June Flashes

J’s Birthday Flash (and Flag Day)

“I cannot see!”

The crowd was thick so Jim could understand why Vanik was too short to see the parade for J Ashton’s 150^th birthday celebration.

The now legendary Starfleet Captain birthday had been June 14^th. For the last sixty years there had been a parade and festival to honor Captain Ashton’s heroics. She had died at the ripe old age of ninety.

Jim considered. Vanik was just a kid but he was a Vulcan kid so he was tall and fairly heavy for his age. Still…

“All right, let me see if I can get you to my shoulders.”

“I would not want you to hurt yourself. Perhaps it would be wise and logical to wait for Uncle Spock to join us.”

Jim rolled his eyes. “The parade will be over. The effigy of Captain Ashton is supposed to be on the next float.”

“Very well. But should you become injured in the melee, Uncle Spock must care for you.”

“There will be no melee.” He bent down, grabbed Vanik, and hoisted him up on his shoulders, wincing as he did so. Okay so yeah, the kid weighed more than a Human kid that was for sure. “Can you see?”

“Yes. You are quite correct. The likeness of Captain Ashton is extraordinary.”

“Good.” He grunted.

Vanik looked down. “You are in pain.”

“No,” Jim lied. “Watch the parade.”

Only a few minutes later, Spock appeared.

“Jim?”

“He couldn’t see. And you know, he’s studying J Ashton in school.”

Spock nodded and reached up, easily taking Vanik from Jim’s shoulders. Jim winced and moved his shoulders around.

“You should have waited,” Spock said quietly.

“He shouldn’t have to miss any of it. It’s okay.”

Much later they returned to the apartment building and took a pleasantly tired Vanik back to his parents.

“You missed the parade yourself,” Spock pointed out as he began to knead Jim’s sore shoulders as Jim rested on his stomach on their bed.

“It’ll stream after my massage.” He closed his eyes.

“You are remarkable.”

Jim laughed. “Nah, he loves the story of Captain Ashton. He’s been talking about the birthday parade for days. Sore shoulders are nothing. And that’s what I have you for.”

“Indeed.”

“And perhaps for a little bit more.”

“I thought you wanted to stream the birthday parade.”

Jim flopped over onto his back and held out his arms. Spock leaned down at kissed him. And yes, the streaming could definitely wait.

June 14, 2023

Four

“I can’t believe it.”

Spock blinked. A moment ago, Jim was smiling and laughing, seated at the dining table across from Spock, those blue eyes of his sparking with mirth and affection that made Spock’s heart beat faster. Anticipation had flowed through Spock that this would be a terrific night of intimacy and perhaps even declaration he had been hoping for.

But Jim’s tone had changed to be ice cold and every trace of enjoyment slipped off his face as if it had been an illusion.

“What is it? What is wrong?”

“Franks is here.”

“Your stepfather?”

“Yes.” Jim shoots daggers toward a tall, gray-haired man sitting at a table several feet away from theirs. “Ex.”

“I assure you he will get nowhere near you ever again.”

“I’m not afraid of him.” Jim thrust aside his napkin and rose. “I have to go.”

To Spock’s shock, Jim stormed out of the restaurant.

He took care of the bill and then hurried after him. He didn’t have far too go. Jim was by the Pier, gazing out at the ocean.

Jim shook his head when Spock approached. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin things for tonight.”

They were on a very brief shore leave. It was back to the Enterprise tomorrow.

“You did not.”

“Yeah I did.” Jim sighed. “Of all the damn places for him to show up. I don’t know why I still let him get to me.”

Spock pulled him close, arms wrapped around him. He could feel a lot of turmoil coming from Jim.

“What are you thinking?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Let me see.”

Spock put his hand to Jim’s face.

“What you want doesn’t matter, you are no one.”

Spock narrowed his eyes and looked at Jim’s face. “That is so far from the truth as to be truly astonishing.”

Jim’s lips curved slightly. “Yeah?”

“You are everything and I love you.”

“Well, if you of all people, love me that has to count for something,” Jim said in an overly jovial manner.

“I will gladly see that he is wiped off the planet, if that is what you desire,” Spock said, quite seriously.

Jim sighed and shook his head. “His very existence doesn’t bother me, Spock. I promise. It just…I was having a really good night, and him being there just surprised me.” He grabbed Spock’s hand. “Let’s go back to the hotel.”

“Definitely. But give me a moment to settle with the restaurant. I will be right back.”

Spock left Jim there for a moment. And of course he already had settled, with the restaurant anyway, but there was something else he needed to do.

Jim was giving him as strange look when he reappeared. He reached up and straightened Spock’s hair. “How’d you get your hair messy?”

Spock replied, “I am sure I do not know.”

June 13, 2023

Three

“Oh, hey.”

Spock could not decide based on the tone of Jim’s voice or even the expression on Jim’s face if his seeking out Jim’s location on observation deck was welcome.

Earlier, when Spock was unable to reach him, he had learned Jim was at 10 Forward, and so was McCoy, so Spock had left him to it. But when Spock went to Jim’s quarters later, Jim was still not there, and Spock had discovered through the computer he was at his current location.

“Been looking for me?”

“Affirmative.” Spock paused. “If my presence is unwelcome, I will leave.”

“You’re never unwelcome,” Jim said softly, before turning his gaze away to the stars. “You heard?”

“Yes. I am sorry for the loss of your brother. I grieve with thee.”

“I hadn’t even seen him in years, you know? He didn’t care about me, so why should I care about him?”

“Emotions are seldom logical.”

Jim snorted. “That’s an understatement.”

Spock was pleased when Jim turned and threw himself into Spock’s arms. Spock closed his arms around Jim and held him there.

“I love you,” Spock told him.

“I know,” Jim whispered. “Thank you. I need you so much right now.”

Spock was glad to hear it and though it was not yet the three words he longed to hear, for now, it would be enough.

The final three parts will be next week sometime. Not Wednesday, as Ji’s birthday flash will be that day but on the other days. We shall see which ones!

June 9, 2023

Two

“Is he conscious?” Spock demanded of Doctor McCoy.

“Mostly. He’s going in and out.”

“Can I see him?”

“Just don’t stress him out. Keep things low key. I want his vitals to stay stable while I continue to monitor him for systemic infection.”

Spock agreed not to upset Jim and went to the biobed where Jim lay after yet another injury he sustained on a planetary mission.

Jim’s blue eyes followed his approach and Jim’s lips curved in a tiny smile. “Hey.”

Spock pointed to his hair. “That bit of gray is your fault.”

Jim laughed quietly. “Nice try. You have no gray hair.”

“I do not know why,” Spock said softly.

“I’m sorry.”

“I am aware.” Spock smoothed the hair off Jim’s face. “You should rest. Get some sleep.”

“How’s the ship?”

“It is fine. Do not be concerned. Close your eyes. I will be here when you wake.”

“Promise?”

“Always.” As Jim closed his eyes, Spock leaned down and kissed his forehead. “I love you.”

But of course Jim was asleep.

June 8, 2023

Five Plus One (and One)

It’s that time again, time for a 5 plus 1 story. And since I did a 5 times Jim told Spock he loved him and the one time Spock told Jim, well… I am sure you get the theme.

One

Spock hadn’t ever said I Love You to Nyota. He had managed to get by with things like “I hold you in the highest regard” and “I care about you” and even “You have my affections”. Once he had said, “There is no one else I would rather be with”. That had been true at the time. Until it wasn’t true anymore. Yes, he still cared and still held her in high regard, but ultimately someone else held his affections and he did want to be with Jim, their captain.

Their breakup had been messier than Spock had wanted it to be. They’d ended things before Krall and Altamid, back when Spock had thought he was going to New Vulcan. And when he changed his mind, based on Jim’s needs—but no, based on his own needs—Nyota had misunderstood. He had gone to save her when she was in danger, because of his affection for her, and he had attended Jim’s birthday party to spend time with her, but also Jim, and she had thought it meant he wanted to continue their relationship. When Spock explained the truth, well, the end had been messy. They were better now. All of them.

Spock had established a romantic relationship with Jim when Jim expressed a mutual interest. The sexual part had been beyond anything Spock could have imagined.

Two months into that relationship and spending almost every single night with Jim, either making love or just sleeping together, Spock had dared to whisper those three words for the first time in his life, “I love you.”

He had felt Jim’s smile against his bare arm and Jim had given him a hard squeeze.

And said, “Who do you think should be on tomorrow’s landing party?”

Spock had replied, dutifully, of course, and the moment passed.

June 7, 2023

Flash Fic, June 06, 2023

I recently rewatched The Finest Hours with CP. I just love that movie and he’s great in it.

It got me thinking of my own fic that was inspired by it, Bitter Frost and if you haven’t read it you are missing out in my opinion. And yes I do so say so myself! Anyway I thought a little flash to remember it by was in order.

“Do you ever think about him?”

Spock looked up from his meditation mat to his captain sitting behind the desk in their quarters. “Him?”

Jim smiled gently. “The one you met in the past when you wanted to save us both from the Marconians.”

“Yes,” Spock admitted. “I loved him.” He rose from the mat and walked over to Jim. “I love you more than anything or anyone I have ever known, but yes, I loved him. In many ways he was like you but in others? Quite different. He was sweet and kind and-“

Jim laughed. “I’ll try not to take offense to that.”

“None is meant, ashaya.” He touched Jim’s face. “I would follow you to the ends of the universe and have. My goal then was to save you. That would never change. But you have always had an edge he never did. He was the kindest man I have ever known. And I apologize if that affection for him bothers you.”

“It doesn’t. I mean we talked about that. I just wondered is all. I sometimes think about Ambassador Spock, so I wondered if you do him. “

“I do. But he is gone. He has been gone for hundreds of years now. His happiness with Sadie was genuine. I am content that he had a grand life.” Spock leaned in and kissed Jim. “But ours is surely grander. Come to bed so I can show you just how much I love you.”

June 6, 2023

June 01, 2023 Flash

“Well be-bop-a-lula, she’s my baby
Be-bop-a-lula, I don’t mean maybe
Be-bop-a-lula, she’s my baby
Be-bop-a-lula, I don’t mean maybe
Be-bop-a-lula, she’s my baby doll
My baby doll, my baby doll”

“Please explain the meaning of these words.”

Jim stopped dancing around the kitchen to stare at the Vulcan boy who stood just outside the dance floor—er kitchen.

“Vanik. Spock let you in?”

Vanik hesitated before answering. “I obtained entry via Spock…yes.”

Jim nodded. “Nothing really. I mean it’s just a silly song. From a long time ago.”

“What are you doing, Jim?”

“Baking dinner rolls.”

The boy nodded. “That explains the delicious smell. What are we having?”

Jim laughed. “Sorry, kid. You can’t come this time. It’s an adult dinner. We’re having roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cheesecake.”

“And dinner rolls,” Vanik replied. “Very well. I understand there are times adults need to do things without the interference of minors. What is Uncle Spock eating?”

“A quinoa dish formed into the mold of a chicken.”

“You are jesting.”

“No, I swear.” Jim laughed again and held up his hands. “It’s going to be delicious. I think. Anyway. He’ll say it is.”

“Of that I am certain. He has finally learned his lesson not to say something that would threaten the very good thing he has going with you.”

“Did he say that?”

“Indeed.” Vanik paused. “Actually Father did and Uncle Spock agreed. Do you know what today is?”

“Uh.”

“June 01.”

“Right. Yes.”

“And the significance?”

“You got me there, Vanik. Your birthday?”

“Certainly not. My birthday is in the month of September. A month from July.”

Jim turned to look in the oven when his timer went off. “Yep. July follows June.”

“We have that time to decide what to do for the Christmas in July festivities.”

Jim straightened and looked over his shoulder. “Are we still doing that?”

“Why would we not?”

“Well. Aren’t you getting tired of it?”

“Hardly. I look forward to it each year.”

“Vanik.”

They both turned to see Spock standing behind the boy.

“Uncle Spock, I greet you.”

Jim frowned. “Did you just get in?”

“Yes.”

“I thought Vanik said you let him in.”

“I did not. Did you use my code again?” Spock shook his head. “It is time to change it again.”

“Anyway,” Vanik said loudly, after clearing his throat. “I believe, as Humans say, that is my cue to leave. Do not forget what we discussed.”

Jim watched the kid leave and then kissed Spock. “I greet you,” he said with a laugh and a wink.

“Mm. What did you discuss with my nephew?”

“Christmas in July. I think.”

Spock sighed. “Again?”

“Happens every year, babe. Happens every year.”

June 1, 2023

Flash Fic, June 29, 2022

Decided to write a surprise final flash for the guys that appeared in June. “J” wants me to put up their story on A03 and so I probably will later today as “The Visit”.

“How are you feeling?”

She followed him onto the porch where’d gone to get some air.

“I have huge headache.”

His mom frowned. “From the concussion? They must have released you too soon. Overnight? You should have been in there a week at the minimum.”

He rolled his eyes. “No. My headache had family dinner all over it.”

“Oh, but Sarek’s lovely. He’s been hovering over you and Spock since he arrived.”

“That’s not lovely. It’s…I hate hovering. And I don’t need it. And I’m pretty sure he’s making Spock a little crazy.”

She patted his arm. “You two need to lighten up.”

“Uh-huh. How did you like meeting Dad’s parents in the beginning?”

Mom made a face. “That was different. George’s father was so intimidating and I could tell he didn’t like me.”

Jim arched both brows at her.

“Now, Jim, that’s not true with Sarek.” She paused. “Is it?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “Spock doesn’t think so, but we didn’t meet in the greatest of circumstances.”

“Your actions have saved millions of lives, Jim. Including Vulcans. Including his son. That has to count for something.”

“Yeah. But you’re a little biased.” He smiled and hugged her.

“Come on in and have dessert with us. Spock and Sarek are making a special spiced tea they want us to try.”

“Okay.”

Jim followed her back in the house and the two of them paused as they both watched the two Vulcans working side by side in the kitchen.

“You know, he is pretty cute.”

Jim smiled. “I know. That’s part of why I bonded with him.”

“That’s nice, dear.” She shook her head. “But not Spock. Sarek.”

She wandered off toward the kitchen.

“Oh, God.” He buried his face in his hands. Yep, his head was definitely getting worse.

“James? Your tea is prepared.”

“Coming,” he muttered. And prepared to watch his mother flirt with Spock’s father.

June 29, 2022

Flash Fic, June 24, 2022

This is the same Jim and Spock it has been all month

“You just had to go and get yourself injured.”

Jim rolled his eyes at his mother as she hovered by his hospital bed. A moment ago she had tucked the covers around him tight enough to make him think she was trying to make a mummy out of him.

“Right, because I did it on purpose. I thought ‘well, Mom wants me to put lights on the roof and that’s a perfect time to come crashing down.’”

“No, but for Heaven’s Sake, why does it always have to be you?”

Jim opened his mouth to reply when he was interrupted by the arrival of Spock who rushed in looking grim.

“Jim! I received a message that you had been gravely injured.”

Jim took hold of Spock’s hand and shot a glare to his mom. “She exaggerates.”

“He fell off the roof!”

“And only cracked a few ribs and got a concussion.”

“Only.”

Spock clung to his hand. “Why were you on the roof? I went to the store for groceries and the next thing I know I receive this message.”

Mom sighed. “My fault. I asked Jimmy to go up and install these tiny solar lights I bought to go up there. I should have hired someone.”

“I managed to do it fine,” Jim insisted. “It was when I was getting down that I slipped.” He smiled at his worried looking husband. “They repaired the ribs and they just want to keep me overnight for observation. Mom, here, tried to make sure I never moved again.”

Spock glanced over at the tucked in blankets. “Are you certain you will be all right?”

“Yes, of course.”

“As I was saying when you arrived, Spock. Jimmy’s always getting hurt.”

“Mom.”

“He’s broken both arms.”

“Not at the same time.”

“This is his fourth concussion.” She paused. “At least. They should probably check you for brain damage.”

“Brain damage? Mom—”

“Can’t tell you how many times he’s cracked his ribs.”

“You’re freaking Spock out.”

She gave him a look. “And of course there’s the time you actually died.”

“Mom, you aren’t even supposed to know about that, I told you in confidence.”

“I’m not supposed to know my son died?” she exclaimed.

“Ssh. You are not helping calm Spock.”

“Well.” She looked sheepish, but then she smiled. “Maybe this will cheer him up.”

Jim frowned. “What?”

“Sarek’s on his way. When he heard about Jim, well he wasn’t too far, so he got on a shuttle and—”

“That does not keep me calm,” Spock said flatly.

“How did he hear about me?”

She shrugged.

“Mom.”

“Lovely. We’ll have a lovely family dinner when you get out of the hospital. It’s best for Sarek and I to get to know each other since we’re all family, you know.”

Jim mouthed sorry to Spock, who leaned down and kissed him.

“All will be well, Ashayam.”

He snorted. “Sure. Wait until we have that kid she mentioned.”

June 24, 2022

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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