Jim woke the next morning when Spock left their bed, deciding to sit at his computer for a while as Spock got ready for his day. Bones promised he’d bring some oatmeal in half an hour and Spock made him coffee before leaving with a kiss on the head.

Jim read the messages waiting for him, many ship business related, quite a few personal wishes from the crew for his speedy recovery and return to their company. The notes from his bridge crew were his favorite, each of them telling him in their own very special way how much they missed having him on the bridge with them.

He was still savoring the warmth from the notes when Bones entered with the bowl of oatmeal. “When can I eat something else?”

“You can have a protein shake for lunch and soup for dinner,” Bones told him, pouring more coffee into his cup and adding the milk.

“Dinner in mess?”

“That depends on how you are feeling. Don’t be surprised if going to lunch wears you out. Do you want me to come at 11:30 and help you take a shower?”

“Yeah.”

“Alright. Unless you need me, I need to get back,” Bones said, studying him as he ate his oatmeal.

“I’m fine. Thanks.”

“You look better. Not so pale,” Bones said, laying his palm on Jim’s forehead, both comforted by the gesture although there was no way Jim would ever admit to it. “Tell Spock to call me if you need me.”

Jim nodded at that, watching as Bones left his quarters and then turning back to his messages. He dealt with most of them, a couple he forwarded to some of his department heads to handle, several he deleted without responding at all. That done, he looked around their quarters, admittedly bored.

//You cannot leave yet,// Spock told him when he detected his restlessness.

//It’s almost 11:00. Bones will be here in half an hour,// Jim said, not directly answering Spock’s comment.

//Do you want me to come help you shower?//

//No. I’ll be okay. He won’t need to come in with me. As long as he’s here, I’ll be fine,// Jim assured Spock.

//Alright. Would you like me to send someone to talk to you? Keep you amused and out of trouble?// Spock asked.

//Only if it’s you,// Jim returned.

//Ensign Chekov is not especially busy,// Spock teased.

//Oh lord. Maybe seeing me in my pjs with oatmeal stains would help with his hero worship.//

//Nothing will change that, t’hy’la. Lt. Sulu is also unoccupied. Should I send him down?// Spock offered.

//Can you send Scotty? If he’s not too busy? He at least respects me without worshiping me.//

//We all worship you,// Spock corrected with much love.

//Tell that to Uhura,// Jim said as Spock contacted Scotty to request that he visit Jim. Jim heard Scotty readily agree, assuring Spock that he did indeed have the time. //Thank you.//

//You are welcome. Do not drink any of Mr. Scott’s alcohol should he offer it to you,// Spock warned.

//It will help with the pain,// Jim said with a laugh.

//Only temporarily. Imagine having a hangover along with the pain you are already feeling.//

//Oh. Bad,// Jim agreed, going slowly over to the door to let Scotty in.

“Captain,” Scotty said in hearty greeting. “You’re looking better than I expected.”

“Seriously? I feel like death warmed over.”

“No sir. The colors of your jaw are magnificent,” Scotty said with his trademark grin. “The crew will be mighty glad when you’re back among us, sir.”

“I’m looking forward to it as well,” Jim agreed.

“I hear you’ll be eating in the mess for lunch,” Scotty said, sitting on the loveseat with Jim. “That’ll be good for the crew.”

“I hope I don’t drool,” Jim wrote, making Scotty laugh.

“Nobody’ll say a word, Captain. I can promise you that.”

Jim nodded and drew Scotty a smiley face.

“If you don’t mind me asking, sir, are you interested in taking a shower?” Scotty asked, trying hard not to look at Jim’s hair that was standing straight up in some places, plastered to his head in others.

“As soon as Bones gets here.”

“Will you need him in with you, sir? ‘Cause if you don’t, I’m willing to stand guard outside your bathroom.”

“You sure you don’t mind? You may have to come in and rescue me.”

“I understand, sir. If you don’t mind the idea of me having to come in, I don’t mind in the least,” Scotty assured him.

“I appreciate it. Will you let Bones know?”

Scotty went to the intercom, contacting the doctor and telling him what they had discussed, Bones telling Scotty that he did appreciate his assistance and he should alert him if Jim needed him for anything.

“Aye, doctor. That I will,” Scotty agreed, signing off. Jim stood slowly enough to make sure the floor wasn’t going to pitch and roll before he went to the bathroom, Scotty following behind. “I’ll get your uniform, sir.”

Jim nodded his thanks, turning on the water as he waited. When Scotty had given him the fresh uniform, Jim stripped out of his pajamas and gratefully entered the water. He lingered as long as he could without worrying Scotty and making him want to charge in and rescue his Captain. When he was dried and dressed, he emerged and had to sit down to catch his breath.

“Hard work, isn’t it, sir?” Scotty said in understanding.

Jim nodded, listening for Spock and finding him deep in conversation with Uhura. //Everything okay?//

//It is fine, t’hy’la. Wait there and I will come escort you to mess.//

//You won’t need to. Scotty will help me. Just meet us there.//

//Very well. I will contact the doctor and let him know you emerged from your shower unharmed,// Spock said.

//Thanks.// “Sorry,” Jim wrote when he realized he hadn’t heard what Scotty had been saying. “I wasn’t listening.”

“Except to Mr. Spock,” Scotty said with a smile.

Jim just shrugged innocently, listening to Scotty and writing the answers that were needed. Mostly he listened.

“Are ye ready, sir?” Scotty asked as it got close to noon.

Jim took a deep breath and nodded, standing slowly, nodding again to indicate that he was ready. //You coming?//

//I will be there before you are, t’hy’la. I have asked the doctor to come now as well.//

//Thanks.// Making sure Scotty had the paper and the pen, Jim slowly left his quarters, waiting so that Scotty would be next to him. The crew they encountered on their way to the mess all were happy to speak with the Captain, understanding when he could not respond. If they asked a direct question, he would write down the answer or look at Scotty to answer as best as he could. As many of the questions were about how he was feeling, Scotty was able to address those concerns for him.

Jim was glad when he arrived at the mess, Spock just outside the door waiting for them. “How are you feeling?”

//Alright. You know,// Jim said, looking over at Scotty who waited patiently. //Would you thank him for me?//

Spock did it, Scotty waving off the kind words. “It was no trouble a’tall, sir. Happy to be of help to you.”

“Are you ready, Captain?” Spock asked Jim, the use of his title silent amusing him. Jim nodded, walking through the doors first when they slid apart. Those present looked over at his entrance, smiles appearing on all of their faces. At least 2 dozen crew members approached, asking how he was feeling, was there anything they could do, would he like some company, they would be happy to work Spock’s shift so that he could stay with the Captain.

//Wow,// Jim said, absorbing the affection of those before him. //Please tell them thank you. And I need to sit down.//

“The Captain very much appreciates your kindness and concern, as do I. At this time, I need to escort him to his table,” Spock said.

The crew nodded, a gap opening so that Jim and Spock could make it to their table to find Bones and Scotty already there. Jim sat gratefully, not looking over at McCoy.

“You know you’re going to have to take a nap after this,” McCoy told him, handing him a yellow shake.

Jim nodded, sipping from the glass and hoping he hid his flinch at the pain it caused in his jaw. He could tell by McCoy’s disapproving reaction that he had failed.

“It’s not forever. And you can be on limited duty day after tomorrow if you’re up to it,” McCoy promised.

“Thanks,” Jim wrote. “Or tomorrow?”

“No, not tomorrow. You contact Pike yet?” McCoy asked him and Spock.

“Not yet. We will do so after lunch,” Spock said.

//Before or after my nap?// Jim asked with a mental pout.

Spock decided to ignore him, turning his attention to Lt. Uhura when she approached.

“Captain,” she said, her dark eyes concerned as she studied him. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

“That’s very kind of you,” Jim wrote. “I don’t need anything right now but I’ll let you know?”

“Of course, sir. If you need anything at all, please let me know,” she requested, her usual bright smile missing.

//Why is she so upset?// Jim asked Spock.

//I told you that we all worship you, even Uhura.//

//What can I do to help her?//

//I am not sure. Perhaps she can keep you company when you wake,// Spock suggested.

//Will you ask her? Let her know she absolutely doesn’t have to,// Jim requested.

“Would you be available to keep the Captain company this afternoon after he rests?” Spock asked her. “He becomes restless when left alone for too long.”

That made Uhura laugh and nod in agreement. “Of course, sir. I’d be glad to. You’ll let me know when he wakes up?”

“I will,” Spock agreed. “You can play chess with him. His silence may make it easier for you to beat him.”

//That’s cheating,// Jim protested.

//She has yet to best you, love,// Spock reminded.

“I’d like that, Commander. Captain,” she said with a nod before walking away.

“That was very kind of you,” McCoy said to Jim who shrugged.

“She is good company.”

“You taught her to play chess, sir?” Scotty asked wondering if he was breaching an unwritten rule by asking about their former relationship but it was an acknowledged fact of their life and no point pretending otherwise.

“She is a very adept student,” Spock agreed.

“Did she ever win a match?” Scotty asked.

“She did not. Not when she played me. There were not many others who could best her, except the Captain,” Spock said.

Jim shrugged at that, looking up at Chekov and Sulu when they stopped by their table. “Hi.”

“Captain,” Sulu said respectfully. “You are feeling better, sir?”

Jim nodded, asking Spock to tell them, which he did.

“Vhen vill you be back on the bridge, sir?” Chekov asked.

“His plan is to return day after tomorrow,” Spock said. “Once he regains more of his strength.”

“I’m sorry about what happened on the planet, sir,” Sulu said, a soft blush creeping up his cheeks.

“You did nothing wrong,” Jim wrote.

“I should have stopped them, sir,” Sulu said.

//Please tell him there was nothing any of us could have done to change what happened,// Jim requested.

Spock repeated Jim’s words, adding his own assurances that the landing party was faultless. The trouble was with the information that Starfleet had provided to them, not the actions of any of the crew.

“Thank you, sir,” Sulu said, walking away with Chekov after saying their good byes.

//Did you know he was blaming himself?// Jim asked Spock.

“I was not aware that he was blaming himself,” Spock said. “Has he said anything to you?” he asked Scotty.

“No sir, he has not. He tends to be protective of you, Captain. Like the rest of us,” Scotty reminded Jim.

Jim nodded at that, handing Bones his empty glass.

“Do you want some coffee?” Bones asked.

Jim nodded again, looking at the crewmembers gathered in the mess, simply watching them as they interacted, chatted, ate.

“What are you doing?” Spock asked him.

//Nothing. I guess I miss them,// Jim decided. Jim nodded his thanks when McCoy returned with a cup of coffee, looking again at his crew.

“I think it is understandable that you feel…some disconnect,” Spock said.

“You’re missing your crew?” Bones guessed.

Jim nodded, drinking more coffee with his spoon.

“You want to go to the Observation Lounge for a while? You can write your answers,” Bones suggested.

//I’d like to but I don’t think I can stay awake that long,// Jim admitted.

Spock repeated what he had said, Bones nodding. “Okay. Let me help you back to your quarters,” Bones said as he stood.

Jim also stood. //Tell Scotty thanks again.//

Spock did it, walking with Jim and Bones out of the mess. “I’ll see you at the end of Alpha shift,” Spock told Jim.

//’Kay. Once I wake up, you can send Uhura down.//

“Certainly,” Spock agreed, turning toward the bridge with one last look at his love, his concern barely disguised.

//I’ll be okay. Stop worrying,// Jim requested as he walked away next to Bones.

//I know. I would prefer to remain with you,// Spock admitted.

//I understand. Take care of my ship and I’ll contact you when I wake up,// Jim said.

//Yes sir,// Spock said, making Jim smile on the inside.

“You’re talking to Spock, aren’t you?” Bones asked with a knowing smile.

Jim nodded and shrugged, knowing the color insisted on rising on his cheeks.

“I’m just glad you can talk to him, Jim. Makes this situation infinitely easier for you. You’d be removed from duty otherwise.”

Jim nodded again, very glad when they arrived at his quarters. “If I were relieved of duty, what would I do?”

“I have no idea,” Bones said. “I don’t know if you’d be allowed you to stay aboard. ” Jim drew a frowny face on his paper making Bones laugh. “Yeah. I think so too. Take off your uniform so you can get in bed.”

Jim did it, gratefully laying down once he had on his pajamas which he was only wearing because he knew he would be having visitors when he woke.

“Do you want something for the pain?” Bones asked in sympathy when he sat next to him on his bed.

Jim shook his head, ignoring Spock’s mental request that he allow Bones to give him the shot.

“You sure?” Bones asked, some concern coming through as he scanned Jim.

//You will not sleep without assistance. You can hide the truth from him but not me,// Spock said.

Jim sighed and finally nodded.

“Good. It will help you with the pain,” Bones said, using the hypospray much more gently than he usually did. “I’ll wait until you’re asleep.”

Jim nodded again, closing his eyes to let the medicine work its magic.