Jim didn't think twice about having a "Do Not Resuscitate" on his medical file. He wasn't a big fan of the idea of being a human vegetable without choice or control. If he was supposed to live, then he would live. If he died, then it would be his end. Simple as that.
Bones didn't think twice about ignoring the glaring DNR on his medical file, taking over as Jim's main medical provider. Personal rules and regulations be damned. He fights like a man possessed until Jim comes back to him. Until all the monitors are showing stable and positive signs and Jim is able to be moved onto a less than critical floor.
He's not surprised when Jim isn't happy when he finds out that he did in fact die. What does catch him off guard is how angry Jim is. The look of pure frustration and betrayal that crosses over the younger male's face is something he would have sworn up and down he'd never see pointed at him. But there is it. Slicing him to his bones.
"Don't...don't you act like I could let you die." Bones says, voice hoarse with emotion.
"I did die, Bones!" Jim almost explodes on him.
"Then don't look at me like I could have let you stay dead!" Bones snaps back.
"That wasn't your choice! You're a doctor, not God." Jim argues.
"What's the real reason you're so upset, Jim? Huh?" Bones pries, unable to accept the fact the Jim wanted to stay dead.
"Because I don't like owing debts I can't repay." Jim admits, more frustrated than angry now.
"What the hell does that mean?" It's not the answer he's expecting.
"How am I supposed to pay the debt of having someone bring you back from death, Bones? How?" Jim asks, eyes finally meeting his again.
The anger isn't as prominent. It's simmering behind something that slices Bones even deeper. Desperation. Confusion. A man who grew up too fast looking younger than he ever has in his eyes.
"You don't have a debt to me, Jim. You'll never owe me anything." he says softly.
"That's a lie and you know it." Jim snorts.
Bones shakes his head. How can he make him understand? He steps closer to Jim, a little more confident he won't start swinging for revenge.
"You're alive, Jim. That's payment enough for me."
"I don't understand."
He gives up using words. In three steps he's closed the distance between them and pulled Jim into one of the deepest, most desperate, most fulfilling kisses he thinks he's ever experienced. And then Jim is returning the kiss. And the message comes in loud and clear.
Love owes no debts.
