smartass_captain

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Felix's overjoyed laughter is something Jim hasn't heard in....months, now.

Guilt sinks its hooks into Jim's heart. He tries to school his gaze, but it was already well hidden behind a mask that Felix (and quite possibly Sulu by now) knows very well is a carefully crafted lie. The end result is the captain looking a bit awkward in the doorway while civilian contractor and off-duty helmsman alike try to gather themselves appropriately.

"It's time, Felix." Jim hears himself speak and he can't quite believe how steady the words are when he feels this tense. Easier to let himself step back into his job. It's more reassuring than he could be otherwise. "Lt. Sulu," Jim turns. "Commander Spock has the Bridge until further notice. As we discussed before..."

"Understood sir." Hikaru shoots a look between Felix and his captain. "I remember the briefing. Alpha's under my watch unless the Commander needs us to swap shifts." The Enterprise-A's helmsman is Lieutenant Commander in all but name, these days. Jim's been doing everything he can to provide Sulu with the opportunities he needs to submit for promotion consideration once they get back to Earth. He doesn't need to know what the captain and his husband are off getting up to this time. "Come back safe, sir." A glance to Felix before Hikaru adds dryly, "Both of you."