"Vulcan ice cream? Never knew there was such a thing. You couldn't just try the chocolate?" Mouth full, Bones questioned Spock with a straight face.

Rolling his eyes, Jim scooped another bite of his sundae. He winked at the giggling five-year-old girl on his lap just as an old-fashioned bell jingled playfully against the door of the parlor.

"Scotty!" Jim exclaimed. The engineer grinned at the group sitting on barstools at the long counter. In seconds, however, Scotty was taken in as much as Joanna had been by the row upon row of flavors and options listed on the screen above them. Jim was about to comment on the coincidence of meeting him here when he spotted Sulu behind him and then Chekov. "I...wait. Bones?"

"What?" Bones asked innocently, shoveling a embarrassing amount of ice cream into his mouth once again. How Joanna managed to have better manners than her father, Jim did not know. "Maybe this is just a coincidence?"

"The kind of coincidence that happens to roll in five more people?" Jim guffawed, taking in the two women whose smiles he'd recognize anywhere. Nyota promptly kissed him on the cheek and gave Joanna a gentle hug and bright greeting before she found her seat next to Spock. Taken captive by Carol's arrival, however, Jim hardly noticed. Jim felt considerable disappointment as Carol stood slightly apart and made no move to kiss him on the cheek as Nyota had.

"Captain Kirk." The perfectly composed blonde sweetly smiled down at Joanna. "It's so nice to see you again, Joanna."

The little girl bobbed her head up and down and smiled in return, unmindful that her mouth was full of strawberries and vanilla ice cream. When the spoon in her hand drifted towards Jim, he couldn't resist.

"Mmm, my favorite," he said as he tasted the sweet treat. Joanna giggled.

"I wuv my Uncle Jim." Joanna's wide eyes peered up at Carol. "He's goin' 'way with daddy. For a wong, wong time."

It was all the kid seemed to want to say that day. Jim's heart squeezed tightly. He'd miss her. He couldn't imagine what Bones was feeling. Jim could feel his eyes upon them both now.

"We'll take good care of them for you," Carol kindly promised.

"Dr. Marcus," Jim frantically reached and grabbed his jacket off the stool beside him. "Have a seat."

"Thank you." With the gracefulness Jim already knew her to have, Carol shimmied onto the stool. Awestruck, Joanna stared at Carol with her wide blue eyes, ice cream forgotten for a moment. She'd first met Carol during a visit to Jim when he recuperated from his irradiation in the hospital. Bones mentioned to Jim that Joanna was awfully shy with the science officer. "I'm sorry if we surprised you but we all had a few moments to spare."

"I'm not sorry." He grinned at the small child his lap. "The more the merrier."

"Aye, Captain, that be the way to think of it," Scotty slapped a hand on the counter. "As long as our portions are just as fair."

Soon orders were placed and fulfilled. After she'd eaten all of her dessert, Joanna took off for her father's lap, long locks of hair bouncing playfully about her shoulders and down her back. Jim quietly finished his alone and took pleasure in observing those whom Bones secretly invited.

If he was to count on the loyalty of any one of his crew to him as their captain, he could depend on the rest to follow suit. Chekov was as faithful as an excitable pup with his new master, more brilliant and happy than any other young man Jim could name. Jim considered Pavel the younger brother he never had and had sworn to himself to protect and lead during the upcoming mission. Jim played with his spoon as the solemnity of the next five years became more definitive. His adventurous side usually monopolized his outlook on life, but as he considered the other names on his mental list, the weight of responsibility overcame him and replaced the thrill of exploration.

Sulu and Uhura teased each other, purposely provoking Chekov's laughter. Bones, now with Joanna in his arms, sat on the other side of Carol and the two were deep in discussion, heads bent. Scotty worked on a second order of ice cream and as Jim's gaze fell on Spock, he self-consciously cleared his throat.

Spock perused him closely and possibly had ever since Jim took note of his crew as they ate. An empty stool between but it made no difference. It was if the first officer parked right beside Jim, his gaze so intent and filled with concern.

"Thanks for coming, Spock." Jim offered, feeling slightly awkward now that Spock knew a little more of his relationship with his mother. He hadn't given it much thought until now and shame pricked him as he realized how that could appear. Jim sighed as he waited for Spock's reply. How different this was compared to a night on the town but it seemed fitting. It reminded him of the rare but simpler times in his life, ones far removed from where he was headed tomorrow on the Enterprise. They'd all taken a short time from their own duties and family visits. Jim couldn't quite comprehend why this would be such a priority, but he wouldn't complain. His family was Bones, Joanna, Spock...his crew.

"I have enjoyed myself, Captain"

Jim nodded at Spock absently, still contemplating the strangeness of life that was his. For a few months his days held a rhythm that he expected and welcomed. Now, faced with uncertainty and an awesome responsibility, the ice cream only increased the cold, looming, and incredible sense of unpreparedness and unworthiness.

"Thank you, Jim."

"For what?" Jim's mind raced as he contemplated everything he wanted to check one last time and hoped that Bones would not be upset with him if he missed that exam.

"Being you."

Jim attempted to hide his surprise with a shrug. "Being me is perhaps the only thing I know how to do well."

Wouldn't everyone know how to be themselves well? Jim turned a mental circle thinking about how he simply he responded to that statement. He wasn't always himself very well: his struggle to speak with his mother was one such example.

The ice cream must have dulled his own logic.

Spock only smiled. "Precisely."

Jim frowned. He wanted a better explanation, one that didn't involve too much thought but the first officer lifted himself out of his seat and politely interrupted Bones and Carol.

"Riddles," Jim muttered.

"Captain?" Carol left the other conversation, hair swishing as she turned with another smile.

"Have you noticed those two acting funny?"

"Not at all. They appear to be enjoying their time here with you."

"They're talking in riddles." He mused again, having no desire to unveil all his insecurities to anyone at the moment. He never was one to open up, and most certainly not to Dr. Marcus, no matter how beautiful she was.

She even wore the smidgen of whipped cream on her nose with the grace of a model.

He tried to keep a straight face but wasn't quite as skilled at it as Bones. "You got...um...some..."

"Jim?" Carol asked quizzically.

"Here." He grabbed her unused napkin and carefully patted the top of her nose. "Whipped cream."

"Oh!" Her hands went instantly to her flushing face. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Enjoying the fact that he'd made the prim and proper scientist blush, Jim grinned. As Carol's hands dropped slowly to her lap, Jim spied a familiar garland of green peaking out from underneath her shirt sleeve. It delicately encircled her slender wrist.

"So, you're the aunt?" He cocked his head at her, surprised at the way his day had come full-circle. Carol had a brother, but he hadn't been aware that he had any children.

"I am," she smiled softly, hands gracefully twirling the Gemini. "Honorary aunt, actually. Ann is one of my dearest friends. Matthew wanted me to wait to tell you until you noticed I wore it. He knew you would and he was right. You're observant, Captain Kirk. It was that perception which helped you to notice my lost nephew this morning. His cousin has not been kind to Matthew since he lost his hearing and Matthew was frightened by Drake's actions. I can't tell you enough how grateful his mother was that you took the time to fix his unit and remain with him until she found him. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Jim cleared his throat, uncomfortable at receiving such flattery from the usually cool science officer. "He's a fine boy."

"He is. Captain, I was surprised to hear you knew how to sign. Where did you learn such a skill?"

Jim glanced down at his hands, fingers twiddling with his own ice cream cup and spoon. He didn't dare say where. No one but Bones knew how much he'd learned on Tarsus. He swallowed and looked up at her eager expression, almost willing her to retract her question. Was he to be battled all day long by his demons?

"Jimmy, is this what you meant by getting sidetracked earlier?"

He blinked at Bones and Spock. Both men had appeared out of nowhere. Jim breathed a sigh relief at Bones timely interruption. Once again, Bones had come through for him. His best friend watched him knowingly, a hint of smile appearing on his face. "Yeah," Jim said softly.

"Your run was well worth your struggle this morning, Captain." Spock's eyes thoughtfully regarded Jim.

Concern flooded Carol's expression. "Captain?"

"I...uh...had a bit of an issue getting home. I forgot to eat before I left this morning, but Bones," Jim took a breath and exhaled slowly before continuing, "as always, fixed the problem and I'm fine now."

"I'm sorry," she regarded him curiously. "Captain, you should know that you fulfilled his dream."

"His dream?"

"Of meeting you." Carol warm smile grew.

"I'm glad to hear that. Someday, I'd like to talk with him again."

"I'm most certain that I could work that out for you, captain." Carol's eyes fluttered from him down to her melting ice cream.

Occupied as that she was with finishing her ice cream, Jim stared unabashedly at her. He stored in his memory the fact that Carol's entire face lit up at the sight of that chocolate mint sundae. When Jim saw Bones' smirk and Spock's raised eyebrows he realized he'd been staring a bit too long. He cleared his throat and quickly slid off the stool. Truthfully, he preferred a proper professional relationship with Dr. Marcus. Besides, his lesson in family today proved to him who he needed by his side. "Sorry to make this so short, everyone, but I have some other things to do."

He said his goodbyes, the hardest one being to the little girl before him. The past month Jim squeezed as much time as he could with Bones and Joanna. Being her surrogate uncle filled him with pride. He needed Bones, Spock, and Joanna as much as he needed air to breathe.

The warmth bubbling from their happy memories together did nothing to alleviate his heartache as he bent at the knees before her. Bones stood beside Joanna, hand gently upon her shoulder and eyes watching Jim with just as much care. Jim inhaled sharply and shoved everything else to the background, including the careful, ever-watchful eyes of Nyota and Carol.

"Hey," he tugged teasingly at one of Joanna's curls. "Can I have a hug goodbye?"

Joanna sniffed but shook her head.

"No?" Jim said slowly. "I can give you one, is that okay?"

She shook her head again, this time putting her fingers in her mouth and leaning into the legs of her father.

"I'm sorry, Joanna," Jim said gravely. He looked helplessly up at Bones, who looked just as stricken as Jim felt. Jim reached out and grasped Joanna's other tiny hand, giving her a smile. As soon as he did, Joanna rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him the best she could. Jim blinked back the tears as she pulled him into an embrace with those sweet, trusting arms.

"You're the best, Joanna," he whispered to her, delighting in the innocent affection she had for him. She was the sweetest and brightest child he'd ever known. "Don't forget that I'll see you tomorrow."

"After your speech?"

"Yes, that's right." Jim replied softly. "You'll get to talk with your Uncle Jim. It won't seem like I'm that far away, I promise."

She sniffed and nodded, head now nestled in his shoulder. "Wuv you."

Jim squeezed his eyes shut. "Right back at you, kid."

After another moment Jim stood, Joanna in his arms, and reluctantly transferred her to Bones. His heart nearly tore in two. Their goodbye today seemed as difficult as he imagined would be tomorrow. Transitioning from that difficult separation, Jim shrugged on his coat. He turned to his crew and gave lighthearted reminders that he'd be seeing them all very, very soon. Jim made his way to the door, mind already churning with last minute details.

"Jim-"

"Yes, Bones. I'll try."

"Jimmy." Bones called out his warning again.

Jim paused at the door, waiting as Bones approached him. Joanna sniffled in her father's arms. Bones whispered in her ear and the girl smiled tremulously at Jim.

"Daddy says you need to wisten to him or you're in big trouble," she peered mischievously at Jim. "With me."

Jim realized that these two men knew him better than anyone ever had in his entire life, save Admiral Pike. Spock and Bones had somehow realized before he did that this particular day would be more significant to him than the following one. For starters, today marked the end to his selfish existence. He could no longer push these friends away and would do as Bones requested. From this point forward he would permit Bones to heal his wounds and would begin to accept support from his closest friends. Jim considered a final medical exam unnecessary, but now realized that he would concede because it would assuage the doctor who was already beginning to complain.

"I'll try my best, Jo." Jim chuckled and drew another smile from the little girl. "I wouldn't want to get on your bad side."

"I have to make sure your vitals are better than they were this morning. You can't 'try,' Jim. Meet me at your apartment in one hour," Bones frowned. "Where are you going, anyways? Jim, I told you to stay low today."

"Don't worry. I understand. Just a short walk, to clear my head."

"Captain," Spock came behind Bones. "May I join you?"

"Yeah," Jim smiled widely. "I'd like that."

Jim glanced at the child who loved her father with the fierce, McCoy love that Jim knew of firsthand. "Thanks, Bones...for this."

"No problem," Bones expression softened. "We're family. We take care of each other. It goes both ways Jim. Don't forget that."

Bones' reprimand, although gentle, was necessary. This morning Jim had forgotten and his friends had pursued him nonetheless. He was gradually learning to let others care for him. The concept still seemed strange ever since meeting Bones, especially when his past attacked him with the intensity it did earlier.

"You're right. Thank you." He gave Bones a small smile, genuine in its essence but shaken by his own emerging emotions. He made no move to leave but continued in a quiet manner for the doctor. "Bones, you don't have to promise her the world. You give her the world every time you're there for her, holding her like this or talking with her from a starship a million miles away. It doesn't matter, Bones. You are her world."

The bells jingled lazily behind him. Jim walked away assuredly, having seen the surprised and thankful expression of the doctor. Spock silently accompanied Jim. Their casual strides were equally matched and the comfort between them more palpable than ever before. The mid-day sun filtered through the trees and buildings. It cast shadows upon the very sidewalk they trod upon, but Jim saw only stars, those who were his family. They lit the way and guided him through the surrounding darkness that was his past and his fears.

Jim smiled to himself, fully delighting in the immeasurable pleasure of having his family by his side.


Author's Note: The end! I hope you enjoyed my take on this particular day. As much as I like shipping Jim/Carol, I appreciate the Jim/Spock/Bones dynamic friendship even more and wanted to showcase that relationship in one of my fics. Hopefully, you see that here. The character of Matthew will appear in another story I'm currently planning. I thank happytheexceed for her review- it inspired me to think more on Matthew as a member of Starfleet. Wouldn't it be interesting to see a reversal- Matthew helping Jim? In other words, Matthew from the future finding a deaged!JIM/JT in a crazy adventure involving the Enterprise, a wilderness, pirates, and time travel. Oh, the way these stories weave into the minds of writers! Beta Reader Extraordinaire, DLB48- I could never thank you enough for all the help you've given me with stories to this date. To my readers and reviewers- thank you for following along and dropping me encouraging reviews. I greatly appreciate you all! Until next time!