(Untitled)

[its_uhura]

Nyota wwanted to do something great for Bones' birthday. Now all she had to do was convince Jim. She knew they hadn't talked much, but both wanted the best for Bones and she had an idea of how to do it. So during a lull in the shift, she leaned against his door. "Knock knock, Captain."

Comments

[genius_level]

Jim looked up from the console and waved her inside. He had taken to spending an hour or two in his ready room at the end of the shift when he could. He told himself it was to keep up with the never-ending administrative side of his job, but if he was honest, by the end of the day lately he was worn thin, tired of trying to pretend everything was okay when it wasn't. Jim agreed with Bones' decision to keep his illness quiet as long as possible (and secretly, he still hoped that Blake would make a breakthrough in his research soon).

But it was harder than he had expected to maintain his usual good cheer, and so he sought refuge in here more often than usual. But Nyota was always welcome, and the smile he gave her was genuine, if stretched a little thin. "What's on your mind, beautiful?"

[its_uhura]

"Leo's birthday," Nyota said. "I know JIm. So I want this one to be special. I had some ideas..."

[genius_level]

Bones must have talked to her already. Swallowing the fresh burst of pain that thinking about it always caused, Jim nodded, standing up and walking around the desk, leaning back against it with his arms wrapped around himself. "I knew he wanted to tell you. So... what's this idea?"

He was ashamed to admit he hadn't thought of anything yet, not beyond keeping Bones in bed and feeding him his favorite foods for dinner. But for this - he refused to admit it might be Bones' last birthday despite the thought sticking in his mind - Jim wanted to do something special. No, he needed to.

[its_uhura]

She walked over to Jim, and, knowing it wasn't regulation and this should happen after work if it happened at all, wrapped her arms tightly around him. "Sweetheart..." Her heart ached for Jim. For herself, but for Jim most of all. Hadn't he suffered enough?

"He won't like it if we baby him," Nyota said. "But what if we lay the framework for him being the director of our sex rather than an active participant? So if he gets to the point he can't actively participate he'll already be used to being, well...the master of ceremonies?"

[its_uhura]

Nyota checked her surprises over one last time as she waited not-so-patiently for Leo and Jim to show up. She had on her sexiest underwear just for the fun of it, on, including garters, under her uniform, as well as her nice boots. She hoped Leo appreciated it. She knew Jim would. But she needed Leo to, especially. Now if they'd just get there...

[genius_level]

Jim wasn't nervous as they walked down the corridor, but there had been a certain excitement and anticipation that had crept over him as he'd finished out his shift, and he found himself whistling now, feeling almost cheerful as he thought of the surprise to come for Bones. Glancing over, he caught his hand and squeezed it. "You're sure you don't mind?"

He had decided to keep the story simple, and in the end had suggested they stop by on their way to the bar to ask Nyota along. Jim slowed down as they approached her door, his shoulder brushing against Bones as they walked along.

[dctr_mccoy]

Leonard was hungry, at least. His thoughts had run nostalgic today, remembering days past when he was younger, goals he'd made for himself that he'd reached, and those he still had left. He'd thought a lot about Jim today, and things that the old Spock had told him about their future.

But that future wouldn't be happening, at least not with him.

In the end, he'd agreed to Jim's dinner suggestions - a drink, some food, and some company. He always found Nyota to be a wonderful dinner companion, and since that night when the three of them had been together, the idea of spending time with the two of them put a little smile on his face.

Standing in front of her door, he looked over at Jim, who looked pleased with himself. "Don't mind at all..." He brushed their fingertips together. "What's going on, Jim?"

[genius_level]

A crooked little smile of his own crossed Jim's face. "Nothing," he replied, all innocence. "Just dinner and drinks with a lovely lady." He couldn't help the slow glance over him, appreciating the way the blue uniform shirt stretched over those broad shoulders. Bones was a damned handsome man, and while part of Jim ached with the knowledge that their time was going to be shorter than he had imagined, he had started to slip back into his normal frame of mind at times.

The only difference was the ache, which intensified every time he caught himself... not quite forgetting, but not focusing on the fact that Bones was sick. He hoped tonight would be a welcome distraction for all of them. Jim reached out and pressed the chime.