Jim opened the door to his dorm to his “bestie” Leonard “Bones” McCoy.
“Here.”
Bones thrust a paper bag into Jim’s hands and then brushed past him and into the dorm.
“What is this?” Jim asked, opening the bag to peer in.
“Custard filled donuts. And don’t eat them all at once. You shouldn’t be eating them at all. You should be eating salad. Or broccoli.”
“Salad or broccoli flavored donuts suck.”
“Har har. Where’s the coffee?”
“Haven’t made it yet.”
Bones frowned. “Didn’t you remember we were having breakfast this morning?”
“Well, see, uh, Yesterday, I kind of talked to Spock about—”
“Oh, good. So you got that straightened out, right? You’re definitely better without—”
Just then Spock emerged from the bedroom area of Jim’s dorm. To Jim’s amusement he was wearing Jim’s own robe and his hair was still quite messy. It was a very good look on him, Jim thought.
“Good morning, Doctor,” Spock said cooly.
When Spock came near, Jim put his hand on Spock’s arm and smiled.
“As I was saying, I talked to Spock yesterday about our relationship and he ended up spending the night. I did forget about breakfast. Sorry, Bones. I’ll get that coffee going right now.”
Bones stared at them. “You know what? Three’s a crowd. So Why don’t we make it another day?”
“You don’t have to leave. Now I feel bad.”
“Don’t. It’s fine, Jim. You deserve, uh, well, you know, if this is what you want, I support you.”
Jim smiled. “Thanks, Bones.”
When Bones was gone, he closed and locked the door, and faced Spock.
Spock quirked a brow. “I believe your plan was to show me another one of your secret talents.” Jim laughed and flung himself into Spock’s arms. “Yep. Let’s go back to bed.”
Jim waited to see Captain Pike in a crowded waiting room. He knew Pike was a busy man. He knew he probably should have gotten an appointment. But he hadn’t wanted to wait for that but apparently he was having to anyway.
He felt pretty stupid. Mortified might be a better word. He stared down at his now bleeding cuticles. He’d been picking at them since he’d been sitting there waiting.
And he had to pee. But he was afraid if he got up to do so, the severe looking brunette ensign manning the desk outside Pike’s office would skip right over him and give the next slot to someone else waiting.
“Kirk. Cadet Kirk,” the Ensign said in a loud, nasally voice.
Jim went up to the desk and she sniffed. “He’ll see you now.”
He nodded and went past the desk to the double glass doors. They opened at his approached and he stepped inside.
Behind a large oak desk sat Pike. He hadn’t seen the captain since that day in Riverside Jim got on the shuttle after Pike dared him to do better.
Pike looked up and gestured to a chair in front of the desk. “Jim. Have a seat.”
“Thank you, sir.”
After Jim took the chair, Pike raised both eyebrows in query. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Yes, sir. I have a request to make.”
“Okay.”
“I’d like to be reinstated to Professor Spock’s Merits of Logic class.”
Pike steepled his fingers. “That course is an elective and not required for command.”
“I realize that. But it was a course I found interesting prior to my…being kicked out.”
“And why were you booted from that class, Jim?”
Why?
****
Jim smirked as he read the text from Feeney. It was a stupid text, really, and only mildly amusing, but he responded to it anyway.
So what if I do want to sleep with the teacher? He’s hot. You want to too, don’t even pretend otherwise.
And then Jim located the “eggplant” 🍆emoji on his communicator and added it to his text.
I’ll bet his is massive.
Jim looked up at Spock’s back just before he hit send. He was busy demonstrating something on an overhead screen. Jim hit send.
And Feeney, the swine, burst into loud guffaws.
Jim turned red and slunk down in his chair just as Professor Spock turned around.
He glanced at Feeney who was still making a loud nuisance of himself and then to Jim as Feeney took a second to point to Jim.
Spock frowned slightly. “Why is there an eggplant on your screen?”
And the entire class busted up.
****
“I see,” Pike said slowly. “So you were disruptive, inappropriate, and insubordinate.”
Jim winced. “It could be viewed that way.”
“It was viewed that way by Spock. And he’s not wrong. Request denied.”
“Sir—”
Pike held up his hand. “Spock requested that you not be reinstated.”
“He knew I would request it?”
“Apparently. He also requested that there be no mark on your record for the dismissal from the class. He did likewise for Feeney. As I said, this was an elective course that you don’t actually need so the only reason for you to want to go back is to prove something that no one thinks needs proving. And of there is nothing else, Jim, you’re dismissed.”
“Sir—”
“Jim, I have a lot of people waiting out there to speak to me. And this is Valentine’s Day and I still need to get flowers for my wife. So, dismissed.”
Jim left, realizing there was really no point to arguing further.
He went to the restroom on his way out and then left the building feeling dejected.
He should be celebrating. He would have no mark on his record and it would be one less class he’d have to deal with for the semester.
Too bad he had liked that class and most especially Spock. And his idiotic foolish behavior with Feeney had cost him that. And likely any chance he ever had with the Vulcan. If there had been any, really.
He was only vaguely surprised to find his best friend, Leonard “Bones” McCoy, waiting for him.
“How’d it go?”
“I’m not allowed back in.”
Bones nodded. “Consider yourself lucky because that class was boring anyways.”
Jim frowned. “Anyway.”
“Huh?”
“You don’t need the s after anyway. That’s not correct.”
“Are you the grammar police?” Bones demanded.
“A guy has to have something. Apparently it’s not going to be on my record that I got kicked out though.”
Bones chuckled. “His massive eggplant.”
Jim groaned. “Don’t remind me. I feel stupid enough as it is. So where are we going tonight?”
“You thought wrong. Sorry, Jim. But this time you’ll have to find something to do on your own.”
“Fine. Whatever.”
As it turned out, Jim went home to his dorm room alone. He was, admittedly, feeling sorry for himself. His reputation as some kind of Lothario was mostly exaggerated anyway. And the only one he really wanted to spend time with wouldn’t give him the time of day.
Jim had just opened a bottle of whiskey to drown his sorrows when there was a knock at his door.
Standing there was Spock. One hand was behind his back, but in the other was a brightly wrapped box.
Jim blinked. “Uh.”
“May I come in?”
Jim stood back to allow him inside. He glanced around his messy room. “I, uh, I wasn’t expecting anyone so the place is a mess.”
“That is fortunate.”
“It is?”
“Not the mess part, but that you were not expecting someone.” Spock held out the box. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
His mouth dry, Jim opened the box. He stared at the large eggplant inside. “What—”
“It is my massive eggplant.”
Jim’s gaze flew to his, his face hot with embarrassment. “Uh—”
Spock shook his head. “It is an effort at a joke, Cadet.”
Then he brought his hand from behind his back to reveal a large bouquet of at least two dozen pink and red roses.
“These are for you.”
“I don’t understand it.”
Spock sighed. “You cannot be a student in my class and date me.”
Jim’s mouth dropped open. “Did I…are we going to be dating?”
“I have presented you with flowers and my eggplant. I would think it was obvious.”
Jim laughed. “I see.” He tossed aside the eggplant, grabbed the flowers, and planted a long lingering kiss on Spock’s lips. It was returned most enthusiastically.
“Well that wasn’t exactly how I thought Valentine’s Day would go,” Jim Kirk said to his best friend, Leonard “Bones” McCoy.
“Yeah, yeah.” Bones smirked. “You expected to get laid at least two or three times.”
Jim shot him a look. “Once would have been enough. Who knew they would raid that club?”
“I did. Well, maybe not this exact night, but that club’s been crazy and asking for it for months. All that illegal shit going on there. Just be glad they didn’t lock us up and we’re leaving the station and able to go home.”
Jim sighed as they went through the double doors the Federation Police Department and back out to the fresh air. Sort of fresh air. There was a little bit of sewer smell drifting their way.
“I don’t think they arrested any patron except that dude in the back.”
“And its no wonder. I did say we should cross that place off our list.”
“The Federation’s done that for us now.” It was too bad too because Jim wore a red t-shirt and he looked good in red.
“I’m actually surprised you wanted to go to a club.” Bones turned at the end of the pathway toward Starfleet Academy and their dorm.
“Why?”
He shrugged. “I sorta thought you were seeing that Vulcan.”
“Spock?”
“You know any others?” Bones snorted. “Maybe you do. After all you spent a summer there.”
“Hottest damn summer I ever spent.” Jim grinned. “In more ways than one, I might add.”
“Wish you wouldn’t.”
Jim laughed. “Anyway, I haven’t heard from him. Not since the last time.”
“You will.”
“Maybe.”
They turned to other subjects until they got to their dorm. There standing at the door was Spock holding a dozen red roses.
Jim smiled. “Are those for me?”
Spock arched a brow. He looked vaguely annoyed, no doubt from having stood outside waiting for who knew how long. “They are not for Doctor McCoy.”
“Awe, man, way to hurt me, Spock.” Bones rolled his eyes, went past the two of them, and into the dorm room.
“Been waiting long?”
“Long enough. I was about to leave.”
“Sorry. I was at the police station.”
“Do I wish to know?”
Jim smiled and took the roses. “Nope. But my Valentine’s Day just got a heckuva lot better. Your place?”
“Unless you intend to give the doctor a show…yes.”
“No shows.” He linked his arm with Spock’s. “Perhaps a private one for you. I’m wearing red silk briefs with pink hearts on them.”
Spock shook his head. “Of course you are.” He frowned. “You were not expecting me, why are you wearing—’
“Better not to ask.”
Spock sighed and led Jim away from the Academy campus and to his apartment. A very good Valentine’s Day for Jim.
“Dashing through the snow, on a one horse open sleigh.”
Vanik froze as he heard the hearty singing, his heart leaping happily in his side for a moment.
Jim!
But as Vanik rounded the corner of the hallway of the apartment building floor where his Uncle Spock’s apartment was situated, Jim’s name on his lips, his hope dashed along with the sleigh in the snow.
It was not Jim singing Jingle Bells but rather a delivery man knocking on old Mrs. Miniver’s door. As Vanik watched, she opened the door and received a big box of chocolates with a gold bow from the man.
“Oh my,” she exclaimed, happily. “This will be from my grandson.”
Shortly after this exchange, she closed her apartment door and the delivery man got on the elevator to depart.
Vanik could barely tamp down his disappointment.
Jim and Spock were fighting again and Jim had taken off. Again.
Last time Jim had done this, he had gone all the way to Riverside and Vanik had followed him in order to make sure Spock hadn’t lost the best thing that ever happened to them…him. Best thing that had ever happened to Spock. But…Vanik didn’t dare go to Riverside this time, if that’s where Jim had gone. Though initially he had believed he had escaped the ire of his parents, once he returned to San Francisco, Vanik had been put on restriction for weeks.
So his new plan was to go to his uncle and ask him to be the bigger Vulcan and apologize to Jim. Vanik knew that Jim could be, as Uncle Spock and his own Father, Sybok, said, “a hot head”, however, now was not the time to fight over who was in the wrong. The important thing was getting Vanik’s favorite Uncle by marriage where he belonged.
Vanik marched over to the door of Spock’s apartment and knocked on the door.
It took ages but finally Spock answered the door, peering out through a thin slit.
“Uncle Spock—”
“Not now, Vanik.”
Through the small opening, he could see that Spock’s hair looked messy and he wore only a bathrobe with no shirt.
“But—”
“It is not a good time.”
And then it occurred to Vanik. His uncle, his beloved relative, had cheated on Jim. Even now was cheating on him.
“This is unacceptable!” Vanik heard himself yell before he could stop himself. No wonder Jim had left Spock.
The door opened wider and Spock stared out at him.
“What?”
Vanik blinked uncertainly. This was well above his age range. This was adult problems he did not want to become involved in.
“I—:
“Bells on bob tail ring, making spirits bright…”
Eyes wide, Vanik’s heart leapt once more.
“Jim?”
And like a holiday miracle, Jim came out of the bedroom in Spock’s apartment, also wearing a bathrobe, his hair wet as though from a shower.
“Hey kiddo.”
“You are here!”
Jim glanced at Spock, smiling quizzically. Spock shrugged.
“I thought…I had been led to believe…that is, were you not fighting?”
“We made up,” Jim replied, his smile widening.
“I-I see. I am well pleased.” Vanik stepped back, feeling himself blush. He had been wrong about everything, clearly, and stepped into something a kid like him had no business stepping into. “I will be on my way now.”
“See you tomorrow for Christmas movies?”
“Yes,” Vanik replied. “That would be most welcome.” And for once, Vanik definitely did not wish to stick around.
Spock had only been seeing Jim for three weeks when Jim announced he would be leaving for a good part of the month of November.
They’d met at the beginning of the school year. Spock had already done all the course work for the Academy and graduated. Jim was behind him a few years but he was speeding through his courses and was teaching a battle tactics class for extra credit. Everyone Spock knew was highly impressed with the young son of George Kirk who had never known his father.
Spock among them.
It took him until the middle of October before he asked Jim out. It was for something simple, coffee and tea. Jim had accepted with this soft smile that showed his bunny teeth and Spock had been smitten.
They’d taken things rather slowly, in Spock’s opinion. In the three weeks they had seen each other nearly every night, they had shared a few kisses, but nothing more.
He’d gotten advice from Pike one day and he had shared with Spock that despite appearances and rumors that Jim was actually shy.
When Jim told him he would be going away for November, Spock had been stunned into momentary silence.
“Nothing to say?” Jim asked, with that same soft smile.
“Are you leaving the Academy?”
“No.” Jim laughed though Spock didn’t know what was funny. Jim laughed a lot and it often puzzled Spock but it was such an infectious laugh, Spock didn’t mind. “I’ve cleared it with them. I’ll be back before the end of the month. My friend will be covering my battle tactics class while I’m gone.”
“Where are you going?”
“I have a friend I need to visit on a faraway planet.”
He never said what planet and after he left, Spock realized he should have asked. He’d only said he would be back on November 21 in the afternoon.
Jim had said before he departed, “Don’t worry, Spock, I’ll be back before you know it.”
That turned out not to be true. Spock knew that some said time flew but all Spock realized that each day with Jim gone was agonizingly long.
Spock had fallen in love with Jim without even knowing it. And when Jim did come back, because Spock found himself almost praying that he would, Spock would make sure Jim knew.
At some point Spock began to become concerned that this “friend” Jim went to visit was a lover. He hadn’t explained and Spock hadn’t thought it was right to ask, but now he wished he had. There were so many things he wished now.
In the meantime, he would have to wait until November 21st.
It was agonizing.
Spock had made the decision as the date for Jim to return approached to try to guess what time Jim would be arriving so he could be there to wait for Jim. He didn’t want to waste another moment.
He had narrowed it down to two shuttles as Jim had indicated he’d be back in the afternoon.
One was a direct shuttle flight from Venetia and the other one connected from Tarsus IV to Space Station 6 and then to San Francisco.
It was this second one that gave Spock pause. He was familiar with the story of Tarsus IV and with dread he realized, maybe by instinct, that this was where Jim had visited.
This likely meant Jim had spent time there himself if he knew an occupant, and that, to Spock, explained his rather shy, reserved behavior.
Spock was determined more than ever to be waiting there for Jim.
To be absolutely certain he was not mistaken, Spock waited at the shuttle bay for the Venetia shuttle arriving first that afternoon. No Jim stepped out of the crowd getting off that shuttle.
After that he had some small amount of anxiety that Jim would not be on either shuttle, and had, in fact, decided not to return. After all he had received not a single message from Jim since he’d left.
But he tamped down that insecurity. No need to look for trouble where it might not exist.
And when that other shuttle arrived, Spock tried not to hold his breath. At least for too long.
But about way through the exodus of passengers, Jim came down the ramp toward the direction Spock waited.
At first he didn’t appear to notice Spock. But then at the bottom of the ramp his steps fumbled just a touch and then he smiled brightly.
“Spock!”
That removed any doubt that Jim would find him waiting there unwelcome. And for some completely unVulcany reason, Spock opened his arms at Jim’s approach.
If Jim had hesitated even an instant, Spock would have been overcome by extreme embarrassment. Because yes, Vulcans could be embarrassed, despite protestations to the contrary.
But Jim went straight into Spock’s arms and wrapped his own around Spock, drawing him in close.
It felt like home.
So much so that Spock was reluctant to let go and step back, but mindful of prying eyes, always, he eventually did.
Jim continued to smile warmly at him. “I didn’t expect you to be waiting here.”
“I could not resist,” Spock admitted. “I found I missed you more than I had expected.”
“God, I missed you too. Seemed like torture.” Jim reached for Spock’s hand and held it.
“Your-your visit went well?”
Jim nodded. “Yeah, it went okay.” He looked around and then back to Spock. “Listen, can we get out of here and go where somewhere where, uh, we can be alone?”
Spock’s insides churned. “I’d like nothing better.”
Jim leaned in then and kissed Spock so quick it was almost as if it hadn’t happened, except that Spock’s lips tingled.
“And I’m back right in time for Thanksgiving.”
“Thanksgiving?”
“I have a lot to be grateful for. And you will too after tonight.” Jim laughed then, turning a little pink.
“Yes,” Spock murmured. “I believe you are correct.”
They grabbed Jim’s luggage and then headed for the exit, Jim still keeping hold of Spock’s hand in a most unseemly way. Spock didn’t mind.
“Jim.”
Jim stopped and turned to Spock. “Yeah?”
“I…uh…I find that I have fallen in—”
Jim grinned and squeezed Spock’s hand. “Me too, Spock. Come on.”
Jim was quite right, Spock felt a lot of gratitude. And later, he would learn just what Jim’s connection to Tarsus IV was, but for now, he was content to have Jim where he belonged…with Spock.
Jim eyed him out of one closed eye. “I’m not a dog. Not this year.”
Boyce got close to Jim in the hospital bed and scanned him with a medical equipment. “What are you supposed to be? Big Foot?”
He raised his arm to block the light Doctor Boyce shined in his eyes. “Ouch. Do you mind?”
“What is his condition, Doctor?” Spock asked from somewhere in the room. Jim couldn’t see him.
“Seems to have a bit of a concussion.”
“Seems?” That was Bones. Sounded outraged too. “What kind of a doctor are you?”
Boyce straightened and gave Bones the evil eye. “Listen, son, I was treating injuries when you were still in nappies.”
“Can we maybe focus on me?” Jim wondered.
“You’ve got a nasty bump on your noggin.” Boyce smiled. “No fleas though.”
Jim would have rolled his eyes except it would have hurt.
“You’re going to have to spend the night for observation.” He glanced over, Jim figured, at the other two. “Your boyfriends will have to come back tomorrow.”
Bones choked.
“Boyfriend,” Spock said icily. “I am Jim’s mate.”
“Oh. Okay. I assumed you were a threesome.” Boyce patted Jim’s shoulder. “Get some rest. I’ll send a nurse in to remove that costume. Whatever it is. Try not to end up here next Halloween.” He eyed Bones. “Now that I think of it since it was the other one last year and this kid here this year, it’ll be you next time.”
“Over my dead body,” Bones mumbled.
Boyce looked at Jim. “What happened anyway?”
“I slipped in, uh, cow, uh, you know, at the Halloween Festival and hit my head.”
“Ah.” The doctor nodded. “That explains the smell. The nurse will give you a sponge bath too. You two out.”
“But—”
“Out. He needs rest. Come back in the morning.”
Then all three of them left and shortly after Nurse Ratchet appeared a few minutes later. She seemed to take pleasure in yanking his ruined costume off and rubbing his skin raw.
Spock paused from peering into his shopping cart to make sure Vanik hadn’t added extra items he didn’t think were necessary to flick a glance at his nephew.
The little pest, to use Jim’s affectionate nickname for him, had insisted on going to the market with Spock as he prepared to select things for their Halloween movie night. Jim had decided the task of shopping should be left to Spock.
Jim had an important simulation test coming up he was preparing for and Jim had given Spock his best captain look, even though he was not yet one, and Spock had decided it was wise not to argue.
As he was departing for the shopping trip, Vanik had arrived to visit and Jim sent Spock’s nephew off with him. Somewhat gleefully, Spock noticed.
“Candy?”
“It’s going to be Halloween,” Vanik replied. “Jim has a sweet tooth.”
Spock stared at him. “Jim does.”
It wasn’t entirely a lie, Spock conceded. Jim was fond of certain sweets and candy was among them. But he also knew no one could beat Vanik for his love of all things sweet.
“And me. Hell hath no fury like a man whose mate forgot his candy,” Vanik made up on the spot.
Spock sighed. The pest wasn’t wrong. And he absolutely hated displeasing Jim. Likely other Vulcans would call him an illogical sap, but there it was.
“What do you recommend?” Spock asked as he wheeled his cart toward the Halloween candy display.
“He likes peanut butter cups.”
“True.” Spock selected two bags while Vanik nodded his approval.
“And the nougat with the peanuts.”
Vanik’s favorite.
Spock picked up a bag and then added a second when Vanik gave him puppy dog eyes.
“Gummy worms?”
Spock nodded and added them and sweetarts as he knew Jim liked those too. “That is most certainly enough.”
“All right! Time to check out.”
And Vanik ran ahead. Spock wasn’t sure he ever had that much energy. But he followed after him, wondering how early he could get Vanik to go home. He wanted to spend some private time with his mate.
Jim Kirk stopped before the sign attached to an auditorium on the Academy’s campus.
“Pie contest,” he read.
His best friend, Leonard “Bones” McCoy finally caught up to him as Jim read the words out loud. Bones had been lagging behind per usual.
“Ooh. I could do a pie eating contest.” He patted his belly. “Now that’s the kind of Harvest fun I can get onboard with. None of this other stuff like a carnival. Do you know how dangerous those old rickety rides are?”
Jim smiled. “Not a pie eating contest, Bones. A pie baking contest.”
“Baking? Oh forget it.”
He shook his head and laughed. “My mom used to make a mean pecan pie.”
“Mean, huh? Did it bite you? Forget it. You don’t want to enter. Maybe we could sign up to be judges.”
“What qualifications do you have to judge pies, Bones?”
He patted his stomach again. “I know how to ‘em. What other qualifications do I have to have?”
“Well—”
“There you are, Jim.” Spock came up behind them, hands clenched behind his back. “Doctor.”
“Spock,” Bones returned.
“I hope you were not waiting long,” Spock said.
“No, just got here. Was thinking about the pie contest. Bones wants to judge.”
“I believe I heard they had all the judges they required.”
Jim smiled. “Spock’s on the Harvest planning committee.”
“Reluctantly.” He eyed Bones. “I believe they are still looking for volunteers for the dunking booth at the carnival.”
“Harty har har. No thanks.”
“Also someone to dress up as a clown in the funhouse.”
Jim grinned as they started walking. “You’d make a good scary clown, Bones.”
His friend snorted. “I think I’ll stick to being a guest. All that greasy makeup messes with my beautiful skin.”
“Maybe I’ll be a clown.”
“You are a clown.”
Jim just laughed and caught up with Spock’s long strides, leaving Bones behind.
Vanik was pleased when Jim stepped aside to allow him to enter the apartment Jim shared with Vanik’s Uncle Spock. He glanced around, already anticipating Jim’s Halloween decorations throughout the apartment.
Jim closed the door and turned to Vanik with his usual congenial smile. “Would you like a snack?”
“I would, yes.” He followed Jim into the kitchen. Jim always kept the best snacks. Spock didn’t prior to meeting Jim. Vanik was responsible for their relationship and he was quite proud of that.
“Cheese flavored chips or pretzels?”
“Where are the decorations?” Vanik asked rather than respond to the question. He didn’t really want to make a choice, he wanted them both.
“Hmm?”
“The bats, the skeletons, the ghosts. It’s October.”
“October third.”
“Yes you had two days to begin.”
Jim shrugged. “I’m going light on decorations this year.” He pointed to the coffee table. “I have a pumpkin.”
“That’s it?”
Jim smiled. “Chips or pretzels?”
“Both?” Vanik said hopefully.
“A kid after my own heart. Both it is.” Jim got out a giant plastic bowl and filled it with the cheese chips and pretzels.
Vanik started munching as he sat on the bar stool next to the kitchen counter. “Uncle Spock won’t eat these, huh? Since it’s got cheese dust.”
“Well, yeah, and he thinks their messy. His loss.”
“Indeed.”
Jim eyed him with a sudden frown. “Put those chips down.”
“What?”
The adult grabbed his arm, surprisingly gently, and brought him into the kitchen, pointing to the sink. “Wash those hands. You’re wearing your school uniform and your Uncle Spock and parents are gonna kill me if you get stuff all over it again.”
“But I want—”
“I’ll put you in a big T-shirt. Just clean up and we’ll take off that shirt.”
A few minutes later, back perched on the stool munching chips and pretzels, Vanik said to Jim, “You are wise.”
Jim laughed.
“You’ll need more decorations for the party though,” Vanik said, returning to the reason he had come.
“Party?” Jim paused with a beer bottle halfway to his mouth.
“Halloween. If you will recall you had one the last two years. It will, admittedly, be difficult to top last years.”
“Uh.”
“What does uh mean?”
“I hate to break it to you, kid, but we’re not having a Halloween party this year.”
“You…are not?” Vanik scrunched up his face.
“Nope. Parties are a lot of work and expense, Vanik. Your uncle and I decided not to have it this year.”
Disappointment washed over him, but with a heavy sigh, he popped another chip in his mouth. “Got any strawberry milk?”
Jim rolled his eyes and went into the fridge for a small bottle that he handed to Vanik. They kept the milk especially for him and Vanik loved that.
“What are the plans for Halloween then?”
“Scary movies, snacks, and cuddling on the couch.”
The door to the apartment opened then and Vanik’s uncle entered. He stopped short on seeing Vanik, then shook his head and reclosed the door.
“Did we expect you today?” Spock asked.
Vanik watched as he came to Jim and gave him a quick kiss. Spock had definitely changed. Thanks to Vanik, of course.
“No. I came to check on the Halloween plans.”
Spock frowned. “Halloween plans? We are not—”
“I know. Jim told me no party. What snacks are we having?”
“What?”
Vanik took a sip of his milk. “I’ll skip the cuddling. I can sit on a chair instead of the couch.”
Spock glanced at Jim, who smiled serenely. He turned away then, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I am getting a headache.”
Vanik looked to Jim. “Snacks?”
Jim laughed. “We have time to think about it.:
He nodded satisfied and realized, mournfully, between he and Jim, the chips and pretzels were gone. He sighed regretfully and slipped off the stool.
:”It is fortunate that Mother, Father and I now live in the same apartment building as you,” Vanik declared as he made his way to the door.
“Yes it is,” Jim agreed, amiably.
Jim was a good egg, Vanik thought. And he said his goodbyes, retrieved his school uniform shirt, and left.
Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto) 