December 2025

Santa Baby, Part 5

Thank you all for your kind words of support.

With a week or so left until Christmas, we’re up again. I know this one is a bit short and sweet but hey, I have lots of holiday stories on AO3 if you need something more substantive.

Spock showered quickly, though admittedly he was tempted to linger in the luxuriously warm water shower, and then brushed his teeth and used the mouth wash Jim had provided. Jim had left his sweatpants, a T-shirt and even a brand-new package of underwear. Apparently, the young cadet thought of everything. Indeed, there were also warm socks for Spock’s feet.

Spock was unused to someone thinking so much about his welfare. At least on Earth. His mother would have been thoughtful like this, but since his move to Earth and being involved with Starfleet, he had not experienced such care. He welcomed it, though perhaps a little embarrassed that he did. If Vulcans experienced embarrassment, which of course they did not.

Spock exited the bathroom and found Jim waiting for him in the apartment kitchen, with a warm smile, and a cup of steaming hot tea.

“This ought to make you feel better.”

Spock took the tea gratefully and sat at the table nearby that Jim gestured to. Jim brought what smelled like coffee with him.

“I apologize once more for what happened last night at the bar,” Spock said after a tentative sip of his tea. “I am not usually so reckless and irresponsible.”

“Nah, don’t beat yourself up like that. Everyone makes mistakes.”

“I do not,” Spock said after a moment’s contemplation.

“No?” Jim gave him a strange look.

“There was lot of pressure on Vulcan not to fail.”

Jim shook his head. “Making a mistake is not a failure, Spock. Anyway, I am glad you’re feeling a little better.”

“It is a good thing it is winter break I do not have to teach a course today as I am not sure my concentration would be ideal today.”

“Understandable. You want some breakfast? I can make us some toast. I have blackberry jam if you don’t eat butter.”

“I will eat butter, but the jam does sound appealing.” Spock watched as Jim rose and went back into the kitchen. “Do you have a shift tonight at the bar?”

“No. Actually.” Jim paused, shrugged. “To be honest I’m growing a bit bored there. I’m thinking of quitting.”

Spock perked up. “I think that would be wise.”

Jim laughed. “Why is that?”

“Well.” Spock felt himself blush. “Just…then you would not be required to wear the uniform.”

“I thought you liked it.” Jim winked.

“I…do. Though it is shameful to say so. You should not be objectified in such a manner. But I do not like others ogling you in it.” Spock paused. “If I am allowed to say so.”

“You are. And sure it’s not ideal. But I did get some decent tips.”

“Are your intentions to see your mother and family for the holidays after all?”

“I wouldn’t go that far. I mean I feel a little bad for saying no, but I really didn’t want to travel, and she has my brother and his brood there. Right now, what I want to do, is get to know you better, Spock. In fact, I think I want to get to know you really really well.”

Jim brought over toast, smeared with jam, and more tea for Spock.

Spock picked up a slice and took a bite. “The jam is very good.”

Jim smiled. “I made it myself.”

Spock exhaled. “I may never leave.” He was joking of course. Sort of.

“I’m not kicking you out anytime soon. But I do need to go to the store for some stuff if you want to stay and if you want to come with me.”

“I will come with you.” Spock paused and took a chance. “And stay.”

December 17, 2025 6

Santa Baby, Part 4

Spock opened his eyes slowly, conscious of the heaviness of his eyelids as he did so.

“There you are.”

For a moment, Spock struggled to recognize the voice, which surely showed how really out of it he’d been, but then it came to him.

“Jim?”

And sure enough Jim from Nick’s Bar leaned closer, a beautiful smile lighting his face.

“Yes. How are you feeling?”

Rather than answer that question, Spock asked, “Where am I?”

“At my apartment. It was closer than yours, and you were in pretty bad shape.”

Spock blew out a long breath and tried to sit up. He felt unexpectedly weak.

“Easy. Let me help you.”

Jim helped Spock to sit back against pillows, and Spock realized he lay in a bed.

“Am I occupying your bed?’

Jim smiled. “Afraid so. I don’t have any other and I didn’t think the sofa would do.”

He no longer wore his skimpy Santa costume, Spock realized. He now wore a t-shirt and what looked like pajama bottoms. His hair was damp as though he had just showered and somehow he seemed even more appealing like this.

Spock had a sudden uncomfortable recollection. “Did I throw up?”

For some reason this made Jim laugh. “You sure did. All over. Me included.”

“No wonder you look freshly showered.”

“Yep. I did my best to clean you up too but you’re kind of heavy. If you want me to help you get into the shower, I’ll be happy to. I’m sure I have some fresh clothes you can wear.”

Spock looked down at the T-shirt he wore. “Yours?”

Jim nodded. “You didn’t get any on your pants. But I have some sweatpants you can wear after your shower and another shirt. That is if you’d like to take one.”

“I would, thank you. I am sorry to be so much trouble.”

“Don’t worry about it. Do you think you can stand on your own?”

“Yes, certainly.” Spock swung his legs out of bed and stood, feeling quite awkward in front of the object of his fascination.

“Okay, I’ll bring you to the bathroom. I’ll give you some clothes, too. And a new toothbrush with toothpaste and some mouth wash, too.”

Spock blinked. “You seem to know just what to do.”

“Wouldn’t be my first experience with overdrinking,” Jim told him. “Personal experience included.” He put a hand on Spock’s arm and directed him to the bathroom. “Go ahead and turn on the water to get it warm and I’ll be right back.”

Spock went to the shower with the glass door and turned the handle. He wanted to explain himself to Jim when Jim returned.

A moment later Jim returned with the clothes and the supplies for cleaning his mouth.

“I wished to advise you that I have never done this before.”

“I figured.” Jim leaned against the sink. “Vulcans don’t normally drink, right?”

“That is true.”

“Well, I mean, you don’t owe me any explanations as to why you did. But I do recommend you be more careful.”

“It was more the chocolate,” Spock blurted out.

“What?”

“Since I am half Human the alcohol does affect me slightly more than full Vulcans, but the chocolate is somewhat intoxicating.”

“Oh.” Jim nodded. “Then, uh, why…”

“I wanted…I am interested in you.”

“In me?”

“Yes. I came to the bar because I heard you were working there. I was…attempting to get up the nerve to inquire if you might share my interest.”

“Really?” Jim seemed to consider that. “I didn’t know Vulcans could be shy.”

“I cannot speak about other Vulcans. I can only speak about myself. And I am shy.” Spock felt himself blush. “I have noticed you at Starfleet Academy for some time but…”

Jim smiled. “You should take that shower. I’ll make you some tea for when you come out. And the answer by the way is…yes.”

December 12, 2025

Santa Baby, Part 3

“Mom, what’s up?”

“Have you changed your mind yet?”

Jim sighed. “No, Mother. Has Sam and his family arrived?”

“Yes, they have. You really should be coming too, Jim. Having the whole family together would be such a nice treat for everyone.”

“Except me.”

“James.”

“Look, you have Sam and Aurelan and their kids. And Tim. Or Tom.”

His mother sighed heavily. “It’s Todd. And you really should come. He’s a nice man.”

Jim started to get annoyed and he held onto his patience. How many times did he have to say no?

“Now isn’t a good time. I’m working.”

“At that bar?”

“Yes. Nick’s. Or right now Saint Nick’s. He’s changed it for the holidays.”

She snorted. “Isn’t that a little corny?”

“It’s a lot corny,” Jim agreed. “But it is what it is. And it’s working. We’re doing a great business.”

“There’s a rumor that you’re wearing inappropriate uniforms.” She sniffed.

He laughed. “Don’t believe everything you hear.” He glanced down at himself and winced. No reason for his mom to know. “Anyway, I’ll come there during spring break.”

“Spring break isn’t a fun.”

“Maybe not but it’s a lot warmer there in the spring. We can eat deviled eggs or something.”

“You really are determined to ruin Christmas, aren’t you?”

He rolled his eyes even though she couldn’t see him. “Bah humbug.”

“Fine. I’m not giving up, though. I’m going to call you again,” she insisted.

“All right, but I really need to get back to work. Bye, Mom.” He disconnected before she could say anything else.

Jim turned around and saw Spock slumped over the bar and looking vaguely ill, his martini glass empty. He hurried over.

“Spock, are you okay?”

“I do not feel so well.”

Jim bit his lip. “We need to get you home. What happened to Uhura?”

“She departed.”

“Great. Damn. Hang on. I need to find someone to cover my shift.”

Jim hurried away to contact another employee and after securing their agreement, Jim went back to Spock.

“Okay, they’re coming in. I should be able to take you home in about ten minutes. You think you can make it?”

Spock nodded, his head now resting on the bar.

“Okay. Hang in there, Spock. I’ll get you out of here soon.”

December 8, 2025

Santa Baby, Part 2

“How many of those have you had?” Nyota asked Spock as she pointed to his peppermint mocha martini.

“This is my first today.”

She picked up her mule. “How many have you had since you’ve been coming to this place?”

“Six counting today.”

“Spock!” She laughed behind her hand. “I can’t say I’m thrilled with your choice, but you should just ask him.”

“I’ve been hoping to work up the courage.” Spock took a sip of the martini. “What is your objection?”

“I wouldn’t call it an objection exactly. I just wish it was someone other than Kirk.”

“You do not like him?”

Nyota shrugged. “Just a bit full of himself. And I’m pretty sure he feels the same about me.”

“I am afraid it might be pointless.”

“Why?”

“He seems rather close to Leonard McCoy.”

She shook her head. “I don’t think they’re involved. I think McCoy is strictly hetero. Shh. Here comes Kirk. Now’s your chance.”

Spock’s eyes widened. “With you here?”

She smirked. “Just wait.”

Kirk sauntered over to them. “Need any refills?”

Nyota set her mule down. “I’m off to the ladies room. If you wouldn’t mind checking with me when I return?”

“Okay.” Kirk’s gaze followed her and then he looked back at Spock. “What about you, cutie? Another one?”

Spock did not miss Kirk calling him ‘cutie’. That had to mean something.

“I do not require another martini at present. However, I would like to make an inquiry.”

Kirk looked puzzled. “Yeah. Okay? What?”

“I would like to inquire as to whether—”

Kirk’s hip beeped.

“Shoot. Hang on.” His hand shimmied down the tight red shorts and fished out a small communicator. “Damn it. I really need to take this. Sorry.”

He took a few steps away from Spock and flipped it open.

“Mom? What’s up?”

The one good thing that came of the interruption, Spock thought as he took another sip of his drink, was that Kirk had turned his back to Spock, giving Spock a perfect look at the bottom straining the sequined shorts.

He sighed and took a larger swallow of the martini, his brain beginning to feel quite fuzzy.

December 5, 2025

Santa Baby, Part 1

The first words out of Leonard McCoy’s mouth were, “What the hell are you wearing?”

Jim turned from pulling a draft beer to smirk at his friend, who’d just took a seat at the bar.

“A Santa suit.”

He moved away from Bones, a nickname he’d given his friend, and delivered the beer to a big gruff weightlifter type, who, surprisingly, left him a hefty bunch of credits.

“I’ve never seen Santa wearing that,” Bones remarked dryly.

Jim laughed and shook his head.

“Since when has Santa worn red sequined shorts and suspenders?”

“That’s the boss’ idea.”

Jim’s uniform consisted of, as Bones noted, Christmas red sequined shorts, trimmed in faux white fur, with a black sequined belt around the waist that the suspenders were hooked to. The suspenders were black but the bow tie around his throat was also red sequined. On his head he wore a Santa hat, also made of the same sequined material and trimmed in the white fur. In the middle of the hat, also made from sequins, were holly leaves and a berry. On his feet were black Santa boots, which, thankfully, were actually comfortable.

Jim felt a bit ridiculous in the outfit, but he couldn’t deny he was getting loads of tips.

“You’re actually okay with wearing that?” Bones asked, gaping.

Jim shrugged. “The ladies are wearing similar outfits. I mean, sure, it’s totally objectifying, I get it. But it’s only temporary. I’m just working here through the Academy break.”

Just then a gum smacking cocktail waitress came over to the side next to Bones with a tray for the drinks her customers had ordered. Instead of shorts, she wore a sequined body suit.

She glanced at Bones. “Hiya, cutie.”

“Hi yourself. How do you feel about wearing such a costume…” Bones paused to look at her name tag. “Janice.”

“It’s crass, misogynist, and humiliating,” Janice told him. “But it pays better than any other job out there right now and I need it to buy my kid Christmas presents. You dig?”

Bones sighed. “Unfortunately. I got a kiddie of my own.”

She placed her drinks on the tray and started to move away. “Figures. All the cute ones are married.”

“I’m not married,” Bones called after her. But she kept walking. “I’m not married,” Bones muttered. He glanced at Jim again. “That belt is stupid.”

“Yep. But it’s keeping these tiny shorts on.”

“Is it? I could have sworn they were painted on.”

Jim chuckled. “You’re in rare form. What can I get you to drink?”

“A whiskey sour.” Bones watched Jim make his drink. “You could have gone home to Riverside for the break. Spend Christmas with your family.”

Jim made a face. “Mom’s got Sam and his whole brood there, doesn’t need me too. And anyway, she’s got a new man.”

“Yeah? A new husband?”

“Nah. She hasn’t remarried since she divorced Frank. This guy won’t last. Most don’t.”

“What’s his name?” Bones sipped the drink Jim put in front of him.

“Tim. Or Tom. Or Tam. Who knows.”

Bones snorted and then his gaze went down to the other end of the bar. “Since when do Vulcans drink?”

Jim didn’t even need to look over to know who his friend was talking about. “He’s been coming in here the last few afternoons.”

“You don’t say. He looks pretty familiar.” Bones snapped his fingers. “He works as an instructor at the Academy. Spock is his name.”

“Yeah?” Jim considered this. “I think he’s the one who’s programmed the test.”

Bones rolled his eyes. “You and that test. Will you give it a rest?”

“I’ll pass it someday.”

“No one passes it.”

“I will.”

“What do you think he wants?” Bones asked, ignoring Jim.

Jim smiled. “A drink, I imagine.”

He left Bones to head to the other end of the bar and leaned against it to study the Vulcan.

“Peppermint Mocha Martini?”

Spock, if Bones was correct, nodded. “Yes, please.”

“That’s a very festive drink this time of year.” Jim smiled. “Are Vulcans into festivities?”

“I cannot speak for other Vulcans,” he said primly. “I only know that I am into Peppermint Mocha Martinis.”

“Coming right up. Hey, is your name Spock?”

“It is.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Jim.”

“Hello, Jim.”

Jim moved away to make the martini, but his mood soured as soon as he saw who suddenly appeared on the stool next to Spock. That just figured.

He finished the martini and brought it to Spock.

“Farm Boy,” she said with a superior smirk.

He didn’t rise to that bait. “What’ll you have?”

She stabbed her manicured nail at the menu of the list of holiday drinks. “The candy cane mule.”

Jim nodded. “Coming right up.”

When he reached where Bones sat, his friend said, “Boy if looks could kill. What’s up?”

“Ah, nothing. I met her on the transport to San Francisco. Wasn’t a good first meeting. And looks like she’s probably his girlfriend.”

Bones laughed. “Doubt that.”

Jim frowned. “Why?”

“His gaze never left your ass, Jim.”

“Oh sure.”

“Trust me. He’s not coming in for the charming atmosphere. He’s here for your sequined ass. Ask him out.”

“He’s an instructor.”

“So? You’re not in his class and the Academy’s on a break.”

Jim considered this. “Still. Vulcans don’t do casual and Jim doesn’t do serious.”

Bones snorted. “Suit yourself. Missed opportunities.” He turned away from Jim to gaze out over the main seating. “Now where is Janice?”

December 2, 2025

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

Tag

Follow Blog via Email