Author's Note: Continuing as I can...thank you for your support. Those comments meant so much at this time, and I really can't express how much I appreciate them. I'm so grateful for your patience and understanding - and even extra support here and there, letting me know you're out there when I'm a little low. :) Thank you. I do hope you like where things will be going.

I'd like to thank Diamondblue4, junker5, and plumeria 47 for their willingness to beta, their encouragement as this story progresses. *HUGS*

This chapter backtracks just a little, giving Jim's POV of part of the last scene in Ch. 10. I hope you enjoy the read, even though it's a little shorter than usual. :)

oOo

And If I Stand Next to You

Chapter 11

(all i can think of is this moment)

oOo

Jim savored his first bite of cherry pie with everything he had. He closed his eyes in bliss, relishing the fresh fruit and flaky crust as he chewed, the flavors bursting in his mouth like fireworks. He always loved Nora's pies, but this one was exceptional. It melted in his mouth, more delicious than anything she'd ever made.

He took another bite, hearing his friends talk over him but no longer paying any attention. The voices around him were warm but muffled, as if pieces of cotton were stuffed in his ears. It was pleasant, a murmur that he didn't even try to understand. Why should he? He felt like he was on a cloud, floating far away. Or in a bubble, shielded from his worries. Whatever it was, it was magical.

Sort of like his piece of pie, which had appeared under his nose out of nowhere.

He settled deeper into the bubble. It was safe. Protective. He reveled in it. Bones had used this trick on him all the time at the Academy, but he'd never mentally separated from him or the world around him this much before. It was as if another force had come alongside Bones, helping him get to this point where he was so distanced from them, he wasn't worried. About anything.

Whatever it was that was helping Bones, and therefore, Jim as well, it was working. He felt sated. Content to just sit and eat and let them solve the issue at hand. The issue that he now could hardly remember.

He chewed happily, his stomach filling after just a few bites. As he swallowed, he thought again about this so-called second breakfast. Maybe he shouldn't eat too much, given what had happened yesterday. He didn't want to lose his dessert-for-second-breakfast as soon as he'd eaten it. Bones would know if he should finish it or not.

A little of the bubble cleared right away as he looked up at Bones for permission.

"May I eat the entire piece?" he asked, hope bleeding into the request.

Bones's expression filled with tenderness. Jim stared back with wide eyes, basking in that, too.

"Yes, Jim," Bones drawled, like he was speaking to a child.

At the moment, Jim felt like one, not that it was a bad thing. On the contrary, he felt protected and loved, by Bones—and Spock. Warmth coursed through his entire body. He'd give up his piece of pie—his damn ship—just to make this moment last forever.

"You eat and listen," Bones reminded him gently. "Spock and I will talk."

Jim blinked, surprised he could hear him so clearly again after being in the bubble so long. "Okay."

The bubble closed, like a loose, protective curtain over his mind. His head felt light and soft, and lulled, Jim took another bite of pie. And another.

After awhile, when he was nearly finished, he began to think twice about the bubble. He liked this feeling that all the cares in the world were gone. He liked it a lot, especially after all these days—weeks—dealing with the injections and their side effects. But he didn't want Bones to think he wasn't concerned. It was the last thing he wanted to do.

The bubble began to clear in the wake of those thoughts. He furrowed his brow, the voices gradually less of a murmur and more like the ones he was used to hearing. Spock, logical. Bones, that drawl of his thickening as he talked.

He listened for a short time before he finally understood their words again.

"...unless she meets with you," Spock was saying once Jim locked on to their voices. "In regards to the custody. She cannot refuse."

She cannot refuse.

"That's it," Jim murmured.

The answer had been staring them in the face. In the form of his nightmare. He wasn't surprised it came to him this way. His nightmares in the past always had a way of shocking him with revelations. It was just one more illogical, crazy thing about his life.

Bones threw him a look. "Jim?"

"Spock is right. She can't refuse," he said, a light going off in his head. "She can't refuse you, Bones."

"What do you mean?" Bones asked, frowning.

"We just have to get Jocelyn to fall in love with you again," he said without thinking.

But it was true. In a way.

Jim knew for a fact that she never saw Bones for longer than five minutes at any given appointed drop-off with Jojo. Any sessions they had with lawyers together were just that. Sessions. And during those sessions, Bones would be scowling more than ever, his words concise and cool to her, never once showing her his warmer, more agreeable side. Especially where Jojo was concerned.

How could she even consider Bones a proper parent if she never saw him as one? If she didn't even like the fact that he was her daughter's father? Because she didn't even know him anymore?

If they managed to pull her attention away from Treadway for at least one night, give her a chance to see Bones interacting with Jojo in a natural setting for both of them—Nora's house—maybe she'd see for herself. That Treadway wasn't a good influence for their daughter. Or for her, for that matter.

But that Bones was everything to Jojo.

"What?" Bones exclaimed. He immediately reached over the table and checked his forehead with the back of his hand. "You're going straight to bed."

"Bones, I'm fine now, really," he said, swatting at his hand.

"I'll be the judge of that," Bones said, but he retracted his hand. "You're talking nonsense, Jim."

"No, it's perfect." Jim nodded. "We need to make her fall in love with you again."

"We are doing no such thing," Bones gritted out.

"Captain, I must agree with Doctor McCoy," Spock said, eyes narrowing on Jim. "Your suggested course of action is unwise."

Jim smiled, still confident they'd see it his way. They were worried about him, though they shouldn't be. He could handle this.

"It'll work, trust me, Spock. And you're irresistible, Bones. My nightmare taught me that."

"Are you outta your cornfed mind?" Bones blurted. Jim quirked a brow. "There's no way in hell we're going to try and get my ex-wife to fall in love with me again, Jim."

He rolled his eyes. "Of course not. That's not what I'm suggesting."

"But that's what...what you just said!" Bones strangled out a sigh.

Bones seemed to think he was speaking Cardassian, but Jim couldn't think of any other way to explain it. No, he didn't want Jocelyn truly falling in love with Bones, only see that she'd made a mistake with Treadway. Hopefully realizing she needed to find someone more like her ex-husband, who was not the same man she'd divorced. He was certain she'd come to that understanding on her own if she was given the opportunity. If she would only let herself see it. But, most importantly, if Bones had enough confidence in himself to show her who he'd become since he'd joined Starfleet.

A man who was honorable. The single most unselfish man Jim had ever met. A man who went above and beyond to properly care for the people around him, who had more heart than she could possibly understand on her own.

A man whose crusty exterior belied the compassion underneath.

"Then what are you saying?" Bones asked, expression frustrated.

"Captain, I admit I am confused, as well," Spock said.

"We beat them at their own game," Jim said matter-of-factly. "We become as deceptive as they are."

"How?" Bones asked, doubt in his eyes.

"By changing Jocelyn's mind. About more than the custody battle." Jim lifted the fork to his mouth, taking another bite. "We become as deceptive as they are."

Juice sliding down his throat, the comfort of pie hitting him again, he was tempted to ask Bones to put him back in that safe place. He swallowed the pie, chasing that thought away. He felt better than he had before, when he'd flipped out over a damn time. 1448. He had to be strong. He had to be present for Bones.

"How?" Bones asked.

Spock quirked a brow. "You are suggesting that we influence her to sever the engagement."

He swallowed, thankful that Spock, at least, seemed to be catching on. "I think you could think about letting her kiss you, Bones," he said, shrugging. "If she wants."

Bones slumped in his seat. "Unbelievable."

"It'll work, Bones," he insisted.

It had to.

"I've heard that one before," Bones muttered under his breath.

"It will," he said brightly. "You're charming and old-fashioned, especially when you're not so grumpy. We just have to get her to see this side of you again, convince her that she wants to marry someone more like you instead of Treadway." He grinned and pointed his fork in the air at him. "You could even flirt."

He couldn't believe he'd just said that.

"I am not going to flirt," Bones bit out, glaring at him. "Did ya forget what your nightmare was about?"

He had a point but he just rolled his eyes. "I didn't forget, Bones. But this won't be so bad. Just think about it. For Jojo's sake, as long as we pull this off without her knowing. Wouldn't want to get Jojo's hopes up in the wrong way.'

"Still don't like it," Bones said, scowling. "What if we succeed, which is highly unlikely, and she dumps him just like that, and our ex-boxer takes it out on Jocelyn?"

That was exactly what he was talking about. Bones's concern for everyone, even his ex-wife. He exchanged a glance with Spock. "See? He's sharing his caring side already. She won't be able to resist."

Bones groaned and put his face in his hands. "You said yourself that he's dangerous. Jocelyn cutting off the engagement could send him over the edge," he said in a warning tone, giving him another look.

He had to agree. "Then we have to be discreet about it, act like we're not involved, like Jocelyn changed her own mind without any influence. I think Spock has a good idea about wanting to speak with Jocelyn alone."

It was more than a good idea. It was a fantastic idea. As soon as he could, he'd ask Spock what he planned to say to her.

Jim hummed noncommittally in his throat. "Now, how to get her alone without anyone knowing...that's the question."

"She'd come here for dinner if I invited her," a soft voice said from the doorway.

Bones snapped to attention like he was caught red-handed in the cookie jar. Jim smiled to himself, the involvement of his mother just what they needed.

"Mama…" Bones began.

Nora cocked her head and smiled at her son. "She used to come for meals in the evening, even after you divorced. Remember?"

Bones sighed. "Don't tell me you agree with all of this nonsense, too."

"I'll ask her today," she said cheerily. "We can plan for the dinner to be two days from now, give Jim time to feel more like himself."

Jim felt a flash of satisfaction that Nora was in agreement. He leaned forward a little in his chair, holding his breath as he waited for Bones's answer. In the silence, Spock unclasped then clasped his hands on the table again.

Jim lifted a brow. Interesting. Underneath Spock's cool exterior, he was as anxious as he was for Bones's decision.

"We mix like oil and water," Bones grumbled in his usual fashion.

"Just one night, dear," his mother gently reminded him.

Bones crossed his arms, silent. Just when Jim couldn't take the tension rising in the room, he finally replied. Or ranted, was more like it.

"I'm not flirting or kissing or hugging. I'm not bending over backwards for her. I'm not trying to get her to fall in love with me, but I will show her that I care for her happiness because it directly affects our daughter. I will show her that I love our daughter with my whole heart and want to be a part of her life as much as possible, as much as Jocelyn will let me." Bones paused and stared right at Jim. "And as much as my position in Starfleet allows."

Jim blinked, almost dropping his fork.

...as much as my position in Starfleet allows.

He'd never heard Bones say something so strongly, especially in regards to Starfleet. He held his breath, the realization still shocking to him. Bones really wasn't going to leave him, and this was his way of affirming his earlier decision. He'd meant what he said on the porch. He was sticking by Jim. And at a time when he needed him the most. He wasn't running in the other direction like other people in Jim's life had when things got tough. He wasn't going to disappear like he had in his nightmare.

He'd pinch himself and make sure he wasn't dreaming again, but knowing his damn body, or not knowing his body at the moment, that would probably be a bad idea. He'd probably bruise in seconds. He could just imagine what Bones would say if that happened.

"That's all we are asking, dear," Nora said, her tone gentle.

Bones stared at Jim with an expression that was so completely vulnerable and unlike him—that it caused a myriad of emotions to flood Jim's chest. Happiness that his friends were sticking together. Relief that he still had his friends, though his recovery was an uphill battle at best. Hope that Jojo would be able to see her father off if they get that five-year mission.

At a time when he was out of his element, and more often than not frustrated, anxious, and depressed, these more positive feelings almost got the best of him. He swallowed the lump in his throat, and promised himself that whatever happened, he would not let Bones down.

"It'll work, Bones," he said softly to encourage him. "So that's a yes?"

Bones sighed. "It's a yes."

Relief swept over Jim that he'd agreed, a little of the haze from before returning and washing over him again, though it wasn't quite as strong as before.

This time, he knew it wasn't Bones. It had to be something—or someone—else.

Was he losing it?

Something nagged at him, but he couldn't latch on to it as much as he tried. He sank in his seat, contented not to think about it too much.

"I shall return," Spock suddenly said.

He stood up and excused himself from the table in a whirlwind.

Jim and Bones immediately exchanged a look, Bones raising both brows.

"Jim, I'm a little concerned about Spock," Bones whispered when Spock was on the other side of the room." He frowned, and scratched his head. "More than I usually am."

That was odd. "Well, I think he's okay, but I could be…"

Distracted, he forgot what he was saying and watched as Spock walked up to Nora, drawing her attention to something he saw through the window in the garden. Jim stared after them as they both went outside. He knew that Spock appreciated gardens, and that he also enjoyed conversing with Nora just like he did. It wasn't that strange that he left to do both of these things. But, then again, he'd left like they'd said something wrong or smelled funny or…

Confused, Jim sank lower in his chair and sighed. No, that wasn't right. That would be out of character for Spock. Maybe Bones was right, and they should be concerned. His breath caught. Maybe there was something wrong with Spock. If there was something wrong with him, then they needed to—

"You look like ya need a nap already, Jim."

Startled out of his reverie, he turned his head and stared at Bones. "What?"

Bones cocked his head at him. "Do you need a nap?" he asked suspiciously.

"No, no," he said swiftly, self-conscious that he'd spaced out. Worse, he had visions of Bones literally tying him to the bed if he kept spacing out. "I'm fine. I...just…I'm just..."

"You're just...what?" Bones asked. "Having second thoughts about this plan of yours?"

"No, it's not that. I just...I can't put my finger on it," he admits.

Bones leaned forward and nodded. "It's Spock, isn't it?"

A flash of urgency coursed through his body out of nowhere, telling him to be quiet. Thrown by the emotion, he opened his mouth to speak but he couldn't form a single word.

Bones frowned. "Jim?"

"Why'd you give me the pie ?" he asked breathlessly, finding that he could speak about something other than Bones. Or Spock. Or this strange feeling he had that something new was just around the corner.

Bones leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, wearing a look Jim categorized as smug. "You're deflecting," he drawled.

Jim shifted in his seat. "Nope."

"Nope?" the doctor said, suddenly standing up. "When you want to talk about whatever it is that's botherin' ya….let me know. That goes for Spock, too, for that matter," he mutters, waving a hand carelessly at the back door to the garden.

Exasperated with himself, with a sense of foreboding that he couldn't dispel, Jim watched his friend walk over to the kitchen counter and, after finding a clean cup, pour himself some water.

"Do you want some? Or iced tea?" Bones asked without turning around.

Jim suddenly had a horrific thought. Was Spock acting strangely because he wouldn't be going on a five-year mission? It would be just like every other good thing in his life. He'd keep Bones as his best friend—only to lose the other.

"Jim?" Bones asked, finally turning around.

He forced his gaze upwards. "Yeah," he said roughly.

Bones's eyes were sharp. "Are ya sure you're alright? Do you want a glass of water, Jim?" he asked.

"I'm fine, but…." he said, averting his gaze from Bones altogether.

Bones set the glass on the table. "You're not fine."

"I'm fine," he said, not wanting to say anything specific about his concerns, not yet.

Silent, Bones's eyes burned into Jim's. "I don't believe you."

"Why not?" he asked, attempting a small smile.

"You're constantly looking over there, trying to see Spock and my Mama through the window," Bones said, now narrowing his eyes. "And you're avoiding my questions. That said, I'm here for you if you do want to share over another piece of pie."

Hadn't Bones always been there for Jim? Why had it taken his death for him to realize that he could always count on him, no matter what the circumstances?

He felt the warmth of his friendship all over again. "So that's why you gave me the pie earlier," he said, grinning. "To bribe me."

Bones's mouth quirked at the corners. "Bribery is harsh word, Jim. I'd say it had been a way to keep you quiet and happy."

"Daddy!"

Bones beamed at the child running into the kitchen. "Hey, Kiddo."

"Hi, Uncle Jim," she added excitedly as she stopped by her father, who leaned over and planted a kiss on her cheek.

He smiled softly at her. "Hey, sleepyhead."

She peered at him with bright eyes and a shy smile. "I'm not sleepy. I'm up early, Uncle Jim! Just like you!"

"Perfect. This means we can get started on our card game right away," Jim announces, slapping his hand on the table "So I can win…"

Jojo frowned, Jim's voice trailing off into nothing.

"Who am I kidding. I meant to say so that you can win," Jim said with an exaggerated sigh.

She giggled. "Uh-huh," she said, her head bobbing up and down. She wrapped her arms around her father's waist the best she could with her tiny arms and squeezed. "Perfect."

"Well, sleepyhead," Bones drawled slowly.

"Da-ad," she whined. "It's just like I said. I woke up early!"

"Well, my darlin' Earlybird," he corrected, causing her smile to reappear, "how about, we get you some breakfast and then you can play cards with Mister Spock and Uncle Jim while I take care of a few things?"

She peeled her arms from around his waist and looked up at him with wide, anxious eyes. "Aren't you going to play, too, Daddy?"

"I will, as soon as I take care of a few things," Bones repeated gently. "And after breakfast, if Jim feels well enough, we'll take a trip to the bookstore."

Instead of looking happy, as Jim expected her to be, Jojo's expression fell.

Bones let go of Jim and crouched in front of her. "Darlin', it won't take me long."

"It's not that, Daddy," she said in a small voice. "It's just…Mommy and Mister Clay always take me to the wrong bookstore. They always get me...the wrong books."

Bones's eyes softened. "I see," he said. "Where would you like to go, Jojo?"

She put her a finger in her mouth, chewing her nail. "I dunno."

Jim exchanged a glance with Bones.

"I think you do, darlin'," he prodded softly. "And it's okay. You can tell us, sweetheart."

"The Book Heart," she whispered, peering hesitantly at Jim first, then at her father.

The name wasn't familiar to Jim, but Bones straightened and stared off into the distance.

Jim's brow creased. "Bones?"

"It's on the other side of town," he murmured, eyes on an unknown spot before him. "If I recall correctly, the man who owns it is the son of the founder of another financial corporation that…" He looked at Jim, voice trailing off, but only briefly. "And it just so happens that The Book Heart is down the street from this corporation, too."

Jim quickly got the picture. This was a rival of Jocelyn's. More specifically, Jocelyn's family business. No wonder Jocelyn had never taken her back to The Book Heart. Knowing Jocelyn, she wouldn't be caught twice at a place that was owned by anyone who was an 'enemy' of her father. And a rival financial institution? When it came to the Darnells? They were the enemy.

"Is that why...Mister Clay...and your mother never took you?" Bones asked softly. "Because it's on the other side of town?"

She pulled her finger out of her mouth, eyes filling with tears. "We w-went once a-a-and M-mommy said n-n-not ag-g-ga-"

She stopped and flung herself at him. Bones was like a rock, unmoving as she curled herself into him, his arms folded around her in a caring embrace. He rubbed her back, resting his head against hers.

"It has m-my favorite books. And a nice m-man wh-who helps m-me find them."

"Oh, darlin', it's okay. Everything will be okay," he whispered into her ear. "I think we'll head to The Book Heart, let you pick your books, since we'll be headed in that direction, anyway."

Jim heard her breath catch. "We a-are?" she asked in a small voice.

"Uncle Jim wants to go on a field trip."

She sniffled, her smile small. "With us?"

He nodded in mock sincerity. "It's not every day the great Captain Kirk—"

Jim snorted.

"—wants a field trip, so we're going to go the entire way through town," Bones said, cocking an eye up at Jim. "Though I bet he'll sleep through half the field trip, anyway."

"Hey," Jim said indignantly. "I won't if you let me go in."

The brow dropped, Bones scowling at him.

"Please?" he begged, already imagining the scent of books filling his senses when he walked in. "I want to see Jojo's favorite bookstore."

He wanted to test his damn sea legs.

"It's not safe for you, Jim," Bones said slowly, eyes beseeching. "Not yet. Not even with a mask."

He tried not to grimace, but it was impossible. He was living in a bubble. But Bones was right. He was always right. He couldn't risk an infection or illness.

He doubted things would ever be safe in Bones's mind when it came to Jim's health again. And if that were true, how were they ever going to go back to the way things had been on the ship? Going on away missions? The threats? The risks of being in space?

Things would never be the same. But Jim promised himself it would be better. They'd work through these issues together once he got well. Eventually. Maybe once his brush with death became a distant, murky memory instead of this tragic memory that is driving them now. Affecting everything they do, every single decision they make and each action that they take.

"Jim?" Bones said, looking so sincere that he couldn't get mad at him. "I am sorry."

"It's okay," he said quietly, reaching out to rub the top of Jojo's head. He smiled down at her. "I'll just live vicariously through my best girl."

Jojo lifted her chin. "You promised me a game," she demanded.

"Is that a challenge?" he asked with a smirk.

"Uh-huh," she nodded.

"You're on."

She lifted her chin higher and tossed her head. "I always get the Jellyfish cards."

He frowned. "Now wait a minute. Those are my fav—"

"And the Sharks," she added, smirking back.

"But...but those are my favorite, too," he sputtered.

"Not anymore," she chanted, climbing to a seat at the table. "When I play with Nana, I always get them."

"You're a regular little card shark, aren't you?" he couldn't resist saying.

Jojo giggled, Bones simultaneous groaning.

Jim grinned. "I knew there was a reason you were my best girl, Jojo. Even though you steal my cards—my favorites—you laugh at my jokes."

Bones stood up, shaking his head. "While you two fight over what is supposed to be a simple, harmless game of cards, I'll go take care of a few things."

Jim met his gaze. "Bones…"

Bones shook his head. "I have to do this alone, Jim, but I promise you that I will tell you what I learn, alright?"

He wondered if Bones could see the tension creeping into his shoulders. Hear the doubts in his mind that Bones could handle this one on his own.

"I'll hypo you if I have to," the doctor murmured as Jojo pulled out her deck of cards from her backpack. "Are you going to be able to handle this?"

"I can, but you—"

"I'll be fine," he said, cutting him off. He peers at him carefully. "But the minute you feel a panic attack coming on, you tell Spock."

Jim winced, hating that Bones turned the concern back on him when all he wanted to do was just be strong for him for once. "I don't just...panic."

It felt like a pathetic lie as soon as the words tumbled off of his tongue.

He did just panic. He was a fucking panic machine. He felt panic in his chest just thinking about being a fucking panic machine.

He swallowed uncomfortably. Where was that damn bubble when he needed it?

"Jim," Bones said in a warning tone.

The stern voice brought him back to earth.

"Okay, okay," he said breathlessly, backing down. His shoulders drooped. "I'll tell Spock...if...if I…" He couldn't make himself say the dreaded words. "...something happens," he finished lamely.

"That's all I ask," Bones said and gave him a final warning look before heading upstairs.

As soon as Jim sat down across from Jojo at the table, the doors to the garden opened. Jim began to shuffle the cards.

Nora smiled at Jojo. "I'll get your breakfast now, dear, and you can just sit and enjoy your time with your Uncle Jim and Mister Spock."

"Okay, Nana!" Jojo said absently, leaning forward with her elbow on the table, her chin on her hand.

She didn't even acknowledge Spock as he sat down beside her.

"Ready?" He eyed her, fighting a smile at the serious look on her face.

"Uh-huh."

"Spock?"

"Indeed."

Jim dealt the cards into three piles, plus one in the middle, relieved his hands were steady the entire time.

"Who goes first?" Jojo asked.

"Age before beauty, right Jojo?" Jim smirked. "Spock, you go first."

Jojo smiled. Spock's mouth barely twitched at the corners, but it was enough. Jim inwardly preened that he'd made him smile.

"Very well." Spock paused, staring at each of the cards in his hand briefly. "Miss Joanna, do you have a Swordfish?"

She shook her head adamantly. "Go fish!" she announced.

Spock took a card from the pile.

"Jojo," Jim urged gently.

"Uncle Jim, do you have a…" She scrunched up her face. "Jellyfish?"

He made a face and handed her his Jellyfish. "Card shark," he muttered.

"Mister Spock, do you have a Goldfish?" she asked excitedly. "Oh, these are pretty. I think I like these, too, Uncle Jim!"

"I do not, Miss Joanna. Go fish," he said gently.

Jojo eagerly took another card and added it to her hand. Spock and Jojo both looked at him.

"Your turn, Uncle Jim," Jojo said.

"Mister Spock, do you have..." Jim asked slowly, rubbing his chin.

He had his favorite, a Shark. And also a Clownfish. He usually wasn't this slow making decisions during card games, but it was like a shark stood on one shoulder and a clown fish on the other, each begging for his attention.

He stopped, blinking when the choice came to him with startling clarity. A different card altogether. It wasn't a fish but it was there just the same.

Humpback Whale.

"A...Humpback Whale?" he asked, frowning.

Expression unreadable, Spock handed him a card.

He turned it over, heart racing, though he didn't know why. It was the card he'd needed. That's all. Just a card.

"Uncle Jim, are you okay?" Joanna asked in a small voice.

"Yeah," he said, offering her a tight smile when she looked doubtfully at him. "Sure am."

He breathed out slowly through his nose. It was his turn again, and though Jojo was looking at him expectantly, he couldn't pull his attention away from Spock.

He rubbed his face and glanced at his hand. Before he even had a chance to consider his choices again, the answer came to him again like someone slugged him on the head.

Starfish.

His breath caught. He looked up and narrowed his eyes at Spock.

"Starfish," he said evenly, not even taking the time to form the proper question.

As Spock handed him another card and their fingers brushed in passing, the things that had been nagging at him—about his hallucination, about Bones by his side on the porch and Spock on the other, about Vulcans, and touching, and pie, and safe places in the mind—all came to the surface.

His throat tightened at the realization, and he had to only look at Spock to know that he was right. These thoughts had come from him.

Spock pressed back into his chair, as if to give him space. Because now there was a hell of a lot less space between them, by no fault of their own.

"Bones, too?" he whispered in stunned realization, staring at him in awe.

Spock looked meekly—apologetically—back at him. "Yes."

Jim's eyes widened. He'd died only to be resurrected—to die again so soon. And this time, he'd bring Spock down with him, too.

A Vulcan? Inside Bones's head? Because of Jim's hallucination?

Bones was going to kill them both.

Author's Note: I hope this chapter increased your understanding of the reasoning behind Jim's idea...which is something I'd always intended to expound upon when it was the appropriate time. Besides, you never know what will actually happen in the chapters to come. ;)

I also hope you sense that Jim is being overly dramatic at the end. ;) Of course, Bones is going to be a little unnerved by the fact the three of them share a "familial" bond. No question there! :) I wonder if any of you noticed the little clues I left that revealed a bond had formed between them, when Jim had his hallucination on the porch a few chapters back...

Hopefully, I'll be able to post in the next couple weeks. Your reviews truly are an inspiration and if you take the time to say a word or two, I would be so appreciative.

If you are off to the theaters this weekend to see Beyond...enjoy the movie! I go tonight! :)

OH and the Humpback Whale card was, indeed, a nod to Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. :)

Until next time...