A/N:This thread is where I'm going to put all my random Jim/Bones fics, that aren't long enough to warrant a post of their own. I'm marking it as complete, because the stories are self-contained, but I will be adding to it on a pretty regular basis. Ratings will fluctuate from PG to M, depending on the particular one-shot.

This one-shot is set in the regular verse, and rated T

Homecoming

His away mission had gone on far too long. It felt like months, even though he knew it'd only been days.

That didn't make it any easier, and the separation had been killing him. Separated from his ship, his crew…his heart.

Understandably, his step is much lighter than it's been the entire time away, as he slips through the last corridor towards his door – one duffel slung over his shoulder, the other bag held in his hand. He's weary, but things went so well.

And he's dying of anticipation, hoping that he'll have someone waiting for him back in his room. They must have made an announcement that he was back on the ship, and he's expecting –

His fingers fairly fly over the keypad, as he enters the sequence to open his cabin's door. Only one other person knows that code, and he knows they wouldn't hesitate to use it –

And his spirits fall, as the door opens and he's got a clear view of his quarters – empty, alone.

With a sigh, he drags his feet the last few steps inside the door. He doesn't get far enough for the sensors to register he's entered, and it stands open behind him as he drops his bags on the floor. He doesn't have the heart to put them away. He'd been too long without, and even just getting a chance to see his love, even if they didn't have any time before life on the busy starship had to continue….

But, it seems, there's no time for that either. And it's not as if he's unused to the situation – Starfleet was demanding of everyone, especially their senior officers. Shifts don't melt away simply becomes one half of a whole returns.

No warning before strong hands are wrapped around his stomach – skilled fingertips skimming over the muscles of his abs as he's pulled into a strong chest. A soft, reverent kiss is placed on the nape of his neck.

He sighs, covering the hands on his stomach with his own and giving a squeeze. Leans back into comforting warmth, finally feeling complete – and at home.

"Who are you searching for, Darlin'?" warm breath against his neck, a nuzzle.

He simply hums in response, knowing that the vibration will be felt through his body. Let's himself enjoy the feeling for a moment more, reveling in the sense of rightness before he shifts slightly in those arms.

Speaks to the man with his head nestled in the crook of his neck; "I missed you."

Another gentle kiss, this one at the junction of his shoulder and neck. "I missed you, too, Darlin'." A soft murmur, and then a deliberate brush of a tongue tip against soft flesh.

He shivers, suddenly flooded with the intense desire to feel, to experience what he's been denied for days.

"Bones…" he whispers, a soft hitch in his breath as he turns completely in those arms. His hands, of their own accord, splay across taut chest muscles – he loves the feel of this man, his muscles, his skin, his mouth –

Hot on his own. Drowning in the kiss, he's held tight to that strong body, pressed so firmly against the lean frame it's like his love wants to merge them into one being.

Not that he doesn't want the same. And if merging their existence into one is not possible, at least they can touch, and be touched.

But too many clothes, and he's fumbling at the fastenings for his love's pants, their shirts having already disappeared without him being consciously aware. But his fingers are fumbling in his need, and it's not working so he'll just have to rip the pants off his love –

A chuckle, as sure fingers shift his away, and the pants shift down narrow hips. He can feel the laugh in the chest pressed against his, in the mouth claiming his own. It makes him grin in reply, as he drags his lover back.

Away from the closing door, and to the bed.