December Flashes

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

Flash Fic, December 30, 2024

Here’s my New Year’s Eve Flash (a few hours early)

“Here you are. I wondered where you’d gotten off to after the ball dropped.”

Jim smiled faintly. Another year past. This one spent temporarily based on Yorktown while the Enterprise was rebuilt after being pretty much destroyed on Altamid.

Delay after delay in the Enterprise being finished had Jim feeling pretty down as the Yorktown grand parties went on all around him. Like Bones said, he had snuck off to get away after the ball drop at midnight. Yorktown time. He didn’t want to think too hard on what time it was in Riverside where his mom had been spending the holiday season with Sam, his wife, and their son.

Jim wanted to be there, but Starfleet said no. And here he was.

He turned to Bones with false cheer. “Just needed to clear my head after all that champagne and celebratory kisses.”

“Mm. Your birthday’s in a few days again.”

“Let’s not go there. Not this year.”

“You sure you don’t want another party?” Bones moved to stand next to him at the railing that overlooked one of Yorktown’s many gardens.

“Positive. Last year we at least could be happy we defeated Krall and saved Yorktown from his nefarious plans. This year? We’re stuck here waiting forever for the Enterprise to be finished.”

“Scotty says he thinks it will be done and ready for the shakedown by the end of January. For real this time.”

Jim nodded. “He told me. And I hope it’s true. I’m sick to death of being here. It’s funny, I was feeling…I don’t know…almost claustrophobic on the Enterprise before all that. Now this place is driving me nuts.”

“And yet you thought you would be happy here.”

He shook his head. “Not happy, exactly. Content? Having something different? I don’t know. But I’m ready to leave.”

“Me too, honestly,” Bones admitted. “I’m sorry Komack said no to your family time.”

“He’s never liked me. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but yeah, I was disappointed. I haven’t seen Sam in years. And it would have been nice to…” He shrugged. “Whatever.”

Bones glanced toward the doors leading out to where they stood. “Spock’s coming. I’ll see you inside.”

“Thanks, Bones.”

A moment later, Spock took over the spot beside him that Bones had vacated.

“I didn’t mean for you to leave the party,” Jim said, softly.

“It is no great hardship.”

“I saw you talking with your dad.”

“Yes, but when I left he was talking with several other ambassadors. He did not require my presence.” Spock paused. “But you did.”

“I’m sure Uhura would like to spend some time with you.”

Spock sighed, softly and almost like a slight breeze. “Why do you deny yourself comfort when it is offered?”

“I don’t want to be a burden, Spock.”

“You are not a burden. You are my…boyfriend… to use an Earth term.”

“Not for long.”

Spock frowned. “Are you intending to end our relationship?”

Jim huffed a laugh and turned to him. He pulled him in for a quick but passionate kiss. “That’s not what I meant. I meant we haven’t been boyfriends for long.”

“Ah. The amount of time does not correspond to any lack of depth of feeling nor my desire to assist you out of this funk.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I’m just feeling sorry for myself.”

“You are sad because your holiday leave was denied. I do not think that is unusual or unwarranted.”

“I really wanted us to go to Riverside so I could introduce you to all of them.”

“There will be other opportunities, ashayam.”

“With all of us at once? I hope so, but every year something changes. Mom’s disappointment when I had to tell her was…it was hard.”

“I understand,” Spock said quietly. “Your disappointment was equally distressing for me.”

Jim walked into Spock’s arms, and Spock closed them in a tight embrace.

“I’m sorry. I should be happy to have you here with me. And that your dad is here for you.”

“Ashayam, there is nothing wrong with missing your family and being sad that your plans did not work out. You can also be glad I am with you. And we can find pleasure in spending time with my father.” Spock squeezed him. “And be anxious to resume command of the Enterprise.”

Jim chuckled against him. “I’m definitely tired of Yorktown.” He pulled back slightly to look at Spock. “But it’s here that we became what we are now.”

Spock’s lips curved. “That would have happened elsewhere, too. It was time for us both to stop denying what we felt.”

“Mm. That’s very logical of you, Mister Spock.”

“I tend to be that way.”

Jim laughed, kissed him, and squeezed him tight. “Let’s go back inside and find your dad. Maybe Bones, me, you and your dad can do a resounding version of Auld Lang Syne.”

“Let us hope not.”

Jim grinned. “I love you.”

And after Spock responded in Vulcan, “Taluhk Nash-veh K’dular”, they went inside.

December 30, 2024

Flash Fic, December 23, 2024

Here is the full flash

Ten years earlier…

“Don’t walk away from me in the middle of this!” Jim shouted. He was furious. He couldn’t remember when he was this angry.

Spock took a step back and shook his head. “I require meditation.”

“Meditation? Are you fucking kidding me? Right now?”

His eyes were impossibly dark. “I require meditation at this exact moment so that I do not give into the desire to strangle you.”

Jim gasped. “Are we really fucking back to that? Just try it, mister, and I’ll have you court martialed before you can say Kobayashi Maru!”

Bones stepped in and put his hand on Jim’s arm. “Jim, take a deep breath. Calm down.”

Jim felt enraged. “I don’t want to fucking calm down, Bones. I’m done.”

“Jim—”

“Nope. Fuck you, Spock. You can go straight to hell.”

And with that he stormed off and away.

Ten years later…

“It was great having dinner with you, Captain. I mean admiral,” Sulu quickly corrected himself. He glanced at his husband and now young adult daughter, Demora. “We all enjoyed it.”

Jim smiled. “Jim will do. It was great for me too. I can’t believe you’re entering the Academy, Demora.”

She blushed a little. “Yes, sir. I hope to be a pilot like Dad.”

Jim winked. “You have lofty aspirations, but I have no doubt you’ll succeed.”

They stepped outside of the restaurant and on to the San Francisco street. It was a little cool, so Jim pulled his coat around him.

“You want us to give you a lift to your apartment?” Sulu asked.

“No, that’s all right. I don’t mind the walk and it’s not that far.”

Sulu hesitated but then nodded. “You ever hear from Spock, sir?”

“Spock? No. We don’t keep in touch.”

“I just thought…never mind. I guess he’s probably on New Vulcan.”

“Maybe so.”

Ben spoke up then. “If you aren’t doing anything for Christmas, Jim, we’d love to have you over to our place. I make a great turkey.”

Jim shook his head. “Actually, I’m meeting Bones in Aspen, Colorado. I leave in a couple of days.”

“Oh.” Sulu’s expression brightened. “That’s good. Give Leonard our best.”

“I will.”

He gave Demora a quick hug, and then her parents too. “Merry Christmas.”

Then despite their offer again of a ride, Jim continued on his way.

****

After Jim stopped at the check-in desk at the Aspen resort to be told that his room wasn’t quite ready yet, he asked about Bones.

“I’m supposed to be meeting Leonard McCoy here. Has he arrived?”

The desk clerk smiled. “There is someone waiting for you out those double doors on the patio. We have heat lamps out there and you can order drinks.’

“Great, thank you.”

It was cold out but the only snow at the moment was already on the ground, so he felt going outside with heat lamps would be just fine. The place was supposed to have an indoor bar too so if it got too cold, he and Bones could move inside.

The double doors opened automatically at his approach, and Jim stepped outside. It was late afternoon so much of the patio had started to be in shadows, but then Jim spotted him, and his heart nearly stopped.

As though in a dream he walked over.

“Spock?”

Spock stood and looked as startled as Jim felt. “Jim?”

He didn’t to look around to know Bones wasn’t there.

“Sit down.”

And Jim pulled out the seat across from Spock, which was just under a heat lamp. In front of Spock was what looked apple cider and in front of Jim was a hot buttered rum.

Spock returned to his seat. “What are you doing here?”

“I had plans to meet Bones.” Jim paused. “And you?”

“Nyota,” Spock said softly. “I was even told to order that drink.”

Jim’s heart rate went somewhat back to normal. “I think we’ve been had.”

“I would agree.”

Jim picked up the drink and took a sip as he surveyed Spock. It was as though ten years hadn’t passed for the Vulcan. He looked just the same. And Jim knew that wasn’t true for him. He had more wrinkles and more gray hair.

He swallowed his pride. It was a tough thing.

“I miss you. All the time. Every day.”

When Spock didn’t reply, Jim chanced a look at the other man and saw that Spock had his eyes closed and wore a pained expression. As Jim observed him, Spock opened his eyes and there was unmistakable pain there.

“It has never been the same without you. I miss you.”

Jim took a chance and put his hand out toward Spock, who grasped and held it.

“Have we wasted these ten years, Spock?”

“Yes.”

Jim laughed, a miserable laugh. “No one has been you. Believe me I’ve tried.”

Spock nodded. “I have not tried.”

“Not once?” Jim asked, surprised.

“Never. You were the only one for me then and still.”

“Oh, God. Spock, I’m so so sorry.”

“It is I who owe the apology.”

“No. It was me. You know what? Let’s not do that. How the fight started or who was wrong or right, does it matter? God, just seeing you…I don’t know why I’ve stayed so fucking stubborn all this time.”

“Sirs?” A waitress stopped by their table. She handed Jim a red envelope. “I was told to give this to you.”

Then she walked away and Jim slid it open. There was a holiday card with a note inside.

“Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Happy New Year. By now you must know we’re not coming and we set this up for you two lugheads to get back together. You should never have been apart let alone for this long. We booked you two into the honeymoon suite from now until the end of the year. Don’t waste this opportunity.”

Jim put the note down. “Well. Lugheads. That was Bones.”

“Most certainly. And Nyota would be responsible for the honeymoon suite.”

Jim took another sip of the hot buttered rum. “It would be stupid not to take advantage of this opportunity.”

“Agreed.”

“The note even says so.” Jim looked at Spock. “Do you-do you want to?”

“More than anything,” Spock whispered. “These last ten years…not to be dramatic or illogical…have been torture.”

Jim frowned. “Wait. Pon Farr?”

“Since I had no bond, I did not experience it,” Spock admitted. “You and I never completed a bond and the one I had with T’Pring was severed upon her death in the destruction of Vulcan.”

“I…I’m glad you didn’t have to find a way to survive that.”

“It ended up being a fortunate thing we had not bonded prior to our estrangement.”

“Yeah, fortunate,” Jim whispered. He released Spock’s hand, stood and went to stand before Spock. “I really want to touch you now.”

Spock stood also and pulled Jim into his arms. They held each other very close and very tight for a long time.

“I love you,” Jim said softly.

“I love you,” Spock returned.

Snow began to fall in that moment which made Jim shiver in Spock’s arms.

The double doors opened.

“Gentlemen? Your room is ready.”

Jim laughed against Spock’s neck, pulled back and kissed him deeply. It was like coming home. “Shall we?”

“Yes.”

And with their arms wrapped around each other they entered the resort to go to the honeymoon suite.

May the holiday season warm you. Happy Holidays!

December 23, 2024

Flash Fic, December 20, 2024

The First Noel, the angels did say…

Jim smiled faintly at the music playing from speakers as he walked along the sidewalk directly outside of the shuttle bay on his way to try to catch a shuttle to Riverside.

Admittedly it was last minute. Only two days until Christmas. He’d left it too late, he knew.

But he hadn’t known until very recently that Bones, his roommate at the Academy, was going to Georgia for Christmas, nor had he known the Vulcan he was sort of seeing, Spock, one of the instructors at the Academy, didn’t do holidays. Like at all.

Spock had explained, rather stiffly, that he didn’t believe in a deity, had never celebrated Christmas since his mother was Jewish, and he didn’t celebrate any Jewish holidays either. He planned on catching up on grading mid-terms and some research he’d wanted to do but hadn’t had time during the break.

Since theirs was a very new relationship (meaning they’d had sex twice), Jim chose not to push it.

He hadn’t really wanted to spend Christmas alone in San Francisco.

Jim had visions of the song “Mr. Lonely” in his head. Yeah, true, he could be overly dramatic sometimes.

Unfortunately, his mom wasn’t going to be on Earth for Christmas. And at first Jim decided he wasn’t going to go to Riverside after all. But then with nothing else to do and no one else willing to spend it with him, Jim had decided to try to get a shuttle to Riverside anyway.

And just as he did, he heard the weather was going to be terrible and the shuttle might not even depart.

So he entered the bay, waiting for a shuttle to depart that was more likely to be canceled than not. And if it was, Jim guessed he’d go back to his dorm and drink spiked eggnog until he passed out.

Well, maybe not.

With delay after delay, Jim found himself dozing off. He jerked awake when his communicator beeped.

Where are you?

And that was Spock.

He typed back, “Shuttle Bay waiting for a shuttle to Riverside.’

I did not realize you were going to see your mother.

Eh, I’m not. She won’t be there. But I had no other plans so I thought…why not?

I see.

There was nothing else for a while, so eventually, Jim typed, “I don’t think I’m going anywhere. Bad snowstorm. I’m just waiting for them to officially cancel.”

If you find yourself seeking an alternative plan, you could come to my apartment.

And honestly he almost typed back he wasn’t in the mood to be Spock’s booty call but he wasn’t actually sure if that was entirely true.

Sure.

Another hour passed before the shuttle to Riverside was officially canceled. He was told he still could get a seat on one going out the next day, so Jim departed and headed off to Spock’s apartment. At least he’d have something to do tonight and then he could try again the next day.

So Jim was pretty surprised when from the street in front of Spock’s apartment he could around the window was a string of old fashioned Christmas lights. The kind with bulbs rather than the tiny ones.

He rushed inside and up the stairs, since the lift was always breaking down, and to the door on the end of the third floor. He knocked.

A moment later the door opened, and Spock stood there. Beyond him, Jim spotted the lights on the window.

“Spock, what—”

Spock stepped out of the way and gestured for Jim to come in.

To his surprise, it didn’t stop at the lights on the window, but Spock also had a small, artificial Christmas tree decorated with lights and red bows.

“I…”

“You said you wished to observe the holidays,” Spock explained quietly.

“Yeah but you said you didn’t celebrate. Or anything,”

“And I never have. However you wished to and I am not opposed to indulging your preferences.”

Jim smiled, suddenly feeling warmth in his chest. “You did this all for me?”

Spock tilted his head. “Who else, Jim?”

Jim stepped into his arms and Spock closed his arms around Jim, holding him close.

“I have mulled wine.”

Jim laughed and pulled away slightly. “Yeah?”

“Indeed. Do you…are you still going to Riverside when you are able?”

“No. I’m staying right here with you.” Jim kissed him. “Thank you.”

“You are welcome, Jim. Come let me get you that mulled wine.”

December 20, 2024

Flash Fic, December 18, 2024

I’m thinking only a few more parts of this after this one. Maybe 2-3 flashes to make up the final chapter.

Photo by Sebastian Voortman on Pexels.com

“I have some questions for you if you don’t mind,” Jim told Amanda later that morning as he dug into a plate of surprisingly good replicated eggs and potatoes.

They were seated at the marble dining room table in her kitchen. Spock had been summoned to speak with his father so it was just the two of them.

She smiled encouragingly as she took a bite of her blueberry scone. “Go ahead.”

“What’s it like being bonded to a Vulcan?”

“Has Spock asked you to bond with him?’

Jim laughed. “Nope. But he did take me to the ceremonial area and assured me it wasn’t intended to mean anything.”

“Ah.” She nodded. “I see.”

Jim ate another bite of potatoes. “Did you do that whole thing when you bonded with Sarek?”

“Oh, no.” She shook her head and smiled. “They were adamantly against it involving an outsider, you see. Sarek was considered a rebel when he chose to marry me. He’d been previously bonded to a Vulcan, but she died in childbirth many years ago.”

“Spock has a half-sibling?’

“Yes, although we never talk about Sybok. Let’s just say he is not close to the family. Anyway when Sarek and I decided to marry he wished for it to include a bond. The elders refused to do an official bonding ceremony with a Human involved, so Sarek bonded us himself.”

“So I’d guess Spock would run into a similar situation should he ever decide to bond with me.”

She shrugged. “Perhaps. But attitudes change all the time and elders die off and are replaced with more modern thinking Vulcans. It is hard to know for sure.”

“What’s the bond itself like? Is it painful or uncomfortable?”

“Heavens, no. Never. It’s probably not what you’re imagining. At least based on what my own hesitations were about. I feared it would be intrusive.”

“It’s not?”

“No. Most of the time it merely feels like a warm mental hug, if that makes any sense. I can get a sense of Sarek’s emotional state—”

“Wait, emotions?”

She laughed. “Of course, dear. If he’s upset, I can generally feel it. Anger. Even gladness. Those emotions, I sense those. But I don’t get random things like, ‘I’ll be home by four’.”

It was Jim’s turn to laugh. “That would be helpful.”

“Yes, it would. But it doesn’t really work that way. We can get each other’s direct thoughts only during melds, otherwise it’s just the emotional sense as I said. Or the warm hug. And none of it is painful. A meld is very personal and likely varies from bonded pair to bonded pair. It is nothing to fear.”

“Thanks, Amanda. I appreciate you answering my probably invasive questions.”

“Not at all. I suspect you will need this information yourself soon.”

“I don’t know. Like I said he hasn’t asked.”

“I know my son and he feels deeply for you, Jim. You’ll see.”

December 18, 2024

Flash Fic, December 17, 2024

“So, this is ‘the forge’, huh?” Jim asked as they wandered around an ancient area of Vulcan that Spock had brought him to the morning after their arrival. Not that anything on Vulcan wasn’t ancient. Everything seemed to be thousands if not millions of years.

Spock had briefly explained on the way to Vulcan that Vulcan children were generally informally bonded. Sort of an engagement bond, though most often Vulcans referred to their betrothal as spouses.

Spock was supposed to have been bonded but the other family changed their mind before the official ceremony.

Anyway, apparently, according to what Spock told him, somewhat shyly and with obvious embarrassment, Vulcans came to this area to officially mate at the appointed time. It was all more than a little strange in Jim’s opinion, which of course he kept to himself. He didn’t want to offend Spock or any of the other Vulcans, especially Sarek.

“It is.” Spock looked uncomfortable, and not because of the excessive heat, which certainly was making Jim uncomfortable.

“What’s wrong?” Jim wondered.

“It merely occurred to me that my showing you this might give you the wrong impression.”

Jim smiled faintly. “And what would that be?”

“That I intended to pressure you into something you are not prepared for. May never be ready for.”

Jim didn’t respond immediately, instead he walked around the area with stone arches and a rather enormous gong. “What’s this for?”

“The Vulcan male strikes it to begin the ceremony.”

“Ah.” Jim touched it. “All the elders don’t watch, do they?”

“Certainly not. Once the bond itself has been established, the elders depart, and the couple continue the rest of what is required.”

“Mm. Required,” he murmured.

“You did ask to see this area,” Spock said somewhat stiffly.

“I wanted to, yes. I’m just…taking it all in. Based on what you’ve said or maybe what you’ve not said, I’m guessing you are intending to establish that you don’t want to pressure me into a bond with you.”

Spock hesitated but then nodded. “I am aware that it is not something entirely acceptable to others outside of Vulcan.”

“Did your mom bond with your dad?”

“She did.”

“And she doesn’t seem worse for wear.”

“I would urge you not to treat the matter lightly, Jim.”

Jim snorted. “Well, as of this moment, you haven’t even asked me, so I’m not sure how I am supposed to take it seriously, Spock. I’m not a delicate flower, I can assure you of that. And there aren’t any misunderstandings between us and I don’t feel pressured to do anything since you haven’t asked.”

“Jim—”

“This is cool, well hot really, but can we go back to you parents house? It’s really hot out here and I think I’m getting burned.”

Spock looked instantly contrite. “I am sorry. I didn’t even think.”

He smiled and touched Spock’s arm. “It’s fine, all right? But let’s go back. I’m also kind of hungry.”

Spock nodded. “You have not yet had breakfast. I have appropriate Human food to your liking programmed in the replicators.”

They turned from the ceremonial forge and began to make their way back toward Sarek’s and Amanda’s house.

December 17, 2024

Flash Fic, December 12, 2024

Cool fact, today would have been my father’s 102 birthday!

This is Part One…. (warning for strong language)

Ten years earlier…

“Don’t walk away from me in the middle of this!” Jim shouted. He was furious. He couldn’t remember when he was this angry.

Spock took a step back and shook his head. “I require meditation.”

“Meditation? Are you fucking kidding me? Right now?”

His eyes were impossibly dark. “I require meditation at this exact moment so that I do not give into the desire to strangle you.”

Jim gasped. “Are we really fucking back to that? Just try it, mister, and I’ll have you court martialed before you can say Kobayashi Maru!”

Bones stepped in and put his hand on Jim’s arm. “Jim, take a deep breath. Calm down.”

Jim felt enraged. “I don’t want to fucking calm down, Bones. I’m done.”

“Jim—”

“Nope. Fuck you, Spock. You can go straight to hell.”

And with that he stormed off and away.

Ten years later…

“It was great having dinner with you, Captain. I mean admiral,” Sulu quickly corrected himself. He glanced at his husband and now young adult daughter, Demora. “We all enjoyed it.”

Jim smiled. “Jim will do. It was great for me too. I can’t believe you’re entering the Academy, Demora.”

She blushed a little. “Yes, sir. I hope to be a pilot like Dad.”

Jim winked. “You have lofty aspirations but I have no doubt you’ll succeed.”

They stepped outside of the restaurant and on to the San Francisco street. It was a little cool so Jim pulled his coat around him.

“You want us to give you a lift to your apartment?” Sulu asked.

“No, that’s all right. I don’t mind the walk and it’s not that far.”

Sulu hesitated but then nodded. “You ever hear from Spock, sir?”

“Spock? No. We don’t keep in touch.”

“I just thought…never mind. I guess he’s probably on New Vulcan.”

“Maybe so.”

Ben spoke up then. “If you aren’t doing anything for Christmas, Jim, we’d love to have you over to our place. I make a great turkey.”

Jim shook his head. “Actually, I’m meeting Bones in Aspen, Colorado. I leave in a couple of days.”

“Oh.” Sulu’s expression brightened. “That’s good. Give Leonard our best.”

“I will.”

He gave Demora a quick hug, and then her parents too. “Merry Christmas.”

Then despite their offer again of a ride, Jim continued on his way.

December 12, 2024

Flash Fic, December 10, 2024

“This is just great. Stuck in our quarters for a week while I miss all the holiday festivities.”

Spock leaned over on their bed to tuck blankets around his husband.

“It is indeed, unfortunate.”

“That’s the understatement of the year,” Jim grumbled, glaring at him. “Why are you in here anyway? Don’t you have a ship to command?”

“At present, Captain, Commander Scott is on the bridge. And I am here because my husband in ill in bed.”

“Mm. But you aren’t sick. You could be out enjoying the rum punch.” Jim sighed. “Well, not that, but you know what I mean. Mistletoe and holly. Forget the mistletoe too.”

“How could I possibly enjoy the festivities without you by my side?”

“Well.” Jim sort of shrugged, but he looked pleased with Spock’s statement, nonetheless. “Stupid creature with a stinger.”

Because yes, Jim’s current “illness” was caused by an attack by an alien creature on the last planet they visited. He had been poisoned and while Doctor McCoy had developed an antidote, Jim was still weak, nauseous and sometimes feverish. And quite grumpy. Especially after Leonard had advised he was to stay in bed and off duty for a week.’

“No, seriously, Spock. You should go to the parties and leave me to suffer here alone.”

Spock almost rolled his eyes. He only just stopped himself.

“I will not, so you are illogically wasting your breath. It is time for you to have the tea that the doctor prescribed for you.”

Jim made a face. “It tastes like licorice.”

“It is supposed to help with the nausea.”

“Pish. It makes me want to barf.”

“Jim—”

“Fine.”

Spock rose from the bed and went to get Jim’s tea. When he returned he handed the steaming cup to Jim, who immediately sniffed and frowned.

“This smells different.”

“Taste it.”

Jim took a tentative sip. “It tastes like vanilla and caramel.”

Spock nodded, pleased. “I was able to have the replicator reprogram the taste from licorice to something more to your liking.”

Jim’s eyes widened and he took another sip. “Wow. This is good. Really good. It reminds me of a drink my mom made us for Christmas when we were kids.”

“Yes. She described it for me when I contacted her.”

Jim’s eyes unexpectedly watered.

Spock could not help but express his confusion. “I thought you would be pleased.”

Jim sniffed. “I am. It’s just so sweet.” Tears rolled down his cheeks.

“The tea is too sweet?”

“No, no. The gesture. Sorry, babe. This thing is making me really emotional.”

Spock exhaled. “Clearly. When you sleep, I will meditate.”

Jim smiled through his tears. “Thank you. I love the tea.”

“You are welcome, Jim.”

December 10, 2024

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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