A bit sad this one

“You know, you look familiar.”

Jim eyed the sultry lady who had sauntered up to him at the bar as he gulped down the rest of his fourth drink.

“I get that a lot.”

“Hmm. Well, I’m sure you definitely get a lot of attention that’s for sure. A hot, sexy guy like you.” She leaned toward him and he saw her black eyes.

“Betazoid,” he slurred.

“Very good.” She put her hand on his. “You’re very sad. Want to tell me all about it?”

“I don’t—”

“I am afraid he will have to pass.”

She looked past Jim to the Vulcan who suddenly loomed over them. “Who are you?”

“At the moment, his keeper.”

Jim swatted at the hands that grabbed him and slid him off the bench at the bar. “Can get down myself.”

Jim knew the tall Vulcan dressed all in cool black from head to toe was giving the Betazoid lady a death look and really he ought to be offended on her behalf or something but there was something also quite…tantalizing about it.

The Vulcan hooked his hand in Jim’s arm and led Jim away and out of the bar. A short while later, Jim found himself shuffled into a lift.

He sagged against the Vulcan.

“You look like my husband,” he muttered in the Vulcan’s black sweater.

“Likely because I am.”

Jim nodded. “This days sucks, Spock.”

Spock wrapped his arms around Jim and held him close.

“I know, Ashaya. I read the missive.”

“Sam’s dead,” Jim said, feeling the sting of tears as he fisted that black sweater.

“I know,” Spock replied softly. “I am sorry.”

“I just…wanna know why.” He sniffled against Spock. “I know why and how he died. I don’t mean that. I mean…why didn’t he…”

He couldn’t finish. But he knew Spock knew.

“Something was lacking in him, T’hy’la, not in you.”

“You sure?”

“Positive. Come, I will take care of you.”

“Always do.”

“Always will. Always.”