Title: The Basics of Primary Ed., Part 28
Author: Caera1996
Pairing: Kirk/McCoy
Rating: This part NC-17.
Disclaimer: Still not mine.
Summary: Kindergarten AU - Jim is a kindergarten teacher. Leonard is the parent of a student. This part: Jim and Leonard have an evening to themselves.


After stopping for a quick dinner at a little hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant, they headed over to Jim's place. Conversation at dinner had stayed casual, and Jim continued to be slightly taken aback by Bones' light-hearted demeanor. They talked about Jim's progress on the final stages of his Ph.D. work, and Bones' latest round of research and his experiences in the classroom. Jim filled him in on why Joanna was learning multiplication and they again discussed getting her assessed officially. It had been nice; to just be able to spend time together and forget some of the things that'd been hanging over them…if even for a little while. They didn't talk about his appointment with Chris, or anything having to do with it. They didn't talk about the trouble Mrs. Keefe was still quietly stirring in the background that Jim got wind of earlier in the week. He knew they were going to have to talk about that sometime, but he didn't want to ruin this evening with it. It was easy, and fun, and Jim relished just being with Bones.

"Want a beer or anything?" Jim asked, opening his fridge.

"I'm good," Leonard answered. He'd noticed that Jim hardly drank at all, undoubtedly because of Frank, and he got the sense that he kept beer around and offered them more as a social convention than anything else. Leonard didn't drink much himself, and beer wasn't Leonard's first choice anyway. Leonard wandered into the living room and reached for the tv remote. He noticed there were a couple of new framed photographs on top of Jim's tv console, and when he saw the pictures, he froze in surprise. Moving closer to study them, he reached to take one down as Jim joined him, a bottle of water in hand.

Jim watched as Bones took in the photograph. He'd printed two copies and found a couple of nice frames for them, intending to give Bones one and keep the other. Jim grinned as Bones looked from the picture to him, his eyes warm, and slightly confused.

"Jim?" Leonard asked. He smiled and shrugged, a little embarrassed at the implied sentimentality.

"The day we went to the beach. I went looking for you guys when I got there and came across a perfect Kodak moment," Jim replied. "I couldn't resist. Do you like it?"

"Like it? It's amazing! I love it. I don't have a lot of pictures of the two of us…I'm usually the one holding the camera." Leonard was quiet for a moment, his eyes traveling over the picture before flicking back up to Jim. It was just a picture, but the fact that Jim wanted to take it seemed…really significant somehow. The act of taking the picture said so much – about how Jim felt about the two of them, about their relationship, and perhaps more importantly, Jim's relationship to both of them. What they had happened so fast, but they really were steeped in each other's lives. Leonard didn't know why the picture, or more accurately the fact that Jim had wanted to take this picture, really drove that home, but it did. Gently, he replaced the picture next to its twin and turned to Jim. Leonard reached out for him and Jim met him eagerly. They held each other and Leonard kissed him tenderly.

"Thank you," he said. Jim smiled and ran a hand through his hair.

"Thank you for letting me be there," he replied, and they both knew the extent of Jim's meaning. Looking into Jim's eyes, Leonard made a decision. He didn't want to lose the mood of the evening, or dwell on things that would pull him down, especially since he'd really been feeling better since Chris spelled out the situation as it really was. He'd meant what he said to Jim earlier…he knew he wasn't "cured," but this small victory was a milestone for him, and he wanted to share it with Jim. He was only feeling this way because of him and what he'd done for Leonard by introducing him to Chris. Also, he'd said that he would eventually tell Jim everything, and he hadn't yet. He felt it was time he did. He wanted them, and their relationship, to continue moving forward. Jim had carried him this far. It was time for him to take some steps too.

"Let's sit, Jim," he said quietly, leading them over to the couch. "Do you want to hear about my appointment with Chris?"

Yes! Jim thought.

"Only if you want to tell me," he said slowly. "I won't be hurt at all if you want to keep what you talk about in your sessions to yourself." Bones leaned in and kissed him again.

"I know. And maybe sometimes I will, but this…this I want to tell you. There's…there's something else you need to know." Jim looked at Bones, compassion and love in his eyes as clear as day. Bones tried to hold Jim's gaze, but it was just too intense, and he ended up looking away, falling back on the old comfort of being able to hide what he was feeling that way. Jim didn't say anything, just sat and waited for whatever it was Bones wanted to tell him. He spoke slowly, haltingly, but with a sense of determination. After everything Jim did for him, and for Joanna, he deserved his honesty. Especially about this.

"I think…I know…that one of the hardest things I tried to deal with after what happened was feeling like I should've been able to do something to stop it from happening. And that because I couldn't, I was weak; and because I didn't see it coming, I was stupid." He paused and Jim really had a hard time keeping himself quiet. He didn't want to interrupt, but he couldn't stand hearing how Bones had lived with this feeling for so long. "I – I still feel like I should've seen it coming. But, well, hindsight and all that. You know." He glanced up and Jim nodded encouragingly. Bones took a deep breath and tried to ignore the feeling of his face heating because of what he was about to say. Chris had made a good point earlier that had made a huge difference to him. He tried to hold on to that now, but it was still so damned hard.

"I met Michael at an off-campus bar that night. I got there first. He arrived later…and he was with some, uh, friends. People we both knew." Leonard stopped. He took a breath, trying to calm the anxious, fluttering feeling in his stomach. Jim placed a hand on his knee, stilling its jittery movements as his foot bounced. Leonard hadn't even realized he was doing that. Overcome by nervous energy, Leonard got up and stood with his back to Jim, arms crossed tightly over himself in an unconscious protective and shielding gesture…his eyes on the pictures of him and his sleeping daughter.

Jim ached to follow him, to wrap his arms around him and tell him to forget it, he didn't need to know – maybe even didn't want to know. But he stayed where he was, not wanting to push himself into the personal space Bones created uninvited. It was difficult for him, but Bones needed to get this out. If he didn't feel it was necessary, he would've never brought it up. Trying not to jump to conclusions based on the little that Bones had already said, Jim nonetheless had a sick feeling in his stomach. If what he thought was true, a lot of how Bones reacted with him when they were together made a very sad sort of sense.

Bones looked away from the picture. He couldn't talk about this while looking at an image of his beautiful baby girl. He never wanted any of this ugliness to be associated with her in any way. He felt like he couldn't turn around, couldn't look Jim in the eye, or have Jim look at him. What he really wanted was the comfort of being held, but he didn't know how to ask for it. Even when he was painfully embarrassed or ridiculously nervous, he never felt as secure as when Jim was holding him, and he thought that it might be easier to talk if he didn't feel so…alone.

"Bones," Jim said quietly, after a few moments. "If it's too hard, maybe it's too soon." Leonard shook his head.

"No. It's not too soon. I just…I don't know why…I can't explain it." He swallowed, forcing himself to turn around and meet Jim's eyes, hoping he'd understand. "I need you." Jim did. He heard him loud and clear. Jim got up and went over to him, unhesitatingly wrapping his arms around him and Leonard was quick to do the same. He knew he was clinging a little, but he couldn't bring himself to care.

"You've got me. I'm right here. Always." Jim wondered if Bones was worried about what Jim thought of him; if that was what was making it so hard for Bones to talk to him. If that was the case, he could alleviate that worry right now. "You know, nothing is going to change the way I feel about you," Jim said. Leonard sighed and nodded.

"I don't doubt that, Jim. If any of this was going to make you come to your senses, you would've already. Possibly the night I almost slugged you because of that damn nightmare, if not before." Jim chuckled slightly, relieved that Bones at least didn't doubt his commitment to him. Standing there, holding each other, Leonard found the strength he needed to tell Jim the rest of it. "Michael wasn't the only one there that night. The two guys he was with…helped. They pinned my arms and legs…stopped me from fighting as much as I should have been able to, even with the drug in my system." Jim didn't say anything, but tightened his arms around Bones, his heart breaking for him. "They…said things…about me. Helped Michael turn me over – their hands were everywhere." Leonard shuddered. He stopped and took a shaky breath, trying to throw off the mental image the words created, anchoring himself to here and now in Jim's embrace.

Questions were furiously turning in Jim's head. How could they do that to him? Why did they help Michael commit an assault? What happened to them afterwards? Did Bones have to finish school while sharing a campus with his attackers, or did they all graduate that year? He didn't voice any of that though. This wasn't the time for that. Bones didn't need Jim to ask the questions that he probably asked himself over and over again already. Instead, Jim concentrated on quashing the furious hatred that was bubbling inside him on Bones' behalf. How dare they? What gave them the right to decide to change someone's life forever? And the worst part was, Jim was pretty certain that as idiot college kids, they probably didn't see it as anything more than a prank, a stupid joke on the unsuspecting, innocent, naïve kid Bones was back then. Not a big deal; just a way to get an uptight kid to relax and have some fun.

All of this was roiling through Jim, and all he could let himself do was clench his fists in the fabric of Bones' shirt and squeeze his eyes closed against the sting of furious tears. God help them if any one of them ever crossed his path…

"Jim," Bones said, as he felt his body heave with tightly suppressed emotion. "You okay?" Jim let out a strangled sound that could have been a laugh if it didn't sound so pained.

"You're asking me that?" Jim said. "I'm fi – well, I'm not fine. I'm so angry. I hate that you went through that. That those…those fucking bastards hurt you and left you to deal with the effects of their evil, sick-" He stopped and pulled away a little, shaking his head, taking a breath and obviously trying to get control of himself. Bones didn't need this…it wasn't helpful and it was counterproductive. It was also completely irrepressible at this point. Focusing his anger on Michael had been easy. Trying to wrap his mind around the fact that three spineless fucks would drug and assault someone to get their kicks was nearly impossible.

This was something that he'd not seen before…this side of Jim…and Bones was watching him with concern, not expecting this reaction from him at all. Empathy, sadness, concern, love…all of these he'd seen and experienced. But this…this was something else entirely. That Jim felt this fury on his behalf was disconcerting. No one had ever felt that way because of him before, and he wasn't quite sure how to respond to it. Jim saw the uncertainty in Bones' eyes and realized he had to reign it in right now. The last thing he ever wanted to do was make Bones wary of him.

"I'm sorry," Jim said. "It's just…the thought of you – the man I love – going through that for someone's entertainment-" he spit out, and Leonard flinched slightly. "I'm sorry," he said again, "I can't…" Bones mutely shook his head; Jim didn't need to apologize. Not for this. Not for caring so much about him that he could barely contain his anger about what had happened. Leonard didn't think that anyone could ever understand the depth of his revulsion for the three men who had attacked him that night. Now, though, he knew that at least one did. He wasn't alone in that. Leonard hugged Jim to him fiercely.

"Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you for…I don't know…for caring about me as much as you do." It sounded insufficient, but the words to fully express himself seemed out of reach right now and he didn't know how to put what he was feeling into words. He thought Jim understood, though, because in the next instant, Jim was kissing him fiercely, his hands a gentle counterpoint as they roamed Bones' shoulders and carded through his hair, saying with actions what neither of them could articulate. All of his impotent anger and frustration over what Bones had gone through, and what he had dealt with alone for so long, translated by the passion in this kiss. It wasn't slow and gentle…it was desperate and needy and a clash of tongues and teeth and lips instead of a caress…and it was perfect.

Forced apart by a need for oxygen, they stood there, forehead to forehead, breathing each other's air. "I love you so much," Jim said, eyes closed. "I never realized it would be like this." Leonard smiled slightly, though Jim didn't see him.

"Me either," he admitted. "I was married, but I never felt for Jocelyn what I feel for you. I really never thought I'd ever have anything like this…I didn't think I was capable of it, and I got used to that idea."

Jim smiled at him, his blue eyes twinkling happily. "Looks like we both learned something."

"It does," Leonard agreed. He lowered his eyes and glanced up at Jim. "Let's see what else we can learn tonight." Jim gently traced Leonard's full lips with the pad of his thumb, looking at him tenderly.

"You sure?" he asked. "It's been an emotional day…you don't think it'll be too much right now?" Leonard held Jim's gaze and in an uncharacteristically bold move, captured his thumb in his mouth, dragging his tongue across it. Releasing Jim's thumb, Leonard murmured, "I'm sure."

"Okay, then," Jim said. "What…"

"Bedroom." Giving Bones another kiss, Jim nodded and led him to his room.

"What do you want to do Bones?" he asked. "Tell me."

"I want to be with you, Jim. I want you." Jim embraced Leonard again, holding him close as they kissed. Leonard pulled the hem of Jim's shirt up, hands roving over skin. He pushed the shirt up slightly and Jim got the hint. Breaking the kiss, Jim swiftly pulled his shirt over his head. Jim's hands went to the buttons on Bones' shirt.

"This okay?" he whispered. Bones nodded, a customary flush rushing over his face, but not letting it stop him.

"Yes, fine." Jim made quick work of Bones' shirt, pushing it down over his shoulders while Bones let his hands roam over Jim's chest, fingers gently pinching Jim's nipples. Jim gasped into Bones mouth and he smiled into the kiss. Jim was as sensitive there as he remembered. Not to be outdone, Jim wasn't shy about giving as good as he got, and it wasn't long before Leonard felt himself responding to the stimulation as well. "Jim," he said finally, letting his hands rub over the front of Jim's pants, feeling his arousal. Jim jerked at the sensation, straining against the seam of the zipper of his jeans. "Take these off." Jim hurried to comply. "Underwear, too."

"And you?" Jim asked. The color in Leonard's face deepened, but he nodded, ignoring it. He wasn't going to let self-consciousness get in the way of what he wanted with Jim. He could work through it. Knowing Jim loved and wanted him made him bold. Jim lay down on the bed, watching as Leonard finished undressing himself. Jim reached down and stroked himself, arousal building within him. Leonard was half-hard, and watching Jim touch himself made him catch his breath.

"You are so beautiful," Leonard murmured. "Perfect." Jim smiled, and reached for him, tugging his hand gently.

"C'mere," Jim said. Leonard smiled and lay beside him, relishing the feel of skin against skin. "You're amazing. You're so strong and, god, so hot. How did I get so lucky?" Leonard snorted and pressed his face against Jim's neck, sucking at the sensitive spot there. Jim groaned and thrust his hips slightly. Leonard responded by gently grasping Jim's erection and stroking him firmly. "Oohh…that's good," he groaned. "Can I touch you?"

"Yes," Leonard said, shifting to bring their bodies closer together.

"Get the lube," Jim said, gasping as Leonard went back to his neck with his tongue, his fingers worrying one of Jim's nipples. Rolling away from him, Leonard reached blindly to the bedside table, knocking the bottle over before grasping it and handing it to Jim. He opened the bottle and squeezed some into his palm, then reached down to curl his fingers around Leonard's shaft. Leonard groaned and breathed hard against Jim's neck as he stroked him to full hardness, his own hand stilling on Jim's erection as all of his attention focused on what Jim was doing to him and making him feel.

Unable to stay still with Bones grasping his cock but not moving, Jim thrust his hips, desperate for some friction. Bones snapped back into action, alternately rubbing Jim's cock firmly and dragging his fingers over the head, spreading the wetness collected there over him as he stroked. Hands and bodies moved rhythmically, thrusting and writhing against each other, slick with sweat from the exertion. Panting against each other's skin, swollen lips murmuring endearments, Leonard lost himself in sensation. There was no fear, no embarrassment. All he felt was Jim, his senses overwhelmed with Jim. They communicated with groans and gasps. Leonard was shaking with need. This was oh, god, so good, but he wanted more.

"Jim!" he gasped. "Please…"

"What do you want Bones?" Jim asked, struggling to focus. He licked Bones lips, kissing him hard. "Do you want to fuck me?"

"What?" Leonard asked, not sure if he heard right.

"Do you want to be inside me?" Jim asked again, thrusting hard into Bones' fist, the thought so arousing. Leonard groaned at the thought. But… he stilled his movements, trying to catch his breath and think. Jim did the same, now just holding Bones loosely, trying to focus.

"I've never…I don't want to hurt you," he said. Jim looked at him and ran his other hand though Leonard's hair, pushing sweaty strands away from his forehead.

"I'll tell you what to do…you won't hurt me. There's usually a little pain and discomfort when you're not used to it at first, but that passes, and then it's just amazing. It doesn't hurt when you're with someone who wants to make you feel good." Jim captured Leonard's lips in a kiss. Unable to stay still, Leonard thrust gently, the feel of Jim's hand on him too much. "Only if you want to Bones."

"I want to," he answered. "I do. But…not yet." Jim smiled at him, trying to convey complete understanding and acceptance.

"Consider it an open invitation," he said, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Anytime." He stroked Leonard again and simultaneously thrust into his hand. Leonard tightened his grip and ran his fingers around and over the head, causing Jim to arch and clench his muscles, gently pulling on Leonard's hair.

"I want to taste you," Leonard said. Jim opened his eyes and drew him into another kiss.

"Me too." Jim shifted around so that they were lined up and Jim took Bones' cock into his mouth, holding it steady at the base. Bones let out a cry of surprise and his hips thrust towards Jim. He wound his other arm between Leonard's legs to control the movement of his hips. So intent was he at driving Bones crazy, the long lick up the underside of cock took him by surprise and he bucked his hips. Leonard chuckled gripped him tightly, licking him again and again, until Jim felt like he was going explode.

They stroked and sucked and licked, trying to get the other to cry out, and to come. Leonard lost it first when Jim used one hand to roll his balls, and the other to stroke his cock while he swirled his tongue around the head. Bones went stiff, pulling away from Jim's cock, his fingers probably bruising Jim's hips where he held him. He thrust as much as he could, once, twice…and then was shuddering through his release, pressing his mouth against Jim's hip, trapping a shout and squeezing his eyes closed. Jim kept his mouth on him, sucking and swallowing as much as he could while Bones came, urging him through his orgasm until it got to be too much and Bones moaned with sensitivity. When Jim let him go, Leonard took Jim back in his mouth. Jim thrust as much as he could, caught in Leonard's grip.

"Oh, so good, Bones…oh, god, please!" Working his tongue around Jim's cock, he started to pump the lower half in his fist. Leonard reached behind Jim's balls to press gently on his perineum, and that did it. With a shout, Jim thrust his pelvis towards Leonard and grasped his head gently as he came. Leonard pulled off of him, stroking him through his orgasm, Jim's come hitting his chest and chin. He stroked until Jim was shuddering and his moaning took on a different quality. Jim looked down the length of his body to watch Bones wipe his chin with his fingers, and suck them into his mouth.

Jim's chest heaved as he caught his breath. He sat up and turned himself around so they were once again lying face to face. Jim kissed him, and Bones moaned into his mouth as he tasted himself on Jim's lips. They lay together, legs entwined and kissing gently, the desperate, needy quality from earlier gone and they were left with lazy, satiated contentment. "Love you," Bones whispered, closing his eyes as he trailed his hand up and down Jim's side.

"Love you more."