Slow Way Home
Chapter 36
[Day 44 of 45]
Spock watched Jim as she signed the Padd. Daniela Marks had been working with some men and women on earth whenever she was conscious. As Jim sat down the Padd she'd just signed repeatedly, as Spock had just before her, he knew it was now legal.
Once Mrs. Marks died they would be the legal parents of her child.
"We will take care of her," Jim promised Lieutenant Marks while holding her hands. The woman smiled weakly. Her body appeared so fragile, despite the burgeoning belly. She was far too skinny, just skin and bones. According to the doctors all the nutrients were going towards the baby. She was eating just enough to sustain the baby.
"I know you will. You and Spock will be perfect parents," the Lieutenant said before drifting off to sleep. Jim held back tears and he grabbed her hand gently in his.
"You two should probably leave. And make sure you eat something brat. I don't want to hear of you skipping meals again," Bones said. Spock noted even he was beginning to think of Dr. McCoy as Bones which was fascinating. He'd never really taken nicknames into account – except for Tibby of course – but it seemed this one was becoming a habit.
"Yes Bones," Jim said as she moved to stand.
"I will insure that she eats," Spock told the doctor who nodded his head at them. Then he got called by Nurse Chapel. He followed his wife out of the infirmary, and they walked in silence toward the cafeteria.
"You don't have to follow me," she told him and he glanced at her.
"I wish to," he stated so she didn't argue with him. "Are you aware of what circumstances led to the death of Lieutenant Marks' bond-mate?" She stopped even though they were right outside the mess hall.
"Let's go back to our quarters. I'll get something there," she informed him. He frowned but did not argue. Instead they made their way to their quarters. After getting a small salad for each of them she sat across from him.
"If the question is… difficult then I apologize," he said because she put up a block on him. She nodded her head at him.
"I should have been the one to die," Jim informed him and he froze. "He was in the Katric Ark when we went down and he switched places with me as we ran… so I could help a woman. Rocks fell where I should have been… killing him instantly. I haven't even told the twins about what happened to him." He could see pain written across her features, grief and guilt as well.
"It is not your fault," he informed her and she gave him a watery smile.
"I know," she whispered before moving to sit next to him, fingers running along his. He held back a gasp at the pressure she applied. Then her lips were on his. He knew she was using sex to avoid what was bothering her. He knew his wife enough to understand that.
And he'd let her because she wasn't ready to come to terms with what happened. So he increased the pressure of the kiss.