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December Flashes

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Advent Day 5

Photo by Trang Pham on Pexels.com

“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.  

New Years Eve

And so we come to the last flash for December. Oh what fun it has been. We rejoin the Spock and Jim from the Prime in the Library and Rudolph flashes.

“I’ve been thinking.”

“God help us.”

Jim frowned at his best friend, Bones. “I’m serious.”

“I know. And whenever you say I’ve been thinking and I’m serious, I say God help us. Because we’re going to need it, Jim. I don’t know what you’ve got in that pretty little head of yours, but I’m worried.”

“You exaggerate. I was just going to suggest we go to that new club down the street from the Academy for New Year’s Eve.”

Bones sputtered. “Sure. Just how I want to spend the night. In an overcrowded smelly club with people pawing each other.” He paused. “What time?”
“What time for what?” Spock asked, suddenly appearing at their table. He touched his fingers to Jim’s who smiled at him.

“Genius here wants to go to that new club for New Year’s Eve.”

“You should go, Doctor,” Spock said smoothly.

“I…should?”

“Indeed. However, unfortunately, Jim cannot join you.”

Jim looked at him. “I can’t?”

“That is our rescheduled dinner with my parents. From when you were previously ill.”

“Oh. Damn. Right. Sorry.” He grinned sheepishly at Bones. “Never mind, Bones. I’m having dinner with Spock’s folks.”

“It was probably a bad idea anyway,” Bones said. “I should go. I have a test I need to study for.”

After Bones left, Spock stroked his finger along the knuckles of Jim’s hand.

“Are you sorry you cannot go to the club that night?”

“No. I mean we can go any time. Bones is right, probably too crowded for New Year’s Eve, anyway.”

Spock continued to soothingly brush his knuckles. He had a way of calming Jim that he really appreciated.  “Did you really forget the dinner or were you attempting to get out of it?”

Jim coughed. “What? Of-of course not.”

“Jim.”

“I did forget, but maybe because I’m kind of sort of blocking it out.”

“May I ask why?”

He sighed. Maybe dramatically. “You won’t understand.”

“Perhaps not,” Spock agreed. “But I would like to. It is my belief that you and I have become quite close and are in a mutually beneficial monogamous long term relationship. Am I incorrect?”

A strange warmth filled Jim, which was crazy. Because it seemed such a longwinded way of saying, aren’t we a couple? And yet he liked the words. A lot.

“No, you aren’t wrong. We absolutely are.”

“Then, will you explain your reluctance?”

Jim spun his coffee cup around, keeping his eyes on the cup rather than Spock. “You know. You…you’re my first.”

“You were not inexperienced before our first sexual encounter.”

The confusion in Spock’s voice had him looking up.

“No. Not that.” He hadn’t lied to Spock, he’d been quite upfront that he’d had quite a bit of sexual experience prior to them meeting. “Relationship. You’re my first serious relationship.”

“And I hope to be your only one.”

Jim swallowed, his face feeling warm. “Yeah. And see, that’s it. Exactly.” He looked away again, back to his coffee mug.

“I do not understand.”

“Spock…I love you. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. But I’ve never met anyone’s parents either. And, well, your dad has something of a reputation, and what if they hate me?”

Spock didn’t respond. He just remained completely quiet. For so long, that Jim’s gaze rose once more to look at him, and was greeted with wide brown eyes.

“You…you okay?”

“I love you as well,” Spock whispered.

“Yeah?”

“You have not yet said these words until now.”

Jim was surprised when Spock seized his hand in his. “I know. I…like I said, this is all new to me.”

“And to me. My depth of feeling has never reached this level with another. My parents will like you, Jim, simply because you are my chosen one.”

Jim smiled a little. His stomach was full of fluttering butterflies. “Chosen one, huh?”

“Indeed. So, will you spend the beginning of the New Year with me meeting my parents?”

Jim laughed. And stroked his fingers along Spock’s. “Yes. Of course I will. And for the record, I want the same. With you.”

Spock’s eyes now sparkled. “Then it should, indeed, by a Happy New Year.”

Sleigh Riding

“You are to come with me.”

Spock blinked and looked up from the document he was perusing on his terminal in his apartment. He stared at his nephew, Vanik. “How and when did you come in?”

Vanik straightened to his full height. Which was not altogether that high at four feet. The boy was dressed quite casually in jeans and a maroon colored sweater with a snow man on it. Likely purchased by his mother, Anoria, his brother, Sybok’s human wife.

“A moment ago,” Vanik replied.

Spock barely refrained from a most illogical sigh. “You copied my palm print and hacked into the system to acquire entrance.”

Vanik pursed his lips. “Perhaps. Be that as it may, I still require you to come with me.”

“For what purpose?”

“We are meeting Jim.”

“Who is Jim?”

Vanik rolled his eyes. “You know who Jim is. Since you refused to take my advice and inquire into his availability to dine with you, I have been forced to take matters into my own hands. We are meeting him for a one horse open sleigh ride.”

Spock turned fully from his terminal to glare at his nephew. “I did not agree to these plans.”

“I agreed for you. You will need your coat as it is liable to be rather cold when the horse pulls the sleigh. We are meeting at the park as they apparently have such frivolities this time of year to amuse citizens.”

Spock almost still refused for he did not care to be manipulated. But since he did want to see the blond human from the department store again, he didn’t wish to spite himself, so Spock rose to retrieve his coat.

He ignored Vanik’s satisfied look.

The park was, at least, a short walk from Spock’s apartment. They made it in no time, and Jim was already waiting beside a sign that read “Sleigh Rides, 60 credits for 30 minutes.”

Even before they reached Jim, Spock’s pulse had increased at an alarming rate. Jim’s cheeks were red from the cold wind, but his blue eyes shined like the prettiest of crystals. He smiled at them with stunning white teeth.

“Hey there.”

“Hello Jim. Thank you for meeting us,” Vanik spoke up. He clutched Spock’s sleeve. “You recall having made the acquaintance of my uncle, Spock.”

“Yeah. Nice to see you again, Spock.” He turned that smile exclusively on Spock, who felt his own cheeks warm.

“Uh.”

Jim’s gaze remained on him for a second before turning to Vanik rather quizzically. Spock didn’t blame him, but Jim made him rather tong-tied.

Spock looked at the sign instead and directed his words to his nephew. “60 credits for 30 minutes seems unreasonably high.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Jim said. “I’ve got it.”

Vanik shook his head and stepped forward to the man waiting there. “Dad presented me with the credits.”

And before either Spock or Jim could stop him, Vanik paid the driver of their sleigh.

Spock eyed the small seating in the back of the sleigh. It would be tight for two adults let alone two adults with a child.

“After you, Jim,” Vanik said, gesturing to the sleigh.

Jim shrugged slightly and crawled up into the seat, his jeans stretching across his bottom as he maneuvered into it. Not that Spock stared or anything.

Vanik then told him to get in.

Spock did, but the whole while he kept thinking all three of them would not fit. Both he and Jim were fairly tall and…

“Vanik…” Spock knew that it was his nephew who wished to try the sleigh so he was about to volunteer to stay behind and let Vanik ride with Jim.

But then, to his shock, Vanik stepped back.

“Please take them around the park,” Vanik told the sleigh driver.

“Wha—”

But the horse driven sleigh was already in motion. Both Spock and Jim turned as one to look back at the half Vulcan child who waved at them.

Jim then looked at Spock and laughed. “I think that was planned.”

“Most definitely,” Spock agreed.

Jim smiled and for a moment he remained silent as the sleigh traveled through the park. It was more a carriage, at that, for there was no snow or anything. It was still San Francisco, after all.

“Sorry about that,” Jim finally said, softly.

“For what do you apologize?”

“Well. I think your nephew figured out that I kind of like you and so he forced this on you.”

Spock’s heart stuttered in his side. “Only…kind of?”

Jim blinked at him. “What?”

“I was certain that Vanik set this up due to his realization that I am…interested in you.” Spock paused. “As well.”

The smile he received was a blindingly beautiful gift. As was the simply spoken question.

“Yeah?”

Spock looked straight ahead at the park, carefully moving his hand to rest over Jim’s hand, which rested on his thigh. Jim didn’t move his hand away. And in fact turned it upward, until they were palm to palm.

And though it was a different winter song that declared something about it being thrilling, Spock decided that it definitely applied here.

Jim moved closer to him in the seat.

“Yes,” Spock finally answered. “Yes.”    

A Visit With Mom

“There’s my baby boy!”

Jim winced at his mother’s exclamation as he entered the restaurant on Rigel 9 to meet her. She had stood up from the table and had come around to the aisle to embrace him.

As he hugged her, he noticed the brightly wrapped boxes on the table.

“Mom.”

“What?” She followed his gaze as she let go of him. “Oh. Those. Well, Christmas just passed, you know, and your birthday is only days away. It’s not like I’ll get to see you again after tonight,” she said wistfully.

He frowned as he slid into the booth across from the glass of red wine he assumed she’d ordered. She got in and picked up the glass to take a sip.

“What do you mean by that? We’ll see each other again.”

She nodded. “I know. That’s not what I mean. I mean it’ll be a long time. You’re…out there. And knowing you, you’ll sign up for another five years when this one is done. It’s a miracle we get to have this time. There won’t be any opportunities for presents for a while.”

“You make me feel guilty I didn’t bring you anything.” He picked up the menu.

She waved that away. “You with me right now is all the gift I need.”

Jim snorted. “How come that didn’t work both ways?”

“You’re my son, I get to spoil you when I can. I didn’t nearly enough when you were younger, and now the opportunities, as I said, are rare. Order what you want. My treat.”

“Mom.”

“There’s that voice again. I can do it as I’m the mother,” she insisted. “Speaking of…”

“Wait.” He gestured to the waitress. “I’m going to need a drink for this.” He ordered one, and then, when it was brought to him, he said, “Okay, proceed.”

“It’s not that bad.”

“Sure.”

“Are you still seeing that girl?”

Jim stared at her blankly. “What girl?”

“The blonde one. The admiral’s daughter.” She lowered her voice. “You know, the evil one.”

“The evil blonde or the evil admiral?”

“Jim!”

He rolled his eyes. “If you mean Carol Marcus, no. That ended…actually, it never really began. I thought about it for half a minute and so did she, but ultimately, she left Starfleet to concentrate on her scientific career.”

“Bummer.”

“Why the interest in my love life anyway?”

“When you get to be my age, you start to think about grandchildren.”

Jim choked on his drink. “Yeah, that’s not happening. No time soon, anyway.”

His mother sighed as the waitress approached to take their food orders. “So no special woman in your life?”

“Certainly not.”

She took another sip of wine. “Well I hate to think of you all alone.”

“Who said I’m alone?”

“But…wait. So you…you are seeing someone?”

He shrugged.

“It’s not that lovely Doctor McCoy, is it?”

Jim laughed. “Um. No. No.”

“Then…”

A shadow fell across their table. Jim glanced over.

“Mister Spock.”

“Captain. Forgive the interruption. Admiral Fremont insists on having a quick word with you. I did say you were dining with your mother but…”

Jim shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. It’ll just take a second.” He smiled at Spock.

“Oh!” His mother exclaimed. “It’s him.”

They both glanced, startled at her.

“Mom…”

“I can see, Jim. You’re glowing just talking to him.”

“Mom…”

She smiled at Spock. “But he’s doing the same thing right back at you. Why don’t you have a seat, Spock, while Jimmy deals with that pesky admiral?”

Jim almost laughed out loud at Spock’s wide eyed deer caught in the headlight look. Ah, hell he did laugh. Slid out of the booth and touched his fingers to Spock’s discreetly. “I’ll be back as quick as I can. Keep the seat warm for me.”

“Captain…”

Jim merely smirked and left the restaurant to handle Admiral Fremont. As he looked back through the glass of the restaurant, he couldn’t help but grin as Spock sat across from his mother.  

Saving…

Christmas may be over but the flashes just keep coming…until the end of the month that is!

Jim was surprised when Uhura approached him on the observation deck. Generally when he came here to ruminate, no one dared to disturb him by some unwritten code.

“What are you doing here?”

Jim glanced at her, surprised she had asked him the question he’d been about to ask her. “Isn’t that my line?”

She shook her head, her ponytail swaying behind her. “Why I’m here should be obvious. Looking for you. But you…that I don’t know.”

“Where should I be, Lieutenant?”

“By his side, in the medbay. He was injured protecting you, Captain.”

“I know that,” Jim said softly. “Bones said he’ll be okay. Shouldn’t you be there?”

“Oh, I intend to. But he wants you. Are you really this thick? Spock loves me and I love him. That has never changed.”

Jim winced. He couldn’t help it.

Uhura snorted. “But I’m not the one he’s in love with.”

Jim eyed her.

She rolled her eyes. “You, Captain. Spock’s in love with you. How can you not know that? Don’t you feel anything for him?”

Jim narrowed his eyes. “My feelings are of no concern to you.”

She huffed. “But they are of concern to Spock. And even if all you feel for him is friendship, you need to be by his side.”

He knew she was right, but he wanted to remain stubborn. Because, damn it, he was angry. Furious with Spock for putting his own life in danger just for him. And he knew, yes, he did, he knew Spock hadn’t protected his captain, he had protected Jim. And yes, there was a huge difference.

Uhura was staring at him too intently, too much like she could read his mind. She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “How can you be mad at him for saving you?”

Jim blew out a breath. “Aren’t you?”

“No! Don’t you remember with Krall…?”

“That was your captain.” He paused. “And your ship.”

“And my friend. My family. Wouldn’t you have done the same? For your ship and us, yeah, you did. But for us as individuals.”

“Yes.”

“Why would it or should it be different for Spock?”

“I don’t want him sacrificing himself for me.”

“He didn’t. He saved you and he’s going to be all right. Why in the world are you up here sulking instead of telling him how much you love him right back?”

“I…” Jim gave her a tiny smile. “I don’t know.”

She hugged him. “Tell him I’ll come see him later. Now go.”

Jim went and the minute he got to the medbay, Bones just pointed.

Spock was sitting up in bed. He looked vaguely surprised to see Jim. “Captain…”

Jim just shook his head, put his hand on Spock’s jaw, leaned down and kissed him.

He murmured against Spock’s mouth, “Jim.”

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