“I’ve been thinking.”

A heavy sigh and then, “I’m sure I should be worried.”

Jim chuckled low, though their situation was hardly something to laugh about.

Both of them, he and Bones, were shackled to a stone wall. Bones had a broken leg, Jim had been kicked in the side. Both of their faces were battered and bruised.

They had the Klingons to thank.

“If we get out of this—”

“We will.”

Jim appreciated Bones’ attempt to be optimistic. He really did. He just didn’t think it was warranted this time.

“What were you thinking?” Bones finally asked when Jim fell silent.

“If we get out of here, I should finally tell Spock how I feel.”

“Now I know you really don’t think we’re going to be rescued.” Bones frowned. “Not in time.”

“Well. It’s pretty dire, Bones.”

Jim was fairly certain he had internal injuries from the kicks. He was having trouble breathing and was getting weaker as time passed.

Maybe Bones would be rescued in time. Jim certainly hoped so.

“Things have been dire before, Jim. It doesn’t get any worse than you being dead.”

“Yeah, I know. I’m sorry, Bones. I’m just tired.”

“You can close your eyes, Jim. I’ll keep watch over you.”

“Bones, if I don’t wake up—”

“Jim, you will. I promise.”

Jim nodded and closed his eyes.