Title: Captain
Author: MikoAkako
Rating: PG
Genre: Angst
Warnings: None
Pairing(s): James T. Kirk
Word count: 338
Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize.
Summary: They admire him because he gives them no reason not to.
A/N: After the lovely review from Old Fiat I have redone a few lines. Thank you so much for the reviews. (:
He is their Captain.
They admire him because he gives them no reason not to.
He knows their names and greets them all with a smile that will never quite reach his eyes.
He treats them like a family, and they treat him like a hero.
A hero shouldn't break bones, but he does.
A hero shouldn't be kept awake at night by dreams that leave him in a cold sweat, but he does.
A hero should never falter in the face of danger, but he does.
A hero shouldn't be overwhelmed by fear, but he is.
A hero shouldn't ask for help, so he doesn't.
He acts like the pain radiating from his unnaturally twisted leg doesn't hurt.
He bits his lip so hard it bleeds to keep the dreams at bay.
He puts one foot in front of the other even when he knows that death will follow.
He forces a smile and says he's okay when his friends approach him.
But even heroes have to be mortal sometimes.
And in those moments where he loses his hold on that perfect façade, his crew will catch him.
They will heal the wounds he shouldn't have.
They will soothe the tears that escape his eyes.
They will ignore the hesitation in his step.
They will offer help before he asks.
They will return him to his golden pedestal.
Because he is their hero, and they are his family.
Because he greets them with a smile and calls them by name.
Because he will never give them a reason not to admire him.
Because he is their Captain.