Inell's Fanfiction Archive

Kirk/McCoy - Modern day army

“Jim, what’re you doing?”

Jim looks up when Bones enters the room. “I decided to do a little redecorating.”

“That’s what you call having a temper tantrum now, is it?” Bones crosses the room and slides down the wall to sit next to Jim.

“Sounds more mature,” he quips, forcing a smile.

Bones arches a brow and studies his face. “What happened with Pike?”

“What do you think happened?” Jim laughs dryly. “They want to give me a medal, tout me as some poster boy for the army advertisements, and make me into some hero to drive recruitment numbers.”

“And that’s made you redecorate?” Bones motions around the room at the broken lamp and pillows on the floor.

“Pike suggested that I find myself a pretty girl to complete the image,” Jim says. “He didn’t come out and say ‘make sure that no one finds out you’re queer’ because then he’d be acknowledging it. God forbid that happen. They can give me a damn medal, but they can’t accept that I love you.”

Bones sighs and moves his arm around Jim’s shoulder. “We knew this going in, Jim. Before we ever let things change, we knew it’d have to be a secret. Until DADT is repealed, that’s just how it has to be.”

“Why?” Jim looks at him. “I’m a hero, don’t you know? You are, too. Why can’t we make a stand and fight it? If they kick us out, they can go to hell.”

“We’re soldiers, Jim. It’s who we are. Can you really tell me that you’re willing to give that up? That you’re willing to become ‘that faggot’ to every prejudiced asshole in this country?”

“It isn’t all we are, Bones. You’re a doctor, a brilliant one, and I’m an engineer, able to deal with anything technological or electrical that I’ve ever come across,” Jim points out. “Who gives a fuck what prejudiced assholes call us, if we’re being who we really are and not hiding anymore?”

“It isn’t that easy, Jim.” Bones sighs. “What about Joanna? Do you know what the kids would say to her about her daddy? There’s your mom to consider and mine. I know that you don’t believe in no-win situations, but this isn’t something you can win or lose.”

“But it is,” Jim murmurs. “I can lose myself to lies and acting a part in exchange for a medal and headlines, or I can choose you and risk everything for what we could have together without the secrecy and sneaking around.”

“You make it sound so simple.” Bones leans down to brush his lips against Jim’s. They rest their foreheads together for a silent moment before Bones says, “Take the medal and headlines, Jim, but why don’tcha tell Pike after that your boyfriend says no to you dating anyone else.”