Inell's Fanfiction Archive

Kirk/McCoy – Alcestis

“You can’t do this, Bones.” Jim tightens his grip on Bones’ tunic.

“Damn it, Jim. I can and I will,” Bones says. “They want a sacrifice, they’re gonna get one. Now let me go.”

“No. This is my fault. I’ll be the one to go.” Jim knows that it’s the only way to resolve this. He offended the Theoretians, not Bones. He’s the one they declared has to remain in their dark world beneath the planet’s surface. Pike tried to help, but all they got was permission for a volunteer to take Jim’s place. He should have known not to tell Bones, not to make this situation even worse than it already is, but he’s actually scared for the first time in a long while because the Theoretians are cold and cruel and live in a world with no sunlight. He can’t let Bones go there, especially when Pike can’t guarantee that they won’t kill Jim, much less his replacement.

“We’ve been through this already, Jim. I’m going. You’re more important than I’ll ever be.” Before Jim can interrupt, Bones shakes his head. “I’m not being modest, asshole. We both know that you’re a damn hero who has saved hundreds. I’m just a doctor, but I can do this.”

“You’re important to me,” Jim manages to get out, cringing when he hears the desperate hoarseness in his voice. “I won’t lose you, Bones.”

Bones kisses him, touching the simple silver band around Jim’s finger as the kiss deepens. When he pulls back, he smiles sadly. “You lose me either way, Jim. Promise me that you won’t do anything stupid and get yourself killed or make M’Benga’s life miserable.”

“I’m not going to promise anything, Bones. I’m the one going,” Jim protests. “Please, Bones. Don’t force this. I’m the hero, right? That means I’m the one who does stupid shit like this.”

“The hero stays alive and rides off into the stars,” Bones murmurs, touching Jim’s face like it’s the last time they’ll ever see each other. Jim feels his eyes sting at the realization that this very well could be the last time. “The hero grieves and then moves on with his life, saving civilizations and inspiring everyone to be better.”

“Can’t move on. Not without you,” Jim says, moving his hand to Bones’ shoulder and stepping even closer. He kisses him again, touching his face and holding him.

“Promise me, Jim,” Bones whispers against his wet lips. “Please.”

“Bones, I can’t,” Jim growls softly, kissing him again and again.

“Jim, just do it,” Bones snarls before pressing him against the wall and kissing him breathless.

“I promise.” Jim breathes out, caressing Bones’ cheek. Bones moves his head and kisses Jim’s finger before nuzzling his hand. “But I’m not letting you do this.”

“You have to, Jim. I don’t know if could go on without you, but you’ll be able to, eventually.” Bones sighs and stares at Jim. “I love you, asshole,” he whispers. Jim doesn’t have a chance to say it back before he feels the hypospray against his neck.

Kirk/McCoy - Ariadne & Theseus

This is how the world works.

Leonard is the best friend, the one who heals the bruises after fights and provides strong coffee after late nights in unfamiliar beds.

Leonard is jaded and bitter, the one who isn’t impressed by bright blue eyes and charming smiles. The one who tried love and got burned too much to ever want it again.

Leonard is a pretender and a liar, the one who denies to himself that his gaze lingers on Jim and that he finds excuses to touch or help or just be there anytime Jim needs him.

Leonard is loyal and steadfast, the one who helps sneak Jim on board the Enterprise and provides him with the opportunity to save the world.

Leonard is captivated and smitten, the one who can’t refuse the offer of CMO and commits to five years in deep space just to be with Jim.

Leonard is hopeless and overlooked, the one unable to catch Jim’s attention and destined to a life of wanting what he can never have.

Leonard is a best friend, no longer the only one who provides support and encouragement to a reckless hero. He is the one who heals the bruises after missions gone wrong and listens to stories of conquests that now span a galaxy. The one who burns quietly and invisibly.

This is just how his world works.