Not a time to Celebrate

[smartass_captain]

Jim's made it. Holidays are done, big damn speech over, all without alerting the crew to how detached their Captain has become in the last week and a half. With all the extra shifts he'd taken on over Christmas, it would be easy to assume Bones made him take the day off to rest and recuperate.

They'd be wrong.

Bones knew Jim wouldn't be on shift on the Fourth. He never does much of anything that day. If the end of December drains the light out of the Captain's smile, then the first week of January looks like it's killing him. He and Spock tried to get him out of his quarters and focused on something--anything else. But Jim's shut himself away in his room. There's a holo set up on his desk of a man who looks an awful lot like Jim, standing happily beside his mother.

Jim stares at it from his seat, before burying his head in his hands. His birthday isn't something to celebrate. It's a reminder of the tragedy that changed everything.

Comments

[smartass_captain]

"I know what you're doing. All of you, get out." Jim looks legitimately angry. "That's an order, Mister Spock."

"Order my achin' ass." Bones rolls his eyes and moves further inside. "You're being an infant. She came all the way here t'see you. And do I have to remind you that when it comes to protecting the health of the crew--including you--I outrank you Jim? I authorized Mister Spock to get us in here. And I'm ordering you to put something in yer system other than the bottle of booze you've got at your desk."

The doctor claps his hand on Jim's shoulder. "We're worried about you, Jim. You can't keep doin' this to yerself, man."

"Oh my god. I'm not going to kill myself or anything what the hell." Jim tries to pull away from Bones, but he isn't meeting the other's gaze. He's got his eyes focused on the floor. "It's fine. Ver, come on, don't do this. I told you I just wanted to be left alone today."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Yeah, and when you decided you wanted me to be your sister, you told me you like it when I take care of you." She's not getting out. She's unpacking. There's food and omg the biggest fluffiest cuddle-blanket ever, in bright gold just like his uniform and she's just putting it on his bed like she owns the place.

"I brought drinks, too, but apparently you started without us. Now, after you eat something, if you truly want me to leave, I will. But not until you've had a decent meal."

[smartass_captain]

"Excellent. Take a seat, Spock. We'll camp out just long enough to make sure the captain takes his meal, then we can get back to our actual jobs."

"I agree, Doctor. It would be unwise to come this far and then leave the captain unsupervised. A moment." Spock strolls out through the bathroom he and Jim share, before coming back in with another chair, plus a teapot that has been stacked atop it. "Have you ever had Vulcan tea, Ms. Willis? I shall be making some for myself, as I am still on duty."

"You--what..." Jim sputters. He can't believe they're just going to ignore him like this. What's more, they're starting a picnic in his quarters. Like it's no big deal. And Spock, of all people, is helping! "Fine. Christ--fine. I'll eat."

[brave_heart_verity]

Jim needs to learn he's not always the boss when Ver's around. Really, it'll save them a lot of this arguing.

"I have not, Mr. Spock, but I'd love to try some." The croissants and a bowl of white bean and kale soup are set down in front of where Spock's putting his chair. "Jim told me that Vulcans have particular dietary restrictions, so these and the tian are all vegan. I hope that's okay?"

She's not ignoring Jim, of course. He's too angry to want to talk right now, so she'll pile a plate full of mashed potatoes, steak tips, and tian for him with one of the apple and goat cheese tartlets on the side. Once he's sitting she gives his shoulder a brief touch, testing how he reacts to it right now before shifting her attention to serving Bones.

"So, Doctor, given how perfectly nutritious replicator food is and real food is not, has Jim's foraging forays had an ill effect on his health?" This is her attempt at light banter. She hopes he'll play along because she's really not good at these things.

[smartass_captain]

"Very well." Jim knows those two are working together by the distinct lack of arguing Bones and Spock are doing. They usually sass back and forth no matter the situation. He opens his mouth at least once to make a comment, only to get one of the Vulcan's raised eyebrows and tilts of his head.

Do you really want to test his patience, Jim? He's here instead of on the bridge because of you, after all. Can't even take care of yourself enough to let your crew work without you.

Spock hands Verity a cup of vaguely clove-smelling grassy tea. It's definitely going to be a subtle blend, whatever it is. Jim accepts the food Verity's made for him with a muttered thanks, but he doesn't seem to react to the touch. If anything, Jim's gone completely quiet while he begins to eat. He's glad he shut off the holo before the picnic started.

"No moreso than anything else he does." McCoy gives Verity a sympathetic shrug. "Jim's pretty good about keeping to his list. He knows how bad this would be for all of us if we had to explain an allergic reaction he shouldn't have had on ship."

"The doorway also gives acceptable ability to procure items we would otherwise be unable to obtain in an emergency situation. The Captain has made quite a remarkable argument for its continued usage, and has as of yet had no ill effects on the efficiency of our greater assignment." Ironically, the only one any good at light banter here is Jim. Who is not inclined to say much of anything as he picks at his food.

[brave_heart_verity]

Once everyone's got their food Verity sits down with her own and the cup of tea she's been offered. She takes her time savoring the aroma before tasting it; both appear to meet with her approval. Spock's approval of the menu is a relief, and the tea is helping her relax too. But she's keeping an eye on Jim the whole time. "This is nice, thank you. What's it called?" She's going to see if she can find it anywhere in the Nexus. The real stuff, not replicator tea.

She nods along with the conversation, occasionally looking to Jim to see if he wants to chime in. "We try to be careful of his food issues. It's not hard." He is worth the effort and remains so even when he's grumpy.

"Maybe you should come visit someday. Make sure you're familiar with the lay of the land before that emergency situation." Because if the stoic Mr. Spock thinks a place is cool, it must be pretty hip. And maybe he can make sure nobody tries to turn the people who live there into lab rats or autopsy subjects.

[smartass_captain]

"We simply refer to it as 'spiced tea' though to the greater federation it has been come to known as Vulcan spice tea, as it's origin is that of my home planet." He could give her the actual Vulcan name for "spice" but that sort of effort is rarely appreciated by humans. Nyota has informed him on multiple occasions that less is more. And considering this Ms. Willis of Third Alternate Past Earth is a close friend of the captain's, Spock is doing his best to be conversational and...what was the human term for it again?

Friendly. Quite.

"Mineral bath water more like." Bones grimaces around his food and shakes his head at Spock. It's a weak barb, and as such Spock glosses right over it.

"I actually kinda like it." It's the first thing Jim's said since this entire ordeal started. Spock is quick to fetch the captain a mug of the tea as well, as he's posing an opinion that is not argumentative or a request for them to leave.

"I thought you hated that stuff?" Bones however, is sad to lose an ally on the opinions of Vulcan taste.

"Older Spock had me drink a lot of it, when I was recovering planet side. He'd bring tea, and we'd play chess, and other stuff until it was time for tests again." Jim stares down into his mug of tea and takes a sip before making a small face. "It was better not out of a replicator though."

"I agree, Captain. I regretfully have run out of my regular stores, however. It will have to suffice." The Vulcan turns a small nod Verity's way. "Speaking on the topic of replicators, I find your selection of sustenance to be quite adequate." He pauses when Bones shoots him a look. "Pleasing, rather. What I mean to express is that this is much better than our usual fare."

[brave_heart_verity]

Poor Nyota's not going to be pleased when Verity asks, "What's it called in Vulcan?" There goes so much of her hard work trying to train Spock. Especially since Verity is genuinely interested. (Third Alternate? She shouldn't be surprised she's listed behind Clint. At least it's not "that one that blew up".)

Verity turns to Jim when he speaks up, giving him an encouraging look. Talking is good. It's a start. "I didn't know you play chess. Maybe you could teach me?" It's not like he's going to teach her how to fly the ship...

Ooh, a compliment! And from the Vulcan, no less. Just look at her smiling. "I'm glad you like it. You're welcome." The 'thanks' is implied in the effort he made, so they can gloss over that part. "I'd be happy to give you the recipes, if you could live with non-regulation food coming out of the replicators."

Guess who found an English-Vulcan dictionary? Oh internet. I <3 you.

[smartass_captain]

"Bar-kas theris." Spock is prompt to reply, though his voice is quiet. Respectful. He doesn't have many reasons to speak his native tongue onboard the ship, unless he is talking with his father. And indeed, Verity is the third person from an alternate world Spock has met. The first two being his other self, and Clint.

"I don't get a chance to play often. But sure." Jim speaks around bites of food, gaze settled on the plate.

"Darlin' the last thing we wanna do is abuse the meal you've shared with us by sending it through the replicator." Bones snorts and takes another bite of his food. "Trust me, it's better off being a rare treat." The doctor is the first to clean his plate, and he shares a look with Spock before he gets to his feet. "Alright, kids, it's been fun, but this ship ain't gonna run itself. Chapel better have that inventory done by the time I get back or so help me god--I'll be back to check up on you after my shift's done, Jim. Try to get some rest."

Verity gets a short nod and thanks from McCoy before he lets himself out. He doesn't think Jim will talk with that many people in the room, if he talks to anyone. And he has to admit, himself, Spock, and this Verity gal are all the best shot they're going to get for Jim talking to any of them. It doesn't matter who he opens up to, so long as he does.

"...Surprised you and Bones came on shift." Jim mutters around his plate before setting it aside. He's only eaten about half of the food, but he's tried everything at least. "More surprised you came after I told you not to, Ver."

Useful indeed! :)

[brave_heart_verity]

"Bar-kas theris," she repeats quietly until she's got the pronunciation down pretty well. It's always important to be careful with these things, and doubly so with him. Insulting him, even accidentally, would be a very poor showing after he's made such an effort. "I didn't know Vulcan was such a pretty language. Thank you."

"I'll keep that in mind, doctor." She's taking that to mean that the treats shouldn't be too frequent, but ongoing. He's Southern, so something special for him next... When he goes, she gives Bones a wave and mouths a 'thank you'. She's pretty sure Spock wouldn't have let her in without the doctor's approval.

"Well, first, technically you didn't tell me not to. And second, I would have come anyway, because you've been spending too much time sad and alone and I love you." Sorry, Spock, there are going to be icky feelings in this conversation. And without even a warning. She's so human. "I know you feel like you should be miserable right now, and I know why, but I also know you deserve better."

[smartass_captain]

"I must admit, Captain. ...Jim. Doctor McCoy refused Nyota's request to schedule a dinner celebration this evening. He said you were not feeling well. It was only when I asked that he told me the generalities of what is troubling you so. You cannot blame your father's death on yourself. It is illogical, as you were born during the incident."

"Like you don't feel guilty for your Mother's death, Spock? Like Verity doesn't guilt herself over the loss of her family, or driving away her best friend? It's a goddamned holiday, Spock. It shouldn't be. Of course I'm fucking miserable. I lived, and he didn't. That's why everything fell apart."

His mother never could look at him without seeing his father, Jim knows it. Years of strangled birthday celebrations cut short with his mother breaking down, or just eventually never being on planet for it. His birthday isn't something to be celebrated. It's just a reminder of all the better people who are gone.

"...It is true." Spock says finally, getting to his feet. He knows the emotions Jim Kirk holds within him. He has felt them before. He gives Verity a long look, before picking up the teapot. "Jim. There are people who see value in you, rather than loss. Ms. Willis. Will you be adequate on your own? The captain...Jim...would not want his crew to be overworried, so I'm afraid I must return to the bridge before someone comes asking after him."

[brave_heart_verity]

That was a low blow, and she can't hide how much it hurt. But however much pain there is, there's also resolve, and when she's blinked away the tears she only looks more determined. Spock gets a slight nod and she'll spare him the attempt to smile. "Yeah, we'll be fine. I've weathered worse storms."

Then she turns to Jim. If he'd been expecting her to yell, he's going to be disappointed. Her tone is soft, gentle even. "You think I don't know what you're trying to do? Sweetie, you can be as mean as you wanna be today, you're not getting rid of me that easy. You're my brother. I'm not abandoning you to your misplaced grief and skewed self-perception. If you want to spend the rest of the day telling me I'm a horrible person because you think it'll make you feel better, that's fine. I've got no place to be."

[smartass_captain]

Good.

Fuck, he's awful. Bringing up Spock's mom? Anything about Ver's world? He's just the worst. It's working though. Spock's uncomfortable enough now to prioritize the goddamned ship like he should be, and Verity's going to tell him how awful he is and leave.

They're all gonna leave.

"...?" Verity's not yelling. And she's not getting up. His stomach twists and Jim shakes his head. "If you wanna get shitfaced with me like I did for you, then let's go nuts. But that's about all I'm good for right now. I can't sleep, and I can't go anywhere...and you're not gonna fuck off just because I proved how shitty I am, so..." He shrugs.

[brave_heart_verity]

"All you've proven to me is that you're hurting," she answers quietly, reaching over to cover one of his hands with her own. "I can recognize your pain because I feel it too. Don't get me wrong, when you're feeling better, you're going to owe me a massive apology. But for right now, I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

His hand gets a squeeze before she withdraws her own. "I had a feeling drinking would be your escape of choice, so I brought you some choices. First is a bottle of Talrassian liquer I managed to hunt down. Second is a bottle of applejack made near where I grew up." Both are put on the table. "I figured, with your love of apples and drinking, that'd be just your thing."

[smartass_captain]

"I'm not promising dick right now Ver. I wanted to be alone. Nobody took the hint and Bones even goddamned told Spock. Which means the whole bridge is gonna know as soon as Uhura bullies him into spilling. If you know how it feels are you doing this to me? Why are you making me feel even worse by letting me be the colossal waste of space that I am? I'm pissed, and I'm..."

Lonely. Depressed. Exhausted. He hasn't even recovered from Christmas and now this. His nightmares have been awful lately and he's low. Low enough to think the things daytime Kirk wouldn't.

"I'm just fucking tired of feeling like this."

[brave_heart_verity]

"I'm doing this because not being alone is what helps me feel better, and I'm pretty sure it'll help you too."

And because she can see how tired he is, she saw what his mom's visit did to him, she can read public records, and he told her enough for her to put these pieces together.

Jesus, Jim. She's not stupid.

"You're not a waste of space, sweetie. You're a good man. I'm sorry your mom can't see that. You deserve a better mother than you got."

[smartass_captain]

Jim doesn't think she's stupid. He just wishes there was something different to see than what there is. He's ashamed Verity sees what she does. Every day he loses a little bit more of the control he has over what he wants people to see, and what's there. And while he wants to trust, so so badly, all he's ever known when people see what's there is rejection.

"...At least you didn't bring fucking Felix here." Jim presses the palms of his hands against his eyes until the pressure makes him see spots behind his eyes. It helps with the headache. "I'm just...not, Ver. I'm not ever gonna be the hero my dad was." Like he hasn't already given his life for his crew.

"I'm never gonna be able to give my mom back the family she deserved. She never used to be that way. Sam wouldn't have lost everything, fucking Frank wouldn't have even been in the picture. I don't fucking love them, but I don't hate them. I can't. I never should have walked away from half the shit that's happened to me. And now people are willing to goddamn die for me? Why the fuck do people depend on me? I can't...I can't do anything right for myself."

[aw_hawkguy]

Hey, Jim, you've got another text incoming.

Hey bro. Thought this'd make you laugh. As Doc Strange would say, GAZE UPON INFINITY!

I don't think Doc Strange has anything for that kind of insanity.

[brave_heart_verity]

It sucks that she's fighting against expectations set by other people, but that's life. She'll manage, someday. They both will.

For now, not sniggering at his phrasing will have to suffice as a victory. His relationship with Felix is a discussion for another time. While he's got his eyes covered she moves, chair scraping against the floor when she rises, and soon her arms are around him. "We aren't our parents. We aren't meant to be replacements for them, we're our own people."

One thing at a time. She gives him a chance to breathe and process that before she goes on. "It was never your job to fix your mom's life. She was the adult, it was her job to fix things for you. You did nothing wrong. Nothing. Not a single itty bitty thing. Being born when you were born didn't make your dad die, it didn't make him choose to stay behind, it didn't obligate you to anything other than being your own wonderful self."

Maru-ception!

[smartass_captain]

Too many people are getting too close to the Truth, and Jim's scared. He's barely functional, and the expectations that are on him just because he got lucky a few times are staggering. He shouldn't be here, in charge, or even alive. Hell, he shouldn't have made it off the goddamned ship to be born. His dad gave his life for that one. Then his aunt. Then Pike.

What if he lost Verity and Clint, too? That's why you never get close to people. He already can't bear the idea of losing Bones or Spock--or really most of his crew. Verity and Clint just make that burden worse. He's too attached. Too exposed and then to throw another wrench on the pile he's in love with a guy from a goddamned other world. Yes he knows Jim isn't stupid. He's hopelessly falling for the Imperial and there is just no way this will end well. Zero. None.

Life was better when he didn't care. No. No it wasn't. And it wasn't really living, either. Letting himself get used to feel needed, if only for a night. Winning over women he never learned the name of to feel wanted, and then leaving them before they could leave him. That wasn't living.

"So many people have died for me Ver. I'm...I'm tired of losing folks. I'm tired of them walking away. Tired of them dying so I can live. I'm not worth that." He smiles, and it's a sad, empty twitch of his muscles. "I didn't want to die, back on the ship. But I was so happy it was me, this time. I was so happy that I got to protect someone else, for a change. And...I was so fucking scared, when I woke up again. I was sure everyone was dead and I'd been reaming. I have nightmares about dying, and it feels so real. And I always wake up. And I hate it. I want it to stop. I want to stop hurting."

Where is that booze? Jim can't take this. He's shaking.

[aw_hawkguy]

Is Jim's phone even on? Doesn't matter, here comes another text.

Hey, does this remind you of anyone?

[brave_heart_verity]

That wasn't living. This is living. Love and pain and regret and hope, that's life. That's what he needs to let himself feel. Easier said.

"I know, sweetie. I know you want to stop hurting. But you have to deal with all these things you're feeling before that can happen. And it's fucking terrifying. It's hard and it's unfair. But I'm here with you through all of it. I promise." She's still hugging him, that way she does when it's what he needs. There's plenty to drink if he wants that, too.

"You're willing to die for your crew. Are you willing to live for them? For your family? For yourself?"

[smartass_captain]

"I'm so messed up...." It's such a simple sentence. He doesn't pull away from the hug. His shaking fingers cling to her sleeve.

Sorry, Clint, his phone is being ignored for now, but when he checks it he'll have no choice but to smile. They both like baby brother Jim the way he is, jagged pieces and all. More people would, too, if he'd give them the chance.

"...'m sorry, Ver."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Yeah. Most people are." If he didn't know that, he's not paying attention. She drops a kiss on his forehead when she feels his fingers starting to cling. "We'll deal with it. You don't have to do it all alone."

"What are you apologizing for?" She can't know if he deserves forgiveness or a smack upside the head unless he specifies.

[smartass_captain]

"Trying to chase you out. Gotta apologize to Spock too. "

There's a long sigh before Jim just sinks deeper into his seat and sister's embrace. He doesn't want to be seen like this. But it's so much better than being alone.

"Getting drunk now isn't really going to help me, is it?"