The BLTS Archive - Just Chocolate Cherries?
by Dale (valioffire@yahoo.com)

---

Stepping up to the science station with an approving smile,
Captain Kirk watched the Vulcan's long sensual fingers
seemingly flying over his keyboard. He enjoyed his
observations, and moved closer to his first officer who
monitored the newly-discovered nebula through the
viewfinder. It always amazed Kirk at the speed Spock input
information into the computer and, for a fleeting moment, he
felt challenged to not dwell on his personal memories of
those fingers' abilities.

Spock turned to his captain with unrestrained eagerness
showing on his face. "Intriguing, Captain. At least four
stars are forming inside the reflective nebula. It will be
interesting to discover if there are others."

Jim ignored the temptation to tease the science officer over
his obvious excitement. "Scotty is concerned over the
increasing radiation's effect on the shields, so we can't
risk getting closer. I hope your department will be able to
record its findings from this distance."

Spock started to respond, but suddenly grasped Jim's arm for
support as he was overwhelmed by a wave of disorientation.
His head momentarily seemed to swirl in a twilight of stars,
then, just as quickly, cleared. Straightening back up, he
shrugged off Jim's grip on his elbow. "My apologies,
Captain. I... I was mesmerized by...well... by the bright
colors."

"Spock?" Jim's concern tripled. "What are you talking
about?"

"The nebula, Captain. I believe the reflective nebula is
combined with an emission nebula." Spock lowered his voice
minutely and leaned closer to Kirk. "That's what I found
fascinating. The deep pinkish glow surrounding the edges of
the mauve-shaded clouds of the anomaly remind me of a
certain part of your anatomy."

"What?" Kirk hissed with a tightened jaw. His eyes darted
around, but the only one he suspected of hearing the remark
was Uhura. The communication officer's cheeks had turned a
dark crimson. Lowering her head, she tactfully returned to
her duties. Wishing he had misunderstood, but knowing
better, Jim stepped closer to the Vulcan, "That was a rather
cryptic answer, Mister Spock. Do you care to explain?" He
raised his hand as a warning, "And please leave out the
personal remarks."

"I do not think that is possible." No longer whispering,
Spock shrugged with renewed vigor, "It especially matches
the tip of  your..."

"Spock!" The captain grabbed his first officer's upper arms
forcing him to stand squarely in front of him. He looked
closer into the other's eyes startled at the glazed, dreamy
glow. They seemed to pour out emotions. "What's the matter
with you? Are you feeling all right?"

"I wish to tell you your cheeks are so cute... especially
when... you're miffed." Smiling brightly, Spock reached for
Jim's face, but  the captain released him and stepped back.

"Miffed? You've never used a word like 'miffed' in your
life." Kirk was astonished not only of Spock's vocabulary,
but the slightly slurred quality of his tone. Hesitantly, he
asked, "Are you drunk?"

"No, but as I recall, you tried to get me that way two
nights ago. I believe you had ulterior motives." He chuckled
the last sentence, then winked at a shocked Jim Kirk.

A few snickers from the crew fed the captain's anger. He
whirled around to glare at the bridge personnel, his eyes
daring anyone to make a sound. All of them were suddenly
memorizing their panels -- or feet.

Giving Spock his full attention, Jim's stomach was grumbling
and had formed a knot. His concern grew at the increasing
changes in his friend's eyes. Their dark chestnut orbs were
now dilated, shining with a gleam of... euphoria? "I want
you in sickbay, Mister Spock."  Jim turned back to his chair
to give McCoy a warning to be on the  lookout for the first
officer's visit. He didn't make it.

"Ow!" the captain protested at a sharp stinging pinch biting
his right butt cheek. Twirling, he glanced Spock quickly
pulling his hand away. "What the hell??" Jim's face was red
and his words full of angry shock.

"Your face is not the only place with cute cheeks," Spock
grinned mischievously, lightly bouncing on the balls of his
feet. Both of his eyebrows danced with merriment. "They dare
me to pinch them." He shrugged again.

"Security!" Kirk roared. The captain's anxious glare didn't
stray from Spock's.

"Yes, sir." Mr. Leslie, who had the same stunned expression
as the rest of the crew, pushed himself away from the
bulkhead where he stood guard. He moved quickly to the first
officer's side, cautiously watching his captain. All
security was aware of Kirk's no-nonsense temperament. They
also were aware of his intense protectiveness of the Vulcan.
Mr. Leslie waited with apprehension, unsure how the Captain
would react to this situation. He watched a mixture of
emotions fighting in Kirk's troubled expression.

"You're to go to sickbay with Mr. Leslie, Spock." The
captain turned to the security officer to continue his
orders. "You're to see that he doesn't leave until Dr. McCoy
releases him."

"Yes, sir." Mr. Leslie stepped aside to allow the first
officer to head for the turbo lift. Instead the Vulcan
froze, staring at his captain.

Jim knew something was seriously wrong and struggled to find
words to encourage him. Aware anything he said would cause
more embarrassment to his friend, he tried to minimize the
tension in his own tone. "Spock, just go to sickbay. I'll
let Bones know you're on the way."

Crestfallen at Kirk's upset demeanor, Spock hesitantly
pointed out, "You said to be more spontaneous."

"Not on the bridge," Jim answered with a clenched jaw.
"Please, co- operate."

"No. I... I can not leave you," his voice was soft, and Jim
heard a confused tremble. He noted perspiration on Spock's
lip and forehead. The Vulcan's cheeks had paled to a grayish
green that wasn't there moments before.

"Spock, go now. That's an order, Mister." He hoped the firm
tone would automatically make his first officer obey. With
relief, he watched him turn toward the turbolift, but
cringed when Spock stopped and turned back.

A half-smile creased Spock's lips; his eyes glazed more
while meeting Jim's. "My duty... is to you." His hand
reached out and stroked Jim's cheek, a thumb brushing the
human's lip.

It was Jim's turn to momentarily freeze -- a testament to
the shock he felt. Others were aware of their relationship,
but it wasn't something they flaunted. The two separated
their private life and duty, and pointedly took steps to
avoid mingling them. He quickly cleared his thoughts and
again took a step back

"That's enough. Go to sickbay, now." Jim heard the strain in
his own voice and tried to soften it. "Please, Spock."

Shaking his head, the Vulcan moved towards him, ignoring the
security guard who tried to maneuver between them. Spock's
fingertips lovingly caressed Jim's meld points.

"Kroykah!" the captain snapped. Startled bridge crew jumped
from the shout but Kirk ignored them. Fear gripped him
tighter as he watched Spock blink in confusion. The Vulcan
slowly lowered his hand and let his arms fall to his sides,
looking at Jim with a pleading need.

"This is impossible," Jim muttered, contemplating a fearful
realization of what might be wrong. He tried reaching out to
his bondmate through their link to offer comfort but only
sensed confusion. "Spock, please go to sickbay. I'll join
you as soon as my shift ends."

Spock turned back to the turbolift followed by the security
guard. He entered the lift, but turned to watch his captain.
With his eyes locked on Jim's, anxiety over the Human's
rejection troubled him. Some glimmer of thought alerted his
logical Vulcan mind to the fact he was behaving
irrationally. It did not seem to matter. All he knew was he
felt like he was betraying him by leaving. Why did Jim not
feel the same way?

Captain Kirk quickly returned to his chair and pushed the
switch to sickbay. When McCoy responded he attempted to keep
his voice low. "Bones, security is bringing Spock to you. I
want you to give him a complete physical."

"Physical? Security? What is this all about, Jim?" McCoy's
perplexed tone matched the thoughts of everyone on the
bridge.

"That's what I want you to tell me. He's acting very
strange. I... well, I suspect his behavior is related to
what happened the last time we were on Vulcan." He fervently
hoped the doctor would catch on without too many questions.
A momentary quiet was all that filled the comm, then he
heard disturbed noises in the background. McCoy said
distractedly; "Put him in isolation room 2."

"Bones? did you understand what I said?" Kirk asked.

"Yes, you mean you want me to check for pon..."

"Okay, Doctor, you got it." The captain quickly interrupted,
letting the unspoken message of privacy reach through the
comm.

"But that's impossible," McCoy replied with concern. "It's
too soon."

Jim sighed loudly, "You're talking to the one man who knows
that best, Doctor. Please keep me informed." Switching off
the communication link, he looked briefly around the room
before settling back in his chair. What crew who were brazen
enough to look his way soon ducked and returned to duty.
Sitting upright, a sharp nip of pain in his butt cheek
reminded him of Spock's pinch and he winced, shifting
uncomfortably in his chair.

"Damn," he muttered with irritation.

Turning to Uhura, the captain ordered replacement crew from
science and security be sent to the bridge. "We have a
nebula to monitor, everyone. Let's stay focused." Ignoring
his own words, Kirk soon became lost in his concern over the
event. With the scientists recording their findings, he felt
useless at the moment and wanted to be with Spock. For the
first time since Spock left the bridge, Jim realized he only
sensed a slight hum through their link, instead of the
confusion that was there earlier. He missed his Vulcan's
reassuring presence in his mind. Why hadn't he noticed this
morning that something was wrong with him? Spock had been
quiet but he had figured it was fatigue from their
late-night snuggling.

The haziness made him wonder again if Spock was drunk. He
knew it was an absurd thought but how else to explain this?
It couldn't be anything to do with his Time. Memories of
their quick stop to Vulcan, after their bonding had caused
Spock to go into pon farr, flickered through his thoughts.
Lost in those memories he jolted abruptly when McCoy's voice
interrupted his musing.

"Jim, you better turn over the con and get down here
immediately." Kirk chilled from his adamant tone.

"What's wrong with him?" Almost choking on the words, fear
gripped his heart. Just then, yeoman Davis handed him a padd
requiring his signature. As he signed it with a quick glance
at its contents, he realized he was holding his breath.

"Now, Jim. You don't want me saying this over the comm."

"I'm on my way," Jim answered, quickly handing the padd to
his yeoman. Ordering Sulu to take the con, he didn't wait to
hear the helmsman's reply as the doors to the turbolift
closed.

---

In sickbay, he discovered two additional security guards by
McCoy's office. They both glanced with trepidation at the
door, then their captain. "Why are you here?" he asked chief
Garrovick.

The security chief signaled for Mr. Leslie to take his place
and gestured for the captain to follow him. "Doctor McCoy
called us in to help with Mister Spock, sir." Seeing his
captain's stricken expression, he quickly explained. "He
isn't harmed... just agitated. It's probably best that
Doctor McCoy explain, sir."

Kirk noted the red blush that passed the chief's face but
ignored it. Quickly following the young officer into the
disorder that had taken over the end rooms of sickbay, he
viewed the chaos. The section seemed to be in upheaval with
people moving furniture and boxes. Chief Garrovick led him
to an isolation room at the far end of the corridor. The
usually see through windows had been changed to opaque so he
couldn't see who occupied the room until he was inside.

Two nurses were filling boxes with the contents of the
drawers and McCoy was shouting orders. The doctor handed one
of the heavy boxes to Garrovick. "Take this to my office.
Better yet, leave it near my door. Don't open that door
unless you have no choice." With an exasperated sigh, he
tossed Jim a quick look. "It's about time you got here."

"What's going on? Did Nurse Chapel and Uhura move the
Christmas party to sickbay or something?" He looked around
for Spock, but the first officer wasn't in the room.
"Where's Spock?"

"This is no time to ask silly questions. Get undressed, a
robe is hanging on the back of the door in the head. McCoy
pulled Kirk aside just as one of the security guards and an
orderly pushed a low- gravity carrier into the room. There
was a mattress balanced capriciously on it. The men
struggled to maneuver it around the boxes to a thick molded
frame that was already set up in the corner.

"What is this?" The captain demanded above the noise, but
was ignored.

"Pictures, too, Christine. Anything breakable," McCoy
ordered over his shoulder while shoving Jim towards the
head. Kirk refused to budge.

"Where's Spock?" Anxiety punctuated the question, but McCoy
was distracted maneuvering a skin graft machine towards
Christine.

"Put this in room 1 for now. Lets hope there won't be a need
for the isolation rooms for a few days," he mumbled. "Oh,
yeah, don't forget those three boxes of holiday decorations
Uhura slid into the closet."

"We'll have this set up in two minutes," the orderly
promised as the mattress was finally lifted off the carrier.

"Nurse Walkins will help you make it. Only these two boxes
by the door are left for you two to carry. And don't forget
to set up that other bed in my room. I gotta sleep too, ya
know." McCoy tried again to push Jim to the head, but he
steadfastly refused to move.

"Tell me what the hell is going on or I'm going to start
ordering people thrown in the brig," The captain roared,
instantly getting everyone's attention. "Where is Spock?
Remember him? Your patient."

McCoy ordered everyone back to work then faced his agitated
captain, "He's in my office, and I'll have him brought here
in a minute. We're removing perishables just in case. Since
this room isn't used very often I tend to store equipment
and supplies here. I don't know how long this room will be
off limits, so I'm moving what we can." The words were said
to Jim, but the befuddled captain had the impression Bones
was talking to himself. "Then you're putting Spock here?
What's wrong with him? And what is this?" Jim asked pointing
at the bed in the corner that was being made.

"It's my bed." McCoy turned to catch the two men leaving
with their arms full. "Tell Garrovick we're almost ready for
Spock. It will be just a few more moments." He turned back
to Jim. "This is the only ICU unit that is soundproof. It
usually holds up to three beds, but we moved two out and
brought mine in because it's a bit bigger. I don't need you
two breaking hips by fallen' off the bed." The last sentence
was whispered as he looked to see that the others weren't in
earshot. "Put the robe on, there isn't much time to
explain."

"Then I suggest you make the time. I want to know what the
hell is going on? Spock was practically a basket case on the
bridge. I get called down here and everyone acts like
they've been sipping eggnog from a holiday party that
started two days early."

"I'll fill you in once you undress. We're running out of
time." McCoy struggled again to push the obstinate captain
towards the head. Nurse Chapel and Walkins had returned a
few moments earlier for the holiday boxes and when Jim
pulled away from McCoy he accidentally fell against Chapel.
With a clatter, one of the boxes hit the floor. Holiday
ornaments and small containers of various decorations
scattered across the floor.

"Damn! At least they're unbreakable," Bones exclaimed as he
joined the women in picking up the mess.

The security guard at the door came in to help, while giving
the doctor a message. "Chief Garrovick said to tell you your
office is a mess. Leslie and he are guarding the door but
Mister Spock broke the entrance sensor. They are holding
phasers on him to keep him from escaping."

McCoy rolled his eyes and muttered something unintelligible.

"Tell me what's going on, NOW!" the Captain exploded,
grabbing McCoy's arm. "Phasers on Spock? I want answers
RIGHT NOW!! Consider it an order!"

The guard and Walkins quickly scrambled out the door. Nurse
Chapel followed carrying the hastily repacked box. Jim could
swear that on her way out she gave him a sympathetic look.

"Okay," McCoy tried to talk soothingly. "Spock will be all
right... this is temporary. He had an allergic reaction to
something called Tellarite Canauza Chakkas."

"Oh, you mean those chocolate cherry things Spock bought me
for a holiday treat. Only they weren't real chocolate... or
real cherries.  He sent for them to surprise me when he
found out I love..."

"Yeah, well he's about to surprise you, all right."

"You said he's allergic? We only had one each late last
night... or rather real early this morning." A small smile
at the memory crossed his face. "They were good, but almost
too sweet for my taste." Jim watched McCoy pick up a rolled
banner that had escaped. "I don't get it. You gave him
something to counteract the allergy, right? What does
Spock's allergy have to do with all this?" He looked around
the sparse room.

"I looked up the ingredients. 80% of Vulcan males have a
reaction to them."

"And you treated him. So what's this about security holding
him hostage? Is he contagious? Spock wouldn't fight
quarantine." Jim's face suddenly paled. "Oh, my God. It's
serious isn't it. He's really sick and you ordered me here
because you think I caught whatever he has." Jim grabbed
both of McCoy's arms, "You've got to help him...  he's...
he's everything to me."

The fear in Jim's eyes touched McCoy and his voice spoke
with the tone of years of consoling patients. "Spock will be
okay, Jim. I wouldn't lie to you about that. He isn't
contagious, but he needs your help. I suggest you undress,
now."

McCoy pulled away and yelled at the doorway. "Christine,
tell Garrovick to give us at least three minutes, then bring
him in."

"Why do I have to undress? They were just chocolate
cherries, I didn't react to them." Jim looked at the doctor
like he was crazy. "Tell me how I can help Spock."

Christine popped her head back in. "Chief Garrovick wants to
know if you really want them to stun him."

"Oh for god's sake. Can't three security guards handle one
Vulcan?" McCoy griped while Christine shrugged, then tossed
Jim another look of pity as she left.

"Why does Garrovick want to shoot Spock? And why does she
keep looking at me like that?"

---

"Jim!" Spock's shout bounced around the barren room. Before
Jim could react, the Vulcan rushed over and gathered him
into a bear hug. Jim released an involuntary protest when
his feet lifted briefly from the floor.

The security guards who ran panting into the room tried not
to notice the embrace, but they were obviously relieved
Spock was no longer their problem. Chief Garrovick cleared
his voice and tried to explain. "I'm sorry, Captain. He
finally realized we wouldn't really shoot him and pushed
past us. He knew you were here and thought we were hiding
you."

Jim's shocked face studied Spock carefully. "Are you all
right?" He tried to gently pull away, but Spock held him
tighter. Realizing his struggling was upsetting Spock, he
stayed in the embrace but wiggled to a position of being
able to face the others in the room. Taking a deep breath,
he forced himself to not take his embarrassment and
agitation out on his crew. "It's okay, Chief. I appreciate
everyone's help." With a slightly reddened face, he
sarcastically added, "You can all go home now."

McCoy herded the two guards and Christine out the door.

Turning his attention back to Spock, Jim felt his overly hot
forehead and rubbed it gently, allowing one thumb to
caresses an upswung brow. "Bones told me you had a reaction
to those candies. They were just chocolate cherries. How did
they cause all this?" His apprehension rose as Spock
suddenly grabbed the hem of his gold shirt and pulled it
over his head, tossing it nonchalantly to the floor.

"Spock?" He quit squirming when Spock briefly released his
grip to pull off his own shirt. But the Vulcan somehow
managed to get it tangled on his wrist. Afraid he would
break his arm if he continued the struggle, Jim helped him
untangle it. He growled at McCoy, "Are you going to fill me
in or what?"

With one arm pulling him closer, Spock immediately started
kissing Jim's neck while lifting his own boots one at a time
to remove them.

"Please Spock? Let me talk to Bones. You can get undressed
while I do. Just let go a moment."

"No!" Spock resumed his kisses and somehow maneuvered one
boot off to send it flying across the room and landing on
the extra sickbay bed in the corner. The other one followed
while Jim tried to get Spock to stop tugging at his pants
fastener.

McCoy cleared his throat. "I tried to get you to undress."

"I'm listening, Doctor... explain this! Quickly." Jim
twisted his  head to encourage Spock to kiss the back of his
neck so he could glare  at the doctor.

"Okay, I'll make this brief." A knock at the door
interrupted him.

"God, no!" Jim muttered.

McCoy opened the door and took the extra towels and sheets
from Christine. She quickly gave Jim a 'hang in there' smile
then left with a loud sigh.

Spock broke the fastener on Jim's pants with a broad smile.
Before Jim could protest, he was standing in his briefs with
his pants bunched around his feet, "Spock... wait..."

"No!" Spock twirled Jim around, not noticing his mate's
tangled feet. Jim tripped forward, landing on the new bed.
"Perfect," Spock exclaimed, squeezing the firm muscles of
his companion's buttocks.

McCoy quickly interjected. "As you've guessed the reaction
to the ingredients acts as an aphrodisiac. Kind of a mini
pon farr."

Jim paled and McCoy continued reassuringly. "This time it's
supposed to be nonviolent, but he's as clumsy as hell. He
can't seem to hold still and started examining everything he
could get his hands on. And not caring what he broke. I
believe he was attempting to get his mind off you: the
center of his universe."

"I noticed!" Sarcasm again filled his voice as Jim struggled
to stop Spock from taking his briefs. "Just give me a
minute, Spock."

"No!" Spock repeated and resumed his pull on the dark
briefs. The sounds of a ripped garment was heard. Jim felt
the heated blush all over his body when strong hands lifted
him to his knees.

McCoy spotted a bight red mark on Jim's cheek and moved to
examine it. "Wow, that must have hurt." He started to touch
it, but Spock slapped his hand away with a grunt.

The doctor was incredulous. "Did he just growl at me?"

"You expect me to explain any of this?" Jim's frustration
showed in the irritated look he tossed to McCoy. He was
trying to draw Spock's attention from his privates where the
Vulcan had plunged his hand between the strong thighs and
started tugging his shaft.

"I guess not." McCoy snickered as he headed for the door,
but turned to explain. "As I was saying earlier, unlike
regular pon farr, instead of concentrating on his need to
release, all his attention is on his desire to please his
mate. That means you, Captain, sir."

Jim moaned, partly from frustration, and partly from the
fact that Spock's hand was gently teasing his balls. He
tried to bring his knees higher on the bed but his feet were
still tangled. He managed to kick one boot off and free a
foot. "Spock, at least get us undressed."

"No. No time," Spock mumbled as he started kissing Jim's
rear while unfastening his own pants.

Jim noticed McCoy was still gawking and glared at him. "It
was just a chocolate cherry."

"Tellarite Canauza Chakkas," McCoy offered, looking back
with unashamed interest. Jim and he had spend many shore
leaves together before the captain fell head over heels in
love with Spock. Watching this man in the thralls of
pleasure with shared lovers was a beauty he missed. "This
will last a few days so I'll let you know how the holiday
party goes. We'll save your gifts for later."

Jim started to make a cryptic remark, but his breath was
suddenly taken from him when Spock increased the momentum on
his shaft. Overly warm lips trailed teasing kisses down his
crack. "You only... ate... one," he panted between breaths.

"He ate eight this morning, just before reporting to the
bridge."

"You ate all my chocolates?" Jim's head shot up, looking at
Spock between his legs. All he saw was the bobbing dark silk
hair. "They were my... gift. Yes... Spock. Oh... my..."

Spock kept his fist busy but looked up to greet Jim's eyes
gleaming a fogged erotic dance. "They were delicious!" Spock
smiled, then bent lower, spreading Jim's cheeks apart with a
caressing hand. His tongue was searching for the tender
opening. "So are you." His mouth soon found the new treat.
Jim's head flopped back and soon his hips were thrusting to
Spock's rhythm.

"Ghod... Yes." Jim looked towards his friend who was
starting to leave. "Bones! Tell Scotty to take... command...
if... oh..."

"I know, if an emergency happens, it better be damn good."
Bones chuckled.

McCoy grinned, meeting Jim's eyes, the green specks glowing
with excitement. The hazel orbs seemed to smile through the
haze at him. "We love ya... Bones."

"I know... I love you both, ya know."

Jim's voice caught, then released a sigh as he rode out the
release of pleasure, semen coating Spock's fist and the
newly made bed.

McCoy watched his friend shudder with the wave of
gratification. An excitement filled the doctor as he savored
the beauty of it. "I need to track down a certain
communications officer and see if she's busy tonight," he
muttered to himself. Reaching into his pocket, the doctor
pulled its contents out and waited for Spock to lift his
head a moment. "Spock!" When he had the Vulcan's attention,
he tossed the tube to him.

"Another holiday gift," Spock said enthusiastically.

"Use it! Happy holidays, you two. If you need anything...
hit the  comm."

"Thank you for not letting the security guard shoot me,"
Spock called out.

Dialing the lights low, McCoy's laugh followed him through
the door.

---

Jim soon understood what he had been told over Spock's
restlessness. Despite the lack of aggression, Spock became
as insatiable as he had been during pon farr, only
determined to pleasure his lover with equal enthusiasm.
Within what Jim realized was the first sixteen hours,
according to the chronometer on the wall, he was exhausted
and sore. The Vulcan's mood swings kept him on edge.
Talkative at times, sullen at others, Spock's emotional
rollercoaster made Jim worry.

Now that Spock had fallen into a deeply needed sleep, Jim
finally had control over his own bodily functions. Jim rose
to go to the head, but was shocked when his body hit the
floor.

"Jim! You should have woken me."

"I think I just did," Kirk muttered, trying to pull his one
remaining boot from the pant leg that tripped him. It became
complicated with Spock holding his leg trying to figure out
how to pull the pants over the boot. "Spock, I take it
you're still a bit incoherent. Will you let me do this...
please."

"No. It is my duty to take care of your needs. You are
mine." Luckily a sharp tug on the pant legs' bottom pulled
the boot with it. "See? I did it!"

Jim grinned, watching Spock's joyous expression as the
Vulcan untangled the boot from the pants in his hand, held
it in the air, then tossed it into the corner. "You truly
are a holiday miracle. I never dreamed I would see you so...
loose." Quickly removing his  socks - -and Spock's, he
noticed the Vulcan was suddenly very still.  He looked up
into the crestfallen features. With a sigh, Jim prepared for
another major mood shift.

"Spock. What's wrong?"

"You do not approve of my.. personality?"

"I didn't say that! Sheesh, Spock. Would I have bonded with
you if I didn't enjoy being with you? You're a delightful
wonder. Discovering what you are all about is more exciting
to me then finding out what's inside that nebula is to you.
I love you." Jim pulled Spock into his arms. "Look. I really
want to stay and hug you... but if I don't get  to that head
soon..."

Without another word Jim was instantly lifted and taken to
his destination.

"I could do this by myself," he softly pleaded.

"No."

*sigh*

It was another thirteen hours before Spock settled down
enough for Kirk to risk checking in with the bridge. He knew
Scotty would be in the command chair and if anything had
gone wrong, either Sulu or he would have yelled. But the
captain couldn't relax not knowing what was going on with
his ship.

Spock opened his eyes at the sound of Jim's voice on the
wall comm. Jim signaled for him to stay quiet for fear his
emotions would still be erratic. Spock put his finger on his
own lips and winked. "Oh Ghod!" Kirk muttered with a roll of
his eyes just as Scotty responded to his call.

"Scott here, Captain."

Kirk turned his attention to the wall and asked Scotty for
an update on their status. All seemed to be going as
expected and Mister Scott assured him the radiation threat
was under control. The science lab was able to successfully
collect the data from the distance they were maintaining. He
said science officer DeMille wanted Mister Spock to know two
more stars had been discovered in the nebulae.

"Fantastic!" Spock responded with a loud joyous lilt.

Jim jumped. He hadn't realized his companion was standing
directly behind him.

Concerned over his bondmate's anxiety, Spock nudged closer
to Jim's back and circled him with his long arms.
Immediately he encased the dwindled appendage in one hand
and squeezed.

The captain had been listening to Scotty's remarks over the
shield levels when he suddenly hissed, flinching from how
sore he was. Jim attempted to pull Spock's hand away, but
the Vulcan just squeezed his fingers in return and continued
nudging the penis' tip. Jim's hiss was louder this time. He
softly slapped Spock's hand.

"Captain? I didna' get that last question," Scotty inquired.

"Scotty, the numbers on the? matter mix." He managed the
words, trying to not panic.

Spock had responded with a pout, then turned Jim's body to
face him. Falling to his knees he saw the redness on Jim's
penis and carefully kissed the tip. "I will make you feel
better.'

"No, Spock!" Kirk whispered with alarm. His eyes again
rolled to the ceiling with exasperation when Spock took the
shrunken organ in his mouth and started sucking tenderly.
"Ahh?" Jim moaned as some of the tension melted, then
remembered the comm. The captain realized he asked the
engineer to repeat himself a second time and put his hand
over the comm, "Please?" he whispered. Spock ignored him.

"Scotty.. I'll.. a second?" He fumbled on the wall behind
him to hit the switch off, falling against the wall in the
process. "Damn Spock, it does feel better. But I can't...
Let me... talk then... oh,  Spock."

The Vulcan raised his head with a smile. "I want to make it
grow." When he returned to take the cock into his mouth he
was pleased to see it had grown considerably.

Scotty was stunned on the bridge. Surprised expressions
gleamed on the faces around him. He was about to turn the
comm off when a startled yelp came through the channel.

"Not your teeth," Kirk growled in a harsh whisper and Scotty
glared at the crew. His own red face added to their
snickers.

"Spock,." the captain said hoarsely, "No teeth! Yes that's
right...  oh, yes. Do that... too sore... no teeth." Kirk
shook his head to  clear it. His head rolled sideways on the
wall as he enjoyed the  pleasure starting to grow in his
groin. Fear knotted in his stomach  when he heard what
vaguely sounded like soft laughter from the wall.  He
blinked at the green light. "Damn! The switch." Cringing,
Jim was unsuccessful in pushing Spock gently away and
twisted partially back to the wall --Spock scooted with him,
his mouth full.

"Scotty?" Kirk's voice was filled with the unspoken
question.

The commander hesitated to answer. His hand was still frozen
over the comm switch in shock. 'Where's a Klingon attack
when ye need one,' he prayed. "What was that, sir? I
couldna' hear ye..." Scotty flashed a warning glare to the
smiling crew.

"Are? are you still there?" Kirk was hoping the
communication panel had chosen that moment to melt. In case
it didn't --he mentally pictured himself crawling away to a
dark cavern on a deserted planet.

"Can I go with you?" Spock beamed up at him after picking up
the thought. Kirk softly bounced the side of his head on the
wall.

Spock shrugged and returned to licking his main objective.
When his lover sharply inhaled again, he moved further down
to the scrotum, gently using his lips to pull on the
tightened skin.

Kirk bit his lip and savored the taste of blood to keep from
moaning. He tugged on Spock's ears to distract him, but his
mate simply released the balls and moved to again capture
Jim's shaft. A groan that he couldn't help escaped him.

Back on the bridge, Scotty was cringing at the pain in his
young captain's voice. He chose to think the groan was from
Kirk's embarrassment. It would make it easier to face the
crew without his face getting redder then it already was.
"Sorry, sir. Ahh...we were distracted by a wee cloudburst
emergin' from the anomaly on the viewscreen. Lieutenant
DeMille assures me it's harmless, but we're after steerin'
clear o' the hazard, just in case."

"Oh... good," Kirk wasn't sure if his remark was to Scotty
or Spock  who took him deeper, moving rapidly up and down.
Swallows from the  heated throat drove Jim crazy, but he
fought the distraction.

The captain sounded out of breath when Scotty heard -
"Very... very good? Sp.. Scotty. Kirk... out."

Again meeting the crew's eyes, the commander was pleased to
see they returned to their duties. "Aye, good crew," he
mumbled just loud enough for the closest ones to hear.

---

Three weeks after being 'released' from sick-bay, Jim and
Spock were asked by Doctor McCoy and Lieutenant Uhura to
meet them in unit 27 of the officers' storage lockers. The
officers arrived together after the end of alpha shift, both
hoping this would be a brief encounter. It was the first
evening they would have together since the holiday due to
Spock working extra hours on the material collected on the
nebula.

"What's this about, Bones?" Jim tried not to show his
irritation, but his impatience leaked through. McCoy ignored
him, but Uhura sent an apologetic smile.

"Time for your holiday gifts." McCoy grinned while patting
the top of one of three crates they were leaning against.

Jim shared confused looks with Spock. "We already celebrated
the holidays."

"I, for one, do not care to be reminded of it." Spock held
his hands stiffly behind his back.

Jim sent him a reassuring smile. It had only been recently
he could walk down a corridor without at least one crew
member blushing or ducking their head to avoid meeting his
eye. He knew no one had dared to give Spock the same
treatment but his bondmate was very embarrassed by his
'allergic reaction.'

"This will explain it, sir." Uhura handed the captain an
old- fashioned envelope. "It's a holiday greeting card
addressed to both of you." Before any more questions could
be asked, McCoy and she headed for the door. Jim grinned at
the doctor when he noticed his friend grab the lieutenant's
hand on the way out.

"It seems the Doctor has made progress in his attraction to
our communications officer," Spock noted, taking the
greeting card from Jim.

"It's about time. But I'll miss his attention." Reaching an
arm around his companion's waist, Jim turned to Spock and
the card. He noticed that the card's cover had a painting of
two turtle doves nesting in a tree. A sour flavor in his
throat alerted him that they hadn't heard the last of their
holiday encounter.

Spock held it up and read out loud: "Contents of these
crates go to our favorite Enterprise couple. We wish to
thank you for reinforcing the ideals of why we strive to
keep our home worlds safe while exploring the galaxy. You
reminded us all of that basic need to love and care about
those closest to us --no matter the circumstances. Thank you
for giving us a loving holiday. Signed: The crew of the USS
Enterprise."

"Well, that was nice, I guess," A heated blush teased at
Jim's face. "But what's in the crates?"

"There is a postscript. I do not believe it will make you
happy." Jim watched Spock's ear tips highlight a deeper
green tint.

Taking the card, he promptly read aloud: "Enclosed you will
find 432 boxes of Tellarite Canauza Chakkas." Jim stopped to
roll his eyes again, and decided to count to ten... or
twenty at this point, he mused. With a loud sigh he
continued reading. "430 boxes are from each member of your
crew. The last two are from Sarek and Amanda of Vulcan. P.S.
Amanda contacted the ship to wish you a happy holiday. She
was upset when she heard you were both in sickbay so Doctor
McCoy informed her why you couldn't be reached."

"Now we know why Leonard scurried out of here so fast,"
Spock tried not to growl.

Jim turned back to the card, "A few days later I informed
her of our arrangement for a surprise gift. When she told
Ambassador Sarek, he suggested adding the two boxes from
them --for future enjoyment."

Spock was studying his feet, attempting to not allow the
heat of irritation to surge deeper within him. He
sympathetically watched Jim step forward and lean on one of
the waist-high boxes with a disgruntled groan.

"I don't believe this. What are we supposed to do with
these?" Kirk muttered with a befuddled chuckle. He shuddered
in memory of all the looks and covert snickers.

"We could share them with the crew," Spock suggested moving
behind Jim and drawing him snugly into his arms. He gazed at
the crates as if they were the enemy.

"I wonder." Jim turned his face to give Spock's lips a quick
tender kiss. "We have what... nine different species
presently aboard? What  ifany of them have a similar
reaction? It might take some of the attention from us."

A raised brow showed the Vulcan's pondering. "It could prove
most interesting. Or we could sprinkle some Rigellian
aphrodisiac powder on the candy."

Jim laughed in astonishment. "You devious Vulcan! It's a
shame no one else sees this side of your personality."

With a sigh, Spock continued to glare again at the Tellarite
Canauza Chakkas. "It was just a passing thought."

"I think it's a pleasant thought." Jim laid the back of his
head on Spock's shoulder and watched the boxes with equal
dismay. "At least we'd have the happiest ship in Starfleet."

---

The End