Fic: Bringing Back Christmas
Title: Bringing Back Christmas
Author: demonllama1
Series: STXI
Rating: PG-13
Length: 8900~
Warnings: language, sexual situations (no sex, sorry!)
Summary: Christmas no longer exists in the 23rd Century but the crew want to celebrate it just once. Except Jim. And Spock. Spock finds Jim's professionalism and logical attitude to rejecting Christmas a bit of a turn on.
Bringing Back Christmas
“So everyone’s in agreement that changing the replicator settings in the engineering area to no alcohol would stop so many... incidents,” Jim says, looking around the large oval table at his bridge crew and all senior officers. They're all gathered in meeting room 12f for their monthly meetings regarding the general runnings of the Enterprise. Jim loves the meetings because they normally end up in arguments around stupid topics such as whether having 100% cotton pillow cases on all beds is a good or bad thing. It's a harsh contrast to the usually serious and focused meetings based around intense missions and provides everyone with a bit of light relief.
There's a loud murmur of agreement even though Jim catches a look of sadness cross Scotty's face.
Jim looks down briefly at his PADD before looking back up. “Ok, so that's all we needed to discuss, is there any other business?”
There's a beat of silence before Chekov gives a small 'ahem' and raises his hand, looking adorably shy. Jim smiles affectionately and holds up his hand in a 'go on' gesture before taking a seat and glancing at Spock next to him.
Chekov slowly stands, exchanging a panicked look with Sulu who's sitting next to him and giving him a small thumbs up in support. Jim clasps his fingers together on the table edge, waiting expectantly as Chekov turns to address him.
“It iz December 19th in the ship's annual earth based calendar, Keptin.”'
Jim blinks at Chekov dumbly, his heart lurching for a moment as he wonders if he's missed someone's birthday. “And?”
“And Sulu and I vas vondering if it iz possible to celebrate old earth based tradition of Christmas as it is so close and ve have a while before ve vill arrive at Trefegha V.”
Sulu sits up higher in his seat and addresses all the crew with a cheery smile. “I've looked into it and we could put up some tinsel, maybe get a Christmas tree with baubles for the bridge, you know, like they did back in the day. I'm fairly sure we could adjust the replicators to give us decorations. It'd be nice and give people a reason to throw a party and give presents.”
Jim bites his lip and looks across the room at McCoy hopefully and find he's not disappointed when he finds his friend staring at Sulu like he's just kicked his dog. “I vote no,” McCoy says, looking bored and irritated as he sits back in his chair and drums his fingers along the table's edge like he's far too important and busy to be in the meeting.
“Come on, it's a good reason to drink and we could put up some mistletoe to improve crew relations,” Sulu tries.
“We have 27 birthdays this month alone, we don't need an excuse to throw a party,” Jim says plainly. “And mistletoe? Really?”
Spock almost frowns and he gives Jim a questioning look. “What is mistletoe?”
Jim shrugs. “It's a leafy plant thing. I think, from what I remember from hearing about Christmas, if you stand underneath it you have to do a shot and make out with the other person. Or hump them. I can't really remember.”
“Kissing,” Sulu says loudly, looking exasperated that no one seems to be on board with his idea. “You kiss under mistletoe.”
“Why would a plant cause people to kiss underneath it? Is there dangerous pollen within it? I do not think, Captain, that it would be sensible to have that on board,” Spock remarks, looking almost worried.
Jim smirks. “No, it hasn't got anything special in it. People themselves choose to kiss, or hump, underneath it.”
“I said kiss. No humping,” Sulu says, sounding almost offended on behalf of mistletoe.
Jim smirks and waggles his eyebrows. “I think we should keep the humping.”
Sulu waves his hands in the air in outrage. “But that's not-”
“Anyway,” Jim says, cutting him off. “I think we have agreed that celebrating Christmas, which was only celebrated because of a religion which no longer exists, is ridiculous.”
“I think ve should take vote of whole crew,” Chekov says hopefully, eyes wide like he's afraid Jim's going to snap at him. Jim does want to put on his best captain voice and say no, but the kid's eyes are like puppy dog eyes and he's simply not strong enough to withstand it. He shrugs, hoping that most people will agree that Christmas shouldn't be celebrated. They don't have the time or resources for things like this and it would just provide yet another distraction for everyone that Jim simply doesn't need.
“Go for it. You can do it this evening. Send a link to everyone's PADD and we'll vote. Majority rules.”
Everyone gives a murmur of agreement, or grumble in McCoy's case, and starts to stand up and shuffle out of the large meeting room.
Jim is looking down at his PADD when Spock shuffles his chair closer, their shoulders brushing. Jim looks up and smiles. “Hey.”
“I still do not understand why humans would engage in kissing with their mouths and humping underneath a plant for no reason. Illogical behaviour.”
“Yeah, well hopefully, you won't have to think too long on it. No one's going to say yes to celebrating Christmas. Half the crew probably barely know what it's about.”
“I hope you are right as I do not wish to spend the coming days attempting to avoid meeting people underneath a plant.”
Jim gives him a crooked smile. “Don't worry about it.”
Spock gives him a long look before nodding and walking out. Jim watches him go, biting his lip in thought as he considers his growing attachment to his first officer. Jim refuses to call it a 'crush' because he thinks that word should be reserved for teenagers, but it's definitely something similar. He's not in love with him, not yet, but he definitely wouldn't mind finding out what it's like to date a Vulcan and have that intense stare focused entirely on him all the time. He gives a long sigh before leaving the room.
…
It passes with 58% crew saying yes to celebrating Christmas. Jim groans as he imagines how many times in the coming days he's going to have to rip down tinsel from stupid places and he immediately starts mentally putting a document together outlining why having Christmas trees on the bridge are a bad idea.
Jim throws his PADD with the voting results to the side, it bouncing lightly on his bed in his quarters, and he presses the button to open the door to the bathroom and then opens the other door leading into Spock's quarters. Spock is already in his pajamas, sitting down by the side of his bed, meditating lightly. Jim strolls over and throws himself onto the bed, collapsing with a sigh.
“Jim, as I have expressed many times before, I dislike you being in my bed before I sleep. I find it difficult to rest fully with your smell across my sheets,” Spock says, his eyes staying shut.
“I love it when you compliment me.”
“It was not a compliment,” Spock murmurs, opening his right eye and peering up at the bed where Jim's prostrating himself.
Jim lets out a hum and sprawls himself purposely across the comforter, rubbing himself against it like he's a cat. Spock just sighs like Jim's an infant that he can't be bothered to give attention to.
“Did you see the damn vote passed? I want a list of everyone who voted yes so I can give them all official warnings.”
“That would be an abuse of power.”
“A good abuse of power.”
“That is subjective. I believe the idea of celebrating Christmas is entirely illogical but I do see merits in boosting crew morale and allowing them to hump underneath plants if they so wish.”
Jim rolls onto his stomach and perches his chin on his hands. “Firstly, I love hearing you say the word 'hump'. Say it again for me,” Jim tries with a big grin, fluttering his eyelashes. Spock stares back at him with a dry look like he wishes Jim would evaporate into thin air before shutting his eyes again. Jim clears his throat. “And secondly, I thought you were against mistletoe.”
“I am, but I understand for some people it will be a perfect opportunity to test out compatibility with fellow crew members in a casual sense with no commitment being in place.”
Jim raises an eyebrow. “You hoping to meet someone under the mistletoe?”
Spock opens his eyes, gazes at Jim for a moment before elegantly pushing himself to his feet. “No.”
“Fair enough,” Jim says, his lips lifting with amusement as he rolls onto his back on Spock's bed. “I think I'm going to draw up a list of things that I do not want to see or hear with this Christmas crap going on.”
“Such as?” Spock asks, sitting on the edge of his bed and looking down at Jim with a fond expression in his eyes.
“No trees, no tinsel, no baubles, no Christmas music, no paper cards, nothing with Santa or reindeers on and only gifts that have no relation to Christmas.”
“Then how do you propose the crew actually celebrate the holiday?”
“Hopefully in a darkened room by themselves where I don't have to deal with it. We have enough work on our plate and this is the last thing I need to waste time on. I don't care whether that makes me unpopular but I think we need to focus on our upcoming missions,” Jim says matter of factly.
“It will make you unpopular, however, I believe your rationale has a lot of merit and I fully support you.”
Jim grins, practically sunning himself in the compliment considering how rare it is for him to get one. “You like that I dislike Christmas?”
“I appreciate your logical and practical approach to it.”
Jim's grin widens and he turns his face to push his nose against Spock's thigh for a moment before sitting up. “Ok, better head to bed. The second you so much as see a small bit of tinsel, let me know so I can pull it down.”
“I shall,” Spock says, watching Jim go with an almost smile.
…
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: Christmas songs
Sing them and I'll hit you. Regards, your very strong captain.
...
“What the flying fuck is that on your head?” Jim says as he walks onto the bridge to see Sulu with a green head band attached to large, fluffy reindeer antlers.
“Looks awesome, huh?” Sulu says, adjusting the headband slightly so the antlers are on straight.
Jim's face twists into something approaching agony as he looks at him. “I hope you stab yourself in the chest with those damn antlers.”
“Someone's getting into the Christmas spirit,” Uhura mutters, which gets her a glare in her direction. “Hey, don't look at me like that, I voted no.”
Jim's face softens. “OK, you're good.” Jim turns back to face Sulu. “Take it off right now.”
Sulu reaches up and touches the novelty antlers gently. “Why?”
“Because if we got hailed by a passing ship, a commodore or hell, anyone in this universe, it will look unprofessional to have my helmsman wearing fluffy antlers. Off. Now.”
Sulu drags them off his head and stores them under the helm with a sad sigh like he's just been told off by a stern parent. Jim feels a pang of guilt. “You can wear them after shift. On shift, I want everyone in their full and correct uniform with no accessories. Understood?”
Jim looks around as the crew solemnly nods and then he looks at Spock and finds his stomach tighten at the intense, proud look he's giving him. Jim swallows before giving a small smile and turning to face the front, pleased that Spock seems to approve of his strict approach even if he still feels slightly out of his comfort zone when he goes into Captain Mode.
Two minutes later and Chekov strolls onto the bridge with antlers on, looking happy as anything. Jim doesn't even have to say a word as Sulu quickly tells him to take them off in a hushed voice. Jim can't help but feel it's a good thing that the crew have a healthy amount of fear of him.
…
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: Tinsel
Whoever is putting gold tinsel on my captain's chair when I'm not there needs to stop. Right now. If you do it again and I catch you, I will read our your medical file aloud over the Enterprise comm system. Regards, your annoyed captain.
From: Doctor Leonard McCoy
To: Captain James T. Kirk
Subject: Re: Tinsel
Legally, I can't give you access to medical files. Don't even think about trying to hack into the system, Jim.
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Doctor Leonard McCoy
Subject: Re: Tinsel
We'll see.... Regards, your more senior than you captain.
...
“Bones, my one sane friend,” Jim says as he launches himself into McCoy's office to find his friend bent over a PADD.
“What do you want?”
“To make Christmas go away. I know it's only a few days away but I just caught seven ensigns dressing up as reindeers with Scotty as Santa. Also, I'm fairly sure Jarvis from engineering is trying to catch me off guard with mistletoe.”
“Just ignore it,” McCoy mutters distractedly.
“I would but someone just threw some thick gold tinsel around my neck like a boa and shouted Merry Christmas in my face. In my face, Bones. Spit and everything. I need you and Spock to make me feel better.”
“I'm sure Spock can do that all on his own,” McCoy murmurs with a small smirk as he glances up from his PADD to look at Jim.
“Are you being suggestive? Didn't think you had it in you.”
“Yeah, well, I'm normally the one around when you're flirting your ass off in front of the goblin. Now go away, I have work to do.”
“Love you,” Jim says with a grin before rushing out of the office and straight into Spock, who's standing just outside the office. He doesn't look happy and Jim grimaces. “Hey, what's wrong?”
Spock's eyes flick past Jim's shoulder to stare at McCoy before looking back at Jim. “Nothing. I was trying to find you so we can eat together.”
“Oh yeah, sorry, got held up with Bones chattering away,” Jim says dryly with a wink. “Lead the way.”
When they get to the mess, Jim wishes they hadn't. The entire room is full of gleaming tinsel hanging on every wall. There are four Christmas trees, all decorated differently and messily in each corner and half the crew are clad in Christmas themed accessories such as Santa hats. Jim looks around with a look of horror on his face, moving to the side as a pretty ensign starts setting up fairy lights by the replicator units.
“Looks like someone ate a glitter rainbow and puked it up in here,” Jim says disapprovingly, finding it difficult to even look at all the tinsel as it gleams brightly from the artificial lighting.
“I must admit it seems... a bit much. There is no obvious colour scheme being attempted here. Many of the colours are garish and do not go.”
“Who died and made you an interior designer?” Uhura says from behind them as she walks into the room with a spring in her step.
Spock opens his mouth to reply when Jim stops him with a look. “This looks awful. It's painfully obvious why no one celebrates this stupid holiday if this is the mess that's created. Oh my god, are those pine needles I see? They're going to be trampled everywhere.”
“Sorry, Dad,” Uhura says with a roll of the eyes as she goes and sits down next to Sulu, who is wearing his pair of antlers proudly. Jim feels his jaw tighten, taking it all in with a frown on his face.
“Perhaps you would prefer to eat together in my quarters?” Spock asks, turning to look at Jim with an expectant eyebrow. “I promise you I have no Christmas related decorations there.”
Jim swears he hears Uhura give a loud snort from where she's sitting at the table nearest them but ignores it in favour of nodding his agreement at Spock. “Yes, get me out of this multicoloured nightmare.”
Spock turns and heads out of the mess, the doors sliding open to allow them to exit. Jim catches a smirk on several of his crew's faces directed at him before he leaves the mess himself, falling into step with Spock.
“That was weird,” Jim says idly, looking down at his fingernails as they navigate the corridors together.
“What was?”
“I don't know. Like there's this private joke going on at my expense.”
“That sounds like mild paranoia, Captain. I would recommend you desist from further thoughts of that nature.”
Jim lets out a small 'hmm' under his breath as they round the corner and head into Spock's quarters. Jim jumps on the bed and lies back, looking up at the ceiling. “I love how you haven't let a single bit of Christmas come into your room. It's awesome.”
“Thank you,” Spock says quietly as he busies himself at the replicator.
They descend into easy, calm silence as Spock gets them food but it's broken when McCoy's voice breaks through the computer unit.
“McCoy to Kirk.”
Jim frowns as he pushes himself off the bed and walks over to the computer, pressing the comm link button. “Kirk here, how'd you know I was here?”
There's a beat of silence before McCoy replies. “You're always in Spock's quarters. Anyway, Scotty wants to know the crew schedule for the 25th as he wants to arrange some kind of Christmas party.”
“Why can't he ask me?”
“He thought he'd be more likely to get a positive answer if I asked because you adore me. Don't deny it, kid.”
Jim smiles to himself and catches Spock staring at him out of the corner of his eye. “I'll take a look at the rotas and get back to you. How'd Scotty get you to ask me?”
“He's giving me some special whiskey I had my eye on.”
Jim nods his head once and smiles. “Gotta go, Spock's got dinner ready, speak later.”
“Sure, see you later,” McCoy says, a smile obvious in the tone of his voice like he's incredibly amused by something.
The link shuts off and Jim straightens to find Spock waiting for him expectantly at his table, two plates of pasta and cutlery laid out neatly. Jim smiles as he sinks into the chair, picking up a fork and delving right in. He barely stops for a breath before noticing Spock is fiddling with his food, a tiny, almost not there frown marking his features.
“You aight?” Jim asks around his mouthful.
“I am adequate.”
“That's a no. Come on, tell me what's wrong. If you can't tell your hot captain about your problems, who can you tell?”
“Your modesty constantly astounds me,” Spock mutters dryly before putting his fork down and sitting back in his seat. “I have yet to acquire the skill to enable me to link human interactions with the type of relationship they represent.”
Jim wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. “What do you mean?”
Spock shifts his eyes to the floor before looking up. “I do not wish to use names but I have noticed two officers who are incredibly close. They appear to share a connection of sorts but I cannot decipher if they are a couple or merely friends.”
Jim nods as he thinks on it. “Well, do they kiss or cuddle?”
“I have seen them hugging before but that is it. Their closeness is reflected in the way in which they speak to each other. They use many... terms of endearment.”
Jim smirks across at him. “I know who you're talking about by the way. Nice and subtle.”
Spock's cheeks go a dark green shade for a moment before he seems to rally himself and make his eyes blank.
“Look, Spock, Uhura's your ex. It's perfectly OK to want to know about her relationship with Scotty. I'm pretty sure they're just friends, so you're fine.”
Spock blinks several times before nodding. “Good.” Jim's smile becomes a little less sincere before he coughs and looks down at his plate, casually winding his fork around a bit of pasta.
“So, err, you hoping to get back together with her?” Jim wants it to sound casual but he can hear in his voice that it's coming across wrong.
“I am not,” Spock says, he tone slightly suspicious as he stares across the table.
“Oh, OK.”
The room descends into uncomfortable silence as they both pick at their food, neither really eating. Jim lets out a sigh before standing up. “I'm tired, I'm going to go and wind down in my room.”
“Very well.”
Jim nods and heads through to the bathroom, suddenly feeling incredibly awkward.
…
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: Costumes
Can male crew members please stop dressing up in Mrs Claus costumes with no underwear on. It's offending, well, everyone. I'm talking to you, Scotty. Regards, your appropriately dressed captain.
…
Jim drums his fingers on the meeting room table as he stares at the black vidscreen expectantly. Less than a minute later there's a loud beep and Pike appears on the screen, a friendly smile on his face as he looks at Jim.
“Jim, how are you?”
Jim shrugs lazily. “Not bad. Our mission schedule is a bit hectic at the moment. We're on our way to Trefegha V now but it's going to be another few days before we arrive.”
“Yes, and I hear your crew have come up with an interesting idea to fill that time.”
Jim groans. “Christmas.”
“Christmas,” Pike repeats with a kind smile. “I was wondering if you would allow Starfleet to put out a press release about what you're doing. You could send us some holos of all the activities your lot are getting up to.”
“I personally think it's not a positive thing for people to know it's being celebrated. It firstly shows a religious bias and secondly, Starfleet is supposed to take missions seriously and if people realise that my crew are frolicking about in Santa hats, well, it doesn't send the right message.”
Pike's mouth curves into an amused smile with a small bit of pride behind it. “Every time I speak to you, Jim, you seem to become more and more of a captain. It's admirable, but at the same time, you understand that it would be good for crews families to know they're having fun and they're not always in life threatening situations.”
Jim bites his lip for a moment. “I understand but I still do not approve of this being used as a marketing tool for Starfleet. Sir.”
Pike's smile just widens with more amusement and Jim feels a sting of annoyance run up his spine, like he's not being taken seriously. “Jim, however much I am proud how seriously you're taking your captaincy and the statistics speak for themselves when it comes to mission success and completion, but letting loose every now and again is a good thing.”
“Again, sir, I understand but-”
“No. Send me some holos, Jim. In a few days it'll all be over anyway.”
“Spock won't be happy about this either. He shares my issues with this stupid holiday.”
Pike sits forward slightly, eyes lighting up with mischievousness. “Oh yes. Spock. How is your first officer? I hear you are two are... quite the team.” Pike says it like it's a punch line to a joke, his tone going higher with almost laughter.
“Excuse me? What have you heard?”
Pike sits back in his chair and waves his hand once. “Forget it. I've been speaking to McCoy a lot recently and he's been telling me how you two are attached at the hip at the moment. There's nothing I like more than a close command team. Does wonders for the crew morale and overall running of a ship.”
Jim doesn't know how to respond as his face creases into a small frown. “Err, yeah. Thanks, we do work well.”
Pike just stares at him with a smirk before chuckling to himself. “Send me some holos when you can of any decorations and any parties you're having. Maybe even a picture of you sitting in your chair with a Santa hat on.”
“I'd rather spend the rest of my days wiping Scotty's ass than do that,” Jim says sweetly with a smile.
“Speak soon. Captain.” Pike chuckles again to himself like it's another joke before shutting off the communication.
...
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: Stupidity and wreathes
I have been informed that three times now have people attempted to put wreathes on doors. Doors that slide. I was hoping that my crew were more intelligent than this but clearly not. Putting wreathes on the doors has led to three doors breaking and having to be fixed, taking up people's time. If I see another wreath on a sliding door, I will drop you off at the next planet with only a wreath as clothing. Regards, your captain.
...
It's the kind of moment where Jim wants the world to swallow him up. He knew it was going to happen, the laws of probability suggested it would, but he had hoped that maybe he'd escape it and be lucky. Now he's here though, standing underneath the mistletoe, which someone pointed out, with Spock staring at him.
They've met under the mistletoe several times thanks to Spock always seeming to need him to sign something urgently when he walks underneath some. Normally, Jim signs whatever needs signing so urgently, although it never is actually urgent, and then wanders off without another word because he's sure Spock didn't notice they'd even been under mistletoe.
This time he's approached by Spock just outside one of the meeting rooms. Spock says something is urgent and Jim looks down to find the crew schedule, which isn't even slightly urgent, but Jim decides to save that battle for another day.
He's signing it quickly when Ensign Tomkins walks by and suddenly halts, his head turning and eyes widening as he takes them in. A second later a smirk goes across his face which Jim wants to call insubordinate behaviour.
“You guys are under the mistletoe.”
Jim looks up, sighs and then looks back at Tomkins, who has just gone to the top of 'people to go down to a dangerous planet' list. “It's just a plant.”
“So? Come on Captain, Commander,” Tomkins says, his eyes waggling as he looks between them with an infuriating smile on his lips and his arms across his chest.
Jim's jaw tightens and he catches Spock's body becoming more rigid and tense next to him. He decides to cut Spock some slack because he knows that even though he'd personally like to kiss him, Spock really, really doesn’t.
Jim puts himself up tall and gets his 'captain voice' ready. “As you know, Ensign, I have no time for Christmas considering the upcoming mission schedule and all the engineering inventory stock checks going on.”
Tomkins face falls immediately at the tone and he suddenly stands a bit straighter, arms falling to the side at attention. “Sir,” he says loudly before turning and walking away, back straight.
“Never gets old to pull out the old captain thing,” Jim says with a grin as he looks at Spock, who is standing there, eyes dark and lips parted minutely. Jim feels his cheeks go red. “Anyway, should get going.”
Jim edges away, Spock still staring at him with a dangerous glint in his eye.
…
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: Carolling
I heard a rumour that a group of ensigns are currently going from quarters to quarters singing. I will welcome you at my quarters with a phaser gun set to stun. Regards, your armed captain.
...
Jim grins, hearing all the laughing around him as he attempts to kiss McCoy in the middle of one of the rec rooms where people are gathered, eating food and chatting to each other. They'd met under the mistletoe by accident and he was going to slink away until Sulu noticed and started chanting 'kiss' which everyone then joined in on.
McCoy's evading his every lunge. Jim's kissed his ear twice and his cheek four times which Jim counts as an almost victory.
“Stop moving you gorgeous bastard,” Jim says, trying to grip McCoy's shoulders as he leans in for another kiss, laughter surrounding them.
“Get off me, kid,” McCoy says, using his arms to hold Jim away from his body as Jim continues to lean in at different angles, lips puckered.
“Come on, we did worse at the academy,” Jim says loudly, waggling his eyebrows as his crew laugh more loudly.
“If your lips touch mine, I will swing at ya,” McCoy says lightly, swatting one of Jim's hands away.
“If your lips don't touch mine, I'll tell everyone what happened when we got drunk that one time and woke up in a field with four sheep.”
McCoy stops struggling, his eyes widening. “You wouldn't.”
“I would. Now come here and kiss your captain.”
It's a rough, dry mouthed kiss with no tongue whatsoever and when Jim pulls back he's grinning like a maniac as McCoy wipes his mouth. “That was hot.”
“That was disgusting. Thankfully, as your doctor, I know you've had all your hypos for diseases or I'd have to quarantine myself for the next century.”
“So romantic,” Jim says with a wink before looking around and finding Spock standing right behind them, looking like someone has just punched his sehlat in the face. Jim frowns at the look, not really sure what to make of it, and is about to shrug it off when Spock gives him one more dark look of something close to betrayal and whirls around, leaving the rec room. Jim finds himself walking after him, aware of the murmuring his crew are engaging in as he goes.
“Spock, hey, what's wrong?” Jim asks, putting a hand on Spock's shoulder, halting him in his tracks in the corridor. Spock stiffens and turns around to face him.
“I had believed that you were against the premise of celebrating Christmas, which you used as your excuse for not kissing me, and yet you were engaging in the tradition of kissing under mistletoe with Doctor McCoy.”
Jim squints at Spock, his head cocked to the side because something is telling him Spock's not just angry about him engaging in a Christmas tradition and being hypocritical. “It was only Bones and everyone was around so I thought, why not.”
“And yet, days ago when we were under the plant, you commented that you didn't participate in the Christmas tradition.”
“That's because it's you, Spock. I know you don't like physical contact and I figured exchanging phlegm with me would be right at the top of your 'things to never ever do' list.”
Spock's look is blank in a calculated way, like he isn't even really listening and Jim feels like he's talking to a wall all of a sudden. “I understand you were being considerate and I thank you for that.”
Spock turns and starts to walk away as Jim mutters 'you're welcome' under his breath. He's about to head back to the rec room when Spock suddenly comes back up to him. “Have you been kissing other crew members under mistletoe as I believe that would be a breach of Starfleet code.”
Jim smirks. “It doesn't say I can't kiss my crew members.”
“You did not answer my original question. Please answer,” Spock says stiffly, his body rigid.
Jim rubs his neck awkwardly. “I may have given Ensign Curtis a quick peck earlier.”
Spock's eyes flash and his jaw tightens which makes Jim take a wary step back.
“You are aware there are no fraternisation rules in place for all commanding officers,” Spock snaps out.
“It's not like I was going to propose. It was only a kiss and I know for a fact there's no code anyway.”
Spock gives him a completely unprofessional look before walking away. Jim rubs the back of his neck, feeling more than a little puzzled.
…
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: Petition
I hear there is a petition to get Spock to dress up as an elf. However much I'd love to see it, I will not tolerate harassment of my first officer as he has already made it perfectly clear he would rather spend the rest of his life nuzzling Klingon foreheads than dress as an elf. Regards, your captain.
From: Commander Spock
To: Captain James T. Kirk
Subject: Re: petition
If I were in a situation where I had those two options, I would rather dress as an elf. Captain.
From: Captain James. T. Kirk
To: Commander Spock
Subject: Re: petition
Noted, babe. ;)
…
“You were my rock, Bones. My rock. The one person who sees things my way.”
McCoy swivels around on his chair to face Jim who's standing in his office's doorway, arms over his chest.
“Excuse me?”
“Hear you're attending the Christmas party.”
“Oh. That. Look, Jim, I hate Christmas as much as the next guy and I do honestly think it's ridiculous we're celebrating something so old fashioned, but Scotty says he's imported some special bourbon for the occasion and you know me, can't turn down a good drink.”
Jim sighs and nods. “Nah, it's fine. Honest. I'm just feeling... exhausted.”
McCoy smirks. “From what I hear, you've been running yourself ragged taking down all the tinsel and stamping on everyone’s Christmas spirit.”
“It's worth it, I promise you.”
McCoy looks up at him with a frown. “What's going on, kid? You should drop in on the party tonight. I know you don't see the point but just shut your eyes to all the tinsel crap and enjoy being with your crew. They'd like to see you.”
“I don't know. Depends if Spock is going.”
“Why? You need a date?”
Jim gives him a dry look. “He's been weird around me lately. He got offended that I was considerate enough to not kiss him under the mistletoe. And he really didn't seem to like us kissing.”
McCoy blinks several times and pushes himself to his feet with a long, drawn out sigh. “I'm going to go get into casual clothes for the party because I can't waste any more breath on your oblivious stupidity.”
Jim looks at him dumbly, confused. “Huh?”
“So pretty, yet so stupid,” McCoy says, patting Jim's cheeks and walking past him out into sick bay.
Jim stands there for a few minutes, thinking everything over in his mind before leaving himself.
…
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: Eggnog
No idea what it is, but please stop drinking it. Regards, your sober captain.
….
However much Jim detests Christmas, he can't help but enjoy the happy buzz that's going around his ship. Everyone's excited and the corridors are filled with laughter and the bustling of people as they get ready for the Christmas party. Even though everyone knows he's not the holiday's biggest fan, he still gets a lot of crew members smiling at him and offering a quiet 'happy Christmas' his way. His crew adore him and he loves that they adore him. It makes him beam and grin, unable to really, truly hate something that's causing his crew such joy.
He's about to walk into his quarters when Scotty jogs up to him in a Santa costume, looking chipper and slightly flushed from drink.
“Captain, I hope yer coming to the party.”
“I would but I've got a lot of work to catch up on,” Jim says, gesturing vaguely as his door to his quarters.
Scotty doesn't look even slightly dissuaded as a smirk crosses his face. “I think yer will come.”
“And why is that?”
“Well, yer see, about an hour ago I decided to try and make some cocktails. I couldn't try them out on the regular crew because they'd probably die from alcohol poisoning. So I enlisted your Spock to help. After a while he agreed.”
Jim decides not to tackle the 'your Spock' comment and just nods. “Yeah, because Vulcans can't get drunk.”
“Except... they can. Some of my cocktails had chocolate in 'em. You should come and see him, Captain, he's... different.”
Jim bites his lip, stares at his quarters door and what awaits him behind it which is an empty room and a 300 page stock list to go through. Jim shrugs because to be quite honest, a drunk Spock is the second biggest selling point for him right after Spock naked.
They walk silently to the largest rec room which is hosting the party. The doors open and the noise hits him of singing, loud laughing and murmuring. Jim strolls in, noticing the large snow machine churn out small bits of white paper which land in everyone's hair. He gets a few smiles from his crew before Scotty grabs his arm and drags him through the sea of crew members, weaving in and out and trying not to get stopped too often. He emerges at the other end of the rec room with four pink lip stick marks on his cheek and a hand print on his ass. Apparently his crew get friendly once they've had a few.
He's looking around to see why they've stopped when he sees him. Spock is sitting slumped in a large deep blue chair in the corner, dressed in a massive jumper with a snowman on the front of it and with antlers on his head and a big thick stream of gold tinsel wrapped around his neck like a scarf. Nyota is sitting next to him with a look on her face like she's doing everything in her power to not burst into laughter as she listens to whatever Spock is saying.
Spock's mouth is moving rapidly as he talks, his hands flying around to emphasise his point, but he suddenly stops and his eyes find Jim's in a split second, like he has a sixth sense and knew he was there. Then Spock smiles and it's the creepiest thing Jim has ever seen in his whole life. It looks wrong and unnatural on Spock's normally impassive face.
“Hey,” Jim says awkwardly over the loud noise of the room, giving him a little wave as he walks forward to stand in front of him.
“I did not think you celebrated Christmas or is that only when there is a prospect of kissing me?” Spock snaps out, eyebrow raised, his eyes dark.
Nyota looks slightly taken aback by the rude tone as clearly Spock was a more merry drunk before he arrived. “He's drunk, Jim. No verbal filter.”
“It's not a problem. You look adorable in your antlers.”
Spock's face goes from annoyed to pure joy in a split second, his eyes lighting up. “Thank you. I shall wear them every day from now on then.”
Jim smirks. “You do that.”
Spock's eyes suddenly narrow, his eyes looking Jim up and down and clearly finding his appearance lacking, before he settles on Jim's face. “Why do you have imprints of female lips on your face?”
Jim licks his thumb and rubs at one of the marks on his cheek self consciously. Spock just continues to stare at him with clear disapproval like it's Jim's fault he was kissed.
“You want a drink?” Nyota asks Jim brightly, looking to clear the tension.
Jim shrugs. “I don't think I'll stay.”
Spock's eyes widen and he's suddenly on his feet, his body almost pressing against Jim's. “Please wait here. I have something for you.”
Spock disappears into the crowd of people and Jim is legitimately scared Spock's not going to come back. It's about four minutes later when Spock returns, his body swaying slightly. He lifts a head band with a large silver halo attached it to and places it on Jim's hair carefully. Jim's eyes flutter when Spock's fingers brush his cheek as he strokes through his hair to get the hair band to sit right.
“Thanks. I think.”
“You are an angel,” Spock says, stating it like it's a fact. Jim is so touched by the whole thing that he just nods, staring at Spock with a dreamy smile on his face.
“I think I'm going to be sick,” Nyota says loudly, dragging their attention away from each other.
“Don't you have something to do? Go and find McCoy and ask to sit on his lap. You'll make his Christmas,” Jim says, seeing Spock continue to stare at him from the corner of his eye.
“I already have, Jim. Many, many times,” she says with a wink before walking away and having the crowd swallow her up. Jim blinks for a moment, his mind in overdrive at the thought of what she meant by that particular comment, before he forgets because Spock is still in front of him clad in an adorable jumper, gold tinsel and reindeer antlers. Everything else seems inconsequential at that very moment.
“You... OK?” Jim asks lamely because no class exists that could prepare him for this particular situation.
“Yes.” It's all he says, his eyes still fixed on Jim's face like he's mesmerized.
“Mistletoe bomb!” someone shouts, shoving some mistletoe between their faces and wiggling it.
Jim sneaks a look to the side to find Sulu standing there with a grin on his face as he wiggles it again, the plant catching Jim's cheek and making him shoot a glare.
Jim looks back at Spock and finds his mouth opening in shock when Spock leans forward and brushes his lips across Jim's cheek delicately, like he's incredibly fragile, before pulling away and removing a few bits of fake snow from Jim's hair. Jim swallows, the show of affection making his chest tighten.
“Thanks,” Jim says quietly.
“My angel,” Spock says softly and Jim almost snorts, breaking the spell, before he turns, feeling the need to get away from all of this. He mumbles some excuse under his breath about being tired before walking away. It's too confusing and Jim doesn't know what he's feeling in relation to Spock and what it all means and the music and laughter isn't helping to focus his mind at all. He gets back to his own quarters, shutting himself away as he sits on the edge of his bed, breathing in and out deeply. He takes the halo hair band off his head and stares at it for a moment before falling back onto the bed behind him and sighing. He's not one hundred percent sure, but he's fairly confident that his feelings for Spock might be entirely mutual.
He stares at the ceiling, his room dead quiet and he's grateful for it, pleased to be out of the loud noise that's going on outside his quarters. He breathes in and out a few times, a smile crossing his face and shuts his eyes for a moment.
…
Jim wakes up a few hours later, his eyes blinking into the harsh light of his room that he'd forgotten to dim. He rubs at his eyes for a moment before something catches the corner of his eye and he jerks awake, body on full alert as he sits up and looks to his left to find Spock slumped in one of the chairs by his desk, eyes shut, mouth open and hair flopping across his forehead in disarray. The jumper is no where to be seen but the tinsel is still wrapped around his neck and the antlers are falling forward precariously, about to fall from his head. It's the loveliest thing Jim's ever woken up to and he can't stop the grin from spreading across his face.
He pushes himself off the bed, pulling off his gold shirt so he's just left in his black under shirt. He places a hand on Spock's forearm and squeezes gently. “Spock. Wake up.”
Spock mumbles something, his head lolling to the side slightly as he shuts and opens his mouth a few times but remains asleep. Jim smiles and shakes his arm. The antlers that were already falling off, fall off the full way, catching Spock's nose and ear in the process. His eyes snap open as he jerks awake, sitting up straight.
“Hey,” Jim says, standing up fully.
Spock blinks up at him a few times before a frown crosses his pale features as he looks around.
“Why are you in my room?” Jim asks lightly.
“I believe my logic was... effected by the chocolate and I thought it logical to follow you to your room to watch you sleep to ensure no harm came to you. I apologise for my actions whilst intoxicated. Also, I think I may have offered to be Doctor McCoy's best man at some point in the evening.”
Jim smirks before putting his hand up, face going serious. “Wait, what? Bones is getting married?”
“No, but he asked for my blessing for his relationship with Nyota and I found myself promising to be his best man. You do not have to worry, he refused my offer which I now find myself pleased with.”
Jim laughs, his eyes crinkling at the side as he walks back to the bed and sits down on it. “No idea they were even dating.”
“You have been spending much of your usual leisure time working and so it is not surprising you have failed to notice your friend's relationship status. I apologise if the news upsets you.”
“Why would it upset me?”
“I had thought you may have feelings for Doctor McCoy.”
Jim shakes his head with a smile. “No, I don't. Not even a little bit. We tried to date back at the academy but it didn't really work. I was too... something for him.”
Spock nods like he completely understands which irks Jim. “I am pleased you have no intention of starting a relationship with Doctor McCoy.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes,” Spock says forcefully, his eyes saying everything that his words aren't and Jim gets the message loud and clear, his heart rate increasing slightly. He knows they should talk, discuss things, discuss them, but Jim decides that right now isn't the right time and instead, he decides to delay the inevitable of sharing feelings.
“You wanna go see how lively the party is now? I'm sure it's still going on.”
“Yes,” Spock says, standing up and unwrapping the tinsel from his neck and placing it on the desk carefully.
They walk slowly towards the loud music, both of them sneaking each other looks like their naughty school kids sharing looks across a classroom, the tension thick with promise of what they know will inevitable come at some point.
They get to the rec room and it's still busy, but people are clearly more drunk as they all shout at each other, gesturing wildly. Jim screws up his face when he notices Nyota with her tongue down McCoy's throat on one of the chair's at the side of the room. Jim shudders and looks away before catching sight of something above him. A smile goes across his face and he decides that now is as good as time as any to make his move.
“Hey, Spock,” Jim says, nudging Spock's side with a wink as he peers up at the mistletoe.
Spock gazes back at him, looking slightly confused.
“Wanna make out?”
“Yes,” Spock says immediately and just like that, Jim's back hits the wall as Spock presses his body along Jim's and kisses him deeply and slowly, their tongues tangling as their hands grab at each other possessively.
The room around them goes deafeningly silent and Jim almost doesn't notice because he's too busy screaming with joy inside his head that he currently has Spock's tongue in his mouth. Almost.
Jim pulls back, needing air, and looks to the side where the entire crew is standing staring at them with their mouths open. Even Uhura has removed her tongue from McCoy's mouth long enough to look over at them in shock.
Spock doesn't seem to care as he starts to push his crotch insistently against Jim's so he's humping him slightly, his lips pressing to Jim's neck and nuzzling. Jim throws a care free grin on his face and looks over Spock's shoulder at his dumbstruck crew.
“Merry Christmas,” Jim shouts cheerfully. “As you were.” And then he starts kissing Spock again, his hands sliding up and down Spock's body hastily, wanting to touch every part of him all at once. He faintly registers that everyone's going back to talking and laughing loudly, ignoring the fact their two commanding officers are currently getting it on against one of the bulkheads. The party continues on in the background but Jim can't focus on anything but the way Spock's hand cups his cheek as they kiss and the thumb that rubs along his jaw line filled with adoration.
Jim pulls back when he realises that if they don't leave, the crew will see him and Spock do a lot more than just kiss. “I kind of like you.”
“The feeling is mutual.”
“I still hate Christmas.”
“Again, the feeling is mutual.”
“Wanna go back to my quarters?”
“Yes. I find that I do want the crew to become voyeurs to us engaging in coitus.”
Jim smiles at him. “Bones would never let me live it down.”
Spock gives a sideways glance to where McCoy and Uhura are busy making the most of first base. “Perhaps they should also return to their quarters.”
“Leave them be, come on, let's go,” Jim says brightly, grabbing Spock's hand and practically dragging him from the party area. People move out of the way for them which Jim thinks has less to do with him and more to do with the possessive look on Spock's face that tells everyone he will harm anyone who tries to engage them in conversation.
…
Jim wakes up with a sleepy mumble and wipes at the drool he can feel at the side of his mouth, grimacing slightly in the process. He then notices his drool is getting in Spock's chest hair from where he'd been using his chest as a pillow. Jim tries to subtly wipe away the drool without waking Spock but it proves to be unsuccessful when he feels Spock's hand grip his ass possessively before pulling their bodies close.
“Good morning, Jim.”
“Mornin',” Jim mumbles, giving Spock's chest a quick kiss as Spock's hand gives his ass a gentle pat before running softly up his spine.
“I found our sexual relations to be of above average satisfaction.”
“Uh huh, it was awesome. And you know what's even more awesome?” Jim asks, pausing for a second. “It's December 26th according to the earth based Calendar system. Which means Christmas is over.”
Spock is silent for a moment and Jim enjoys the way his head rises and falls in time with Spock's chest as he breathes in and out.
“Are you suggesting that you are happier that Christmas is over more than having coitus with me?”
“Of course not. Just... it'll be nice for things to go back to normal.”
Spock takes in a sharp breath. “So, you found our coitus pleasurable?”
“Yep. But please stop saying coitus.”
“Very well.”
They descend into easy silence and Jim feels his eyes shutting as he lazily dozes on Spock's chest, a soft smile on his lips.
...
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: FUCKYEAH
Christmas is over. Suck it. Regards, your happy and no longer single captain. (Sorry, ladies.)
The End
A/N: I hope everyone has a great Christmas and an awesome new year. :)
Author: demonllama1
Series: STXI
Rating: PG-13
Length: 8900~
Warnings: language, sexual situations (no sex, sorry!)
Summary: Christmas no longer exists in the 23rd Century but the crew want to celebrate it just once. Except Jim. And Spock. Spock finds Jim's professionalism and logical attitude to rejecting Christmas a bit of a turn on.
Bringing Back Christmas
“So everyone’s in agreement that changing the replicator settings in the engineering area to no alcohol would stop so many... incidents,” Jim says, looking around the large oval table at his bridge crew and all senior officers. They're all gathered in meeting room 12f for their monthly meetings regarding the general runnings of the Enterprise. Jim loves the meetings because they normally end up in arguments around stupid topics such as whether having 100% cotton pillow cases on all beds is a good or bad thing. It's a harsh contrast to the usually serious and focused meetings based around intense missions and provides everyone with a bit of light relief.
There's a loud murmur of agreement even though Jim catches a look of sadness cross Scotty's face.
Jim looks down briefly at his PADD before looking back up. “Ok, so that's all we needed to discuss, is there any other business?”
There's a beat of silence before Chekov gives a small 'ahem' and raises his hand, looking adorably shy. Jim smiles affectionately and holds up his hand in a 'go on' gesture before taking a seat and glancing at Spock next to him.
Chekov slowly stands, exchanging a panicked look with Sulu who's sitting next to him and giving him a small thumbs up in support. Jim clasps his fingers together on the table edge, waiting expectantly as Chekov turns to address him.
“It iz December 19th in the ship's annual earth based calendar, Keptin.”'
Jim blinks at Chekov dumbly, his heart lurching for a moment as he wonders if he's missed someone's birthday. “And?”
“And Sulu and I vas vondering if it iz possible to celebrate old earth based tradition of Christmas as it is so close and ve have a while before ve vill arrive at Trefegha V.”
Sulu sits up higher in his seat and addresses all the crew with a cheery smile. “I've looked into it and we could put up some tinsel, maybe get a Christmas tree with baubles for the bridge, you know, like they did back in the day. I'm fairly sure we could adjust the replicators to give us decorations. It'd be nice and give people a reason to throw a party and give presents.”
Jim bites his lip and looks across the room at McCoy hopefully and find he's not disappointed when he finds his friend staring at Sulu like he's just kicked his dog. “I vote no,” McCoy says, looking bored and irritated as he sits back in his chair and drums his fingers along the table's edge like he's far too important and busy to be in the meeting.
“Come on, it's a good reason to drink and we could put up some mistletoe to improve crew relations,” Sulu tries.
“We have 27 birthdays this month alone, we don't need an excuse to throw a party,” Jim says plainly. “And mistletoe? Really?”
Spock almost frowns and he gives Jim a questioning look. “What is mistletoe?”
Jim shrugs. “It's a leafy plant thing. I think, from what I remember from hearing about Christmas, if you stand underneath it you have to do a shot and make out with the other person. Or hump them. I can't really remember.”
“Kissing,” Sulu says loudly, looking exasperated that no one seems to be on board with his idea. “You kiss under mistletoe.”
“Why would a plant cause people to kiss underneath it? Is there dangerous pollen within it? I do not think, Captain, that it would be sensible to have that on board,” Spock remarks, looking almost worried.
Jim smirks. “No, it hasn't got anything special in it. People themselves choose to kiss, or hump, underneath it.”
“I said kiss. No humping,” Sulu says, sounding almost offended on behalf of mistletoe.
Jim smirks and waggles his eyebrows. “I think we should keep the humping.”
Sulu waves his hands in the air in outrage. “But that's not-”
“Anyway,” Jim says, cutting him off. “I think we have agreed that celebrating Christmas, which was only celebrated because of a religion which no longer exists, is ridiculous.”
“I think ve should take vote of whole crew,” Chekov says hopefully, eyes wide like he's afraid Jim's going to snap at him. Jim does want to put on his best captain voice and say no, but the kid's eyes are like puppy dog eyes and he's simply not strong enough to withstand it. He shrugs, hoping that most people will agree that Christmas shouldn't be celebrated. They don't have the time or resources for things like this and it would just provide yet another distraction for everyone that Jim simply doesn't need.
“Go for it. You can do it this evening. Send a link to everyone's PADD and we'll vote. Majority rules.”
Everyone gives a murmur of agreement, or grumble in McCoy's case, and starts to stand up and shuffle out of the large meeting room.
Jim is looking down at his PADD when Spock shuffles his chair closer, their shoulders brushing. Jim looks up and smiles. “Hey.”
“I still do not understand why humans would engage in kissing with their mouths and humping underneath a plant for no reason. Illogical behaviour.”
“Yeah, well hopefully, you won't have to think too long on it. No one's going to say yes to celebrating Christmas. Half the crew probably barely know what it's about.”
“I hope you are right as I do not wish to spend the coming days attempting to avoid meeting people underneath a plant.”
Jim gives him a crooked smile. “Don't worry about it.”
Spock gives him a long look before nodding and walking out. Jim watches him go, biting his lip in thought as he considers his growing attachment to his first officer. Jim refuses to call it a 'crush' because he thinks that word should be reserved for teenagers, but it's definitely something similar. He's not in love with him, not yet, but he definitely wouldn't mind finding out what it's like to date a Vulcan and have that intense stare focused entirely on him all the time. He gives a long sigh before leaving the room.
…
It passes with 58% crew saying yes to celebrating Christmas. Jim groans as he imagines how many times in the coming days he's going to have to rip down tinsel from stupid places and he immediately starts mentally putting a document together outlining why having Christmas trees on the bridge are a bad idea.
Jim throws his PADD with the voting results to the side, it bouncing lightly on his bed in his quarters, and he presses the button to open the door to the bathroom and then opens the other door leading into Spock's quarters. Spock is already in his pajamas, sitting down by the side of his bed, meditating lightly. Jim strolls over and throws himself onto the bed, collapsing with a sigh.
“Jim, as I have expressed many times before, I dislike you being in my bed before I sleep. I find it difficult to rest fully with your smell across my sheets,” Spock says, his eyes staying shut.
“I love it when you compliment me.”
“It was not a compliment,” Spock murmurs, opening his right eye and peering up at the bed where Jim's prostrating himself.
Jim lets out a hum and sprawls himself purposely across the comforter, rubbing himself against it like he's a cat. Spock just sighs like Jim's an infant that he can't be bothered to give attention to.
“Did you see the damn vote passed? I want a list of everyone who voted yes so I can give them all official warnings.”
“That would be an abuse of power.”
“A good abuse of power.”
“That is subjective. I believe the idea of celebrating Christmas is entirely illogical but I do see merits in boosting crew morale and allowing them to hump underneath plants if they so wish.”
Jim rolls onto his stomach and perches his chin on his hands. “Firstly, I love hearing you say the word 'hump'. Say it again for me,” Jim tries with a big grin, fluttering his eyelashes. Spock stares back at him with a dry look like he wishes Jim would evaporate into thin air before shutting his eyes again. Jim clears his throat. “And secondly, I thought you were against mistletoe.”
“I am, but I understand for some people it will be a perfect opportunity to test out compatibility with fellow crew members in a casual sense with no commitment being in place.”
Jim raises an eyebrow. “You hoping to meet someone under the mistletoe?”
Spock opens his eyes, gazes at Jim for a moment before elegantly pushing himself to his feet. “No.”
“Fair enough,” Jim says, his lips lifting with amusement as he rolls onto his back on Spock's bed. “I think I'm going to draw up a list of things that I do not want to see or hear with this Christmas crap going on.”
“Such as?” Spock asks, sitting on the edge of his bed and looking down at Jim with a fond expression in his eyes.
“No trees, no tinsel, no baubles, no Christmas music, no paper cards, nothing with Santa or reindeers on and only gifts that have no relation to Christmas.”
“Then how do you propose the crew actually celebrate the holiday?”
“Hopefully in a darkened room by themselves where I don't have to deal with it. We have enough work on our plate and this is the last thing I need to waste time on. I don't care whether that makes me unpopular but I think we need to focus on our upcoming missions,” Jim says matter of factly.
“It will make you unpopular, however, I believe your rationale has a lot of merit and I fully support you.”
Jim grins, practically sunning himself in the compliment considering how rare it is for him to get one. “You like that I dislike Christmas?”
“I appreciate your logical and practical approach to it.”
Jim's grin widens and he turns his face to push his nose against Spock's thigh for a moment before sitting up. “Ok, better head to bed. The second you so much as see a small bit of tinsel, let me know so I can pull it down.”
“I shall,” Spock says, watching Jim go with an almost smile.
…
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: Christmas songs
Sing them and I'll hit you. Regards, your very strong captain.
...
“What the flying fuck is that on your head?” Jim says as he walks onto the bridge to see Sulu with a green head band attached to large, fluffy reindeer antlers.
“Looks awesome, huh?” Sulu says, adjusting the headband slightly so the antlers are on straight.
Jim's face twists into something approaching agony as he looks at him. “I hope you stab yourself in the chest with those damn antlers.”
“Someone's getting into the Christmas spirit,” Uhura mutters, which gets her a glare in her direction. “Hey, don't look at me like that, I voted no.”
Jim's face softens. “OK, you're good.” Jim turns back to face Sulu. “Take it off right now.”
Sulu reaches up and touches the novelty antlers gently. “Why?”
“Because if we got hailed by a passing ship, a commodore or hell, anyone in this universe, it will look unprofessional to have my helmsman wearing fluffy antlers. Off. Now.”
Sulu drags them off his head and stores them under the helm with a sad sigh like he's just been told off by a stern parent. Jim feels a pang of guilt. “You can wear them after shift. On shift, I want everyone in their full and correct uniform with no accessories. Understood?”
Jim looks around as the crew solemnly nods and then he looks at Spock and finds his stomach tighten at the intense, proud look he's giving him. Jim swallows before giving a small smile and turning to face the front, pleased that Spock seems to approve of his strict approach even if he still feels slightly out of his comfort zone when he goes into Captain Mode.
Two minutes later and Chekov strolls onto the bridge with antlers on, looking happy as anything. Jim doesn't even have to say a word as Sulu quickly tells him to take them off in a hushed voice. Jim can't help but feel it's a good thing that the crew have a healthy amount of fear of him.
…
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: Tinsel
Whoever is putting gold tinsel on my captain's chair when I'm not there needs to stop. Right now. If you do it again and I catch you, I will read our your medical file aloud over the Enterprise comm system. Regards, your annoyed captain.
From: Doctor Leonard McCoy
To: Captain James T. Kirk
Subject: Re: Tinsel
Legally, I can't give you access to medical files. Don't even think about trying to hack into the system, Jim.
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Doctor Leonard McCoy
Subject: Re: Tinsel
We'll see.... Regards, your more senior than you captain.
...
“Bones, my one sane friend,” Jim says as he launches himself into McCoy's office to find his friend bent over a PADD.
“What do you want?”
“To make Christmas go away. I know it's only a few days away but I just caught seven ensigns dressing up as reindeers with Scotty as Santa. Also, I'm fairly sure Jarvis from engineering is trying to catch me off guard with mistletoe.”
“Just ignore it,” McCoy mutters distractedly.
“I would but someone just threw some thick gold tinsel around my neck like a boa and shouted Merry Christmas in my face. In my face, Bones. Spit and everything. I need you and Spock to make me feel better.”
“I'm sure Spock can do that all on his own,” McCoy murmurs with a small smirk as he glances up from his PADD to look at Jim.
“Are you being suggestive? Didn't think you had it in you.”
“Yeah, well, I'm normally the one around when you're flirting your ass off in front of the goblin. Now go away, I have work to do.”
“Love you,” Jim says with a grin before rushing out of the office and straight into Spock, who's standing just outside the office. He doesn't look happy and Jim grimaces. “Hey, what's wrong?”
Spock's eyes flick past Jim's shoulder to stare at McCoy before looking back at Jim. “Nothing. I was trying to find you so we can eat together.”
“Oh yeah, sorry, got held up with Bones chattering away,” Jim says dryly with a wink. “Lead the way.”
When they get to the mess, Jim wishes they hadn't. The entire room is full of gleaming tinsel hanging on every wall. There are four Christmas trees, all decorated differently and messily in each corner and half the crew are clad in Christmas themed accessories such as Santa hats. Jim looks around with a look of horror on his face, moving to the side as a pretty ensign starts setting up fairy lights by the replicator units.
“Looks like someone ate a glitter rainbow and puked it up in here,” Jim says disapprovingly, finding it difficult to even look at all the tinsel as it gleams brightly from the artificial lighting.
“I must admit it seems... a bit much. There is no obvious colour scheme being attempted here. Many of the colours are garish and do not go.”
“Who died and made you an interior designer?” Uhura says from behind them as she walks into the room with a spring in her step.
Spock opens his mouth to reply when Jim stops him with a look. “This looks awful. It's painfully obvious why no one celebrates this stupid holiday if this is the mess that's created. Oh my god, are those pine needles I see? They're going to be trampled everywhere.”
“Sorry, Dad,” Uhura says with a roll of the eyes as she goes and sits down next to Sulu, who is wearing his pair of antlers proudly. Jim feels his jaw tighten, taking it all in with a frown on his face.
“Perhaps you would prefer to eat together in my quarters?” Spock asks, turning to look at Jim with an expectant eyebrow. “I promise you I have no Christmas related decorations there.”
Jim swears he hears Uhura give a loud snort from where she's sitting at the table nearest them but ignores it in favour of nodding his agreement at Spock. “Yes, get me out of this multicoloured nightmare.”
Spock turns and heads out of the mess, the doors sliding open to allow them to exit. Jim catches a smirk on several of his crew's faces directed at him before he leaves the mess himself, falling into step with Spock.
“That was weird,” Jim says idly, looking down at his fingernails as they navigate the corridors together.
“What was?”
“I don't know. Like there's this private joke going on at my expense.”
“That sounds like mild paranoia, Captain. I would recommend you desist from further thoughts of that nature.”
Jim lets out a small 'hmm' under his breath as they round the corner and head into Spock's quarters. Jim jumps on the bed and lies back, looking up at the ceiling. “I love how you haven't let a single bit of Christmas come into your room. It's awesome.”
“Thank you,” Spock says quietly as he busies himself at the replicator.
They descend into easy, calm silence as Spock gets them food but it's broken when McCoy's voice breaks through the computer unit.
“McCoy to Kirk.”
Jim frowns as he pushes himself off the bed and walks over to the computer, pressing the comm link button. “Kirk here, how'd you know I was here?”
There's a beat of silence before McCoy replies. “You're always in Spock's quarters. Anyway, Scotty wants to know the crew schedule for the 25th as he wants to arrange some kind of Christmas party.”
“Why can't he ask me?”
“He thought he'd be more likely to get a positive answer if I asked because you adore me. Don't deny it, kid.”
Jim smiles to himself and catches Spock staring at him out of the corner of his eye. “I'll take a look at the rotas and get back to you. How'd Scotty get you to ask me?”
“He's giving me some special whiskey I had my eye on.”
Jim nods his head once and smiles. “Gotta go, Spock's got dinner ready, speak later.”
“Sure, see you later,” McCoy says, a smile obvious in the tone of his voice like he's incredibly amused by something.
The link shuts off and Jim straightens to find Spock waiting for him expectantly at his table, two plates of pasta and cutlery laid out neatly. Jim smiles as he sinks into the chair, picking up a fork and delving right in. He barely stops for a breath before noticing Spock is fiddling with his food, a tiny, almost not there frown marking his features.
“You aight?” Jim asks around his mouthful.
“I am adequate.”
“That's a no. Come on, tell me what's wrong. If you can't tell your hot captain about your problems, who can you tell?”
“Your modesty constantly astounds me,” Spock mutters dryly before putting his fork down and sitting back in his seat. “I have yet to acquire the skill to enable me to link human interactions with the type of relationship they represent.”
Jim wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. “What do you mean?”
Spock shifts his eyes to the floor before looking up. “I do not wish to use names but I have noticed two officers who are incredibly close. They appear to share a connection of sorts but I cannot decipher if they are a couple or merely friends.”
Jim nods as he thinks on it. “Well, do they kiss or cuddle?”
“I have seen them hugging before but that is it. Their closeness is reflected in the way in which they speak to each other. They use many... terms of endearment.”
Jim smirks across at him. “I know who you're talking about by the way. Nice and subtle.”
Spock's cheeks go a dark green shade for a moment before he seems to rally himself and make his eyes blank.
“Look, Spock, Uhura's your ex. It's perfectly OK to want to know about her relationship with Scotty. I'm pretty sure they're just friends, so you're fine.”
Spock blinks several times before nodding. “Good.” Jim's smile becomes a little less sincere before he coughs and looks down at his plate, casually winding his fork around a bit of pasta.
“So, err, you hoping to get back together with her?” Jim wants it to sound casual but he can hear in his voice that it's coming across wrong.
“I am not,” Spock says, he tone slightly suspicious as he stares across the table.
“Oh, OK.”
The room descends into uncomfortable silence as they both pick at their food, neither really eating. Jim lets out a sigh before standing up. “I'm tired, I'm going to go and wind down in my room.”
“Very well.”
Jim nods and heads through to the bathroom, suddenly feeling incredibly awkward.
…
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: Costumes
Can male crew members please stop dressing up in Mrs Claus costumes with no underwear on. It's offending, well, everyone. I'm talking to you, Scotty. Regards, your appropriately dressed captain.
…
Jim drums his fingers on the meeting room table as he stares at the black vidscreen expectantly. Less than a minute later there's a loud beep and Pike appears on the screen, a friendly smile on his face as he looks at Jim.
“Jim, how are you?”
Jim shrugs lazily. “Not bad. Our mission schedule is a bit hectic at the moment. We're on our way to Trefegha V now but it's going to be another few days before we arrive.”
“Yes, and I hear your crew have come up with an interesting idea to fill that time.”
Jim groans. “Christmas.”
“Christmas,” Pike repeats with a kind smile. “I was wondering if you would allow Starfleet to put out a press release about what you're doing. You could send us some holos of all the activities your lot are getting up to.”
“I personally think it's not a positive thing for people to know it's being celebrated. It firstly shows a religious bias and secondly, Starfleet is supposed to take missions seriously and if people realise that my crew are frolicking about in Santa hats, well, it doesn't send the right message.”
Pike's mouth curves into an amused smile with a small bit of pride behind it. “Every time I speak to you, Jim, you seem to become more and more of a captain. It's admirable, but at the same time, you understand that it would be good for crews families to know they're having fun and they're not always in life threatening situations.”
Jim bites his lip for a moment. “I understand but I still do not approve of this being used as a marketing tool for Starfleet. Sir.”
Pike's smile just widens with more amusement and Jim feels a sting of annoyance run up his spine, like he's not being taken seriously. “Jim, however much I am proud how seriously you're taking your captaincy and the statistics speak for themselves when it comes to mission success and completion, but letting loose every now and again is a good thing.”
“Again, sir, I understand but-”
“No. Send me some holos, Jim. In a few days it'll all be over anyway.”
“Spock won't be happy about this either. He shares my issues with this stupid holiday.”
Pike sits forward slightly, eyes lighting up with mischievousness. “Oh yes. Spock. How is your first officer? I hear you are two are... quite the team.” Pike says it like it's a punch line to a joke, his tone going higher with almost laughter.
“Excuse me? What have you heard?”
Pike sits back in his chair and waves his hand once. “Forget it. I've been speaking to McCoy a lot recently and he's been telling me how you two are attached at the hip at the moment. There's nothing I like more than a close command team. Does wonders for the crew morale and overall running of a ship.”
Jim doesn't know how to respond as his face creases into a small frown. “Err, yeah. Thanks, we do work well.”
Pike just stares at him with a smirk before chuckling to himself. “Send me some holos when you can of any decorations and any parties you're having. Maybe even a picture of you sitting in your chair with a Santa hat on.”
“I'd rather spend the rest of my days wiping Scotty's ass than do that,” Jim says sweetly with a smile.
“Speak soon. Captain.” Pike chuckles again to himself like it's another joke before shutting off the communication.
...
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: Stupidity and wreathes
I have been informed that three times now have people attempted to put wreathes on doors. Doors that slide. I was hoping that my crew were more intelligent than this but clearly not. Putting wreathes on the doors has led to three doors breaking and having to be fixed, taking up people's time. If I see another wreath on a sliding door, I will drop you off at the next planet with only a wreath as clothing. Regards, your captain.
...
It's the kind of moment where Jim wants the world to swallow him up. He knew it was going to happen, the laws of probability suggested it would, but he had hoped that maybe he'd escape it and be lucky. Now he's here though, standing underneath the mistletoe, which someone pointed out, with Spock staring at him.
They've met under the mistletoe several times thanks to Spock always seeming to need him to sign something urgently when he walks underneath some. Normally, Jim signs whatever needs signing so urgently, although it never is actually urgent, and then wanders off without another word because he's sure Spock didn't notice they'd even been under mistletoe.
This time he's approached by Spock just outside one of the meeting rooms. Spock says something is urgent and Jim looks down to find the crew schedule, which isn't even slightly urgent, but Jim decides to save that battle for another day.
He's signing it quickly when Ensign Tomkins walks by and suddenly halts, his head turning and eyes widening as he takes them in. A second later a smirk goes across his face which Jim wants to call insubordinate behaviour.
“You guys are under the mistletoe.”
Jim looks up, sighs and then looks back at Tomkins, who has just gone to the top of 'people to go down to a dangerous planet' list. “It's just a plant.”
“So? Come on Captain, Commander,” Tomkins says, his eyes waggling as he looks between them with an infuriating smile on his lips and his arms across his chest.
Jim's jaw tightens and he catches Spock's body becoming more rigid and tense next to him. He decides to cut Spock some slack because he knows that even though he'd personally like to kiss him, Spock really, really doesn’t.
Jim puts himself up tall and gets his 'captain voice' ready. “As you know, Ensign, I have no time for Christmas considering the upcoming mission schedule and all the engineering inventory stock checks going on.”
Tomkins face falls immediately at the tone and he suddenly stands a bit straighter, arms falling to the side at attention. “Sir,” he says loudly before turning and walking away, back straight.
“Never gets old to pull out the old captain thing,” Jim says with a grin as he looks at Spock, who is standing there, eyes dark and lips parted minutely. Jim feels his cheeks go red. “Anyway, should get going.”
Jim edges away, Spock still staring at him with a dangerous glint in his eye.
…
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: Carolling
I heard a rumour that a group of ensigns are currently going from quarters to quarters singing. I will welcome you at my quarters with a phaser gun set to stun. Regards, your armed captain.
...
Jim grins, hearing all the laughing around him as he attempts to kiss McCoy in the middle of one of the rec rooms where people are gathered, eating food and chatting to each other. They'd met under the mistletoe by accident and he was going to slink away until Sulu noticed and started chanting 'kiss' which everyone then joined in on.
McCoy's evading his every lunge. Jim's kissed his ear twice and his cheek four times which Jim counts as an almost victory.
“Stop moving you gorgeous bastard,” Jim says, trying to grip McCoy's shoulders as he leans in for another kiss, laughter surrounding them.
“Get off me, kid,” McCoy says, using his arms to hold Jim away from his body as Jim continues to lean in at different angles, lips puckered.
“Come on, we did worse at the academy,” Jim says loudly, waggling his eyebrows as his crew laugh more loudly.
“If your lips touch mine, I will swing at ya,” McCoy says lightly, swatting one of Jim's hands away.
“If your lips don't touch mine, I'll tell everyone what happened when we got drunk that one time and woke up in a field with four sheep.”
McCoy stops struggling, his eyes widening. “You wouldn't.”
“I would. Now come here and kiss your captain.”
It's a rough, dry mouthed kiss with no tongue whatsoever and when Jim pulls back he's grinning like a maniac as McCoy wipes his mouth. “That was hot.”
“That was disgusting. Thankfully, as your doctor, I know you've had all your hypos for diseases or I'd have to quarantine myself for the next century.”
“So romantic,” Jim says with a wink before looking around and finding Spock standing right behind them, looking like someone has just punched his sehlat in the face. Jim frowns at the look, not really sure what to make of it, and is about to shrug it off when Spock gives him one more dark look of something close to betrayal and whirls around, leaving the rec room. Jim finds himself walking after him, aware of the murmuring his crew are engaging in as he goes.
“Spock, hey, what's wrong?” Jim asks, putting a hand on Spock's shoulder, halting him in his tracks in the corridor. Spock stiffens and turns around to face him.
“I had believed that you were against the premise of celebrating Christmas, which you used as your excuse for not kissing me, and yet you were engaging in the tradition of kissing under mistletoe with Doctor McCoy.”
Jim squints at Spock, his head cocked to the side because something is telling him Spock's not just angry about him engaging in a Christmas tradition and being hypocritical. “It was only Bones and everyone was around so I thought, why not.”
“And yet, days ago when we were under the plant, you commented that you didn't participate in the Christmas tradition.”
“That's because it's you, Spock. I know you don't like physical contact and I figured exchanging phlegm with me would be right at the top of your 'things to never ever do' list.”
Spock's look is blank in a calculated way, like he isn't even really listening and Jim feels like he's talking to a wall all of a sudden. “I understand you were being considerate and I thank you for that.”
Spock turns and starts to walk away as Jim mutters 'you're welcome' under his breath. He's about to head back to the rec room when Spock suddenly comes back up to him. “Have you been kissing other crew members under mistletoe as I believe that would be a breach of Starfleet code.”
Jim smirks. “It doesn't say I can't kiss my crew members.”
“You did not answer my original question. Please answer,” Spock says stiffly, his body rigid.
Jim rubs his neck awkwardly. “I may have given Ensign Curtis a quick peck earlier.”
Spock's eyes flash and his jaw tightens which makes Jim take a wary step back.
“You are aware there are no fraternisation rules in place for all commanding officers,” Spock snaps out.
“It's not like I was going to propose. It was only a kiss and I know for a fact there's no code anyway.”
Spock gives him a completely unprofessional look before walking away. Jim rubs the back of his neck, feeling more than a little puzzled.
…
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: Petition
I hear there is a petition to get Spock to dress up as an elf. However much I'd love to see it, I will not tolerate harassment of my first officer as he has already made it perfectly clear he would rather spend the rest of his life nuzzling Klingon foreheads than dress as an elf. Regards, your captain.
From: Commander Spock
To: Captain James T. Kirk
Subject: Re: petition
If I were in a situation where I had those two options, I would rather dress as an elf. Captain.
From: Captain James. T. Kirk
To: Commander Spock
Subject: Re: petition
Noted, babe. ;)
…
“You were my rock, Bones. My rock. The one person who sees things my way.”
McCoy swivels around on his chair to face Jim who's standing in his office's doorway, arms over his chest.
“Excuse me?”
“Hear you're attending the Christmas party.”
“Oh. That. Look, Jim, I hate Christmas as much as the next guy and I do honestly think it's ridiculous we're celebrating something so old fashioned, but Scotty says he's imported some special bourbon for the occasion and you know me, can't turn down a good drink.”
Jim sighs and nods. “Nah, it's fine. Honest. I'm just feeling... exhausted.”
McCoy smirks. “From what I hear, you've been running yourself ragged taking down all the tinsel and stamping on everyone’s Christmas spirit.”
“It's worth it, I promise you.”
McCoy looks up at him with a frown. “What's going on, kid? You should drop in on the party tonight. I know you don't see the point but just shut your eyes to all the tinsel crap and enjoy being with your crew. They'd like to see you.”
“I don't know. Depends if Spock is going.”
“Why? You need a date?”
Jim gives him a dry look. “He's been weird around me lately. He got offended that I was considerate enough to not kiss him under the mistletoe. And he really didn't seem to like us kissing.”
McCoy blinks several times and pushes himself to his feet with a long, drawn out sigh. “I'm going to go get into casual clothes for the party because I can't waste any more breath on your oblivious stupidity.”
Jim looks at him dumbly, confused. “Huh?”
“So pretty, yet so stupid,” McCoy says, patting Jim's cheeks and walking past him out into sick bay.
Jim stands there for a few minutes, thinking everything over in his mind before leaving himself.
…
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: Eggnog
No idea what it is, but please stop drinking it. Regards, your sober captain.
….
However much Jim detests Christmas, he can't help but enjoy the happy buzz that's going around his ship. Everyone's excited and the corridors are filled with laughter and the bustling of people as they get ready for the Christmas party. Even though everyone knows he's not the holiday's biggest fan, he still gets a lot of crew members smiling at him and offering a quiet 'happy Christmas' his way. His crew adore him and he loves that they adore him. It makes him beam and grin, unable to really, truly hate something that's causing his crew such joy.
He's about to walk into his quarters when Scotty jogs up to him in a Santa costume, looking chipper and slightly flushed from drink.
“Captain, I hope yer coming to the party.”
“I would but I've got a lot of work to catch up on,” Jim says, gesturing vaguely as his door to his quarters.
Scotty doesn't look even slightly dissuaded as a smirk crosses his face. “I think yer will come.”
“And why is that?”
“Well, yer see, about an hour ago I decided to try and make some cocktails. I couldn't try them out on the regular crew because they'd probably die from alcohol poisoning. So I enlisted your Spock to help. After a while he agreed.”
Jim decides not to tackle the 'your Spock' comment and just nods. “Yeah, because Vulcans can't get drunk.”
“Except... they can. Some of my cocktails had chocolate in 'em. You should come and see him, Captain, he's... different.”
Jim bites his lip, stares at his quarters door and what awaits him behind it which is an empty room and a 300 page stock list to go through. Jim shrugs because to be quite honest, a drunk Spock is the second biggest selling point for him right after Spock naked.
They walk silently to the largest rec room which is hosting the party. The doors open and the noise hits him of singing, loud laughing and murmuring. Jim strolls in, noticing the large snow machine churn out small bits of white paper which land in everyone's hair. He gets a few smiles from his crew before Scotty grabs his arm and drags him through the sea of crew members, weaving in and out and trying not to get stopped too often. He emerges at the other end of the rec room with four pink lip stick marks on his cheek and a hand print on his ass. Apparently his crew get friendly once they've had a few.
He's looking around to see why they've stopped when he sees him. Spock is sitting slumped in a large deep blue chair in the corner, dressed in a massive jumper with a snowman on the front of it and with antlers on his head and a big thick stream of gold tinsel wrapped around his neck like a scarf. Nyota is sitting next to him with a look on her face like she's doing everything in her power to not burst into laughter as she listens to whatever Spock is saying.
Spock's mouth is moving rapidly as he talks, his hands flying around to emphasise his point, but he suddenly stops and his eyes find Jim's in a split second, like he has a sixth sense and knew he was there. Then Spock smiles and it's the creepiest thing Jim has ever seen in his whole life. It looks wrong and unnatural on Spock's normally impassive face.
“Hey,” Jim says awkwardly over the loud noise of the room, giving him a little wave as he walks forward to stand in front of him.
“I did not think you celebrated Christmas or is that only when there is a prospect of kissing me?” Spock snaps out, eyebrow raised, his eyes dark.
Nyota looks slightly taken aback by the rude tone as clearly Spock was a more merry drunk before he arrived. “He's drunk, Jim. No verbal filter.”
“It's not a problem. You look adorable in your antlers.”
Spock's face goes from annoyed to pure joy in a split second, his eyes lighting up. “Thank you. I shall wear them every day from now on then.”
Jim smirks. “You do that.”
Spock's eyes suddenly narrow, his eyes looking Jim up and down and clearly finding his appearance lacking, before he settles on Jim's face. “Why do you have imprints of female lips on your face?”
Jim licks his thumb and rubs at one of the marks on his cheek self consciously. Spock just continues to stare at him with clear disapproval like it's Jim's fault he was kissed.
“You want a drink?” Nyota asks Jim brightly, looking to clear the tension.
Jim shrugs. “I don't think I'll stay.”
Spock's eyes widen and he's suddenly on his feet, his body almost pressing against Jim's. “Please wait here. I have something for you.”
Spock disappears into the crowd of people and Jim is legitimately scared Spock's not going to come back. It's about four minutes later when Spock returns, his body swaying slightly. He lifts a head band with a large silver halo attached it to and places it on Jim's hair carefully. Jim's eyes flutter when Spock's fingers brush his cheek as he strokes through his hair to get the hair band to sit right.
“Thanks. I think.”
“You are an angel,” Spock says, stating it like it's a fact. Jim is so touched by the whole thing that he just nods, staring at Spock with a dreamy smile on his face.
“I think I'm going to be sick,” Nyota says loudly, dragging their attention away from each other.
“Don't you have something to do? Go and find McCoy and ask to sit on his lap. You'll make his Christmas,” Jim says, seeing Spock continue to stare at him from the corner of his eye.
“I already have, Jim. Many, many times,” she says with a wink before walking away and having the crowd swallow her up. Jim blinks for a moment, his mind in overdrive at the thought of what she meant by that particular comment, before he forgets because Spock is still in front of him clad in an adorable jumper, gold tinsel and reindeer antlers. Everything else seems inconsequential at that very moment.
“You... OK?” Jim asks lamely because no class exists that could prepare him for this particular situation.
“Yes.” It's all he says, his eyes still fixed on Jim's face like he's mesmerized.
“Mistletoe bomb!” someone shouts, shoving some mistletoe between their faces and wiggling it.
Jim sneaks a look to the side to find Sulu standing there with a grin on his face as he wiggles it again, the plant catching Jim's cheek and making him shoot a glare.
Jim looks back at Spock and finds his mouth opening in shock when Spock leans forward and brushes his lips across Jim's cheek delicately, like he's incredibly fragile, before pulling away and removing a few bits of fake snow from Jim's hair. Jim swallows, the show of affection making his chest tighten.
“Thanks,” Jim says quietly.
“My angel,” Spock says softly and Jim almost snorts, breaking the spell, before he turns, feeling the need to get away from all of this. He mumbles some excuse under his breath about being tired before walking away. It's too confusing and Jim doesn't know what he's feeling in relation to Spock and what it all means and the music and laughter isn't helping to focus his mind at all. He gets back to his own quarters, shutting himself away as he sits on the edge of his bed, breathing in and out deeply. He takes the halo hair band off his head and stares at it for a moment before falling back onto the bed behind him and sighing. He's not one hundred percent sure, but he's fairly confident that his feelings for Spock might be entirely mutual.
He stares at the ceiling, his room dead quiet and he's grateful for it, pleased to be out of the loud noise that's going on outside his quarters. He breathes in and out a few times, a smile crossing his face and shuts his eyes for a moment.
…
Jim wakes up a few hours later, his eyes blinking into the harsh light of his room that he'd forgotten to dim. He rubs at his eyes for a moment before something catches the corner of his eye and he jerks awake, body on full alert as he sits up and looks to his left to find Spock slumped in one of the chairs by his desk, eyes shut, mouth open and hair flopping across his forehead in disarray. The jumper is no where to be seen but the tinsel is still wrapped around his neck and the antlers are falling forward precariously, about to fall from his head. It's the loveliest thing Jim's ever woken up to and he can't stop the grin from spreading across his face.
He pushes himself off the bed, pulling off his gold shirt so he's just left in his black under shirt. He places a hand on Spock's forearm and squeezes gently. “Spock. Wake up.”
Spock mumbles something, his head lolling to the side slightly as he shuts and opens his mouth a few times but remains asleep. Jim smiles and shakes his arm. The antlers that were already falling off, fall off the full way, catching Spock's nose and ear in the process. His eyes snap open as he jerks awake, sitting up straight.
“Hey,” Jim says, standing up fully.
Spock blinks up at him a few times before a frown crosses his pale features as he looks around.
“Why are you in my room?” Jim asks lightly.
“I believe my logic was... effected by the chocolate and I thought it logical to follow you to your room to watch you sleep to ensure no harm came to you. I apologise for my actions whilst intoxicated. Also, I think I may have offered to be Doctor McCoy's best man at some point in the evening.”
Jim smirks before putting his hand up, face going serious. “Wait, what? Bones is getting married?”
“No, but he asked for my blessing for his relationship with Nyota and I found myself promising to be his best man. You do not have to worry, he refused my offer which I now find myself pleased with.”
Jim laughs, his eyes crinkling at the side as he walks back to the bed and sits down on it. “No idea they were even dating.”
“You have been spending much of your usual leisure time working and so it is not surprising you have failed to notice your friend's relationship status. I apologise if the news upsets you.”
“Why would it upset me?”
“I had thought you may have feelings for Doctor McCoy.”
Jim shakes his head with a smile. “No, I don't. Not even a little bit. We tried to date back at the academy but it didn't really work. I was too... something for him.”
Spock nods like he completely understands which irks Jim. “I am pleased you have no intention of starting a relationship with Doctor McCoy.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes,” Spock says forcefully, his eyes saying everything that his words aren't and Jim gets the message loud and clear, his heart rate increasing slightly. He knows they should talk, discuss things, discuss them, but Jim decides that right now isn't the right time and instead, he decides to delay the inevitable of sharing feelings.
“You wanna go see how lively the party is now? I'm sure it's still going on.”
“Yes,” Spock says, standing up and unwrapping the tinsel from his neck and placing it on the desk carefully.
They walk slowly towards the loud music, both of them sneaking each other looks like their naughty school kids sharing looks across a classroom, the tension thick with promise of what they know will inevitable come at some point.
They get to the rec room and it's still busy, but people are clearly more drunk as they all shout at each other, gesturing wildly. Jim screws up his face when he notices Nyota with her tongue down McCoy's throat on one of the chair's at the side of the room. Jim shudders and looks away before catching sight of something above him. A smile goes across his face and he decides that now is as good as time as any to make his move.
“Hey, Spock,” Jim says, nudging Spock's side with a wink as he peers up at the mistletoe.
Spock gazes back at him, looking slightly confused.
“Wanna make out?”
“Yes,” Spock says immediately and just like that, Jim's back hits the wall as Spock presses his body along Jim's and kisses him deeply and slowly, their tongues tangling as their hands grab at each other possessively.
The room around them goes deafeningly silent and Jim almost doesn't notice because he's too busy screaming with joy inside his head that he currently has Spock's tongue in his mouth. Almost.
Jim pulls back, needing air, and looks to the side where the entire crew is standing staring at them with their mouths open. Even Uhura has removed her tongue from McCoy's mouth long enough to look over at them in shock.
Spock doesn't seem to care as he starts to push his crotch insistently against Jim's so he's humping him slightly, his lips pressing to Jim's neck and nuzzling. Jim throws a care free grin on his face and looks over Spock's shoulder at his dumbstruck crew.
“Merry Christmas,” Jim shouts cheerfully. “As you were.” And then he starts kissing Spock again, his hands sliding up and down Spock's body hastily, wanting to touch every part of him all at once. He faintly registers that everyone's going back to talking and laughing loudly, ignoring the fact their two commanding officers are currently getting it on against one of the bulkheads. The party continues on in the background but Jim can't focus on anything but the way Spock's hand cups his cheek as they kiss and the thumb that rubs along his jaw line filled with adoration.
Jim pulls back when he realises that if they don't leave, the crew will see him and Spock do a lot more than just kiss. “I kind of like you.”
“The feeling is mutual.”
“I still hate Christmas.”
“Again, the feeling is mutual.”
“Wanna go back to my quarters?”
“Yes. I find that I do want the crew to become voyeurs to us engaging in coitus.”
Jim smiles at him. “Bones would never let me live it down.”
Spock gives a sideways glance to where McCoy and Uhura are busy making the most of first base. “Perhaps they should also return to their quarters.”
“Leave them be, come on, let's go,” Jim says brightly, grabbing Spock's hand and practically dragging him from the party area. People move out of the way for them which Jim thinks has less to do with him and more to do with the possessive look on Spock's face that tells everyone he will harm anyone who tries to engage them in conversation.
…
Jim wakes up with a sleepy mumble and wipes at the drool he can feel at the side of his mouth, grimacing slightly in the process. He then notices his drool is getting in Spock's chest hair from where he'd been using his chest as a pillow. Jim tries to subtly wipe away the drool without waking Spock but it proves to be unsuccessful when he feels Spock's hand grip his ass possessively before pulling their bodies close.
“Good morning, Jim.”
“Mornin',” Jim mumbles, giving Spock's chest a quick kiss as Spock's hand gives his ass a gentle pat before running softly up his spine.
“I found our sexual relations to be of above average satisfaction.”
“Uh huh, it was awesome. And you know what's even more awesome?” Jim asks, pausing for a second. “It's December 26th according to the earth based Calendar system. Which means Christmas is over.”
Spock is silent for a moment and Jim enjoys the way his head rises and falls in time with Spock's chest as he breathes in and out.
“Are you suggesting that you are happier that Christmas is over more than having coitus with me?”
“Of course not. Just... it'll be nice for things to go back to normal.”
Spock takes in a sharp breath. “So, you found our coitus pleasurable?”
“Yep. But please stop saying coitus.”
“Very well.”
They descend into easy silence and Jim feels his eyes shutting as he lazily dozes on Spock's chest, a soft smile on his lips.
...
From: Captain James T. Kirk
To: Enterprise crew and personnel
Subject: FUCKYEAH
Christmas is over. Suck it. Regards, your happy and no longer single captain. (Sorry, ladies.)
The End
A/N: I hope everyone has a great Christmas and an awesome new year. :)