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“There you are.”

Jim smiled at Bones as he entered their dorm later that day. “Hey, Bones. Uh. Sorry I didn’t remember to let you know I wasn’t coming home last night until this morning.”

“Uh-huh. I kinda figured you wouldn’t. And I think I’ve figured this whole thing out.”

Jim scooted past him into the kitchenette. He reached into the fridge and took out a bottle of beer. He twisted off the lid and took a sip.

“Enlighten me.”

Bones joined him in the kitchenette and leaned against the counter opposite Jim. “I decided to take a look at who was signed up for chess matches yesterday for the club.”

Jim chuckled. “Did you? Thought you weren’t interested in chess.”

Bones snorted. “I’m not. But I am nosey.”

“That you are.”

“You weren’t on the list of players. And by the way, TooSexy?”

“Seemed appropriate.”

“Gimme a break. You definitely think too much of yourself, my friend.”

Jim chugged some more beer. “What’s your conclusion?”

His fried looked smug. “You haven’t been playing chess. You’re seeing some girl. For some reason you don’t think I’d approve of her which is why the subterfuge.”

“I have to hand it to you, Bones. You’ve really been thinking about this.”

“Of course I have. Is it someone I know? Someone I’m interested in?”

There was a knock on their door and Jim set his bottle down on the counter.

“Hold that thought.”

Jim went to the door and opened it, smiling brightly at Spock.

“Hey, sorry. I haven’t changed out of my uniform yet. I was distracted by Bones.”

Spock stepped inside the dorm and gazed blankly at Bones, who now stared at him with his mouth agape.

Jim turned. “Bones, this is ChessMaster. And you’re half right. I am seeing Spock. We’re about to go to dinner.”

“You are welcome to join us, Doctor,” Spock offered.

“I’d rather choke on a—”

“Bones!” Jim laughed.

“No, thanks.”

Spock nodded.

“Give me just a sec. I won’t be long. Don’t kill each other while I’m changing.”

“Why would I kill the doctor?”

Bones mumbled, “I have somewhere to be.”

And Jim watched as his friend made his way to the door. “We will talk later, Jim.”

Jim waved and then laughed when Bones glared before leaving.

“That went well.”

“The doctor was unaware you and I are seeing each other.”

“Mm. He thought you were a girl.”

Spock arched a brow.

“Never mind that. Now that he’s gone, you can help me remove my uniform.”

“You need assistance?”

Jim winked. “Especially with the zipper on these pants.”

“The zipper? Oh.” Spock blushed slightly. Cleared his throat. “I am sure I am up to the task of assisting you.”

“I’m sure too.” Jim drew Spock close and kissed him. “We don’t have a reservation for dinner, do we?”

“We do not.”

“Then dinner can definitely wait.”