July Flashes

Flash Fic, July 28, 2023

Jim held up the sonogram for Spock to see. “There you are. Proof positive.”

Spock let out a long breath. “What do you intend to do?”

He shook his head. “I’ll have to talk to Komack.”

“Komack?” The doctor standing near them repeated. “Is that the father?

Jim and Spock turned as one to stare at the doctor.

“What? Komack? Admiral Komack?”

The doctor shrugged.

Jim snorted. “Definitely not Komack. I mean there was that one time, but that was a long time ago—”

“Jim.”

He cleared his throat. “Sorry.” He glared at the doctor. “Spock’s the father. Or actually I am. I’m nobody’s mother.”

This time the doctor smirked. “If you say so. By my calculations she’s going to be born right around the end of July. Christmas in July. Quite the present.” The doctor chortled and seemed to ignore the side-eye look Jim aimed his way.

“She?” Spock repeated. “Then the infant will be a girl?”

“She’s already a girl, yes. You’re four months along, Captain. You can finish up here and meet my nurse outside for instructions and to make your next appointment.” He eyed them both. “Congratulations.”

After the doctor left, Jim grimaced. “There goes my Starfleet career.”

“You may be able to work at HQ. But likely your starship career will be impacted.” Spock paused. “As will mine. You won’t be doing this alone, Jim.”

“I knew when that alien fucked with me all those years ago something like this would be the result.”

“All will be well,” Spock promised.

“You aren’t the guy who’s pregnant.” Jim sighed and pulled his shirt on and rose from the examination bed. “A Christmas in July baby? What’s that about?’

“I have no idea.”

“Does that mean we gotta name her Holly?”

Spock’s lips twitched. “I would not object if we named her Amanda.”

Jim’s frown slipped away and he smiled. “After your mama.”

“Indeed.”

“Then that’s definitely her name.” Jim kissed Spock. “Amanda, our little girl. Come on. Let’s get out of here.”

July 28, 2023

Flash Fic, July 26, 2023

A conclusion

Jim woke to the smell of coffee and pancakes. Pumpkin pancakes, it seemed. His favorite.

He turned to face Spock, but the bed was empty.

So he wasn’t dreaming of someone making him breakfast.

For a moment, his gaze stayed on the new titanium ring on his left hand. The Vulcan inscription read One and Together.

Both his and Spock’s hand the same inscription, of course. And that had been Spock’s doing way back when.

The wedding had been spur of the moment, really, on a very brief mandated appearance at HQ. And yet even with just a few hours notice, Spock had managed to get a couple of inexpensive rings engraved.

The best laid plans, Jim mused as his gaze went to the ornament box he’d bought to present their new rings to Spock.

He rose from their bed, washed up in the bathroom, and went downstairs to the lower half of their townhome.

Sure enough, Spock had turned on the lights on the Christmas tree and placed a cup of coffee and pumpkin pancakes in Jim’s place at the dining room table.

“Good morning,” Jim said, as he took his seat. “Looks good.”

“Made from scratch,” Spock replied. “Merry Christmas.”

“Sit down with me.”

Spock carried a plate of pancakes to the table and sat in his usual seat.

Jim reached for his hand and Spock placed his hand in Jim’s.

“It’s okay,” he said softly.

“It is not okay that I hurt and disappointed you.”

“We’ve always known about our duty interfering with our personal lives.”

Spock frowned. “Maybe it’s time we reevaluate.”

Jim laughed softly. “Like what? Retire?”

“Would that be so bad?” Spock asked. “I should have let you know the meeting was off the rails.”

He laughed again. “Man, are you being influenced by me.”

“It was. I could get no one to shut up. And I admit I did not notice how late it really was.” Spock shook his head. “And those sound like many excuses and in reality I have none.”

“I wouldn’t say that. It’s not like you could stand up and say, hey, my husband is waiting for me.”

“I could have. I should have. You were upset.”

“I was, yeah. But I’ve had time to think about it. I’m not saying I don’t wish things worked out the way I planned last night. But there’ve been plenty of times I was late because of some stupid Starfleet or Federation thing. And in the end, there’s no one else I’d rather be stood up by then you.”

Spock looked confused and then shook his head. “That is illogical.”

Jim smiled. “So’s that slightly longer canine tooth on your left side of your mouth.”

Spock arched a brow.

“It’s cute. It’s always been cute. My point is, I don’t want to be with anyone but you, even if sometimes I still want to tear the bangs right off your forehead. I love you, warts and all.”

“There are some that say I am unworthy of you,” Spock whispered.

“Right back at ya.” Jim squeezed his hand. “We decided long ago we didn’t care what anyone said about us.”

“I know. But I still apologize. I am sorry I ruined Christmas Eve and I will endeavor to do better. And the new rings are appreciated.”

“Inscription and all.”

“Indeed. And when you are finished with breakfast, I would like to go for a walk.”

“Okay, sure.”

“What’s this?” Jim asked when Spock brought Jim back to the park and a live tree decorated with Christmas lights.

Spock took both of Jim’s hands in his.

“Will you marry me…again?”

Jim laughed, moved close to kiss him. “You bet I will. And I promise not to be late.”

July 26, 2023

Flash Fic, July 24, 2023

Spock knew when he saw the empty table in the restaurant that he’d messed up. He didn’t realize how badly then. It was a table for two and there was a half-empty glass of red wine on the abandoned table. He also spotted a small individual teapot with a tea strainer and cup beside it.

Above the table was a giant red ball with a gold finial attached to it. It was sparkling with glitter. A Christmas bulb.

Guilt, shame, and disappointment in himself assailed him and his heart hurt.

He turned away and walked back toward the entrance of the restaurant where the hostess stood behind a podium.

“Excuse me. Can you advise me how long ago that man at the table left?”

“Oh, the admiral? Twenty minutes ago. He was stood up if you can believe it.” She made a tsking sound.

“I can believe it.”

She then stared at him. Spock knew the moment when she realized. “Oh. You’re the one he was supposed to meet.”

“Yes.”

She reached behind the podium and withdrew a small ornament box. “He left this.”

Spock held it in his hands, further dismayed. “Which direction did he go”

“Toward the park. He said to watch the ice skaters.”

Spock shoved the ornament box in his coat pocket and left the restaurant, hurrying toward the park.

Around him he heard festive holiday music and he recalled the date was December 24^th, Christmas Eve. And also the anniversary of when…that was a few years back now and it was not something Spock really thought about. Vulcans didn’t consider such things important, but Humans…

He spotted Jim huddled in a coat sitting on a bench observing a group of boisterous ice skaters on the temporary pond the city had set up for the holidays.

Spock rushed over and sat beside Jim, who continued to gaze out at the skaters.

“I am sorry I was late.”

“Late? Ten minutes is late. Ninety minutes is a no show.”

Spock swallowed the heavy lump. “I…the meeting went far past the time I anticipated. And I…did forget the day.”

“Christmas Eve,” Jim said softly. He shook his head. “I know you don’t care about Earth celebrations.”

“I care about you and what is important to you. It was thoughtless and insensitive of me to forget.” Spock withdrew the box. “You left this.”

“My Christmas present to you.” Jim took it from Spock and looked at it. “We never did get proper rings. They were flimsy and bought in haste. I guess I thought it was time to replace them.”

Jim flipped open the box to display two titanium men’s wedding rings.

Unbidden and unwanted tears sprung to Spock’s eyes and he found it difficult to speak. Jim watched him but didn’t say anything.

His hand shaking, Spock took the box from Jim’s hand. He carefully withdrew one and placed it on Jim’s finger. Then he placed the other on his own.

“Same inscriptions we got on the cheap ones,” Jim whispered.

:”I saw. Did you…did you want to go back to the restaurant?”

“No, I have a better idea.” Jim stood and held out his hand for Spock to take. “Let’s go home.”

“Wherever you are is my home.”

Jim smiled then and holding Spock’s hand they left the park for home.

July 24, 2023

Flash Fic, July 21, 2023

“We’re about to close, Professor.”

Jim stood at the edge of the little alcove where he always found the Vulcan professor seated at a table. Since the Academy’s fall session started Jim found Professor Spock in the library almost every night going over the Academy’s science texts on a terminal there.

Spock glanced at him. “I did not realize how late it was.”

“Last night before the winter break,” Jim said, leaning against the wall to observe him. “Going to go home to Vulcan?”

Spock paused for a moment, then closed all his notebooks and signed out of the terminal. “Vulcan is no longer my home. San Francisco is.”

“Yeah. I mean to see your folks or whatever.”

“They are not on Vulcan at present. My father is ambassador to Earth. They are in New York.”

“Mm. So—”

“No, Cadet. My intention is to stay here during the semester break. And yourself?”

Jim smiled. “I’ll be here too. I’ve got no family on Earth right now to spend any time with, so might as well stick around here.”

He moved into the alcove and noticing Spock didn’t seem to be getting up yet, Jim took the chair next to him.

“You probably don’t really go for holiday celebrations.”

“As Vulcans, my father and I follow Vulcan culture and history. My mother is Human, however.”

“Yeah? What about her then?”

“She gave up most Earth celebrations to adapt to life with my father.”

Jim snorted. “I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to change your whole way of thinking and being just for one person.”

Spock inclined his head. “Indeed but it was a choice she made when she accepted my father’s marriage proposal.”

“Why’d they get married?”

“My father indicated it was a logical decision.”

Jim outright laughed. “Yeah okay. If you’re using logic to figure out your relationships, well…good luck.”

“You don’t appreciate logic?”

“Not when it comes to two individuals connecting on a deeper level. What have you been studying here anyway? A guy like you? I’d think you had pretty much all the modern equipment and knowledge in your own residence.”

He was surprised when Spock appeared to be blushing, and then hurriedly stood up.

“I should be going as you are wanting to close the library.”

“Hey, it’s all right. You have a few minutes.” Jim rose too. “In fact, I don’t know. Maybe you want to get some coffee with me?”

“That will be acceptable.”

Jim smiled. “Great. Let me just go take care of a few things and I’ll meet you at the exit doors.”

Jim met Spock there about fifteen minutes later and after locking up, they made a short walk to a coffee and tea place.

Jim got a peppermint chocolate latte and Spock got a gingerbread spiced latte with cashew nut milk.

“So, what are you going to do with your winter break then?”

“I do not know,” Spock admitted. “Most of those I have become acquainted with have other plans.”

“Except me.”

Spock’s gaze rose from his coffee. “Except you.”

“You never did say what you’ve been studying at the library since September.”

Spock sighed. “I have been studying you.”

Jim blinked. “Me?”

“I have been fascinated by you since I first laid eyes on you.”

Jim laughed. “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

“I am…shy.”

He reached over and put his hand on Spock’s. “We are definitely spending the winter break together.”

July 21, 2023

Flash Fic, July 19, 2023

Photo by Kristina Paukshtite on Pexels.com

Spock was engrossed in correspondence from his father when a tiny hand touched the sleeve of his upper arm.

“Fix it.”

He turned his gaze to see his daughter with Jim staring at him with wide eyes and a tear-stained face. She had in her hand the stuffed reindeer Jim had secured for her for her birthday. At first he could not see any issue with it, but then noticed an ear clutched separately between her fingers.

“What happened?” Spock asked, as he scooped her up into his lap. She instantly looped her free arm around his neck to snuggle closer.

“He got his ear caught in the gate of his reindeer pen,” Amanda told him.

“Did he? And how did that happen?”

“Trying to escape.”

Spock frowned. “Why would he want to escape? Is he not happy here with you?”

“Sure he is,” she told him, her bottom lip trembling. “But Martin misses the other reindeers.”

“I had not thought about that. No doubt he wishes for a companion of some sort. Other than a humanoid one of course.”

Amanda smiled a little. “Exactly, Father. Fix it.”

Spock took the reindeer and his ear and examined it. “Give me one moment while I see what I have for this.”

He carefully untangled his daughter from his neck and set her on his chair by herself, taking the reindeer with him.

“Wait there. I will be back.”

Spock went into the bathroom and examined the contents of the medicine cabinet. He also took a moment to message Jim.

When he returned to the living room, Amanda waited expectantly with her hands folded neatly in her lap.

“Can you fix Martin, Father?”

Spock held up a box of bandages, a thermal generator, and super glue.

Amanda shook her head. “No. You gotta sew his ear back on!”

“Not just glue it?”

She huffed.

“I admit that sewing is not a skill I ever learned.”

“Daddy can sew.”

Spock withheld a sigh and just stopped himself from sarcastically and illogically saying ‘Daddy is perfect’. Vulcans were by nature not given to fits of childishness.

“Then we will wait for Daddy to come home to repair Martin.”

She made a face but Spock distracted her with a promise of reading a story while they waited for Daddy.

An hour later, Jim appeared, looking gorgeous and sunny, and stealing both of their hearts all over again.

Amanda ran to him, flinging herself straight into his arms. He laughed and spun her around. Spock went and kissed him much more sedately, though with just as much enthusiasm.

“Martin’s ear got torn off, Daddy.”

“Mm. So I heard. We’ll sew that right up.”

Amanda shot Spock a smug look. He arched his brow back at her.

Behind his back, Jim shoved a bag at Spock.

Spock stepped back as Jim brought their daughter further into the living room. He opened the bag and pulled out another stuffed reindeer.

He followed them to the living room.

“Guess what,” Spock said.

“What?”

“Just a moment ago Santa dropped another reindeer down so that Martin could have a companion,” Spock told her, feeling fairly silly, but happy to do so when she smiled excitedly and clapped her hand as he presented it to her.

“Yay!”

“What’s this one’s name?” Jim asked.

Amanda pursed her lips. “Cornelius.”

Spock nodded. “A very wise name.”

Jim smiled. “Okay, let’s sew up Martin’s ear and he can show Cornelius the reindeer pen.”

Barely withholding a smile of his own, Spock returned to his seat as Amanda and Jim went to the sewing machine.

He typed out to his father.

Life is very good.

July 19, 2023

Flash Fic, July 17, 2023

J wanted some Regency Pinto and though I didn’t feel like setting this little snippet of their life at Christmas (I’ll get something like that done at actual Christmas time), Christmas IS mentioned so I decided this qualifies for Christmas in July!

It was a lazy summer day with Chris spending most of the day in his parlor reading.

The day was warm in the country, warmer than he generally enjoyed, so he decided to stay inside.

He was half asleep on the settee when there was a brisk knock on the parlor door.

“Hmm?”

“Sorry, milord, but you have a visitor.”

Chris straightened and wiped his eyes. “A visitor, Lang? Who is it?”

Lang was one of only three servants he kept at the country estate regularly. The other being his housekeeper, Mrs. Dunphy, and the cook.

“Viscount Quinton, sir.”

Excitement and happiness bubbled up inside him. “Zachary? Wonderful. Show him in at one, Lang.”

He stood and smoothed down his cotton lawn shirt, discarding his already loosened cravat in a nearby chair.

Zach came sauntering in a moment later, looking the picture of perfecting in fawn colored breeched and coat with a cream colored shirt and cravat. His hair had gotten a touch longer and he held it back with a neat bow.

“Lord Christopher,” he called out, smiling.

Lang stood just behind him. “Tea, milord?”

“Tea, Zach?”

“Not just yet, Lang. I’ll ring for it later if required. Just some privacy if you please. Have Mrs. Dunphy set up the bed chamber next to mine. And do tell Cook there will be an extra person for supper.”

Lang bowed and closed the door.

Immediately Zach came to him and folded him into his arms.

“This is unexpected,” Chris murmured against him. “Though not unwelcome. I thought you were in London.”

“And I was. But I haven’t seen you since Christmas and I’ve missed you so.”

“You are staying?”

“For at least tonight if not a second night. Then I must return to London.”

“Whatever time we can have together is wonderful.”

They found each’s mouths then, enjoying a long lingering kiss. Zach touched Chris’ jaw.

“You’re quite bristly.”

“No need for shaving when there’s only me.”

“I don’t mind it, believe me.” Zach closed his eyes. “It’s been far too long.”

“Agreed. But it can’t be helped. Come lie here on the settee with me. We can have a lazy day together. Dreaming of more Christmases to come.”

“Mmm. Sounds perfect.”

And yes, Chris thought later, it was.

July 17, 2023

Flash Fic July 14, 2023

A continuation of Wednesday’s flash

Spock opened the door to his nephew wearing a “Squad” T-shirt. For a moment, Spock just blinked at him.

“I am here for the celebratory festivities,” Vanik announced with aplomb.

With a slight hesitation, Spock stepped aside to let the boy into the apartment he shared with Jim.

“Jim has not yet arrived home.”

Vanik frowned slightly. “I was certain of the time I was told to arrive.”

“Yes, I realize,” Spock replied. “Jim is late.”

And Spock had been growing concerned.

When Vanik had knocked, Spock had briefly felt a sense of relief, figuring Jim had knocked because he had his arms full of purchases he wished assistance with. But, alas, no, it was only Vanik.

He had sent messages to Jim’s communication device with an increasing sense of desperation. He figured when Jim finally saw the messages he’d think Spock was his stalker.

“What time was Jim expected?” Vanik wondered.

“An hour ago.”

Even as the words were out of his mouth, Spock’s communicator chirped.

A moment later, he closed it. “There has been an accident.”

****

“I’m perfectly sound, I assure you,” Jim said, as Spock brought him to their apartment sometime later. “I just have a few bumps and scrapes.”

“It’s the bumps that concern me. To bed with to rest, at once.”

“Spock—”

“It is the only reason they released you to my care, was my promise you would rest in bed for the night.”

Jim glanced in Vanik’s direction, who followed glumly behind them. He looked back at Spock. “Christmas in July—”

“Will have to be canceled,” Spock said shortly. “Rest.” Spock practically carried Jim into their room and set him on the bed. “You nearly gave me a heart attack which for a Vulcan is not easy.”

“Well.” Jim smiled and clasped his hand. “I didn’t do it on purpose.” His gaze went once more to the boy standing just inside the doorway. “I could rest on the couch.”

“Uncle Spock is right. You’re staying in bed is more important.”

But even Spock heard the waver in Vanik’s voice as Jim stared at Spock with raised eyebrows.

Spock sighed, getting his mate’s thoughts loud and clear. “I have an idea.”

****

A short time later, Jim was propped up on the bed, wearing his Christmas in July T-shirt, and two chairs had been brought into the bedroom, one occupied by a more cheerful a Vanik munching on a gingerbread Vulcan, and the first movie starting on the large screen Spock had moved there.

“Thank you,” Jim mouthed to Spock and then blew him a kiss. “Want a cookie?”

“Yes I will—”

“Shh,” Vanik said. “The movie is starting.”

July 14, 2023

Flash Fic, July 12, 2023

Never fear, you can find me here!

“Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus Lane. Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeers pulling on the reins. Bells are ringing, children singing, all is merry and bright. So hang your stockings and say your prayers, cause Santa Claus comes tonight.”

“It is difficult to believe that once more you are indulging my nephew with this.”

Jim glanced up from the cookies he was rolling out on a wooden board to look at his boyfriend who stood just outside the kitchen looking as grumpy as Bones.

“This?”

“Christmas in July. Vanik has filled your head with this non—”

Jim arched a brow.

Spock stopped, cleared his throat. “Notion. This notion.”

“You were going to say nonsense.”

“A poor word choice.”

“You bet it was,” Jim said, coolly. “What in the world makes you think it’s only Vanik that wants to do this?”

“Well.” Spock stopped and looked quite uncomfortable.

“Sometimes Humans like to do silly things they consider fun and as my mate it is your duty to indulge me.”

“I was unaware that you desired to participate in Christmas in July on your own without influence of my nephew’s wishes.”

“You didn’t ask,” Jim said. “And you know what? Even if it was just him, what’s wrong with indulging a child once in a while?”

Spock closed his mouth.

Jim snorted. “That’s what I thought. I know logic dictates that brain of yours, babe, but sometimes you need to set aside logic and just have fun. Or pretend you’re having fun anyway. And it’s not even a big deal. All we are going to do is have a few decorations, some holiday food like cookies, and watch Christmas movies while wearing our Christmas in July shirts.”

“Christmas in July shirts?” Now his boyfriend looked dumbfounded. It was a good look, Jim decided.

“Yep. Yours is on a hanger in the bedroom.” He smiled.

Spock blinked. “Very well, Jim. I will do my best to…have fun.”

“Excellent. Now let me get back to my gingerbread Vulcans.”

This time Spock snorted, but he turned and walked away, appropriately chastened, Jim decided.

July 12, 2023

Flash Fic, July 10, 2023

“Hey, Spock, how was—”

“Not now, Captain.”

And Spock practically ran down the corridor, holding his leather jacket closed as he entered a turbolift.

Jim turned to Uhura who had just exited the transporter room.

“What’s with Spock?”

She arched a brow. “How would I know?”

“Didn’t you guys spend shore leave together?”

Jim had abstained from shore leave this time. He’d been recuperating from an injury he’d gotten on a mission two months back and he had decided to stay on the ship and continue resting while doing some reports.

“As a group, sure. You know we’re not together anymore, so I didn’t watch his every move.” She looked at him. “I was surprised he came along as I figured he’d be looking after you.”

“He did too much of that when I was recovering, so I told him it was an order that he spend time on the planet.”

“I see. I think he was headed to his quarters, so you should probably check on him there.”

“So nothing weird happened?”

Uhura shrugged. “Not that I noticed, no. We all had a great time. That place had a Christmas in July Festival. It was fun, you would have loved it.”

“Probably. But the relative quiet here was nice too.”

“I’ve never known you to prefer quiet, Captain.”

“I’m turning over a new leaf.”

“Sure, sure. I’m dying for a big cup of coffee.” She yawned. “See you on the bridge later.”

She moved off and Jim sigh, deciding one thing she was right about. He needed to go see what was up with Spock.

****

Jim tried the door between the bathroom he shared with Spock to Spock’s quarters, the way he normally went into see Spock. It wouldn’t budge. Clearly locked.

“Spock?”

There was a loud thud.

“Spock?”

“One moment, Captain!”

Jim frowned and tried the door again. “Spock, what the hell is going on in there?”

There was another muffled sort of thud and just as Jim was preparing to go around to the main door of Spock’s quarters, the door opened and Spock stood there now dressed in his uniform, every hair neatly in place.

Jim eyed him suspiciously.

“What are you up to?”

“I…secured a present for you.”

“A present? What’s the occasion?” Jim moved closer. “Are you blushing?”

“It is possible,” Spock admitted. “For…Christmas.”

“In July?” Jim smiled. “It’s just a silly thing, Spock. It doesn’t require a present.”

Spock nodded. “Yes. But it was a ready excuse, plus I wanted to get something for you to address you recent depression over the length of your recovery period after your injury.”

“I’ve not been depressed,” Jim protested.

Spock arched a brow.

“Well, I hate being inactive and Bones kept me out for a long time. Totally longer than necessary.” Jim looked at Spock. “What’s my present?”

“I thought you did not require a present.”

“I don’t, but since you went to the trouble—”

Just then Jim heard a tiny little high-pitched meow. His eyes widened as Spock turned around, walked over to a drawer, and opened it. He reached out and pulled out a tiny furry cream colored fluffball.

“Spock!”

Spock’s lips curved as he put the kitten in Jim’s hands. “I have already arranged for the replicators to make cat food and arranged for her to have a litterbox. I have also cleared it with Starfleet.”

“You’ve thought of everything!”

“Well. Not everything. She will need a name.”

Jim grinned down as the kitten grabbed his finger. “Marshmallow.”

Spock made a snorting sound. “Very well.”

Jim leaned over and kissed Spock. “Thank you.”

“You are very welcome.”

July 10, 2023

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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