We interrupt our continuing story to give a sequel to the flash on January 16.
Jim closed his eyes and sighed, leaning his head back against the sofa cushion in his quarters just as Spock walked in via their shared bathroom.
They still maintained separate quarters, mostly because now Spock used his quarters for meditation and sometimes reports when he didn’t want to keep Jim up in Jim’s quarters, but most of the time, when Spock slept, he stayed with Jim in his quarters.
“Hey,” Jim greeted Spock with a weary smile.
“Are you well?” Spock asked immediately, concern in his tone.
“Mm. Just tired. It’s been exhausting working this all out for Bones, but worth it.”
“You will be glad to know that our guests arrived, and Doctor McCoy does not have any idea.”
“I am glad, thank you.’ Jim yawned. “I guess that means I should go greet them.”
“You can rest a little longer. You are still recovering from traumatic injuries. I welcomed them aboard on your behalf and they are settling in and preparing for the ceremony.”
Jim nodded and picked up the cup of tea he’d made himself earlier. He took a sip. He’d never thought he could get into tea drinking the way he had before Spock. But Spock had changed so much about him. Not that he had given up coffee. No way.
Spock hesitated and then said, “I have something for you.”
“Hmm?”
“I was going to wait but I think perhaps it is time to give it to you now.”
“What is it?”
“Given our deepening relationship, I thought it an appropriate expression of our commitment.”
Jim frowned. “Wait. Are you going to ask me to marry you?”
Spock arched a brow. “Technically we are already married.”
“In the Vulcan way, yeah, I know.”
“While I am not opposed to a Terran marriage ceremony that is not what this is.” Spock tilted his head. “I hope that does not disappoint you.”
Jim brushed that off with a wave of his hand. “What is it then?”
“I will be right back,” Spock promised, and departed through the shared bathroom once more.
Jim sipped his tea, wondering what it could be. He loved Spock like crazy, but it wasn’t like the Vulcan to be romantic. Sure, it was Valentine’s Day but as far as Jim knew Spock had never observed it. Jim hadn’t either for that matter, except maybe as a child giving his classmates Valentines.
Spock returned with a large square box that holes in it. And as Spock came closer to Jim he heard a distinctive high pitched squeaky sound.
Mewwwwwwwww
Jim straightened. “Wait. Is that—”
Spock set the box down on the floor next to Jim, reached in and withdrew a tiny orange kitten, which he then deposited in Jim’s lap.
“Oh. My. God. He is soooo cute.” Jim melted as he picked up the kitten and he started to purr instantly. “It is a boy, right?”
Spock nodded. “To be named as you see fit.”
“Where in the world did you get a kitten?”
“I had Leonard’s daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law bring it aboard with them.”
“This is…” Jim’s eyes brimmed with tears. “This is the best Valentine’s gift ever.”
“It is not meant to be specifically a Valentine’s Day presentation, Jim.”
He laughed as the kitten swiped a paw at him. “I know. But the timing is perfect. And I love him. And I love you. And now I’m going to want to spend all day, every day in here playing with this little guy. Damn it.”
He could feel Spock’s amusement through their bond.
Jim sighed. “We’d better go. Time for Bones’s surprise.”
****
“Jim, what the hell is this all about?” Bones demanded. “Making me come to the rec room. I’m a busy man.”
Jim smiled. “I’m sure you are.”
Mewww.
“Did you just mew at me?”
Spock stared at him. “Did you bring Marmalade with you?”
Jim grinned. “Well. I mean, how could I not?”
“Okay you two are even more nuttier than usual,” Bones protested. “What the hell?”
“Spock got me a kitten for Valentine’s Day.”
Bones eyed Spock. “You replicated a cat?”
“Certainly not. It was brought on board.”
“And that’s where your surprise comes in, Bones.”
“My what? Jim, I don’t have time for this nonsense.”
Jim squirmed as the kitten moved against his chest and popped his head out the top of Jim’s collar.’
“You really are crazy.”
“Bones, it’s time for…well…just come out, will you?”
As Bones’s daughter and fiancé suddenly walked into the rec room, Jim was satisfied to see Bones eyes bug out and that he was clearly speechless. Who would have thought he could manage that?’
“Daddy!” Joanna threw her arms around Bones who hugged her close. “We’re getting married on the Enterprise. Captain Kirk is going to marry us.”
Bones looked at Jim. “You did this?”
He shrugged. “Who else?” He swayed a little and Spock was instantly at his side helping him to sit. “Sorry I still get a little lightheaded sometimes.”
“You back in medbay when this is all over,” Bones said, turning toward the man who stood quietly by.
“Daddy, this is Mark.”
“Humph.”
Jim grinned and let the kitten swat at him with his paws. Spock sat beside him.
“Your plan was successful.”
“I’m a corny soft hearted sap at heart,” Jim told him.
Spock leaned over to capture Jim’s mouth with his own. “That I know.”
Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto) 