On the seventh day of Christmas (09)...
Lemonade (Kirk/Bones)
"Why is it so blastin' hot in here?" Bones drawled, narrowing his eyes at his captain, the most likely suspect.
"Cause it's summer Bones," Kirk answered, like it was the most obvious thing. Bones blinked slowly and then rolled his eyes.
"We're in space!" he snapped back and he wondered for the millionth time how he has managed to befriend this man.
"Yeah, that's why I made it hotter in the ship. So we could tell what season it was," Kirk said, picking at invisible lint on his trousers, "And I thought you'd like it, remind you of home." Bones stared, growing uncomfortable. He always felt weird when Kirk did that thing- be nice to him for no reason. Luckily, an announcement of their arrival to their destination saved Bones.
---
"Are you making lemonade and ice tea?" Bones asked, folding his arms over his chest. He leaned up against the door frame to one of the kitchen areas.
"I'm sure trying," Kirk said, looking up from his task and flashing Bones his trademark grin. Bones wished someone else was in the room too as that uncomfortable feeling came back. "Here, try this glass."
Bones picked up the lemonade and took a small sip. "Too bitter, needs more sugar," he sputtered, reaching for the tea. It was a bit on the sweet side but it was way better than the lemonade. Kirk nodded, a serious look on his face as he poured two spoonfuls of sugar into the lemonade. He pushed the glass towards Bones, who gave it another test.
"Better," he grunted. Kirk's smile grew, into something less flashy, more sincere. Bones shifted. Kirk took a step towards Bones and lowered his eyes. Bones gulped.
"Wanna help me pass them out to the crew?" Kirk said, and Bones let go of the breath he had been holding. He nodded and helped gather up the glasses.
---
"Jim, what are you doing now?" Bones asked, exasperated. Whatever it was, it involved lots of wood and nails, and anyone could tell you that was a dangerous combo when the captain was involved.
"Nothing," Kirk answered sweetly and Bones narrowed his eyes. He tapped his foot, waiting for an answer. "Maybe I'm building a rocking chair?" Kirk didn't look at Bones and the uncomfortable feeling came back ten-fold.
"Why?" Bones asked slowly, not sure if he wanted the answer.
"Cause, I thought you might like one. Be like the one you had at home," Kirk said, still not meeting Bone's eyes. Bones grunted and crouched down beside his friend. He put a hand on Kirk's shoulder.
"You know, I left home. For a good reason," he told Kirk.
"I know, I thought you might have just missed it, is all," Kirk said, only it sounded sadder that it should have been. Sounded a lot like maybe Bones didn't want to be here. Like he was planning on running from this too. Bones shook his head.
"I have a home, here," he said and Kirk looked over at him finally, "With you. And that's all I need. I don't need hot air, or lemonade and sweet tea, and I certainly don't need a shiftily made rocking chair. No offense."
Kirk just smiled, all brilliant. And then he hugged Bones, hugged him so warm and tight and Bones finally felt that uncomfortable feeling melt away. So he hugged back and never planned on letting go. And they kissed and Bones knew that his home, and his heart, would be with James T. Kirk, no matter where he was.