“You don’t have to be here to help me,” Jim told his first officer self-consciously as Spock reached over to assist Jim as he got out of the hospital bed.

“I am quite able to assist you.”

“Yeah, I know.” Jim faltered and slumped down in Spock’s arms, who immediately helped to straighten and stabilize Jim. He had to lean against Spock even still. “But you shouldn’t have to. I-I can get a nurse to help me use the restroom.”

“There is no need when I am right here.” Spock hooked an arm around Jim. “Walk slowly.”

“Don’t you…I mean you must have somewhere else to be.”

“I do not.”

Jim sighed, feeling out of sorts about letting Spock assist him.

There’d been an attack on Yorktown by a rogue Klingon vessel and during the attach Jim had sustained injuries which was why he now found himself in a Yorktown military hospital with Spock now helping him go to the tiny closet sized toilet in his room.

Slowly he made his way over to the bathroom, Spock holding him all the way, and when they finally reached there, Jim hesitated. He’d need help to stand in front of the toilet as he peed. And the idea of Spock having to—

“Perhaps you want to go check on Uhura.”

“She was discharged yesterday and is recovering well in her temporary apartment.”

Jim nodded, glanced away.

“Jim, please. Allow me to help.”

He blew out a slow somewhat painful breath. Because yeah his injuries still hurt like a bitch even though they’d healed what they could and he would recover.  

He looked down at his arm in a sling. “Can you help me lift up this hospital gown so I don’t pee all over it?”

Without a word, Spock lifted the gown and helped Jim to the toilet.

“Can you look away?”

Spock did without comment for which Jim was glad.

He did his business, conscious of the sound of his pee stream, feeling his face redden. Stupid, of course. Spock had to pee just like anyone else.

He turned to the small sink and Spock turned on the water and Jim washed the hand that wasn’t in the sling and Spock tried it for him.

His first officer then helped him back to the bed.

After they got Jim settled, he said, “You can go now if you want. They’ll be bringing in my dinner soon.”

“I will help you to eat since your preferred hand is injured.”

“You really don’t—”

“Jim, why are you persisting in trying to get rid of me?”

“Because…I don’t want to keep you from doing what you want to do.”

“Do you really not know?”

Jim frowned. “Know what?”

“What I want to do is to be by your side. At all times.” Spock paused. “Always.”

Jim sucked in a breath. “Uhura—”

“Is my friend. We are not together.” Spock reached for Jim’s left hand and held it to his side. “I would like to stay. Even watching over you while you sleep tonight if you will permit me. I do not wish to worry about losing you again.”

Jim’s heart felt light. “You can stay. In fact…I would love that.”

“Then you will allow me to assist you as your potential mate?”

He felt almost dizzy at that question, but he smiled and nodded. “Yes, Spock. But take that ‘potential’ out of the equation.”

Spock leaned down to kiss Jim’s chastely.

They both heard the clang of the dining carts.

“Your dinner has arrived.”

And that my friends, is a wrap for March flashes. Thank you!