Jim woke to the feel of a heavy leg overlapping his. Suddenly he was wide awake and staring at the wall next to his bunk, eyes wide, heart thundering.

Wait. What?

Things had returned to normal after they’d dealt with the whole Babel conference, including dropping off all the ambassadors, Spock’s parents included.

He’d been playing chess and then…

Jim turned on the bed, facing the owner of that leg, who was staring at him with wide dark eyes and messy brown bangs.

“Spock,” he whispered. His gaze went to the string of sucked bruises on Spock’s pale chest.

Spock placed his hand over Jim’s heart. “Jim.”