"I believe that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that."

I'll be Good

Chapter 14

He claws his way to conscious, his mind surfacing through the pounding headache called a hangover. His eyes peel open to find that the lighting of the room is adequate. Turning, a pair of blue eyes watch his movements, they're rimmed with redness and the skin beneath is puffy and black, but the chapped lips below them contain a smile.

Leonard forces his body to sit up, suppressing a groan.

"Morning sunshine." Jim greets him cheerfully, but not too loud, minding the headache.

"What happened?" He rubs his eyes, trying to clear his vision, "It was a long night."

"What now?"

"We go to Forensic Psychology, you've already missed Xenobiology."

"Damn it Jim."

"Sorry, just making sure you got some rest." Jim replies slowly, and Leonard notices the gruff edge to the kid's voice, "Did you sleep last night?"

The blond nods, forcing a smile onto his face, "Plenty."

Leonard just accepts the answer, "Good, what time is it now?"

"I dunno, ten-ish?"

"Damn it." Leonard swings his legs to the floor, stretching his back.

Jim just sits back, still dressed in his red uniform, Leonard guesses he's wearing the same one from yesterday, which also means he hasn't bathed, and at this rate, probably hasn't eaten anything. But his sore muscles and growling stomach take a hold of him and he pushes away the thoughts. Jim's smart enough to take care of himself, he doesn't need to babysit the kid.

"Alright, I'm gonna take a shower, you're free to any food I got lying around." Leonard waves the blond off, snatching some clothes, but there's a ninety percent chance Jim won't take him up on the offer, nonetheless the kid pipes up, "Okay." The blond's words are dry, lacking of their usually enthusiastic tone, though he supposes it's just been a long week for the kid.

Leonard leaves without another word, letting the shower's cooling water soothe his muscles, relaxing his mind. He makes it quick though, washing his hair and body before toweling himself dry. He only comes out of the shower ten minutes later, fully dressed in his red uniform.

Jim's head snaps up from where he sits on the couch, hands tightly clasped together around his knees.

"Been here all night?" Leonard prompts, heading to the replicator to get some food, "Yeah." Jim mutters, straightening himself out.

"Should we stop at your place then?"

"Mmhmm." Jim hums, hands kneading at his skull, "Guess I'm not the only one with a headache." Leonard comments, coming back around with an apple in hand, "Did you eat?"

The blond nods.

Another lie, yet Leonard lets it slip.

"Alright, let's go."

The two leave the room, heading over to the Roddenberry dorms for a quick grab for Jim's PADD, grateful that Francis actually let them inside.

"Why don't we all just go over there together?" Francis suggests before the pair have the opportunity to slip out, "Sure, why not?" Leonard offers a fake smile, his mind still aching over his daughter.

Jim nods.

They brush through the crowds, Francis slinging his arm over the blond's shoulder, whispering something into his ear. Jim pales, but covers it up with a grin. Leonard can only wonder what was said.

They reach their psychology class with time to spare, but Jim isn't his enthusiastic self, and Leonard soon learns why when the she-devil herself slithers into the room, with one goal in mind, Jim.

Leonard and Jim have situated themselves comfortably, with Francis leaving them to sit by his own friends. They're both awfully quiet, which is odd for them, they're usually the loudest pair. But with Leonard's mind plagued with thoughts of his baby girl, and Jim, well, with whatever the hell he's going through, they just don't seem to have the energy to speak.

Then she appears and Leonard wonders why he hasn't put the puzzle pieces together sooner.

"Hey James." Hermione snakes into view, her hands gliding across the blond's shoulders, lips pressing against his forehead.

"Hey babe." Jim greets with smile, it seems genuine, but Leonard can see the tension in his eyes.

"Last night was amazing, maybe, you could, you know. Come over tonight as well?" Hermione places herself on the table, holding Jim's chin up, while the other hand strokes his greasy hair back.

"I don't know-"

"C'mon James, I've never seen your room yet?" She chides, giving him a gentle smile. "I have combat training tomorrow morning…" Jim starts, but Hermione gives him a look, "Yeah, of course, my place tonight."

"Alright, meet me at the usual?"

"Yeah, see ya then babe." Jim replies, letting his girlfriend plant a kiss on the top of his head before strolling away.

Leonard blinks, unsure of how to make himself known once more, "Wow, how long?"

"Couple weeks now."

"Shit man, didn't know. Are you-are you guys, ya'know, doing it?"

"If you're talking about sex, then yes, we're doing it."

"Oh, just wondering."

Silence befalls them as Professor Nichols speaks up, "Alright class, quiet down now. Please turn your textbook to chapter ten discussion."

She waits a moment for everyone to dig it out, turning the pages rapidly as if she'd continue without them, Nichols wouldn't, she's one of the sweetest women on campus.

"Everyone have it?"

A few nods in the crowd.

"Good, now see the next page? Uhh, Cadet Kirk can you read the project instructions?"

Jim nods, "Yes ma'am."

The blond clears his throat, eyes quickly skimming over the instructions to find the exact location of the desired passage, "Students will be given an identity, interrogator, suspect, or murderer. The student will then be given until next class to create a background for themselves, some of which may be true and some completely fictional. Each student will be quizzed by the interrogator. The interrogator will question the student and state if the suspect is lying or not to the audience. The objective of the simulation is for the interrogator to correctly choose the murderer before the time is up. Each simulation can have six to twelve participators, and will be fully controlled by the instructor."

"Thank you cadet."

"Yes ma'am." Jim nods.

"Alright, we'll be doing it slightly different. I'm going to divide the class into two groups, so roughly groups of fourteen or so. I want you guys to spend the rest of class outlining your character's background once I've assigned you your role. Understood?"

Everyone nods.

"Good, I'll be sending a number to everyone's PADDs. If you get number one, sit on this side," Professor Nichols gestures towards the right of her, "And if you get a two, sit on this side."

Then all the PADDs buzz as they receive their assigned numbers.

Leonard glances down, seeing that he has been assigned to group number two.

"Looks like we're going separate ways partner." Jim grins, patting him on the shoulder before getting up to switch sides.

Leonard watches him leave, noticing that Francis is also in Jim's group. He sits there, letting everyone come to him.

"Okay, now, I'll be giving you your assigned role, I do not want you to share with anyone what it is, even if you're in different groups."

The rest of the day is a drag, his mind is far too distracted to write a whole background story for his fictional character, what makes it worse is that he's a lowly suspect, nothing to hide, nothing to gain. Maybe he can get murdered, that'd make it more interesting.

When class ends, Jim magically appears by his side, "Hey, lunch is on me, anywhere you want, just name it."

He frowns, "Why so nice?"

"Owe you one." Jim smiles, ruffling his hair despite his obvious protests against the display of affection, "For what?"

"Ya'know, I haven't had a fight in weeks, I owe you that at the very least."

Leonard nods, he'll take it, anything for Jim to pay for his lunch, the damn kid is always snooping for the crumbs, nibbling at Leonard's lunch, running off with pieces of his dinner, the blond is always hungry. Though, recently things have taken a turn.

They leave the class, side by side like they always do. Though they may physically be close, mentally is a different picture. Leonard's trapped in a world, embracing his sweet Joanna, baking pancakes and frying eggs on the stove with her. Jim, well he's a different story, who knows what dark monster has his mind chained to the floor, his subconscious screaming for his mute voice to be heard.

"Bones." Jim prods his shoulder, adjusting the things within his arms, "I'm gonna drop my stuff off, wanna meet at the hill in ten?"

The 'hill' is the place where Jim had romantically professed his love for the stars, where he'd passed out drunk on Leonard's legs and tried to have sex with him, yeah, that hill, now it's their meeting place, completely appropriate.

"Yeah, that'll work."

Jim nods, slapping him on the shoulder, "Alright, see you then."

The blond appears to happily skip away, turning left to his own dorm while Leonard trails lazily to the right, the Barrett dorms slowly coming into view. He takes his sweet time, mind still wondering and stumbling over the what ifs of his life. There are a lot of them, so it keeps him busy the whole way there.

Leonard's still thinking when he blindly strolls into his room, proceeding to dump his belongings on the floor, not bothering for a table. Blinking, he grabs the last bottle of beer from his room before heading back out. Of course drinking is not permitted on campus, but hell, he'll do whatever he wants.

He keeps the bottle close, leaving the room with the bottle of beer and his student ID, it's all he needs right now, Jim will handle the rest, like he always does.

When he reaches the hill, the blond is already there, head bowed in silence, arms resting on bent knees. The kid looks peaceful, yet slightly disturbed, as if a shadow has been lingering within him.

"Wanna talk?" He offers, revealing the bottle in his hand.

Jim doesn't even look up, "Talk about what?"

"About Hermione, she's controlling you Jimbo."

The blond perks up at his nickname, knowing whenever Leonard uses it he's going soft on him.

"Stay out of it Bones, it's none of your business."

Leonard frowns, "When it concerns you? Yeah, it's my business."

"Can we just get something to eat?" Jim says in almost a pleading tone, Jim Kirk never pleads.

Leonard hummpfs, "Sure, let's go." He yanks the blond to his feet, letting him lead the way.

Jim takes him to the city, on foot, not to complain but Leonard would've preferred a ride, but the blond seems so content glancing around at the tall buildings that he couldn't destroy the moment. Leonard isn't sure if the blond meant to remain quiet, but either way he allows it, maybe they need some time to think. Jim doesn't even say anything when Leonard chucks the empty beer bottle into the ocean inside of throwing it away.

"How about here?" Jim prompts suddenly, gesturing towards the Burger Connection.

He nods, "Sure, looks good to me."

They stroll inside, Jim seeming to blend in so well.

"Hey Katie!" Jim greets a woman from across the ordering counter, "Hey Jim, want the usual?" Katie asks nicely, "Uhh, can you make it two? I brought my friend, Bones with me."

"Oh sure! Any friend of yours is welcome here. Two cheeseburgers and large fries coming up."

Jim gives her the money and extends his hand for the change and receipt which he stuffs into his pocket. He turns to Leonard, signaling him over.

"Alright your order number two fifty-five." Katie informs Jim before scurrying away to the kitchen.

Jim guides him to the benches, sitting down with a sigh.

"You must eat here often." Leonard mentions, glancing around, he's never been here before, but clearly Jim has, "Yeah, business is slow here, but I like it." Jim replies, hesitating slightly.

The blond pauses, glancing up to meet Leonard's eyes, "Wanna talk about last night?"

He stiffens, taking the moment to scratch at his hair, "I'm not entirely sure 'what' happened last night." He admits.

Jim nods, "You were drunk last night…"

"Like I couldn't tell by the headache." He grumbles in response.

"You told me about the divorce."

Leonard feels his heart restrict, his lungs pausing in mid exhale, only to forcefully push the rest out to suck in another gulp, "Yeah, yeah the divorce is ugly."

"I got as much."

"Thanks Jim."

"Don't mention it Bones."

Leonard sighs, "Now it's your turn."

"Hmm, not quite." Jim hums.

"C'mon, I shared some of my past; it's only fair that you do the same."

Jim's eyes narrow at him, "This isn't some trade-off Bones, this is our lives. I'll share when I'm ready."

Leonard knows better than not to pry, but the situation with Hermione and Jim keeps nagging at him, "Can you at least tell me about Hermione? What's the deal with her?"

"Here you go gentlemen, I called your number but I believe you didn't hear." Katie suddenly appears, placing their food before them, stopping the conversation from heading into a touchy subject.

"Thanks Katie." Jim smiles and the lady meets it with one of her own before strolling back behind the counter to take the next order.

"Jim." Leonard pries, but the kid shakes his head, "Let's eat Bones."

So they do, and Jim supplies mindless chatter, talks of classes, upcoming assignments, and something mumbled about his Book Club. All the while Leonard lets his mind be consumed, mouth chewing steadily on his delicious greasiness.

He keeps thinking back to his daughter, wishing to bring her into a tight embrace, to place a kiss on her cheek, to watch her sleep in her bed. He just wants to be near her, to feel her soft hair beneath his fingertip, to let the sweet smell of her skin linger in his nostrils. He misses her so much.

"Bones…" Jim nudges his mind back to reality, "Yeah?"

"Did you hear what I said?"

"What?"

"Never mind." The look on Jim's face is twisted into one of pain, yet still somewhat relief as if he said something he didn't actually want Leonard to hear, he can only wonder what.

"Good food right?" Jim steers the conversation away, "Yeah, it's amazing; you should've told me about this place sooner."

"Calm yourself old man, I didn't want you getting fat." Jim jokes, earning a glare.

"Well, next time we come, lunch is on me."

"I'll hold you to that." Jim smirks, and Leonard almost feels that things are back to normal, but with Jim, who the hell knows what normal is, there is no such word in the kid's dictionary.

They finish up their meal and Jim says his goodbyes to Katie before leaving, Leonard gesturing him out the door, "Thanks for lunch Jim."

"Yeah, anytime Bones." Jim smiles, wrapping an arm around Leonard's shoulders, steering him in the right direction.

Leonard lets Jim keep his arm there, and it's actually a good thing he did, because half way to campus, the blond falters in step, nearly faceplanting if it weren't for Leonard's reaching hands.

"Damn it Jim, what the hell?" He growls, stabilizing the blond on his feet, "Sorry, guess that burger didn't settle well." Jim admits sheepishly, and it's then that Leonard realizes the pale color of the kid's skin.

The kid hasn't slept or eaten in a very long time.

"Yeah, I guess so, c'mon, it's only a little further." Leonard urges, placing a hand on the kid's back, setting a steady pace.

They reach campus in a timely fashion, and on the way to Roddenberry dorms, they're met by a panting Chekov. The boy's cheeks have flushed bright red, and there's a fear gleaming in his eyes.

Leonard frowns, he and Jim glancing at each other before back to Chekov.

"What's going on Pav?" Jim implores, grabbing the boy by the bicep to stop him from stumbling over, "It's your roommate."

The blond tilts his head, clearly confused, "Yeah, what about him?"

"He's locked up in your room. People say his-his mother died."

Leonard feels his heart rate escalate.

"What's this gotta do with me though?" Jim prompts, searching Chekov's eyes for clues.

The Russian boy swallows, running hand through his locks of red hair, "Finnegan is there with him."

Jim's eyes widen, "Alright, its okay. I'll handle it." Jim promises, "Thanks Pav."

Chekov nods his head, "No problem."

Jim turns to run off but Leonard catches his arm, "Jim, you can't seriously be going in there." He growls sternly, "Bones, I know what it's like to lose someone you love. I can help him."

"When have you cared?" Leonard asks, "When did you think that I didn't?" Jim retaliates, hands clenched in boiling rage, and the kid that seemed so sick only mere minutes ago is gone.

Leonard takes a step back, physically and mentally, "Jim, you'll get your head ripped off if you go in there; Finnegan will beat you into a pulp."

"Well that's just a risk I'm willing to take." Jim replies sharply, prying Leonard's hand off of his arm.

"Jim please." Leonard says, searching those bright blue eyes.

Jim's body sags slightly, "I'll be good, I promise Bones." The blond whispers, before turning to sprint off towards the dorm.

Leonard feels his heart melt, and for a moment, he lets himself believe it, he has to.

He stares after him, feeling Chekov's stare penetrating his skull, "He needs you, you know that right?" The boy informs him.

He nods, sighing dramatically, "Yeah, he needs me. But I don't think he knows that just yet."

Author's Note: Woah, what is Jim getting himself into now? I had to somehow bring the characters back into a bloody mess. Also, I think it's about time Jim breaks his innocent streak, Bones can't stop him from getting into fights, it's just the Jim Kirk way. Well, I hope you've enjoyed the chapter, and that it wasn't too boring, I just had to recapture the emotions, this chapter is setting the theme for the upcoming chapters, because I have some serious stuff planned and I can't wait to share it with you guys and it's going to hurt so bad, so prepare yourselves. I hope you guys are as excited as me! Anyways, thanks ghostbeach, Anonymous and LOORIOVER50, your guys' reviews are much appreciated and make me laugh and smile when I read them. So, thanks for sticking around this long and I hope you guys ride this thing to the end, because we're about to get into some deep feelz here, I hope you're prepared. Live Long and Prosper.