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[boldygoing]

Captain James Tiberius Kirk, USS Enterprise, is currently unavailable.

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Hanukkah Seven Days of Gifting

[losthunter]

Tonight, Jim receives a PINpoint delivery from Hunter.

A small origami penguin appears in front of him. In a demonstration of how much stronger Hunter's magical abilities have become, the penguin waddles for a couple of moments.

Then it bows, and unfolds, revealing a note behind.
In the hands of he with Endless Patience,
you will find understanding...
Delivered by logic and wit.

[boldygoing]

Jim had been expecting a fairly uneventful night spent alone in his new apartment. The first night's candle burns in his window as he finishes the small dinner he's put together for himself, just a few cheesy latkes and a sufganiyah he'd picked up downtown. The delivery of the penguin comes as a surprise, though given its behavior, he can take a good guess who sent it.

A small smile touches his lips as he watches it waddle around, and his interest only sharpens when it unfolds to reveal the note. He picks it up, examining the words in mild puzzlement. A riddle? "Hunter, what are you up to?" he murmurs out loud, not really expecting an answer.

He with Endless Patience... hmm. It's really the 'logic' part that tips him off, as well it should. Time to check in with Spock.

[losthunter]

When Jim checks in with Spock, the Vulcan will inform him that a gift was left in his care, address to Jim. It also had a note that read:

Together you can find understanding... hopefully this will help

Inside the gift is a hand-made chess set, with each of the marble statues crafted to look like regal Cats for the white pieces, and regal Dogs for the black pieces.

[boldygoing]

Jim has not gotten gifts for a while now, so finding the unique little chess set left in Spock's hands is a surprise. "Was this Hunter's idea?" he asks Spock, as he looks over the carved pieces.

Spock, as always, doesn't give much away with his face or body language. "It is. I have not played the two-dimensional version for some time. Would you indulge me for a game?"

Jim thinks of the three-dimensional set at the apartment, still frozen halfway through a game, waiting for white to make his move. A conversation interrupted, uncertainty left hanging over the board, and in the spaces between. A bad note to leave on, not knowing when it might resume again. Or if it will at all.

Maybe a new start, with a new board... "Yeah, I'd like that."

Second Night gift

[losthunter]

On the second night of Hanukkah, Jim receives another PINpoint delivery from Hunter.

A small origami eagle appears in front of him. The eagle soars around the air for a moment, before it lands. Like the penguin, the eagle bows, and unfolds, revealing a note behind.

In the hands of he who you would raise a glass with,
you will find a different kind of insight
Delivered by sarcasm and humor so wry.

[boldygoing]

Just like before, Jim had planned on a quiet evening, and the arrival of the little paper creature comes as a mild surprise. He holds out a hand when it swoops in for a landing, unfolding itself on his palm, and he slightly regrets the loss of the unique little creation.

But the riddle occupies his attention soon enough, raising his eyebrows at the little poem. Raising a glass could be a couple people, but there's only one person with sarcasm and wry wit that comes to mind. "Bones," he says out loud, thoughtfully. It's gotta be.

[losthunter]

When Jim checks with Bones, he will learn that Hunter has left another gift for Jim in the care of McCoy. Just like the night before. The gift is addressed to Jim, and there is another small note.

There will be many things to celebrate on your journey. Hopefully this will help you to share the highs and the lows

The large gift contains a whiskey dispenser. The large dispenser includes enough whiskey to last a few months. And inside the dispenser is a hand-made wooden Enterprise. The wood chosen for the Starfleet ship will help enrich the taste of the whiskey.

[boldygoing]

This gift is even more unexpected than the chess set. It's not the first time Hunter has handcrafted a copy of the Enterprise, but this one seems smoother than the first, more practiced. And paired with whiskey? It honestly would never have occurred to Jim.

"Jim, I still don't know what to think about all this Nexus stuff, but your boyfriend is all right," McCoy declares as they sample the gift, sharing a glass in the privacy of the doctor's apartment across town. "He's got good taste."

It's not the first time someone has called Hunter his boyfriend, but this time, Jim feels little urge to refute the term. He may not know what to make of all this, but... there's a small warm glow in the pit of his stomach, and he's pretty sure it has nothing to do with the drink.

Third Night gift

[losthunter]

On the third night of Hanukkah, Jim receives yet another PINpoint delivery from Hunter. There is no other information with the little origami beaver that shows up. The beaver waddles across the table, before bowing at Jim, and unfolding like the other animals that had come before him.

The note reads:
In the hands of she who speaks with confidence and calmness,
You will find a new way to look at the world,
Delivered by intelligence and beauty.

[boldygoing]

This time, Jim is expecting his little paper visitor, and it arrives right on schedule, half an hour after the candles have been lit. As he reads tonight's riddle, it occurs to him that Hunter is putting in a surprising, unexpected amount of effort to help with a holiday he doesn't even celebrate, and a small pang of guilt gnaws at him as he realizes he hasn't even gotten Hunter anything for Christmas.

Well... he'll have some time to fix that problem. For the time being, the answer to the riddle is obviously Uhura, and she's probably waiting for him.

Hanukkah Eighth Night Gift

[losthunter]

On the eighth and final night of Hanukkah, an origami wolf appears from Jim's PINpoint. It walks gracefully across the table. And actually howls soulfully, before bowing, and unfolding itself into a note form.

In the hands of he who will always be there for you
You will find a way to mend the broken pieces
Delivered by compassion, understanding and love.

[boldygoing]

The sight of a wolf doesn't disturb Jim quite as much as it would have a month ago, still relatively fresh from the Nightmare, though the howl makes the little hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, a small shiver running up his spine as he reaches out to pick up the unfolded note. Tonight's riddle is... well. Obvious, when he sees the last word. Not his older counterpart, not this time. There's only one person this would be pointing him towards. It makes sense that he would have saved the best for last.

Jim does not send a message ahead of himself this time. He simply puts out the candles, and heads out to visit someone who has come to mean more to him than he'd ever put into words.

[losthunter]

Since Hunter had received word that Jim has solved the rest of the riddles, he is very confident that his smart and intelligent boyfriend will solve the last one.

He has settled into the newly renovated apartment by this point. He is preparing a small box of supplies for the last gift to be given when Jim arrives. There is a casserole baking in the oven for supper too. Something that was already made and stored a while ago, but is easy enough for Hunter to prepare one-handed.

He has soft jazz playing in the background. And not a Christmas CD of jazz either. But just some of his favorite songs playing.

[boldygoing]

Jim isn't quite sure what to expect, when he arrives at the apartment. The music seems very non-festive but typical of Hunter's taste, and the smell of something in the oven reassures him that he's on the right track.

"This is one hell of an elaborate way to give gifts," he says, as he enters the apartment.

[losthunter]

Hunter chuckles at that statement. He cross the apartment to welcome Jim with a one-handed embrace.

"Was it? I hoped to intrigue your mind, and your sense of adventure."

[boldygoing]

"Well, it got me out of the house," Jim answers, embracing the other man, giving him a brief kiss. This time of year, doing social things... not usually Jim's strong suit. This year, it's been more of a struggle than usual, with the aftermath of the Nightmare on top of everything else. Having an actual reason to go and talk to people, people who aren't about to say anything stupid about his dad or any of his other problems... it may have helped, a little.

[losthunter]

"Good. I am glad." Hunter returns the brief kiss. That had been one of Hunter's main goals. To get Jim out of his hiding little by little. To help his boyfriend reconnect with the people that he will be spending the next five years with.

"So... as for the gift for tonight... you have to follow me to the pottery room."

[boldygoing]

Jim's eyebrows drift up, unsure where this is going. "The pottery room, huh? I didn't know you could work with clay one-handed."

[losthunter]

"I can't. But tonight is not about me..."

"My gift is to teach you the art of Kintsukuroi." Hunter leads Jim into his new pottery studio. One of the new things about his renovated apartment.

He gestures to a table of pottery pieces. Some belonged to pottery that got destroyed when Bellatrix had attacked the apartment. Others belonged to pieces that got broken after being taken out of the kiln.

"It's the Japanese art of repaired pottery."

[boldygoing]

Jim had thought they had disposed of all the damaged artwork, so seeing those pieces is a bit of a surprise, and he hesitates, uncertain what Hunter intends here. He frowns a little, unfamiliar with the art style that the other man has mentioned.

"But... they're broken. Would it be easier to just... get new ones?"

[losthunter]

Tonight, Jim's PINpoint chimes softly. And a medium-sized gold gift box appears in Jim's apartment.

There is a note attached.

Don't worry. I am not going to make you wait two days to unwrap this gift. It is just a little preview of what is to come. Love Hunter

Inside the gift is a black T-shirt, in Jim's size.

[losthunter]

Every since Jim left for his five-year mission, he has received a weekly package from Hunter PINpointed to him.

Most of the time, the package would include a letter, providing a small update about Hunter's life. He would write to Jim about changes and growth for the Foundation, or about a new artist he discovered, or just about some of the new people that have arrived in the Nexus recently.

Often, the package would include a sketch, that would briefly come alive with the blessing of Hunter's magical ability. His sketches were of people they both knew, or of the Nexus in general, or some bustling area of New York city.

And there were a few times when the package would include a poem, or a note from Hermione, or a audio tape of Hunter trying to re-learn the guitar.

In the most recent package, the first thing Jim might notice is a very detailed sketch of Natasha, like she is leaning over Hunter, and studying him carefully. The thing about this sketch is that it does not move. It is just a sketch.

As Jim reads the letter inside the package, he will learn about Hunter losing his magical ability. About Natasha shaving off his hair. About Faris and Hunter learning how it happened, and the mystery of the young girl who looked like Kendra.

Hunter admits he still doesn't feel like himself yet. And the search continues for answers. But at least, he knows his friends are always there for him.

[boldygoing]

[Response here.]

Video Message

[losthunter]

Jim still receives letters and packages from Hunter once a week. There have not been any dire updates in over a month. But recently something had happened, that Hunter needs to tell Jim about.

The package waiting Jim contains a iPad, and there is only one video on the main screen, that contains the words 'Play Me Please' on it.

When the video comes to life, it is Hunter sitting on his bed. He smiles at the camera. "Hi Jim."

"I thought that since it had been a while since we 'saw' each other, that this might be a nice way to send you a little update on my life." He chuckles.

"I wanted you to know that I have decided to take a little road trip. It is starting to drive me a little crazy that I can't go to the Foundation, or to my Art Gallery. Well... I can go there... but they don't recognize me. And I can not be as involved with either project as I was. The free time is getting to be a little frustrating." Hunter sighs. "I want to do something."

"So after a recent conversation with Faris and Chanath, I decided to take advantage of the end of summer and visit as many of the national parks that are located around the States as I can. Get on my bike and exploring the back country. And just... get out of the apartment for a bit."

"So for the next little while... send your letters to my PINpoint."

Hunter runs his left hand through his hair. There is ink visible on his forearm. And he smiles, holding out his left forearm to the camera. "I got a little piece of who I was with the magic back. The tattoo artist was really great. He took the time to study my drawing, and speak with me, and make sure that the finished project was what I wanted."

"I'm..." Hunter runs a hand through his hair. "I really don't know if I will ever get my magic back. And I am starting to feel a little scared by the thought of it. I guess I am really starting to miss that piece of myself."

"I feel lost without it." He wipes away a stray tear from his eyes. And tries to calm himself with a deep breath.

"I know her name now. Kendra's sister. It is Karlene." Hunter looks back at the camera. "I had a dream, that led me to her. She was in trouble. Three men were about to attack her. And I... I had to protect her."

"I got stabbed Jim." He admits. And frowns.

"Karlene used her magic -- my magic -- to heal me. But I could feel the pain of being changed again. And I told her to stop. She still has no control."

"I told her that I could help her. Get her to someone who could teach her. But she just... ran away again." Hunter sighs.

"And so... I just don't know if I will ever get that magic back. And I thought I was okay with it. But I really am not. I feel all out of sorts."

"I think getting away from the city for a bit will be good for me."

Hunter moves off his bed, and grabs his guitar, before sitting back down. He smiles at the camera. And then plays and sings to I'm Gonna Be.

At the end of the song, he smiles again. "Love you Jim." And turns off the camera.

[boldygoing]

By now, Jim has gotten used to packages and envelopes mysteriously appearing on his desk in his quarters, heralding one of what's swiftly becoming his favorite way to end the day: catching up on news from Hunter. Even so, this seems unusual from the moment he sees it, and having gotten bad news once already, a twist of anxiety takes root as he begins the playback.

And things start off somewhat benign. Cabin fever, a yearning for the great outdoors, all things Jim can sympathize with. And he smiles a little when Hunter shows off his fresh ink, the markings familiar on an arm that's been looking kinda naked without it.

But then comes the confession, and the smile slides straight off Jim's face. Dammit. He'd hoped that Hunter's casual acceptance of the loss of his magic was honest enough, and it certainly had seemed that way. But maybe it had just needed time to sink in, a looming emptiness slowly encroaching as reality set in. Jim has no idea what that must feel like, but it's a hell of an adjustment to make after so many years.

"Fucking dammit." Stabbed? Jim is already halfway to his PINpoint before hearing that Hunter is already healed, and honestly, it doesn't make him stop considering using it anyway. All of a sudden, his boyfriend going off on his own into back country doesn't sound quite as relaxing as he'd thought. But... what can Jim really do? Lightyears away, in a different universe, he has over four hundred lives to watch after, people relying on him to keep them safe and guide them home. He can't protect Hunter from here, and he can't abandon his responsibilities on the Enterprise either. Especially when he's already too late to help.

That anxiety writhes its way deeper, an odd sort of dread that Hunter's not doing as well as he'd pretended, that something like this might happen again and Jim will be helpless to stop it, or even know about it until it's too late. Hunter is supposed to be safe on Earth, or in the Nexus, living a normal civilian life, away from the same sort of dangers that Jim faces exploring the black. He's not supposed to be the one getting hurt. But he did.

Jim stands frozen in front of his desk, PINpoint held in one hand as he watches the video play out, the almost cheery beat of Hunter's guitar a strange contrast to the nagging guilt and fear tugging at him. And maybe for the first time, Jim begins to realize just how deep he's gotten himself into all this. He never meant to care this much.

But he does.

Even when the video ends and the screen shuts off, Jim remains still and quiet, with no real idea of what to do. What he can do. And it's a long, long few minutes before he finally sends a text message to leap the bounds between their universes, an unfathomably large distance between them.

Got your message. I'm expecting you to give me a tour of the best spots when I get back.

He doesn't sign off like Hunter did, the words suddenly seeming more than just rote response, the thing you're supposed to say when you're dating somebody. It's more real, somehow. Heavier. And he's gonna need a hell of a lot more soul-searching before he's ready to admit it to himself. But there's one thing he can say, and absolutely mean it.

I miss you. Stay safe out there.