the luckiest

by mixtapestar

Summary:

Leonard has been struggling lately with accepting his worth and the value he brings to the Enterprise. When he's with Jim, though, he still feels like the luckiest man in the Federation. And when an away mission brings him closer to Spock than ever, he thinks he might have a chance to make everyone happier.

Notes:

• For 17 pansies (17pansies).

"Oh fuck, that is good," Jim murmurs, his fingers twisting in Leonard's hair as Leonard shifts his weight, trying to give his knees a break. Jim dutifully spreads his legs on the bed to give Leonard room to maneuver, and then he's sucking Jim down with even more enthusiasm.

Jim's moans go to his head the way they always do, making him feel like the luckiest guy in the Federation, that he gets to be the one to experience Jim's enthusiasm. He loves the sound, the smell, the taste of him—all things that he and he alone gets to experience.

The way Jim responds to the swirl of his tongue makes him feel like a fucking superhero, like he can do no wrong. It's amazing—it should be perfect. The problem is, no matter how worked up he seems to get tonight, letting Jim's reactions wash over him, his dick refuses to get the memo.

He's tried everything he can think of without alerting Jim to the situation. Rubbing against the mattress to try to get some friction just seemed to make things worse, and even getting his hand good and wet from where his mouth had been on Jim's cock didn't really make a difference when he took himself in hand. At this point, he's resigned to his fate, and all he really cares about is making sure Jim gets off.

This, at least, he knows how to do. Sensing that Jim is close, he grips Jim's thighs and takes his cock deep into his throat. Jim's ever-present babble devolves into incoherency as his hips buck, and in seconds he's calling out a curse and spilling down Leonard's throat. A warm satisfaction settles over Leonard as he pulls off, Jim going boneless beneath him.

He slides up next to Jim, keeping his hips angled down against the mattress as he moves in for a kiss. Jim laughs against his lips, kissing back languidly, dipping his tongue into Leonard's mouth for a taste of himself.

"We should get some sleep," Leonard suggests, hoping to prod at the drowsiness Jim often falls into after a good orgasm.

"Nah, I wanna take care'f you," Jim mumbles, sliding his mouth down to suck on Leonard's pulse point.

Leonard swallows. It feels so damn good; why can't his dick get with the program? "I'm fine, really. It'll be nice to get a full eight hours for once."

"Fuck, Bones." Jim's hand slides down his back, curving over the swell of his ass and squeezing. "C'mon, I can keep going. I wanna come on your cock."

"That sounds a little too ambitious for your lazy ass," Leonard responds, chuckling.

"Shows what you know," Jim says, guiding Leonard's hand to his dick. "I'm already halfway there."

Goddammit. Jim's already gearing up for his second orgasm of the night, and Leonard can't even get it up once. It's not that he's jealous, exactly; he's mostly just angry with himself.

"What is it?" Jim asks, sensing Leonard's frustration.

"Nothing," Leonard insists, trying to mentally shake it off. He strokes his fingers over Jim's cock and leans into another kiss. "You're gorgeous, y'know that?"

Jim preens at the praise, but he moves away from a second kiss. "Nice try. Something's going on in that head of yours." He reaches up to tap at Leonard's temple. His smile fades as Leonard stays silent. "C'mon, Bones, it's me. What's up?"

With a sigh, Leonard shifts onto his side, his limp dick on full display. He sees the moment Jim clocks it and tries not to tense up.

"Mm, need me to get you started?" Jim asks, wrapping his fingers around Leonard's dick. "Just a sec, lemme get the lube."

"Don't," Leonard says.

Jim's eyebrows raise. He seems undeterred. "No? You want my mouth instead, huh? Makes sense, I know you love to find a way to shut me up." He starts to sit up, and Leonard stops him with a firm grip on his shoulder.

"Jim, leave it," Leonard says, a bit more forcefully than he'd meant to. He tries to go for a more soothing tone, but he mostly just ends up sounding defeated. "It's not happening tonight."

Jim's eyes search his until he finally seems to get what Leonard is saying. "Oh."

"Yeah, 'oh,'" McCoy says.

"It's not a big deal."

"Uh huh," Leonard says, slumping onto his back and staring at the ceiling.

Jim crowds up against him, resting a hand on his chest. "It's not."

"Less than a minute ago you were ready to climb on top of me and ride your way to a second orgasm. I couldn't even get you started."

Jim rolls his eyes and pokes him. "I'd say you got me more than started. Or has the taste of my come already faded from your mouth?" This gets a chuckle out of Leonard. At least the night hasn't been a total disaster. Jim's voice turns timid. "At the risk of sounding like a total cliche, was this… good for you? I mean you didn't just— because I wanted to, did you?"

"No," Leonard insists, wrapping his arm around Jim's back. "God, no. Jim, I wanted it too. So much. I always want you. That's what makes this so frustrating."

"It's probably just stress," Jim says, and Leonard tries not to hate that Jim has to try to cheer him up when they were supposed to be enjoying a fun night off. "Maybe you do need those eight hours."

Leonard snorts. "Yeah, or maybe I'm just getting too old."

"Don't be ridiculous," Jim says. He doesn't seem to take Leonard's statement seriously, but even as they get comfortable and Jim slips off into sleep, it sticks in Leonard's head.

He lies awake for a long time after, wondering what else he has to look forward to in his old age.

---

He's grumpier than usual the next day, having gotten far less than the promised eight hours of sleep. He goes about his work as usual, but by lunchtime he realizes most of his crewmates have been doing their level best to avoid him. When he snaps at an ensign for sitting in his usual spot in the cafeteria and they skitter off without a word, he has to admit he doesn't blame everyone for the avoidance.

He rubs a weary hand over his face as he sits down. The replicated fried chicken he'd chosen doesn't look as promising as it had even a minute ago. The problem is, this isn't just one bad night's sleep making him miserable. He's been feeling off for a while, and no amount of pep talks, exercise, or healthy eating choices seem to have any effect. Physically, he's fine; it's his brain he needs to get in gear.

In a few days, they'll be stopping at a Class M planet to gather more information about a species that seems to have cropped up out of nowhere within the five years since they joined the Federation. Leonard reads through the notes as he eats. From the descriptions they've received, the creatures are small—no bigger than a house cat—but some reports mention longer legs and significant height differences. What's unusual is that they don't travel by ordinary means—if someone gets too close, they teleport away—and the few reports that have come in from people who have managed to make contact, if they can be believed, claim that the creatures are sapient, and can communicate via a telepathic bond through touch.

It's the type of thing that would have excited Leonard, once upon a time. Intelligent life, never previously discovered, and with such interesting properties? He used to live for that shit. But he finds himself doubting the accounts, wondering if they're just conspiracy theorists wasting Starfleet's time. He doesn't particularly want to go on-world this time, but as the Chief Medical Officer, he can't really get out of this one short of reporting in with a convincing, debilitating illness.

Because of the telepathic nature of the reports, Spock will be part of the away team, which is a small consolation. Leonard and Spock don't always communicate on the same wavelength, but lately he's found himself growing fond of the green-blooded menace. If the whole thing does turn out to be a hoax, at least the day won't be a total waste, and he'll have a united front when they have to report back to Jim.

He keeps dwelling on it, though, and by the time he's finished his lunch, he decides he's gonna talk to Jim about potentially giving the mission to Dr. Casick instead. She's incredibly capable and will most likely take over as his replacement one day—this would be a fitting opportunity for her. It's not as if the reports indicate any danger.

When he joins the bridge, at first he thinks Jim isn't there. The captain's chair is empty, but then again, it's not unusual for Jim to move around the bridge when he has the opportunity. After a second look, Leonard spots him sitting close with Spock off to the side, chatting quietly. The two of them seem unaware of their surroundings, and Leonard's breath stutters in his chest when he sees Spock's fingers quietly resting over Jim's.

He knows Jim remains clueless about other cultures, even Vulcan, despite Leonard's best efforts to get him to broaden his horizons. So he doubtless doesn't realize exactly what Spock is doing, but Leonard knows better. There's no possible way that Spock is unaware of his own gesture of affection, though.

He can't help thinking back on all the times Jim has sung Spock's praises, his fondness obvious even when he's talking about work. Jim's regard for Spock is probably at least half of the reason Leonard has warmed to him after all this time, really. His trust in Jim is strong enough that he dismisses the thought of Jim cheating immediately, but he can't help feeling a little jealous. Jim used to only look at him that way, after all.

By the time Leonard pulls himself together and approaches them, Spock has his hands to himself, and Leonard can almost convince himself he imagined the whole thing. The corners of Spock's mouth turn up in his characteristic 'happy to see you' expression, and he easily pulls Leonard into their conversation—ironically, their exact game plan for the expedition on Procyon Alpha in a few days' time.

"That's actually what I came to talk to you about," Leonard says after a pause, deciding that Spock may as well be a part of this conversation too. "I'm considering sending Dr. Casick in my place."

Jim's eyes widen, and his incredulous, "Why?" is nearly drowned out by Spock's immediate insistence that Leonard is the best fit for this particular expedition. "Not only does your level of experience mark you the most qualified to work with a new species," Spock continues, "but your particular capability for empathy will doubtless be necessary in our efforts to connect with them."

Even though Spock's disagreeing with him, Leonard can't help but feel a little proud that his efforts have been appreciated, especially by someone as typically withholding as Spock. But still, he takes a breath in to continue his argument—and then Jim interrupts. "Spock's right. There's no one better to cover this one than you. In fact, we were just discussing the potential for the two of you to tackle this mission alone, with the rest of the crew remaining back at the shuttle in case you need backup."

"The existing reports of interaction have all taken place when only one or two people have been involved. It would greatly improve our odds of successful contact if we approached the creatures as a pair instead of a group."

Leonard blows out a breath. He hadn't come here prepared to defend against two stubborn assholes. And he's not about to send Dr. Casick into the field for the first time as primary with only Spock for company—he doesn't want to scare her off the Enterprise entirely. "Fine, forget it. It was just a thought."

Jim studies him for a second, his eyebrows pinched in concern. "Really, that's it? Your arguments typically have a bit more bite to them."

Leonard rolls his eyes. "I thought it would be a good opportunity for her. Let me rest my aching bones for a change. But that was before I knew about your change in plans."

Spock inclines his head slightly. "I do not mean to overstep, Dr. McCoy. I merely wished to present my logical findings, and the Captain agreed to be my sounding board before I brought my suggestion to you."

"No, you're right. Hell, are you ever not?" He forces a chuckle and pats Spock on the arm heavily, just to be difficult. "We'll take it as a pair. See if we can't figure out how these creatures tick."

He beats a hasty retreat after that, then holes up in sickbay for the rest of his shift. The uneasy feeling he's been carrying around all day never seems to ease in his chest. A part of him is glad to know that both Jim and Spock see value in his work, but a perhaps even larger part of him relished the idea of sitting this one out. He's not getting any younger, and fieldwork seems to become more and more complicated with every new stop.

That night, he dreams of being chased down by an overly-fuzzy house cat about six times too big. At first, Spock is there with him as they flee side by side, but then McCoy's knee gives out. As he glances around, Spock is nowhere to be found, and he gets to his back just in time to see the cat's overly large teeth coming for him. He jolts awake and curses, happy that he'd made the decision to sleep alone tonight. The last thing he wants right now is more questions.

---

Leonard's not at his best over the next few days.

He's avoiding Jim—not just because of what happened, or failed to happen, the last time they were alone together, but also because he knows he's in a self-destructive spiral and he'd rather not bring Jim down with him. And what's worse, Jim seems to be letting himself be avoided.

After another sleepless, miserable night, Leonard even wonders if he should leave the Enterprise. He could retire and buy a little house in the middle of nowhere so no one could bother him. He doesn't want to end things with Jim, but it would certainly be easier to grant Jim some… freedom if they weren't living in each other's pockets all the time. He thinks of Spock's hand on Jim's. When the two of them get together, it's never anything short of brilliant. Part of him wonders if he's holding Jim back, but he's just not strong enough to let him go.

He tosses and turns for a couple more hours, hating himself more as the seconds tick by, until he finally gives in and takes a sedative. He groggily wakes up a few hours later to an alert that they've arrived at Procyon Alpha.

---

As Leonard gears up for the trip down to the planet, he begrudgingly pulls out his knee brace and adds it to his ensemble. He always feels a bit ridiculous wearing it, but he doesn't exactly want his dreams to become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

He takes a caffeine pill, then makes his way down to the shuttle bay. On his way there, fingers catch on his sleeve, and he turns to see Jim pulling him into an alcove.

"Couldn't let you leave without a kiss for good luck," Jim says with a sly smile.

Leonard huffs a laugh against his lips before pressing forward to accept his kiss. It's light but sweet, and Leonard finds himself wishing he could stick around for more. He's missed this.

Jim pulls away, the brightness in his eyes dimming. "Hey, are you okay? No offense, man, but you kinda look like shit."

"Didn't sleep well," Leonard grumbles. "Listen, Jim. I've been doing some thinking—"

"Never good," Jim says with a smirk.

"Right. Well, I think it might be good for me to take a break for a while."

"A break," Jim repeats uncertainly. "From—?"

"All of it," he says harshly, looking back at the shuttle. After a moment, he shifts his glare to his knee brace. "I mean, look at me. I'm getting too old for all this… adventure."

Jim squints back at him. "Bones—" he says haltingly. "You don't mean that."

Leonard barks a laugh. "Don't I?" He sighs. "Look, I'm tired, and I just think—"

"Dr. McCoy," Spock calls out, "we're ready for you."

"Wait—" Jim says, grabbing at Leonard's shirt as he turns to leave.

"It's okay, Jim. We'll talk about it when I get back." He pulls Jim's grip loose and squeezes his hand. "Thanks for the luck."

---

The flight down to the surface is short and sweet, and Leonard is happy to let Spock take over a recap of their plan for the other members of the away team. As he checks over his supplies for the third time, he realizes he feels more alert, so the caffeine pill must be doing its job. He just hopes he doesn't crash later.

Once on the surface, they meet up with the delegation of Procyons. They're a very tactile species, so Leonard takes point and greets each of them with a handshake while Spock hovers over his shoulder with his arms carefully folded behind his back.

After the initial pleasantries, Leonard and Spock break away from the group to talk directly to the Procyons who've had encounters with the Miix. The first few aren't very helpful—but they do help Leonard get a clearer picture of what they're looking for. The descriptions put him in mind of a marmoset, though their limbs are reportedly able to stretch several feet, and their eyes don't work the way a human's do. No one really gives him a good answer on what they mean by that until they get to the final two.

They introduce themselves, and Leonard tries his damndest to parse out the syllables, but it's a losing battle. He's not very good at pronouncing the names of the Procyons, and the translators just seem to garble them further, so he goes with the closest approximations in his head—Pickle and Dreams.

"It was like nothing I'd ever experienced," says Pickle, describing their successful yet brief meeting with the Miix.

"We were out for a walk," Dreams explains further, "kind of absently looking for awps by the water, but mostly just enjoying the nice day." Leonard makes a note—he doesn't know what an awp is, but they can circle back to that later.

"They came out of nowhere. One second we were laughing at a dodger flying too close to a water spout and flipping in the air, and the next they were there, almost as close to us as you are now."

"And you were able to successfully communicate with the Miix," Spock prompts.

Dreams nods. "It was more like they communicated with us, but yes. I don't know what we did to make ourselves different. The only thing I can think is that we were alone."

"And you were laughing," Spock says, contemplative.

"What?"

"You were laughing. And outward, carefree gesture of mirth might have signaled to the Miix that you were an open and inviting creature, which made it more likely that it could meet you without danger."

"Maybe," Pickle says with a shrug. "We thought it was just an animal, but a friendly one, so we crouched down and tried to say hello. Nearly fell over when they reached back and then we could hear a voice in our heads."

"What did it sound like?" Leonard asks.

"Well, they sounded a little bit like my cousin, actually."

"Really? I thought they sounded like you, but younger. Like when we first met." Pickle holds their hand to their mouth and trills at that, a Procyon gesture indicating affection. Leonard realizes with a start that the two of them seem to be together. He hadn't noticed it before, but now it seems obvious.

"I see. So you each heard a voice that was somewhat familiar to you."

"Yes."

"And what did you communicate about?"

Leonard leans forward as Pickle and Dreams take turns recounting the conversation. This was in the report, but it's always better to get a firsthand recounting of things like this. The two of them rehash the greetings, then how they exchanged questions about each other's species—trading information about themselves for insight into the Miix. When they mention the thing about the eyes, Leonard stops them.

"What does that mean? They're blind?"

Dreams shakes their head. "No, I think they just don't use them all the time. They don't look at you when they talk to you, but it's more than that. They can walk without looking where they're going."

"But they definitely use them to see sometimes. It was obvious, when they first appeared, that they were looking at us."

"Fascinating," Spock says, and Leonard can't help but agree.

As they go on with their story, Pickle and Dreams realize the Miix never answered one of their questions—'How did you come to be here?'

"That was when they started asking questions about the planet. When we mentioned the Federation and Starfleet, they requested a meeting, and then they were gone in an instant."

The two of them are quiet for a moment, looking at each other, something seeming to pass between them in the silence. "There was something left, though," Pickle finally says. "After they were gone."

Leonard raises an eyebrow. This wasn't in the report.

"You still hold a telepathic connection?" Spock asks.

"Not exactly. But we can… sense things. In each other. I know when they're sad, even when we're not together."

"And when they got cut with an awp, I knew something had happened immediately."

Spock nods. "When you communicated with the Miix, could you hear each other within the bond?"

Dreams nods. "We spoke aloud, but…"

"...yes," Pickle finishes.

Leonard shifts, feeling a little out of sorts with this information. He doesn't want anything messing with his mind. "If I may ask, were the two of you already together, before this encounter?"

"Oh yes, we've been together for four cycles of the star," Pickle says, and Dreams is the one to do the trilling thing this time. "We can't thank the Miix enough for what they've given to us. We've tried to find one of them again, to thank them, but even though we see them occasionally from a distance, they always disappear when we try to come near."

"Or when you shout at them," Dreams adds affectionately.

"Well, it was worth a shot," Pickle says, ducking their head.

"We believe that they can be a great help to us. To our people," Dreams says. "They long for connection, but their hesitation seems to come from fear. Our people will not hurt them."

Leonard considers this. "Maybe you won't, but can you confidently say that about all your fellow Procyons?"

"It is dishonorable to strike against a sapient species in anything but self defense," Pickle protests with a harsh buzz underneath their voice.

Leonard adapts a more submissive posture. "I don't mean any offense. But it's possible that some of your people may see something like telepathic communication—especially if it leaves something behind—as an attack against their mind. They may see retaliation as self defense."

"He's got a point," Dreams says quietly, soothing their partner.

"This is all valuable information," Spock assures them. "We will keep it in mind in our attempts to connect with the Miix."

They wrap up the conversation, repeating their thanks for the information before rejoining the crew back at the shuttle. After a quick debrief and check-in with the Enterprise, they decide to head off to a remote area in the dry district and set up camp, hoping to draw out the Miix.

"You are unhappy with what we have learned," Spock observes after they separate from the rest of the away team.

"I'm not unhappy, I just think they should have included that tidbit about their minds being changed in the initial goddamn report." Spock raises an eyebrow at him. "Okay, maybe I am unhappy. Even you have to admit it's a curveball."

"It is not as devastating a change as you make it out to be. Many minds are built to receive telepathic impulses, including those of humans; they only need to be taught the way."

"Listen, I'm sure you consider yourself an expert since you can do your whole mindmeld thing, but that doesn't mean that your telepathy is the same as their telepathy."

"It does not," Spock agrees.

"So why risk it?"

Spock quirks an eyebrow, considering. "I suppose our experiences on the Enterprise have taught me to trust my instincts."

Leonard huffs. "That sounds more like Kirk than the Enterprise."

"Perhaps," Spock allows with that infuriating little smirk of his.

They set up camp and eat together and they continue chatting, alternating between plans for the next day and just shooting the shit. Leonard finds himself relaxing for the first time all day.

"The increased frequency of your yawning indicates that you would benefit from taking your rest for the evening."

"But we just ate," Leonard protests, even though the thought of getting some sleep sounds amazing right now.

"Our mission is better served if you are well rested."

"Yeah, alright. Just don't be surprised if I toss and turn for the next two hours," Leonard grumbles.

He falls asleep as soon as he closes his eyes.

---

Leonard hears his name as if it had been called from a distant room. He chases the thread of what had just been happening—touch, a calm, confident touch against his skin that made him sigh with the warmth of it.

"Dr. McCoy," comes the call again, closer now, and Leonard loses the last wisps of the dream.

He sits up on his bedroll to find Spock already up and packed. Leonard eyes him suspiciously, wondering if he even slept. Then he notices the reason for Spock waking him—a Miix is watching them from just a half dozen yards away.

He nods to Spock to encourage him to do the talking as he gets up to pack up his bedroll. Spock calls out and immediately indicates that they are from Starfleet, and that their presence was requested by one of the Miix. His pronunciation is far better than Leonard's; probably good that they had him be the one to speak.

The creature stretches up to a taller height and waves an arm, indicating that they should follow. It waits patiently as they gather everything together for travel, unmoving and not seeming to look at them. Leonard can already understand the statement about the eyes. He feels observed, even if the Miix isn't looking at them.

They hike for about half an hour—just long enough that Leonard considers stopping them so that they can take a break for food. He doesn't feel weak or anything, but his stomach puts up a fuss as it gurgles obnoxiously.

As they reach the open maw of a large cave, the Miix stops and turns, holding a webbed hand out toward Spock. Leonard gives Spock a quick nod before he reaches out, and then he's left to wonder as Spock focuses on the creature, his expression neutral for a couple of minutes that seem much longer.

He almost jumps when Spock speaks to him. "They wish to speak with you as well, but they will not do so if you are not open to it."

"What did they tell you?"

"They are peaceful," Spock says confidently. "They want Starfleet's help to live peacefully with the Procyons, and they believe we can give it to them. But they will not create a connection to you if you are not comfortable with it."

That's a good sign, at least, if the creature is being honest. He still doesn't love the idea of something mucking about in his brain, but they are here for this, after all. "You trust them," he states, only half a question.

"I do," Spock confirms.

Leonard takes a breath, then slowly lets it out before holding his hand out toward the Miix.

The voice, when it comes, sounds remarkably like his nephew, complete with the Texas twang. He can't imagine Spock hearing the same thing, and wonders absently what he's hearing instead, as the Miix introduces themselves.

We must maintain a physical connection to communicate effectively, but if you would like to pause here for your morning meal, we can continue to discuss our reasons for calling you here.

He and Spock agree, settling on some nearby rocks to pull out their rations and hear more of what the Miix has to say. Leonard still feels vaguely suspicious, which ironically puts him more at ease. If his hesitancy over the telepathic connection had evaporated, that would be more cause for worry.

As they eat, the Miix sits between them and gives them more background on their own history. The Miix have come from a dying planet, seeking refuge on Procyon Alpha. They stayed hidden for about half of a Procyon year, merely observing, before they attempted to make any contact with the Procyons. Their species is careful, valuing their own safety above all else after they lost so many to the deterioration of their home planet. But they are also a highly social species, and they long for connections outside of their own flock. This, the Miix tells them, is what they hope to forge with the Procyons.

"Did you already know about Starfleet? How did you know to ask for us?" Leonard asks.

Not by name, and not before we came to this planet. We observed the Procyons interacting on devices with beings outside their species—beings that cannot be found on this planet. During our longer interaction with two of the Procyons— Leonard can tell that the Miix pronounces the names correctly, but weirdly enough, he still only parses them as Pickle and Dreams— they offered up enough information about your system to build our confidence. We ask you here today to learn more about us, while we in turn learn more about you.

"We would be honored to learn more about the Miix," Spock states aloud, and Leonard finally understands what Pickle and Dreams meant about simultaneously hearing each other through the bond. Spock's voice seems almost dreamlike as he hears it through the shared mental connection, but it's still unmistakably him.

"What is that, by the way, Miix? Is that singular or plural?"

Yes, comes the reply, and Leonard huffs a laugh. Cheeky little bugger.

"Am I correct in observing that the Miix share a hivemind?" Spock asks, explaining and gathering more information in turn.

To an extent, the Miix answers. We have the ability to express individuality, if we so choose. But we are all connected, always.

Leonard suppresses a shudder. The thought of that much observation makes his skin crawl, but the Miix seems to view it as a positive, so he keeps his mouth shut.

"What do you want to learn about us?" Leonard asks.

What we know of Starfleet is promising, the Miix begins, and Leonard can sense their hesitation. However as our individual ambassadors, we want to build trust with you.

Ah. "You want us to prove ourselves trustworthy," he surmises.

Yes.

"Nothing wrong with that," Leonard says as Spock nods at him.

"We will endeavor to show you that we can be trusted with this task."

Their meal finished, they begin to stand and gear up for the next leg of their journey into the cave. The Miix stops them, however, with a new message. If we are to go further, you must leave your technology behind.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on now!" Leonard exclaims. "Trust is one thing, but we're not about to head into a dark cave with no means of contacting our crew if something goes wrong."

"Dr. McCoy," Spock says in a warning tone.

"Don't 'Dr. McCoy' me, Spock. You know this is a red flag as much as I do."

"Please excuse me why I speak to my colleague," Spock says to the Miix, then leads Leonard away by the hand.

Leonard has a feeling their privacy isn't exactly guaranteed, but that doesn't stop him from ranting to Spock immediately about all the dangers they might face in the cave. "My god, man. You're supposed to operate on logic. You really think it's safe to follow a creature we just met into an unknown and uncharted area with no means of protection?"

"Technology is not our only means of protection," Spock says. Leonard rolls his eyes. "And I thought to suggest a compromise, which I would have started discussing if you had not proceeded with your emotional display."

"Yeah, well, forgive me for having feelings," Leonard says, and immediately regrets it. It doesn't show on his face, but thanks to Leonard's newfound ability to read Spock's moods, he can tell Spock is hurt by his words. "Wait, Spock, I didn't mean—"

"Do you wish to continue our work as ambassadors for the Miix by working through a compromise, or should we end the negotiations here?" Spock says, ignoring Leonard's plea.

Leonard sighs. Bringing his focus back to the task at hand, he argues back and forth with Spock until they reach a solution he can live with. He's still not happy about it, but he does actually believe the Miix mean them no harm, and more than that, he trusts Spock to make a fair and accurate assessment of the situation. If he is confident in their plan, then Leonard can be confident in it too.

"We have two conditions," Spock says once they return. "All Starfleet personnel are equipped with a small device that we keep on our person at all times in case of emergency. The device will only activate on three conditions—if our bodies signal that we are in mortal danger, if we manually activate them in the event of an emergency, or if someone on our ship activates the device remotely. They would only do so if they have reason for concern, such as a failure to check in within a reasonable timeframe. Our request is thus: that we may check in with our crew to update them on our situation and schedule a time for our next check-in, and that we are allowed to keep this device with us while we leave everything else behind."

Very well. Contact your crew and promise a check-in no later than this time tomorrow. You may keep your emergency device as a safety measure, but take heed, our home cannot be navigated without a guide.

Leonard comms Ensign Salvador back at the shuttle to give the team the update. In normal circumstances, he would comm Jim as well, but—well, he's admittedly being a bit of a coward right now. He knows Jim will want to talk about what he said right before he left, and he's not ready to get into it. He also definitely wants to have that conversation in person.

With that taken care of, they carefully store and hide most of their gear in the side of the cave, somewhere the Miix shows them that they never would have found on their own. Now weighed down only by their rations and some rudimentary medical supplies, the Miix takes both of their hands and begins leading them into the cave.

Leonard is surprised at what they see inside. Not only is the cave intricate, with tunnels branching off in all directions, but it also moves. Something that he might consider a solid cave wall might suddenly shift and mold into the surface below, creating a new pathway. There's no pattern that he can discern, but each shift and turn the Miix leads them toward works out with no obstacles.

They go on for a while in relative quiet. The ambient noise of the cave is peaceful, a low thrumming coming from somewhere distant, and the occasional sound of running water. Leonard spots the source a few times, out of the corner of his eye—a stream running through the system of tunnels. He wonders if the shifting corridors are disruptive to the flow of water.

He starts feeling thirsty the longer he thinks about it. The next time he spots the stream, it's hardly six feet away. Do not stray from the path, he hears, but the words barely register. He pulls his hand away, eager to look closer and get a drink, and then he's hit with a sharp spike of distress and Spock calling out, "Leonard, don't—!"

The warning comes too late, because as Leonard takes one step forward, there is a bright flash so startling he falls backwards, luckily into Spock's arms by the feel of it. All light has been sapped from the cave following the flash.

"Are you alright?" Spock asks, low against his ear.

"Fine. Just startled me is all." He struggles to right himself, peering around. "How long's it gonna take for the lights to come back on?"

He's met with a worrying silence. "I'm sorry, Dr. McCoy," Spock says after a long pause. "It seems that whatever you saw when you stepped outside of the path has temporarily blinded you."

Leonard feels a quiet rage building in him as he processes this, but he holds himself very still. He reaches out blindly—literally blindly—and curses. "Where's that fucking Miix? What did you do to me?" he demands.

"Doctor, I must ask you to calm down."

"Calm?" Leonard repeats incredulously. "You try having your vision stolen from you for taking a step out of place to get some water, then see how calm you feel."

"Nothing was stolen. We cannot continue until you have—until you are less agitated. The Miix is unhappy with both your disobedience and your current reaction."

"Oh, it's unhappy, is it? Too damn bad. I can't see." He focuses on his breathing, knowing he needs to calm down even though Spock's insistence on it makes him want to rebel. This isn't forever, that's what Spock had said. He takes another deep breath and lets it out. "Temporary. You said this was temporary?"

"Yes. You triggered a security measure, to prevent you from walking into danger."

"Danger my ass," he mumbles. "How temporary we talkin'?"

"The Miix believes it will wear off in a few hours. They are willing to escort us to a holding room until that time." There is another pregnant pause, and Leonard fights not to grind his teeth. "They are also willing to escort us back out of the cave and put an end to negotiations. I believe those are our only two options at this time."

"Fine," Leonard responds eventually in a biting tone. "The holding cell, then."

Spock takes his hand and speaks softly. "I do not believe it to be a cell, Lieutenant. Merely a place to rest until we can resume what we came here to do."

They can call it whatever they want. If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck… "Yeah, sure. Let's just go."

As they continue their journey, Spock guides Leonard through the mysterious winding tunnels, narrating what he sees and warning Leonard of any tripping hazards. The Miix doesn't touch him again as they travel, and Leonard is quietly glad of it. It's slow going, but eventually they get to their stopping point, and Spock leads Leonard to a comfortable seat.

The sudden touch from the Miix is unfamiliar and a bit off-putting in his current state. Their annoyance is immediately apparent as they speak in his mind. We cannot work with you while you are agitated thus. You must learn to listen and to trust.

"Yeah, I got it," Leonard says, holding himself back from saying anything more.

Call out when your sight is restored and you wish to resume talks. Your companion knows what to do in the meantime.

He waits for the appropriate sounds that indicate the Miix is gone, then lets out a heavy sigh, letting his head fall forward into his hands. "Well, this is certainly a cluster."

"On the contrary, I believe this may be a good thing," Spock says. Leonard snorts, but Spock continues his explanation undeterred. "The Miix desire to make a connection, but they need to understand the people they wish to connect with. Procyons are just as impulsive as humans, if not more so. They are also emotionally driven, even if they do not display it as readily. In many ways, you are an ideal ambassador in this situation."

Leonard scrubs his face and lets his hands drop to his sides. "Never took you for a silver linings kinda guy, Spock, but thanks for the pep talk. I think I'm just getting too old." When Spock doesn't respond, Leonard finds himself frowning. Spock might think he never shows any emotion, but Leonard has known him long enough and well enough to be able to read his expressions. This silence in conjunction with his blindness is maddening.

He's almost forgotten about the warned side effect—the residual bond—until he feels Spock's concern radiating back at him. There's a slight shuffle, and then Leonard can feel Spock sit next to him, close enough that their hips are touching. "I apologize," Spock begins, taking his hand. "I imagine you are frustrated by your current lack of sight."

"That's one way of putting it," Leonard grumbles, simultaneously soothed and confused by Spock's fingers on his.

Spock sets out describing the room, which seems simple enough—tables, chairs, a hydration station, and a room off to the side that Spock has been told is a latrine. "There is no discernible exit at this time, but I imagine the way that we entered the room will reopen when we are ready to continue."

They sit together in comfortable silence for a while, and eventually Leonard finds himself starting to relax. "Maybe we should eat something," he suggests, and Spock is quick to help him to a table. He gets him set up with his canteen and rations, helpful but not overbearing, which Leonard appreciates. He also seems to touch Leonard's hands far more than he needs to, but maybe Leonard is overreacting.

Spock eventually breaks the silence with, "I have heard that you are considering leaving the Enterprise," and Leonard nearly chokes on his food.

"How the hell did you hear that?"

"I stepped away to check in with the Captain one last time while you were still sleeping, before we met up with the Miix."

Leonard huffs a laugh before taking a drink of water. "You know, he'd really prefer it if you called him Jim."

It may be Leonard's imagination, but he thinks he hears a smile in Spock's reply. "Yes, so he has told me."

Leonard laughs again, busying himself with his food as he contemplates his answer. He eventually sighs. "I dunno, I don't really want to leave," he admits. "It's just hard to believe I'm providing value anymore. My body's failing, I stay tired all the time, and the only reason I'm priority to go on away missions is because of 'experience'—which is a load of crock when we all know thinking on your feet is the best defense, regardless of what you've been through before. Hell, if we'd sent Dr. Casick down here, you'd probably be done by now. She wouldn't have been so set in her ways that she got injured and took it out on you." As he looks up, he realizes he can differentiate the brightness overhead from the dullness of the room—a small improvement, but improvement nonetheless.

"Dr. Casick is a highly skilled member of our crew, but she is far too agreeable. These negotiations benefit from a more critical viewpoint."

That makes Leonard smile. "I've never been accused of being a yes man."

"As for the rest, may I ask why you’re focusing only on your failures?"

Leonard shrugs. "That’s just how it’s been lately."

"On our last away mission, your observations prevented the Onil structure from collapsing."

He'd nearly forgotten about that. What kind of planet doesn't have proper safety inspections? "That was no big deal. Anyone could've done that."

"But you are the one who did. And in finding it when you did, you saved Ensign Luta’s life. I doubt she would classify your efforts as 'no big deal.'"

Leonard makes a noncommittal sound. He's starting to see some color now, but he resists the temptation to change the subject.

"Perhaps you need to be reminded of your more unique successes. I have read your published works on comparative alien physiology."

Leonard raises his eyebrows, letting his surprise show. He's been quietly publishing those papers, hoping one day to compile them into a book. He had no idea anyone on the Enterprise was aware of them, though. "I’m not saying I haven’t had a good run. But look at me. I’m a doctor, not a negotiator for world peace." He takes a long drink from his canteen, fighting with himself over whether to add the petulant thought lingering in his mind. As he sets it back down, Spock's hand finds his again, and Leonard blurts it out. "Sometimes I think Jim only keeps me on the crew because of favoritism."

Spock's tone is critical as he responds, "If your reasons for leaving were that you did not believe you provided value, the Captain would be one of many to tell you otherwise. As would I. In fact, I cannot think of a single member of the Enterprise crew who would agree with your reasoning."

Leonard ruminates on this, leaving his hand available for Spock's touch, even though he can't make sense of it. Spock’s got a point. He is damn good at his job. He repeats this last part aloud, adding, "Please don't line 'em up to tell me, though. I don't want that kinda attention."

"Do not misunderstand. If you want to move on for your own reasons, you are well within your rights. But your absence would certainly be felt by the Enterprise, and her crew."

"Aw, Spock. Is that your way of saying you’d miss me?"

Spock's voice softens. "I believe you understand my meaning."

"Yeah, I think I do," Leonard says, letting his fingers slide back against Spock’s this time. He feels a spark of satisfaction, and it takes him a moment to realize it didn't come from himself.

A guilt suffuses him as he thinks back on the day they've had together. "When we argued outside of the cave," he begins carefully, hoping Spock doesn't pull away, "I didn't mean to imply you don't have feelings. I know that's not true."

The vague shape that Leonard identifies as Spock moves—Leonard thinks he's inclining his head. "Humans are known for saying things they don't mean in the heat of an argument."

Leonard nods in agreement. "To be cruel. To disarm their opponent. You don't deserve that—from me or from anyone."

Leonard feels an ease through the bond, and then Spock's fingers move deliberately over his. He takes a deep breath in and waits to see if Spock is going to say anything further. When he doesn't, Leonard takes the initiative. "Are we gonna talk about how much you've been kissing me the Vulcan way all day?"

Spock's movement stills, and he slowly, furtively moves his hand away. His voice is controlled and professional as he responds, "My apologies, Lieutenant. I was too forward. It was my understanding that humans did not place such significance on the gesture, but I should have known with your expertise across species, you might see the action differently."

Leonard lets some of his frustration leak into his voice. "You're not wrong about humans. I'm more curious about Vulcans. What did you mean by it? Or has it just been a gesture of solidarity, ignoring your own meanings for the act?" When Spock doesn't answer right away, Leonard continues. "I've seen you refuse handshakes on the basis of culture, so don't even try any of your mind games on me. Jim might be naive enough to believe you can't lie, but I wasn't born yesterday."

"It was an intentional gesture of affection," Spock eventually admits. "Harmless, I thought. I regret any discomfort I have caused you."

Leonard shakes his head. "I'm not uncomfortable." He keeps his tone light, hoping not to sound accusatory. "You've done it to Jim, too. I've seen it."

"Yes. I… apologize. I am aware of the true nature of your partnership with the Captain. It was never my intention to jeopardize that."

"You haven't jeopardized anything," Leonard says. "As you said, I don't see the harm in it. I guess I'm just… a bit surprised."

"Surprised?"

"I know you and Jim are close. I guess I just assumed you tolerated me because of him. You and I don't exactly… socialize."

"I am not a very social person." Leonard smiles. He supposes that's true. "I am not skilled at communicating my feelings. Lieutenant Uhura gave me some advice recently, and I must admit, these actions go directly against what she encouraged me to do. My apologies, again."

"There's nothing to apologize for, Spock." Leonard reaches for his hand and feels Spock's surprise through the bond. "It seemed disrespectful to derail our conversation, but my vision is restoring rapidly. Everything's still a bit fuzzy, but I can make out shapes now."

"I am glad to hear it," Spock says. "Should we call back the Miix?"

"Not just yet," Leonard says, and leaves his hand in Spock's as he uses the other to finish his previously abandoned food. They coexist quietly as Leonard's vision sharpens further, and then he excuses himself to the latrine.

He spends several minutes in the small room taking deep breaths, trying to process and put away the information he's just learned. There will be time to work through this later, probably with Jim. Hopefully with Spock, too, if— But he needs to focus elsewhere right now.

By the time he returns to the larger room, he feels confident enough in his vision and his state of mind to call the Miix back.

"I owe you an apology," Leonard says as soon as they return. "I veered off the path despite your warning, when we had promised to only follow you."

The Miix reaches out to reestablish their connection, and Leonard meets them halfway. With his other hand, he reaches for Spock so that he can listen in on the conversation. The stream compelled you, the Miix explains. You are not the first to be misled. It is one element of our home that we cannot control, and one more reason that we wish to branch out.

Leonard thinks about what Spock said earlier and focuses on diplomacy. "I take it the Miix aren't quite so tempted to check it out."

We are not. We did not understand the power of the temptation until we experienced it through your mind.

Leonard nods. "In this case, forewarning—before we even entered the cave—would have gone a long way. As it happened, it felt more like a test that I was punished for failing."

The Miix bristles at that, not in anger, but in remorse. As they go about assuring Leonard that they had not intended such a thing, Leonard reflects again on Spock's musings. He can see now how his insight might be helpful in setting the Miix up for success.

Soon they are brought deeper into the cave, where a large troupe of Miix are going about their day. Though they continue to interact with only one Miix, it's clear that they are interfacing with the hivemind as they speak.

The negotiations are far less formal than Leonard was expecting, which makes it much easier to voice his concerns—the implications of changes to the brain, the feeling that thoughts might be overheard without permission—and get assurances from the Miix in turn. Spock sits next to him, diligently taking notes on Leonard's conversation as his other hand rests on Leonard's to serve as a conduit for the telepathic connection.

When Leonard asks specifically how the whole telepathy thing works, including the residual telepathic bond that he's experienced now with Spock, the Miix drop a complete understanding of the process, including a great deal of scientific knowledge, straight into his mind.

Leonard blinks at the sudden clarity the knowledge gives him, taking a moment to process. The change is benign, he understands now, and could in fact be reversed if necessary. He also tucks away the knowledge for later—that a bond such as the one he shares with Spock cannot be formed without adequate balance of esteem and openness on both sides. "Why didn’t you just tell me this at the beginning? You knew I had misgivings."

You did not ask, the Miix responds. It is part of our creed to never force any change on another being—whether this be information, a shift in brain chemistry that allows us to speak to a creature, or anything else the being might consider harmful. We seek to perceive permission before taking action in such a way.

Leonard nods. More of his experiences with the Miix are starting to make sense now. "I agree that your initial connection shouldn't be formed without permission. But once you are able to speak freely with someone, open communication is beneficial. My mistake with the stream is one example. If I had known to be cautious, I might have resisted straying from the path. You also don't seem to want or be able to communicate with a being in a state of agitation—why is that?"

We feel the agitation—all of us. It is unbearable to maintain a connection with an agitated being for very long.

"Fascinating," Spock chimes in. "So you will need a neutral third party to serve as a liaison in the event of a disagreement."

The longer they talk, the easier it gets to find common ground. It becomes tedious at times, but throughout the course of a few hours, they have the beginnings of a plan to help the Miix connect with the Procyons. As Leonard follows their guide out of the cave, he's filled with a sense of satisfaction he hasn't felt in some time. If he's not mistaken about what he can perceive through the bond, he thinks Spock feels it too.

---

Once they rejoin the rest of the crew and head back to the Enterprise, they spend another couple of hours debriefing everything they've learned and their plan for the next few days on Procyon Alpha. Jim makes his objection well-known about the two of them heading into the cave without comms and without backup, but Leonard has a feeling his venting will be repeated in great, louder detail later once they don't have an audience.

Otherwise, their work is met with approval all around, and Leonard breathes a sigh of relief to know he'll have more support for the subsequent days of ambassadorship. He can and will delegate some of the more tedious conversations now that he has the option.

After all that, all Leonard wants is a shower and sleep, but of course Jim drags him along to his quarters first to read him the riot act.

"You're an asshole, you know that?" Jim demands as soon as they're alone.

"I'm well aware."

"You hit me with that, and then you take off, and then you go off comms?! You could've died down there, Bones. What the fuck would I have done then?"

"I was never in any real danger. If I had been, I wouldn't have hesitated to activate the emergency beacon."

"Never in any real danger," Jim repeats flatly. "Remind me how many hours you spent blind today?"

"I'm sorry, Jim," Leonard says, his fingers resting against Jim's nape as he rubs a thumb over his jaw. "I shouldn't have left you with that. But going off comms was the right tactical decision."

Jim waves a hand. "Whatever. We can argue about that later. I've been thinking about what you said—I haven't been able to stop thinking about it—and I have things to say, but first of all I have to ask—when you said you needed a break, you didn't mean from us, did you?" Jim asks, gesturing frantically between their bodies.

"No, Jim," Leonard says, the corner of his mouth turning up without his permission. It's always a treat to see Jim all worked up, especially when it's over Leonard himself. He leans in to brush his lips against Jim's. "You and I are solid. And about what I said—"

"No, please, I've been dwelling on this for over a day now, let me say it or I might explode." Leonard waves him onward and sits down on Jim's bed, doing his best to hide his amusement. Jim sits next to him, looking determined. "Okay, to start with—you can't leave because you have a duty to this ship. Do you even realize how many people rely on you? I went down to medbay to talk to Dr. Casick while you were gone. I assumed you had spoken to her about your harebrained scheme to get out of fieldwork, but I quickly figured out that wasn't the case. She was horrified! She said she wouldn't be ready for solo fieldwork without at least half a year of shadowing you in the field. And that's just one example."

"Jim. Take a breath." He offers him some water. "I get it. People count on me. I know that—I knew that. I was just having a rough string of days."

"Are you sure? Because I've got at least a dozen stories queued up."

"Feel free to space them out over several days. Might be nice to have a regular ego stroke to look forward to."

"I'll show you a regular stroke," Jim mumbles. "No, don't distract me, I've still got seven more points."

"Seven? Jim, can't you give me the Cliff's Notes? I really need a shower."

"Point two," Jim continues stubbornly. "You can't leave because you're really good at what you do. Do you think I could get someone else in here that could handle the amount of people that you help on a daily basis? And don't even get me started on the extra work you do; I know better than anyone that you never really clock out, even when you insist you'll stick to shift hours."

Leonard's cheeks are burning, but he fights to keep a stern expression. "Sometimes my help is needed. I'm not gonna leave somebody high and dry just because I was supposed to be sitting back with a book. You get that."

"I do," Jim says, smiling. "Which is why it's a very good reason to stay. Which brings me to point three!" Leonard rolls his eyes, but then Jim's expression turns earnest. "You're making a difference here."

"Jim, you don't have to keep giving me reasons. I get it, and I don't want to leave," he says sincerely. He'd never wanted to leave, really, even if he'd wondered what it'd be like. But it's more settled in his mind now—he's not going anywhere.

"Good," Jim says. "But I'm not done yet, so get comfortable and learn to take a compliment."

Leonard fights his discomfort as Jim talks about the lasting impacts he's made for Starfleet, fighting not to scoff or clarify that he's not solely responsible for all these things. The fact that Jim predicted such a response just proves that he understands Leonard better than anyone.

It's almost a physical relief when Jim moves on to his next point: "You really like what you do."

"Most of the time," Leonard adds.

"Most of the time," Jim agrees with a smirk. "But even when you're reluctant to try something, like this mission with the Miix, you still walk away practically glowing with a job well done. Don't try to deny it; I was there at the debrief."

"It went well," Leonard allows, "but it wasn't easy."

"It's better when it isn't easy," Jim says, leaning into him. His kiss isn't fleeting—it's practically claiming. Leonard can't help but haul him in closer as Jim's tongue slides into his mouth. God, he's missed this. Even though he's exhausted, there's a clarity in his mind that he hasn't felt in a while. He loves Jim, he loves his job, and there are an infinite number of things he can still work toward in his lifetime.

When he pulls away, Jim looks mischievous. "Aren't you proud of me? I didn't go for the obvious 'it's better when it's hard' joke."

Leonard shakes his head, but the fondness is evident in his voice. "I might've been, if you hadn't gone there anyway."

Jim doesn't resist when Leonard pulls him back in. They get lost in each other for a while, and as Jim squirms in Leonard's lap, Leonard's pleased to discover that his dick is on board with the rest of his body this time around.

"Can we please move to the shower now?" Leonard asks, panting a bit as they break away.

"Almost. I want to get to at least point six."

"What's point five then?" Leonard practically growls.

"Point five: even though you can be a miserable bastard, people like you. There are lots of people who'd be upset if you left."

"Well that's lovely to hear," Leonard says, working Jim's shirt over his head. "Anyone in particular?"

Jim's eyes sparkle. "That's point six."

They stand up together, gravitating toward each other easily and holding on for dear life. Jim kisses him like he's got something to prove, and Leonard gives as well as he takes, trying to show Jim he's as in this as he ever was. In their frenzy, they barely manage to pull apart to discard the rest of their clothes.

"You know," Leonard says teasingly when they finally manage to reach the shower, and he's got a naked Jim in his arms, with his thick cock rubbing against Leonard's hip, "I did mention to Spock that there might be some favoritism involved—with me being kept around."

Jim rolls his eyes and pulls them both under the spray. "That's why 'I want you to stay' is point six and not point one. And why it's not the only reason."

Leonard chuckles. "Spock pretty much said the same, don't worry. No one's about to report you for nepotism."

Whatever further teasing Leonard had on his mind falls away once Jim gets a hand on his dick.

"I missed you," Jim murmurs, scraping his teeth over Leonard's neck and stroking his cock in a sure, steady grip.

"I missed you too," Leonard gasps out, letting the shower wall take his weight. "You—fuck—you're too good to me."

"You ain't seen nothin' yet." Jim grins back at him wickedly as he gets to his knees. Leonard grips Jim's slick hair as he becomes enveloped by the warmth of the shower and of Jim's mouth around his cock. His moan echoes back at him against the bathroom walls as Jim expertly works his tongue against the head of his dick.

It's been so long since they've had a chance to take their time; to really be together. If he wasn't so damn tired, he'd be easing back from Jim's mouth, suggesting some other fun they could get into. But right now he can't imagine putting a stop to this, not with Jim making obscene noises around his dick as he works himself up while getting Leonard off.

His orgasm creeps up on him faster than usual, and he's calling out a warning to Jim in a rush before Jim takes him in deep, swallowing and swallowing as Leonard trembles through the waves of pleasure. The tension of the last several days seems to melt away as Jim blinks up at him, lips swollen and stretched into a smile.

"Get up here," Leonard demands, nudging Jim's shoulder. Jim moves into Leonard's arms easily, groaning against his lips as Leonard slides one hand down his chest and the other down his back. Once he gets Jim's cock in hand, he squeezes Jim's ass to encourage him to work his hips into his grip. Jim gasps and grabs onto Leonard's hips as he starts rocking into him. Leonard murmurs encouragingly as he works his hand, twisting over the head to make Jim inhale sharply. He's gotten Jim off with his hands so many times before, but he'll never get tired of the way Jim holds on to him, gripping hard as if Leonard might get away if he lets go.

"That's it," Leonard murmurs, stroking him and letting the fingers of his free hand slide down to tease over his perineum. "You're so gorgeous. Love getting my hands on you."

"Bones," Jim whines, panting as he grows more desperate.

"Yeah, c'mon," Leonard says as Jim's grip on his hips tightens. "You've been waiting for this, haven't you? As soon as I was back onboard the Enterprise, you wanted to feel me."

"Always," Jim gasps out, writhing against him to chase his orgasm and then shuddering as he comes. Leonard works him through it until Jim sighs happily and straightens up.

They fall into another lengthy kiss, but eventually Leonard has to pull his head out of the clouds. "I do actually need to wash up, you know."

Jim snickers unrepentantly and reaches for the soap. Together, they help each other clean up, and even though Leonard's far too tired to try to go for a second round, Jim's hands on his body still feel incredible.

When he reaches for the shampoo, Jim stops him and takes the bottle instead. "Let me."

"Weren't there two more points in your little list?" Leonard asks a few moments later, as Jim's fingers work soothingly against his scalp.

"Yeah," Jim says, his voice rough. "Point seven is just furthering point six, really. That I'm serious about you. About us."

Leonard turns around, and Jim lets his hands fall back to his sides. "I know that," Leonard says gently. "I mean, I may have needed to be reminded sometimes, about the other stuff. But I've never questioned how you feel about me." Jim swallows as he steps closer. "I hope you know I feel the same way."

"I know," Jim says seriously. He trades places with Leonard so that he can wash the shampoo from his hair, and then they fall back into each other, kissing sweetly and holding each other close. Jim clears his throat, and Leonard feels the need to brace for impact. "Which I guess leads into my last point, which is, uh. Well, if you do decide you want to leave, then I'm coming with you."

"Jim," Leonard says, because he doesn't know what else to say. For as long as he's known him, nothing has been more important to Jim than proving himself in Starfleet; being the best captain he knows how to be. But maybe that's not entirely true anymore. He'd never ask Jim to give that up, but the fact that he's offering—it's a big deal. He's already said it, but now that Jim has tied himself to the decision so tightly, it bears repeating. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Yeah. I know you're not. But you might change your mind sometime in the future."

"The far future," Leonard assures him. "And I won't make that decision without you."

"Good. Thanks, Bones."

They finish washing up, and when Leonard falls into bed a few minutes later, the exhaustion kicks back in full force.

He suppresses a yawn as Jim climbs under the covers next to him. "So let me get this straight. Point number eight in 'Reasons Leonard Shouldn't Leave the Enterprise' is that if I leave, you're coming with me? Wow, you've convinced me, then. Better not leave."

Jim smacks at him lazily. "Don't be a jackass."

"Too late," Leonard says, pressing a kiss against Jim's shower-warmed skin. "Get some sleep. We can spend the morning really making up for the past week."

---

Leonard wakes up slowly the next morning with an ease in his bones he hasn't felt in quite some time. He twists around to check the time and chuckles to himself. Just a few minutes more than eight hours.

He settles back and lets himself enjoy the quiet. Jim is dead to the world next to him, drooling slightly into his pillow. He lets his eyes slip closed and dozes a bit longer until his bladder forces him out of bed.

When he returns, Jim is rubbing at his eyes and yawning obnoxiously.

"Morning, sunshine," Leonard quips, sliding back in next to him.

"Mmmhi," Jim says eloquently, burrowing into Leonard and nosing at his neck. Leonard tangles his legs up with Jim's and lets him cling as he wakes up. He'd been having a dream, he remembers now. He'd been tangled up with Jim like this, but someone else was there too. It doesn't take him long to remember who. He tentatively feels for the bond, wondering if Spock is asleep or not. He has no idea how to use the thing, though, and isn't surprised when his attempt reveals nothing.

When Jim graduates from lazy kisses over his skin to a more fervent kiss against his lips, it doesn't take long for the two of them to start moving against each other.

"You said something last night about making up for last week?" Jim teases, rubbing up against Leonard's hip. "Got anything in mind?"

"Several things," Leonard growls, pushing Jim onto his back and crawling on top of him.

"Fuck yeah," Jim says as Leonard reaches for the lube in the beside table, then settles between his legs. Leonard loves this part, working his fingers inside Jim to get him flushed and ready until he's practically begging for Leonard's cock.

"You're so eager this morning," Leonard observes, stroking his fingers in and out in a slow rhythm.

"Maybe you're just a tease," Jim bites back, working his hips against him. Leonard's playing it cool, but his cock is throbbing with the need to get inside him.

"You know, the word 'please' goes a long way," Leonard says, but he still withdraws his fingers and reaches for the lube to slick up his cock.

"You wanna hear please, you're gonna have to work a little harder than that," Jim says, pushing up on his elbows to get a better view of Leonard lining himself up.

Leonard laughs. "Well, you know I love a challenge," he says, then starts to ease his way inside.

It's not long before Jim falls back onto the mattress, throwing his head back with a punched-out sound of pleasure. Leonard grits his teeth, fighting the impulse to push forward in one thrust, burying himself inside Jim. But he takes his time, working his hips in shallow thrusts until Jim relaxes and takes him in completely.

"Fuck, Jim," Leonard says reverently, his words mingling with Jim's moan. He works his way up to a fast and hard rhythm that makes the bed frame rattle—just the way Jim likes it—but as soon as he sees Jim really start to get worked up, he deliberately slows down. He dips down to kiss him, swallowing any noises of protest as he takes his time, fucking him languidly.

He waits until Jim is desperate, muttering, "C'mon, c'mon," against his lips before he speeds up his movements again. This time, he lets Jim get close—his thighs tensing, his hand pumping his cock frantically—before he pulls most of the way out and stills.

Jim curses inventively as Leonard pushes back in, tantalizingly slow. "What are you doing to me?" Jim whines, and Leonard just grins back at him, knowing if he spoke it would give away just how close he'd been himself.

He doesn't let himself get quite so worked up the next time, but he can tell Jim thinks this is the one, which makes it all the more satisfying when he slows once more.

He's not entirely sure what he's building to, but he thinks he'll know when he gets there. As he slows to almost a stop, Jim groans and grips his shoulders. If he really wanted to, Jim could push back, flip them over and ride Leonard until they both came. But instead he's playing along, and that just makes it even better. As Leonard starts working his hips again, slowly, his head is full of Jim—except for a tiny, niggling corner of his mind that wonders what if? The more he tries to ignore it, the louder it seems to echo in his head, until he finally finds himself asking aloud, "You ever think about us doing this with someone else?" The moan from Jim encourages him to go on. "What if Spock were here with us, right now?"

"Ah, fuck," Jim says, his cock twitching as a spurt of precome leaks out against his stomach. Leonard chuckles, downplaying his own thrill of excitement at Jim's reaction. Jim's cheeks are twice as red as they'd been even a few seconds ago. "You can't just say shit like that, Bones."

He shifts his weight so that he can get a hand on Jim's cock, gripping it and sliding his thumb through the wetness at the tip. "Why not? Just a question." He locks eyes with Jim, who looks back with a searching gaze. "I wouldn't ask if I didn't mean it."

Jim whines and jerks his hips in frustration, but it does nothing to speed up the slow drag of Leonard's cock inside or his hand's lazy strokes. "Bones, please. Please let me come."

Leonard hums in contemplation. "I suppose I did say that 'please' goes a long way. You gonna answer the question?" he asks, arching a brow.

"Yes, okay? I've thought about it."

Even though he'd suspected as much, the answer still makes his breath catch. "Yeah? Me too," he says, his voice coming out rough.

Jim's hand returns to his cock, and he arches against him. "Please."

Leonard swallows and shifts back to a position where he can get good leverage. He can no longer hold back as he fucks Jim, the sweet drag of him taking his breath away. The room is full of their grunts and gasps as Leonard snaps his hips, driving them both toward orgasm. Jim shouts, and Leonard feels the hot splash of his come on his skin mere seconds before he follows him, moaning as he crashes over the edge.

"Holy shit," Jim says minutes later, after Leonard has rolled off of him. "I can't remember the last time I came so hard."

"Yeah," Leonard says weakly. His thighs are still quivering. Jim curls up against his side, and they hold each other, still breathing heavily.

Jim rallies first and goes to wet a cloth to clean them both up a little. Leonard still doesn't feel much like moving by the time Jim relaxes next to him again.

"So, I knew you could be sneaky, but that was outright playing dirty," Jim says, his lopsided grin detracting from the accusation.

"Yeah," Leonard admits, smiling sheepishly. "For what it's worth, I didn't exactly plan to ask that way. It just kinda happened."

"So you meant what you said. In response." Leonard nods. Jim studies him for a few long seconds. "If this is about what happened the other day, I'm not—I don't need this. We don't need to change anything. I'm happy with you."

Leonard chuckles. "I know that, Jim. I'm happy with you too, but that's not what this is about. And before you say it—this isn't because of the change the Miix made. I have some kind of bond with him now, but this… idea isn't a new one, for me. And I don't think it is for you either."

"It's not," Jim admits quietly, "but it was only ever an idea. I had no clue you felt like this."

"It's been a slow realization," Leonard says. "I wouldn't even bring it up, except I think we're all at a point where we all want it." He looks Jim in the eye, choosing his words carefully. "I'm not just talking about a fling, you know that, right? I'm talking about inviting him… to share our relationship. But only if you agree. Like you said, I don't need this, not if I have you."

"But you do want it. This isn't just because you think I want it."

"I'm not that self-sacrificing," Leonard says with a smirk. "I want it. After you, there's no one I trust more than him."

Jim laughs, still seeming a bit overwhelmed. "But what makes you think he'd even slightly entertain such a thing? Just thinking of him lifting a pointy eyebrow in disdain at the suggestion has my balls shriveling up."

The idea makes Leonard laugh too. "Well, I do have a psychic link to the man now."

Jim stares back at him with wide eyes. "Bullshit," he says eventually.

Leonard chuckles. "No, you're right, I can't really get a read on that part. Like I said, these feelings aren't new on my side, and it can be hard to tell if an existing thought or feeling is shared. Let's just say, Spock and I had a very illuminating conversation on the planet yesterday."

"You've already talked about this with him?"

"Not exactly," Leonard clarifies. "I wouldn't have done that without talking to you first. No, it was actually about this," he says, sitting up and reaching for Jim's hand. He holds out two fingers and slides them along Jim's, imitating the Vulcan kiss as best he can. "Do you understand the significance of this?"

Jim shivers without seeming to realize he's doing it. "It feels like something Spock's done a few times."

"He started doing it to me too," Leonard says, then goes on to explain the Vulcan kiss. Jim's lips part in surprise as Leonard shares what he knows, and his mouth is still hanging open by the time Leonard adds on what Spock had alluded to in the cave. "You know, you're gonna catch flies like that," Leonard finally says, leaning in to kiss Jim the human way.

After all that, he lays back, giving Jim some time to process. They've got a little while before they need to meet back with the delegation for today's activities on Procyon Alpha. He may as well get some rest while he can.

Barely five minutes pass before Jim is bolting out of bed. "Where are you going?" Leonard grumbles.

"Just getting my tablet," Jim replies. "Don't worry about it."

"What d'you need that for?" Leonard asks, but he's pleased when Jim rejoins him in bed.

"Just marking some stuff to read later."

"Stuff?"

Jim grins at him. "Vulcan culture stuff. I might need it soon, after all."

Leonard laughs and lets himself relax again. Jim is still sometimes the biggest pain in his ass, but Leonard loves him so damn much.

---

Despite Jim's excitement and Leonard's certainty, they don't proposition Spock right away. What they do instead is start dropping hints. The hand touching doesn't stop—it actually increases, only this time, it's Leonard and Jim initiating it. They're careful not to do it too often, and only in situations where Spock can't easily call them out.

It all comes to a head barely a week after they leave Procyon Alpha. Spock corners Leonard, his nostrils flaring as he accuses Leonard of mocking him, and of asking Jim to do it too.

"C'mon, Spock, you know us better than that," Leonard says quietly. He places his fingers over Spock's, pleased when he doesn't pull away. "We should talk this out. Why don't you meet me and Jim in Captain's quarters tonight? One hour after alpha shift."

Spock still seems unsettled, but he agrees to the meeting.

---

Fifty-nine minutes after alpha shift, Leonard is sitting in Jim's room, glaring at him when he starts drilling his fingers against the arm of his chair for the dozenth time. They've got the chairs arranged in an awkward little triangle so that Spock won't feel cornered. He's starting to wonder if they should call the whole thing off when Spock finally arrives.

"Spock!" Jim calls out. "Come on in, have a seat. Can I get you anything to drink?"

"No, thank you," Spock says, sitting primly on the edge of his offered chair.

Jim sits back down, pulling on his shirt. Leonard clears his throat, but no words come to his lips. He just darts his eyes between the two of them, wondering how the hell they're supposed to start this.

Luckily, as with most things, Jim takes the initiative."Spock. You know that Bones and I are… together, right?"

"Yes, Captain."

Jim's eyes narrow. "Alright, first and foremost. You're in my quarters, it's Jim. Or Kirk, if that's more comfortable."

Leonard nods. "You can call me Leonard, if it doesn't make your ears bleed. Or McCoy."

Spock shakes his head. "I never intended to do anything that might disrupt your relationship. I must offer my sincerest apologies if—"

"No, no. Stop right there. You haven't done anything wrong," Jim assures him, his voice soothing.

"If anyone should be apologizing, it's us," Leonard adds, gesturing between Jim and himself. "We've been testing the waters, but we probably should've just talked to you."

Spock shifts his gaze between the two of them, bemused. "Explain."

"Leonard and I… we're together, but we've been talking a lot lately about, well, the three of us. Together," Jim concludes, licking his lips in a nervous gesture. Leonard can't help but watch him. He's being so careful in his words, trying not to push too much, or show too much of his excitement. Even if this doesn't work out, Leonard thinks that they'll all be alright.

Spock looks to Leonard as if confirming. Leonard nods. "If that's something you would be interested in. We'll understand if you aren't."

"Bones can be a lot to handle, after all."

"Ass," Leonard says, reaching over to knock him in the back of the head. Jim smiles back, unrepentant.

"To be clear, are you suggesting a sexual relationship, or a romantic one?"

"Both," Jim says, at the same moment Leonard says, "Either."

They share a searching look, and then Leonard says, "Both," while Jim says, "Either."

Leonard sighs. "Look, we like ya, Spock. Enough to go through this embarrassing display. But we don't want to make you uncomfortable, either."

"We're down for whatever you might be interested in."

Spock stares down at his knees as he processes this. Leonard gives Jim a nod of encouragement; he's pretty sure the fact that Spock hasn't bolted is as good a sign as any. When Spock finally moves, it's to bring his hand forward. Leonard anticipates his movement, and holds out his hand to meet Spock's two extended fingers. They touch each other in a gentle caress as Jim breathes in sharply next to him. He holds out his hand next, and Spock moves to him, sliding their fingers together in a Vulcan kiss. They're all affected, but no one so obviously as Spock, whose cheeks are flushed green and his mouth parted as his breath becomes more labored.

"Can we kiss you?" Leonard asks. "In our way?"

Spock nods, and Jim moves in before Leonard can even think. Leonard chuckles to himself; he expected no less. The two of them are gorgeous together, lips sliding together until Jim deepens the kiss, his tongue sliding forward into Spock's mouth. Leonard's heart is racing, and he longs to touch, but he doesn't want to disrupt this moment. Spock reaches out for him a second later, and as Leonard hooks his fingers against Spock's again, he wonders if their telepathic link is coming into play here.

He doesn't say anything right away, though, not even when the two of them break apart and Jim encourages Spock to kiss Leonard. Their kiss is less fervent than the one Spock shared with Jim; they're more tentative, exploring each other through the kiss, and Leonard can definitely feel a shared intensity building in the bond between them now.

When Spock pulls away, Leonard sits back in his own chair and motions for Jim to do the same. He has a feeling Spock needs the space.

Spock sits quietly for another minute, his hand bunching into a fist on his lap. "Forgive me. I did not mean for things to… escalate quite so quickly."

"There's nothing to forgive on our side," Jim insists.

"But we're sorry if we made you uncomfortable," Leonard adds. "I know we kinda sprung this on you. It's okay if you need some time to think it over."

"Thank you, doctor. Or rather—thank you, Leonard. I would like to take some time to process, if you are both amenable."

"Of course. Take all the time you need," Leonard says. "There's no expiration date on what we're offering."

"To be precise, could you clarify exactly what it is you're offering?"

Leonard nods. "A relationship with the two of us. Romantic, sexual, or otherwise, depending on your comfort level."

"And just to be crystal clear, our comfort level is 'all of the above,'" Jim tacks on.

Leonard shoots Jim a glare. "Yes, Jim, thank you. I was actually trying to avoid the implication that it was all or nothing."

"Oh, it's not," Jim insists, shaking his head and looking at Spock imploringly. "Seriously, there's no pressure."

The corners of Spock's mouth tilt upward, and despite the bickering with Jim that Leonard can't seem to resist even on their better days, he thinks they've still managed to endear themselves to Spock. "Thank you both for your patience in this matter. I will inform you when I have given the matter its proper thought."

The door seals behind Spock as he leaves, and they're left in an eerie silence. Leonard licks his lips, trying to think of words to reassure Jim, but of course Jim speaks before he can. "Is it wrong if I really wanna get off with you now, since Spock left us both so hot and bothered?"

Leonard sighs in relief. "I hope not, because I was just thinking the same thing."

As they strip down and start to move against each other, Leonard remembers a time not that long ago when he'd considered himself lucky to be the only one who got to see Jim so desperate. Now, he's got a good feeling that he'll get to share the experience with Spock, too, before long.

---

Six months after their ambassadorial mission to Procyon Alpha, they return to the planet to check in on relations between the Procyons and the Miix. Leonard is pleased to find that things are going well, and that the scientific knowledge shared by the Miix has propelled the Procyons forward years in their technology.

After all the official meetings are over, Spock and Jim join Leonard in speaking directly with one of the Miix.

"It's about the bond that you opened between Mr. Spock and myself," he explains, gesturing to Spock.

Do you wish the bond to be disabled?

"No!" Leonard rushes to say. "Hell no. I wanted to know if it's possible to share the bond? Have it go three ways." He gestures at Jim, who waves his hand.

The Miix shifts to take Jim's hand as well as Leonard's, communicating confusion without words.

"The three of us share a relationship," Jim explains, looking nervous. "If it's possible, I'd like to be able to understand Spock and Dr. McCoy as well as they can understand each other—through the bond you helped create."

The Miix stays still and silent. Leonard tries not to look at its eerie, unfocused eyes as he waits for an answer. He feels it when confusion gives way to fascination, and in another few moments, the Miix moves again.

We understand. It can be done, but I cannot help you. It's the first time they've heard a Miix refer to themselves in the singular first person. Please remain here, and two of our own will join you shortly.

They sit down on a bench while they wait, with Leonard in between Jim and Spock, holding each of their hands. Even without the benefit of a bond, he can feel Jim's excitement. It can be done. The Miix wouldn't have said it if they didn't believe it. And as much as Jim's tried to downplay it, Leonard knows he's been jealous of the bond he and Spock share.

Suddenly, two Miix teleport into their view, holding hands and, if Leonard's not mistaken, smiling.

They walk straight up to Leonard, and one reaches for his hand. It is an honor to meet you, Leonard McCoy.

"Likewise," Leonard says, going for a smile. "Word on the street is that you can help us enhance our bond? Let the two of us share it with Jim here?"

The answer comes from the second Miix. Yes. We too are a bonded pair. As you are joined with your current bondmate, we can bridge the gap with your additional bondmate and make the connection.

"Fascinating," Spock mumbles, and Leonard shares a smile with each of them.

"Alright then, let's get started." Together, they stand up and get into position. Leonard joins hands with Spock, and across from them, Jim takes the hand of each of the Miix. They then reach out, one Miix taking Leonard's free hand, and the second taking Spock's. His slight anxiety that something might go horribly wrong gives way to giddy relief when he can feel a trademark excitement that is undeniably Jim through the bond.

It is done, the Miix confirm, and in seconds Jim closes the distance and pulls Leonard and Spock into a hug.

"Oh my god, thank you," Jim says, crouching down and reaching for the Miix. Spock places a hand at Leonard's back, and together they wait as Jim has his own conversation with the Miix.

It's all Jim can do to keep his hands to himself in the intervening time before they can hole up in Jim's quarters with their recently acquisitioned giant bed. Leonard knows it because Jim's horniness is crystal clear in the bond—Spock's certainly never put forth such a strong, obvious swell of desire before. The result is that all three of them are sufficiently worked up by the time they join back together that evening, and it doesn't take long to fall into bed.

Jim kisses each of them in turn with twice his usual enthusiasm—which is really saying something. Leonard goes along for the ride, letting his tongue swirl against Jim's as Spock's hand finds his.

Even though they've been doing this for six months—give or take a few bumps in the road along the way as they adjusted to the new relationship—Leonard is far from complacent. He still enjoys every moment he gets to spend with Jim and Spock, especially when they have time and privacy to really focus on each other. In some ways, the relationship still feels brand new. In others, Leonard feels like he's been with the two of them for years.

Having the shared bond now will certainly help things feel more equal. Leonard is eager to share with Jim the same sensations that he's been sharing with Spock all this time. He pulls back from Jim and studies him as he tries to analyze what Jim is sending through the bond. "How are you feeling?"

"Overwhelmed," Jim admits, panting. "How do you parse out everything you feel through the bond? It's all just… sensation."

"By asking, at first," Leonard says. "Like I just did. I've had time to attune to Spock—who is easy, by the way, because of his Vulcan tendencies—but even knowing you so well, it'll take a while before I can interpret the nuances of anything you send through the bond."

"I am glad to hear you refer to my heritage as a positive," Spock says, lifting a brow.

"Yeah, yeah. Don't get used to it," Leonard snarks back before leaning in for a thorough kiss with Spock.

When they pull away, Leonard is unsurprised to find Jim with his pants undone and his cock already in his hand. He has been waiting for this all day, after all. "I can feel these, like, sparks when the two of you kiss each other," Jim says, fascinated. "It's fucking amazing."

"You ain't felt nothin' yet," Leonard says, reaching for Jim's shirt and lifting it over his head.

"Leonard and I have discussed our plans for the evening," Spock explains. "We would like to focus our attentions on your pleasure."

"Does that mean I get to be in the middle?" Jim asks, raising his eyebrows and gazing between them excitedly.

"If that's what you want," Leonard says, chuckling.

Jim makes it clear that yes, that's what he wants, and soon they lose themselves in a haze of prep-slash-foreplay. Before Leonard knows what's hit him, Jim is moaning around his cock as Spock pushes into Jim from behind. The sound is accompanied by a frenetic jolt of lust through the bond, a perfect complement to Spock's more even-keeled pleasure and Leonard's own excitement. It's a little too perfect, to be honest, and Leonard finds himself losing his usual tight grip on his control.

"My god, Jim," Leonard says, taking a deep breath. "Try to calm down, or you're going to wipe us all out when we've barely started."

"Speak for yourself," Spock says, driving into Jim in a steady rhythm that pushes him forward onto Leonard's cock. The challenge grounds Leonard, though, pulling him back from that overwhelming urgency he'd felt just a moment before.

Jim predictably ignores Leonard's admonishment, sucking his cock with abandon as Spock continues to fuck him. Leonard reaches down to scritch his nails against Jim's scalp, then feels a sliver of calm energy wind through the bond. God, they should've gone back to the Miix and done this ages ago.

Since he no longer has to watch Jim for visual cues to his current mood, Leonard lets his eyes slip closed and surrenders himself to the sensation of Jim's mouth on him. The grunts of pleasure coming from Spock as he speeds up his thrusts only add to Leonard's building pleasure, and soon he's breathing out a warning before coming down Jim's throat.

Once Leonard shifts his hips back, Jim is quick to gaze up at him with a shit-eating grin. Leonard chuckles and presses his thumb against Jim's swollen lips, letting him swirl his tongue around it as Leonard reaches forward with his other hand to give Spock a Vulcan kiss.

"What d'you say we move things around a bit?" he suggests. "Let me give you my mouth while Spock fucks you within an inch of your life."

Jim nods eagerly, letting Leonard's thumb slip out of his mouth. Spock takes the suggestion easily, helping Jim sit up on his knees until they're flush against each other, with Spock continuing to work his hips. Leonard just enjoys watching them for a minute, Jim's head tipped back onto Spock's shoulder in pleasure as Spock holds him close and moves into him rhythmically.

Jim's cock is flushed red and glistening wet at the tip when Leonard moves down to get his mouth on it. He can feel Jim's swell of anticipation through the bond as Leonard teases him, skimming his fingers down his length and pressing kisses to the inside of his thighs.

"Bones, I swear to god—" Jim manages, his voice tight with arousal.

"You're close, huh?" Bones teases, feeling Jim's impatience and seeing the evidence of it as he clenches his jaw. "Alright, I guess you've earned it."

Jim's breath leaves him in a rush as Leonard sinks down on Jim's cock, taking him to the back of his throat and sucking hard as he pulls back. He works up a rhythm as curses fall more frequently from Jim's lips, and soon Jim is shuddering as he shoots over Leonard's tongue.

Spock, ever the controlled one, gives himself over to his own pleasure a few moments later, the spike of his orgasm making Leonard's spent cock twitch as it travels across the bond. The three of them stay leaning against each other, panting, until Jim finally breaks the silence. "Holy shit."

"Indeed," Spock agrees with a soft laugh, and Leonard shifts back up, pressing a kiss to Jim's grin.

Once they take some time to come down and clean themselves up, they have to admit they're sufficiently wiped out from all their celebratory lovemaking. They go to bed tangled up in each other as always. Leonard can feel the affection traveling through the bond, and he knows for sure—he's the luckiest man in the Federation.

Notes:

Thank you for reading! Kudos and comments are much appreciated! <3