video »

[hischair]

[ The feed clicks on to show Jim in a garage leaning against the open hood of a car, a dark-haired woman wrapped in his arms. Chinning her shoulder, he leans over to press fond, familiar kisses over her jaw and cheek, wherever he can reach. The good humor of his chuckles is echoed as the screen wobbles. ]

Is this thing on? [ The nuzzle to her neck is playful, as punishments go, for distracting him. Hi, City. ] Hey, this is Saya. We're, uh ... We're together. Bones, Spock, I want you to meet her tonight at dinner.

[She tips her head, every time he goes for a kiss, to try and catch his mouth, but the truth is she's not trying hard, because she's enjoying the attention. Anyone who knows her, who's seen with, and even who's slept with her knows that this isn't typical behavior.

But then she turns her attention on the camera, because Jim said something and it actually did cut through the haze of the honeymoon.]

It won't take long, I don't think. If that's a concern.

It's not a concern, don't worry! They're nice guys. [ Jim, too, appears a little more smitten than he's been with anyone or anything since he was commissioned for his ship. He squeezes his arms around her waist. ] You can stay as long as you want.

[There's a pause, and the corners of her lips curl up in a smile that is more real than her usual one.]

So dinner - and we'll see how it goes from there.

[She takes a moment, and finally catches Jim's mouth, and there's a kiss, as she reaches over and turns the feed off.]



(OOC: Lovestruck curse! Replies will be coming from both Jim and Saya, who got hit by Stupid Cupid.)

Comments

private video | starfleet comm frequency »

[hischair]

[ There's an awful clawing sensation up his throat like he wants to be sick, torn between trusting his instincts over Saya and then his duty to the Enterprise ... and which has he known longer? Who would he objectively believe, if he had to pick rationally? ]

... I do, don't I. [ It isn't so much a question as a belated realization. It looks like he's struggling internally, but it really does hurt to tell himself not to trust the woman he loves when he gives himself wholly. ] Alright, Bones. You've got my attention.

[ Because over all women, Jim believes Leonard will have his best interests at heart and so will his crew. He hopes he can see that, since Jim never cedes control of himself or his actions to anyone. ]

Tell me what to do.

private video | starfleet comm frequency »

[medicos]

[ bones knows it, which is why it takes him a moment to respond. taking in the expression on jim's face and the situation at hand. at any given moment in time, the last thing bones wants is to break hearts, jim's especially. because even if this is a curse, the feelings put on him might have a lasting effect. he's not sure. in any case, if there's anyone who knows all about broken hearts, it's bones. ]

Spock is cooking dinner. At the very least we're going to meet her.

[ however reluctant they are. ]

Then you tell her the truth.

[ that even if he love her, even if it's genuine, there's only one thing that's going to fill up that space in his heart, and it's not gonna be any girl. ]

private video | starfleet comm frequency »

[hischair]

[ Jim's laugh is hollow, fingers pinching between his brows to hold his emotions in check. ]

You want me to tell the woman I love that I don't, actually, love her. [ Shaking his head, he bites his lip hard and sighs. ] Yeah. Okay. Okay, then.

[ It feels like he's almost letting go of the Enterprise. Only the knowledge of being able to have one or the other in his life, long-term, keeps his shoulders a rigid line. Nodding, Jim exhales with great self-control to keep his breathing even. Jesus. Sucker punch, much. The love doesn't vanish just because he knows it's fake, it doesn't feel like it is. ]

Dinner should definitely still happen, you're right. That would be really nice.

private video | starfleet comm frequency »

[medicos]

No, you idiot. [ as if he'd say something like that, curse or no curse. ] I want you to tell her about the Enterprise. Everything about it from the bridge on deck 1 to the nacelle tubes. You tell her what it's like sitting on that chair, and what you think about when you feel her deckplates humming.

[ let's see if that doesn't remind you. ]

You still remember what she looks like, Jim?

private video | starfleet comm frequency »

[hischair]

Of course I remember my damn ship, it's all I think about.

[ Snapping, he dials it back a notch. ]

We're going home. We are. And I'm ... I'm not taking anyone with me except my crew. I know I'm not. [ Pausing. ] Between getting back to the Enterprise and staying with Saya, you're right; there's no contest.

private video | starfleet comm frequency »

[medicos]

[ gotcha. ]

Of course, Jim.

[ for once, bones shuts his mouth. he'll give you hell tomorrow. ]

private video | starfleet comm frequency »

[hischair]

[ He won't need to, he'll be in a black enough mood all around. ]

Thanks, Bones.

private video | starfleet comm frequency »

[medicos]

Don't forget to filter your feeds next time.

[ khan. ]

[ he disconnects. ]