#mckirkfantasy

Sirens don’t work like most predatory creatures roaming space. They don’t attack humans or other aliens outright, instead they’re much more like vultures. Waiting for others to attack, and then picking off the scraps. Luring doesn’t work so well when nobody hears you through the thick walls of space ships. With humans in Klingon territory, that’s usually very easy dinner. Humans in their own, not so much. And sometimes, when hunger strikes enough, sirens will attack those smaller supply shuttles.

Jim is part of the group that attacks two small shuttles on their way to bigger ships, like the Enterprise. Jim’s seen it pass multiple times. The lights, the speed, the pure size of it magnificent. But these vessels won’t ever make it there, because his family is breaking the shuttles apart and dragging victims outside.

He doesn’t usually think twice about it, until now. His eyes find Leonard immediately, when the hole in the shuttle drags his body outside and tumbling into outer space. Jim is quick to get to him, but something stops him from his usual habit. Leonard looks at him, eyes dark and angry - not even necessarily terrified. Just intimidatingly mad, and somehow, Jim feels like he needs to keep this man alive. He doesn’t know why yet, but it’s a gut feeling. And so he reaches out, cupping Leonard’s cheeks, and he leans in to kiss him.

“What. The fuck?!” Is the first thing Leonard shouts at him, and Jim smiles fondly at him. “I saved your life,” he says. “Like hell you did,” Leonard says, and Jim tries to stifle a laugh at how helplessly the other floats without Jim holding on to him. Humans are weird that way. “Why can I breathe here?” “The same way fish breathe in water,” Jim explains. “… No,” Leonard replies. “Yes,” Jim says. “I’m going to die here,” Leonard mutters to himself. Around them, nothing but some debris from the shuttle, and otherwise a whole lot of nothing. “You’re not going to die here,” Jim promises. “And if I die,” Leonard continues, blatantly ignoring Jim, “so will hundreds of others. I can’t believe this. Fucking space.” “Wait, what are you talking about?” Jim asks. “I’m a doctor, damn it, I was traveling to a ship that would take me to a planet suffering a bad epidemic.” “Well,” Jim says slowly, “shit.”

Leonard’s arms are strong around Jim’s shoulders as Jim swims - or flies, however you’d call it - through space. It’s not unpleasant, but the odd feeling in Jim’s stomach is guilt, and maybe the excitement of having something to do other than simply surviving. If he can get Leonard to that nearby ship, then maybe he could still save all those people. And if that meant never seeing this man again, not having him as his own, then so be it.

They do get Leonard back on a ship, but not the way Jim had intended. Leonard uses his comms to signal the ship, and to beam just himself aboard. But when he mentions Jim’s a siren, Jim gets beamed on board, too. The sudden surge of oxygen around them makes him gasp for air, though his body is quick to adapt to it. What he’s not adapting to, though, is the force pushing him down to the ground, arms quickly tied behind his back. “Wait,” he hears Leonard call out, “Jim’s not harmful. Let him go.” But they don’t, and Jim’s knocked unconscious.

He wakes up in a small room with zero gravity and little oxygen, more accomodating than the ship itself, but it’s still a prison. Theres even a guard in front of the glass window, doing his best to ignore Jim when the other knocks on the glass. “Please,” Jim says, “I just wanted to help. Let me go.” “I cannae,” the guard says, a weird accent Jim can barely understand, “we have our orders.” “I will die in here,” Jim says. “No you won’t, the captain’s delivering you to the collector.” “The what?” “It’s like a zoo,” the guard explains, though that doesn’t really explain anything to Jim at all.

“Leonard,” Jim says when the doctor comes to see him. “Are you okay?” Leonard asks, but Jim shakes his head. “No, Leonard, I don’t want to be here.” “I know,” Leonard says, “I’m sorry. I’ll see what I can do for you.”

Jim doesn’t know how long he’s been there. Must be a while, because every time Leonard visits him he’s wearing a different outfit. He does his best to try and persuade the captain of the scavenger ship to let Jim go, but apparently Jim is worth some good money. At least the guard, Scotty, is nice. Gives him most of the meat on his plate and chats to him about building things. More ships, and stuff like that. Jim is still miserable, but in the presence of these two men, a little less so.

“How are you doing?” Leonard asks, “are you holding up alright?” “No,” Jim says, “Scotty explained to me what a zoo is. I don’t want to be put on display, Leonard. I don’t… This is what I get from saving your ass. I should’ve just eaten you.” “Why didn’t you?” Leonard asks, and Jim shrugs. Hesitates, before he answers. “You were beautiful.” Leonard looks at him blankly for a few seconds, then; “What?”. “I thought you were beautiful,” Jim says, “eating you would’ve been a waste.” Leonard sighs, quiet for the longest time, and then he bangs his fist against the glass dividing them, hard enough to make Jim jump. “Damn it,” Leonard curses, “fine. Ima smuggle you out of here.”

The roles are reversed, now. Jim’s arms are tightly around Leonard’s shoulders as the other carries him through narrow corridors. Scotty helps them, for no reason other than the goodness of his heart. Also partially because their plan is to escape in a small cargo ship, and Scotty wants to fly it. Doesn’t really like his job here, anyway, he says. And thankfully, Scotty knows just which corridors to take, who to avoid, and how to get to the docking station relatively unseen.

By the time they fly out, they’ve shot a few people, but no one rang that alarm. Not yet, but Scotty suspects they will, soon, and he sets course to hide the ship amidst a meteor shower. “Are you nuts?” Jim overhears Leonard yell at Scotty. “They won’t look for us here,” Scotty says. “Because we’ll fucking die,” Leonard counters. “I know how to fly a shuttle, doctor! We won’t crash.” Though he’s barely finished his sentence when they do hit a rock nearby. “Starting now,” Scotty finishes his sentence.

Part 1

Bones is jittery when they make it to shallow shores, and he’s not the only one. “Captain,” Spock says quietly, “I know you kept your promise to Bones to try and find Joanna, but do you really think this is the way to do it?” “Relax,” Jim says, “you guys are always so worried when we visit him.” “Because last time we did, you ended up going to the gallows for him.” “And he stopped it on time. Just like he promised,” Jim replies, small smile on his face as they leave the ship behind for smaller boats, and row to shore.

It’s a swamp, mostly. The bog has cost the lives of many sailors and pirates alike trying to get to the clutter of houses in the center of it all. Unless you know where to go, of course, and after many years, Jim knows just how to maneuver the mud and creatures living in the shallow waters. “We can still go back,” Bones says, but Jim huffs. “What pirate runs away from a bit of swamp?” “Anyone with half a mind,” Bones says. “You want to find your daughter or not?” Jim asks, and like that, they press on.

Pike is already waiting for them when they arrive in the huts. A famous pirate hunter; one who makes even someone like Bones, who’s done very little bad in his life, uncomfortable. But Jim throws him a smile and a hug, and they sit down with rum and coin. “Last time I saw you, I had to pull you down from the gallows.” “Hmm, I remember who sent me there in the first place,” Jim replies, “but we’re not here for pleasantries or reminders of who owes what.” “I know why you’re here,” Pike says, glancing at Bones and Sulu, “what makes you think I know where kidnapped little girls are kept?” “Because,” Jim says, “you’re the best pirate hunter alive. But more than that, you’re also the second best pirate out there. And you’ve got contacts.” Pike laughs at that, and Jim relaxes when Pike does, too. “I can find you leads,” Pike says, “but you know it’ll cost you.”

Pike finds them a lead so fast it’s almost suspicious. But Jim wastes no time; they set sail for the Caribbean sea. A storm hits them hard along the way, and so Bones is busy all night tending to the seasick crew, as well as a few wounded. But he’s asleep next to Jim come morning, when the ocean is quiet again. Jim’s fingers trace over the scar on Bones’ shoulder; a bullet wound nearly cost the doctor’s life many years ago. “You’re a good man,” Jim says quietly, and Bones huffs. “And you, a horrible pirate.” “Who’s to dictate that pirates should only do bad?” Jim counters, and Bones opens his eyes. “You do know the actual definition of piracy?“ “I don’t even know how to read,” Jim says, but Bones laughs at that. “Bullshit, I know you do,” he says.

They do find Joanna in a rich, coastal town, though by then, she’s barely recognisable. She’s been sold to a rich nobleman, and while Bones argues with the owner to give him his child back, Jim simply takes her and the other kids, and leaves back to the ship. Demora is among them, too, and Jim watches her reunite with Sulu, until Bones returns back to the ship. “Jim, we gotta do something!” Bones says, “I’m not suggesting piracy, but those kids… Joanna is there, and I ain’t–” “Bones.” “-I swear, I’ll kill that guy-” “Bones,” Jim interrupts, gently squeezing Bones’ arm, and he nods towards Joanna. “Jo,” Bones says, the name coming out a little breathless, “Jim, how did you–?” “Pirate,” Jim shrugs, and then he leaves Bones alone to be with his daughter.

But on their way back to English waters, they’re intercepted by the royal navy. “We need to fire back,” Spock calls out, but Jim shakes his head. “What do you mean, no?” Jim gently squeezes Spock’s shoulder. “I have a debt to pay,” he says, “and it’s about time you became a captain, hm?” And just like that, Jim surrenders.

Jim is executed on a warm, sunny day in another coastal town. Bones isn’t there to witness or stop it, he’s been pardoned by the navy a couple days after. Even though he has Joanna back in his life, his entire world crashes down when he hears of Jim’s passing. “Are you really leaving?” Joanna asks, “where are you even gonna go? What about me?” “Your mom will take good care of you,” Bones says, and Joanna frowns, glancing at Jocelyn who sits with them. “But it’s you who got me back.” “Technically, that was Jim,” Bones replies, “I’m just gonna follow his example.” “His example?” Jocelyn asks, “a pirate?” “And a good man,” Bones says.

Spock greets Bones with open arms. Figuratively. Uhura and Chekov do give him a hug, though. “Guess I owe Sulu a bottle of rum,” Chekov says, “I figured you wouldn’t come back.” “I just… It’s what Jim would’ve wanted,” Bones says. Spock reaches out, a hand on Bones’ shoulder. “Don’t mourn Jim,” he says, “there’s no need to. His ego is big enough as it is.”

They set sail. Not official as pirates, but as merchants. At least this way, the navy’s not on their ass instantly, but Bones knows better. “Doctor,” Spock calls out to Bones, and Bones walks over - a little unstably so, after having been on land for a while. “What is it, Spock? Or should I say ‘captain’?” He asks, and Spock huffs. “Rather not. And anyway, we already have a captain, and that’s not me,” he says, and Bones frowns. “What are you talking about?”

The world went to shit faster than anyone could comprehend. Most people on their planet managed to escape in vessels, but those from poorer areas, or predicted sick, were not as lucky. Jim should’ve been on one of those vessels out of there. Would have been, if it wasn’t for his idiot doctor staying behind to help the sick, when there was still a possibility of saving them. After the last vessels left, it was pure chaos. People scrambling for food, medicine. The city became uninhabitable pretty quickly. Humans turning against each other. And then the sick turned against humans. 

Getting to the countryside was a blessing. Away from the city, where the people and the sick were fighting each other continuously, the sudden silence was almost overwhelming. The only downside were the wide open spaces. It means seeing the dead wandering up to you from miles away - it also means they see you, too. Most houses were completely empty, and a horde passing by destroyed what was left of their shelter. But then Jim found a chicken, almost starved by the lack of food and failing harvest, so they both chased it. Found a vegetable garden, and more chickens. Well hidden in the forest line that ended the farmlands and started the wilderness. There, they found Spock. Initially ready to chase them off, but seeing Spock’s arm was hurt, Bones managed to talk their way into staying. It’s been a blessing ever since. Food, water, shelter, and each other.

It’s late afternoon when Jim strolls back into their little hideaway home. It’s pretty overgrown by now, something deliberately done - barely visible under growing kudzu and ivy. The weather has been so warm and accommodating, Spock and Bones are actually sitting outside together rather than hiding inside their shelter. It’s a lovely sight; Bones, in a tight shirt that’s a bit dirty, and Spock sits next to him, squeaky clean as ever. “Did you catch anything?” Bones asks without looking up from his book. Holding up two rabbits, Jim grins rather proudly. “I think with the carrots we have, we’ll have a half decent stew tonight.” “Emphasis on half decent,” Bones replies, “I’m dying for some pizza.” “You and me both,” Jim replies, and Spock huffs. “Try being a vegan prior to all of this,” he says, and Jim laughs, “I’ll never try to be vegan.”  

They have their stew outside that night, by the comfort of an abundance of candles, some light music from Jim’s old cassette tape. It’s romantic, it’s sweet, and for the first time in a long time, Jim forgets they’re even in the midst of an apocalypse.

The countryside is so quiet, that any unfamiliar sound stands out. Jim’s walking through overgrown grass fields, scouting the place for rabbits or an occasional deer, when a loud buzzing sound startles him. It’s almost unfamiliar, but Jim instinctively looks up. A space shuttle flies over his head. It doesn’t see him, it just flies overhead and into the distance, towards the old capital city. Now, that wouldn’t be so bad, but the sound that follows is something he’s way less fond of. Footsteps. That heavy breathing of the Sick, mindlessly chasing the sound of that damned shuttle.

Jim’s panting roughly from running, covered in dirt and mud to reduce his own body scent, so he isn’t followed. It’s hard, though, because suddenly they are everywhere. Like a horde, all over the place. They’re on the high grass in the fields, and they’re in the forest once Jim makes it there.

“There’s a problem,” Jim pants once he reaches the shelter. “Yeah, have you looked at yourself?” Spock comments. “There was a shuttle flying overhead,” Jim says, falling down on a chair, doing his best to ignore Bones checking him out for any wounds, “and then a horde passed by. They’re everywhere. What if we’re compromised?” “We’re not compromised,” Spock says, “this place is well secluded.” “I’m more surprised there was a shuttle flying here,” Bones replies, “all shuttles left ages ago.” Jim simply shrugs, but Bones actually reaches out and grabs an old radio. It doesn’t really work, usually, but after some tweaking, they actually find a radio signal. “... of Starfleet. I repeat, this is captain Chris Pike, we’re responding to the remaining intelligent life signals. We’re clearing the city from the undead and we will pick up any remaining survivors at the old Central Station.”

“We should go,” Jim says. “No,” Spock replies, “are you mad? It could be a trap.” “Or it could be our way out of here,” Jim counters. “You told me yourself the shuttle dragged in a horde. Why would we follow that horde? That sounds dangerous.” “Well, yes,” Jim says, “but staying here on a planet with nothing but things that want to kill us isn’t much of an alternative. We can still get out of here, Spock. We might live, instead of just surviving.” “Or we might die trying,” Spock says. Both turn to Bones instead, and Bones sighs. “Fine, yes. I think we should go. It’s worth a try, at least.”  

They set out to leave as soon as the horde thins out, and they detour to the city. It takes them days - through the forest line as much as they can, hiding in attics that are easily defendable at night. Jim loves being outside, he’s used to it. Spock tends to the garden, usually, but Bones isn’t so used to being outside anymore. Prefers the safety of being inside safe walls, even if his vote did make them turn towards the city again. And it’s noticeable, too. More Sick walking around everywhere. More gunfire in the distance, either from Starfleet or from survivors, they can’t tell. But also more resources. More items to turn into makeshift weapons.

Shit hits the fan when they’re close. Really close. They’ve seen the city skyline for hours, watching it grow closer the longer they walk towards it. Now all that's​ left between them and the city is a long narrow bridge over a river, and they’ve been followed for a while now. The Sick were far behind at first, but now they keep getting closer, allowing them no stops while they walk. That’s also when Jim gets hurt. Bear traps were hidden along the entrance to the bridge, and his leg is bleeding quite badly by the time they have him freed. “C'mon, Jim, we’re so close,” Bones says sliding an arm around the others shoulder to drag him along. “Yes Jim, we’ll get off the planet, like you said. We just need to cross the bridge,” Spock agrees. He’s tugging Jim along, too, but their progress is significantly slowing down, and the Sick are rapidly closing in on them.

“Let me,” Jim pants, stopping his walk altogether and he pants roughly, “you need to go ahead. I’ll keep them distracted.” “Distracted how? We’re on a bridge. There’s not exactly any corners to hide,” Bones hisses. “Bones, you need to make it to Starfleet, okay? Just… report there, and then get backup for me. I’ll be fine,” Jim says. He thinks it’s a smooth lie, but Bones narrows his eyes. “No! Are you out of your fucking mind?!” “Go! I can kill at least a dozen of them,” Jim says, pulling out his gun. Spock hesitates, but only for a second, because the Sick are still incoming, and they’re coming quick. “Two dozen,” Spock says, reaching out in his jacket and handing Jim his own pistol. Jim smiles lightly, ignoring the doctor telling both of them how stupid this idea is. “I love you,” Jim tells Bones, and that’s enough to shut him up for a second, at least, “both of you. Now make it across this stupid bridge, yeah?”

Jim doesn’t even miss many shots. He takes them down, most of the horde, with his guns and whatever debris lies on that bridge. He wants desperately to look behind him, to see if Spock and Bones made it across. But he doesn’t. He fights until he’s out of ammo, and then he turns around and runs for it. He can’t outrun them, not with his leg bleeding. Still, he tries until he feels fingers grab for his shirt and his arm. It’s game over, but Jim refuses to let himself be eaten alive by these creatures. He dashes to the side instead, and he runs towards the railing of the bridge instead. He just pushes himself over the edge, jumping over. It’s briefly terrifying, the weightlessness of falling. The dirty brown water comes closer rapidly, with less than seconds to think about the impact, and then everything turns black.

His entire body aches when he wakes up - which is a confusing thought to begin with. He opens his eyes, and Spock is sitting next to him. A sterile white room, something he hasn’t seen for years. The sheets are white, and clean. A monitor is steadily beeping next to him. Spock’s holding his hand, too, qhich is a surprise. “Hey,” Jim says, voice as sore as his body. “Hi, Jim,” Spock says, smiling briefly before adding a; you look terrible.“ "Wow,” Jim replies to that, “that’s what you say to your life saver?” Spock huffs, squeezing Jim’s hand lightly. “Where are we?” Jim continues. “USS Enterprise,” Spock says, “you’re in med bay.” “Where is that?” “Space.” “Space where?” “Somewhere between our planet and York Town.” “We’re in deep space?” Jim asks, turning to look around the room, “why isn’t there a window? We haven’t looked at the stars in years.”

Part 2

It’s been years since Leonard last saw Jim. Years since he left that sea-life and instead became a respected doctor at a quiet coastal settlement. Tried marriage, too, but that’s just not his thing. Or perhaps she just wasn’t his thing. Either way, Leonard is alone. But it’s fine, it’s quiet, and at least it’s not in a rocking ship risking his damn life every day in the vast open waters.

“Hey, babe,” Jim’s voice rings when Bones comes home from the medical practice. "Jim?“ Bones asks, dropping his bag on the floor next to the front door. Jim is just sitting at his dining table, casually, like he owned the place. “How did you get in here? The door was locked.” “Oh, you know what they say. Pirates don’t exactly follow the law of breaking and entering,” Jim replies, getting up from his chair, “did you miss me?” “What are you doing here?” Leonard asks as Jim walks in closer, and it’s rapidly getting harder to think straight when the other cups his cheeks and says a quick; “I missed you”, before he leans in and kisses him.

Leonard’s fingers trace the scar on Jim’s chest. Right over his heart. The stab wound should have killed him, but thankfully (and miraculously), Jim survived that. There’s scars on his back, too, from a violent childhood Jim doesn’t talk about. Pre-pirate stuff. Leonard doesn’t have to see them to know they’re there, he still remembers every inch of Jim’s body like it was just yesterday he saw the man’s body naked regularly. “Why are you really here?” Leonard asks. Jim grunts in response, half asleep, barely covered by the thin sheets on Leonard’s bed. “James,” Leonard presses, and Jim sighs. “I want you back on the Enterprise,” Jim replies, and Leonard frowns. “No.” “Bones-” “It’s Leonard now, Jim, and the answer’s no. I settled here.” “But what if you don’t have to settle?” Jim suggests, sitting up straight, “you’re a pirate, Bones. You don’t settle. Home is at sea. With the crew. With me.” “No, Jim,” Leonard says, “I can’t risk being a target in every place we dock. We’re better men than pirates. We could be.” “Pirate’s just the name they give us, you know that. Come with us.” Leonard grunts and turns around, back towards the other man. “No,” he says. Jim is silent for so long, Leonard’s sure Jim’s fallen asleep. But then, just when Leonard’s relaxing a little, Jim speaks again. “Joanna’s alive. I know where they keep her.”  

“Doctor,” Spock says the moment Bones steps aboard, “it’s good to have you back.” “We’ll see about that,” Leonard replies, but he smiles at Spock nonetheless. Uhura pulls him into a tight hug. “I’m glad you’re back,” she says, and Leonard nods. “You can drop the formalities. I’m only back until we get Joanna,” he says, and Uhura smiles lightly. “I’m still happy to see you.” Leonard returns her smile with one of his own, and adds: “me too.” She pats his shoulder, before going back to work, adding a quick: “Welcome home, doctor” before walking away.

Leonard’s forgotten how much being home sucks, because the moment they hit the deep ocean and the waves get rougher, Leonard is dying. He’s pretty sure Chekov’s laughing at him when Leonard throws up leaning over the railing of the ship. He meets up with Sulu at the ship’s wheel, and Sulu nods at him. “How are you holding up?” he asks. “Sea sucks as much as ever,” Leonard replies, and Sulu laughs. “You’ll get used to it,” he replies, and Leonard nods. “I’d hope so. Have you heard anything from Demora?” “No,” Sulu says, and he tenses up visibly. Leonard reaches out, resting his hand briefly on Sulu’s shoulder, “we’ll find her. Demora and Joanna, they’re strong.” “We’re following the lead of some stranger Jim talked to once,” Sulu says, “I’m grateful we have a lead, but there’s nothing suggesting we’re even chasing an actual lead.” “It’s the first thing we’ve heard in years,” Leonard says, “it’s something, at least.” Sulu nods slowly. “Either way, it’s good to have a doctor back on board,” he says, and Leonard smiles lightly. “I’ve missed all of you, too.”

If there’s one thing Leonard remembers from sailing under Jim’s flag, it’s that they generally suck at being real pirates. Sure, they break a lot of laws, sailing independently over British-ruled seas. They don’t usually kill people, but casualties happen in sea battles, even if Jim is a rather forgiving Captain and prone to taking prisoners, releasing them the first time they dock, and in worst case scenarios; drops them off on an island.

Word reaches them usually very quickly the first time they dock at a tropical coastal town, mostly ruled by pirates and outlaws. Jim continues to suck at being the pirate his own legend calls him. He helps people where their government doesn’t. Transports them from port A to Port B, despite Sulu and Leonard loudly going against that idea, since their daughters’ lives are at stake.

Jim and Leonard get incredibly drunk on the last night before departure again, and Leonard remembers just how much he loves being around these people. The drinks, the music, the atmosphere. Sure, they’re robbed thrice before the end of the night, but that’s pirates for you. They don’t even make it to the ship, and instead both of them wake up in the hay of some old barn, clothes stolen as much as their money, and so they make it back to the ship in makeshift outfits that have the crew laugh at their misfortune. “It’s like you never left, doctor,” Chekov says. “Indeed it is,” Spock agrees, while both quietly slip into Jim’s quarters for a change of clothes.

I’m glad u asked!

“Have you heard anything from Uhura and Spock lately?” Bones asks into his phone. “No,” Sulu replies, “last I know, they were hunting that nest of vampires in Montana. They’re not nearby.” “Jaylah, Scotty and Keenser?” “New York. I can ask Chekov-” “No,” Bones says, “Chekov’s our primary researcher, keep him that way.” “I don’t have anyone else, Bones,” Sulu says, “you’re going to have to go in by yourself. You can wait a few days, but we’ve not seen any demons leave the premise in three days. You’re our demon specialist.” “Fine,” Bones sighs, “but just for the record; I hate you.” He hears Sulu chuckle at the other side of the line. “Noted.”  

Bones is by no means a specialist in any way. He just happens to send more demons back to Hell than most. Often he works together, though. Most of the time, Bones teams up with Spock and Uhura, two fellow hunters who aim to make the world a bit safer. Often with the help of Chekov and Sulu, who are their general contact persons if they need any research on lore. Scotty’s gang has the cool gadgets, but Bones likes his weapons old fashioned.

He makes his way inside the abandoned warehouse, guns loaded with rock salt and a flask of holy water at the ready. He holds on to his gun tightly, quietly following the dried blood trails on the ground. Clearly, whatever they got dragged down here, Bones is too late to save them. That’s going to gnaw at his guts for a while. He finds the body, tortured and mutilated on the floor. A mere second later, they crawl out of their hidey holes. Demons. At least six of them. Bullets don’t kill them, but at least they’ll hurt.

Within a minute, though, he’s getting his ass handed to him. His nose is bleeding, his entire body is sore and covered in bruises, and Bones thinks he might just end up in the same position as the corpse. Was bound to happen at some point, anyway. Today is not that day, though. Because just as he fights one of the demons to the ground, the demon drags him down with him, and Bones finds the demon on top of him, strong hands closing around his throat. Before the demon can actually kill him, though, Bones watches the demon’s skull get stabbed by a long dagger. The demon possessing the human body vanishes, and the body collapses on top of him. By the time Bones pushes the body off of him, the other demons are on the ground, too. “I can’t believe how dependent on me you’ve become,” Jim says, putting the dagger back in his belt. “Jim,” Bones groans out his name, “took you long enough.” Jim reaches out, grabbing Bones’ hand to help him up on his feet. “You’re bleeding,” Jim says, reaching out to run his fingers gently over Bones’ cheek, and he watches the other tense under his touch. “Come on,” Jim says, “let me get you cleaned up.”

“You really ought to take better care of yourself, Bones,” Jim says once they’re in Bones’ motel room. Bones shrugs lightly. Jim has been cleaning up the wounds on his face, and Bones’ nose is no longer bleeding. “I would’ve been okay,” he says, “just needed to perform that exorcism.” “Bit difficult to say that out loud when you’re being choked, and not the good kind of choking,” Jim replies, lips turning into a small smirk. “Why’d you come and help me?” Bones asks. Jim sits down next to him, resting his hand on Bones’ leg. “I’ve been good,” Jim says, “but I’m starving. Figured I’d stop by you and see how you were doing.” Bones sighs, though not entirely annoyed at that. “Fine,” Bones says, smiling lightly when Jim’s eyes glow a little lighter when Bones reaches out, pulling him in a little closer.

Sleeping with an Incubus is a generally terrible, frequently fatal idea. Jim is different, though. Doesn’t take much, just enough to survive. Jim also joins him on hunts occasionally. Bones knows teaming up with a demon is a little unethical, considering he’s hunting them, too, and he makes a point not to trust Jim for anything other than the occasional intimate company, and someone who has his back on a hunt when no one else is available. 

I’d love to turn it into a full fic, but I never complete anything in my life, hence the short bullet point stories haha.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 |

Leonard’s head is pounding when he wakes up. Not from alcohol; he doesn’t remember drinking excessively earlier that night. Jim’s presence usually takes away the need to drink a lot. A few beers is enough while they walk, bicker, or just relax together. Though Jim doesn’t drink, and that kind of takes away the pleasure of drinking in company. No, this headache isn’t from drinking. If the blood trickling down from his head to his face is any indication; it definitely wasn’t caused by drinking. Not just that, there’s a faint beeping ringing in his ears, and when he reaches out, he becomes increasingly aware that this isn’t his bedroom. He’s outside, in the park. And there’s a bomb strapped around his neck. “Good evening, agent McCoy,” a voice rings from the phone strapped to the bomb - filming his every second. “Nero,” Leonard says, “I take it you’re no longer in jail.” “Smart. You smart enough to dismantle that bomb, too? Don’t think so. You have 20 minutes, and the world’s watching.” “You know I’m just going to lock you up again,” Leonard says, his fingers reaching out to feel the thing around his neck. “What, from the afterlife? Good luck with that.”

Leonard isn’t calm. He’s anything but. The fact that he’s didn’t wake up in the morning in his bed is concerning enough, let alone the fact that there’s a bomb strapped to his neck, and he has no idea where Jim is. But the world is watching him through that stupid phone that’s filming him. He thought he captured this man before - who traps people into this life-or-death game and has the world watching them, placing bets debating who should be next. Of course, considering Leonard put him behind bars, he would be the first to go after now that Nero’s out. “Bones!” Jim calls out so suddenly Leonard nearly jumps, though his voice is such a relief. “Jim,” Leonard sighs a little breathlessly when the other approaches him, “careful.” “I swear to God, I’m away for one night and you get a bomb strapped to your neck,” Jim says, slowing down once he gets closer to the park bench Leonard’s sitting on, “can’t leave you alone for two seconds. Who’d you piss off this time?” “Nero,” Leonard says, “his real name, it’s all in the files in the precinct. I locked him up before.” “Clearly didn’t do a good job at that,” Jim replies, “let me have a look.” “Jim, you have to get to a safe distance.” “Let me have a look,” Jim repeats. “Jim,” Leonard insists, “I only have two minutes left.” “Exactly,” Jim says, “let me have a look.” 

It doesn’t help that Leonard’s fingers are pretty much shaking by now. He never particularly feared death before, but this is different. It feels like he has someone in his life again - which takes away that otherwise sacrificial behavior he had before. “Jim,” Leonard says when there’s less than 30 seconds left, “you should go.” “No,” Jim says, his fingers still working on the bomb, “it’s you and me, Bones. ‘til the end.”

When Jim pulls the bomb off and stops the timer, Leonard isn’t sure whether to laugh or cry, or both. Jim reaches out and cups Leonard’s cheeks. “Are you okay?” he asks, and Leonard nods. Jim tilts Leonard’s head just lightly, examining the wound on his head. “What took you so long to show up here, huh?” Leonard says, and Jim laughs, leaning in to press a kiss to Leonard’s lips.

Little do they know the consequences of that display of affection, though. It isn’t exactly allowed to be in an actual relationship with androids. But Jim is different. Jim has a soul. It’s consensual, he doesn’t get treated like a second class citizen, Leonard thinks. But he is, and Leonard receives a less-than-friendly talking to about this at work. It’s not that his captain really cares, but the law is the law. To make matters even worse, Jim is quietly doing research with  Leonard on Nero’s whereabouts when a few colleagues pass by and both catch them bad-talking the recorded events of just the day before. Leonard visibly tenses, but Jim rests his hand on Leonard’s shoulder. “Don’t,” he warns him, “not worth it.” “You always let a robot tell you what to do?” one of the agents says, and Leonard grits his teeth. He could have shrugged it off on any other day, but he hasn’t closed an eye last night because he nearly died, and now this guy is giving him shit. So before Jim can stop him, Leonard’s in front of the guy and punches him in the face.

It doesn’t end well. Leonard gets suspended, Jim is permanently reassigned to a different agent. "What is wrong with you?“ Jim insists when he comes home. “Nothing,” Leonard replies. “Bones, your pulse is racing, you’re clearly angry. You punched a fellow cop in the face-” “He was disrespectful to you,” Leonard interrupts. Jim sighs, sitting down next to the other. “You smell like alcohol,” he says, and Leonard shrugs. “Bones,” Jim continues, reaching out to cup Leonard’s cheek and tilting his head to make the other face him, “who cares what the other detectives think? You’re a good agent, you’re wasting your own time and that of potential victims when you’re sitting here doing nothing. I don’t care about being treated like a ‘second class citizen’, I don’t.” “How can you not care?” Leonard asks, and now it’s Jim’s time to shrug. “I don’t know any better.” “That’s just wrong,” Leonard says, and Jim smiles. “That’s coming from the one who told me he’s not attracted to ”robots“ and prefers his partners alive.” Leonard huffs, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to Jim’s lips. A little drunkenly so, but soft none the less. Jim slowly pulls away. “You gonna admit you behave this way because you didn’t close an eye last night? You almost died. Not being able to sleep is normal, just admit you’re scared.” Leonard rolls his eyes at that, pushing Jim further away. “Never.”

Jim works with agent Sulu now. Leonard’s not very close with him, but Sulu treats Jim with respect and Leonard follows their case from a distance - quietly pleased when they rescue a group of kids being taken hostage. Leonard’s bored out of his mind all by himself, though. He needs to have something to do, and so he goes back looking for Nero. First he just checks those streaming websites he’s used before, and then he gets Spock to try and track him down. “I can help,” Uhura says, and Leonard raises an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you be with Pike?” “I rather work here,” Uhura replies, before throwing him a sympathetic smile, “I’m sorry you got suspended.” “Yeah, well,” Leonard starts, but in lieu for an actual answer, he just shuts up and glances at the computer screen. Just by touching the tablet, Uhura downloads all of Leonard’s findings to her own hard drive, and Leonard and Spock mostly just quietly wait while she works. “You keeping more pretty ladies in this basement, or what?” Leonard asks, and Spock raises an eyebrow. “Uhura wants to be here. At least I don’t boast my illegal relationship to the public by showing public display of affection while my own potential death is being livestreamed.” “You watched that video, huh?” “Leonard, the whole country’s watched that video.” “Strange,” Uhura says, and that brings both boys’ attention back to her, “I’m tracking all the CCTV in the city, but the only potential match I get is currently in the precinct.” Leonard frowns, instantly reaching out for his jacket. “He’s after Jim.”

He’s not after Jim. Jim’s just an insignificant android, after all. Leonard finds out that, instead, he’s after the whole precinct. By the time he arrives, all the doors of the precinct are locked and barricaded, and all the police men and women are trapped inside with a ticking time bomb. “Jim,” Leonard says through his phone when the other picks up, “what’s happening in there?” “People tried to disable the bomb, but whoever touches it gets electrocuted. I’m not sure what to do, Leonard.” “I’m going to find Nero. In the meantime, try and find a way to disable the electricity. Make sure no one else gets hurt.” “Be careful,” Jim says, and Leonard smiles. “You too.”

He does find Nero nearby. He’s always within earshot of the crime scene and this time isn’t really any different. Leonard struggles to overpower him, but he manages.  A gun pointed to the back of Nero’s head isn’t enough to actually disable the bomb, but after Leonard shoots both his legs and leaves him unable to run, he’s ready to comply. He releases the barricades that keeps his colleagues trapped inside, and it allows them to flee outside while actual bomb disposal experts manage to diffuse the thing.

Jim doesn’t even care about the law when he sees Leonard again. He pulls him into a tight hug, and Leonard is happy to accept that. “You okay?” Leonard asks, reaching out to run his fingers through Jim’s hair, and Jim nods. “I’m fine. Most people are fine. What about Nero?” “He’s going back to prison. For a long time, this time.” Leonard says. 

“You saved a lot of lives today, McCoy,” his captain says, and Leonard shrugs lightly. “Just doing my job.” “No,” she replies, “not your job, because I had to suspend you.” “I understand why you had to,” Leonard says, “I’m not asking for my job back, I just-” “Tough,” she replies, “I expect you in the office on Monday.” She smiles, and so does Leonard. “I’m… assuming I’m going to be assigned an MX, then?” “No, I think Jim’s good for you,” she says, “I won’t say anything if you don’t.”

For @conduitstr; happy birthday, girl!  ❤️ ✨

The moment the old steam train stops in the station, Jim is quick to hop out. He doesn’t carry any luggage with him, he doesn’t plan to stay long. Just a quick look around the town; see if any of it is worth his time and his money. It smells like dry grass, grease, and the perfumes of different people mix together as other visitors depart the train now, too. Okay, Jim thinks to himself, time to go exploring.

Leaving the station, he arrives at the main street. It's really a dirt road, old wooden and stone houses on either side of it. People walk by; some in awe of their surroundings, others walk around like they don't know any better. It doesn't take him long to find the local saloon. There's piano music to lift up the atmosphere. People are sitting, chatting, playing card games together, or being approached by the local host girls. Jim, too, is approached by one. "Hey, handsome," she says, and Jim's lips curl into a smile when she reaches out to touch his arm, "how about you and I go and have some fun upstairs?" Tempting. Very tempting. But Jim shakes his head nonetheless. "No, thank you. Perhaps later," he replies, and then buys a glass of bourbon at the bar.

He's quietly chatting to the bartender, trying to figure out more about this town. After a couple minutes, though, there’s commotion outside, so Jim goes to check it out. A group of bandits has arrived and are actively creating havoc. Jim has to duck besides liquor filled barrels to avoid bullets flying his way. The same girl who tried to get him upstairs before tries to duck, too, but she gets shot before she gets the chance to. Jim forgets all about his own safety, jumping up to drag her to safety instead. “Are you okay? Where are you hurt?” he asks, though the red stain on her dress is indication enough. “I need… I need a doctor,” she breathes, looking at Jim through tear stained eyes, and Jim nods. “Of course.”

They have to wait until the shooting is over, and by then, Jim worries it’s too late for her. He’s used his knife to break open one of the barrels, and uses the clear liquid to clean up the wound in her side the best he can, while simultaneously trying to keep her quiet. Then, he carries her to the doctor’s office. It’s small and it’s dusty – fairly sure it doesn’t fit the health regulations. It’s also busy, all the wounded who are still alive are all sitting on available chairs or lying on the floor while a single guy works to fix them all. “Doctor?” Jim says, “I need a doctor.” “Get in line,” the guy replies. “Please,” Jim stresses, and the guy sighs. “Put her down, I’ll be right there.”

The work is slow and frustrating, and so Jim decides to help out. He uses alcohol, gently cleaning the wounds of the men and women who are hurt. He doesn’t really know how to bandage them up properly, but he does his best – messy as it looks. “Thanks,” the guy says, and Jim shrugs lightly. “It’s fine. Does this happen a lot?” “More often than I care to admit,” he replies, “I’d treat you to a glass of strong liquor, but you used most of it on the wounds of these people.”

Life here is just hard, it seems. The doctor works through the night while Jim sleeps in the local inn. Come morning, it’s mostly curiosity who brings him back. Leonard looks exhausted, perhaps a little frustrated. “Are you okay?” Jim asks. “I’m out of supplies,” Leonard says, “last night, I’ve been raided. Stole most of my bandages and medicine. I’m thinking about going on a supply run to the next town, but the road is long and dangerous.” “I’ll join you,” Jim shrugs. “Really?” “Sure, sounds fun,” Jim replies. “I’ll pay you,” Leonard says, and Jim simply shrugs to that. It’s not like he genuinely needs the money.

They leave after Leonard gets someone to look after the office while he’s out. Jim’s never been on a horse before, but the horse seems to immediately listen to whatever’s on Jim’s mind, and the start of the journey is pretty harmless. Leonard talks a little about his life. About how he lost his wife and kids to raiders when he lived on a small farm outside the town. How his parents were taken by a deadly illness that made him become a doctor. He speaks with such hurt in his voice, that Jim wonders why anyone would want to live in these outback towns. Sounds like it sucks.

They stop an hour before sunset, near a small river. Good, too, because Jim’s legs hurt, and his feet feel a little unstable after riding for so long. He ties the horses to a tree and searches for firewood while Leonard returns just before sunset with two dead rabbits. “You’re a doctor and a skilled hunter, you’re pretty good with your hands, huh?” Jim comments, and Leonard shoots him a small grin. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

They eat dinner, which is surprisingly good. It gets cold at night, so Jim is glad for the fire to keep them warm. They talk more while overlooking a sky full of stars; large mountains looming in the distance. The gentle stream of the water is soothing to Jim’s ears, and he finds himself just dozing off to sleep. The same thing happens the day after. They spend time together, and Jim grows rapidly closer to this handsome doctor, who stitches him up when Jim guides his horse through a bigger river and hurts his foot through a sharp rock that hits him through the sole of his boot. They run into a lone woman who cries for help because her family’s hurt in her farmhouse, and so Leonard decides to take a detour from his own quest to help them. They save a family’s life (or Leonard does, mostly), and Jim feels pretty awesome about that.

“How much further, Bones?” Jim asks, and Leonard raises an eyebrow. “Bones?” “Seems a fitting nickname,” Jim says, “for all the patching up you do.” “We should be there in the afternoon,” Leonard replies. Jim watches the other’s back figure as he rides in front of him. It’s a good sight.

But it’s almost as if Leonard registers that feeling, or something. Because they arrive and get Leonard’s supplies, but come nightfall on their way back, Jim finds Leonard sitting closer to him than usual. Leonard teaches him how to hunt. Standing behind him with his arms around Jim’s shoulders, hands on Jim’s to make sure he aims properly. Really, it just makes Jim more distracted. When they get raided on the road, Leonard actively stands in front of Jim to try and protect him, though they make it out alright. Just with a few supplies less, because Leonard patches up the cut in Jim’s hand. “I wanted to thank you,” Leonard says, “for coming with me. In these lands, it’s hard to tell apart friend or foe. You’ve been good to me.” Jim smiles at that, reaching out to keep the other’s hand on his own a little longer. “Just a friend?” he asks with a smile, growing even wider when Leonard leans in to kiss him.

It just feels too good to be true. And it is. Because they get back to the town a few days later, and Jim feels oddly intimate to this man and just wants to be in his presence all the time. But he doesn’t get that lucky. They make it to the doctor’s office, and Bones gets to work immediately. But while he’s at work, a civilian comes in and demands he gives up some supplies. Jim gets up to help Leonard when the doctor refuses, but before Jim knows it, Leonard gets shot. Just like that. There’s a commotion while people flee, but Jim rushes towards the doctor instead. He kneels down next to him, grabbing his hand quickly. “Bones, please, tell me what I can do to help you,” he says, reaching out with his free hand to grab a hold of supplies. But there’s blood everywhere. “It’s okay,” Leonard breathes heavy, fingers tight in Jim’s grip, though rapidly weakening.

Leonard dies seconds later. Jim is devastated; staying by Leonard’s side for what feels like hours. In reality, though, it’s no more than twenty minutes before the men in the hazmat-like suits show up. They have to pry Leonard from his hands. They have to convince him it’s okay, because they’re going to fix up the broken skin tissue. They’re going to reset Leonard’s data. And they’re going to roll him back out. Leonard’s going to be okay.

“Do they suffer?” Jim asks, once he’s back in the real world. It feels surreal not to be in the wild west anymore. “They think they do,” his spokesperson says, “they think they feel pain. They feel terror, fear for their lives. They feel the pain from their written backstory, most of them tragic. Like Leonard and his wife and kids. It gives them character. Makes guests and potential buyers such as yourself more engaged.” Jim frowns at that, because somehow, that just seems wrong.

Long post ahead!

Every day is pretty much the same. Up at 6AM, breakfast by 7. Jim starts working as a patrol officer at 8, and he does so until dinner time. After dinner, he works out, showers, and spends time in the bar or other recreational areas until 11PM. There is an occasional shift when Jim fills in for another officer who’s fallen ill, but otherwise, every day looks exactly the same. And it’s fine, it really is. Jim doesn’t know any better. Doesn’t know the world before the bombs, other than what’s on the movies in the small theater room. That world was beautiful. The world now is a poisonous one.

Until Leonard shows up. The vault elders always assured no one knew about this vault in particular. Built in secret, and all that. But there he is, when Jim is alone with Scotty in the security office. This guy just stumbles closer towards the vault door, and starts banging his fists against te sealed metal doors in hopes anyone could hear. “Scotty, what is this?” Jim asks. “An outsider,” Scotty comments. “I mean, why is he even alive? Outside is supposed to be too radiated,” Jim replies, and Scotty shrugs. He pushes the comms button, hesitating briefly before leaning in closer to the microphone. “State your name and the purpose of your visit,” Scotty demands, before adding a: “please”. “My name is Leonard McCoy,” the other says, panting lightly, and looking up towards the security camera, “I am a doctor from Vault 118. I seek temporary shelter for-” Jim flinches at the sound of high pitched shrieking in the distance, echoing through the cave that hides their vault door. “No,” Scotty says, but Jim frowns. “Scotty, something’s coming. We can’t just let this man die.” “We have orders, sir. We can’t risk the safety of the entire vault for the sake of one man.” “So, give him a radiation scan.” “No, sir,” Scotty says, “I’ll lose my job if I–” but Jim pushes the lever that releases the vault door anyway. As soon as the thing starts to open, Leonard glips inside. Jim and Scotty both struggle to close it on time for a horde of the creepiest, deformed once-humans, but they manage. Scotty lets out a relieved sigh, rubbing his temples and shooting Jim a glare. “You realize those things could have–” “Yes, but they didn’t,” Jim says, and then he leaves to find Leonard.

Jim guides Leonard to the sickbay, but instead of greeting the stranger kindly like Jim expected, Leonard is pushed up against the wall and his hands are quickly tied behind his back. He doesn’t even have the time to stop it. The first time he catches Leonard privately is in one of the cells, and he approaches him cautiously. “You’re from another vault?” he asks, and Leonard looks up. “Yeah. 118. You guys always lock up strangers immediately?” “You’re the first we ever let in,” Jim admits with a sheepish smile. “Or, well, I let you in. What happened out there? What’s it like?” “Our vault looks pretty much the same,” Leonard replies, “or, looked, anyway. It was destroyed.” Jim listens curiously, sitting down by the edge of that cell. “I’m sorry,” he says, and Leonard shrugs. “I’m just looking for refuge. The world out there, it’s not… it’s not for people like us. When can I be let out?”

“Never,” Spock says, and Jim frowns. “Why not? He says he’s from Vault 118. It’s a legitimate vault!” "We don’t know if that is even true,“ Spock counters. “He could be from the ground. He’s been on the ground.“ “We did a radiation scan on him,” Jim says, “the amount of radiation in his blood is something we can cure.” “It’s illogical to put the safety of the entire vault at stake for the sake of a complete stranger,” Spock says, “and since when do you even care?” “Because,” Jim says, “it’s the right thing to do.” 

So Leonard doesn’t get released fro his cell. Not until it’s absolutely necessary. They’re pretty well sealed off, but occasional trades with the outside happen. Things they can’t grow on their own. Jim’s not actually aware of this happening, until people start falling ill. Jim, too, is feeling sick. He’s not as much of a shivering mess as most, but he does throw up a few times, looks pale and feels sweaty. Spock and Uhura decide to put the sick people in quarantine at first, but when more people start falling ill and work starts lacking, they have no choice but to call those who are still able back into work. “You okay?” Jim asks Spock, who also looks sickly. “We will be once we pass this thing,” Spock says, and Jim hands him a blanket. “Take your rest, yeah? Do we know what caused this?” Jim asks, and Spock shrugs. “Probably just from the outside. Improperly decontaminated trader,” he explains, and Jim smiles worriedly. “Hey, that guy we got locked up-” he starts, but Spock throws him an annoyed glance. “Hey, hear me out, Spock. That guy said he was a doctor. After Martha passed, we haven’t had a real educated one,” Jim says. “Who says this guy is the real deal?” “Why don’t we give it a try, though?” Jim asks, “worst case scenario, he can’t help us and we send him back out. Best case scenario, we have ourselves a new doctor.”

Leonard doesn’t really need convincing. He’s just happy to get out of that cell. And he wasn’t lying when he said he was a doctor. The moment he gets to the sickbay, he quietly gets to work, and he seems to know what he’s doing. “It’s not a virus,” Leonard explains after he’s checked up on at least four people, including Spock. “What is it, then?” Spock asks. “Food poisoning,” Leonard says, “I can help everyone if you have antibiotics. If not, I can make them.” “You can make them?” Jim asks curiously. “I mean, natural antibiotics. As natural as they come out there in the wild.” “You… want to go out there?” Spock asks with a frown, and Leonard nods. “Yeah. I mean, not really, but if I have to, I will.”

Jim doesn’t think Leonard will return. He offers his assistance, but neither Spock, Uhura, or Scotty let him. But a day later, Leonard is back. With chemicals and dried plants. Jim watches Leonard use the antibiotics on those who are really sick, and provides  his own special tea to the others. Jim feels better almost instantly, but maybe he’s a little biased - he finds Leonard absolutely fascinating.

Uhura provides Leonard with his own room afterwards, but he shares bathrooms with Jim and Scotty. Jim really doesn’t mind. Leonard wakes up around the same time as him, and so Jim has the pleasure of watching Leonard shower while Jim brushes his teeth. Jim’s had his share of romances in the bunker, but neither of them permanent, and this is mostly just a nice view. Jim knows everything about everyone in here, but Leonard is a stranger. Leonard is very, very interesting.

Leonard is allowed outside. Or, according to him, he’s required outside to gather supplies. He goes out in the morning at least once a week and comes home with whatever he can scavenge. Multiple times Jim tries to come with him, but no one in the vault lets him. Neither does Leonard. But then things go missing in the vault. Small things. Valuables, food resources, and blood samples. Everyone suspects Leonard, which Jim thinks is completely unfair, but he’s the only one who worked with blood samples recently. The first person who actually confronts Leonard about it gets a punch in the face, too, which doesn’t really bode very well for Leonard. 

After he’s released from a night in his cell, Jim takes him back to his room. “Did you do it?” Jim asks, and Leonard raises an eyebrow. “Excuse me?” “Steal those supplies-” “Yes, I know what you were referring to. What purpose would I gain with stealing supplies?” Leonard asks, “you guys took me in, I’ve been helping people here. Why would I ruin that?” “I don’t know,” Jim says. “There’s over a hundred people in this vault. Why am I the only one who’s being suspected?” “I don’t know,” Jim repeats. He watches Leonard pull his shirt off, briefly confused and distracted. “What are you doing?” “Taking a shower,” Leonard replies, “or is that a crime now, too?” “No,” Jim says  through gritted teeth. 

People start falling ill again. Leonard tries his best, Jim can tell, but the first fatal victim is a young girl. Food poisoning and radiation fever, Leonard calls it. “Whose fault is that?” Spock asks Leonard, cornering him in his office. “What?” Leonard asks. “The radiation fever,” Spock says, “I know you have been exposing us to the radiation outside.” “What?” Jim asks, “Spock, what?” “It’s true, isn’t it?” Spock asks. Leonard nods, and Jim feels strangely heartbroken. “But I can explain,” Leonard says, “these vaults, they’re not build to last. I was just–” “Save it,” Spock replies, and Jim frowns because Spock looks like he’s genuinely upset with his own answer “pack your things, doctor. Come morning, we will revoke your residency here.”

“Spock,” Jim calls out after him, “we don’t have to do this. Leonard is a good doctor.” “You think I don’t know that?” Spock counters, falling down on his couch and grabbing his notebook, “doctor McCoy and I have been spending many nights together to do research. I’m just as displeased by this as you are.” “Then why are you doing this?” Jim counters. “A little girl died this morning,” Spock replies, “because of radiation fever.” “We are blatantly ignoring the fact that this is the third of forth time in a shot time we’ve struggled with food poisoning-” “That’s irrelevant, and we’re assuming that’s true because that’s what Leonard says, we don’t know if that’s true,” Spock says, “I’m sorry, Jim. I know you’ve taken a liking to him. So have I. But I have to put the safety of the vault before my own feelings.”

Jim visits Leonard’s room, and he watches those tense shoulders shove clothes and supplies in a small backpack. “Why’d you do it?” Jim asks, “the radiation. It’s dangerous. Why would you-” “Because all of you are going to die without me doing so,” Leonard replies, and Jim raises his eyebrows. “What?” “These vaults were built to sustain up to 20 years underground, not 200,” Leonard replies, “one strong radiation storm out there and all of these people are going to die unless you gradually expose them to small amounts of radiation. Not enough to kill them, but–” “Then why did that little girl die?” Jim asks. “That wasn’t me,” Leonard replies, “someone else.” “You’re the only one who has access to the outside regularly!” Jim counters. He frowns when Leonard yanks open his night stand and pulls a pistol out. But rather than threatening Jim with it, he puts it in his backpack, too. “Fuck you,” Leonard says, “my daughter died of overexposure. All I’ve done since day one here, is trying to stop this vault from the same fate, and I’ve been questioned and suspected about it all the time.” “You could’ve just been honest about it!” Jim says, stepping in closer and grabbing Leonard’s arm. Leonard spins around to see him, and he narrows his eyes. Jim frowns, still angry, but taken off guard when Leonard pulls Jim in closer and kisses him. It’s somehow angry and passionate at the same time, and Jim wraps his arms around Leonard’s shoulders, pulling him in impossibly closer.

But this somehow makes Leonard’s departure even harder. Jim gets dressed  quietly in the morning, and so does Leonard. They’re both barely dressed up when guards show up to escort Leonard out. Leonard goes with them without struggle. Jim walks with them, too, and he quietly watches the vault doors slide open. It just feels wrong, somehow. In the time that Leonard spent in their vault, Jim became completely smitten with this doctor. It doesn’t feel right to see him walk through those vault door. And when the doors start closing, Jim finds himself moving. He walks towards the closing doors. Slow, at first, and then quicker. Before he realizes what he’s doing, he sprints through the sliding doors less than a second before it closes behind him, and only then it dawns on him. He’s on the outside. 

“Leonard!” Jim calls out, running after the other. “Jim?” Leonard asks, spinning around while he climbs his way out to the surface. “What are you doing here?!” “I don’t… I don’t know,” Jim admits sheepishly, falling in love with that grumpy frown all over again when Leonard reaches out and pulls Jim up to his level. “You’re an idiot,” Leonard says, and Jim shrugs. “Can’t argue with that.” “Can you handle a gun?” Leonard asks. The question itself makes Jim frown in worry, but he nods. “I can.” “Good,” Leonard says, reaching out into his backpack and taking out a pistol, “you’re gonna need it.” He gives one to Jim, and after Jim tucks it in his belt, Leonard continues to climb towards the surface.