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December 2021

Santa Baby

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Advent Day 9

“Did you see December?”

Spock’s ears perked up. Not literally, of course. But he guessed the two unimaginative ensigns he happened to be walking behind were discussing the Starfleet Calendar that had just come out to for next year’s use. It was a publicity recruiting tool of some sort that Spock didn’t quite understand.

They had asked various well-known Starfleet officers to participate for each month of the calendar. Spock had been asked to take part but he had, logically, declined. However, he had learned that his captain, James T. Kirk, had accepted the invitation. And he also knew that the captain had been given the month of December.

Since it was December at present, according to the old Earth calendar at any rate, which Starfleet was following for this project, he knew that it was a year before Jim’s month in the calendar. Unless, and Spock had not anticipated this, they decided to go with the 18th month calendar idea. There had been some talk that they might have so many participants that they’d have to go that route.

Spock had yet to see the calendar so he was not certain.

“Are you kidding? Not only have I seen it, but I’ve already drooled over it.”

The other ensign chuckled. “Right? I’m just gonna skip over the other eleven months and go straight to the captain.”

That confirmed for Spock that it was indeed only a twelve month calendar.

“I dunno. Commander Marcel’s pretty hot in March. I think they made her uniform even skimpier.”

“All those pictures are kinda risqué. More than I guessed they’d be. Thought they were gonna be tasteful.”

“I’ll take this one! Tasteful schmasteful.”

Spock had reached his destination, the medbay, so he went through the doors rather than pursue the ridiculous conversation between the two ensigns.

McCoy looked up from his tricorder, which he held over Nyota, who did not look at all well.

“She’ll be fine. Just a bit of sickness left over from that landing party a couple of days ago.”

Nyota smiled wanly. “Leonard says I need bedrest. Guess you’ll have to go to the holiday party without me.”

“I do not need to go.”

“But you should,” she insisted. “You can go with Jim.”

McCoy’s glance went between them, looking suspicious.

“We shall see.”

“All right, Lieutenant. Off duty for forty-eight hours. That ought to do it.”

She jumped down from the biobed.

“Nyota, if you do not need assistance getting to your quarters, I would like a moment with the doctor.”

“No, I can manage. Talk to you later? And go with the captain!”

McCoy was eyeing Spock in an assessing way. “Well?”

“Have you seen the Starfleet calendar?”

The doctor blinked in surprise, clearly not anticipating what Spock wished to discuss. “Yeah, I have. Why?”

“Do you have it?”

“The paper copy or the digital?”

Spock thought about it. “Paper.”

McCoy nodded, and walked over to another area of the medbay. He picked up the calendar and went right to December, clearly guessing now what Spock wished to know. He handed it to Spock.

There was Jim in a Santa hat and little else. He was mostly naked except for the hat and a candy-cane striped satin jock strap, leaving nothing to the the imagination, as far as Spock was concerned. He had one leg lifted higher than the other, resting on a glittery gold box tied with a ribbon to look like a Christmas package. And speaking of packages…the posture was provocative. 

“This is the picture the captain submitted?”

McCoy shrugged. “I don’t think so. He submitted one where he’s wearing a suit and Santa hat with a wreath around the picture.”

“Then how did this happen?”

“Something about a prank. Some old friend of his sent that one in and the ‘Fleet liked it. Look, Spock, if you really want to know, why not go talk to Jim?”

“I intend to do just that.”

“About time,” McCoy muttered under his breath.

Spock arched a brow, but said nothing. He ripped out December’s picture from the calendar.

“Hey!”

“You still have the digital calendar,” Spock replied, as he turned and left the medbay.

****

“Uh, hi, Spock.”

Spock held up the December calendar picture.

Jim turned red and laughed. “Uh, yeah. That’s…I tried to talk them out of using that one. But Admiral Komack—”

“Doctor McCoy said it was sent in by an old friend of yours.”

Jim licked his lips and nodded. “Look, that was, that was a long time ago. You can kind of tell, you know? Look how young I was. It was just…it was a silly time, right?  I was goofing off. And anyway, I’m pretty sure some of that picture was touched up or manipulated.”

“Oh?”

“I don’t remember it looking quite like that, honestly. But Komack liked it.”

Spock exhaled. “Komack is a pervert.”

Jim laughed. “Yeah. Okay, fair point.” His smile slipped. “You aren’t mad, are you?”

“No,” Spock replied. “But I wish to check.”

Jim frowned now. “Check?”

“To see if that picture has indeed been touched up or manipulated. I wish to see for myself. CAPTAIN.”

“Spock, are you…” Out came the tongue again. “Are you really saying…”

Spock grabbed him and pulled him close. “You talk too much.”

“Spock—”

He shut Jim up. Yes, he was going to enjoy seeing if that picture was real. Either way, Spock knew, he would be…satisfied.

Deck the Halls

Advent Day 8

“Jim.”

Jim put a nail in his mouth as he hammered the one he held into the rooftop. He did not look down. He was quite aware of the Vulcan standing at the foot of the ladder below. And though he was not looking, Jim absolutely knew he was getting the Vulcan version of the side-eye.

“Jim.”

To the untrained ear, the repeat of his name sounded just like it had before, but Jim heard the slight irritation behind the second time his name was said.

He removed the nail held in his mouth and hammered it in, stringing the line of lights across the latest two nails.

“Be right down,” he called, not looking. He’d been up in space for decades, had faced death and injury numerous times, fought and won against more foes than he could count, and even survived the death and resurrection of that Vulcan, his husband, waiting below, but he hated heights. He’d considered asking Spock to do this part, but Spock had a secret. He hated heights more than Jim did.

Well, and to say either of them hated heights was not exactly true. Jim enjoyed mountain climbing, after all. And Spock had those rocket boot things he’d used to reach Jim on that mountain. But there was something different about the roof of one’s house and Jim couldn’t say what.

“Can you turn them on so I see if they’re all lit up?” he called down.

He heard the definite huff from Spock, but a moment later the lights were lit and Jim leaned back slightly on his haunches to detect if every last light was on. He couldn’t see any that were out so he mentally patted himself on the back and then inched his way to the ladder.

Perhaps some of his trepidation was due to the fact he’d actually fallen from said roof the prior year. Thankfully, just like Humpty Dumpty, they’d been able to put him back together. Not that he appreciated the comparison.

When he landed on the ground below, Jim felt relieved, and offered a smile to his grumpy husband.

“All done with the roof.”

“I thought we had agreed last year that if you continued this ridiculous, illogical competition with Bob Jenkins and Doctor Morely, you would hire someone to get on the roof.”

“You mean someone younger and in better shape than me,” Jim said, rolling his eyes. “I thought about that but the rules are we have to do all the decorating ourselves.”

“Who decided these rules?” Spock asked pointedly.

“The three of us as a committee. It’s just in good fun, Spock. It doesn’t really matter who’s won. There’s no reward.”

“Except the bragging rights to use all year round that you had the best decorated house for the holidays.”

Jim smiled, and rubbed his hands together, moving farther out in the yard to survey his handiwork.

“Right! And I’m absolutely fine with not winning.”

Spock gave him that side-eye Vulcan thing again and Jim ignored him.

Shooting out of a giant menorah on the roof, placed there for Spock, were twinkling yellow lights that looked like candle flames. He’d just purchased that this year. Also on the roof was a life sized Santa and sleigh with reindeer. Actual reindeer or Caribou, not just the Bambi type substituted so often.

He had more reindeer, elves, and snowmen in the yard surrounding the house too. Candy canes. Snowflakes. Gingerbread men.

“Do you think I did enough?” he asked Spock when Spock moved to stand beside him as they surveyed their kingdom.

“You are serious?”

Jim chuckled. “Yes, of course.” He took out an apple from his pocket and took a bite. “I don’t like to lose.”

“You just said—”

“We both know I lied.”

Spock sighed and nodded. “I believe you will succeed in maintaining your winning record.”

“Now that’s what I want to hear. All right, Spock, let’s go inside where it’s warm. I want to contact Jenkins and Morely to tell them they’re going to lose again.”

Spock sighed even more dramatically. “Very well.”

Jim took Spock’s hand in his and led him to the door of their home. “Well, perhaps, I’ll wait to warm you up a bit first.”

“That would be most agreeable.”

Light One Candle

Advent Day 7

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Spock went looking for Jim in the early evening on the first night of Hanukkah. They were visiting Spock’s parents on Vulcan during the time Hanukkah started and though Sarek did not care at all, Spock’s mother had been raised Jewish and enjoyed participating in many of the traditional celebrations.

That morning she had cheerfully served them all sufganiyot. On the menu tonight was potato latkes.

Jim had given to sitting outside in the evenings, the view of the city being one he was particularly fond of. He would sit outside sipping coffee and mulling over the fate of the Universe. Or so he would jest with Spock.

“Jim, Mother is preparing to light the Shamash candle to begin the first night of Hanukkah,” Spock said as he found his husband sitting next to the wall that surrounded Sarek’s house.

Jim smiled. “Great. I meant to go in before. I got lost in thought. Help me up?”

Spock reached down and pulled Jim up from the chair. He had a feeling Jim was bored with their visit, but he never said so.

“Do I need to change?”

“Certainly not.”

They returned to the house where Mother waited. There was no sign of Sarek, which Jim commented on.

“Sarek doesn’t come for the lighting?”

Mother smiled and shrugged. “Sometimes yes, sometimes no. At present he is in conference and we cannot wait.”

They gathered near the Menorah. Mother lit the candle in the middle, the Shamash candle.

“Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha’olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.” Mother spoke the first blessing.

“Amen,” Jim and Spock murmured.

“Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha’olam, she’asah nisim l’avoteinu, b’yamim haheim bazman hazeh.”

Spock’s mother smiled at them.

“And now, since it is the first night, we say the Shehecheyanu.”

“Blessed are You, O Lord Our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us and brought us to this season”, Mother said in standard this time.

“Amen,” they replied.

She used the Shamash candle to light the first candle on the left. She then picked up the Menorah and brought it to sit in a window to the left of the main door.

“There! Thank you, boys, for indulging me.”

“We are hardly boys, Mother.”

She laughed. “To me you are. Let’s have some wine. Well, you and me, Jim. Spock can have some if he wants.”

Spock inclined his head. “A small amount would be fine.”

She poured them all small glasses of red wine and they sat in the room overlooking the Menorah.

“Many Vulcans over the year have asked Sarek why he allows me to continue with these traditions,” she said, taking a sip.

Jim raised his brows. “And? What does he say?”

She smirked. “I do not allow her anything. She is free to make her own choices.”

Jim saluted with his wine glass. “Wise.”

“It reminds me of home, of my family. For years, when they were alive, we could participate in it together, over conferences, videos, that kind of thing. Once when I was quite young and Spock had been recently born, we were even on Earth at the time, and we spent that time with them in person.”

“I did not know that,” Spock replied. “I do not remember.”

“It was a lovely time. And you were a Kanbu.”

Spock sniffed.

“Now,” she said wistfully. “Most are gone and I do it to remember them. I’ll be following them soon enough.”

“Mother—”

“No one lives forever, Spock. Not even me. I am not saying I will pass tomorrow, but each Hanukkah might be my last.” She shook her head. “I don’t pretend to think you’ll carry on the traditions when I do, but it’s nice to be able to share it with you now, while we are both here.”

Jim reached over and squeezed Spock’s hand. He knew Jim was thinking of already having lost Spock once. And Spock did not look forward to the day he would face without Jim. Without them all, likely.

But for now—

“How about a toast?” Jim said, speaking up cheerfully. “To being together, to family, friends, to traditions. Happy Hanukkah.”

Mother smiled. “Happy Hanukkah.”

And they all took their sips. The potato latkes were particularly good that night.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Advent Day 6

This one was requested.

“Spock, are you blushing?”

Spock looked up from the holiday card he had just received to look at Nyota who had just approached him to hand him a creamy glass of eggnog. A vegan version, she had assured him when she offered to fetch it for him.

Rather than admit that he likely was, Spock instead replied, “I was looking at this morning’s Secret Santa gift.”

Nyota nodded. “What you get this time?”

This was the last day of the silly present game Nyota had signed Spock up for. He hadn’t known who got his name, that was the point.

The first day he had gotten a box of rare teas. He had been surprised, pleasantly, by the gift. The next day a beautiful teapot with a rare glaze made only on Vulcan. Vulcan Prime that had been destroyed.

He had begun to suspect the identity of his Secret Santa, but this surely clinched it.

Spock pursed his lips. “I cannot say at this time, but I will tell you after I present myself to obtain my final gift. If you will excuse me, Nyota.”

Spock left her holding both eggnogs and he made his way to the gift giver’s quarters.

“Come.”

The door slid open and Spock stepped inside.

His captain stood in the middle of his quarters, fingers hitched in the hem of his black undershirt, his gold command shirt already having been removed. He was also barefoot.

“Oh, hey, Spock. What’s up?”

Spock waved the paper he had received in his box. “I have come for my gift.”

“Huh?”

“You are my Secret Santa, are you not?”

Spock had expected it when he’d received the tea and was nearly certain when the teapot came. But now, he was positive.

Jim frowned and turned just the slightest shade of pink. “You guessed?”

The two of them had been dancing around each other for weeks. Jim had been extra flirtatious and Spock had given back in kind. Though there had yet to be anything physical between them, Spock had guessed it would be only a matter time before one of them made that move.

Given his “gift” that move had been made as far as Spock was concerned.

“I did. And I am anxious to claim my present.”

Jim blinked at him. “Uh, what?”

Spock read from the note.

“A lap dance from Captain Kirk.”

Jim’s eyes widened. “Shit.”

For the first time, Spock felt uncertain. “Captain?”

Jim laughed then which made Spock feel a little better. “That…that was a joke. A gag.”

“I do not understand.”

“I couldn’t figure out what to give you for your final present and I told Bones. He said I should promise a lap dance, and we both laughed, and I wrote out that note, but that wasn’t supposed to go into the box. I wrote an IOU. I figured next time we went to a space station I would have you pick something out and I’d get it for you.” Jim shook his head. “I have a feeling Bones played a gag on both of us.”

Spock nodded. “I see. Very well. I am waiting.”

“What?”

Spock arched a brow. “You might have thought that your offer was in jest, but in fact this is exactly the present I want.”

“Really?”

“Really.” Spock pulled out a chair and sat. “Perhaps a Santa hat would add to the experience.”

His soon-to-be lover doubled over in laughter. “I don’t think I have one of those.”

“One can be replicated.”

Jim came over to him, leaned down and kissed him. It was their first kiss and it gave Spock a thrill.

“For the record, I was your Secret Santa,” Spock murmured.

“I know.” Jim’s eyes were shining.

“Santa hat, Jim.”

“Okay, okay.”

Jim walked over to the replicator and a few minutes later he came back to where Spock sat, waiting. He yanked off his black shirt and then undid his pants and lowered them to the ground. Spock noticed the red satin boxer shorts, immediately. “Nice gift,” Jim said with a wink. He set the Santa hat on his head and then straddled Spock.

“All right, baby, here comes your present.”    

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Advent Day 5

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“I didn’t even realize how late it was getting,” Chris declared, as he stood up from Zach’s sofa. “I really need to get back to my hotel. My flight’s supposed to leave early in the morning.”

Zach glanced toward the windows of his apartment.

“It’s starting to snow.”

Chris grimaced as he set his wine glass down. “All the more reason I need to get moving.”

“It’s really cold out there,” Zach pointed out. “You might want to stay over.”

“It’s been great to visit while I was in New York, but I gotta get back to LA.”

“Sure, sure,” Zach said, soothingly. He moved closer to Chris and took hold of his hands. “I’m really glad you dropped by. But man, your hands are just like ice.”

“I don’t have gloves either.” Chris worried his bottom lip with his teeth. “Or a coat. I didn’t really think about being here as long as I was.”

“Fortunately, I have a fireplace with a roaring fire.”

“Uh. You could lend me a coat?”

Zach saw the snow was coming down harder. “It’s getting worse, Chris. You’ll never get a cab in this. You’ll freeze out there. Might as well stay here with me where it’s warm and safe.”

Chris gave him a look. “Do you know how much talk there will be if I’m seen leaving here in the morning?”

“Talk?  What talk?”

“At least there will be plenty implied.”

“Ah, but, fortunately for me the paparazzi don’t hound me like they do you. No one’s going to see you. Pretty soon it’s going to be up to your knees.”

“Which is why I should leave.”

Zach put his hand on his heart. “Think how I’d feel if you got pneumonia and died. My name would be plastered in the Enquirer saying I killed Captain Kirk and Steve Trevor.”

Chris laughed at that. “You’re such a dork. Well, maybe just a cigarette more.”

Zach took his arm and brought him close. “You’re eyes are like starlight right now. Your lips look delicious.”

“Zach—”

Zach pulled him into his arms and kissed him. “They are delicious.”

Chris sighed. “Well, I guess it would be touch to get a cab.”

“Yep. And there’s never been such a blizzard before.”

Chris laughed again. “Okay, okay, I’ll stay. But keep this quiet, will you?”

“My lips are sealed.”

Mistletoe and Holly

Advent Day 4

Spock detected the sound of rustling inside the apartment just before the door opened.

He had thought he was prepared to see Jim Kirk after these few years and so he was momentarily startled by his speechless reaction to the sight of the man who’d opened the door.

Jim had a bit of gray at his temples, but otherwise looked much the same as when Spock last saw him. He did have a five o’clock shadow, but somehow that just made him look better. The crinkles around his eyes as he smiled his greeting made Spock’s heart do a summersault.

“Spock! Wow, it’s so great to see you!”

And for a moment, Spock hoped Jim would pull him into a hug, but Jim aborted the action before he actually did it, and instead stood aside to let Spock inside.

Spock did step inside, his gaze sweeping the apartment Jim inhabited. In the corner by the window was a noble fir. Set in front of it but not yet assembled was a string of decorative lights and several boxes of holiday ornaments.

“I did not intend to interrupt anything,” Spock said hesitantly. He had come here on a whim, that now seemed unwise. He was in San Francisco for the first time in years and should have let Jim know ahead of time, perhaps, so they could meet at a restaurant or some neutral place.

“You didn’t,” was Jim’s assured reply. “Was just getting the tree ready. You can even help, if you don’t mind.”

Spock didn’t but his gaze also fell on two wine glasses sitting on a nearby end table. Both were partially filled with red wine.

“You were entertaining a guest?” And even though Spock thought he had control, he heard the unmistakable accusation in his tone. Which he absolutely should not have.

Jim glanced at the glasses. “No.”

“There are two glasses.”

Jim smiled slightly. “Earlier today.” He shook his head, but did not elaborate. Spock found that he wanted him to.

If Jim had a paramour, then Spock had come for no reason. Perhaps even if his former captain did not, there still had been no reason.

Jim was looking at him in that way he had of stripping Spock of all his shields, all his controls. It had always been that way and yet Spock had fought it to this point, to his own ultimate detriment.

“May I inquire who had the other glass?” Spock asked, even though he had decided not to.

For a moment, Jim looked downright mutinous, and Spock was certain that he had somehow overstepped in his inquiry, but then the hardline of Jim’s mouth softened, his shoulder sagged a little, and he looked rather lost in a way that hurt Spock.

“Sam, my brother. He was here. It didn’t…let’s just say our relationship hasn’t improved much. I thought after Mom’s death…but no. We’re never going to be close, and I just need to accept that I guess.”

“I am sorry that he continues to cause you pain.”

Jim nodded. “Yeah. So, are you going to stay and help me with the tree? I can make us something for dinner.”

“I would like to.”

“I didn’t even know you were in San Francisco.”

Spock exhaled slowly. “My mother’s sister passed away and I came to represent my mother. While here, I could not resist coming to see you.”

Jim smiled. “Well, I am sorry about your aunt, but I’m glad it gave you the excuse. It’s been far too long. How are things on New Vulcan?”

“Lonely,” Spock said plainly. “Though I did not believe it to be possible, I find that I miss my life in Starfleet. I miss the crew.”

“They were our family.”

“I…miss you.”

Jim’s lips parted slightly as he stared at Spock.

“Most of all,” Spock added.

Jim’s lips curved upward then. Just a small bit. “We were good friends.”

“Yes.” And perhaps there was a message there, Spock didn’t know. “And the admiralty? Starfleet is treating you well since your promotion?”     

“Well enough.” He glanced toward the noble fir. “Let me get you some hot tea and we can get started.”

As Jim made to move past him, Spock found himself reaching out to grab Jim’s wrist.

“Jim, I…”

Jim’s startled blue gaze flew to his. “What is it, Spock?”

“I came here because I…not merely because I was already in San Francisco and not because I missed you as a friend.”

“No?”

“I find that I can no longer deny the truth that I have known deep within myself for years, though I surely have tried.” Spock briefly closed his eyes, then opened them to see Jim watching him, blue eyes wide and uncertain. “I had convinced myself to reveal the truth would cost me your friendship, but in all honesty we have not kept in touch since the end of our second mission anyway, so our friendship has suffered due to my decision to leave Starfleet for New Vulcan.”

“Spock—”

“I am in love with you. I find that I have been in love with you for so long, I no longer care to think about when I was not. And though I am taking perhaps the greatest chance in my life telling you this, if I did not, then I would always wonder if there was any chance that you returned my feelings.”

Jim’s lips had parted again and his tongue came out to trace his bottom lip. “Hold that thought.”

Spock blinked. “What?”

Jim pulled away from him and stepped over to the counter in his kitchen while Spock watched him in confusion, his heart thundering in his side.

Then Jim walked back over to where Spock stood and held up something over their heads.

“Jim, why are you—”

Jim kissed him. Hard, deeply, thoroughly. It was the best, most intensely promising kiss of Spock’s life.

When they pulled away, Spock was panting.

“What is the significance of the fungus?”

Jim laughed and kissed Spock breathless once more.

“Mistletoe.”

“Does this mean you return my feelings?”

Jim linked his arms around Spock’s neck. “What do you think?”

“I think…decorating the fir can wait.”

Hanukkah, Hanukkah, Festival of Lights

Advent Day 3

Vanik stood before his uncle’s boyfriend, Jim Kirk. To Vanik, Jim was his uncle as well though they had yet to make anything official. There was no way Vanik would let Spock ruin his relationship with Jim, because even Vanik was aware they were T’hy’la.

Jim wasn’t paying any attention to Vanik at that moment. He was sitting behind his desk working on his terminal. Vanik supposed it was for the Academy, but he didn’t really care.

He had much more important things to discuss than Jim’s academic work, which Vanik knew Jim would ace anyway.

“Tomorrow night is the first night of Hanukkah.”

“Mm.”

Vanik clutched his hands together behind his back and tried not to deflate at Jim’s lack of interest. After all, Jim had allowed him entry into the apartment and even supplied Vanik with his favorite drink of the moment, tomato juice.

“As you know, my mother is Jewish.”

“Yep.”

“And Spock’s mother is Jewish.”

“Uh-huh.”

“As you are likely aware, you and Uncle Spock are joining us tomorrow for the start of the Festival of Lights.”

“I do,” Jim acknowledged, though he still failed to give Vanik his full attention.

“Anoria has a big feast planned.”

This earned him a little furrowed line between Jim’s significant brows. “Your mother.”

“Yes,” Vanik agreed. “She will be serving both Vulcan and Human dishes appropriate for all in attendance.” He paused. “She even plans to serve a brisket.”

Jim nodded.

“And Sufganiyots.”

Vanik was looking forward to that most of all as he loved jelly donuts.

“I know.”

Vanik sighed. “What did you get Uncle Spock?”

Finally, startled blue eyes landed on Vanik.

“Huh?”

“For the first night. You did get him a small token of your affection, didn’t you?”

Jim squirmed. “Well. I mean, Spock’s mom is Jewish, but he doesn’t really…he doesn’t practice or anything. So I figured.” He shrugged.

“You would have Uncle Spock be the only one there who didn’t receive a Hanukkah gift?”

“Well…what?”

“I do exaggerate a bit,” Vanik agreed. “Mother and Father acquired small gifts for all of us, Uncle Spock and you included. It would be…troublesome that Spock did not receive a token gift from his significant other. At least on the very first night.”

Jim pushed his chair away from the desk and stood. “I didn’t think about that. It didn’t occur to me.”

Vanik had figured. Jim was truly a fantastic Human and greatly admired by many, Vanik himself definitely included, but there was no getting past that he was often quite…clueless.

“Fortunately, it did to me,” Vanik replied. “The tea shop on the corner is still open. I suggest you accompany me there to select a gift.”

Jim nodded. “Let me get my coat.”

Vanik smiled his satisfaction. In a Vulcan way of course.

As Jim shrugged it on, Vanik continued, “Perhaps it would be prudent to acquire small token gifts for the others in attendance as well.”

“You mean your mom, dad and you?” Jim laughed. “Yeah, okay.”

Vanik nearly clapped his hands. “I will assist you of course.”

“Of course.” Jim ruffled Vanik’s hair. He did not like it when anyone else did so, but for some reason Vanik didn’t mind it with Jim.

As they departed the apartment, Vanik suggested, “While we are out, we should get a pizza for dinner.”

Jim laughed again. “You’re staying for dinner, are you?”

“Since you insist, yes.”

“Okay, kid, okay. Come on, onward.”

The Holly and the Ivy

Advent Day 2

“The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown,” Jim sang enthusiastically as he pinned a branch of ivy with holly berries on his apartment door.

“O, the rising of the sun, and the running of the deer, the playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir, the holly bears a blossom as white as lily flower, and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, to be our dear savior.”

The door to the apartment next to his abruptly opened causing Jim to jump. He adjusted the giant Christmas wreath he currently wore around his neck. He’d been about to add it to his door as well.

“Do you know what time it is?” the Vulcan who lived next door to him demanded.

“Uh. No?”

“It is midnight. Five minutes past.”

“Oh.” Jim nodded, giving him a sheepish grin. “Sorry. Did I wake you?”

“I was meditating. That is until you started singing loudly from the hall.”

Jim’s smile broadened. “I’m sorry, I just got carried away. I picked up all this greenery while I was out and didn’t want to wait to put them up.”

“There may be others trying to sleep on this floor of the building,” the Vulcan pointed out.

“Yeah.” Jim licked his lips and turned back to the door to hang the wreath. He removed it from around his neck and fastened it to the tiny nail he’d placed there. He turned back toward the Vulcan, wiped his hands on the front of his jeans and held out his hand. “Jim Kirk.”

For a moment, the Vulcan stared at Jim’s hand, giving him a chance to realize Vulcans probably didn’t shake hands or anything and he started to draw his hand back when the Vulcan took his hand at last.

“Spock.”

“Spock,” Jim said, softly. Spock hadn’t yet released his hand and Jim wasn’t sure how he felt about that. There was something that felt right about their hands clasped like this and Jim couldn’t have said what. “Well, uh, I should probably go inside and stop bothering you.”

Spock said nothing, but he did look down at their still held hands.

Jim took a chance. “Unless you’d like to come in for, uh, some peppermint mochas?”

“Does that include chocolate?”

“Uh, yeah. Is that a problem?”

Spock glanced toward his own apartment door and then back at Jim. “It…does not. Let me just get my sweater and I will be over.”

Jim smiled. “Great. I’ll start the mochas.”

And Spock released Jim’s hand. Jim almost grabbed it back, but managed to control himself. As he went into his apartment he continued humming his Christmas song.

Go Tell it on the Mountain

Advent Day 1

“You’re really going to the snowy mountains.”

Bones said it with such distaste Jim could only laugh. His tone suggested that anyone who chose snow over the sunny warm weather of the tropics was out of their mind.

And maybe Jim was.

“I really am.” He patted Bones’ arm. “You and Carol are going to have a great time in Fiji.”

“Don’t I know it? You, however…”

It was sorta strange to think of Bones with Carol. After Khan’s murder of her father, Carol spent a brief time on the Enterprise, during which she and Jim had sort of done a bit of flirting. Okay, a lot of flirting. And maybe more.

Then Carol had announced she was leaving and returning to San Francisco to pursue a position at HQ and that was that. At least for Jim and Carol.

But then after the end of their last five-year mission, Bones had met Carol in San Francisco and they’d connected and started up an affair that had, ultimately, turned into a relationship.

Jim remembered when Bones had come to him and asked him how he felt about them being together. Jim had wished them well. He had no left over feelings for Carol. His affections definitely lay elsewhere, no matter how unlikely those affections would ever be returned.

But now, in the middle of the second five-year mission, they had a bit of an extended leave thanks to significant damage the ship had experienced and as luck would have it, the leave was in December. And on Earth.

Jim planned a quiet few weeks at a mountain retreat. It had belonged to Christopher Pike and his wife, Una, at one time, but it was just Una’s now and she had agreed Jim could use it.

He was going to have all the food in the world he wanted, get a small tree and decorate it, and just have a nice safe white Christmas, free of drama and memories of his childhood. He greatly looked forward to it, even if Bones thought he was nuts.

“Bones, it’s going to be fine. I have everything planned. Spock’s going to drop me off on his way to see his Human relatives in Canada, then he’ll pick me up in a few weeks when the ship is finished.”

“I don’t like the idea of you being up there by yourself for weeks. What if something happens?”

Jim frowned. “Like what?”

“You could fall and break your hip.”

“How the hell old do you think I am?”

Bones snorted. “You know what I mean.”

“Actually, no. I’m fine, it’ll be fine. You’ll see me again in no time. Have a great time with Carol. Happy Holidays.”

Bones reluctantly accepted Jim’s goodbye hug and they went their separate ways.

****

The snow was falling rather heavily as Jim opened the door to the cabin that would be his home for the next few weeks. It was freezing cold, and snowflakes clung to his coat and hair. He should have worn a knit hat.  

Like Spock.

“You don’t have to carry all those groceries, Spock.”

“You have the pine tree.”

Jim carried the tree further into the cabin as he called for the lights to come on. It was quite a charming little place with a fireplace in the living room, a kitchen and a couple of bedrooms.

Spock headed into the kitchen with Jim’s purchases as Jim set up the tree in the living room next to the couch.

His next task would be to turn on the heat.

Jim stepped into the kitchen where Spock was putting away the purchases.

“I could do that,” he protested. “Wow, it’s really coming down.”

“You did choose this area hoping for such weather.”

“True.” Jim laughed. He leaned against the counter as Spock finished up. “So?”

Spock gave him a look. “Yes, I stuck to the story that I was visiting relatives in Canada. I do not know why.”

“Because I want this whole time to be just about us without nosey questions and innuendos and jokes.”

Spock pulled him close. “I am quite happy to let everyone know that we are together, Jim. It is you who wish to retain secrecy.”

“Mm. Have you told Uhura?”

“Not yet but she will be displeased that I kept the information from her.”

Jim smiled. “We’ll tell them all soon enough. In the meantime, we have this place all to ourselves. I’ve been so looking forward to this.”

Spock kissed him. “I cannot deny that I too anticipated it. And there was some element of excitement in that no one knew we would be spending the time together but us.”

“See?” Jim grinned. “Now, I’m going to get the heat on and take our luggage into the bedroom, and you can make us tea.”

This might be his best holiday season ever, Jim thought. Just the two of them. Snow. Merriment. And Love.

Lots of love.  

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