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Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

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White Christmas

TOS OMS

“I want to go to Riverside for December.”

Spock paused in reading the missive he’d been sent by the Federation. He glanced up from his PADD. “What was that, Jim?’

He had, of course, heard what Jim said, but he was still having trouble processing the idea. Iowa was cold in December and sometimes even had…

“Snow, Spock.”

He stared at his husband.

Who smiled.

Jim sat in his favorite chair, sipping at a glass of brandy in front of a fire in their San Francisco apartment. It was November and to Spock it seemed pleasantly cozy there without having to add something like cold and frost in Iowa.

“I do not understand.”

“Of course you do.”

Of course he did. He knew what Jim said. OF course. But that didn’t mean he agreed with the idea.

“My ambassadorial duties…”

“Can be done from the farmhouse. You aren’t due to go off for any conferences or meetings until after the first of the year, Spock.”

“But—”

“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas. Like the ones I grew up with.”

Spock opened his mouth.

“The trees glisten with that white stuff. Like sparkling diamonds.”

“The temperature drops to freezing,” Spock said dryly.

Jim chuckled. “Yeah. Yeah, it does. Sweetheart, you don’t ever have to leave the house if you don’t want to. I’ll happily pamper you and allow you to take up the sofa wrapped in luxurious blankets and sipping tea and eating sugar cookies as you please.”

Spock had to admit that did sound rather nice.  Perhaps his little Vulcan heart was melting to the idea.

He opened his mouth.

“We leave in the morning.”

“What?”

Jim smiled slyly and sipped his brandy. “I figured you’d agree. It’ll be great, Spock. You’ll love it. And I’ll take care of all the outdoor stuff. Firewood, shoveling snow, whatever.”

Spock inwardly sighed. “Very well, Jim.”

“Thank you. You’re the best.”

He shook his head and went back to his missive, but he could not concentrate, and instead got up to pack whatever passed for warm clothes in his wardrobe. He packed for Jim too.   

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Fall Guys

Jim woke with his Vulcan lying on top of him. It had sure been surprising to learn how clingy and cuddly Spock was. He could feel there was a chill to the air but with his Vulcan blanket he was anything but cold.

With a turn of his head he could see through the window the snow falling pretty heavily. Spock wouldn’t be amused.

“Ashaya?”

“Hi baby. Guess you’re awake.”

Spock shifted off him. Sort of. He remained very close and touching Jim still. “It is cold.”

“Yeah. Snowing. A lot.”

Spock made a sort of harrumphing noise, turned to lie on his back, and pulled Jim to lie atop him. “Then we should stay in bed.”

Jim chuckled. “Can’t totally argue with you there.”

“You will miss this when we return to the Enterprise.”

“Yeah. I know you won’t, though.”

“I will miss living here with just you, having nothing but time on our hands to do whatever it is we wish. But the cold? I will not.”

He smiled. “It won’t be long now. Our leave is up soon.”

Spock greeted this with a silent moment, then a heavily released breath. “Do you wish to see if it can be extended?”

“Extended?”

“I am not certain you are yet fully recovered from your injuries.”

With a sigh, he shook his head. “Nah. I am. Good enough anyway. They’ve been more than generous. More than I expected.”

“Yes,” Spock agreed. “But you have been enjoying our time here.”

“Sure. It’s been wonderful. And I’ve never had a better Christmas. So, yeah, I’m sad our time together is almost over.”

Spock stiffened beneath him.

Jim rose a little and looked down at him. “Not our time, Spock.  That’s never going to end.” He paused. “Is it?”

“Not for me, no. Never.”

Jim took Spock’s hand in his. “Then what is it?”

“It is difficult for me sometimes to remember that this is real,” Spock said, softly. “That you really feel for me similar feelings to the way I have harbored feelings for you for so long. When I was with Nyota I was content.”

Jim searched his face. “Okay. Then why didn’t you stay with her?”

“Contentment was not enough for Nyota. She wanted to be happy.” Spock lowered his gaze. “She had guessed my feelings for her had changed to more of deep companionship rather than romantic and that I had fallen for you. That was not enough for her and she did not believe it was enough for me.”

“And?”

“At first I did not believe she was correct.” Spock’s lips curved as he lifted his gaze to Jim’s. “But now that I have happiness with you, I know she made the correct decision for both of us. I have not experienced what I have with you with anyone else and that is, of course, because you are my T’hy’la.” Spock raised the hand Jim was not holding to Jim’s cheek. “I want to marry you. I want to bond with you. My brother, friend, lover, my everything.”

Jim brought Spock’s hand to his face. “You’re my everything too. I want that. I want it all with you, Spock. Forever.”

Later, after they did get out of bed, Jim talked Spock into helping him make gingerbread men. And then sugar cookies.

Then they sat on the couch, next to the tree, with a fire going, munching on the cookies with some mulled cider.

Jim laughed. “I never did any of this as a kid.”

“Nor did I.”

“Did your folks celebrate anything?” Jim wondered.

“No. My father thought such celebrations were very un-Vulcan. Mother mostly acquiesced to his wishes on that. I believe when she herself was young and still on Earth she observed the Jewish feasts, remembrances, and holidays.”

He smiled faintly. “I’ve never done any of this as an adult either. So, thank you. It really has been the most wonderful time. Not just now, but for the couples of months we’ve been here. I’ll cherish it, for a long long time.”

“And I will cherish you, my James.”

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Spock looked up from making his tea to the kitchen window. Alarm shot through him. The snow, which had been spraying lightly all day, had taken a turn for the worst. It was becoming a blizzard.

He turned away and glanced at his PADD sitting on the dining room table. He’d gotten an earlier voice message from Jim advising he would be leaving San Francisco that afternoon after having been there the last four days for Starfleet meetings.

They’d left active duty, both of them, and had been teaching classes at the Academy. Spock left San Francisco four days ago for the winter break. Originally Jim was to leave with them, but then Starfleet had asked him to stay for additional days.

“You go ahead and get settled at the farmhouse and I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Jim smiled brightly at him and gave him a lengthy kiss. “I’ll be home for Christmas, Spock. You can plan on it.”

And so Spock had left his husband behind.

Spock didn’t care much about Christmas either way. It was something Jim cared about and…

“He’s not going to make it, is he?” A small voice asked.

Spock looked down at the little girl with golden curls and pointed ears. His heart squeezed.  He dropped down on his haunches to his daughter’s level. Her bottom lip trembled.

“He is trying, Amanda. But the weather may make it difficult.”

“He was supposed to come home with us.”

“Yes. But his work is very important.”

“Are they going to make him go back, Sa Mekh?”

“Back?”

“To command a starship,” she said, her eyes welling with tears. “To have him save the universe…again.”

He shook his head. “No.” He thought better of being so matter-of-fact. “I do not believe so.”

“I don’t want him to leave! He said he’d be here for Christmas! He’s supposed to decorate the tree with me.”

“Amanda…”

“I hate Starfleet!”

Suddenly the front door was flung open and the sound of loud stomping feet had them both turning eagerly.

“Wow, it’s just awful out there!”

Spock closed his eyes, relief and warmth flowing through him at the sound of Jim’s boisterous voice.

“Daddy!” Amanda turned from Spock and ran to the front door, laughing in delight as her daddy scooped her up into his arms.

Jim laughed. “Here’s my princess.” He strode toward Spock as Spock rose to stand tall once more. “And here’s my prince.” He leaned over and kissed Spock on the lips. He didn’t seem to mind that their daughter clung tightly to his neck.

“We feared you wouldn’t be able to make it,” Spock murmured when Jim’s eyebrows raised in question.

“I said I would, didn’t I?” He pulled Amanda off his neck, but continued to hold her. “Those aren’t tears I see in my big girl’s eyes, are they?”

She sniffed and wiped her eyes. “No, Daddy.”

“Good. Because if we’re going to build that gingerbread house we talked about there can’t be any tears.” Jim laughed again and set her on her feet. “Go get your jammies on, princess, and then come back down and we’ll start the house.”

“Yay!”

She scrambled for the stairs.

“No running,” Spock called after her. He stared deeply into blue blue eyes. “You are well?”

“Of course, honey.” He wrapped his arms around Spock and kissed him again and again. “I missed you like crazy. Both of you.”

“And we missed you.”

“You have the snow, how about the mistletoe?” Jim grinned.

“What?”

“Never mind. I love you.”

“I love you.” Spock kissed him one more time. “And I will show you how much later, but for now, you’d better get out of those damp clothes, and I’d better get the gingerbread ready.”

“You’re going to help us?”

“If I do not the house will be crooked and missing the roof.”

Jim laughed. “That was last year.” He held up his hands at Spock’s arched brow. “I’m going, I’m going.”

And Jim dashed toward the stairs. “No running,” Spock called after him. Sighed and then smiled. And went to get the gingerbread ready.   

Winter Wonderland

Jim hadn’t wanted to come to Riverside for the winter break. He’d told his mother no. At least a dozen times. But then he had nothing else to do. Nothing. Bones was going home to Georgia for two weeks with his daughter and to see his dad, and though Bones had invited him, Jim felt like he’d be an outsider.

And then Spock, who he’d hoped to maybe spend some time with, to, um, make it clear he liked the Vulcan more than as a buddy, had declared he was going to Vulcan to visit with his parents. There had been no specific invitation there and Jim would have turned it down anyway. Sweltering on Vulcan as the awkward friend who had no one to spend the break with, so Spock was stuck with him, wasn’t in Jim’s list of positive things to do.

Mom would be returning on the same day to Riverside from having visited with Sam and his family for the last month or so in Toronto. 

From San Francisco to Riverside, Spock would be riding the shuttle with him. Spock had a short meeting at the shipyard there and then he would be taking another shuttle direct to Vulcan.

Just before they were due to land, the pilot had advised them that Riverside was experiencing a significant snow storm.

Spock eyed Jim. “I hope that does not mean what I think it means.”

Jim grimaced and took a chance, reaching over to pat his friend’s hand. Yeah Vulcan’s didn’t like touching. Except, well, Spock didn’t seem to mind it too much from him.

“I’m thinking it means what you think. Your shuttle won’t be leaving for Vulcan, Spock. Not today.”

Sure enough, when they landed and departed their shuttle, the boards were filled with cancelations to every single destination.

Jim stood next to Spock as they surveyed the information.

“Sorry, Spock. Looks like you’ll be stuck here. At least overnight.”

“It would seem so. Wasn’t your mother due to return on the shuttle from Toronto?”

Jim followed his gaze to the cancellation board for arrivals. “Uh-oh.”

“How long do you think this storm will last?” Spock asked, falling into step beside Jim as they walked toward the baggage area of the shuttle bay.

“I wish I knew. Sometimes they are gone in a day and other times…” His communicator buzzed. He pulled it out of his pocket. “Yep, that’s Mom. Hang on, Spock.”

He stepped away from the Vulcan so he wouldn’t be forced to hear any lame family conversations.

“Mom? You okay?”

“Was about to ask you the same thing. Listen, big storm in Toronto,”

He frowned. “Wait. What? There’s a big storm in Riverside.”

She chuckled. “Yeah. I heard about that. But I wasn’t getting out of Toronto today anyway, kiddo. And doesn’t sound like tomorrow either. Did you make it to Riverside before they shut it all down?”

“Yep. Just landed. Spock came with me because he had a meeting here, but looks like he’s not getting out of here to go to Vulcan.”

“That’s too bad. But it makes me feel better that you have someone with you at least. Look I had the neighbor over on Johnson Road, Mr. Witherspoon, stock up the house ahead of time for us, so it would be all ready for you and me when we got there. That’s good news for you as you probably want to head straight to the farm before it gets too crazy.”

“You think of everything.”

“I sure didn’t think of this,” she said with a sigh. “So I won’t be there for at least a couple of days. Hopefully not longer than that. Do you think Spock will stay there that long with you?”

“I think Spock will hightail it out of here the minute they tell him it’s okay. He’s a desert dweller. He won’t be amused.”

“Hmm. Well, I won’t keep you because I don’t want you to be caught in something you can’t get home from. I love you.”

“Love you too, Mom. Enjoy your extended stay with Sam and his family. Bye.”

Spock was waiting for him when he turned around, holding his own communicator in hand. “My meeting has been canceled.”

“That sucks.”

Spock nodded, then looked uncertain. “I suppose I should procure hotel accommodations.”

Jim snorted. “Get real. I have this whole huge farmhouse where you can stay. It’s just the two of us since Mom can’t make it out of Toronto. Let’s get going before it gets worse. You can notify your folks when we get there. But something tells me they already know.”

“Likely. But I will contact them there anyway.”

They got their bags and headed for the exit, with Jim quickly flagging down transportation to make it to the farm.

***

By the time the hover cab dropped them off the snow was falling so hard it was difficult to see in front of them.

“Hope you make it back okay,” Jim said to the driver.

“I will. You were my last fare. I don’t live too far. Have a good night.” And the guy was off.

Spock was pretty much covered in snow and not at all happy about it. Jim thought he was about as magnificent as anyone or anything he’d ever seen. And he wanted to tell Spock that, but he couldn’t get the words out and Spock was looking unhappier, so Jim turned toward the house.

“Guess you don’t think this is a Winter Wonderland,” he murmured as he accessed the front door with a swipe of his palm print.

He stepped aside to let Spock inside. Then he followed into the cold and dark house.

“Computer, voice authorization, James Tiberius.” He paused briefly.

“Authorization granted.”

“Lights and heat on.”

The house lit up bright instantly. He could see the tension in Spock’s shoulder lessen even as the chill in the front hall dissipated.

As Jim shrugged out of his snow covered outerwear, he smiled crookedly.  “I’m guessing you won’t want to go outside to build a snowman we call a circus clown.”

The Vulcan’s brows furrowed. “Pardon?”

He shook his head. “Nah, nothing. Just a silly song.”

“A song?”

Jim sang, “In the meadow we can build a snowman and pretend that he’s a circus clown. We’ll have lots of fun with Mr. Snowman until the other kiddies knock him down.”

Spock stared at him blankly.

“When it snows ain’t it thrillin, though your nose gets a chillin…not much of a music lover, huh?”

“On the contrary,” Spock said primly. “I enjoy a very eclectic selection of music from different species.”

“Ah. Just not a Jim and music lover.” He gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Gotcha. You wouldn’t be the first to be resistant to my various charms. Come on. Take off your coat and I’ll get you settled in a room upstairs.”

Spock removed his snow covered coat and placed it on the coatrack Jim pointed out and then followed him up the stairs to the bedrooms.

“I guess you’ll be staying in Sam’s old room. I’ll get the sheets all changed and everything.”

He led Spock to the room and Spock glanced around the simple room made up of a bed and a dresser with a small attached bathroom.

“Thank you, Jim. I know this is all unexpected and you did not plan to have me as a houseguest.”

“Nah, it’s good on my end. What with Mom not making it, it’s nice to have someone here. I’m just sorry you’re stuck with me. Can’t be fun for you.”

Spock looked away for a second, then back to Jim. He looked suddenly very serious and not at all Vulcan blank.

“Jim, I am afraid that you are under a very mistaken impression.”

Jim frowned. “Oh?”

“I do not feel stuck with you.”

He brightened then. “Oh, I know. I didn’t mean anything. Just kind of a joke. I know you wanted to go see your parents for the break.”

“And I will still be able to see them once the storms pass, but that does not mean that I am in a hurry to depart from you.”

“Well.” Jim nodded. “Okay good.” Warmth blossomed in his chest. “We can change the sheets and stuff later. Want to go down for something warm to drink?”

“Yes, but if you will permit me, I would like to make contact with my parents. I will be down shortly.”

“Oh. Sure. Sure.”

When he got downstairs, he set water for boiling, checked out the fully stocked cabinets and refrigerator, as his mom had promised, and then checked his own messages. He had one from Bones.

 Made it. I heard your area got a storm. Hope you made it safely. Listen Jim, when the break is over, you really ought to tell the hobgoblin, er, Spock, how you feel. Maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Make it your new year’s resolution.

Jim smiled. Glanced up to the stairs just as Spock was coming down. He had changed out of his uniform into a big brown fluffy sweater. He got a funny lump in his throat just looking at Spock.

“Jim? Are you all right?”

He swallowed down that lump. “Spock, I…I don’t know if this is the time or maybe if there never will be a time, you know, that’s good. It’s just…I really like you. As a friend, sure, but…but more than that. In fact, it’s more than like. And I guess maybe you probably…”

“Jim. Be quiet.”

His mouth hung open. “Did you just tell me to be quiet?”

Spock stepped close. “I did. You were about to say I probably did not share your feelings. Is that correct?”

Jim blinked. “Yes,” he whispered.

“I do.”

“You…do?”

Spock’s mouth covered his in a deep kiss. He then drew back. “What does that tell you?”

“That I won’t need to put sheet’s on Sam’s bed after all.” Jim laughed and pulled Spock back into a kiss. He heard a jingle of bells in the distance. He pulled back. “Did you just hear bells?”

“I did not.”

“Hmm. Still snow is glistening.”

“Are you talking about that song again, Jim?”

He grinned. “A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight…”

Spock’s gaze went to the window in the kitchen. “We are most definitely not walking in a winter wonderland.”

Blue Christmas

Chris had been, admittedly, ridiculously excited about the prospect of Zach joining him for Christmas this year. The moment Zach had mentioned the possibility on the phone with him, Chris had been absolutely certain it would happen.

He’d began to plan for it immediately. What most people who didn’t know him well didn’t know was that Chris was a compulsive planner. He began planning activities for them to do while Zach was in Los Angeles. And he absolutely had to stay with Chris. Yeah, he knew that most of the time Zach rented a place a friend of his owned, but this time Chris would take no arguments to the contrary, Zach would stay with him.

Zach had laughingly agreed after a time. After all his trip there would have to be brief this time, only a handful of days, so renting a place wasn’t ideal anyway.

Chris sat down and wrote out menus and movies and stuff to bake together. Like they’d done way back when Zach still lived in LA. Before New York, before Miles, before the women Chris had dated.

Maybe everything wasn’t like it used to be, Chris got that. But he missed Zach so much. And the man wouldn’t move back full-time. He liked New York, Zach told him. Chris did too, but he still didn’t want to move there.

He knew he had a problem when he bought all kinds of things to make decorated sugar cookies. Years ago, they’d made cookies together one Christmas Eve. The cookies hadn’t tasted amazing or even looked that way, but it had been so much fun, and Chris had been so in love then.

It had been crazy, probably, to think he could ever get those feelings back, those times back. So much had changed and they’d both moved on in so many ways.

But he even bought cookie cutters, and colored sugar, and frosting and nonpareils.

Zach was coming on December 22 and would be returning to New York on December 26. Chris had fought with him family a bit over his plans to spend so much time with Zach instead of them.

And then he’d gotten the call on December 21. For some reason as soon as he’d seen Zach’s number show up on his flip phone, his stomach felt as though it had a heavy ball of dread in it.

“Hello.”

“Hey, man.”

“What’s up?” Chris decided to just cut to the chase.

“I’ve got some bad news.” A long pause. Chris could hear some noise in the background. “I’m not going to be able to make it to LA after all.”

“I…see.”

“I know, I’m disappointed too. But I have to do some reshoots here in New York and the only time available is now. Next week I’m due to go to Pittsburgh to see Mom and—”

“No, I know. I get it. It’s fine,” Chris said, before he could go further and just make it all worse.

“I’ll come out sometime in January.”

He winced at the vague ‘sometime’. Nodded even though Zach couldn’t see it.  

“Sure.”

“It’s just the reshoots…”

“Yeah. It’s the business. I know how it works. You gotta do what you gotta do.”

“You’re mad,” Zach said softly.

“No,” Chris denied. “Just…disappointed like you said. Look, there’s someone at the door. I have to go. Merry Christmas.”

He ended the call before Zach could say anything else.

He stood alone in the kitchen feeling stupid for ever getting his hopes up. He didn’t even like the holidays. Not Christmas, not Hanukkah. Any of it. Why had he even agreed to this? He could have gone camping with the guys or even flown to England to see Annabelle.

With all the filming he’d done lately, not that long ago returning from Romania, he should be glad he could just veg at home alone with nothing to do. Catch up on some sleep. And maybe, he supposed, he could see his family on Christmas after all.

He glared at all the sugar cookie stuff he’d bought and thought about throwing it all away. But no. He couldn’t be that wasteful. He’d donate it.

And now, he was going out to get drunk.

****

The banging on the door matched the banging in his head. For a long time, Chris ignored both.

He turned onto his back and stared up at the ceiling while he came to terms with the most bitch of a hangover he’d had in a long time.

It was Elvis’ fault. He’d started belting out Blue Christmas at the lounge he’d been at last night. And Chris just told the bartender to keep them coming.

Stupid song.

He turned his head to gaze at his lifeless phone. He hadn’t plugged it in to charge it when he’d stumbled home last night, courtesy of an Uber driver. Probably why Katie was banging on his front door. Because of course it was her. It always was Katie.

Chris blew out a heavy sigh and flung himself out of bed. He wore only a tank top and boxers and his teeth felt like they wore sweaters, but Katie would just have to deal with him like this. She should have just used his key and made him coffee instead of pounding on his door like some crazed lunatic.

“Coming,” he mumbled. He couldn’t rustle up the energy or willpower to shout to her or to even hurry.

“Honest to God, Katie, you are so annoying.” He wrenched the door open, mouth open to give her a blistering piece of his mind.

“My God, it’s about fucking time,” Zach said with something of a snarl.

Zach.

“What…I…what?”

Zach smirked. “You are the absolute biggest pain in the ass to surprise. Do you know that? Let me in, for heaven’s sake.”

Chris stepped back and Zach came barreling in.

He turned to stare at his friend. “But you said…”

“I lied. Doofus.” He dropped a suitcase down on the floor of Chris’ front hall. “And even if I hadn’t, you were about to cry on the phone, so I had to come.”

“Was not,” Chris muttered.

Those lips Chris loved quirked upward. “You look like hell. Come here.”

Chris moved into Zach’s arms and they came around him, pulling him close. He sagged against him.

“I can’t believe you’re here.”

“You can believe it. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry…yeah.” Chris swallowed down the emotion threatening to unman him.

“God, you reek. Shower time.”

Chris pulled back and grinned. “Okay, yeah. And pizza. And cookies.”

“Cookies?” Zach brightened at that. “Let me at them. I’m starving.”

“We have to make them first.”

“Make them? What? Damn it, Pine. The last time was such a disaster.”

“Was not.”

“Was so. They tasted like bricks.”

Chris headed down the hall toward the bathroom. “Since when have you eaten bricks?”

“Well…”

It’s a Marshmallow World

TOS OMS

“It’s snowing.”

The icy tone with which it was announced by his husband could have rivaled the chill of the day. It amused him, though he decided it was likely best not to show it.

Instead Jim stopped walking, pausing on the sidewalk in front of the store they were about to go into that afternoon. He looked up at the sky and as he did so just the very lightest dusting of flurries dotted his face.

“Just flurries, Spock.”

“Which are in fact…snow.”

He chuckled. “Technically, yes. Sweetheart, this isn’t your first time in Riverside at this time of year. You know how it can be.”

“Still I had anticipated, based on reports and my calculations that the snow would not begin until after the first of January, when we would be leaving and going to visit my father on Vulcan.”

Jim smiled slightly. “Hate to break it to you, Mr. Spock, but your calculations were mistaken this time.”

He looked affronted. “Obviously.”

Jim glanced up again. “Nice puffy clouds. Won’t be too much snow out of those. I’d call those marshmallow clouds.”

“They are not made out of a sweet confection.”

“No? Well. I don’t know about that. They’re being friendly, those marshmallows.”

Spock peered at him as though he had lost his mind. And Jim thought maybe he had. He was just feeling so ridiculously happy.

So much progress had been made between them and Spock had remembered so much, including, apparently, his disdain for snow.

“There’s a song, you know.” Jim knew he didn’t have the world’s best voice, but well…when had that stopped him? “It’s a marshmallow world in the winter, when the snow comes to cover the ground.”

“Hmm. Perhaps we should make haste with our purchases inside so that we can return home before it gets worse.”

Jim noticed Spock made no particular comment about his singing and he tried not to be offended by the lack of response. He shook his head, and gestured to the door for entrance.

By the time they came out about forty-five minutes later, the flurries had given way to much heavier snow fall. The trip back to the farm promised to be a bit dicey. He could already see that his Vulcan was more than a little disgruntled.

“Seems like your calculations were also incorrect, Jim.”

“My calculations?”

“That these marshmallow clouds would not produce much snow.”

He laughed. “Oh that.” He linked his arm with Spock’s. “It’s a yum-yummy world made for sweethearts. Take a walk with your favorite guy.”

“We have a hover car.”

Jim laughed harder. “Yeah. Yeah, we do. I love you, by the way.”

“And I love you. Can we return to the farm now?”

“We sure can, Spock. We sure can.”

“I will drive.”

“But…” Spock arched a brow. Jim shook his head. “Spoilsport. Fine. You drive.”

“Thank you. I prefer we make it back in one piece.”  

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

“Daddy, is that an elf?”

Jim Kirk looked to where his four-year-old son, David, pointed. They had just entered the department store in San Francisco. David had been asking to see Santa Claus.

At the moment, Jim had the care for his son as the boy’s mother and Jim’s ex, Carol Marcus, was off planet on a science expedition. Jim had readily agreed since it meant having David with him for the holidays. And now that he was on winter break from Starfleet Academy he no longer had to rely on his friends and fellow cadets to babysit.

Jim’s gaze widened as he grabbed David’s arm to keep him from rushing at the “elf”. “Er, No. That’s a…that man’s a Vulcan.”

And Jim’s current crush, Commander Spock, who had programmed the Kobayashi Maru Jim had taken and failed.

“Oh. Okay,” David replied. He looked up at Jim. “Does he know Santa?”

“Well…” Jim was about to say he doubted it, but in fact Spock was standing next to and speaking with Uhura, who was wearing a red and white Santa’s helper uniform, and Santa. Or whoever wore the Santa costume for the store. “Yeah, I guess maybe he does.”

“Take me to him,” David pleaded. “I want to ask him for what I want this year.”

He blew out a breath. He sure hoped David wasn’t going to come up with something like “my parents back together’ or anything similar. He’d met Carol back in Riverside when she’d been there on a temporary assignment for Starfleet and before he had enlisted himself. Their relationship had been brief and wrought with more drama than either of them had wanted to deal with. They made far better friends and co-parents than lovers.

But kids sometimes just couldn’t understand adult issues and wanted for things that couldn’t be theirs.

Nevertheless, his responsibility as “daddy” was to make sure David got his chance. So, Jim took his son’s hand and walked over to where they stood talking. He didn’t fail to notice the sign in front of Santa’s House that declared “Santa’s On a Break.”

 Jim knew he’d probably get the brush off from Uhura and Spock, but maybe Santa would be nicer. He had to at least try.

As they approached he heard the lyrics of the song playing overhead.

He’s making a list, He’s checking it twice, Gonna find out who’s naughty and nice

“Santa Claus is coming to town,” he sang softly. He smiled down at David, who grinned back. He turned to the three standing there. “Excuse me, but…”

Uhura looked at him. “Kirk, can’t you see we’re…”

“Yes, but my son…”

Her gaze went to David and brightened instantly. “You have a son?”

“Yes. This is David. David, this is Ms. Uhura.” He glanced at Spock, feeling his face heat. He cleared his throat. “And this is Spock.”

“Spock?” David repeated, scrunching up his face. “Isn’t that the one you like, Daddy?”

Jim laughed, wanting to crawl away as Spock raised a brow. “Uh, ha ha. Kids. They say the darndest things. Listen. I don’t want to take up your time, I just wanted to know when Santa was…Bones?” He stared at Santa.

Bones narrowed his eyes. “That’s Santa Claus to you, son.”

David frowned. “I don’t see Uncle Bones. Where is he?”

Uhura kicked Jim. “He’s not here. Your Daddy was mistaken.”

Jim’s jaw tightened. “Hang on one second, David. Daddy wants to have a word with Santa Claus.” He glanced at Uhura. “Can you watch him for a second?”

“Sure. Hey, David, do you want a candy cane?”

Jim grabbed Santa’s arm and pulled him out of earshot. “What the hell? Why didn’t you tell me you were going to be Santa at the store?”

“Because you would have made fun of me for it.”

“No, I wouldn’t…okay, yeah, I would. But still.”

“Listen, I just wanted some side income to send some stuff to my own kid. Plus have something to get David a gift. It’s no big deal. Just a few hours a week.”

Jim nodded. “Okay. Well, when you talk to David try to talk him into something easy, will you?”

“You want me to lead your son?”

“Well, you know. To like toys and stuff. Nothing like universal peace or mommy and daddy together again.” Jim grimaced.

“All right, all right. And what was that about Spock?”

“Nothing.”

He pushed Bones back to the others and saw that David not only had a candy cane but several foil wrapped chocolate balls.

Swell, he thought. A hyped up David would be just what he needed.

“Uh. Thanks. Anyway I was wondering when Santa’s break would be over as my son wants to give him his wish list.”

“Santa” looked down at Jim’s son. “Have you been nice, David?”

David nodded. “’Course. Daddy says it always pays to be nice.”

Jim smiled.

“Well. I think you can tell him what you want right now, David. Santa can delay his break for you,” Uhura spoke up.

“That’s right.” “Santa” crouched down next to David and put his arm around him. “What do you want for Christmas, David? A toy space ship? A telescope? A little mini science lab?”

“Nope. None of that.”

“Er. Um, then, books? Coloring books or…”

“Perhaps it would be wise, Santa, to allow David to make the request himself,” Spock said.

“No, Santa,” David said, voice small. “Daddy can get me all that. Or Mommy.”

“Santa” glanced up at Jim, who shifted awkwardly. “All right. What do you want?”

David glanced over at Spock and then back to Santa. “Daddy needs a boyfriend.”

“David—”

“He’s super lonely and all he does is study and spend time with me. And Santa, I know he really really likes Spock.”

“How do you know that?”

“He told me!”

Jim saw Uhura smother a laugh and he glared daggers at her. “All right, David. I’m pretty sure we’ve taken up too much of Santa’s break as it is. We should go.”

“But Santa hasn’t said…”

“Well, now, David,” “Santa” interrupted. “It’s very difficult to give gifts of people, you know.”

“Sure. But I’m sure if Mr. Spock got to know Daddy he’d really like him.”

Jim coughed. “Lunch. Come on, kiddo. We’ll go to your favorite place. Say by to Santa now.”

David pouted a little. “Okay.”

And to Jim’s further embarrassment, David walked over to where Spock stood, looking unfailingly serene.

“I know Santa can work magic!” David said to Spock. “See you later.” He waved frantically at Spock and then ran to where Jim waited. He smiled so brightly at Jim, he didn’t have the heart to be upset with the boy.

“Did you have fun?” Jim asked, as he steered his son away from the gawking group.

“Yeah! And I got candy.”

Jim laughed. “I know. But before you eat too much of that, let’s get some real food.”

****

“Daddy, he’s here, he’s here!”

Jim frowned at his terminal screen, paused it, and looked over at his son who was standing nearby jumping up and down.

“Who?”

“Spock.”

Jim blinked. “What?”

“At the door! He’s here.”

He got up from is chair and came around the desk. “David, I’ve told you before not to answer the door. Come and get me.”

He hadn’t even heard someone at the door.

“Okay,” David said. “But he’s here, he’s here.”

Jim couldn’t imagine what Spock was doing there. He’d never been there before and Jim didn’t even know Spock knew where he lived.

He went over to the apartment door and peered out the peephole, but he couldn’t see much.

“It’s what I asked Santa for!”

“David, shhh. It’s got nothing to do with Santa.”

He gestured for David to get back and then he opened the door.

Sure enough Spock stood there, dressed in his all black uniform, looking austere and intimidating.

Jim tried a smile. “Hi.”

“Good evening. May I have a word?”

He cleared his throat. “Sure. One second.” He turned back to David. “Wait inside, okay? I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Okay, Daddy.”

Jim smiled and then stepped onto the landing outside his apartment. It was a beautiful day, really. His second-floor apartment faced out onto the garden area of the apartment complex. He preferred that then looking out over the pool or the street.

“So, um, what can I do for you?” he asked Spock.

Spock’s gaze flicked briefly to the closed door. “Your son is quite appealing.”

“Thank you.”

Spock nodded. “His…mother…”

“She’s off planet. Carol Marcus. She’s a scientist. She’s not…” Jim licked his lips. “We’re not together.” He cleared his throat. “Anymore.”

“I see.” Spock straightened. “I was wondering if I may…that is, if you might be free to have dinner with me at some point.”

“Yes!”

Jim blushed, glancing quickly at the closed door. Clearly he needed to have a conversation with his son about listening in on adult conversations.

Spock quirked a brow but otherwise did not react to David’s yell.

Jim took a step further away from the door. “Listen, um, what David said at the store.”

“Children say all kinds of things,” Spock said quietly. “I am aware that you did not wish him to speak up, however I did hope there was some truth to what he said.”

Jim blinked. “Yeah?”

Way to go, Jim, he thought. You sound so brilliant.

“Leonard McCoy did advise me that David’s words were truthful but if—”

“Bones did?”  

Spock fell silent but nodded. His cheeks were just the tiniest bit green.

Jim laughed. “Well, then. I guess I shouldn’t bother to deny it.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means, Professor, that I’d love to have dinner with you at any point.”

“I see. Then I am gratified.”

“I do need to arrange for a babysitter, though. How does tomorrow night grab you?”

Spock inclined his head. “It grabs me well.”

Jim grinned. “Fantastic. See you then? Did you want to meet somewhere or—?”

“I will come for you at seven tomorrow night.”

“Okay. Cool.”

Spock nodded again and then turned and walked over to the stairs that would take him to the ground level. Jim watched him the entire way until he was out of sight.

He exhaled deeply. “He’s making a list, checking it twice. Gonna find out who’s naughty or nice.” He shook his head. “Guess I’ve been nice.”

He turned back and opened his apartment door to face the eagers brightness in David’s face.

“Guess you were right, kiddo. It did have something to do with Santa.”

“Yay!” He laughed, dropped to his knees and hugged his son.

Here We Go a Wassailing

Regency Pinto from The Thought of You is Consuming Me

I had left London much later than I should have and I’d had to stop at an inn and stables to rest my horse for quite a bit longer than I had planned or anticipated.

Therefore it was full on dark and light as I rode up the long pathway to the Quinton Country Estate. I saw no indication of light in any window as I approached and I realized with some dismay, Zach had stopped expecting me.

Before he’d left London for the Christmas season, we’d discussed the day I should make my arrival there, if I was going to. It had been far from certain. He’d been so hopeful that I likely had been too encouraging in my agreement to try. My parents had made it clear they wanted me to stay in London, spending the break from University with them, instead of in the country with my friend. As he would only ever be to them. To anyone.

Thus the reason I had left too late to make it to his home at a decent time. I’d been trying to make both them and him happy and it had exhausted me, to be honest.

And as discouraged as I was by the sight of his dark unwelcoming house, I made my way to the stables to store and properly care for my horse.

By the time I had finished to make my way to the house, I was exhausted beyond reason and stumbling up the path to the door. I knocked.

Of course there was no immediate answer. It was Zach’s usual practice to send his servants away during my visits so we could freely explore our affections for each other.

I knocked again.

Waited.

Nothing.

I did not relish sleeping on his doorstep nor with my horse. I knocked louder and harder.

“Zach! Zachary!”

When I was about to lose all hope, I heard the snick of the lock. I straightened as the door opened.

“Christopher?”

He looked wrecked. His cravat was askew and his hair disheveled. And definitely redness around the eyes.

I smiled. “Who else?”

Zach blinked. “I…didn’t think you were coming.”

I almost hadn’t but of course I didn’t say that. I couldn’t. Instead I said simply, “Of course I was coming. Can I come in?”

He seized me then, pulling me into the house and into his arms. For a long time we just held each other. It had been too long since we’d had such a private opportunity to do this. His arms around me felt better than anything.

Finally he pulled back and cupped my cheek with his very warm hand. I hadn’t realized how cold I was. “I’m so glad. You look cold and miserable.”

I laughed, which turned rather watery because the exhaustion was making me emotional. “I’ve had a rough day.”

“Me too. Come into the kitchen.”

He pulled me there, unwilling to let go of me for even a second. And I was glad.

My chest ached when we reached the kitchen for I saw discarded food, thrown away. I knew instantly he had been preparing a feast for me and when I had not come…

“Zachary,” I whispered, tears springing to my eyes.

“I’m sorry. I’m afraid I had rather a melancholy fit when you didn’t arrive when I thought you should.” He shook his head. “I’m embarrassed and mortified.”

I drew him close and kissed him for a long time. “Even if I had not been able to come that doesn’t change the way I feel about you. I love you. Adore every single bit of you.”

“I return those sentiments tenfold.” He smiled wryly. “And while I have ruined our perfectly good supper, I had not yet discarded the wassail.”

I laughed as he went to a sideboard and dipped glasses into a bowl of wassail. He handed one to me.

I took a large sip. “You do a fine wassail, my love.”

“Tomorrow when we wake I will spoil you endlessly with feasts and love all the day long,” Zach assured me.

I kissed him once more. “This may yet be the best of Christmases.”

“I vow it.”

Wassail Recipe

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

This one is a little sad, but it’s thinking of all those who don’t get to be with their family every holiday season.

It was completely illogical. And ridiculous besides.

Spock acknowledged that. He could do little else. But he was feeling entirely melancholy ever since he’d received Jim’s message.

Oh, he had expected it.

His husband, bondmate, and T’hy’la had been away from home for six months already. And Spock knew Jim’s diplomatic undertakings on Starbase 56, a new base in a new sector, and therefore, so far, unnamed, were ongoing. In their weekly video calls Jim had advised that everything was going well, but wasn’t nearing completion any time soon.

They’d faced separations before, but never this long.

And not during Jim’s favorite time, the holiday season. Spock hadn’t ever cared about it. Jim had always rushed head first into any celebration they’d ever had. Jim’s family had celebrated Christmas during the good times, and even, he’d said, during some of the bad ones, but Spock’s family hadn’t celebrated anything. His mother’s background had been Jewish, but she never mentioned anything with regard to it to Spock, and Spock was certain that was by agreement with Sarek. Spock had been raised as though he were fully Vulcan, and perhaps stricter still than Spock’s siblings because of Sarek’s disappointment in them.

Spock had told Jim early on he had no interest in holidays only to be faced with the desolation Jim sometimes wore on his face and then, even worse, the resigned defeat, and so Spock quickly changed his mind and let Jim be in charge of all the celebrations he desired. And if Spock still found them somewhat absurd, they made his T’hy’la smile, and that was enough for him.

Until now, Spock hadn’t realized how used to it all he’d become. And as he surveyed their lonely San Francisco loft apartment, devoid of decorations, warmth, and Jim, he realized he had not only gotten used to Jim’s celebrations, he’d learned to like them.

Spock sat down heavily on the couch with his tea and PADD and once more read Jim’s message.

Hi Sweetheart

This message is particularly hard for me to write. I’m sorry I missed our video call. It’s just gotten so crazy busy with the talks lately. Plus there’s some instability in the sector. Nothing to worry about though, Spock. I see your frown. I’m safe.

But it means I’m not going to get away from even a week for the holidays. I don’t know, now they’re saying we might be here until spring. I hope not, but there it is. I can’t get away.

I know the holidays and all the decorations and celebrating is really my thing, but still I do them because I love doing them, and everything really, with you. We don’t get that this year and I’m feeling really sad about it.

I guess, next year, we’ll be together. I’m not going to take any more assignments like this, I can promise you. But until then, I guess we’ll have to muddle through, somehow.

Try not to be too sad without me. I know how you get. I love you. So much.

Yours always,

Jim.

Jim was right, Spock would get through it. But it would be the worst holiday he’d been through for many years.

Spock thought about putting up their tree and the menorah Jim had insisted they get years before, but it just was not the same, not without Jim. And so he did not.

The morning of Christmas, Jim did video call him. He looked very tired, but beautiful. And Spock ached for him.

“Hi sweetheart,” Jim said with a bright smile. “Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukah.”

Spock smiled slightly. “You are not sleeping. You appear to be exhausted.”

“Yeah,” Jim admitted. “This is my sleeping time but I…”

“Ashaya, please. I wish for you to sleep. We can talk another time.”

“But Spock…”

“The way that you can help me to be okay with our separation, this time, and any time, is to take care of you when you are able. Please. Knowing you are eating right and sleeping well is what I need now.”

Jim sighed. “Okay, Spock. I get it. I do. I feel the same about you. It’s just…I miss you.”

“And I miss you, my James. But we will be together again soon. And in the meantime, I will hold you in my heart and you will hold me in yours.”

Jim grinned. “Wow. You do miss me. That’s about the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Jim.”

“I love you. And we’ll talk soon. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

Spock walked away from his PADD and to the windows overlooking the park and the ice skaters at the temporary rink they’d set up. The prior year he and Jim had gone ice skating.

With a sigh, he turned and went to get his coat. He wouldn’t like it as much without his mate, but he would go. For both of them.     

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