“I came in second place!”

Bones patted Jim’s back. “Congratulations.”

Jim gave his best friend a look. Disgruntled to say the least.

“Did you hear what I said? I came in second.”

“Yeah, I think that’s great.” Bones frowned. “Wait, you’re disappointed?”

“I tried really hard,” Jim told him. “I expected to win. I hate to lose, Bones.”

“You didn’t try hard, Jim. You barely studied.”

“Well.” Jim read the results again. Sighed. “Who came in first, do you know?”

“I did.”

Jim turned around and stared at the Vulcan, Spock, who had just come up behind him. “You, Spock?”

“Indeed.”

“Damn. You didn’t tell me you were entering. I probably wouldn’t have entered had I known. Or, I don’t know, maybe I would have studied more.”

“Or at all,” Bones muttered.

Jim shot his friend another look. “Shut up, Bones.”

“Congratulations, Spock.”

“Thank you, Doctor. Would you care to have dinner, Jim? We can discuss the results further if you wish.”

Jim narrowed his eyes. “I don’t wish.”

Spock arched a brow.

Jim sighed. “Fine. I mean dinner is fine. But no gloating about beating me.”

Spock fell in step next to Jim as they began to walk. “I do not gloat.”

Bones stared after their departing figures. “Goodbye! You know most people say that when they walk away from someone!” he shouted after them.

Jim smiled. “You hear anything, Spock?”

“A gnat, I believe.”

Jim waved his fingers in Bones’ direction, who huffed, turned around and walked in the opposite direction.