And so the story comes to a close. I can't believe it's over. Thanks for staying with me, and for reviewing, and motivating me to keep going. Happy 2013 everyone!

Disclaimer: not mine

"Waiting for someone?"

Jim turned around and smiled at the sight of Kevin and Tom standing there, both looking completely at ease, though he could detect a bit of sadness coming from both men. His genius brain was able to guess that they were upset that he would be leaving, and they wouldn't be able to see him for a while.

"Of course," Jim replied, stepping forward and hugging first Tom, and then Kevin.

That action taken care of, Jim stepped back and lifted his duffel bag up higher, settling it on his shoulder.

Kevin looked more miserable, so Jim focused on him. "Come on, Kev, you're graduating in a few months, and then you'll meet up with us out there in the black. It's not that long."

Kevin looked up, smiling slightly. "I know," he replied, shuffling his feet and biting his lip. "I'm just…" He trailed off, unsure of what to say.

Jim nodded his understanding. It had been fifteen years the last time they had been separated; none of them wanted it to be that long again. "We'll keep in touch," he assured both men. "I promise."

Tom nodded. He trusted JT more than anyone, and when JT promised something, he meant it.

Jim looked away, smile widening as he saw his command crew heading towards them. Well, most of his command crew – Scotty was conspicuously absent, though he wasn't surprised. The Enterprise was leaving shortly, and his chief engineer had probably not left the engineering deck in the last twenty-four hours.

McCoy, as usual, settled at Jim's side, half a step behind the captain's right shoulder. "You ready?" he asked quietly, studying his… well, he still wasn't quite sure what to call the man. Neither one really wanted to slap a label on what they had, just accepting that they were each other's everything, and leaving it at that.

Jim took in the doctor's searching expression, and smiled. "Yeah," he replied, just as softly.

McCoy, studying the man as closely as he was, was completely certain that he was telling the truth. The last week had passed in a whirlwind of make out sessions, meals with Pike, Tom, Kevin, and the command crew – and any combination thereof – and meetings and preparations for the redeployment of the Enterprise.

He and Jim had spent a lot of time together, exploring the new developments of their relationship. In many ways, it was like falling into an old routine. The two of them just fit: like puzzle pieces. They just made sense.

Jim turned back to Tom and Kevin, smile widening. "I'll see you soon, Kev," he promised, reaching out to hug the younger man again.

Kevin nodded as he pulled back, and the next minute, was saying goodbye to the rest of his future command crew. Chekov in particular, seemed sorry to have to leave his future colleague. They had spent a lot of time together in the last week, and he really liked Kevin.

Finally, the Enterprise crew had no more excuses, and no choice but to head into the hangar to be beamed aboard their ship, or risk being left behind – or at least, they had to leave or face a very irate Starbase Commander's complaints about their tardiness.

Jim turned back once more at the door to the hangar, waving to Tom and Kevin, who returned the gesture, both smiling serenely.

Turning back to enter the building, Jim felt his own smile stretch across his face. Amongst the hustle and bustle of people coming and going, he felt a sense of security. He couldn't wait to get back to the comforting hum of his ship. He couldn't wait to get back to the stars. Out there in the black, he felt at home. Surrounded by family, knowing that they would be there for him, always.

He felt McCoy's hand rest on his shoulder, and move down his arm comfortingly, until their hands were entwined. They came to a stop beside the transporter they were to use to return to the Enterprise.

The doctor shot the captain an inquisitive look, complete with raised eyebrow. Jim's reply was a brilliant grin that immediately made his entire command crew feel more at ease; that was the old Jim. The last week had been different for all of them, seeing a side of their captain they had never known before, learning more about their captain than they had ever thought possible. But he was getting better; it hadn't been easy, but they could see the effort he put into working through those issues, and they could see that it was working.

And here and now, they saw the proof. There wasn't a hint of a shadow in his eyes as he turned to face his CMO, pulling him forward and up onto the transporter. "Come on, Bones," he said cheerfully, "Let's go find an adventure!"

A short little epilogue, to tie up a few loose ends. It's been a wild ride, and quite a lot of procrastination, but I finally made it! And once again, thank you all for sticking with me.

Reviews are appreciated!