To say Jim was nervous to have dinner with Spock’s parents was an understatement. In less than a week, though, he’d be bringing Spock home with him to Riverside to meet Winona and have Thanksgiving, so he guessed they were somewhat even.
Not that his mom was even half as intimidating as Sarek was. His expression seemed to always be somewhat pinched. Set in disproval. Spock assured him that he was imagining it but Jim wasn’t so sure.
A vegetarian restaurant had been chosen since Jim was the only one who ate meat, apparently, Amanda having given it up when she’d married Sarek and moved to Vulcan.
Jim wasn’t generally picky so he was okay with whatever.
“Spock tells us you met at the chess club.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Jim had decided to order a beer even though the other three did not have any alcohol. He took a big gulp, realized he had foam all over his lips, and quickly wiped it off with a napkin. “I’m not in the club anymore though.”
Amanda gave him a quizzical look. “Why is that?”
“Oh.” Jim blinked, glanced at Spock, and ducked his head.
Spock cleared his throat. “Due to some unpleasant members, Jim and I both no longer participate.”
“That’s unfortunate. I know how you like to play.”
“Since Jim is the best opponent I have faced, it is not a hardship.”
Sarek arched a brow. “Other than me, I would assume.”
“Yes, of course, Father,” Spock said, demurely.
“Meeting Spock is the best part of having joined the club,” Jim said quickly. “How long are you on Earth?”
Amanda laughed. “Are you trying to get rid of us?”
“No, no, I—”
“I’m teasing, Jim. No need to be so nervous and apprehensive. I assure you that neither myself nor my husband bite. Our intention is to return to Vulcan after the Terran holiday season, in January.” She smiled. “I understand your birthday is in early January.”
“Yes. But generally we don’t celebrate it.”
“I can certainly understand why, but if you are not too bothered by the idea, we would love to take you to dinner for it.”
Jim smiled. “Thanks. That sounds nice.”
“Spock says you are going to Riverside in a few days to celebrate Thanksgiving with your mom. I bet you’re looking forward to that.”
He laughed. “Maybe. My mom can be pretty enthusiastic when about people I date.”
“Have you dated many?” Sarek asked, politely.
“Er. No. I mean not that many I’ve, uh, introduced to my mom.” He reached for a sliced vegetable “fry” that was on a platter in the middle of the table and shoved it in his mouth so he wouldn’t have to talk.
But as he swallowed it, the voices of Spock and his parents faded away to background noise. He struggled to breathe and his throat began to close up.
Spock’s concerned face appeared in his vision and Jim pointed to his throat, then he passed out.
My apologies for the delay. It’s been a challenging week. But I’m back with an update on the chess guys. So here we go. (and paid up for another year here too)
Jim wasn’t looking forward to Spock’s reaction when he noticed his injuries but he wasn’t going to hide it either. He wanted to see Spock as much as Spock apparently wanted to see him.
So he wasn’t surprised when the door of Spock’s apartment opened when his knuckles had barely rapped on the outside.
“Jim,” Spock said. “I am…what happened?”
Jim walked into Spock’s apartment, dodging Spock’s grabby fingers. He lifted his shirt to expose the bruises all along his torso. He didn’t see the point in not getting right to it.
“There was a fight.”
Spock’s dark eyes flicked up and down his body. “A fight? You can tell me about it on the way to the hospital.”
Jim laughed and backed away. “Nope. I had a doctor with me. I’ve already been treated as best I can. I’m okay, just some cuts and bruises.”
“You should sit.”
Jim didn’t argue with that and went to the couch, not surprised when Spock joined him there, and began to inspect Jim’s injuries himself.
“Who do I need to challenge?”
Jim laughed again. “No one. It’s over, okay?”
Spock’s gaze rose to focus on Jim’s face. “Explain.”
“The party was okay. Lots of chess geeks. One of them made a few stupid comments, I got pissed, and we got into a physical altercation.”
“Who and what was said?”
“That guy Chester. He said basically I was sleeping with you so I could win the chess tournament next week. Which,” Jim paused to roll his eyes, “is absurd, because I don’t even care.”
“That caused you to get into a fight?”
“No. It was when he implied that was the only reason someone would sleep with you and he called you a bunch of names and I just lost it,” Jim admitted.
“I see,” Spock said quietly.
“He’s just an ass. And you’ll be glad to hear Waincott kicked him off the chess club.” Jim smiled crookedly. “Me too, actually.”
“Jim—”
“I don’t care, Spock. All I care about is being with you. The stupid chess club is nothing. I hate bullies.”
“I have had my fair share of run-ins with bullies. When I was a child some of my schoolmates made comments on my mother.”
“What? You never say something about a guy’s mom.”
Spock nodded. “Indeed. I resorted to physical assault on the ringleader. They notified my father.”
“Did you get in trouble?”
“Not really. It was just stressed that I needed to control my emotions and remain logical.” Spock took hold of Jim’s hand. “In the future, there is no need to get into fights over insults directed at me. I would prefer you remain safe.”
“I wasn’t really in danger and I’m not going to let assholes shoot their mouths off.”
“I am requesting that you do.”
“Spock—”
“Jim.”
“I’ll try to avoid confrontations,” Jim said grudgingly.
“Thank you. And I have your assurance you are not suffering too much from your injuries?”
“Just a little sore and tired is all. But I’m really glad to be here with you.”
“I am glad too and I regret not attending the party with you.”
“Nah, you would have hated it. It was lame.”
“Perhaps, but I would have liked to have handled Chester myself.”
“I thought you wanted to avoid confrontation,” Jim said with a laugh.
“On my behalf, certainly. I can offer no such assurances when it comes to yours.”
“What? Now wait a minute.”
But Spock quieted him with a kiss and the truth was Jim didn’t mind.
Jim woke to the sound of knocking. He stared up at the ceiling for a moment, trying to get his bearings. Distantly he heard the shower running and realized Spock had risen and went to shower.
He blinked, about to doze off again thinking he must have been dreaming. Then he heard the knocking again.
With a frown, Jim sat up, swung his legs out of bed and stood.
“Hey Spock? I think there’s someone at the door.”
But Spock didn’t respond.
Jim looked around for his clothes but couldn’t immediately find them, so he picked up a discarded bathrobe of Spock’s and left the bedroom to go to the door.
He had just finished tying it around his waist when he opened the apartment door.
Standing there looking as shell-shocked as him were Spock’s parents.
“Uh.” Jim shut the door in their faces. “Shit, shit, shit.”
He hurried back to the bedroom and over to the bathroom door. Fortunately it was unlocked and he burst through it.
“Spock! Spock!”
“Jim?” The shower curtain moved and Spock’s head appeared. “What is wrong?”
“Gad, your-your parents are here.”
“They are here?” Spock turned off the water and stepped out of the shower, reaching for a towel.
“Yes. And, uh.” Jim ran his hand through his hair. “I think, I mean, I just…”
“Jim, calm down. I am certain they are all right. My mother is likely making tea in the kitchen as we speak. Tell them I will be right out.”
“I sort of closed the door in their faces.”
“You…”
“I know. I panicked. I’m not dressed. My hair is messed and—”
Spock gazed at him. “And you have what I believe you would call hickeys just below your neck on your chest.”
“Shit.”
“I suggest you get in the shower,” Spock told him. “I will dress quickly and let them in.”
“Are you sure?”
Spock nodded and gently pushed him toward the shower. “I will make you coffee.”
Somehow Jim ended up being victorious two chess games in a row with Spock, and he’d have been a little surprised except Spock had seemed distracted since Jim had arrived at his apartment.
Rather than set up a third match, they’d moved over to the sofa in Spock’s apartment. He’d made them tea but neither of them had taken more than a sip.
“Are you okay?” Jim asked. “You don’t seem very much into chess tonight. I would have been all right if you’d wanted to cancel.”
Spock shook his head. “I did not want to cancel. But you are correct that I am perhaps distracted. I received communication from my mother that my parents will be coming to San Francisco next week.”
“That’s not a good thing?”
“Seeing my mother is, of course, pleasing, but my father and I have not spoken since we argued over my decision to enlist in Starfleet rather than accept enrollment at the Vulcan Science Academy. I made something of a scene in front of the acceptance board.”
“Your dad was embarrassed?”
“Vulcans do not feel embarrassment.” Spock’s lips twitched slightly at Jim’s raised brows. “Or at any rate, we do not acknowledge when we do. I believe a visit with my parents may become awkward.”
“Why will they be here?”
“My father is the Vulcan Ambassador to Earth and will be attending Federation meetings. Mother is availing herself of the opportunity to see me and other members of our family who reside on Earth.”
“I definitely understand awkward family moments.” Jim smiled. “Maybe I can distract you from thinking about all that?”
“I do not know if I am up for another chess match,” Spock replied.
Jim laughed and shook his head. “That’s good, because I wasn’t planning on distracting you with my brilliant chess moves,”
“Then—”
Jim moved on the couch until he was basically straddling Spock’s lap. With one hand under Spock’s chin to lift his face upward, Jim pressed his mouth to Spock’s.
For a moment Spock did not react and he felt as stiff as a block wall. Jim feared he might have miscalculated and was preparing to stop his actions and form an apology.
But then Spock’s mouth softened under his, he groaned softly, and his hands came up to hold Jim to him. The kiss deepened and soon Jim found himself under Spock on the couch, their mouths slanting against each other hungrily.
When they paused to breath, Jim whispered, “Should we take this to the bedroom?”
It was nearly midnight when Jim sighed, leaned back in his chair, and looked regretful.
“So we’re still tied at this point. Two games for you and two for me. And it’s really late. I have to go. I have an early class.”
Spock found himself wanting to ask the cadet to stay, but he was well aware he should not. Though Jim was not his student and there were no regulations establishing more than friendship between them, it was still early in their interactions. He’d only met Jim earlier that day, which seemed odd now, as Spock felt as though they’d known each other for years.
Most illogical.
So as Jim rose, Spock did not make either an objection or a suggestion otherwise. He didn’t want to see Jim leave but he was forced to accept it.
Jim smiled at him as they approached the door to leave Spock’s apartment. The Human had an engaging smile that Spock, unfortunately, did find rather distracting.
“I had a really great time, Spock. Thank you for the matches and the dinner.”
“I enjoyed your company as well.”
But then Jim opened the door, called goodbye, and walked away.
Spock never even allowed himself to get to the point where he requested to see Jim again and he found that irritating about himself.
He closed the door and leaned against it, feeling as though he’d failed some test.
But just as he started to step away there was a soft knock on the door.
Spock’s heart picked up speed and he opened the door. Jim stood there with a half-smile on his face.
“Listen, it’s dark and windy out there and I really don’t want to walk all the way back to my dorm right now. Can I just sleep on your couch?”
Spock just stood back so Jim could reenter his apartment, and he closed and locked the door.
“Let me get you a sheet, blanket, and pillow.”
Jim’s smile became a full one. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
This is a sequel of sorts to 2016’s I Heard the Bells (that can be found in my holiday collection on AO3)
Spock woke early, ready to prepare for the day ahead of him. He generally rose long before his husband and mate, Jim.
But it was not an ordinary day.
Over the years of being with Jim, Spock had learned to embrace the illogical celebrations of Terran holidays. His own mother had been raised Jewish. He was not unfamiliar with such traditions.
Jim was expecting a big day. He had invited everyone he knew. Even Jim’s mother and Spock’s father were coming. That had surprised Spock. Sarek had stated it was all illogical but he would be there anyway.
Both of their remaining parents were aged and fading before their eyes. This might be their last holiday season to see them, Jim kept saying, and Spock could not disagree.
He left Jim sleeping and went down to begin the preparations. He stopped in the living room to turn on the lights on the trees, two of them, and light the fire.
It was still a few hours until everyone arrived, but Spock started Jim’s coffee, and started getting ready to cook the food.
He’d been up for an hour when Jim came down, showered, and dressed and still looking gorgeous.
“Been up for a while, honey?” Jim asked, after giving him a kiss.
“A bit. Did I wake you?”
“No. I’m just anxious for the day. And your surprise.”
Jim had been talking about his surprise for a while now and Spock inwardly rolled his eyes. Jim meant well but Spock could not imagine what ‘surprise’ was supposed to be so wonderful.
“I am sure it will be well-received,” Spock said indulgently, though somewhat absently as he stirred a sauce.
He was a little surprised when Jim chuckled, kissed Spock’s nose, and then went outside to mess with the outdoor decorations.
It was several hours into the celebration when Spock commented to Jim.
“My father has not arrived yet.”
Jim smiled. “I think he’s here. I’ll be right back.”
And once more Jim went outside.
It was ten minutes later before he came back inside, bringing with him Sarek.
“Father, there—”
And then Spock saw her. Behind his father was his daughter, whom he had not seen in many years.
“Jim,” he whispered, knowing well that was who was responsible.
“Mm.” Jim kissed Spock’s cheek. “Happy Holidays. Surprised?”
“Yes.” Spock stepped forward to greet his father and daughter, unable to form words of gratitude for his mate.
Jim sniffed and wiped his eyes, smiling through his tears at his Vulcan boyfriend as they sat on the couch in the sitting room of Jim’s quarters on the Enterprise.
“Because Clarence got his wings,” Jim attempted to explain. “And George realized how important he was to the lives of those he loved and that it was okay to ask them for help.”
Spock shook his head, looking bemused. “You also cried during The Muppet Christmas Carol.”
“Well,” Jim said defensively. “It was sad when Belle dumped him. And even Rizzo cried.”
“A fake rat.”
Jim sniffed. “Tiny Tim didn’t die and Scrooge was saved.”
“And in the other one—”
“His heart grew twelve sizes.”
His boyfriend shook his head. “If they make you cry, why do you watch them?”
“Because I love them.” Jim smiled. “I haven’t seen them in years. I used to watch them every year but not for a while. A lot of people think I’m weird for loving them so much.”
“I am not sure weird is the term I would use, but I am not sure I quite understand it myself. You have, by your own admission, seen them dozens of times, yet you continue to watch them again and again.”
“Yep. I’m sure it’s quite illogical to Vulcans.”
“Hmm. My mother was Jewish, but we didn’t observe any holiday on Vulcan and I do not believe she did while on Earth before my father.”
Jim nodded. “My mother’s father was Jewish. But we really didn’t follow any specific religion when I was growing up. We treated everything kind of secular.” He leaned over and kissed Spock on the cheek. “Thanks for indulging me. Not only did you let me watch Christmas movies but in July. Or what would be July on Earth, anyway.”
“As illogical as you are, you are still my illogical Jim and therefore, of course, I indulge you.” Spock’s lips curved upward.
Jim glanced toward the little decorated Christmas tree in his quarters. “Even that?”
Spock nodded.
Jim laughed. “Come on. It’s time for bed.”
Spock sighed. “Do you still intend to wear the Santa hat?”
This one ended up being a whole thing and took some weird twists and became rather angsty. It may end up being a larger fic come December at Christmas proper. We will see. I am thinking there’s more to tell here that I can’t get into dealing with just yet. But then again, maybe I should just leave it alone!
Jim nodded absently at his friend’s words. They were said with a false, forced cheer that he mostly appreciated.
He scooped another spoonful of eggnog ice cream, not bothering to glance toward the window of his hospital room where Bones stood. He could hear the pouring rain from his bed, anyway.
Next to his bed, on the end table was an arrangement of red, white, and green carnations with a glittery reindeer stick stuck in the vase with them. The card attached read ‘Get Well Soon and Merry Christmas, the Sulus.’
Bones turned back to him. “Let me see your chart again.”
Jim was in Starfleet Hospital in San Francisco. Bones wasn’t his treating physician, just his friend. But Bones was Bones and a nosey doctor he would remain.
Bones tsked. “Heart failure two days before Christmas.”
“Um hum. Drained a bunch of fluid off. It’s hereditary on Mom’s side.”
“Thought Khan’s blood would prevent that.”
Jim smiled faintly. “That was a long time ago, Bones. I’m aging at a normal Human pace. I don’t think he made me Superhuman or anything.”
“What use was he then?” Bones grumbled.
“There was no use for him. You know what. Anyway, I should get out of here before New Year’s. Gotta take pills, get regular checkups, blah blah blah.”
“Well, Admiral, you do have desk duty. So at least I don’t have to worry about you getting shot or something.”
“Small favors anyway. I feel fine, Bones. A little tired is all. And bummed I’m stuck in this hellhole over Christmas.”
“Your mom coming by later?”
“Yep. With a pre-approved mini tree for my room. She had to get my doctor’s approval, but he did.”
“What about David? Carol bringing him by?”
“Not until the day after Christmas,” Jim admitted. “I told her that they should spend Christmas in England with her husband and Carol’s mother.”
“Can’t believe he’s almost a teenager already. Hell, worse I can’t believe I’m a grampa.”
Jim smiled. “It suits you.”
Bones rolled his eyes and pulled up a chair. He brought the eggnog ice cream, also approved by Jim’s cariologist, and a white stuffed polar bear wearing a Santa hat.
He cleared his throat, so Jim knew what was to come, though he had hoped it wasn’t.
“Think he’ll show up?”
Spock, of course. Spock who had ended things with Jim six months earlier and left for New Vulcan to finally pursue Kolinahr.
They’d had a fight to end all fights. Jim wished he could say he didn’t remember what caused it, but he did. It didn’t really matter now. They were kaput. And Spock likely was knee deep in kneeling before some snooty priestess.
“No. What reason would he have?”
Bones stared at him wide-eyed. “You just had heart failure and almost died!”
Jim shook his head. “I wasn’t that in danger of dying. And I doubt anyone told him.”
“The mind thing?”
“Been dormant for months. It’s okay, Bones. We’re finished. Spock made that clear and I accepted it.” He shrugged. “I think when he’s finished with the Kolinahr, he’ll have the bond removed anyway.”
“That what he said?”
“He hasn’t said anything to me since he left, Bones. I’m just guessing is all. Fine by me. I don’t need it.”
“I should give him a piece of my mind.”
Jim chuckled and pushed away the ice cream bowl. “You need all your pieces. Let it go.”
Bones sighed. “Okay. Listen, I gotta leave for a bit, but I’ll be back later with a turkey dinner for us and probably your mom too. I’ll contact her first.”
“Bones, you don’t have to stay. It’s Christmas Eve. I know you have family.”
“You listen here, Jim, you are my family. I’ll be back.”
Jim teared up and smiled. “Okay, Bones. And you’re my family too.”
The nurse came in after Bones left to remove the ice cream bowl and offer him some tea and pills, but eventually, mercifully, Jim was left alone.
He must have dozed off some because when he woke up someone was sitting in the chair by his bed.
Jim stared. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”
Spock said sternly, “Not funny.”
“What are you doing here?”
“Where else would I be? My mate is in the hospital after suffering heart failure.”
“I’m not your mate anymore, Spock,” Jim reminded him.
“Our bond still exists.”
“I kind of think that’s your problem. And I’m sure you can end it.”
Spock stood and approached the bed. “I am not here to agitate you, Jim. I have come to apologize and express my deep regret for my part in our separation.”
“Aren’t regrets illogical?” Jim sighed wearily. “I don’t…you said it was over.”
“I was wrong.”
“You wanted to purge me.”
“Negative. Never you. I was…confused. I wished to purge my emotions but I was unable to do so. My love for you was too strong.”
“Spock—”
“I ask nothing from you except that I am allowed to remain by your side to watch over you.”
Jim snorted. “That seems like a lot to ask.”
Spock lowered his gaze. “I mean I know I am not worthy of a return to intimacies we once shared but—”
“I’m not really cleared for that kind of thing right now.”
Spock nodded. “But I would like to be your friend and companion for however long you will allow it.”
“This is a lot to deal with right now,” Jim admitted. “And it’s Christmas Eve. Mom is coming and Bones too. I just…you broke my heart, Spock.” He waved away Spock’s wide-eyed look. “No. You aren’t responsible for this heart condition, you know that’s not what I mean. It’s just going to be hard to get past that for a while. If I ever can.”
“Can I stay while you are in the hospital through the holidays?”
“You aren’t making it easy to send you away,” Jim said, softly. “You know I still love you. That’s never changed.”
“It has not changed for me either.”
Suddenly there was a commotion outside Jim’s room and in popped his mom wheeling in a decorated Christmas Tree on a cart and next to it was a Santa sized sack filled with brightly wrapped Christmas packages.
Her mouth formed into a “O” she stared at Spock.
“Uh. Hi Mom. Spock’s here.”
“I-I see.”
Jim glanced at Spock who stared back at him with pleading eyes. “And for now, he’s staying.”
The thing was, from the first moment he’d spied Spock across the campus of Starfleet Academy, Jim wanted him. He’d done all he could to pursue the Vulcan, probably making an idiot of himself at least a dozen times.
Bones had assured him that he had.
But in the end it paid off and he had two dates with Spock. One was just for dinner and a movie. They’d had a great time. Or Jim thought so. Spock had agreed to see him again.
The second time, they’d had sex in Jim’s dorm. Luckly Bones was out. It had been great. Amazing. Jim was sure it was the start of something more serious. He wanted it to be.
After they were finished, Spock had hastily dressed, told Jim he really needed to go, something about someone waiting for him, he didn’t really know who or even exactly what Spock had said. But he scrambled out of Jim’s dorm like his ass was on fire, muttering that he’d contact Jim.
He hadn’t.
When Jim messaged him, he’d received no response.
Jim spotted him across the campus and knew Spock had seen him on approach. Spock had turned and gone in the other direction. It had seemed deliberate.
He told Bones all about it and Bones agreed. Spock wanted nothing more to do with Jim.
Jim had been sad and disappointed but he wasn’t about to wallow in self-pity. Spock wanted nothing more to do with him, so be it.
He’d been ghosted. Probably fair. He’d likely ghosted others.
But he simply had no idea why a Vulcan child would stare at him and even seem to be following him. Likely that was his imagination.
Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto) 