Well, it’s a month with Friday the 13th! Should have known!

“You know this is ridiculous. I don’t need to be carried like a…”

“A child?” Spock suggested.

Jim scowled. “I was going to say a damsel in distress.”

And he was in distress. He’d fallen down a set of stone steps and really landed hard on his twisted leg. Everything hurt.

Spock carried him to the cabin they were sharing on their shore leave. He stopped at the entrance to gain access at the door and then carried Jim inside and toward the bedroom.

“I think we should contact Doctor McCoy.”

“Nothing is broken and I don’t want to bother Bones. It’s his shore leave too.”

Spock deposited him on the bed. “You do not know if anything is broken.”

“I’m pretty sure. It would hurt a hell of a lot worse than this. And trust me, it hurts bad enough.”

Spock leaned down and studied Jim’s leg and ankle. He was wearing shorts as they’d been out exploring the planet ruins. No doubt about it his skin was scraped and his ankle and foot were throbbing.

Spock made a face, turned and walked away.

Jim sighed and closed his eyes.

A few minutes later Spock returned with a first aid kit. Silently, he began to clean up the scrapes on Jim’s leg. Then he gently bandaged Jim’s foot and ankle and handed Jim an ice pack.

“Thanks,” Jim offered though Spock would not meet his gaze. “Hey. Talk to me.”

Spock sat on the edge of the bed. “You came very close to falling off that cliff at the bottom of those stairs.”

“I know. I didn’t fall on purpose, Spock. And I didn’t go over the cliff.”

“You would not have survived such a fall.”

Jim looked down at Spock’s hands which were clenched tight together and he saw the Vulcan was shaking.

“Hey.” Jim reached for him. “I’m here. I’m okay.” He pulled him into an embrace. “I love you.”

Spock pulled back a little, blinking in surprise. “That is the first time you have said that.”

Jim smiled. “Is it? Well you’ve known it for a long time.”

“Still…it is good to hear out loud. And I love you as well.”

“I know. And I’m sorry if I have ruined our shore leave.”

“You have not ruined it. Perhaps you have changed the nature of the leave but we will still spend time together. Would you like to sit on the couch while I make us dinner?”

“I’d tell you I would help but I don’t think I can stand for long periods yet. But yes, I’d love to.”

Spock stood, scooped Jim into his arms and carried him to the living room. Jim smiled and pulled him in for a kiss.