A/N: Okay, so originally I was totally done with this fic. I had wrapped it with a pretty bow and put it to rest. BUT, then I got a nice review from a lovely guest user: Kris, and they suggested I go back and resolve what happened with Jim's grade in the class. And then my brain was kind enough to spit this idea at me. So here you have it! The epilogue.
Just a short recap of the last chapter (cause it's been a while) "I need you to come to me if Tarsus ever becomes an issue again." "Bones, it won't become an issue again. I'm just fine." "Well there's the second promise I want you to make. If you ever aren't fine, no matter what the reason, I want you to come to me."
The door to their shared Star Fleet apartment opened and shut with a loud bang and McCoy glanced up from one of his numerous medical textbooks to wait expectantly for his roommate to enter their living room.
Not one to disappoint, James T. Kirk quickly strode through the doorway, looking happier than he had in nearly a month.
Ever since his stand-off with Professor Krestridge and subsequent confession to Bones about the horrors he'd survived as a child, Jim had appeared to be in much better spirits. The burden of Tarsus had been weighing on Jim's shoulders for such a long time that he'd learned to handle and hide the pain so well even McCoy's trained eye hadn't noticed until after Jim had been relieved of it. But even with his generally more relaxed stature, Jim seemed extra happy just then.
"What has you so chipper on this fine morning?" Leonard grumbled, frustrated that Jim's classes had basically all concluded but he still had a large exam before he could be freed of scholarly responsibilities for spring break.
"I just spoke with Crusty Krestridge." Jim revealed with a smile, plopping down lightly next to McCoy on their couch.
"And?" the doctor prompted when his friend refused to share any additional information.
Jim beamed and McCoy's heart soared. After everything the kid had lived through it was a relief to see some childish innocence returned to his young features. "And he's exempting me from the final project. It's not going to harm my grade at all."
"Jim, that's wonderful, honestly!"
"No, Bones, that's not all." Jim turned his body and fixed McCoy with the brightest, most pain-free stare the doctor had ever seen from those intense blue eyes. "Krestridge said I'd helped him to see the error of his ways. He's completely getting rid of that debate as a project. He said he's going to focus his Tarsus lessons on the survivors and, mostly, those who were lost. He even wants my help to make sure he doesn't leave anything out!"
By the broad smile on his face, McCoy could tell that small fact meant the world to Jim. Not only was he finally coming to terms with what had happened, but he was going to have a direct hand in the teaching of the topic. McCoy was certain Jim would ensure those who had lost their lives were given the remembrance they so greatly deserved.
"When the guy said he wanted to talk to me I didn't think he was gonna do anything like this. Just-" Jim released an amazed breath, "Wow."
McCoy felt a broad smile overtaking his features, much akin to the one lighting up Jim's face. If anything could be said of Jim Kirk, it was that his happiness was infectious. Those around him couldn't help but to revel in it as well. "Jim, that's just fantastic."
"No Bones, it's more than that. Its- it's stupendous!"
Leonard's smile morphed into one of fondness. "Those are synonyms Einstein."
"Nah," Jim shook his head, looking thoughtful. "Stupendous is more- powerful."
"Whatever you say kid."
Jim beamed at his friend once more before standing and making a beeline for his bedroom door. He paused a moment, just outside the living room threshold, turning back to his roommate buried under his pile of textbooks.
"Bones," he called softly, causing McCoy to look up from his studies once more.
McCoy could see how relaxed he was, how at ease he felt in the doctor's presence. They'd met and become unlikely friends on that shuttle what felt like ages ago, but it was Tarsus that had brought them closer than they had ever been. Than they ever may have become. It may have been selfish, but Leonard was glad for that chance. The chance to have truly seen Jim at his weakest, to have been the one to pick him back up, and promise to be the one to keep him held high. "Yeah kid?"
"Thanks."
That one word spoke volumes and caused tears to prickle at the corners of McCoy's eyes. It was more than a simple thank you. It was also a reminder of the promise Jim had made to Leonard, as well as a promise in return. A promise to always be there for him no matter what, because that was what he had done for Jim. It was a profession of the absolute trust Jim felt for McCoy, as well as the love they both so strongly shared, And with that one simple word, somehow McCoy knew everything would be okay.
A wide, toothy grin encompassed Jim's face before he spun on his heel and entered his bedroom.
Tarsus IV had always been the skeleton lurking in the darkest corner of his closet. It would never cease to cause him pain, that just wasn't possible. But somehow, by sharing what had happened with Bones, the pain had become more bearable. Less suffocating.
Tarsus IV would always be the horrific tragedy lurking in his past, but for the first time, Jim felt as if that tragedy would not govern his life.
He knew the pain of loss and failure would never truly fade. But with Bones' help it would become more tolerable. And for the first time in his life, Jim honestly felt like he could live with that.
Thanks once again to everyone who read, reviewed, favorited, and followed this. You really keep my life and ideas going! Until next time, truly have a wonderful day/night!
~Spring.