Christmas and I gotta play Santa to my daughter. And right now she’s with her babysitter and I need to get her. Are you okay?”
Spock frowned. “I was not hurt.”
“Good, then I’m going to go.”
“If you will not get medical attention, at least allow me to accompany you to your home to ensure you are all right.”
Considering normally, Jim would jump at the opportunity to spend time with Spock, or jump on Spock, really, he figured he probably should agree.
“All right, fine.”
They only had another block to the apartment building where Jim lived, which also happened to be where Georgie’s babysitter lived.
The door to the apartment opened even before Jim had a chance to knock.
Leonard “Bones” McCoy peered out at Jim. Then he opened the door wide. “What happened to you?”
Jim gestured to Spock with his thumb. “Ran into a Vulcan brick.”
“Daddy!” Georgie hugged his legs.
“Hey, pumpkin.” Jim shoved his bag at Bones and scooped up his daughter. “Spock, this is Georgie and Bones. Bones is a doctor, so I’ll have him check me out.”
Georgie peered at Spock curiously. “Is he staying for dinner?”
Spock opened his mouth.
“I’m sure he probably has something better to do,” Bones interjected.
“I would like to stay,” Spock said with an arched brow.
Jim smiled. “Great. Uh. You want to come over too, Bones?”
“Someone has to be the chaperone,” Bones grumbled.
“Down, Daddy. I want to show Spock where we live!”
“Okay, okay.” Jim laughed and put her down. He was surprised when Spock let her grab his hand and lead her away from Bones’ apartment to theirs.
“What’s this?” Bones asked, shaking the bag.
“Shelley.”
“Huh?”
“Georgie asked Santa for a Shelley doll. So…”
Bones nodded. “Got you. I’ll hide it with the others until tomorrow night.”
“Thanks, Bones.”
“What’s with you and the hobgoblin?”
Jim shrugged. “I don’t know. My ass is killing me though.”
“Hey, no telling me personal stuff!”
Jim rolled his eyes. “I fell. Hit my tailbone and my head.”
“No wonder you’re with him,” Bones cracked. “Let me put this away and get my medical bag and I’ll be right over.”
“Thanks.” Jim smiled and shook his head as he heard Georgie chattering away at Spock. It would be an interesting night, for sure.
Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto) 