November Flashes

Flash Fic, November 25, 2020

Once more we spend time with Jim and Spock from the Who Does Spock Wake Up With series of flashes (last seen around Halloween)

Jim is nervous bringing Spock to meet his mom. There’s nothing wrong with his mom and nothing wrong with Spock, for that matter, but he’s never taken that kind of step before and it feels big.

There’s a short break from the Academy that allows them to make the trip to Riverside by Shuttle. Since it coincides with what used to be Thanksgiving where Iowa is, Mom has decided to have a feast like they did before to show gratitude for what they have.

Jim reminds her several times Spock is a vegetarian but even though he is sure he must be annoying about it by now, Mom dutifully accepts the reminders and tells him not to worry.

He’s not left Spock out either. He’s told his boyfriend many times not to expect much, they live in a simple farmhouse outside of Riverside, there’s nothing fancy, and it might be cold.

“Yes, so you have said,” Spock says again, as they finally board the shuttle.

Jim’s palms are sweaty and he feels a little queasy and he knows it’s all ridiculous. Mom will love Spock and Spock will be nice to his mom. He has nothing to worry about.

Except he loves Spock. He does. And as he’s sitting on the shuttle making their way to his mom’s idea of an old-fashioned Thanksgiving, Jim wonders if he’s ever said those words to Spock. Spock’s a touch telepath, yes, and Spock is always touching him, so surely he knows, but maybe Spock wants the words. He replays all their interactions in his head, mostly to distract himself.

Then he recalls that yes he has and he lets out a sigh of relief.

“Thank God.”

“Jim?”

“I…I was trying to remember if I had said I love you. You know out loud.”

“You have.”

Jim smiles. “Yes.”

“And I returned that declaration.”

His smile widens. “I remember.”

Spock takes Jim’s hand. It is under a table on the shuttle that is placed in front of them so they can enjoy beverages should they wish to, so the sight of their clasped hands is mostly hidden from anyone nosey enough to pay attention. Jim doesn’t think anyone is.

“Everything will be well, Jim. There is no need for such nerves.”

“Yeah. I’ve just. It’s a lot.”

“Wait until you meet my father.”

Jim laughs because Spock says it so dry he thinks Spock is trying to lighten things up with a joke. Spock’s lips are curved upward a tiny bit. And Jim has met some of Spock’s stodgy Vulcan friends.

“Is the point of the upcoming feast to show what one is grateful for?”

“Yep.”

Spock squeezes Jim’s hand. “I am most grateful to be with you and to have you invite me to meet your mother.”

Emotion overwhelms Jim’s ability to speak, but he leans in and gives Spock a very quick, chaste kiss.

He’s not less nervous, not really, but he feels good, and knows Spock is right. Everything will be well.

November 25, 2020

Flash Fic, November 23, 2020

We will see these two cuties again in 2021. The “so far” only roommates!

It was nearly time for the winter break at the Academy and Spock’s roommate, Jim, had not said anything about what his plans were for the break.

Spock was, of course, merely curious. Whatever Jim decided to do would have no direct effect on him. And yet, one evening as the date quickly approached, Spock decided to ask.

It was a Friday and Spock anticipated Jim would likely go out to party as most cadets do. Jim didn’t do it that often, Spock noticed, but he did it certainly more than Spock.

Jim was dressed quite casually, nonetheless, wearing a pair of faded and ratty looking jeans, a burgundy tank top, and nothing on his feet. He was putzing, as he called it, around the kitchen.

“Jim, are you planning on vacating the dorm during the winter break?” Spock asked.

Jim was spraying whipped cream out of a can directly into his mouth when Spock asked. He took a moment to swallow, lick the cream from his lips, and then set the can on the counter.

“Nah. I’m not going anywhere.”

“No?”

Jim shrugged. “As you know, my mom’s on her ship. She’s pretty much the only family I have these days since my bro took off when I was just a kid. No need for me to go back to Iowa to an empty house. I figure I’ll just stick around here.” Jim smiled. “How about you? You going to Vulcan?”

Spock inclined his head. “I thought to stay here also. I had considered spending the break on Vulcan, but since my parents were just here and I visited with them, I have decided to forgo a visit at this point.”

“Oh. Cool.”

Spock hesitated. “Unless you wished to spend the break alone here.”

Jim laughed. “Why would I care about that? We’re living together in this dorm now. The break doesn’t make any difference. Hey, we can keep each other company.”

“Indeed.” Spock found himself somewhat pleased at this prospect. “Are you headed out tonight?”

“Nope. Gonna stay in. Get a pizza and watch old time Christmas movies on the couch.”

“That sounds…interesting.”

“I don’t know about that.” Jim grinned and then took out his communication device, presumably to order his pizza.

Spock wanted to ask to join Jim, but words failed him. He had hoped Jim might say something rather casually like, ‘want to watch with me’, but he didn’t. And Spock was far too shy to insert himself into Jim’s plans.

Yet he was surprised to hear Jim’s pizza order.

“Two cheese pizzas. One with vegan cheese please. Yep. Okay.”

Jim smiled at Spock. “Be here in about forty minutes.

“Jim, you ordered one with vegan cheese.”

“Sure. Aren’t you going to want some?”

Spock blinked. Did not answer at first.

“You aren’t going to join me?”

“I…am. Yes.”

Jim’s smile brightened. “Then vegan cheese. Trust me. You won’t regret it. It’ll be fun.”

Spock cared not at all for the holiday movies, but he was pretty sure Jim was correct. He would not regret it.

November 23, 2020

Flash Fic, November 20, 2020

It was all over except the goodbyes. And they were happening.

It was, admittedly, a huge relief to Spock. He’d never really wanted everyone over, of course. It wasn’t that he had a problem with their guests. Really, he did not.

But life with Jim was still so new and special, he didn’t really like anyone interfering with that. And then there was all the fuss Jim had gone through.

His boyfriend had risen early and spent all day cooking and fussing. They had so much food left over, even with giving care packages to their friends and family, it couldn’t put a dent in it. They would never eat it all.

The pie contest had been called as a tie, thankfully. And perhaps Spock had a little something to do with persuading the judges to declare it so. But at the end of the day, Jim and McCoy seemed satisfied.

Jim lingered at the door, hugging everyone. Well, except for Spock’s dad.

Finally, Jim closed the door, with promises to have breakfast with his mother in the morning, and dinner with Spock’s parents’ tomorrow night. Still far too much socializing.

Spock looped a finger in the belt-loop of Jim’s pants and pulled him away from the door, turning him around to face Spock, then drawing him into his arms.

Jim sighed wetly against Spock’s neck, snuggling close. “God, I’m exhausted. I think I’m barely standing.”

“It is no wonder. You were up early and overdid everything.”

“Anything worth doing is worth overdoing,” Jim muttered against him. “Everything was so good too. I’m happy about the way it turned out.”

“You should be. I believe everyone considered it an enormous success.”

Jim pulled back to smile at Spock. “Yeah?”

“Very much so.” Spock kissed him. “What are your plans now, my love?”

“Clean up and then veg on the couch with a big turkey sandwich.”

Spock stared at him. “You wish to continue eating?”

“Well.” Jim laughed. “Sure. It’s a tradition.”

Spock shook his head. “You go relax on the couch, I will clean up.”

Later, when Spock was done, he went to check on Jim, who was snoring away. With an affectionate sigh, he leaned down, scooped Jim up and carried him to their bed.

“Didn’t get the turkey sandwich,” Jim mumbled.

“Tomorrow.”

“For breakfast.”

Spock shook his head and leaned down toward Jim. “Goodnight, Jim.” Spock kissed his forehead. “And happy gathering. Next year, I hope we will be in space.”

thank you, this concludes this little short series of vignettes on this Academy couple.

November 20, 2020

Flash Fic, November 18, 2020

Spock watched as his boyfriend frantically ran back and forth through their apartment, making food for their friends and family. He did what he could do to assist him, but Jim often shooed him away, declaring he wanted to do most of it himself.

Spock had finally been sent out to get more tea, he thought they had plenty, and whipped cream. It was a little chilly out, so Spock had dressed himself in the sweater Jim had given him for his last birthday.

But as he stood there, Jim didn’t even seem to notice he had returned. And he smelled something burning.

“Jim. Something has burned…”

Jim stopped and gave him a look. He looked crestfallen. “I know. I burned the crust of one of my pies. Now I have to start all over.”

“Start all over…Jim. Didn’t you make three pies?”

“Yes.”

“Won’t the other two pies be enough? Considering McCoy is making a pie as well, that seems more than enough.”

Jim sighed. “It’s not. And anyway I can’t possibly let Bones beat me in pie making.”

“What is the difference?”

“You just don’t know me at all!” Jim threw up his arms and turned away from Spock.

Spock decided he desperately needed meditation. He loved Jim. He did. So much it was nearly overwhelming in the best of times. These were not the best of times. When he got like this, Spock just did not know what to do.

He put the tea and whipped cream on the counter and left to their bedroom to meditate and leave Jim to overdo.

Spock reemerged later to find Jim lying on the couch, asleep.

He saw three perfectly baked pies cooling in the kitchen and many other dishes Jim had made ahead of time. Many of them were vegetarian.

Spock knelt down next to Jim on the couch. His recently acquired glasses were crooked on his face. Spock carefully removed them, set them aside, and leaned down to kiss Jim gently.

Jim opened his eyes and stared at Spock. “Hi.”

Spock smiled very slightly. “Hello Jim.”

“Are you mad?”

“Not at all. Are you?”

“Course not. I didn’t mean to make you leave.”

“It was best for both of us that I meditate. May I suggest that tomorrow you allow me to assist you?”

“I’ll try. Want to join me here?”

Spock looked at the small couch. “Not a lot of room.”

Jim smiled. “Not a lot needed. Come on. I see you’re cold. Sweater looks good on you.”

Spock kicked off his shoes and placed himself on the couch after Jim moved over. He was right, there wasn’t really enough room, but as Jim’s body was mostly on Spock’s, he found he did not mind.

Tomorrow all their friends and family would invade, and he would have no time alone with Jim, but for now…this soothed him.

November 18, 2020

Flash Fic, November 16, 2020

A Continuation from 11/13

“They’re just migraines, babe. Nothing at all to worry about,” Jim assured Spock as he sat on the edge of the exam table.

“I will be the judge of that.”

Bones snorted. “Actually I will.” Bones ran a medical scanner over Jim. “When did these headaches start, Jim?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Spock sniffed. “Three weeks ago. He has them nearly every day.”

“Traitor,” Jim muttered.

“Mmm.”

“Let me put you through some tests.”

“Can’t you just give me a shot or something?”

“We’ll see.”

“You coming Saturday?”

Bones rolled his eyes. “You know I am. Pie in hand.”

Spock frowned. “Another pie?”

Jim nodded. “Bones and I are having a pie making contest. Whoever makes the best pie is king of the pies.”

“And?”

Jim looked at him. “That’s it. They just get the title of king of the pies.”

“Illogical.”

“Your granny,” Bones cracked.

Spock sighed. “Is this an apple pie contest?”

“Yep,” Bones replied. “Nobody makes a better apple pie than the McCoy family recipe. You’ll see, Jim. You’ll be crying all Saturday afternoon.”

“You wish.”

“Why would Doctor McCoy wish you to cry all afternoon?”

Jim smiled. “Cause he’s a meanie.”

“Ignore him, Spock. He’s just afraid he’s gonna lose and everyone will throw his apple pie in the trash.”

Jim stuck out his tongue and McCoy put an instrument on it. “Hey!”

“Actually, Jim, I don’t think you’re sick.”

“See!” Jim crowed triumphantly.

“The headaches?”

“Pretty sure it’s eye strain. Too much computer work. I’ll test him to be sure but Jim just needs glasses.”

Jim mumbled.

“What was that, Jim?”

“I have some, I just don’t wear ‘em. Make me look like a geek.”

“It’s not the glasses, Jim.”

“Shut up, Bones. Mom looked into getting my eyes fixed when I was a teenager but I was allergic to all the treatments. My eyes got better.”

“Apparently not,” Spock said calmly. “He will wear them.”

“Probably need new ones if the ones you have were when you were a kid. We’ll get that started too.”

Jim sighed. “Fine. Damn eyes.”

“They are quite beautiful,” Spock told him.

Jim smiled.

Bones retched. “I’m right here you two, love birds. I’ll be right back. With a shot.”

“I thought you said I just need glasses.”

“I’m a meanie remember?” Bones smiled evilly and departed.

Jim sighed, pouted, and said, “He really is.”

November 16, 2020

Flash Fic, November 13, 2020

Starting today through the 20th I’m doing a series of sorts (13, 16, 18, 20). I am combing suggestions made by Jay, Evening and Kris to make this short series of November flashes. This is basically a new Spirky Academy Couple created for these four fics.

“Why are we here again?”

Jim laughed at the disgruntled look on Spock’s face. He knew that Spock didn’t really understand any of this, but he appreciated Spock’s efforts to indulge Jim in it.

“To pick apples. It’s an apple orchard.”

Spock looked at the trees before them. “Obviously.”

He smiled. “I’m going to make an apple pie. You know for our gathering.”

The “gathering” as Jim called it was to take place that Saturday at Jim’s and Spock’s apartment in San Francisco. Their friends were coming. More importantly the parents were coming. Well…Jim’s Mom. And Spock’s Mom and Dad. Jim had been rather surprised Sarek was coming, but Spock had advised he was.

Jim was getting rather carried away, he knew. Had plans of roasted turkey and stuffing for those who ate that way, and several vegetarian dishes. And pies. Two or three kinds.

“Jim, do they not sell apples in the market?”

He laughed as he climbed up on a ladder to pick apples. “They sure do, Spock.”

“Then I fail to comprehend the hassle of coming all the way to this orchard.”

“Apples in the stores are not the same. This pie has to be amazing.”

Spock pursed his lips as he held up the basket for Jim to drop the apples into. “Do you not think you are getting a little carried away with these extravagancies? All of this trouble for just a couple of hours on Saturday?”

“Yep.” Jim grinned.

“You agree that you are getting carried away or that it is too much trouble?”

“To both.” Jim gazed down at Spock indulgently. “I want to make a good impression. Besides our family and friends are worth a little bit of trouble, don’t you think?”

“You are overstressing yourself. Your headaches—”

“Are something I can deal with.” He got off the ladder and took the basket from Spock. “It’s gonna be great.” He leaned in to kiss Spock. “And I’m going to be fine.”

“Very well.”

“We’re done here. We can go back to the city now.”

Spock nodded, seeming pleased.

“There’s a Harvest Festival right next to the Academy. If we hurry, we can make it.”

Spock’s steps faltered and he barely hid his grimace. But to his credit, he simply said, “if you wish.”

Jim laughed. “You look like you might actually mean that. Bravo.”

“Jim—”

“I’m kidding, Spock. Well, there is a Festival, but no, we’re not going.”

“If you really want to go I will make no objection.”

“Nah, I’m good. Let’s go home. We can spend the rest of today in bed.”

Spock’s pace quickened then and Jim grinned.

He knew how to get his Vulcan interested.

November 13, 2020

Flash Fic, November 11, 2020

I want to thank all of our Veterans for their service for our country. And I want to thank the family of Veterans for the sacrifices they have all made in support of their loved ones.

Jim kept by his mother’s side through the entire service dedicated to her deceased husband and son. George of course many years ago in service for Starfleet. George Samuel, far more recently. Though his death was as a result of an invasive alien organism on the planet, Deneva, he’d been working for Starfleet in the labs there.

His mother remained fairly stoic throughout the service until they handed her the folded United Federation flag. Then she had collapsed into Jim’s arms.

They went to her hotel room after. He’d asked her if she wanted to go to a restaurant, but she hadn’t wanted to be on display there, and Jim couldn’t blame her. She would be returning to Riverside in the morning.

Jim ordered room service instead. Tea and coffee and all kinds of food that the four them likely could never finish.

Spock stepped up to stand beside them as they both watched Winona Kirk speak softly to Peter Kirk, Sam and Aurelan’s surviving son. He would go to Riverside with her in the morning, to be taken care of by her now. Aurelan’s parents had passed on more than five years earlier.

“You are well?” Spock asked, softly.

“About as well as can be expected.”

“I know what it is like to lose a sibling.”

Jim looked at him. “Yeah?”

“One day perhaps I will tell you about them.”

“Them?”

“Mm. The important thing is you and your family now. I was surprised they’d never had a service for your father.”

Jim shrugged a little. “They had one for all those lost that day, not Dad specifically. At the time, she didn’t want one. But with Sam’s death, well, she arranged it for both of them.”

Spock touched his fingers to Jim and Jim smiled a little.

“Thanks for being here.”

“I could be nowhere else.”

Jim squeezed his arm, kissed him lightly, and then turned to his mom and nephew. He walked over to where they sat talking, kneeled down, and hugged them.

November 11, 2020

Flash Fic, November 09, 2020

A little dose of Vanik…

“Where is Jim?”

Spock looked up from the terminal at his desk to see Vanik standing before him. “When did you get here?”

“A moment ago.”

“I have told you before that you do not have permission to just let yourself in.”

Vanik straightened. “Acknowledged. But I had concerns.”

Spock leaned back. “Concerns?”

“Where is Jim? He has been missing for a few days and does not respond to my attempts to contact him.” Vanik paused. “I have two theories.”

Spock arched a brow. “Do continue.”

“Either he has, as humans would say, ‘dumped you’, and is ignoring me due to our personal connection.”

Spock was torn between amusement and outrage over the notion that Jim had ‘dumped’ him. Amusement won out.

“Or?”

“You have committed a grievous act of violence against him and you have buried the body somewhere.”

This time Spock rolled his eyes. “I did not murder Jim.”

“Then it is true. He has dumped you.”

“No, it is not true. Jim went to Riverside.”

“Iowa?”

“Indeed. To visit with his mother and brother over the Terran festival of giving thanks. Neither Jim nor his mother have had contact with George Samuel Kirk for many years so this was a big deal for them.”

Vanik looked pensive. “And why did you fail to accompany him on such a momentous occasion?”

“I was not invited.”

“You were not invited?” Vanik exclaimed. “But I thought your romance with Jim was progressing appropriately.”

“And it is. This is a time when it is important for them to bond as a family.”

“But are you not Jim’s family?”

Spock shook his head. “Not as yet. Our relationship is satisfactory and we are mutually invested in the continuous nature of it. I was perfectly fine with Jim going to Riverside for this trip. As for not contacting you, I assume that he is either busy or communication is not ideal there.”

“And have you heard from him?”

Spock had not and said so. “But I had not anticipated hearing from him. The trip is brief and he will be back on Sunday.”

“That does not bode well.”

“How so?”

Vanik shrugged. “At this point, had you been providing the emotional support Jim surely needs as a human, he would have asked you to accompany him. That he did not…”

“Do you not have something to attend to other than harassing me regarding my relationship with Jim which is most certainly not your business.”

“Yes, unfortunately I do. I must go to class.”

Vanik left then, but Spock was dismayed to realize that he made Spock begin to doubt his relationship with Jim. He had thought nothing of Jim going to Iowa by himself.

He had been convinced that everything was good between them. Should he have pressed Jim for an invite? Insisted on going with him? Was he failing to emotionally support his lover?

Spock hadn’t even bothered to check that Jim made it all right. Was that wrong of him? He had assumed…

He tapped out a message.

Jim, my apologies for not checking in with you prior to now. Did you make it safely? And it there anything you need from me?

There was, of course, no immediate response, and so Spock returned to working on his coursework.

He was searching out something to eat when he finally heard from Jim.

Yeah, I’m here. No trouble at all getting here. Mom and I are fine. Things are a little more tense with Sam. Hey, tell that nephew of yours I said hi. I’ve been meaning to respond, but with the family drama…

Understood. Vanik did express concern for your welfare. I will advise him. Jim?

Yeah?

Would it be…permissible for me to board a shuttle to Riverside to join you?

When no immediate response was forthcoming, Spock began to hastily type a message taking it back.

What time can you get here? I’ll pick you up from the shuttle bay?

I will leave immediately. I will text you my arrival information.

K. See you soon.

Spock made his arrangements, closed out of everything and packed a small bag. Before he left, he sent a message to his nephew.

Jim sends his regards. I am joining him.

Then Spock added…

Thank you.

November 9, 2020

Flash Fic, November 06, 2020

Spock came home late one night from a lengthy visit with his visiting parents to his shared dorm room with Jim. He expected one of two things. Either Jim would be asleep already or Jim would be out doing his own thing.

Neither turned out to be correct.

Jim was crying.

At first Spock was completely alarmed and rather panicky. He was not sure how to handle an emotionally overwrought Human. The only excessive emotion he had ever experienced with his mother was joy.

There was a part of him who wished to slip back out of the room, pretending he had not witnessed this bit of weakness.

Jim was sitting on their couch, watching television, crying into tissues. His blurred blue eyes glanced over at Spock and Spock was caught. He could not leave.

“Oh. Hi.” Jim sniffed and then blew his nose. “How’d your visit go with your folks?”

Spock was not sure how to respond for Jim seemed so distraught. But he answered, “It went well.”

“Good. Great. I’m glad.”

Spock was now confused. Perhaps it had to do with Jim’s mother again. He recalled how upset Jim was when he wasn’t going to see her. Though, Spock had made sure he had. Spock approached the couch and sat down on the edge.

“Jim, what is wrong?”

“Huh?”

“You are crying.”

To Spock’s surprise, Jim laughed. He waved a tissue.

“Oh. I was watching a movie. It takes place at Thanksgiving on a homestead. And the mom has cancer, their house is hit by a tornado, and then the dog dies and…”

“Why would you watch that?” Spock asked.

Jim laughed again. “Cause I’m crazy. I didn’t know it would make me cry. Stupid I know.”

“If that was the only reason…I am relieved.”

“Yeah that was it.” Jim yawned then. “Gosh, it’s late though. I didn’t realize.”

Spock inclined his head. “I…I intended to make myself some tea before bed. It is herbal. Would you care to have some?”

Jim’s smile made his heart pick up pace. “I’d love to.”

Spock rose to prepare their tea and Jim followed him into the kitchen. He felt so much better knowing Jim had not really been upset.

That was good. They had tea, spoke more about their day, and then went to bed. Spock meditated for a while on his growing attachment to Jim, but he slept at last.

More to come with the roommates (either later this month or perhaps in January we shall see)

November 6, 2020

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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