July 2021

Christmas in July, Post 15

And for the final one, these guys are from Would You Rather?

“Oh my God.”

Spock glanced at his captain. His boyfriend, Spock amended in his mind. Of six months now.

“Could it be any hotter? It’s like two days before Christmas for heaven’s sake.”

Spock acknowledged Jim looked exceedingly hot and uncomfortable. He was sweating profusely, his uniform marked by large wet patches. His face was alarmingly red too.

“I do not believe Dioxie 3 recognizes Christmas.”

Jim ignored him, predictably. “Man if I was back in Riverside it might be snowing.” He leaned against a large tree and panted. Wiped his brow. “How are you not dying?”

“A Vulcan’s temperature—”

Jim suddenly doubled over clenching his stomach. “Damn. Ugh.”

“Jim!” Spock rushed to him. “You do not look good.”

“I feel kind of faint.”

Spock took out his communicator. “Spock to Enterprise. Two to beam up immediately.”

****

Spock tensed only slightly when Leonard’s hand clasped his shoulder. He had definitely gotten used to the Human need for physical contact. Between his past with Nyota and his present and future with Jim, he’d had to.

“It’s all right, Spock. Just a nasty bout of heat exhaustion. We weren’t prepared enough for those burning temperatures there. Or I wasn’t. If I had been, I could have given Jim a shot to help with it. He just needs rest and hydration. Extra care. I’m going to keep him here in the medbay for another night, maybe two.”

Spock nodded, his gaze fixed on Jim who was lying on his back, staring at the ceiling.

“And you are sure?”

“I’m sure. Could have been much worse if he’d gone into heat stroke. We got to him in time.” Leonard smiled. “I’ll be in to see him in a bit with some food. You can have a few minutes with him.”

Spock offered Leonard his gratitude, and then went over to Jim’s side.

“Jim?”

Jim’s gaze shifted to Spock and he gave Spock a ghost of his usual smile. “Hey.”

“How do you feel?”

“Okay. A bit weak I guess, but mostly a lot better.”

“The doctor will be bringing you food soon.”

“Good.”

“Are you sad?” Spock asked him, after observing Jim for a moment longer.

“Yeah. I mean, it’s Christmas and I’m in the hospital. It kind of reminds me a bit of the past.”

“How so?”

Jim shrugged. “When…when I got off Tarsus IV, it was this time of year, you know, and for a long time they kept me in the hospital, to get my strength back. This feels like that. Just a little.”

Spock held Jim’s hand. “I understand, but I assure you it is not, and you will be out soon.”

Jim’s smile was more genuine this time. “I know.”

****

A bit later, and with permission from Leonard and the rest of the medical staff, as well as some necessary crew members, and the admiralty, Spock returned to Jim’s side.

He was sitting up now and looking much better. He’d recently had eggnog ice cream, he’d told Spock.

“Jim, I have something to ask you.”

“Ask me?”

Spock nodded, and took both of Jim’s hands in his. “Would you rather get married right now in the medbay with all of our friends as witnesses or wait until some other time in the future?”

Jim stared, wide-eyed. “Spock?”

Behind him Leonard snorted. He had just come in, followed by Nyota, Sulu, Chekov, Scott, and Keenser.

“Well, kid?” Leonard demanded.

“Uh.” Jim sucked in a breath. “Now?”

“Excellent answer, Cap’n.” Scott said, then he held up a device and pushed the button.

Snow, artificial, of course, began to fall lightly on Jim and Spock.

Jim looked up in wonder. “How…?”

“Mr. Scott’s ingenuity,” Spock explained.

He watched as Jim looked around and saw that the crew, Nyota mostly, had brought with them a decorated Christmas tree. Nyota set it upon a nearby table.

“A Christmas wedding?”

Spock nodded. “If it pleases you.”

Jim grinned. “It does. But who’s going to marry us?”

“Keenser. He is, apparently, authorized in ten galaxies.”

Jim laughed. “Always learning something new about him, I guess.”

Spock leaned down to kiss Jim, eyes shining. “Are you ready then?”

“A thousand times yes.”

And their friends drew near, Keenser stepping closer, and Admiral Barrett onscreen to witness it too. Snow falling and whimsy everywhere.

“One more thing, Jim.”

“Yes?”

“Would you rather bond with me now or later in our quarters?”

“Our quarters?”

Spock nodded. “They are being set up right now.”

Jim beckoned Spock closer and then as Spock leaned down, Jim whispered, “Later. When you claim me.”

Spock shivered and straightened. “Let us begin.”

And that, my friends, is a wrap on 2021’s Christmas in July….see you in December for more holiday cheer

July 30, 2021

Christmas in July, Post 14

“How are you feeling, Jim?”

Jim grimaced. “Like anyone would when they were stuck in the hospital on Christmas Eve.”

Bones patted his arm. “I know and I’m sorry. I just think it’s better to keep you here for a few days. Observe you.”

“What exactly is wrong with me? I feel fine now.”

Jim had been fine. Going about his business in San Francisco, headed into HQ when he just…collapsed.

“Looks like…I don’t know. All your vitals are normal now, Jim. But you had some kind of reaction, almost a rejection of Khan’s blood.”

“After all this time? Bones, it’s been years.”

“I know. Doesn’t make any sense. And while you are fine, I don’t trust those findings until I thoroughly check out every last scenario or evidence for what happened. And it sucks I know, but there it is.”

Bones thrust a large cup at him. “To make things a little better, I brought you a pumpkin shake.”

Jim took it and even managed a tiny smile. “Thanks. How about visitors?”

“Nope.”

“Bones—”

“Your immunity might be compromised, Jim. I don’t want to take any chances.” Bones hesitated. “I may have a surprise for you later.”

“A surprise? Bones, I don’t like surprises.”

“You’ll like this one.”

“Then tell me. Make it my Christmas present.”

“It is your Christmas present, but in case I can’t make it happen, just…wait.”

Jim sighed and fidgeted with his blanket before taking a big sip with his straw of the pumpkin shake. “At least this is good. Bring me some Christmas music or something.”

Bones smirked. “Aye, aye, Captain.”

Luckily for Jim, perhaps for Bones, now that Jim thought about it, not only did Bones supply him with Christmas songs, but also a little tree with decorations and a small handheld screen to watch holiday movies on.

Sure, it still sucked being in the hospital with no real answers as to why he collapsed in the first place, but it could have been much worse, and Jim knew it.

He was fully engrossed in one of his favorite renditions of Ebenezer Scrooge getting his lesson from three spirits when suddenly he felt awareness begin at the top of his head and flow down his body.

Eyes wide, he set aside the little screen after hitting pause.

Then the door to his room opened and in stepped…

“Spock!”

“T’hy’la,” Spock greeted him, hurrying over to pull him close. “You gave me quite the scare.”

“Sorry. How-are you my Christmas present from Bones?”

Spock pulled away only slightly. “I am.”

He sat on the edge of the bed and took both of Jim’s hands in his.

“But you said you couldn’t make it back to Earth for the holidays. You were too busy.”

“That was before your somewhat theatrical collapse.”

“It wasn’t intentional, honey, I swear.”

“I know and I am relieved to see you are as well as you are. I had to rearrange many things on New Vulcan, but here I am. And I am not leaving you again for a very long time.”

“If that’s ever, you’ve got yourself a deal.” Jim smiled. He loved the feel of Spock’s hands in his.

“I am concerned for your welfare.”

“I know but Bones is doing tests. We’ll figure it out. I feel good. Great even. Better than ever now that you’re here. Join me on the bed and finish watching my movie with me.”

Spock gave him an indulgent look, but he did as Jim requested and drew Jim close into his arms as Jim restarted A Christmas Carol.

He was right to the part where the Ghost of Christmas said to Scrooge,

“There is never enough time to do or say all the things that we would wish. The thing is to try to do as much as you can in the time you have.”

Jim turned his head to gaze at Spock, Spock felt his gaze and looked at Jim. Jim smiled and kissed him. Maybe being in the hospital was tolerable.

July 29, 2021

Christmas in July, Post 13

I suspected I must look particularly hapless and forlorn when my butler, Hartford, offered to stay behind for the holiday season I generally gave the staff time off for. He’d never made the offer before, being eager like all the rest, to spend time with their families rather than look after me.

With a forced smile, I shook my head.

“No, Hartford. You are free to depart with all the others and I will see you the day after the new year.”

Hartford hesitated. “I did set up the kitchen with plenty of provisions as usual.”

“I am sure you did. You are a godsend, as usual. Happy Christmas to you and your family.”

Hartford began to turn away then. But then he looked back at me. “Do you expect your usual guest to visit? Lord Christopher?”

“I do not. But all is well, nevertheless. See you on January second.”

My reluctant butler became less reluctant then and hurried out before, I suspected, I changed my mind. He was wise.

I sighed with a tiny bit of melodramatic melancholy when the house was empty save for myself. I considered heading back to London. While there was no season of social engagements at the moment, I knew there were still my usual haunts that would be open to me. And in many ways, London could be quite festive during the Christmas season.

I decided I’d have a nice meal there at my country estate, perhaps drink far too much sherry after, and give the idea some thought by morning. If I decided it still had merit, I would ride to London.

Lord Christopher, as Hartford had alluded to, would be spending the holidays with his new wife and infant daughter, I imagined. An arranged marriage, of course, as most were. I’d escaped such a thing for along time myself and intended to continue doing so. I didn’t care which of my living relatives would inherit everything upon my death. I’d be past caring, wouldn’t I? But I had no parents left to nudge me into marriage to a female I could barely stomach. In that, I guessed, I was fortunate.

I knew Chris would be expected to tow the line in that direction, but it still hurt, and that was unfair. I had not seen him since the wedding, but I had heard, of course, of the birth of their daughter.

Isabella.

Since his wedding, I had hardly been celibate. I had physical needs, after all. I’d even engaged quite briefly with sex with Shaw, though I’d once vowed I would not. Shaw was blond and handsome and in some ways reminded me of Chris, though he was far more polished and sophisticated than Chris had ever been. Which is why I preferred Chris. Well, many reasons actually.

But whatever satisfaction I got from others it was hollow compared to my times with Chris.

I was on my second sherry, seriously convinced I would leave for London in the morning, when there was a rather loud knocking upon my front door.

For a moment, I waited for Hartford to answer it, then remembered it was me alone. I thought about ignoring it, but then someone had come all the way out to the middle of nowhere to see me.

I struggled out of my chair, placed my glass of sherry aside, and made my way out of the parlor and to the door.

It occurred to me as I unbolted it, that it was likely someone in need during this particular season of which, I knew, there were many. I would give them whatever I could.

But instead of a beggar or poor villager as I expected, Lord Christopher stood upon my doorstep looking almost absurdly fetching with a hat upon his blond head and a scarf wrapped around his neck. An overcoat dotted with the first hint of falling rain.

“Chris?”

He smiled. “None other. And it has stared to rain, so…would it be permissible for me to come inside?”

Permissible?

I yanked him inside so fast I was amazed I hadn’t broken anything.

Looking past him for a moment to ensure he was alone, I drew him tightly into my arms, thrilled to hear his hearty laugh.

“I can’t believe you’re here. I didn’t think you were coming.”

“Silly man. Where else would I be?” He drew back just enough to cup my face with his gloved hands and thoroughly kiss me.

“With your wife and daughter, I imagine,” I said, after coming up for air. I wanted to kiss him again. I did as I closed and re-bolted the door.

Chris shook his head as we walked into the parlor arm in arm. “An arranged marriage, Zachary. We have an understanding. She is happy to live her own life behind closed doors.”

“She has a lover?”

“Two or three as far as I know. It matters not at all to me. We are friendly but that is as far as it goes for each of us. We do our duty and nothing more.”

“And your infant daughter?”

“She is with her nursemaid. She will hardly comment on my absence at this age.” He drew me down to sit on the settee and then he sat upon me instead of the sofa and I was gladdened.

“How long can you stay?” I asked after kissing him again.

“How long would you like?”

Forever.

That was a fool’s dream, so I did not and could not say it.

“As long as you are able.”

Chris nodded. “About a week then.”

It was more than I expected and everything I hoped for.

After some more lengthy kissing, I murmured, “I had planned to leave for London in the morning.”

“Did you?”

“I think I’ll delay that about a week.”

He grinned. “A very wise plan.”

“Are you hungry, my love?”

“Yes, but at the moment, it’s for you. Take me to bed. It’s been far too long.”

It certainly had.

Hours later, we held onto each other in a warm bed, a fire in the hearth, and spoke of our plans for our time together. I was happy he had come. Some day, perhaps, he would not. And I would deal with that.

When he was in my kitchen eating food I had leftover, he gave me a look. “Shaw, Zachary?”

I knew I blushed. “How did you know?’

“I know.”

“It won’t be repeated. I was really quite lonely.”

Chris smiled, his sweetest smile. “I understand what you do when we are not together and accept it. We each have our duties we must tend to, but I hope you know that no matter where we are, when not together, I love you with all my heart and soul.”

“And there is no one in my heart but you, Christopher.”

“Happy Christmas,” he said, kissing me once more.

And indeed, the happiest of Christmases was had.

July 28, 2021

Christmas in July, Post 12

“Spock, what are you doing here?”

Spock was surprised by the sharp tone he detected in Nyota’s question. He had just sat down at a table at an outdoor café where Nyota sat with a couple of friends.

“You invited me,” he explained, thinking it was obvious.

She stared at him. “What about…Jim?”

Jim, of course, referred to Spock’s recently acquired boyfriend. He had mentioned being invited to the café and had even asked Jim if he’d like to come.

“He declined to come. Prior to your invitation, Jim had planned to stay home today to watch holiday movies while eating eggnog ice cream and gingerbread men, and consuming peppermint mochas. When I told him about this invitation he wanted to continue his original plan.”

Now Nyota was bugging her eyes out at him.

“Oh no.” She looked at her friends and smiled. “Would you two, um, go get me a refill on my drink?”

Spock was puzzled as it appeared her drink was full but her friends hurried away so perhaps they knew better than Spock did.

“Spock, you-you don’t…cancel plans your boyfriend was looking forward to in order to go out with your friends.”

“But Jim said he did not mind.”

She laughed. “Honey, he minds. He was planning on this. With you, right?”

“Well. He did ask me, yes, but he said—”

“Whatever he said, pay that no mind. You have a lot to learn about humans, Spock. Now you go right back to Jim and sit there watching holiday movies with him. Or you’ll definitely be sorry later.”

Spock did begin to feel a bit uneasy. Jim had smiled when he said to go ahead but it was a rather strange smile. He rose.

“And pick him up a present along the way!” Nyota called after him.

****

When Spock knocked on Jim’s door, there was no immediate answer and he became more worried. But then slowly the door opened and one blue eye peered out at him.

“Spock?”

“I have come to watch merriment with you.”

Jim opened the door fully and stared at Spock. He wore his pajamas, Spock noted, and there was a touch of red around his eyes Spock did not like.

“You said—”

“Forget what I said. I was a fool.” Spock held up the giant Santa sugar cookie he had bought at the bakery on the way there. It was covered in glittery red sanding sugar. “I have bought you a cookie. May I come in?”

Jim smiled, grabbed Spock’s hand, and pulled him inside. “Of course you can. I’m just getting started. Come on.” He kissed Spock quite thoroughly. His cheeks were faintly pink. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“As am I, Jim.” He was led to the sofa and as they started the first movie, Spock did not let go of Jim’s hand.

July 27, 2021

Christmas in July, Post 9

“Do you think we should have a Christmas wedding?”

Leonard eyes Jim. They sit in the 5^th floor Officer’s Lunchroom at Starfleet HQ. Normally Jim hates being in the ‘No peons allowed” area, as he calls it, “I used to be a peon, Bones, it’s BS,” but because Jim wants a more private isolated area to talk to Bones, he suggests it.

“You and me?” Leonard jokes.

It earns him the trademark “I loathe you” Kirk look.

“Funny. You know who I mean. Is a Christmas wedding corny?”

Leonard shrugs. “Maybe. But aren’t all ceremonies a bit corny?”

“Well.” Jim takes a swig from his beer. “You are divorced so there’s no huge surprise with that attitude. Was just thinking, I don’t know, white fur and snow. Imitation of course. The fur, I mean, I’d prefer the real snow.”

“Doesn’t snow in San Francisco.”

“I know. I was thinking Riverside. Maybe.”

“Doesn’t always snow there at Christmas either.”

“Yeah. I mean I can figure that out. So snow and fur and like gold and silver. Kind of elegant.” Jim paused. “I think she’d like that.”

“Yep. She probably would.” Leonard scrutinizes his soup. He’d ordered creamy tomato basil but there’s something off about it. Tastes more like Creamy Tomato Rosemary, which he doesn’t care for at all.

“I should want to make her happy with this, right?”

Leonard makes a considering face, doing a mini shrug, more like a face shrug, if that’s possible. “Well, sure, if you can. Most try to, anyway.”

Jim looks mopey. “There’s always eloping. Just, you know, dashing off to Vegas.”

“Instead of dashing through the snow?” Leonard smirks.

“Yeah. Not sure that’s ideal though. Loud and messy and…”

“Sort of sinful.”

“Right. The opposite of elegant.”

“Maybe you just shouldn’t worry so much about what she thinks.”

“Well, but this is for her. I don’t care about any of this. We’re already—”

“Then why all the fuss at all?” Leonard asks.

“Because I agreed to get married on Earth.” Jim holds his face in his hands. “I sure as hell don’t know why now.”

“Twue wove.”

“Oh, sure. Go ahead and mock me, Bones.”

“Why is the doctor mocking you, Captain?”

Jim’s face lights up like the stars itself as Spock joins them. He scoots over to give Spock room to sit beside him even though there’s tons of room next to Leonard.

“What do you think about a Christmas wedding?” Jim asks instead of answering. “I know you don’t do Christmas.”

“True but whatever the two of you plan is fine by me. It is the two of you who want this.”

Jim sighs. “I was thinking snow and white fur.” He glances at Spock. “Fake fur.”

“Snow?”

“Sounds festive right? I mean I know desert dweller but—”

“Jim, I have nothing to say. As I said, this is up to the two of you.”

“No opinion at all?”

“None.”

Leonard sees that Jim is beginning to get annoyed. Wonders if the alarm bells are going off in that Vulcan head.

Danger, Danger

Red Alert, my friend.

“You are going to show up, aren’t you?”

Spock frowns, because, Leonard guesses, he finally notices that he is on thin ice here. “Of course, Jim. I merely meant that you are planning this to please your mother. In my view, we are already husbands due to our ceremony on New Vulcan.”

“Hm.”

“Jim, I would marry you in any ceremony you deem necessary. Klingon—”

“Klingon? Do you know what they do in those?”

“As an example,” Spock says. “The point being you are mine and if you need several weddings to prove that, I am amiable.”

“Okay.” Jim nods. “Christmas Snow Wedding it is then.”

Leonard notices Spock’s shudder. But if Jim does, he ignores it.

Jim leans over instead and kisses his husband. He pulls back and smiles. “I’ll let Mom know.”

Spock inclines his head. “As you wish.”

Leonard knows Spock will be saying that a lot to Jim. The Vulcan is quite wrapped around Jim’s finger. They all are, really. He sighs, shakes his head and smiles.

July 21, 2021

Christmas in July, Post 8

I’d almost forgotten this story when J mentioned it the other day, so with that in mind, I decided to do one of the flashes for this month on Kirk’s Children.

“I love you, Daddy,” M’Rasha declared as Jim scooped his seven-year-old daughter up into his arms.

“I love you more.”

“Nuh-uh.”

Jim laughed. “Yep.”

She shook her blonde head. Recently, she’d asked Granny to cut her hair, so her long ringlets were gone and replaced by a cute little bob.

“I love you much more!”

Jim scoffed. “I love you much much more.”

She gave him a look that reminded her of Spock. Definitely his influence. “I love you mostest.”

He laughed outright. “Okay, you win. That’s not a word though.”

“Are the two of you finished with your illogical game?”

And speaking of the love of his life. One of them anyway. Two others were M’Rasha and M’Nisarr, his son. His cup runneth over.

Spock held the remaining love of his life. For now, anyway. A small part Human, part Vulcan boy of two months who had been created with both their DNAs. He had dark hair, pointed ears, and the bluest of eyes.

M’Rasha gazed down at her brother from her height in Jim’s arm. “Saran looks like he’s going potty again, Daddy.”

Spock sighed. “No doubt. I will go and change him.”

“Meet us by the tree in the living room when you’re finished.”

Jim bent down slightly in the kitchen to pick up the mug of hot chocolate. The mug was made out of unbreakable material after one too many messes when his daughter had dropped her mug.

He carried her to the living room where M’Nisarr, Granny, and Grandpa all sat by the Christmas tree.

His mother and Spock’s father now split their time between Earth and New Vulcan. For the Terran holidays, they were here with Spock and Jim in San Francisco. In the summer, they’d been married in a ceremony on New Vulcan. It was weird, yes, but not really in a bad way. His mother was quite happy and Sarek was content.

Starfleet had decided that they weren’t quite ready to allow children on a Starship, so Admiral Kirk sat behind a desk most days and Spock resumed teaching at the Academy. It was a good life. Especially now with the addition of Saran.

Jim set M’Rasha down so she could plop herself in Granny’s lap, one of her favorite places to sit. Spock came up beside Jim, holding a newly changed Saran.

Jim leaned over to place a reasonably chaste kiss on Spock’s lips. “Love you.

“Love you more,” Spock said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Jim grinned. “Love you much—”

“James Tiberius,” his mother admonished.

He laughed. “Well. Anyway. Whose gonna start the first Christmas Carol?”

“You, Daddy!” M’Nisarr yelled.

Since they both called he and Spock Daddy, Jim wasn’t really sure which one they meant, but he met Spock’s gaze.

“Want to start it together?”

Spock arched a brow. “You know that I am not fond of singing Terran Christmas songs.”

“Fine then.” Jim walked over to his son, picked up M’Nisarr as he had previously done his sister, and said, “Come on. We’ll start it together.”

M’Nisarr smiled shyly but he nodded.

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Glory to Our Newborn King!”

July 19, 2021

Christmas in July, Post 7

Jim opened the farmhouse door to young Vanik.

Jim frowned. “Vanik?” He looked beyond the boy but saw no one else. “Are you alone?”

“I am, Jim,” the boy said. “I came to speak with you about Uncle Spock.”

“How did you get here?”

“By shuttle of course.”

Jim rolled his eyes. “Do your parents know you’re here?”

“No.”

“You’d better come inside. Your ears are probably getting frostbite.” He yanked the young half-Vulcan into the house.

“About my uncle—”

“Forget it.”

“But he is most apologetic and misses you terribly.”

Jim closed the door and gazed down at the boy. “Did he send you?”

“No,” Vanik admitted. “But I know that it is true.”

“Vanik, you’re just a kid, but you’re going to find out in life that sometimes relationships just don’t work out.”

“Perhaps. But that is not true in your case. You are fated mates.”

Jim snorted. “Yeah, whatever. Your uncle is a big jerk.”

Vanik nodded. “That is no doubt true, but I know that nevertheless, he cares for you a great deal. He wishes to apologize.”

“Then why isn’t he here instead of you?” Jim raised both eyebrows expectantly.

“He wants to but he is shy.”

Jim actually laughed at that. “Uh-huh. I’d better contact your parents.”

Vanik bit his lip. “If you like, you can return with me to San Francisco and meet with Uncle Spock.”

“Can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because I agreed to spend the Christmas holidays with my mother and she arrives here in two days. I’ll have to get your parents to come get you. I don’t know how in the world they let you travel here alone.”

“I am not a child.”

“You are ten years old. That’s a kid.”

Jim walked further into the house with Vanik following.

“You could contact Spock to come and get me.”

“I think it’s better to contact your parents.”

Vanik stopped and looked at the Christmas tree Jim had been putting up in the living room. “I could help you finish decorating the pine.”

“Well, maybe, while we wait for your folks. It’s probably okay. You sit there while I contact them.”

Vanik sighed and did as he was told. “Very well.”

*****

It was a couple of hours later when Jim heard the doorbell ring. With Vanik’s help, he had finished decorating the tree and had even strung the lights on it, which he’d just turned on. It looked pretty good, he decided. And his mom would be pleased.

He had gotten Vanik a cup of warm cider and a plate of cookies, so he sat on the couch now and munched away.

“That’ll be your folks.”

Jim smiled at the boy and went to the front door to greet Sybok and Anoria.

He blinked into the face of Spock.

His former boyfriend wore a big fluffy navy sweater and he looked unexpectedly pale.

“Jim.” His name was like a soft whisper on Spock’s lips.

“Spock?”

“I…miss you.”

Jim’s stomach flipped. “You…aren’t here to collect Vanik?”

Spock frowned. “What?”

“The kid he’s here. I contacted Sybok. I thought maybe he sent you.”

“No.” Spock shook his head. He reached for Jim and pulled him out into the yard. And though it was cold and their breath could be seen, Jim didn’t really mind. “I miss you every moment of every hour of every day. I cannot sleep or eat or do anything, really. I love you more than mere words can convey. If you will forgive me and allow me back into your life, I will spend every moment of every hour of every day convincing you that I am worthy of your affections.”

“Well I…” Jim’s throat clogged and he attempted to swallow. “I think somewhere in there was an apology.”

“A most humble one. I cannot guarantee I will not upset you again, Jim, but please know that I never intentionally hurt you, for you are the most precious being in all the universe to me.”

“Spock,” Jim said, brokenly, throwing himself into Spock’s arms. The Vulcan’s arms came around him, holding him so close he could barely breathe, and he cared not at all.

“Then you forgive me?” Spock asked.

“Yes. Yes, of course.”

“You will return to our home in San Francisco?”

“Yes. Well. No. I mean not yet. Mom’s coming for Christmas and I said I’d stay through the new year.” Jim pulled back to look at him. But Spock barely let him go. “Will you stay here with me?”

“There is no way I am going anywhere without you.”

“Yay!”

They turned as one to see Vanik standing in the doorway to the farmhouse clapping.

“Vanik,” Spock said, shaking his head. “When your father comes—”

“Actually.” Vanik cleared his throat. “I contacted my parents and advised them that now that you are here, I wish to stay for the Terran holiday season as Jim’s guest.”

Spock stared. “Vanik—”

Jim chuckled. He felt too happy to do much else. Spock still held on to him. “It’s okay, Spock. He can stay.”

Spock glanced at him. “Are you certain? I can make sure that my brother collects the pest.”

“Really. It’s fine.” Jim kissed him. Spock kissed him back. “Come on. Let’s go inside where it’s warm.”

“That would be most agreeable.”

Jim went to move but Spock kept him there. “You have to let me go so I can walk.”

“Perhaps I should carry you.”

“Spock.”

Spock sighed. “Very well.”

And he released Jim but took his hand almost immediately. Together they entered the house, Vanik before them, and went to begin their celebration.

It was very merry indeed.

July 16, 2021

Christmas in July, Post 6.5

This is an AU where Spock joins Jim in his San Francisco high school (in this little flash, Jim lives with his mom there, rather than in Riverside, though I don’t explicitly state any of this). Just a little extra something.

“You go ask him.”

“Are you crazy? I’m not doing it.”

Heavy sigh.

“Come on, Jimmy. You’re the only one he kind of likes.”

Jim eyed the kid who’d said that. Sandy was his name. Short for Alexander.

“Oh, that guarantees my success,” Jim replied, sarcastically. “I’ll start with that. ‘oh, hey, new guy, since you almost like me, at least more than any of the rest, could you…”

“Just do it, Kirk.” It was always the girls who thought they were tough. And it was one of them that had just shoved him toward the new guy.

Jim stuck his hands in his pockets, gave one last derisive look to his so-called friends, and sauntered up to the picnic table where the new guy sat, nose in a book. A paper one.

He cleared his throat but that got him nothing.

Jim scowled in his friends direction when he heard the snicker. He sat down then across from the guy.

“So…Vulcan, huh?”

Great opening line there, Jimmy. No wonder he’s still ignoring you.

“You’re the new guy.”

Very slowly dark eyes rose up to stare at him. They made Jim shiver.

“I know who I am,” he said. “Who are you?”

So much for the theory he kind of liked Jim if he didn’t even know his name.

“Jim. Uh. Kirk.”

“Is it Jim or is it Kirk?”

“Both. Jim Kirk. Like you know, a last name. What’s yours?”

“Spock.”

“Spock what? Or, um, what Spock?”

“Just Spock.”

Jim nodded. “Like um, Cher or Charo. Like that.”

“I have no idea who they are.”

Jim laughed a little. “I don’t know them either.”

“Then why mention them?”

“They’re from, you know, like the past. Long past I just thought…well that compared to Spock. Just Spock.”

Spock stared at him.

Jim shifted. “Um, so, want to join the Glee Club?”

“The what?”

“Glee Club. We sing. We’re about to do a holiday concert.”

“Holiday.”

“Uh-huh. We’re planning on singing Hark the Herald for one.”

“I am not familiar with that.”

“Oh come on. You’ve got to know that. It’s famous. Also gonna sing Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

“Going to.”

Jim nodded.

Spock put his book down. “What I mean is, you are not speaking properly. It’s ‘going to sing Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Not gonna.”

Jim scowled. “I know proper grammar, dude.”

“It is most curious then as to why you do not use it.”

“Are you going to join the Club or not?”

Spock leaned back. “What else are you going to sing?”

“Couple other Christmas songs. And some for Hanukkah. The usual stuff you sing at these kinds of concerts. You get extra credit if you join. Don’t worry if you sing like a frog. So does Ralph and he’s still a member.”

“I do not sing like a frog.”

Jim shrugs. “I didn’t mean anything by it. Well? What do you say?”

Spock didn’t respond at first. He finally said, “And you are in this Glee Club?”

He smiled. “Yep. Glee Club President.”

“What does a Glee Club president do?”

“Ask others to join,” Jim joked. “Well, whaddya say?”

“Since you clearly need help with your education, Jim Kirk, I will assist you with your club.”

Jim held up his hand for a high five. Spock stared at his hand.

“You’re supposed to hit me.”

“Why would I strike you?”

“Not me, dummy. My hand.”

“Isn’t it part of you?”

“Now see. I think, maybe, we can help each other out, Spock. You can teach me to speak proper grammar and I can teach you how to be a real person on Earth.”

“A real person.”

“Yep. You’re here going to school right now cause your pop’s the ambassador dude, right?”

Spock gave him a look. “I suppose the answer is affirmative.”

Jim grinned. “All right then, Spock. Stick we with me. It’s gonna be great.”

Jim turned around and gave the thumbs up to his friends.

“What is the meaning of that gesture? Is it obscene?”

He laughed. “Nah. That’s this one.” Jim showed him. “But never mind. Come on. It’s time for Jim Kirk Course One.”

“When do we rehearse the songs?”

Jim liked that Spock got up from the picnic table and followed him.

“Tomorrow afternoon. But today, you’re just going to hang out with me and benefit from the experience.”

That earned him an eyebrow raise, but Jim slung an arm around Spock’s shoulders and led him away from his group of friends. Jim wanted Spock to himself.

“Now, the song goes, Hark the Herald Angels Sing…”

July 15, 2021

Christmas in July, Post 6

Here we come a-Wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a wandering,
So fairly to be seen.
Here we come a wandering
So fairly to be seen.
Love and joy come to you
And to you a Wassail too
God bless you and send you,
A Happy New Year
God send you a Happy New Year.

“Captain? Jim?”

Jim turned off the water in the shower. “Uh. Sorry, Spock. Was I too loud?”

“You were quite…boisterous.”

“Can you hand me that towel, Spock?”

Spock handed Jim the big towel, gaze averted.

Jim used it to briefly dry off, then wrapped it around him.

“I guess I’m a little excited for the holiday party.”

Spock finally looked at him. “I was unaware you were particularly fond of Terran celebrations.”

“Sure. I mean, you know.” Jim shrugged. “With Carol Marcus back on the ship…”

“I see. Then you intend to make your move as they say.”

Jim smiled. “You could say that. You’ll be there, right?”

Spock made a small face, but he nodded. “I did say I would. Unlike you, I am not anticipating it at all.”

“It good for crew morale. See you there.”

And he exited the bathroom to get ready.

Much later, Jim was approached at the holiday celebration by Bones.

The doctor looked him up and down. “You pulled out all the stops tonight. I hate to admit it, Jim, but you’re looking particularly fetching.”

Jim laughed and batted his lashes. “Why thank you.”

“Got some kind of plan?”

“I do.” Jim surveyed the party goers. “I’m finally going to act on my feelings.”

“Oh?” Bones smirked. “Sure of yourself, are you?”

“Not remotely,” Jim admitted. “But hopeful.” He put his hand on Bones’ arm. “I see the object of my affection. Catch you later.”

He started to cross the room.

“Oh! Jim! There you are.” Carol Marcus moved in front of him. She wore a sparkly Christmas green dress. She smiled prettily at him. “I’ve been waiting for you to arrive.”

“Don’t you look beautiful? Hi, Carol.”

“Want to get a drink?” she asked.

“I’d love to.”

She started to link her arm with his.

“But…I’ll have to take a raincheck.”

Her face fell. “I-I don’t understand.”

“There’s someone else I’m hoping to spend time with tonight. I’m sorry.”

Jim moved away and then stopped in the middle of the rec room. He could no longer see the object of his affection. His disappointment threatened to choke him. He turned around.

There.

Jim almost ran, afraid to be disappointed again, if he was too late.

He stopped, held up the mistletoe and then delated, suddenly feeling foolish.

“Captain?” Spock arched a brow. “Are you all right?”

“No.” Jim shook his head. “Spock—”

“What? What is wrong?” Spock put his hands on Jim’s forearms.

“I just…I realized this was a really bad idea.” Jim moistened his lips. “Want to get out of here?”

“Leave the holiday party?” Spock frowned minutely. “I thought your intention was to make your move on Doctor Marcus.”

“No, my intent was to make my move on you,” Jim clarified. “I brought…mistletoe.”

“Mistletoe?”

“Yeah, it’s a thing, where…”

Spock shook his head. “I know what it is.”

Jim searched Spock’s face. “You do? Spock, I…”

“Am I to understand your intentions were toward me and not Doctor Marcus?”

Jim laughed. It was all just so absurd. “Yeah. I was trying to be coy and subtle and that never works for me.”

Spock’s lips twitched. “Yes.”

“Yes?”

“I would like to leave the holiday party and go to your quarters.”

Jim’s mood was definitely improving. “Yeah? You would?”

“Indeed. I would prefer to make my move on you in private.”

Jim grinned. “Well, Merry Christmas to me!”

“Love and Joy come to you?” Spock asked as he took Jim’s arm and led him from the party.

“I sure hope so, Spock. I sure hope so.”

July 14, 2021

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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