Inside, David and Peter were trading tales of school and Mark and Justin were sitting at the dining room table with Carol. Aurelan was sitting on the sofa talking to Spock. Jim stopped for a second and looked around.
"What?" his brother asked.
Jim shook his head and swallowed. "It's just really great to have the family together for once. I'm so glad you're here."
Sam chuckled and elbowed his brother. "It's good to see you too, Jim-boy." He walked in and shooed his brother-in-law off the sofa. "I've traveled too far to not sit beside my wife. Move, dude." Spock graciously got up and came over to stand beside Jim.
"This could prove to be interesting," Spock commented softly.
"Whether you want it or not, you're going to have a Kirk Christmas. Be prepared for your shields to take a beating," Jim warned. Just then – as if to prove his point – Peter came running up and hugged Jim again, and then turned and threw his arms around Spock. Spock froze.
"Hey hey hey, Peter, what did I tell you about touching a Vulcan?" Sam called from the sofa.
Peter released the man and giggled. "You said I wasn't supposed to touch a Vulcan but this is Uncle Spock!" he protested and ran back into the living room.
"Sorry, Spock. He'll figure it out eventually, I hope. Otherwise you'll be hugged every time he sees you. He's a little enthusiastic." Sam turned back to his wife.
David came up to his father and grabbed his fingers. "Dad, this is way cool. Thanks a lot."
Jim gave his son a noogie and shoved him back into the chaos of the other room. Then he hooked his pinkie finger around Spock's little finger and led him up the stairs to his room. He shut the door behind them and sank into the desk chair.
"This is insane. I couldn't have guessed in a million years that Sam and his brood would show up the same Christmas we did. Are you okay?" Jim asked his husband.
Spock nodded. "I have had practice shielding around this many people. I can withstand a great more than you give me credit for, although being hugged is its own assault on the senses."
"I'll head him off if he tries it again," Jim promised. Then he pouted. "Does this mean I don't get to hug you myself?"
Spock sighed. "Your hugs are always welcome, t'hy'la." He opened his arms and Jim embraced him.
There was a terrific pounding on the door and both men jumped. Jim stood protectively in front of Spock. "Who is it?" Jim shouted.
"Open up, Jimmy T, and I might go easy on you," Sam called out.
Jim opened the door and blocked the entrance with his body. "Go away, you twerp. I'm having private time with my man."
Sam poked his brother on the shoulder. "Mister, you'd better get back downstairs. Mom's about to read 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' to the kids. You're just an overgrown kid yourself, so get down there."
"Oh, like you don't cry every time the Grinch's heart grows three times?" Jim shot back. He felt a wave of sadness through the bond and turned suddenly from the door. "Hey, babe, what's wrong?"
Spock looked at the floor. "My mother used to read that story to me when I was small."
The two Kirk men fell silent. Finally Sam waved his hand. "You don't have to come down, Jim. You can stay here with Spock. I'm sorry, Spock, I didn't mean to bring up a painful memory."
Spock looked back up. "Would the Lady Kirk mind me listening too?"
Jim came and wrapped an arm around Spock. "No, of course not. Come on down with us. Mom does great voices."
The three went back downstairs and found places on the floor to sit. Winona held up the book and explained the history of Dr. Seuss and his books, and then began to read the story. Aurelan sat on the sofa with Mark and Justin beside her and Peter in her lap. David snuggled down against his father's side. Carol sat quietly in a chair by herself. Halfway through the tale, Jim's hand snuck over and held Spock's. When she was finished the group applauded.
David got up and climbed in his mother's lap for a while. Jim and Spock remained on the floor, both reminiscing. Carol finally got up and put David back on his feet, but it was obvious he was getting tired.
"I'm afraid we'll have to leave for the night," Carol began.
"But Mommy, I want to stay with Daddy!" David whined.
Carol frowned. "You'll see your father again tomorrow."
"Wanna stay here," David pouted.
"Carol, he can stay in Sam's old room. It's cool." Jim looked up at the woman.
"I don't think that's a wise idea, Jim," Carol said in the most belittling tone possible.
Jim rose to his feet slowly. "And pray tell why not?" he spat.
Spock got up and quietly ushered the other Kirk kids out and into the back bedroom. Aurelan and Sam followed, confused.
"Spock, what's wrong?" Aurelan whispered.
Spock leaned in. "Jim and Ms. Marcus have been having difficulties. If their disagreement gets loud, as it usually does, I did not want the children to witness it. Forgive me if I overstepped my bounds."
Sam shook his head. "If he's gonna go toe-to-toe with her I'd rather the boys not see it. I'll knock him senseless if he brings their shit into this gathering."
"Well I don't care what your motives are, you're not reworking the custody agreement in the middle of the visit!" Jim was heard bellowing. Spock winced and turned to walk in the other room, but Sam grabbed his arm roughly and held him back.
"I'll handle this," Sam growled. Spock watched as the older brother stomped into the living room. He looked at the three young boys standing terrified in Winona's bedroom and felt a wave of frustration at his mate.
