Jim smiled and laughed at another Starfleet officer, with absolutely no idea who she was or what he was supposed to be laughing at. He looked around him. It was Starfleet's annual Christmas party, and as one of their figureheads, he was expected to appear. Usually, if he didn't enjoy it, it was at least bearable, since most of his crew was there. But this year, there'd just been a huge battle against the Klingons with a lot of lives lost. Which only meant he was supposed to be even happier, since they'd won. But the only thing he could think about was his officers. He felt Spock come up behind him and put a hand in the small of his back. He looked over his shoulder and smiled gratefully at him as Spock politely ended the conversation and steered him into the corner of the room. Spock held his first two fingers in front of him and Jim placed his own against them. He relaxed into the bond and closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them again, Spock was staring at him worriedly. "I believe we may be able to leave soon." he said. "Oh, good." "Actually, I believe we should leave now." He nodded. "Just let me say goodbye to everyone." "No. You shall see them again soon enough." "But-" "No." Jim nodded, secretly relieved. Or not so secretly, considering the bond. They walked the short distance to their rooms. Jim walked in and collapsed on the bed. Spock lay down beside him and put his arms around him, sharing his grief. He turned over and buried his face in Spock's chest. They just lay like that for a moment, until Spock moved one of his hand up to stroke Jim's hair and started singing to him softly in Vulcan until he fell asleep. Spock got up gently and changed into his sleeping robes, before lying back down beside him. "Ashayam." he whispered into his hair, and fell asleep himself.
I've been wanting to write this for a while, but it wouldn't have made a full story. It's inspired by The Dixie Chicks' 'I'll Take Care of You', hence the title.