Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

When Jim stepped off the transporter pad and back on the Enterprise, Bones was waiting for him.

Bones, dressed just as casually as Jim was in their shore leave clothes, greeted him instantly.

“Hey Jim. I saw you were due to come back next so I waited for you. How was your shore leave?”

“Fantastic.”

“You’ll have to tell me about it. I have some gossip too.”

Jim laughed. “Gossip? I’d say I’m surprised you’d be spreading gossip but I’m not.”

“Join me for a quick coffee in the mess room?”

“Sure, I have time. Let’s do it.”

In days past, Jim might have spent shore leave with Bones, but that hadn’t happened this time.

They grabbed some coffee in the mess room and then grabbed a table. Jim had to wonder what his friend found worthy of gossiping about.

“So tell me what you did,” Bones said. “You rented a beach house, right?”

“I did.” Jim smiled. “I’m telling you, Bones. It was great. So relaxing. I swam in the ocean. Went for walks on the beach. Sat on the patio sipping tropical drinks. It had this amazing kitchen. I cooked all this food. It was so good. Then the living room had this couch that was more like a bunch of fluffy cushions and a big big screen. I watched all these old movies and stuff. Stayed up late, slept in. Never once had to hear ‘red alert, Captain’, ‘deck five’s under water, Captain’, ‘hailing frequencies open, Captain’, ‘you had a report due three days ago, Captain’. Best damn vacation ever.”

Bones chuckled. “If you say so. Sounds kind of boring if you ask me.”

“Not even a little. How about you? What did you do?”

“Well, now, one doesn’t like to kiss and tell usually.”

“But you don’t mind.”

“If you insist. I met this beautiful blonde in the tavern down by Calhoun Street.”

“What’s the difference between a bar, a pub, and a tavern?”

Bones eyed him. “Has this got a punchline?”

Jim laughed. “No, it’s a real question.”

“How the hell should I know? I’m a doctor not an expert on drinking establishments. Anyway, I spent a very nice few days in her company.”

Jim nodded and leaned back in his chair. “I did notice the hickey.”

Bones scowled and covered the spot on his neck. “Shut up.”

“What’s the gossip anyway?”

“It’s about Spock.”

“Our Spock?”

“You know any other Spock? You know how he usually doesn’t go on shore leave.”

“Right. He didn’t go this time.”

“Like hell he didn’t. He not only did go but he hooked up! Sulu told me.”

“So Sulu’s in on this gossiping?”

‘Well, you know, Jim. People talk.”

“Unfortunately, yes I do. Well, anyway, if it is true, so what? Spock’s entitled to shore leave like anyone else.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“He’s not with Uhura anymore.”

“I know. In fact, I guess Sulu said she was seen at an establishment getting very cozy with a guy and a girl!” Bones smirked.

“You’re becoming a regular busybody, Bones.”

“Pish, if you had this information…wait. Speak of the devil.”

Jim turned to see Spock approaching their table. He was already dressed once more in his uniform.

“Captain. Doctor.”

“Spock,” Bones said coolly.

Spock turned to Jim, handing him a folded tank top. “It seems that when we were packing to return to the Enterprise, I put this in my luggage.”

Jim smiled. “Totally understandable. All our stuff was mixed up.”

“”I can bring it to your quarters if you prefer.”

“Nah, I gotta go there and take a shower and get my uniform on. You’re headed for the bridge?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll see you there soon then.” Jim paused and let his smile widen. “And later of course.”

Spock nodded. “Of course. Doctor.”

When Spock had left, Jim dared a look at Bones, who looked apoplectic.

“So Spock was with you?”

“Yep.”

“And you let me go on about the gossip?”

Jim chuckled and rose from his seat. “It was very amusing, Bones. Thank you for that. See you later, I need to get ready for duty.”

He heard Bones muttering something but he was in far too good a mood to let the sourpuss spoil it.

This one is short and sweet. I’m off for a long weekend this weekend (long one next weekend as well but I’ll be in town for Memorial Day). Enjoy !

As soon as Spock opened his eyes, Jim was at his side, reaching for the Vulcan’s hand.

Spock still looked half asleep, but he croaked out, “Ashayam?”

Jim smiled. “Hi, sweetheart. You’re okay.”

“You?”

“Yes. You’re the one who has still been recovering.”

Spock was silent, considering. “Then…I did not harm you during…”

“Nope. I was a little tired but otherwise fine. And now I’ve rested. It’s over.” Jim squeezed his hand. “You okay?”

“I think so. I am relieved you are unharmed.”

“You had concerns, I know.”

“All right love birds, I want Spock to rest for another night and then he can be released back to his quarters.” Bones pushed up between them. “And you skedaddle, Jim. You’re not due to be on duty until tomorrow and you can see Spock is fine.”

“At least let me kiss my husband before I go.” Jim pushed Bones out of the way, leaned down and kissed Spock’s forehead. “I’ll be back for you in the morning.”

“Go,” Bones insisted.

“Love you.”

“Go,” Bones said louder.

“Love you too, Bones.”

And when Bones started to chase after him, Jim ran away laughing.

The sequel/conclusion

“May I come in?” Spock asked.

Jim blinked, blearily, still a little groggy from having dozed off. He didn’t move.

“Jim?”

He shook his head.

“You will not allow me entry?”

“What? No. Come in. Sorry.” He stood back to allow Spock to enter.

“You were sleeping?”

“Uh.” Jim wiped his hand over his face. “Yeah.”

“Your message to me appeared to be urgent and I noted you made several attempts. I assumed whatever the situation was, it could not wait.”

Jim sighed and led Spock to sit down. “Sorry. I guess…I sorta of overreacted to being unable to reach you. I’m leaving for Riverside in the morning.”

It was Spock’s turn to look mildly confused. “Riverside?”

“It’s where I’m from.”

“Yes. But…you are quitting the Academy?”

“No.” He laughed. “Though some people might want me to. I’m going for a long weekend to see my mom. And I guess I just had something to tell you and I went a little nuts when I couldn’t reach you. I’m sorry, Spock.” Jim now felt foolish about the whole thing. Even wanting to tell his friend his true feelings. “It’s not the big deal I implied it was.”

“I see. What was it you wanted to tell me?”

“I don’t even remember now,” Jim lied, avoiding Spock’s gaze. “Sorry to make you come here in the middle of the night.”

“Very well, then I will allow you to finish your night’s rest.”

Spock rose and Jim followed him to the door.

“You…you wouldn’t want to come with me, would you?”

“With you to Riverside?” At Jim’s nod, Spock asked, “Why?”

Yeah, why?

Jim pushed Spock against the door and kissed him…hard. And then when he pulled back for a moment’s breath, he moved back in and kissed him again.

They both pulled away, breathless.

“Well?”

“Yes, I will come with you.”

“Stay?”

“Only the dorm being on fire would cause me to depart.”

Jim grinned and pulled him closer once more. “Well…then.” He kissed Spock for a long time.