DAY 1 - Holding Hands - Day one of the 30-Day OTP Challenge finds Kirk and Bones holding hands in the corridors of the Enterprise.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Bones asked when he saw Kirk come out of the bedroom of his quarters. Since they had gotten back from the Enterprise D, Bones had been sleeping in Kirk's quarters. It wasn't as though they had to hide their relationship anymore, so Bones freely came and left Kirk's quarters. They had only been back a little less than forty-eight hours, but Kirk was ready to get back to work.
"I need to be on the bridge."
Bones stood off the couch, leaving the portable computer panel on the couch, and walked over to him. "You're not reporting to duty, Jim. Doctor's orders."
Kirk pulled his head back, shaking it slightly, his face scrunching up in slight confusion. "Are you really going to keep me from doing my job."
Bones nodded. "Until I clear you for duty, yes."
"And what if I refuse to follow doctor's orders?"
Bones smirked at him. "Sedate you and throw your ass back in that bed."
Kirk returned his smirk. "If you wanted to get Kinky, all you had to do was say so."
Bones usual stoic visage returned to his face. "I'm serious, Jim."
"Ok, ok. I'll submit to my doctor's orders. But can I at least get out of here? Walk around? I'm going crazy being cooped up in here."
Bones nodded his head. "Would you like to go get something to eat in the dining room?"
Kirk nodded. "You going to join me?"
They hadn't been seen together since Bones had instructed the medical team to take the captain to his quarters so he could relax better. By that time, news that something was going on between the two of them had pretty much gotten around the entire ship. There was barely over 400 people on the ship. News can move fast with just a few hundred people gossiping.
Kirk didn't mind though. He liked knowing that everyone on the ship was talking about him and Bones. Bones, on the other hand, was still a little nervous about the whole thing. homosexuality wasn't widely accepted in Starfleet. It was still basically a "don't ask, don't tell" subject, but at least you weren't punished if you decided to be open about your sexuality.
Inhaling deeply, Bones nodded his head. Kirk smiled, turning to the door to walk out with him. Kirk was ready to face his crew head on. If they had problems with his decision, they could bring it up with him, or keep it to themselves. Either he was fine with. He would defend his relationship with Bones to the end. No one had ever meant as much to him as Bones did, and he wasn't going to let what people thought about them get in the way now.
He met with his crew's glances and long, drawn-out looks with a smile and pride. Before, everyone thought that he didn't care who he slept with, that any woman on this ship could have a piece of him if they wanted. He wasn't one to discriminate, and that was because he didn't care. If he wasn't going to be open about his relationship with Bones, then it didn't matter who he was with, as it hadn't mattered before he met Bones. No one was special, so he didn't care who he slept with.
But that would change now. James T. Kirk was now off the market, much to the dismay of the female population on the ship. And now that everyone knew Kirk was with a man, at least half the men were disappointed they weren't that man. The thought of that was enough to boost Kirk's ego (like he really needed to be more cocky in the first place).
The couple exited the captain's quarters and headed down the corridor. The turbolift was just around the corner, but they passed several people on the way. Kirk nodded to each of them. Bones knew he was eating up this new form of attention he was getting. The looks they were giving him weren't because they wanted him now or they envied him now but something different. They were intrigued by him on a whole new level. Bones just wanted to crawl in a hole and hide.
He wasn't ashamed of their relationship, not in any way, but he didn't like all the attention. He wasn't out to get everyone's stamp of approval. He just wanted to silently enjoy his time with Jim, like he had before everyone found out about the two of them. But the cat was out of the bag now, so to speak.
Kirk looked over at Bones and could sense his uncomfortability. Smiling, he let his hand slide down Bones' forearm, sliding his hand into Bones', lacing their fingers together. Bones looked down at their hands and back up at Jim. Kirk smiled, turning around the corner and coming up to the turbolift. The doors opened and they stepped in together. The doors closed behind them.
"Deck 2," Kirk instructed.
The turbolift whirred to life and Bones looked down at their hands before looking back at Jim. "Are you trying to make a point?"
Kirk took a step closer to Bones, pulling his hand up to press it against his own chest. "Yes, I am, Bones. Do you have a problem with it?"
Bones inhaled deeply, shaking his head. "This is just going to take some getting used to."
Kirk pulled Bones' hand up to his lips, kissing it softly. "Just relax, Baby. It'll come to you."
Kirk was glad he didn't have to hide his relationship with Bones from anyone anymore. He knew the news would get back to the Federation soon enough, and when that time came, he hoped Bones would be as comfortable with it as he was so they could stand in front of them, secure enough in their relationship not to be ashamed of it. They could only hope that would show the Federation that they could continue to do their duties despite their relationship. There was no reason why a man couldn't be with another man just like a man can be with a woman. There should be no difference.
The turbolift doors opened onto Deck 2. Kirk smiled at Bones and turned to exit the lift, still holding his hand. Kirk continued to smile at the crew members they passed. Bones did his best to be calm about their looks. He loved being able to be out in the open with Jim, but it would still take him awhile to be completely comfortable. They walked into the dining room and sat at a table, waiting for the chef to come get their orders. It may take time, but Kirk would help Bones get used to being out in the open. He would help him every step of the way.