DISCLAIMER: See chapter one... Not that I own anything else mentioned anyway...

Chapter 12

The trio continued walking, silence having cropped up after Bones' vocal performance. Jim had taken to walking in between Bones and Spock, having wrapped his arms around himself. The darkness had begun to creep in on him, making him uncomfortable. And because it was so dark, there was no way for Bones to prepare himself for when Jim flipped out. He stopped suddenly, causing Bones to walk into him and send both of them tumbling to the ground. "Jim!" Bones cried out as he wrapped his arms around the struggling form of his captain.

"Let go! Lemme go!" Jim yelled as he flailed around and tried to remove Bones from him. Spock turned around and attempted to help Bones with Jim.

"Jim? Are you alright?" Spock made to grab Jim, but the young captain got up and pushed himself against the wall of the cavern. Bones pushed himself up onto his elbows and looked toward where Jim was.

"Jim... Whatsa matta'?" Bones' speech was slurred a bit seeing as how Jim had punched him in the jaw.

"N-n-nothing! I'm s-s-sorry, B-B-B-Bones. Did- didn't mean t-t-t-to hit you." Jim stuttered his reply.

"Jim?" Bones jumped up and moved quickly towards the form of the captain huddled against the wall. He grabbed him and felt the shivers wracking his body. "Why didn' ya say ya were col'?" His words were still slurring and caused Spock to look at him in concern.

"Leonard?"

"I'm fine, Spo'. Don' worry 'bou' me. We nee' to give Jim sum'ing to kee' 'im warm. I'm fine, so he can ha' my shir'," Bones spoke as he pulled his blue shirt over his head. He still had a black undershirt on to keep himself warm. That still left the problem of pants to give to Jim, but Jim decided for him as he pulled the shirt over his head.

"J-J-Just g-g-g-give me your b-b-b-boxers, B-B-Bones. I'll b-b-be f-f-fine." Bones nodded, even though it couldn't be seen and removed his pants and boxers, giving the shorts to Jim and putting his own pants back on. Spock was indignant and a little insulted.

"Is there a problem with my clothing?"

"No, Spo'!" Bones said in surprise. "Why? Are you ha'ing issues wi' it?"

"Not presently. I am only wondering as to why you did not require anything from me." The tone of voice that Spock directed at Bones was not truly angered, but more disappointed.

"I didn' ta' anything from ya becau' I know tha' Vulca's get col'er tha' humans. You nee' to stay war' 'oo." Bones' logic placated Spock.

"Will you not get cold, Leonard?"

"I'll be fi'. The col' doesn' botha me."

"Jim, we've gotta keep movin'," Bones said for the sixth time in the last three hours. They had been walking steadily for quite some time without a rest and Jim had been losing ground ever since his fit.

"I d-don't know if I c-can B-bones. 'm 's tired." Jim's head bobbed from exhaustion and the stuttering had returned.

"Jim, you-"

"I will carry him, Leonard." Without Bones' permission Spock scooped Jim into his arms and continued forward. Jim was asleep within minutes.

"You can't just carry him around forever, Spock. This cold is only going to get worse!"

"The health of my Captain comes before any of my needs. He is ill and I will not allow for it to progress." The note of finality in his voice shut up the older man. They continued on for what seemed like forever, even for Spock who would pride himself on his patience. Jim shivered every once and a while, but usually just snuggled closer into Spock, who was beginning to feel the chill. Beside him, Bones' eyes were becoming heavy from lack of fresh air and sunlight. When he stumbled, Spock just barely caught him with one arm.

"I don't think I can go any further," Bones mumbled. "I'm so tired."

"You must try, Leonard." Spock noticed the doctors head roll to the side and knew he had passed out. Jim was just conscious enough to hear Spock ask him to get onto his back. "Make sure to hold on securely, Jim." All he received was a mumble in return. After walking for a few more hours, Spock knew he wasn't going to be able to hold out much longer. He rested for a moment, basking in the warm breeze that was blowing against his skin. At this thought his head jolted up. "Breeze!" He knew it was illogical to speak to himself, but he was too consumed by relief to really care. Up ahead a light had glittered in the sallow cave and his pace increased upon seeing it. The sun and warmth wrapped around him, and if he were not Vulcan he would have been smiling. Hours later Bones was first to wake to the warmth of a fire and the twinkling of stars in the sky.

"We made i' ou'," he gasped softly.

"Indeed." Spock brought over a makeshift plate- a flat stone- with some type of fruit on it. Bones stared at it warily. "Do not worry, it is edible." Bones took a bite and nearly died at how good it tasted.

"It almos' tas'es li'e a Geor'ia pea'."

"I do not believe I have ever tasted a Georgia peach, Leonard."

"I taste 'em all the time Spock," came Jim's voice from his spot on the ground. "In fact, just blow Len and you'll know what I mean." Bones growled and Spock raised his eyebrow. Even in his condition Jim was still able to crack jokes.

They lay in the light of the sun for several hours, in no hurry since Spock claimed that the sun was in such a position so as to suggest that it was early morning. They napped and ate the fruit that Spock had found.

"We shou' proba'ly mo'e." Bones was still swollen, his words still funky and causing Jim to straighten up.

"Hey-Bones, I'm wicked sorry. How's your mouth?" Jim winced as Bones glared at him.

"S'fine, 'im. Ne'er be'er!"

"You astound me, Leonard."

Bones and Jim looked in awe at Spock. He did just admit to an emotion, after all. "How so, Spo'?"

"Even with an injury to your mouth, you still manage your normal level of sarcasm. It is quite impressive."

Jim laughed as Bones huffed and turned around. They lapsed back into silence as Bones' mouth began to lessen in the swelling. Around midday, the swelling was pretty much gone and it was decided that they would begin to hike up the mountain again. After a couple of hours, still being nowhere near the summit, Bones spotted something.

"Look!"

"No!" Jim cried and grabbed Bones' hand to stop him from pointing up the mountain and putting his other hand over Bones' mouth.

"Jim, what is the meaning of this?"

"Every time Bones says 'look', something bad happens... I'm not taking that chance again!"

Bones jerked out of Jim's grasp as Spock raised an eyebrow. "Fine! You can stay here! But, I'm going to see what is in that house." Bones marched on ahead of the pair, leaving a confused Jim behind.

"Did he just say house?"

"He did indeed."

The house was dilapidated, looking as though it hadn't been lived in for several decades. The roof was collapsing and there were no doors or glass in the windows. Jim saw Bones through one of the windows as he made his way around the house. "Be careful, Bones! That house looks like shit!" Jim called to the doctor. He heard an affirmative as Bones continued his search. Several minutes later, he emerged with a few items. "What'dya find, oh-scavenger?"

"Here are some clothes for ya." Bones tossed a shirt and a pair of pants to Jim, who managed to catch them. "I also found some old radio equipment, an old flashlight, and a guitar."

"Is there a specific reason that we would require a guitar, Leonard?" Spock asked.

"Dude! Spock hasn't heard you play!" Jim yelled as he got his head stuck in the shirt.

"You play?" Spock said, looking at Bones with interest.

"Yeah, a little..." Bones said modestly as he looked at the instrument, a light blush coloring his cheeks.

"Bones, don't be modest!"

"Dammit man! I'm a doctor, not a rock star!" Bones looked at Jim sharply.

"No, you're a doctor and a rock star... Although, country is more your thang!"

"You are an ass, Jim."

"No, I have an ass, a nice one too. Not to toot my own horn or anything... Now that I say that, I kinda wish I could toot my own horn- if you know what I mean!" Jim laughed as Bones groaned and Spock re-raised his eyebrow.

"Fascinating."

The trio gathered more materials for the night- food, blankets, water, and firewood. After starting the fire and eating, Jim turned to Bones. "Alright, man - time to ante up!"

"Jim..." Bones whined in complaint. Jim thrust the guitar in his direction while Spock looked on.

"I, too, must admit to desiring to hear you play, Leonard."

Bones looked at Spock in surprise. He had a look of earnest curiosity on his face and Bones couldn't deny him this one time. "Fine, but only because you asked so nicely. What d'ya want me to play?"

"Seeing as Jim has heard you play previously, he should make the decision."

"You know what I like, Bones!"

"That I do, Jim, that I do..." Bones tuned the guitar with a smile on his face, then, before playing, turned to Spock. "You might not like this song, but remember - you did let Jim pick."

He strummed the guitar and began the song.

When you came in the air went out.

And every shadow filled up with doubt.

I don't know who you think you are,

But before the night is through,

I wanna do bad things with you.
Bones played the guitar solo and Jim hummed along. Spock had not realized that Leonard was capable of such talent, although his ability to play guitar was understandable- he was a top surgeon, talented hands, as Jim would say.

I'm the kind to sit up in his room.

Heart sick an' eyes filled up with blue.

I don't know what you've done to me,

But I know this much is true:

I wanna do bad things with you.

When you came in the air went out.

And all those shadows there filled up with doubt.

I don't know who you think you are,

But before the night is through,

I wanna do bad things with you.

I wanna do real bad things with you.

Ow, ooh.

I don't know what you've done to me,

But I know this much is true:

I wanna do bad things with you.

I wanna do real bad things with you.

The final chord was played and Bones looked up at his audience.

"I must admit, I am rather impressed." Once more Bones and Jim were shocked by Spock's admittance of feelings. "I also play an instrument."

"Both my guys are rock stars? This is awesome!" Jim crowed excitedly.

"So, what do you play?" Bones asked with curiosity.

"A lyre. It is not as impressive as the guitar-"

"Are you kidding! Lyres are amazing!" Spock blushed slightly, but caught Bones' eyes and they both gasped slightly.

"You guys are so HAWT!" And there goes Jim to ruin the moment.

"Yeah Jim, we know."

"No, I don't think you do. I love you guys. Everything about you is perfect-" He started to tear up.

"Jim, you were just happy a second ago, what's going on?" Bones asked in poorly concealed exasperation.

"You guys are so awesome and talented, and I'm just a fucked up loser."

"You are not a loser, you're the youngest-"

Jim cut Bones off. "Starfleet Captain, I know. But that's only because I have you two to help me along. I'm worthless!"

"Jim, please stop this nonsense. If it were not for you, we would all be dead." It disturbed Spock to hear Jim be so harsh on himself when there was no need.

"If it weren't for me those kids wouldn't be dead!" The flood gates opened up, tears streaming from his cerulean eyes. "They told me to watch them, and I did, but they wouldn't listen to me! A few made it out though, I don't know where they are, could be dead now for all I know." It was a heart wrenching sight; the usually lively captain was so fragile. At the same moment, Bones and Spock pulled him into an embrace. He sobbed, cocooned in the arms of his lovers.

"Jim, it is alright."

"Yeah, babe, calm down." Bones and Spock knew what he was talking about, even though they had minimal information. Jim fell asleep in their arms. "He's really screwed up from Tarsus. We need to help him."

"I agree Leonard." They put their foreheads together and shut their eyes. Bones sighed.

"I love you both so much."

"As we love you, Leonard." They lay down, Jim still encased in their arms, and fell asleep.

Jim dreamed that night of fields caught fire and the screams of the dying. He saw children with burns run from him and though he tried to follow and call to them, he couldn't catch them.

He cried out and threw out his arms at the fleeing refugees, but to no avail. In reality, Jim thrashed in his sleep, awakening Bones and Spock.

"Jim!" Bones cried as he was tossed away from Jim with a yell. Spock jolted awake and looked, startled, at his lovers. Bones crawled back to Jim with concern in his eyes. "Jim?"

"A nightmare, Leonard?" Spock asked in concern.

"Probably. We need to wake him up!" Bones made to grab Jim's shoulders and start shaking him awake. Spock stopped him with a hand on his arm. "What, Spock? We need to wake him!"

"Perhaps there is another way."

"What?"

"A way that could rid him of his problems for good."

"Yes?" Bones was getting impatient as he looked from Jim to Spock and back again.

"A mind meld would be useful."

"NO! You are not using that Vulcan mind-voodoo on Jim!" Bones became defensive at the thought of someone invading Jim's mind.

"Leonard, it would have a minimal probability of harming him, even if that were my intention." Spock attempted to explain without any indication that he felt insulted. But the doctor was smarter than credited.

"Spock, I know you don't have any intention of harming Jim. That would be just moronic. I'm just worried that the meld will have adverse side effects on him... Especially after what happened with Spock Prime..." Bones stated, whispering the last part. Spock noted what the doctor said, not understanding what he meant, but deciding to question the two men later.

"It is the best plan, Leonard. We both desire the health of our captain and our love. This will just be a means to an end."

Bones thought it over, nodding as he conceded to Spock's logic. "Fine..."

"Thank you." Spock placed his fingers on the meld points of Jim's face. "My mind to your mind, my thoughts to your thoughts..." And so the meld was initiated.

Jim's mind was not quite like Spock had imagined, not that he would admit he had thoughts about the brilliance of his captain's- his lover's mind. It was dark and depressing; images of the dying, the dead, flittered in and out of focus so fast that Spock almost couldn't catch them. He felt the fear, the pain, the failure, as if it were his own, and his eyes stung from suppressed tears. Reaching deeper he found the light he was looking for.

Jim, I require your attention. I am here to help you; to make the pain go away. Will you allow me?

Are you in my head Spock? Spock could sense Jim's familiarity with mind melds- the type of familiarity that would insinuate he had already experienced one. It was something Spock refused to believe.

Jim, that would be imp-

You know what I meant. Are you?

I have initiated a simple meld in order to help you.

I don't need help, Spock. Any pain I receive I deserve.

You must know that is not true.

How would you know? You didn't live it! You weren't there! His thoughts were angry, but also broken.

I have seen your dreams, Jim. I have even seen your thoughts. It is understandable that you felt helpless, but you were just barely a teen, unable to care for yourself fully. Kodos is the only one in the wrong.

Jim flinched slightly, but smiled ruefully. I think that is the most human you have ever sounded, babe.

There is no need to insult me, James.

Ouch, the full name.

This is beside the point, will you accept my help or not? Jim thought about it; really thought about it. He would gain nothing by keeping the pain within himself and he would lose nothing by being freed of it. Spock saw his decision before Jim himself even knew. This will only take a moment, Jim.

Be gentle, I'm delicate. And for the first time ever, Jim felt Spock smile. It may have been the beautiful colors that that near laughter brought or Spock's "voo-doo" mind tricks, but within seconds Jim felt as if a weight had been lifted off his chest. Oh, that's so much better! But, now I'm sleepy. Jim mentally yawned.

Indeed. Just as fast as he had arrived, Spock had vanished. He slowly opened his eyes to a very anxious Bones, whose arched eyebrow was question enough. "All is well, Leonard. Now I must rest, as should you." They lay back down, Jim once more cushioned between them, falling asleep as soon as their heads hit the ground.

So here is another chapter, and once again, Bones got beat on and not in a good way. I realize that there was a random house on the planet, but whatever - you can think up your own idea of why it was there. I figured it was an OLD Starfleet outpost or something.

We have almost reached the end of this amazing camping trip, so leave a review!