Christmas K/S
The seven-foot tree dominated the log cabin, casting a warm emerald hue over everything. Outside, snow drifts tickled the top of the door frame and covered up the windows so that a roaring fire had to be kept flickering away in the grate night and day.
Spock knelt by the tree, the light from the fire catching the red and gold baubles and casting spots of colour onto his lined face. He clasped his hands to prevent them from shaking as he bowed his head in meditation. Unbidden, memories vied for his attention, memories he normally kept firmly under lock and key.
The same log cabin seemed to glow as snowflakes danced past the window panes and 20th century records crackled festive sentiments into the cosy room. Jim placed a golden star atop a fir he had felled himself hours before, and stepped back to admire his handiwork. "Impressive, huh, Spock?" he called out over his shoulder, and the Vulcan emerged from the kitchen a moment to cast his eye over the tree. "Perfect," he murmured into Jim's ear, causing the man to start. Spinning around he laughed, "Spock! Where did you spring from?"
Spock had spent enough time with humans- this one in particular- to recognise the rhetorical question. "The tree, or...?" enquired Jim mischievously, and Spock allowed a small smile to curve his lips. "Always you, t'hy'la, although from what understanding I have of the Christmas tree, this is a most spectacular specimen." Jim sighed contentedly as he wound his arms around the warm Vulcan. "I just want everything to be right for you," he revealed shyly. Spock felt his love for the human swell at this trust, something he had considered impossible. "This will be the best Christmas I have ever celebrated," Spock assured him with a twinkle in his eyes. He felt Jim relax in his arms, though he could still sense unhappiness in the mind of his t'hy'la. "Jim...?" he prompted gently, tilting the chin of his companion until their eyes met.
"I just..." Jim mumbled, "I forget... how hard it must have been. All that pain... but you never..." he snuffled into Spock's blue shirt. Alarmed at this sudden mood swing, the Vulcan held his human close and sent soothing thoughts to his troubled mind. "I forget how strong you are," Jim whispered, "You must be, to have survived so long... So gentle..."
Spock felt an upsurge of affection for his t'hy'la. Tenderly he pressed a kiss into the top of his bowed golden head. "Forget these things now also, then, Jim," he pleaded. "You have given me more than I had ever hoped for, and I am happy now. Cannot that be enough? I am given to understand that Christmas is a time of joy," he added softly. Jim rubbed his eyes and nodded, looking abashed. "Of course, Spock. You will never forget this Christmas, no matter how many more we celebrate together," he promised. Spock saw the fire burning in his eyes and believed him.
Breaking his gaze from the dying embers, Spock rose stiffly to his feet to add another log to the waning flames. He never had forgotten their first Christmas, though eighty years had passed since then. He missed his Jim, now more than ever. "Merry Christmas, t'hy'la," he murmured to the empty room, and in his head he heard the boyish laugh of his captain as he called out, "Merry Christmas, Spock!"