Spock took a calming breath before pushing open the typically plain hospital door. The metal panel suddenly absorbed the heat from his hand making him shiver before releasing it as he stepped inside. It smelt of disinfectant and Jim.
As soon as he felt Spock enter the room Jim slowly opened his eyes and smiled, sincerely and completely, causing crow's feet at the corner of each of his eyes.
"Spock."
"Captain." Spock's body relaxed a little seeing Jim so...alive.
"Spock, please. It's Jim." he smiled again, making Spock remember just how much he missed that smile. Spock walked - more like glided - closer towards the bed barely making a noise. He sat down in a plain hospital chair and pulled it up closer to Jim's bed.
"I'm sorry, Jim. I should have foreseen the-"
"No, Spock. It was no-one's fault. You didn't force me into that chamber."
No, but I should have stopped it. I should have been able to save you, Jim.
Spock thought for a while just sat there next to Jim. It was a comfortable silence. Steady and strong, the beeps and whirs of the machines attached to Jim carried on as if they were speaking a language of their own. It was almost as if their very presence was the thing keeping Jim healthy and well.
Inanimate objects can not possibly communicate with one another. Spock though as he mused his way through the lull in conversation. They continued like this until Jim began to stir again, shifting so he was once again upright and comfortable.
"So, how's the crew?"
"All are well and functioning, Captain."
"How many times have I told you?"
"Told me what, Captain?" Spock cocked his head and Jim paused a second, a wave of amusement crashed over his face.
"I've missed you, Spock. It's not much fun being dead."
"I've missed you also, Jim." and in that moment they were forever. And in that moment Jim could swear he saw Spock smile.
A/N: Sorry this took so long; I've been doing final GCSEs and such. Thank you very much for your patience, though :)
