A Star Trek Fiction

"The ultimate duo, the mighty Bones and Jim. With Bones' skills, and Jim's unpredictability, the two are unstoppable, for better or worse."

Secretly a Child at Heart

5xs Jim was Careless & 5xs Jim Cared too Much

Story 10: Bones

Jim nervously paces his room, only hoping that Bones will call out to him. But the stressed Doctor makes no attempt, which only causes the blond more worry. He knows that he has to be there for Bones, for the good Doctor has seemed quite exasperated for the past couple of days. Jim isn't sure what's bugging Bones, but it must be bad to keep the brunette away from him. And the more he waits for Bones to tell him, the more anxiety it brings down on top of his shoulders.

The blond cares too much, and he knows it. He cares about every single person aboard the Enterprise; he's grown attached, maybe a little soft. But when it comes to Bones…well, Bones means the world to him, losing Bones would mean losing himself. So with being tired of waiting, the anxious Captain finally gives in and leaves the safety of his quarters, heading towards Bones' instead.

Cautiously Jim overrides the security lock and walks inside, only to have an empty beer bottle chucked at his head. The edgy Captain instantly ducks, the bottle shattering over his head.

"Damn it Bones! What the hell?" He growls angrily, closing the door behind himself.

Bones chuckles drunkenly, "Shit Jim, thought you'd never show."

"Well you were wrong. And you lousy bastard! Drinking all the beer without me." Jim grumbles and plops down beside his best friend, snatching the beverage from Bones' hand and popping it back.

"That's mine asshole." Bones snaps, taking his alcohol back after Jim gets a good taste.

"So what's it this time?" Jim questions, grabbing a half empty bottle of good whiskey, which is more than likely taken from Scotty's cabinet.

"It's Joanna's birthday. Damn ex-wife won't lemme see her." Bones slurs, drinking the rest of his bottle.

Jim sighs, "Again Bones? You gotta get over this already. Always the same shit over and over again." The blond exclaims and Bones immediately gives him a deathly glare.

"This shit is serious Jim." Bones says in a warning tone before popping back the alcoholic drink. Jim stares at him, contemplating his words before coming to another haggard sigh, "It can't keep happening every single year. I need my CMO."

"Just like how you have a breakdown every time it's your damn birthday? How about you get over that." Bones defends and Jim flinches slightly, but he doesn't let the mental hurt show on his concerned face.

"That's different."

Bones huffs, "Is it Jim?"

"Screw off." Jim clams up; ignoring Bones' angered grumbling until it comes coherent once more, "Just get over it he says. The hell with you asshole."

"You know I'm right Bones. Just get the hell over it. And why are you so damn bitchy with me right now? It's not even my fault."

"You're the damn reason why I can't see my sweet girl in the first place. You bastard!"The Doctor snarls, swinging the empty bottle across Jim's face.

Jim's vision goes black and he falls backwards, landing with a thud. But he fights to stay conscious and surely enough his eyesight comes back, allowing him to see the drunken Doctor bending over him.

"Jim-" Bones gasps but the blond gathers to his feet hastily and thrusts himself against a distant wall, mind still racing from the attack. Even in his drunken state, Bones' face turns into regret, seeing the true fear ravaging through Jim's rattled body

"I'm-I'm fine Bones, I'm okay, we're okay." Jim replies, avoiding the Doctor's reaching hand.

Bones sighs, hanging his head, "I'm sorry Jim, I didn't mean to…it's just…"

Jim just nods his head, but doesn't make an attempt to come closer, still slightly shaken. He hadn't expected Bones to lash out, but then again he did purposely agitate him, "It's alright, I understand."

"I'm sorry Jim…" Bones suddenly sobs out and gives in to the growing pressure.

The blond stands there, watching his friend cry before diving into action. Quickly he collapses by Bones' side and wraps him into a strong, firm, hug. The Doctor turns his body towards him and buries his face into Jim's golden uniform, arms slinging around the Captain's neck.

"I'm sorry Bones; I wish I could fix this." Jim mutters, placing a hand in his drunken friend's hair.

Bones manages a weak smile, "You already have."