Flash Fic Wednesday

Christmas in July #14

And so we come to the end of another semi-successful Christmas in July. Thank you for reading!

Jim’s hand wrapped around the last container of eggnog on Christmas Eve at the same time someone else’s hand grabbed it. Jim tugged.

“Oh no you don’t.”

Then his gaze lifted and he stared directly into doe-like dark brown eyes.

“This is mine.”

Jim blinked. “Uh, no. I got here first. And it’s my mother’s favorite.”

“It is likewise my mother’s favorite.”

He rolled his eyes and didn’t let go. “Really? Look…Jim Kirk.”

“What?”

“My name.”

Doe-eyed frowned. It was then Jim noticed the pointy ears sticking out of the dark blue beanie atop his head.

“Spock.”

“You’re a Vulcan.”

“Yes, I am quite aware.”

“And your mother likes eggnog?”

“My mother is Human.” Spock tugged a little and with that pronouncement Jim almost let go of the carton, but he stopped himself in time.

“It’s Christmas Eve and my mother is here in San Francisco and I promised her eggnog. It’s sold out everywhere else.”

“It is also Hannukah and my mother is here and loves eggnog. It is a holiday drink, not exclusive to Christmas,” Spock told him.

“I’m not letting go.”

“And I am also not letting go. It seems we are at an impasse.”

Jim’s communicator buzzed in his pocket. He was fairly sure it was his mom but he didn’t have a free hand for in his other hand he held a bag of Christmas cookies.

“Shoot.”

Spock arched his brow.

With a groan, Jim released the carton and fished the communicator out of his pocket.

“Hey Mom. Yeah I’m leaving the store now and am on my way. I’ll be there in like ten minutes.” He eyed Spock. “Bad news though. I couldn’t get any eggnog. Maybe we can find a recipe and make some from scratch, yeah? See you soon.”

Sighing with disappointment, Jim started to turn away.

“Mr. Kirk.”

“Yeah?”

Spock thrust the carton of eggnog into Jim’s hand. “You take it. I will find something else.”

Jim blinked, then smiled. “Thank you. But you know what? I’m thinking we can share it.”

“Share it?”

“Yeah. My mom’s staying at the Sheraton. Room 2045. Why don’t you bring your mom there and we can all have some. We’re having some desserts and hors d’oeuvres.”

For a long time, Spock did not reply, and Jim thought the Vulcan would turn him down. He was already thinking ‘better luck next time’.

“I have to check with my mother, but yes, I think that will be an acceptable alternative.”

“Yeah? Great. If you can’t make it, here’s my contact information.”

Spock took Jim’s information and then Jim made his purchases and went to the Sheraton.

Part of him thought Spock would text him no or even do a no-show, but then just as he was getting ready to set up a nice holiday display with cookies and finger foods, he got a text.

“We are coming.”

July 31, 2024

Christmas in July #11

Appropriately this is taking place on Christmas Eve, 5 months exactly from today!

Now that Jim sat alone in the café on Starbase 13 he felt foolish.

He wasn’t used to being stood up. But this hadn’t been a “usual” meeting. This had been important. Too important and it hurt.

He gazed down at the sparkly green wrapped present on the table in front of him and felt more foolish still.

It was Christmas Eve and he had impulsively prepared the gift, a holo photo of them together, happy once, long ago, presented in a gold-rimmed frame and placed in a velvet lined box, then wrapped in Christmas green with a red bow.

It likely wouldn’t have been appreciated, but now he felt extra idiotic for even making the effort and he eyed the nearby trash.

“Want another drink, sir?” An Andorian woman, his waitress, asked, giving him a sympathetic smile. “Another George Washington Eggnog?”

He’d arrived early, too eager to wait any longer.

He eyed the remnants of his extra boozy eggnog, a recipe attributed to George Washington, but without much evidence he had ever been the creator of it.

“Mm. And some of those fried mushrooms with extra ranch dressing.”

“Sure thing, honey.”

Just before he sat across from Jim, he’d felt the concern flash through his mind. He hadn’t had time to reassure Spock.

“Hey,” he whispered, not trusting his voice to speak any louder without him crumbling.

Spock, dressed in a burgundy sweater that looked amazing on him, reached over and took Jim’s hand. He almost joked about how pathetic he must look if Spock was willing to show affection in public, but the lame joke never materialized.

“He is late.”

Jim shook his head. “He’s not coming. I should have known better.”

“I do not understand. It was your brother who contacted you.”

“Sam has never made any sense my entire life.” He gestured to the present. “I guess I’ll trash that.”

“You should keep it yourself as a memory of what you once were to each other. Right now you are thinking with your wounded heart but in a few hours you might change your mind.”

Jim nodded. “Maybe. I feel stupid.”

“Wanting a relationship with your family is not stupid, ashaya.”

“Sam’s never wanted to be my brother.”

“Jim.”

“It’s true, and I just need to accept it.”

The Andorian arrived with his eggnog and mushrooms. “Something, sir?”

“Cranberry tea, please. With an Orange scone.”

She nodded and hurried away.

Jim smiled faintly. “That sounds downright festive for you, babe.”

“It is Christmas Eve.” Spock shrugged. “While I did not celebrate holidays growing up, I am happy to observe them with you.”

“And Uhura before me.”

Spock inclined his head in acknowledgement.

“Ah well, at least I have the best husband in the universe to be with me.”

“I am fortunate to have the same.”

Jim laughed. He picked up a mushroom and ate it. “These are really good.”

Spock’s lips curved. “I will take your word for it.”

A moment later he had his tea and scone and they ate and drank in companionable silence until Jim received a message.

“I’m sorry, Jim, I’m not going to make it,” Jim read, rolling his eyes. “No kidding.” He set his communicator down.

“Will you respond?”

“I think I may just block him.”

Spock shook his head. “You will not.”

He sighed. “I know. Anyway, we have that holiday party tonight with the crew. What do you want to do before then?”

Spock arched a brow. “I can think of a thing or two that will keep us occupied.”

Jim laughed, leaned over and kissed Spock.

July 24, 2024

Christmas in July #8

Spock was coming around the corner when he heard his father’s voice. He was aware his father intended to speak to their temporary guest, Jim Kirk, a Human boy of fifteen, who had recently been rescued by the Federation from Tarsus IV.

Spock had met Jim and quite liked him. He was attractive and kind, though sad. Spock couldn’t blame him considering the circumstances. While Spock was aware eavesdropping was not admirable, he found he could not turn around and walk away.

“On Vulcan, the Terran holiday season, including Christmas, is not observed. I realize it is December and you are generally used to holidays, Vulcans are not. Since you are currently on Vulcan until you can be safely transferred to your mother’s care, you must accept how matters are done here.”

“Yes, sir.”

“If all goes as planned, you will be able to observe your celebration at this time next year in your Terran home.”

“I understand, Ambassador.”

“Good. Now, my wife is Human, and is experienced in cooking meals that will likely appeal to your palette and the replicators have also been programmed to offer meals you would likely appreciate. Given your lack of proper nutrition recently, I suggest you begin to make use of the replicators to eat until dinner later provided by my wife.”

“Yes, sir.”

“If there is anything else you require, you know how to reach me. I have a meeting to attend to, so I will see you at dinner.”

And then Spock’s father left, leaving the far too thin teen standing there staring after him.

Jim’s sandy colored hair was an unruly mess and there were dark smudges under his blue eyes, but he had been provided with trousers and a sweater to wear. They were too big, but it was more than he had arrived with. Due to his immediate rescue, he had come with nothing.

“Jim,” Spock called softly as he approached.

Jim turned and gave him a sunny smile. “Hey, Spock.”

Spock looked in the direction Sarek had gone. “I apologize for my father’s gruffness.”

“No, it’s all right. I’m the one who brought up Christmas. I should have known better.” Jim lowered his gaze shyly. “I mean, I knew there wouldn’t be like presents or whatever, I just wanted a bit of something normal and fun after everything.” His gaze rose. “I get it though. Of course you guys don’t do Christmas.”

“My mother was raised Jewish on Earth,” Spock told him. “But we do not observe any Jewish holidays either.”

Jim smiled and nodded. “Makes sense. Well, I think I’m going to go to my room for a bit, if you don’t mind. Probably take a nap. I’m pretty tired.”

“Yes, of course. I will see you soon.” And Spock was already formulating a plan.

Jim had just awakened from his nap when there was a noise at his door. Not a tap, more like a kick.

He rose from the bed and opened the door. Spock stood there holding about a two-foot pine tree decorated with lights and silver and gold balls.

“Spock, what—”

“May I come in?”

Jim stood back and let Spock inside. The Vulcan, aged eighteen he’d been told, stepped inside, not only carrying the tree but also a wrapped package and a filled red and green stocking.

Spock placed the tree on the desk in Jim’s room, and then set the package and stocking down.

“Mother assisted me with the present and stocking. I was able to replicate a small pine tree and decorations,” Spock said. “Since this is your room for the foreseeable future, I thought you should be able to have Christmas here if you wished.”

Jim’s eyes filled with tears, and overcome, he sat down heavily on the edge of the bed.

Spock frowned. “I do not understand. I thought this would make you happy.”

“It does. It’s just…it’s been a really long time since anyone has been…since anyone has been this nice to me.”

Spock knelt on the floor in front of him. “The package is more clothes for you. But in the stocking there are things like cookies and candy and oranges. Mother helped me research what would normally be included.”

Jim laughed and wiped at his eyes. “That’s pretty cute.”

Spock shook his head. “No one has ever called me cute.”

“I doubt that,” Jim said, shyly.

Spock did not argue. “And we have added some additions to the replicator including a drink called eggnog and gingerbread.”

“Wow. That’s-that’s more than I could have ever wanted. Won’t your dad be mad?”

“He is not. We advised him of our plan and he said because it would all be in your room, he saw no reason not to indulge your Humanness.”

“That’s awesome! Thank you so much.” He quickly hugged Spock, but did not linger, knowing it would make the Vulcan uncomfortable. He then went to his stocking, tree, and present.

It would be a merry Christmas after all.

July 17, 2024

Christmas in July #5

*brief referenced sexual activity*

“I don’t know if I have enough fake snow for this.”

Spock was certain he did not want to engage in this conversation or subject matter and thought it would likely be wise to maintain his silence. But his fairly new boyfriend, Jim Kirk, was gazing at him expectantly and somehow Spock was sure it was some kind of test.

It was July in San Francisco and the temperature was currently topping 90 degrees Fahrenheit. He couldn’t even begin to guess what was on Jim’s mind. For the last several minutes he had been attempting to get Jim’s mind on coitus. Normally he was successful.

They were lounging on the sofa in Spock’s apartment and Spock’s plan had been to seduce his boyfriend and then ask him to move in. Until Jim’s odd sentence he had just uttered.

Schooling his face into a mask of slight interest, Spock murmured, “Fake snow.”

Even to his ears it didn’t sound like a question or a means to encourage further discussion.

But if Jim noticed, he pushed past it.

“For my party.”

“Party?”

Spock detested parties. Fortunately, Vulcans never threw parties.

Jim nodded, seemingly unaware of Spock’s discomfort. “Christmas.”

“It is my understanding that the Terran celebration of Christmas is conducted in December.”

“You understand correctly, babe.”

For a moment, Spock allowed himself to feel pleasure at the endearment that came his way. Illogically he found he liked it when Jim used them.

But then he frowned. “Then I do not understand.”

“It’s a Christmas in July party.” Jim smiled beautifully at him. The smile made his heart flutter in his side. Spock acknowledged he was a terrible sap for this Human.

“And you need fake snow.”

“Uh-huh.”

Somehow, Spock managed to maneuver Jim under him on the sofa, or perhaps Jim maneuvered Spock on top of him, and he couldn’t help but groan when their erections pressed against each other.

“I will assist,” Spock heard himself promise as he reached down to unfasten and remove Jim’s pants.

“Yeah?” Jim asked breathlessly.

“Mm.”

“And I need a place to have it. The dorm is too small.”

Spock undid his own pants and slid himself along Jim’s bare shaft. “We will have it here where you will be living.”

Jim chuckled, then groaned. “Perfect.”

July 10, 2024

Christmas in July #2

Jim should have known Spock would look for him and since Spock knew him quite well these days, he found Jim pretty quickly.

He was seated on an old faded and peeling wooden bench situated in a long forgotten and overgrown garden across from the back porch of the old farmhouse. There was a bit of shade there from a nearby large tree that had been on the property hundreds of years. Good thing since it was July and really quite warm.

He’d have to decide what to do with this place now. There was no one else to make that decision at this point.

“Jim.”

Spock sat beside him on the bench, concern barely hidden in his expression.

Jim smiled and patted Spock’s leg. “I’m okay.”

“You are contemplative.”

“Mm. Even when your parent is sick, you’re not really prepared to lose them.”

“True.” Spock studied him for a moment. “Your thoughts are jumbled.”

“You should be used to that by now,” Jim joked.

Spock shook his head slightly. “The overwhelming emotion I feel from you is regret. I was unaware you had regrets regarding your mother.”

“I guess to you regrets are illogical.”

“I used to think so. But after the loss of my mother I admit to experiencing some regrets myself.”

“Of course you did. I don’t mean to dismiss your feelings in that.”

“You did not. And I do not intend to make this about me,” Spock said. “Will you explain what you are thinking and feeling?”

“Just wish I had been there more for Mom in her final years,” Jim admitted.

“As the captain of a starship it would be difficult to be with her as much as you might like.”

“Yeah but…last year, right about this time, I was on Earth. And she wanted me to come see her here in Riverside at the farmhouse to do our Christmas in July thing.”

“Christmas in July?”

Jim laughed. “Yeah. See when we were kids, my brother and me, little kids, Mom did this thing in the summer. This was before she got so involved in her job that she wasn’t with us much. Before…”

“Frank,” Spock supplied.

“Yeah. She buried herself in work after my dad, then her parents, and then her sister died. It was a lot of grief for her to handle and so she ended up signing up for a job that took her off planet, but she couldn’t bring me and Sam with her. Frank was her sister’s husband. After her sister got sick and passed, for a while Mom got involved with him, but she never really loved him. But when she went off planet, Frank said he’d watch us. Well, you know about what happened with him. But the summer stuff, the Christmas in July we did, that was before her parents and sister passed away.”

“I understand.”

“The whole idea for it started long ago but Mom adopted it for us. One day in July, we got to pick some part of Christmas to do just for that day. Each one of us got to pick whatever we wanted. Mom always chose to give each of us kids a present. That was her thing. Sam always thought with his stomach so he chose to make cookies and gingerbread.”

“And you?”

“I always wanted to put up a Christmas tree.” Jim grinned. “It used to make Sam crazy because it was so much work. We had an artificial one in the basement so Mom would make Sam bring it up with decorations and lights and we’d put it up and decorate in the morning and then the next day, it would all come down. Sam bitched a fit. But I loved it. I’d spend most of that day in the living room in front of it in my shorts and t-shirt staring at the twinkling lights and shiny decorations. It was my happy place.”

“I am glad you had that time with your mother and brother.”

He smiled wistfully. “Me too. Anyway, when I was on Earth last year, Mom wanted me to come see her and do the Christmas in July thing with her.” He choked up.

Spock reached for and took Jim’s hand. “She knew you loved her, Jim.”

“I know,” he whispered. “But I told her I couldn’t. I had too many other things to do while I was here and wouldn’t be able to make it. She was cool about it but I could tell she was disappointed, you know? I had no idea then that it was my last opportunity.”

“I am sorry, Jim. I know how painful such thoughts are. But I also know that she knew how much she mattered to you and I know she adored you as well.”

“Yeah, I do know all that too.” He squeezed Spock’s hand. “I just can’t help but think about stuff like that. And I know there’s nothing I can do about it. But it sucks.”

“Yes,” Spock acknowledged. “Would you like to go into the house and put up the tree while we are here?”

Jim laughed. “You’d do that?”

“Of course I would, if that is what you would like to do. It can be a memorial itself of your mother and brother and the times you were able to enjoy with them. However far removed it is now.”

Jim leaned over to kiss him. “I would love that. Let’s do it.”

And he tugged Spock up and into the house they went to put up a tree.

July 3, 2024

Flash Fic, April 24, 2024

Another installment!

“That Vulcan kid is staring at me again.”

Bones frowned as he stabbed at his PADD like he wanted to kill it. “What Vulcan kid?”

“Well. How should I know? I told you about it.”

Bones eyed him. “You did? What? You have another Vulcan stalker?”

“Spock wasn’t stalker,” Jim protested. “Far from it.” Jim felt his face heat.

“Yeah, yeah. He ghosted you after you slept together.”

“Be quiet. It wasn’t like that.”

Bones snorted. “It was exactly like that. Who’s this kid?”

“How should I know? He seems familiar but I don’t know him. It’s not like I know a bunch of Vulcans. Only the one.”

“Who ran like hell as soon as he was done with you,” Bones said, undiplomatically. “Eh. I’d ignore the kid. Probably just nosey, like most children. He’ll get bored eventually and start staring at someone else.”

Jim sighed. ”Yeah you’re probably right. And now I really need to get to class. See you later, Bones.”

“Mm hmm.” Bones was already back to trying to kill his PADD.

April 24, 2024

Flash Fic, March 27, 2024

Spock climbed out of the bedroom window and cautiously on to the flat roof of the house next to it where Jim sat, legs bent at the knee and pulled up to his chest.

“This is an unusual place to find you.” Spock lowered himself to sit beside his husband.

Jim smiled. “Needed a quiet place to think. I used to come out here all the time when I was a kid.” He laughed. “A long time ago.”

“If you would like to be alone—”

“Heck, no.” Jim put his hand on Spock’s leg. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Where you go, I always follow.”

And perhaps that was a bad thing to admit but it was true, nonetheless.

“Thinking about your mother?”

Jim nodded. “I’m an orphan now. Which is crazy. I’m…I’m no young man anymore. It’s been a long time since I needed my mommy, you know?”

“I know,” Spock said softly.

“Still, that puts me firmly in the front of the line for mortality, doesn’t it?”

“I prefer not to think in terms of your mortality,” Spock replied.

“I can’t entirely dismiss the idea. It’s possible I’ll live a good long time with Khan’s blood, but there are no guarantees, even with me no longer being in active command of a starship.”

“Yes, there are no guarantees in life for any of us. We are not promised tomorrow. We have to make the best of today.”

“A logical philosophy.” Jim smiled, squeezed Spock’s leg.

They heard a noise down below and then a blond teenaged head popped out through the open window.

“I’m hungry. What have we got to eat?” David, Jim’s son, demanded.

Jim chuckled. “I haven’t been to the store.”

“But—”

“We’ll order a pizza.”

“Cool.” And David went inside again.

Jim sighed, leaned his head against Spock’s shoulder and said, “Come on. Let’s go back inside.”

March 27, 2024

March 20, 2024

Another after mission…a continuation from yesterday…

I’ll be out of town for the next few days but will likely continue after mission flashes when I am back next week!

Jim didn’t mind when Spock helped him into the chair directly next to the fireplace in their apartment.

It truly wasn’t that cold of a day but he felt a bit cold and Spock had made sure to get a fire going as soon as they got to the apartment.

Spock was being very gentle and caring with him ever since he was given the approval to allow Jim to finish the rest of his recovery at home.

Sure he was being a little overprotective, but Jim cut him some slack. Spock had been very freaked out over Jim’s injuries.

Just now his assistant, Ensign Morely, was busy tapping frantically at her PADD as she spoke to Jim. She had arrived about ten minutes before.

“The meeting with—:

“Canceled, Admiral.”

He narrowed his eyes. “That meeting is important and I have to be a part of it.”

“Which is why it’s been postponed until you are able to lead it.” She gave him a winning smile.

“On who’s orders?” Jim demanded.

Her gaze slid to a blank-faced Spock.

“I believe that will be all, Ensign,” Spock said. “I will see you out.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll be in touch, Admiral.” She called over her shoulder.

A moment later, Spock returned to Jim’s side.

“You changed the meetings?”

“Of course. You are in no condition to see to normal duties during your recovery from not only your accidental fall but the flu as well.”

“I could do a virtual meeting. Wouldn’t even have to leave home.”

“The meetings are not urgent nature, therefore, it was agreed that they could wait for you to feel better.”

“I feel okay,” Jim grumbled, though it wasn’t entirely true. He did feel a bit weak still and he couldn’t seem to shake the chills. “Could I get some hot chocolate?”

“Of course.” Spock paused, then said, “She admires you.”

“Who?”

“Ensign Morely. She has a crush on you.”

Jim laughed but saw Spock was not joking, so he sighed. “Nah. I could be her dad.”

“Age does not stop people from attraction.”

“Yeah, maybe. But…she’s…maybe a tiny crush because she thinks I’m a big shot but—”

“You are a big shot.”

Jim snorted. “But she is well aware my heart and very soul belong only to you.” He put out his hand for Spock’s. “I love you. I’m going to be fine. Come sit with me when you return with my hot chocolate.”

“I definitely will. And I love you too, ashayam.”

March 20, 2024

Flash Fic, March 13, 2024

“Commander?”

“Yes, Mister Sulu?”

‘We’ve found them, sir. And we’re ready to transport them back to the ship.”

Spock breathed an inward sigh of relief. “Very good, Lieutenant.”

“But Commander, the captain…”

Spock’s heart froze in his side and he exchanged a quick panicked look with Nyota.

“The captain?” he made himself ask.

“He’s pretty bad, sir. We are going to have him transported directly to the medbay.”

Spock swallowed. “And the doctor?”

“His leg is broken but he’s doing all right. Barking orders.”

“Very well. Keep me posted. Spock out.”

After a few minutes, during which he gripped the arms of the captain chair almost hard enough to cause damage, Nyota walked over to him.

“Spock, go to the medbay.”

“I am on duty and—”

“We have this. I promise. I’ll contact you immediately if we need you. Go check on Jim.”

He blew out a long breath, nodded and stood.

He made it there in record time.

The captain was laid out on a biobed, pale and sweaty looking.

Spock was surprised to see that McCoy was upright rather than in a biobed himself.

“Should you not be a patient also, doctor?”

McCoy, who leaned against Jim’s bed, waved that away. “I’m fine. Nothing a regenerator can’t take care of in a few minutes.”

Since there was no one better to see to Jim’s medical care, Spock nodded, rather than arguing.

“Will he…”

“Of course he will. I’ll have him up and being a pain in the ass to both of us in no time.” He smiled a little. “But you can come closer if you want. Just don’t get in my way.”

“I will not,” Spock promised, as he did indeed come closer and took Jim’s hand.

McCoy glanced at him. ”You should tell him.”

“What?”

The doctor sighed and shook his head. “Idiots.”

March 13, 2024

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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