As blue eyes opened and gazed at him with recognition, Spock found himself suddenly breathing much easier. Even more so when those eyes crinkled in the corners, indicating a smile.
“It is delightful to see you awake, Captain.”
“It is delightful to be seen.”
When he felt his hand squeezed, Spock quickly realized he still held Jim’s hand, and though he supposed he should release it, he had no desire to do so.
“Close one, huh?” Jim murmured.
“Indeed. Had Mister Sulu and his team not located you and Doctor McCoy when he did chances are significant you would not have survived.”
“Significant, huh.”
“Ninety point—”
“Yeah, I get it. Bones?”
Spock nodded. “He has recovered and has been closely involved in your care.”
Jim yawned. “Good.”
“You are still exhausted.”
Jim smiled faintly. “Yeah. Listen, Spock…”
“When you are well there is something I wish to discuss with you.”
“Okay. But listen, I sorta promised Bones if I got out of that mess I’d…” Jim paused. Licked his lips.
Spock reached for a most swab that the doctor had placed nearby by and dabbed at Jim’s dry mouth.
The eyes crinkled again. “Thanks.”
“You were saying?”
“It’s just that I…I’ve been struggling with some-some feelings for a long time and I didn’t say anything because, well, obviously you were with someone else, and even after—”
“Oh for pity’s sake” Mccoy exclaimed, suddenly appearing to interrupt them.
“Bones!”
“Hiya, kid. You feeling better?”
“Yeah, just tired. When can I—”
“Don’t even think about that right now.” Then he scanned him. “Things are looking up. I’ll have an orderly bring you something to eat in a bit.”
Jim nodded.
McCoy glanced between them. “All right, I’m going to do you both a huge favor. Spock, Jim is in love with you.”
“Bones!”
“Jim, Spock is in love with you.”
“Doctor—”
He smirked. “My work is done. I’ll be back later to check on you.”
With McCoy gone, Spock turned back to Jim, still holding his hand. He felt rather lightheaded.
“Is it true?”
Jim swallowed. “Uh-huh. You?”
“Very much so.”
“Maybe you should kiss me.”
Spock’s lips curved. “Maybe I will.”
“No funny stuff in the medbay!” McCoy shouted.
Jim laughed. It was a good sound and lightened Spock’s heart.
He kissed Jim anyway.
Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto) 