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“I gotta go, daddy. School is starting,” Grayson said, watching the other Vulcan students head into the building.
“You know where to go, right?” Jim asked, sniffling.
Grayson nodded.
“And you know how the skill dome works, right?”
Grayson nodded again and looked to the building.
“Okay, sweetie. I’ll pick you up here at 3, alright?”
“Okie dokie! Can I go now?”
Jim pulled his son in for another hug, kissed his cheek and then let him go. Jim stood back up as Spock placed to fingers to his son cheek.
“Have a good day,” Spock said. On the outside, Spock was as emotionless and blank faced as any other Vulcan on the street, but inside he was nervous about his son’s day.
Grayson gave Spock a quick hug before quickly rushing off into the front of the building. Jim watched him go and chuckled. Their son was the only blonde in the sea of black-haired bowl-cut Vulcan’s entering the building.
“He will be alright, ashayam,” Spock said softly to his mate. Jim nodded and sniffled.
“Yeah…you’re right. Let’s get out of here before I start bawling my eyes out.”
August 2274
It was too soon.
Jim shouldn’t be standing in a dorm room at Cal-Tech but here he was. Holding a box of his oldest son’s belongings, trying not to cry.
Eighteen years.
Had it really been eighteen years?
Jim sat the box down on the desktop. Wasn’t it just yesterday he was giving birth? Teaching Grayson to walk? Talk? First day of school?
No, all that was long gone. It had been eighteen years.
“Ashayam.”
“I’m fine,” Jim said as Spock walked in with another box.
“Fine has…”
Jim turned and shot Spock a look.
Spock put the box down. “Fine, everything is fine.”
“Its not.” Jim plopped down on the bed in the room. Jim and Spock had wanted to spring for Grayson to have his own apartment or at least own single dorm with bathroom, but Grayson didn’t want that. He did have a single room to himself, but the room was apart of a 4-bedroom suite with three other transfer students. The suite had a lounge and study area, a kitchen, dining area, and private bathroom facilities. The residence building had a small laundry room on each of the four floors.
Grayson wanted to experience the dorm life and make new friends and Jim wasn’t going to deny his first-born precious baby boy that. At least he’d have Brick at California State—Long Beach not too far away. Xon was staying on Vulcan for the VSA but planned to visit when he could.
Jim looked around Grayson’s new room. His twin bed that Jim wanted to make up with his new sheets. Jim opened one of the boxes and took out the new sheets he’d bought and already washed.
“Grayson can make his own…” Spock started the stopped as Jim threw him another look. Spock took out the pillows and started putting pillowcases on them instead.
Jim made up the bed then sat down. Spock handed over one of the pillows. Jim sat it in its place. Spock handed over another. Jim took it and buried his face in it.
Spock sat down next to him and wrapped an arm around him. “He is eighteen. I too am upset with our oldest leaving home, but he will return for holidays and other breaks when he can.”
“I know,” Jim said, nodding into the pillow.
“We still have the twins and Halley at home. Soren and Sammy will not leave us for at least six or seven more years. Halley, fourteen years.”
“I know.”
“We can also try for a fifth child.”
Jim snorted and picked his head up from the pillow. “I’m forty, Spock. Baby factory is closed. Four kids are plenty.” Jim leaned against his mate. “And what if it’s another crazy girl.”
“She has calmed since her fourth birthday.”
“That was like two weeks ago and no she hasn’t. She tried to do a cannon ball into that koi pond at the park yesterday.”
“That explains why you came back to the hotel wet.”
Jim put the pillow back and looked around the room. He wanted to unpack for Grayson, put things away, organize his room so it was nice and neat and ready for the semester to begin but no. Grayson was old enough to do that on his own, to put things where he wanted them.
Grayson walked into the room with the rest of his luggage. “The elevator situation is a nightmare.”
“I used the stairs,” Spock said standing up.
“Eh, I was lazy.” Grayson put the bags down and nodded to his bed. “Thanks, you didn’t have to do that.”
Jim stood as well. “It was either make your bed or cry. Well, and cry.” Jim walked over and hugged his son. “God, I hate this, but I know it’s an exciting step for you.”
“It is.” Grayson hugged him back.
After a few minutes, Grayson dropped his arms as Jim continued to hug him. Spock had to come and pull Jim away, only to take his place and hug his son as well.
Grayson hugged Spock back. “I’m not going to be here forever. I plan to come home for Thanksgiving, and I’ll be home for winter break.”
“Too long,” Spock said, reluctantly pulling away. “As you are eighteen and Vulcan…”
“Spock, no.” Jim took Spock’s hand. “He’s an adult and starting his adult life.” Jim smiled and stared softly at his oldest baby. So handsome, so smart, so amazing. Jim couldn’t believe he raised such a wonderful young man.
“Just yesterday you were growling at your sa-mekh and wanted to marry me.”
Grayson laughed. “I was three. It would be very wrong if I was still doing that.”
“And your obsession with dinosaurs,” Jim added.
Grayson raised a slanted blonde brow and motioned to his shirt. Jim chuckled. His son still liked dinosaurs and was wearing a shirt with that had a t-rex on the front.
“Still obsessed,” Grayson replied.
“And his first day of kindergarten,” Spock added.
“Taking a nap in your learning pod,” Jim remembered, trying not to tear up.
“I do love naps.” Grayson stepped forward and wrapped his arms around them both. “I love you both, so much.”
“We love you too.”
“Its not goodbye.” Grayson stepped back. “Just, see you in a few months. Well actually, see you tomorrow for dinner before you head back to Vulcan.”
Spock’s comm started chiming. Spock took it out and turned off the alarm. “Our parking space for drop off is about to expire.”
“C’mon, I’ll walk you both out.”
Grayson and Spock walked out of the room first. Jim stopped in the doorway and looked back into the room. His baby’s home for the time being. Jim shut the door and followed after.
Down at the parking lot by the rental van, more hugs were given.
“Dinner tomorrow,” Jim told him as a car pulled into the spot next to theirs. Jim glanced its way but focused back on his son. “Everyone will be there for your send off. Don’t be late.”
Grayson nodded. “I’ll be there, I promise.”
“Grayson?”
The family turned towards the voice, to the car that just parked next to theirs. A young woman was standing with the car door open like she’d just gotten out. She looked so familiar. Jim couldn’t quite place her though.
“Grayson Kirk?” the young lady said, shutting the car door.
Grayson raised a brow and nodded. “Yeah? Who…” Jim watched his son’s bright blue eyes widen. “LAURA!”
Laura, Jim and Spock remembered at the same time. Their son bolted from their sides and went to his first love. Jim watched the two embrace and spin around.
“Oh my god! What are you doing here?” Laura exclaimed.
“Transfer student in Bechtel Residence!” Grayson replied just as excited as Laura. “You?”
“Freshman in Avery House next door,” Laura said then squealed and embraced Grayson again who lifted her up and spun her around.
Yeah, we’re never seeing him again.
Jim.
What? His love is here.
He is eighteen.
“Jim,” Laura’s parents came over and greeted them. “Spock.”
“Bill, Denise, good to see you both again.” They exchanged pleasantries then looked at their happy kids.
“Grayson shot up, didn’t he,” Denise said. “He was like, this tall last time I saw him.” She held her hand up to about her shoulder.
“Laura has become even more stunning,” Jim said. “Our babies are eighteen now.”
“And better not have any babies of their own anytime soon,” Bill Casey grumbled.
“Agreed,” Spock spoke.
“You were pregnant last time we say each other,” Denise said.
“She’s four now,” Jim told her.
“Oh, a little girl.”
“Halley. Halley the hellion.”
“Jim,” Spock sighed.
“What? She’s a big ball of adorable craziness.”
Spock gave another sigh but nodded in agreement. Jim took out his comm and showed a recent family picture of the five of them.
“She’s a doll. And the twins, wow. Time flies. Lucas is in high school now. I just can’t believe it.”
“Indeed, it does.”
They looked back to Grayson and Laura, holding hands and chatting with the biggest, dopiest grins on their faces.
They found each other again.
We can take him home.
Jim swatted Spock’s side. “Gray, we’re heading out now.”
.
.
.
“Grayson Christopher Kirk.”
“Huh?” Grayson tore his gaze from Laura to his parents. “What?”
“We’re leaving now.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll see you both tomorrow.” Grayson turned back to Laura and continued chatting.
“Laura,” her father said, pulling the girl’s attention away from Grayson.
“Its very nice to see you again, Mr. Kirk and Mr. Spock.”
“Nice to see you as well.” Jim went for a hug but stopped himself from the glare his son threw him.
Like sa-mekh, like sa-fu.
I am not territorial.
Did I say that?
….no
“See you tomorrow. Laura, you are welcome to join us for dinner as well.”
“Okay,” she replied before her, and Grayson’s attentions went back to each other.
“Have fun,” Jim told Laura’s parents before he and Spock got into their vehicle and left.
“Wonder when they’ll be engaged,” Jim said.
“I do hope they finish college first,” Spock replied.
“Agreed.”
“Where’s Grayson?” Halley asked when Jim and Spock turned to the hotel suite. Amanda was sitting in a lounge chair by the windows putting the finishing touches on a sweater for Grayson.
Jim leaned down and picked up his daughter, groaning a bit as he did. She was heavy and he wasn’t a spring chicken anymore. “He’s at his dorm.”
“Is he coming back?”
“Not tonight. We will see him tomorrow.” Jim walked over to the couch and sat down with her. He brushed her hair from her face, tucking some strands behind her ears. Her hair was starting to get long again since her make over in February. “He has to set up his new room and get all his class stuff straightened out.” Jim looked to Spock just then. “He may need more notebooks…”
“We bought all his necessary school supplies yesterday,” Spock told him. “Hundreds of dollars’ worth of textbooks and supplies.” Spock walked to his mother. “That is beautiful, mother.”
“Thank you.” She held up the sweater. “I think Grayson is done growing and this should fit.”
“Where’s the twins?” Jim asked.
“Sarek took them on a walk.”
“Ice-cream again?”
Amanda gave Jim a look like he knew he didn’t need to ask that question. Jim shook his head. That was the last time he’d pick a hotel near across the street from an ice-cream parlor.
“Grandpa is bringing me back some,” Halley said, snuggling against Jim. Jim smiled and held her, resting his cheek on the top of her head.
“Oh, is he?” Jim questioned. “What kind?”
Halley shrugged. “Good kind.”
Jim chuckled. “That’s the best kind of ice-cream.”
They fell into a comfortable silence for several moments. Jim closed his eyes and relished holding his youngest. He remembered when Grayson was a clingy toddler and the twins, and now Halley. Although her wanted cuddles usually came after whatever mischief she had gotten into.
The door opened, breaking the silence. The twins entered first with cups of ice-cream, followed by Sarek holding a container with other cups. Halley jumped from Jim’s lap and went to her grandpa, grabbing his legs as he tried to get to the table.
“Halley, stop,” Jim called to her. “Sit your little booty in a chair and wait for him to give you some ice-cream.”
Which she doesn’t need right now.
We are in-between lunch and dinner, Spock replied. And it appears father is giving her a small cup.
“I guess.” Jim stood and went to the table. “What flavor did you get?”
Halley looked up, face already a mess of whip cream, ice cream and sprinkles. “Good flavor.”
“Vanilla with sprinkles,” Sarek said, offering Jim a napkin. “I only meant to go for a walk but the children…”
“Yeah, yeah,” Jim laughed. “I know how they can be.”
“How is Grayson’s dorm?”
“Good. Just big enough for him. We met two of his dorm mates. They seem nice.”
“We also ran into another individual,” Spock spoke.
“Oh?” Amanda asked.
“Do ya’ll remember Laura.”
“Grayson’s girlfriend?” Sammy asked. “Didn’t they break up?”
“They did,” Jim replied. “But she’s here at Cal-Tech.”
“Oh, how wonderful,” Amanda cooed. “She was such a delight. I bet Grayson was so happy to see her again.”
“Jim and I ceased to exist,” Spock told them.
“Young love can give you tunnel vision,” Amanda said. “I’m glad she’s here. Maybe they can reconnect.”
“Maybe.” Jim shrugged. “He’s still only eighteen. He doesn’t need to rush into anything.”
“Agreed.”
Jim stared at Grayson across the table from him at the restaurant. He’d booked a private room in the back for the whole family, including Christopher, Bones, Carol, and David.
Grayson was laughing with Christopher about something. Jim had told Grayson Laura was more than welcome to come and join them, but she declined. Grayson said she wanted him to have time with his family.
Jim was sort of glad she didn’t. He was sure Grayson’s attention would be on her instead of the rest of the family.
Jim still couldn’t believe how big his son had gotten. How much he had grown and was still growing. Growing up was inevitable but it still hurt. He still remembered being pregnant with Grayson, giving birth like it was yesterday. His first steps and first words. How he would manage to get off his clothes and wander the house naked in the middle of the night.
My baby.
“Jim, cease,” Spock whispered next to him.
Jim sniffled and looked away from staring at his oldest. He leaned against Spock and looked at Halley in the chair on Spock’s other side, in-between him and Amanda. She was calmly coloring her kid’s menu.
At least we have fourteen years with her at home.
Indeed. Spock touched the top of her head. She paused coloring and looked at him then growled like a dog and tried to bite at his hand.
That’s your child, Jim said, leaning away from Spock to look at Sammy stuffing another helping of bread into his mouth. That’s my child.
Jim then looked to Soren who was definitely holding David’s hand under the table judging but the little green tint to his cheeks. And my child too.
They are all your children. They are all my children as well. Our children.
I know. But she’s more yours.
Illogical.
Do I bite?
.
.
.
Illogical.
Jim internally snorted.
“We should come back here when I graduate,” Grayson said. “I should be done with everything in four years. Two for undergrad since I’m on an advanced track and two for the master’s program.”
“And then Starfleet,” Chris added.
Grayson nodded. “Yes, yes. And then Starfleet.”
“Have you given any consideration to what path you will follow in Starfleet?” Sarek asked.
“Probably command. That seems the most interesting.”
“Not science?” Spock asked, internally feeling a little hurt by that.
“You can always do both,” Jim suggested.
“Maybe,” Grayson chuckled. “The sciences seem interesting. And engineering as well since I’m majoring in engineering and applied science. But command…”
“Captain Kirk does have a nice ring to it,” Jim said with a grin. “Suits you.”
Grayson beamed. “Yeah. And I get to boss everyone around.”
“Here, here,” Jim agreed, holding out his drink.
Grayson clinked his with his Jim then turned his attention to Sarek about his science courses for the semester.
“How are you holding up?” Bones asked him.
“Swell,” Jim replied.
“Your eyes were red when we first got here.”
“That’s because I cried all morning.” Jim took a bit of his dish. “I’ve been emotional my whole life, even more so since giving birth to his big butt eighteen years ago.”
“He was a big baby.”
“He was beautiful,” Jim replied.
A fifth child…
I will stab you with a fork.
Please do not.
I’m certain, in another universe, in another life, I stab you all the time.
That does not sound like a happy universe.
Oh, its happy. We also have like seven kids. All look like you. Except one. That one is mine.
They would all be yours.
Nah. You birthed your clones, and I birthed a blonde baby.
Perhaps in that one I am a prince as well if we are making up stories.
Jim snorted. If you’re the prince, I’m the emperor. Totally in charge of you and everything.
Spock shook his head.
Add that to roleplay night.
Of course, ashayam.
A roll landed on Jim’s plate. Jim looked to the side and found Halley grinned like the Cheshire cat. “Young lady, no. No food fights.”
“You like bread so I gave you bread, daddy.”
Jim picked up the roll and showed her the large chunk bitten out of it. “Why thank you. But keep your food on your plate.”
“Can I have that?” Halley pointed to Spock’s roll.
“That is sa-mekhs so you may not…” Jim trailed off as Spock gave her the roll.
“Thank you, sa-mekh!” Halley said before taking a big bite and throwing it across the table at Sammy. Sammy ate it but threw back a carrot in retaliation. Spock had to take Halley’s plate away then to prevent more food from being thrown.
I blame you.
I blame me as well.
“What is Laura majoring in?” Amanda asked Grayson.
“Bioengineering,” Grayson replied. “We actually have one class together. An elective called…” Grayson trailed off with stars in his eyes as he told them about the class they would have together and more about Laura and what she’d been up to the past four-five years.
Jim leaned against Spock’s side, recognizing the look of utter love on his son’s face and knowing Grayson wasn’t his little boy anymore. He was a young man, starting his life.
Halley hugged Grayson tight, almost strangling the eighteen-year-old as they bid farewells the following morning at the shuttle station. Spock extracted Halley from her brother.
“I gonna miss you,” Halley told him with tears running down her cheeks.
“I’m going to miss you, too. Take care of Max for me, okay?” Grayson told her.
Halley sniffled and nodded.
Sammy went to Grayson next and gave him a hug. A single tear rolled down the pre-teen’s face. “I’ll take care of Max too. And you know…call us.”
“I will.”
Grayson ruffled Sammy’s hair.
Soren approached and offered a Vulcan salute. “Good luck on your academic endeavors. If you require study assistance…”
Grayson shut Soren up by pulling him into a hug. Soren looked momentarily frazzled by it but relaxed and hugged his brother back.
“I love you too, Soren. Don’t get in trouble while I’m gone.”
“I certainly will not.” Soren pulled away and smoothed down his shirt.
“Good luck with your schooling, too,” Grayson told him. “And if you need any help, call me.”
“I will not but thank you.” Soren gave a little nod then backed away.
Amanda and Sarek took their turns, giving hugs and Vulcan salutes. Chris gave hugs as well and then they all backed away for Jim and Spock to have some time with him.
Grayson held his arms open. “Come on, hugs.”
Jim stepped forward only to have Spock beat him to it and hug their son. Jim waited and waited and waited for his turn only to huff and pull Spock away.
“Don’t hog the baby.”
“I’m not a baby.”
Spock backed off and Jim got his hug, squeezing his son tight. “You are my baby. My first, precious bundle of joy.”
Grayson hugged him back. “I know.”
“Come home often.”
“I will.”
“And do not make me a grandpa anytime soon.”
Grayson laughed and patted Jim’s back. They parted. Grayson smiled, eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “I won’t. Laura and I…it’s going to be slow. Get to know each other again and you know, finish college.”
“Smart, no babies until you’re like…thirty.”
Grayson sniffled and nodded. “I’m…I’m kind of scared.”
“Oh, don’t be.” Jim touched his cheek. “It’s a fun, new adventure. Like an extended summer camp.” Jim kissed his other cheek. “And grandpa Chris is nearby if you need him. And Brick.”
Grayson nodded.
“You are fucking amazing. I don’t know how you ended up this great. I’m a mess and your other dad is Vulcan.”
“Excuse me?” Spock gently fussed.
“You are going to do wonders in this world, Grayson.”
Grayson smiled. “True.”
“Just keep your head up, nose clean, and do your best.”
“I will.”
“And be logical,” Spock added.
“Of course,” Grayson agreed. “I am part-Vulcan after all. I gotta be logical.”
“Indeed.”
Jim gave his son another hug then let Spock give him a hug as well before finally bidding one last farewell and boarding the transport home and leaving their son to start his own journey.
Max moped around for a few weeks before realizing Grayson wasn’t coming back. They’d had a few video calls which had the sehlat’s tail wagging. But soon, Max had attached himself to Halley, following the four-year-old around and acting like a protector and sometimes mischief helper.
Before they took Grayson to Earth, they undid his room and moved Sammy into the space so he and Soren could have separate rooms.
Grayson’s stuff went to one of the guest rooms on the first floor instead. Max still slept in Grayson’s room right in the same spot by the bed as he’d always done since he joined the family when Grayson was itty bitty.
Jim checked on Sammy, Soren, and Halley one night, a month later, and then joined Spock in their bedroom.
“Really hard to believe how time flies.” Jim got into bed next to Spock. Spock lifted his arm and Jim sidled up against him and leaned his head on his shoulder. “Remember when we first met?”
“The library. I saw your butt first.”
“And you knew you just had to have me right then and there.”
“Of course.”
Jim snorted and patted Spock’s leg. “And then we started to date, and you went into crazy mating time and got me pregnant.”
“And then we were married and had Grayson.”
“And then you got banned from Earth.”
“Not my best moment, I admit. But you were hurt, and I reacted poorly.”
“But it made us move here. Where we really started our life. Grew our family and careers.” Jim kissed Spock’s neck. “Soon all the kids will be gone we’ll be empty nesters.”
“Not for a while, ashayam. We still have time.”
Jim closed his eyes. “Hey.”
“Yes, t’hy’la.”
“When we kick all the kids out, let’s be space pirates.”
“Go to sleep.”
“I’ll be the captain, though.”
“Of course.”
Four Years Later
March 2278
“How could you!”
Jim stared at his son who had just stormed into the house and yelled at Sarek. David came in after him. Spock stood in the doorway with a razed brow. Amanda was on the other couch with a book that she now put down.
Sarek sat there, unfazed. “Soren, the counsel…”
“He should be admitted!”
“Soren, calm down.” Jim stood up. “What’s wrong?”
“I didn’t get into the VSA,” David said. “But its fine.” David tried to take Soren’s hand, but Soren pulled away and stormed off.
David sighed and looked to Sarek. “Seriously, I’m fine. I’m sorry he’s upset.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Jim asked.
David smiled and nodded. The seventeen-year-old looked almost like his father’s twin. But smiled more often than Bones did. “Yes. I’ve been accepted to the local federation university and the Vulcan starship piloting program. I’m good. He’s just…” David waved off to where Soren had just gone. “He thinks I’m going to leave him.”
“Oh.” That hurt Jim’s heart. “I’ll go talk to him.”
“Let me first,” David said.
Jim nodded and off David went. Jim waited until he was out of sight then turned to Sarek. “Why the hell was he not accepted?”
“Jim,’ Spock sighed.
“Sarek?” Amanda questioned.
Sarek sat up straight. “David is a remarkable young man. Quite smart. His scores were high, but we only admit one hundred new students each year. His scores put him one hundred and fourteenth in line for admittance. Had fourteen declined admittances, he would have been accepted. But none declined this year.”
“What about a partial admittance. Like Grayson? He did a two-year study.”
“Grayson,” Sarek replied. “Scored one of the highest score possible. As did Soren when he sat for early admission last year.”
Jim touched his heart. Soren had been accepted early to the VSA. A feat in and of itself. No Vulcan was usually accepted before their eighteenth year, but Soren did it at fifteen. Sarek had at sixteen as did Spock. Sammy was still on a regular graduation track at school. He was a smart cookie as well but enjoyed being with his friends while also taking online college courses through the federation school.
“Soren is just…sensitive when it comes to David,” Spock said. “His focus should be on his school work instead though. And since when have we allowed them upstairs unaccompanied?”
Spock. They are in love. As much as it displeases you. Jim stood up. “I’m gonna go check on them.”
Jim stood up and went upstairs to Soren’s room. The door was open. Jim turned into the room and immediately rolled his eyes and put a hand over his face. “Boys!” Jim dropped his hand as the boys quickly scrambled from the bed where they’d been making out.
“I’m…I’m gonna head home. Dad was…was upset too.” David quickly rushed out of the room.
Jim crossed his arms over his chest and stared at his sixteen-year-old.
Soren stood up straight with his hands behind his back. “I was upset. It was logical for David to comfort me.”
“That wasn’t comforting to see.”
“My apologies.” Soren sat down. Jim walked over and sat down next to him.
“David isn’t leaving you.”
“So, he says,” Soren said. “The local federation university is acceptable.”
“It is. It’s a good school. I teach there.” Jim had taken a position in the English department a few years previous part time. “David will go there. You’ll continue with the VSA. Everything will be alright.”
“I suppose.”
“Soren.”
“What if I am accepted onto the Vulcan expeditionary group? They do not allow non-VSA attendees to accompany the group.”
“That’s not something to think about for many years. Maybe by then, he can reapply and get in. Or they’ll let him be the pilot.”
“I suppose.” Soren rubbed his hands together. “I owe grandfather an apology.”
“Yes, you do.”
“But he could have used his seniority…”
Jim laughed and tussled Soren’s black bowl cut. Soren groaned and scooted away, fixing his hair.
May 2280
“Samuel George Kirk.”
Jim stood up and yelled as loud as he could, clapping excitedly as his baby walked across the stage to accept his diploma. He finished high school. Graduating valedictorian and with two years of university course under his belt.
Jim held back tears. He still had the summer with Sammy until he left for Cal-Tech like Grayson before him.
Spock stood next to Jim, clapping as well until Sammy was off the stage and they sat back down. Spock took Jim’s hand.
We still have Halley at home for some time.
I know. Jim wiped his eyes and looked to the side. Halley, now ten, sat between Amanda and Sarek. She was growing up to be a beautiful girl and young lady. A cross in appearance between Amanda and Jim’s mother with blonde hair that had darkened a little bit from its strawberry blonde when she was younger.
She noticed him looking and stared back, eyes going wider and wider until Jim laughed and she laughed as well.
Not crazy anymore but still a character.
“When do you back?” Jim heard Bones ask Grayson.
Jim put down a tray of snacks and approached his son and best friend.
“Laura and I leave in a few days. I have to report back for my ship assignment, and she starts summer courses.”
“And then off in space you go. Where you better be safe,” Jim added.
Grayson snorted. “Of course.”
Jim nodded. Grayson was twenty-four now. Married. And a second year Starfleet cadet. Laura was a first year, having spent an extra year on her graduate degree.
Grayson excused himself and left Jim and Bones. Bones smiled at Jim then glanced to where Soren and David were standing. Jim followed his eyesight. Soren was rubbing his baby bump while David was snacking on a plate of goodies.
“We have a grandbaby on the way.”
“Yep,” Bones sighed. “At least they both have good heads on their shoulders about it. David asked about proposing.”
“I know. Soren mentioned then getting hitched. Spock bought near fainted.”
“Soren will be eighteen next month. Can’t say no to them getting married then.”
“True. A wedding would be nice.”
“Yeah.” Bones patted Jim on the back then walked over to Carol.
Jim went and found Sammy who was out in the back garden with Amanda and Halley. Jim hugged Halley from behind and kissed her cheek. Halley giggled then wiggled away and ran off to Max nearby.
“How’s it feel being a high school graduate?” Jim asked.
Sammy shrugged. “Pretty cool I guess.”
Jim nodded. Sammy had gotten tall like Grayson. Soren was just under Jim’s height, at right around 6 feet but Sammy was a few inches taller. Jim reached up and ruffled Sammy’s shaggy black hair. Sammy laughed and pushed Jim’s hand away.
“You sure you wanna leave me and go to Earth?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Cal-Tech has this….”
Jim smiled and nodded as his son went on and on about his chosen program of study for college. His eyes were lit up just as they’d been a few years ago when Sammy said that was what he wanted to study.
Grayson made an ‘aw’ sound as Spock gently placed him on the bed next to his daddy. Grayson cuddled up against Jim and looked at his new little brothers as Spock got onto the bed next to him. Spock carefully took Baby A from Jim again and cuddled him as Grayson sat happily between his sa-mekh and daddy.
“They’re so little,” Grayson said.
“You remember when David was born, Grayson,” Jim told him. “All newborns are teeny, little things.”
“David was like nine pounds though.”
Jim chuckled and nodded, “Yeah, poor Carol. Well, your new brothers were about seven and a half pounds.”
“That isn’t so big.”
“Indeed,” Spock agreed.
Grayson looked between the little boys before looking up to his parents, “Did you name them?”
“Not yet. We thought you’d like to help us,” Jim said.
Grayson put a finger to his chin and thought about names. He was quiet for several moments before saying, “How about…Soren.”
“Soren,” Jim smiled and nodded. “I like that.”
“Yeah…Soren. Soren and…um…how about Sam. Like Uncle Sam.”
“Samuel and Soren?” Spock questioned his mate.
Jim looked between his new sons and then nodded, “Sammy and Soren are perfect, Grayson. Thank you.”
“Middle names, ashal-veh?”
“Samuel George, after my dad and…”
“Soren Leonard,” Grayson suggested. “Cuz Uncle Bones named his son David James, so we should name Soren, Soren Leonard.”
Spock nodded, “A sound suggestion, my son. Samuel George and Soren Leonard.”
Jim smiled at his family, “Which one is which though?”
Spock furrowed his brows together before looking at the babies. He was about to offer a suggestion when Grayson said, “I know! Raise your hand if you want to be Sammy!”
Jim chuckled, “Grayson, they’re too little to…” Jim then stopped when Baby A, who Spock was holding, made a little noise and stretched his arms up before snuggling back against Spock.
“See, it worked, daddy. This is Sammy,” Grayson said, pointing to Baby A. He then turned to Baby B and said, “This is Soren.”
Jim laughed and nodded, “Perfect.”
“Can I hold one?” Grayson then asked.
Jim nodded and carefully went to place Soren into Grayson’s arms but the boy immediately started fussing. Jim cuddled Soren back to him and he stopped crying instantly. Grayson giggled before turning to Spock who then tried put Sammy into his arms. Sammy was and was fine with his older brother holding him.
“I love them,” Grayson said. “They’re really cute.”
“Daddy and I love them and you very much,” Spock put his arm around his family and spoke.
Grayson and Jim smiled at Spock before gazing fondly back down to the babies in their arms.
“Um…dad?”
Jim blinked and found himself hugging Sammy tightly. Sammy patted his back.
“I’m not leaving until August. You have plenty of time to hug me until then.”
“I know.” Jim closed his eyes and kept hugging him.
Sammy sighed and hugged him back before Spock came over and took Jim from Sammy. Jim hugged Spock.
They need to stop growing up and leaving us.
Agreed.
At least we’ll have a grandbaby to cuddle soon.
True. We can send David away and just take care of Soren and the baby.
No, Spock.
October 2280
Tristan Sarek Kirk-McCoy came just in time for Halloween. Jim stayed with his son, at Soren’s request, throughout the labor and delivery. He wanted his daddy and dammit, Jim wasn’t going to deny his eighteen-year-old that.
Tristan came out screaming, with a head of black hair and bright blue eyes. Jim let the new fathers enjoy their newborn for a while before finally getting a chance to hold the little one. Jim smiled down at the sleeping bundle. His skin was tinted pink. His ears were mostly human looking with a hint of a point.
Spock wrapped his arms around them both and gaze down at the baby. “We’re grandparents,” Jim whispered as Soren had dozed off along with David. It was the middle of the night with only Leonard and Carol nearby. They’d get their turn with Tristan soon.
“He is beautiful.”
“Oh yes.” Jim agreed. “Because I made a cute boy, and he made Tristan.”
“I had something to do with it.”
“I guess.”
Spock chuckled and gave Jim a kiss on his cheek then kissed Tristan’s forehead.
July 2282
“Please stay,” Jim whined. He bounced the two year old Tristan on his hip as he watched Soren double check their bags.
“I told you four months ago that I was accepted to the expeditionary group,” Soren replied. He stopped and looked at his dad. “We will only be gone for nine months.”
“Tristan can stay here,” Jim told him.
“Tristan will not be the only child on board. Their childcare unit will be satisfactory for the duration of the mission. I have research that…”
“I know, I know,” Jim interrupted. Tristan squirmed in his arms, wanting down. Jim let him go and watched him run over to Soren and demand his daddy pick him up. Soren picked him up and kissed his cheek. “I just…too soon for you to be leaving.”
“Samuel left two years ago. Grayson left. Grayson is even married with a child on the way.”
“I know, I know.” Jim hugged himself. “Just seems like yesterday you and Sammy were getting into all sorts of mischief.”
“Illogical. I was a delightful child.”
Jim snorted. “If you say so.”
“I do say so.”
Jim looked around the bedroom that he and David had shared since their wedding day two years previous. It had been an adjustment but a welcome one and now they were leaving. “What can I help with?”
Soren held out Tristan. “His diaper requires changing.”
Jim stepped back, towards the door. “Grandpa’s prerogative. No diaper changing.”
“Illogical.”
Jim laughed and left the room. He went downstairs were he found twelve year old Halley laying on the floor with Max reading a book.
“You don’t plan on leaving anytime soon?” Jim asked her.
“Nah,” she replied without looking from her book. “Free room and board plus snacks. I’m good.”
“Good. Stay as long as you like.”
A few days later, Jim hugged Tristan tight and kissed his cheek before handing him over to Spock who did the same. Amanda and Sarek had already gotten then fill of their great-grandson earlier.
Jim wrapped his arms around Soren, clad in his VSA uniform and hugged him tight. Soren allowed it, patting Jim a few times on the back before letting his arms hang at his side.
“You be safe,” Jim told him. “Don’t get eaten by any giant alien plants. Or creatures.”
“I shall endeavor not to become injured in anyway. Or eaten.”
Jim let him go and touched his cheek. “I love you so much.”
Soren gave a smile in return. His blues glistening just a tad, as if he wanted to cry but wasn’t allowing himself to. “And I love you as well, dad. We will return in nine months.”
“And then you’ll never leave again.”
“We shall see.”
“Alright, hand him over hobgoblin.” Jim turned and found Bones trying to take Tristan from Spock.
“I am allocated time with him,” Spock replied.
“Yes, not all the time,” Bones growled. “Give me my grandson.”
Spock hand him over.
Spock sighed and handed over the giggling toddler. Bones and Carol took their turns while Spock approached Soren and offered him a Vulcan salute.
“May your mission be successful and uneventful.”
“Spock, hug your son.”
Spock lurched forward and grabbed Soren up in a big hug. Soren groaned as he was lifted off his feet as Spock held him tight.
Jim chuckled and walked over to David. “So, the pilot huh?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“You’re ‘yes sir-ing’ me?”
David smiled. “Yes, dad.”
Jim held his arms open. David stepped forward and took the hug from Jim. “You keep them all safe.”
“I will.”
They broke apart just as Soren fussed at Spock to let him go. Jim turned and switch with Spock.
Spock glared at David who swallowed.
“Keep. Them. Safe.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Or else.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Don’t threaten my son!” Bones snapped.
“He impregnated my son. I can threaten him if I wish.”
Jim and Carol exchanged a look and shook their heads.
Fifteen Years Later
April 2297
Amanda and Sarek had ‘retired’ in a way a few years previous. Sarek had stepped down from full time duties with the VSA. They had bought a small home near the coast. It was wear they’d take Spock in his youth for little ‘logical’ vacations. Jim didn’t blame her. She was older and moved a tad slower nowadays. It hurt Spock to see his parents age, but aging was inevitable. Amanda was ninety-three years now and Sarek was…well, much much older.
Jim stood from his reclining chair and stretched, groaning as things crackled and popped that didn’t used to.
Sixty-four wasn’t that old.
He walked into the kitchen and found Halley sitting at the breakfast nook eating a sandwich and reading a book. Her hair was short, pixie cut and dirty blonde with some green streaks she’d added recently. Her pointy ears still adorable and on display along with a few piercings she’d added over the years to them.
Jim went to the fridge and opened it, taking out a soda before closing the door and eyeing his daughter.
She was the last one left on Vulcan. Grayson and Laura were settled with Starfleet and spent most of the year on missions with their three little girls in tow. Amanda, Beatrix, and Casey. Eleven, seven, and three. All adorable cutie patooties.
Sammy was in California with his wife, Jennifer. After college, to no surprise, Sammy found his way to the culinary world and owned a few restaurants. His wife was a marine biologist. And so far they had three, expecting their fourth: Victoria, Sam, and Sarah. Tori was seven and the twins were five.
Soren and David were off planet on Andorra for long term science study with Tristan and now Seren and Shiloh. Sixteen, almost seventeen and eight-year-old twins.
Jim opened the soda and took a sip, still staring at his daughter. She had gone to the VSA. Majored in computers. Took a cushy consultant job for the federation and now worked from home most days and only had to go into the office a few times a month.
And made a shit ton of money too.
“Move out,” Jim said.
Halley looked to him from her book. “What?”
“Why are you still here?” Jim asked.
Halley looked around like she was on a hidden camera show. She turned in his seat and raised her brows. “You said I could stay as long as I wanted. Free room and board. And snacks.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Yes, you did. When I was twelve you said stay as long as you want.”
“Well…I didn’t think you’d actually stay.” Jim moved his hand in a shooing motion. “Go be a young adult. Wild and free. In your own house that you can afford.”
Halley rolled her eyes. “Sure, I’ll go out right now and party the night away.” She closed up her book and stood up.
“That’s the spirit!”
Jim eyed the Vulcan in his underwear in his kitchen the next morning.
He didn’t mean this wild and free.
“Who are you?” Jim asked, tugging his robe around him as Spock growled from next to him.
The Vulcan put down the class of juice and stood straight with his hands behind his back. “I am Varek, son of Lovar.”
Oh goodie.
“What are you doing here?” Spock asked.
“Varek! Come back to bed!” Halley yelled from her room on the first floor, far from Jim’s and Spock’s.
Did you hear them come in last night?
I did not for which I am glad.
Same.
Not that they weren’t away their little girl was not a little girl anymore. She’d had boyfriends and girlfriends before. Just none stayed over. Jim blamed himself for this.
Varek’s cheeks tinted green.
“Do you have a place of your own?” Jim asked.
“No,” Varek replied. “I reside with my two fathers.”
Lovar is gay?
Jim, not the time, Spock replied.
“Okay, well, how about you and Halley, get a hotel room next time.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Go on now.”
“Yes, Sir.” Varek picked up his drink and left the room.
Spock shook his head then went to make breakfast. “Perhaps a vacation is in order. Just the two of us.”
Jim nodded. “Yes, please.”
“It’s too quiet.”
Spock looked up from his PADD to Jim sitting across from him in the living room. “Pardon?”
Max was curled up near Jim’s feet on the floor, snoring softly. Jim sat his book down and motioned around the room. “It’s quiet.”
Spock looked around then back to his t’hy’la. “Yes. It is just us.”
“I know.”
The kids were all out of the house. Yes, they visited but not nearly enough in Jim’s opinion. And Jim and Spock visited them as often as they could. But now it was just them. Alone together in this big house that once held eighteen people and a sehlat.
Since Halley left five years ago, quickly marrying Varek after a short courtship, it had just been the two of them.
“Halley and Varek and the triplets were just here this morning for brunch.”
“So long ago,” Jim sighed.
The triplets painted the foyer walls with mustard.
“And they were so cute about it.”
Spock internally sighed then stood up. He put his PADD down and went to his mate, sitting next to him and wrapping an arm around him.
“I’m nearly seventy,” Jim sighed.
“I am in my seventies.”
“You’re so old.” Jim leaned his head against Spock’s shoulders. “I miss our babies.”
“Again, Halley and that Vulcan she married are ten miles away.”
“So far. And his name is Varek.”
“Yes, that Vulcan.”
Jim snorted and took Spock’s free hand in his. “Wanna have another baby?”
Spock’s brows went up. “Certainly not. Perhaps we can confiscate a few grandchildren?”
“Maybe.”
Just then the comm rang. Spock stood up and went to it and answering it. “This is Spock.”
“Sa-mekh, it is Soren.”
“Soren!” Jim exclaimed, jumping up only to groan as his joints protested. Jim moved to Spock and snatched the Comm from him. “Baby.”
“I am thirty-nine years old,” Soren replied. “Hardly a baby.”
“You’ll always be my baby.”
“I also have a twenty-one-year-old in college.”
“My grandbaby.”
“Soren, is everything alright?” Spock asked over Jim.
“Yes. I just received word of an open position at the VSA. We are moving back to Vulcan.”
“Yes!” Jim screamed.
Spock took the phone and rubbed his ear closest to Jim’s scream. “That is wonderful news.”
“Indeed. My reason for calling is to inquire about residence. Is there room for us back home or should we…” Jim snatched the comm.
“No, come stay! Stay forever! Have more babies for me to look after!”
Spock took the comm from Jim again. “We have plenty of room. Please do come and make yourself at home.”
“And…I am also with child again.”
“Yes!” Jim exclaimed. He headed for the stairs. “I’ll make up a nursery.”
“Jim,” Spock sighed. “Soren, we will talk tomorrow. Live long and prosper.”
“Peace and long time.”
Spock hung up the phone and followed after his mate.
An empty nest was nice for a little while but having family back home was wonderful.
They could be space pirates in another life.