Jim's eyes snapped open and immediately snapped closed as the harsh lights of sickbay were much too bright for a man who had been unconscious just moments he he rolled onto his side and slowly opened his eyes once more, as he moved Jim's mind wandered to what had happened… he had fainted?
Then it hit him the memory of his dream and the echo of Khans clenched his hands involuntarily as he shot upright and the heart rate monitor above his head went wild.
Moments later Bones rushed in from the corridor followed closely by Spock.
"Jim,you need to clam down" Bones said rushing over, tricorder in hand.
Jim shook is head holding up his hand to stop the mans approach least he be hind a hypospray somewhere on his person.
"Honestly Bones i'm fine, fit as a fiddle" Jim said which a good natured is not slightly forced chuckle as he glanced towards Spock who was standing by the door. Jim met Spock's eyes briefly before glancing away quickly but not before he noticed the look of concern in his eyes.
"I promise,theres no reason for either of you to worry, It was probably just a strange reaction to something stupid anyway. I mean you know me Bones, I'm allergic to everything" Jim said with a laugh looking over at his friend eves almost begging him to let the subject drop.
"Alright Jim if you say so but you are not leaving this bed until I have at least run some tests" Bones said grabbing he nearest tricorder.
Jim nodded and sunk back into the pillows before he turned his gaze onto his first officer."Now Mr Spock should you be on the bridge? It's still the Alpha shift after all and..." Jim stopped his sentence training off as Spocks eyes met his own gaze "Please Spock I'm fine really just a little over tired thats all, right Bones " Jim said glancing up at the doctor who was clucking under his breath while reading the results of the tricorders scans.
"Your vitals are strong and there appears to be nothing wrong with you now that a little rest couldn't cure but Jim you must rest, Doctors orders " Bones said setting the device down "Now it is your choice though if you want to rest here and enjoy all that sick bay has to offer or if you want to go back to your quarters"
"Come on Bones what sorta question is that" Jim said with a laugh swinging his legs around so that he could stand. "I'll see you when I wake up Im sure Bones" he said grabbing the golden command shirt off the chair before striding out of sick bay hoping that he appeared confident and unshaken when a hand snaked out and wrapped itself around his bicep. Jim turned and found himself staring yet again into the dark eyes of his first officer except the time instead of the comfortable half room of space in-between him and those eyes there was only a breath JIms heart beat quickened as he looked into Spocks eyes trying to understand the emotion that lay behind them.
"Spock" Jim whispered shakily stepping back slightly once again widening that gap between them "what are you.." he said as Spocks hand released him.
"You looked unsteady Captain" Spock said voice as even and cool and ice itself " perhaps it would be wise for me to escort you back to your quarters"
Jim nodded and turned once more to continue walking when he once again felt that hand on his are slowing him but not stopping him
"If I may Captain I do believe it would be logical if I were to continue to hold you as you seemed unsteady on your feet earlier "
Jim nodded once more before continuing down the hall and as he walked a strange new mix of emotions began to take hold first there was warmth towards this friendly that took him by surprise but that growing warmth was stopped by a slamming cold force within his own blood that turned this moment into the equalivent of a seer and Jim had to fight the urge to forcibly push Spock away and destroy him for daring tai e pity on him someone who was superior in mind and in body who was once a powerful... and as quickly as those thoughts came they were gone leaving Jim to blink them away before noticing that they had already arrived at his door.
"Uh Thank you Spock" Jim said pulling his arm away and lightly rubbing it already missing the weight of Spocks hand as he said good night and good by to his friend before rushing into his room to collapse and allow sleep to take him once more.