Kirk/Spock Advent Calendar 2006

Letters from Home

by Kacs Spock; Rated PG and featuring K/S, Mc, and Ch
Summary:...Holiday time on the Enterprise, and Kirk and come to some realizations.
Beta: Starshadow

Captain Kirk glanced at the chronometer and gave a mental sigh. Any second now, shift change would occur and that meant that Kirk, as well as the many of the senior staff, would finally get a much-needed break. Pulling double shifts was tough on anyone, but doing it back to back was much more than tough, it was downright gruesome. Even Spock looked tired, if a Vulcan could -and McCoy was just too exhausted to even start a verbal spar with him--or anyone else for the matter. When the chronometer finally hit 17:00 the senior bridge crew was relieved. Each headed off to their own relaxation spots. For Jim, that spot was his quarters. He knew that Spock would also go to his own quarters to meditate, and McCoy would find some way to treat himself with his own brand of alcoholic beverages.

Before the door to his quarters could swoosh shut Jim was at his bed. He sat down with a plop and began to get undressed. As he was pulling off his boots he saw the flashing message light on his computer. As he finished changing, Jim called up the message on his terminal. As he turned back around to face the screen he was quite intrigued to see, not a vid or data file, but instead an actual letter, hand-written, from home. The fact that it was from his mother interested him enough to sit down as he read. It was not often that people received hand-written electronic letters, and when they did it usually was an important message. Hoping everything was all right back home with Mom and Peter, Jim Kirk continued to read.

Mom here. Hope this letter finds you and your crew well, Captain Kirk, Sir. I am writing to you today because I heard through the rumor mill around here that the Enterprise will be in spacedock during the holiday season. Now I know this is hot-off-the-press news, so I am getting to you before you get to yourself and make other plans. Don't try to tell me that you're going to be needed on board the ship during layover because you can't pull that with me, kiddo. I was the one who was married to a ship's captain for over 30 years, so I know better.

Now, I want you to come home for the holidays, Jim. It has been a while, and I'm not getting any younger, and neither are you. Peter will be here as well, and in your past letters you have mentioned you can’t wait to see how big he's gotten. Well, he has grown, just like the rest of the Kirk boys.

You also mention your friends Spock and McCoy a lot, as well. I would love to meet them in person while I have the chance--since they seem to be good friends of yours and a big part of your life, bring them along. And of course, as always, the invitation is open if you have found that special someone out there in space...you know what I mean.

I won't take no for an answer, Jim. I'm pulling rank here. I'll see you soon and I will have your old room ready for you. Take care till then.

Great, just great, thought Jim Kirk. Most of the crew doesn’t even know about the leave yet and my own mother knows all the details. I should have known she would. Well, I guess I better round up McCoy and Spock. Bones will understand, but Spock.... hmm well I’m sure Bones will help.

Getting up from his desk, Jim donned a clean uniform and hit the comm button for Spock.

“Spock, as soon as you are finished with your meditations, can you please meet me in sickbay--in McCoy’s office?”

“Say about 10 minutes. I need to talk to you and Bones together about something that has come up.”

With that, Jim decided to make his way to sickbay before Spock got there. He wanted to brief McCoy and warn him not to make any rude comments towards Spock. This was too important to joke around. McCoy was one of the few people in Jim's life that actually knew about his relationship with Spock. Sure, the crew had their own rumor mill, but no one knew the extent of their relationship–with the exception of Bones. As Jim Kirk entered sickbay, he came face to face with McCoy and his tray of "medicinals."

“Nah, Bones. I need to talk to both of you about something rather important.”

“Here,” said McCoy, handing Jim a glass. “So why are you here before Spock?”

Taking the glass, Jim answered, “Well, my mom knows about the upcoming leave on Earth, and she wants to meet you and Spock.”

“Nothing, Bones. It’s just that--she also told me to bring that someone special--if I had one yet – and ...”

“And what, Jim? You just said you were gonna ask Spock to go, right? And--whoa, wait a minute. You didn’t tell her, did you?”

“No, not yet. Besides, I haven’t even responded yet, and it’s not something I want to do in a letter.”

“Jim, you’re not telling me that you’re afraid to tell your mom that your special someone is a man, are you? Or a Vulcan?”

“No--no, not at all. Look--my family doesn’t care about things like that, but it’s just that my mom keeps talking about how she’s not getting any younger, and, you know, hinting...”

“Ahh, I see. Been there, Jimbo. Drink up. You're gonna need it. Besides, Spock should be here soon.”

Spock was in his own quarters, having completed his meditation ritual. Spock checked his own terminal which was flashing with its own message. Like Jim's, his was also from home and hand-written. As he read the first line, Spock distinctly recognized his mother’s handwriting. Intrigued, Spock sat behind his desk and read:

Greetings. I do so hope that this letter finds you and your shipmates well. I have been informed that you will be on Earth for the holiday season, and I want you to seriously consider this: if your t'hy'la invites you “home for the holidays” as we humans call it, please do so. It is part of our human customs.

Yes, I know that your relationship is still being kept quiet, but you know as well as I do that your father shall be writing to you shortly to inquire about the status of your upcoming plans. As he puts it “our son needs to perform his duties to the clan.” I have not told him anything, my son, as you requested, but the time is soon approaching where you will have to discuss this with Jim and your father. Medicine may have come a long way, but not that far.

Please remember all we spoke about at our last correspondence, and send my holiday wishes to all. Take care, my son, and please write home soon with good news.

Spock knew exactly what his mother meant in the letter. He always knew how to read between her words. And he knew his father would soon want an answer as to what he planned to do about his family obligations. Two males bonding were not unheard of. After all, the concept of t'hy'la in terms of lovers, did not refer to one gender. But his duty to the clan was clear.

Medical science had come far enough to allow his own existence to take place and gone even so far as to allow him to reproduce even though he was hybrid. Therefore, he was to produce an heir, but as his mother had pointed out, medical science had not solved that problem for male bondings yet. A female was still required.

Spock decided he would have to talk to Jim and McCoy. In fact, he was due to meet them in four minutes anyway. Without further delay, Spock donned a clean uniform and headed to sickbay.

Approaching the door to McCoy’s office, Spock could hear that Jim was already inside. After Spock buzzed, McCoy welcomed him in. Spock took a seat next to Kirk on McCoy's couch, and oddly, McCoy thought, also accepted a drink

“Jim, I know that you said you had something you wanted to discuss with both Leonard and myself, however, I, too have something rather important to discuss with you two, as well.”

“All right, Spock, I'll go first, and then you can, okay? Besides, I think our discussions might have something in common.”

“Okay, Spock. Bones, please sit down. Now we all know about the whole layover on Earth during the holiday season. Unfortunately, my mother also got wind of this, and has practically demanded that I come home for the holidays, and that I bring the two of you with me. Now, Bones understands this and has no problem with it. Spock, you know that I want you to come with me, but it is up to you. I won’t force you to do this. But I should tell you that my mom doesn’t know about us yet. I mean as a couple. And I know that you have been as tired and overworked as the rest of us, lately. So if you're not ready for this...”

“Jim, please. I understand that your mother does not yet know about us. You must know I will accompany you to your mother's home for your holidays. However, I too, have received communication from my mother. She too has learned of our layover on Earth during the holidays, but she has also informed me that my father will be inquiring soon as to what I plan to do as far as my clan obligations go. Our layover is in less than a month and I believe that we should take the next step in our relationship then. I assume you want to inform your mother in person? Will she deem this as a problem?”

“No, not a problem, but you're right. I do want to tell her in person... And Peter will be there as well. So Bones, are you in too?”

“Yes, Jim--But do you mind if I bring a friend? She doesn’t have anywhere to go and you know how I...”

“'Nuff said, Bones. It's okay. Then it’s settled. You and your friend, me, and Spock. Okay, Bones, I'm going to get some rest. Spock, are you coming?”

“Your Time within the next year. I know, Spock, I know. I am your doctor and I’m your friend. I’ve been keeping my eye on your readings. Now stop worrying and go be with Jim.”

Later that evening in Jim's quarters, the couple engaged in their daily chess game. It was a tradition of sorts, which began long before they became a couple. Chess was their way of winding down the day and was actually what led to their friendship growing stronger into the relationship they had now. Although they were what humans would call a couple they were still more of on the friendship basis with some differences. Vulcans did not engage in the same fraternizing as humans did and of course Spock was no exception to this.

Jim, of course, was an experienced adult male, having had his share of relationships, while Spock was new at the game. Jim had often suspected that Spock was not yet experienced, and was quite understanding when Spock asked if they could move their relationship slowly towards more intimacy. Although they were what humans would call “going steady” Jim was somewhat surprised when Spock suggested they make their relationship closer during the holiday leave. They had not yet considered marriage or bonding yet, and their physical relationship had not yet gone past simple cuddling, caressing, and the occasional kissing. Secretly to himself, Jim hoped Spock would become more comfortable with greater intimacy.

"Jim, I have been conducting research since you asked me to accompany you home during your holiday season. I have come to the conclusion that Iowa has varying temperatures below freezing and that precipitation is almost guaranteed. Is this true of your home town?"

Laughing, Jim responded, "Yes, Spock. I should have known you would check the computer, but I was going to tell you. I wouldn't let you freeze. After all, you would have me to warm you up."

"I appreciate that, Jim. However, I was wondering what I was to do about clothing for that type of climate. It has been some time since I was in such a position and I am not certain what to pack."

"Not to worry, my friend. I will help you out with that. You do not have many off-duty outfits do you? I mean, other than Vulcan-style clothing?"

"No, Jim, I do not. I have not been in a cold climate voluntarily since I was a child. However, back then my mother knew what to pack."

"I see. Well, we do have a stop at Starbase 14 before we actually get to Earth. How about we take some time then to get you some winter clothing? It would also give me time to get some things I need, as well as Christmas gifts for home."

Smiling to himself, Jim realized that that might just be the next step in their relationship. Me and Spock buying clothes together, go figure.

"Well, nice game, Spock, but I'm beat. I think I'm gonna hit the hay. You wanna spend the night?"

"Jim.... No thank you, Jim. I have some things I must complete before I retire for the evening. I shall see you in the morning, Jim. Good night."

With that, Spock left through their connecting head and Jim was left again to his own musings.

Every night I ask him to stay and every night he says the same thing. He's probably off to the lab and then meditation before bed. One night though, one night, his answer will change.

Those were Jim's last thoughts before he gave into the wave of exhaustion that consumed him. Not that long thereafter, he was sound asleep.

After leaving Jim's quarters, Spock went to the lab to check on nothing, really. He had been doing this now since Jim and he became closer in their relationship. Each night, Jim would ask him to spend the night, and each night he would tell Jim that he had some things to take care of before retiring for the evening. Spock knew, however, that he was avoiding what would inevitably happen – the advancement of their relationship to the inevitable. Spock knew that Jim wanted more intimacy in their relationship than they had now, but he also knew that he, himself was not ready for that yet. As a Vulcan, he was considered immature sexually by not having consummated mating during his first Pon Farr. It was not unusual for males of his age to be sexually inactive or inexperienced. Thankfully, Spock thought, Jim understands and will continue to take it slowly until I am ready. As Spock moved around the lab, checking on various experiments his junior officers were conducting, he also found Nurse Chapel doing the same thing.

"Why hello there, Mr. Spock. I thought I was the only one who was around the labs this late. What, may I ask, brought you down here?"

"I am simply looking in on some experiments my junior officers are conducting, Miss Chapel. I will not have time tomorrow as I am working both the alpha and beta shifts."

"Again, Mr. Spock? You're going to run yourself ragged! But I'm sure you will tell me that Vulcans do not get run down."

"No, Miss Chapel. Vulcans do get 'run down' as you would say; however it does not happen to us as easily as it does to humans. And, what may I ask, are you doing down here at this hour?"

"Same as you. Checking on junior officer's work. Hoping that nothing goes wrong as we get closer to leave time. This is usually when my juniors get careless, but it will all work out."

With that Spock quickly exited the lab and left Christine completely baffled. Why would he be checking up on his students? she thought. They would never leave a mess or make a mistake for fear that he would find out. Maybe........ maybe he was looking for me? Nah, get a grip, Christine . I better go to bed before I start talking to myself. Christine shook off the lingering thoughts of herself with Spock and decided to head off to bed. At least there she could dream naturally at night, not day-dreaming as if she were a giddy school-girl.

Once Spock finally reached his quarters, he decided on a light meditation routine and then sleep. He needed to meditate on a variety of topics, all of which came to a point today, but which had been on his mind for some time now. His relationship with Jim, his growing friendship with Leonard, and Nurse Chapel's constant emotional projections towards him.

It is not her fault, Spock thought. If only she knew the truth. In the past few months, they had worked together quite often and possibly become more than acquaintances and on the road to possible friendship. After the brief delay to Vulcan those years ago, Christine had pretty much come to understand what it meant to be a Vulcan and the customs that accompanied it. However, that did not change her feelings for Spock. Sure, she was completely professional around him; however the fact that he was of a telepathic race made it difficult to ignore her projections, no matter how much she kept it hidden. She does truly care about me, thought Spock. She is a caring adult, and one I may call friend. She may understand and even be willing to assist me in my quest. Spock meditated on all the thoughts running through his head and those thoughts soon followed him into a deep slumber.

Over the next few days, the Enterprise crew went about their exhaustive schedule. Leave time on Earth was getting closer and closer and tomorrow the ship would be stopping over at Starbase 14, which was notorious for its shopping promenade, and this close to the holiday season, the crew's credits were going to be flying out of their accounts.

Spock needed winter clothing and Jim needed to buy gifts for his family before they reached Earth.

"Actually Jim, I was considering asking Nurse Chapel to dine with me this evening. I believe that I need to speak to her regarding her our relationship."

"Our relationship? You are talking about me and you right? Do you think it's wise? I mean, it is up to you."

"Jim, since the incident on Vulcan, I have come to consider Christine a friend. Since you and I have become closer in our relationship, I believe it is time that I tell her the truth."

"Jim, you do know what I mean. However, I shall be quite content to return here to your quarters after dinner for our usual game of chess, if that is agreeable with you?"

Upon leaving Jim's quarters, Spock made his way down to the lab where he knew he would find Nurse Chapel. As soon as he entered the lab, she was there to greet him.

"Actually, Nurse Chapel, I am here to speak to you. May we go somewhere private to talk?"

As Christine Chapel led the way to her office, she couldn't help but be worried about why he could possibly want to speak to her, and in private, no less.

Uh oh, thought Christine. He's changing titles again. Wonder what this could mean.

"Miss Chapel, I was wondering if you would be able to accompany me to dinner this evening, in my office. There is something that is rather important I wish to discuss with you.”

"Why, of course, Mr. Spock. May I ask, is this something serious or disciplinary?"

"No, nothing of that nature, but it is of importance. Would you meet me at 18:00?"

"Good. Oh, and Miss Chapel, you do not have to call me Sir, or Mister, just Spock will do."

Now what could this all be about? Could he finally be acknowledging my presence outside of the lab? Well, till 18:00 I'll just have to wait. Whoa, wait a minute, its 17:30- I better get going! Christine thought as she quickly turned lab supervision over to Nurse Niaz and ran out the door to get ready.

Spock, always the gentleman, stood as Christine entered, taking in the scene before her. Spock had already converted his office desk into a dinner table complete with the meal for the evening.

"Please have a seat. I took the liberty of ordering what you usually eat at dinner based on your dietary card, and matched it to my own selection."

"Thank you." Christine said as she took the seat Spock offered. With a slight nod, he acknowledged her appreciation and took his own seat across from her. As was customary on Vulcan, they ate in silence, and once clean-up was completed, Spock put out a fresh pot of tea, a Vulcan specialty. After pouring a hot cup for both of them, Spock decided now was the time to begin this discussion.

"Very well, Christine. You have probably been wondering why I asked you to dinner this evening and what it was that I said was of importance that we discuss."

"Well, yes, Spock. I have been wondering that since you only sprung this on me a little while ago. But please, do go on."

"I apologize for such late notice, but I do appreciate you accepting my offer. Since our detour, as you would say, to Vulcan, I have come to see you as less of a colleague and more of a friend."

"Yes, Christine, I do. Being a member of a telepathic race, emotional projections are not easily ignored when one works in such close proximity. I do, Christine, know of your feelings for me, and have for some time now. However, I did not realize the extent of them until more recently. Human emotions are still very new and different for me, but you must know that your feelings of friendship and shared interests are not wasted on me. I, indeed, feel the same towards you. I know that you would wish for us to be something more, but I wanted to tell you this evening that that cannot be. It is nothing personal to you, but to all the women on this ship. I have found my t'hy'la and our relationship is still very new."

"I think I understand. Correct me if I'm wrong, but are you telling me that you are a homosexual? That you are attracted to men?"

"Yes. Jim and I both share the feeling of being t'hy'la to one another. This is a Vulcan term which means more than brothers, more than friends. In fact, during this holiday layover on Earth we plan to take our relationship further.”

"Spock, I understand completely and I am happy for you. Don't get me wrong, I'm upset that it's not me, but I am happy that you have found that special someone. Who else knows about this relationship?"

"You mean Mrs. Kirk doesn't know yet? And we are all going to be there over the holiday break? This may be awkward."

"I gather Leonard didn't tell you that I was the friend he was bringing? Well, I am- but it will be all right. We can all go and have a great time. In case you hadn't noticed, Leonard and I have been working on our own relationship."

"Actually, I had not noticed that. Christine, before you retire for the evening there is one other thing I wish to ask of you."

"Tomorrow we are to be at Starbase 14. Jim has already promised to help me find winter clothes for Iowa, but I was wondering if you could help me find something else?"

"Both, actually. And I am gratified that you and Leonard will be there as well."

"Then yes, Spock, I would be honored to help you shop for a ring. But do you mind if I ask one thing from you before I go back to my quarters?”

"Just a friendly hug and possibly a small kiss?" Christine asked as she tried to hold back tears–of some joy and some sadness, but tears, nonetheless.

After considering this, Spock lightly lifted her face by her chin and with one smooth stroke of his finger, wiped the lone tear away.

"Of course, Christine. Of course." and with that Christine felt herself enveloped in warm arms as his heated lips placed a light kiss on her forehead.

After the embrace ended, Christine looked up to him and saw him smile that special smile reserved only for his deepest of friends as she left the room.

After she had left the room, Spock finally understood what human embrace was all about. Turning off the lights to his office, Spock headed to his quarters to meditate, shower, and change before heading to Jim's quarters for their nightly chess game. However, tonight, he would not have to turn down his bed or return to his quarters.

Perhaps tonight he would let Jim win, in more ways than one. The labs would be safe tonight, and so would Jim and Spock.

Letters from Home

by Kacs Spock; Rated PG and featuring K/S, Mc, and Ch Summary:...Holiday time on the Enterprise, and Kirk and come to some realizations. Beta: Starshadow

by Kacs Spock; Rated PG and featuring K/S, Mc, and Ch
Summary:...Holiday time on the Enterprise, and Kirk and come to some realizations.
Beta: Starshadow