Jim awoke to the sound of screams. He ordered the lights on low and wrapped his arms around Bones. "Shhh, it's okay, sweetheart. I've got you. Wake up, Bones."

Bones jerked in his arms and gasped. "Jim?"

Jim kissed his forehead. "Right here. It was just a dream. We're safe." He listened to his lover's breathing slow down and even out. He stroked Bones's back encouragingly. "That's it, babe. Take it slow. It's okay."

"Sorry," Bones muttered, his face tucked against Jim's chest. "Didn't mean to wake you."

"Don't worry about it." They were both quiet for another minute. "You ready to go back to sleep?"

Bones shook his head. "Just … talk to me for a minute?"

Jim kissed his hair softly. "Okay. Negotiations are going well, but it's going to take some time. The new government they're trying to form is … well, it's pretty intricate. And they want to put almost everything to a vote, so that eats up more time. In fact, I think the Yivahen people are being pretty damn patient with the whole thing. They just kind of go about their lives and report any problems to appointed local authorities. Pretty admirable, actually. They're watching the negotiations, too. I mean, they don't have a live feed, but they have press that talks to the ambassadors every day. It's crazy to think about, you know? How will their history look at this time?"

Bones yawned, and it made Jim chuckle.

"I know. My monologue is so thrilling that it put you back to sleep."

"You know that's not true," Bones grumbled. "But I do associate your voice with sleep, thanks to all those videos you sent me. And you're right. Even though I wish none of this disaster had happened, it is fascinating to watch them turn it around now."

Jim closed his eyes and pulled Bones a little closer. "Less talking now. More sleeping."

"All right," Bones consented. "Love you."

"Love you, too, Bones."

"You seem upset," Claudia remarked.

"I am upset," Leonard retorted. "And I'd rather not talk about it, but I know I have to. So, here's what happened. Two idiots from Engineering came in with minor burns. While I was gettin' ready to treat them, I overheard them talking about the peace mission … and Plopams in particular.

"My heart started to pound, and I felt like I couldn't breathe. I locked myself in my office, because some fucking irrational part of my brain decided that just talking about those slugs would summon one to slither through my Sickbay."

Claudia was quiet for a moment. "Then what happened?"

"Then my staff was knocking on my door, asking if I was okay. Which I wasn't, of course. I was having a goddamn panic attack. So, I let them in, and Geoff sat with me and treated me for the panic. And someone - probably Chapel - commed Jim. Even in the middle of negotiations, he dropped everything to check on me.

"And then Geoff told me to get some rest, and here I am. Anything else?" He spat out the last words with far more venom than he had been anticipating.

"We both know that you're going to have reactions like that, Leonard. And I know that it's distressing and upsetting. But why are you so angry?"

"Because I'm tired," he sighed, rubbing his eyes. "I feel like every day is a fight. A fight to focus, a fight to stay calm when something bad happens, a fight just to stay standin' and not fall down. And I'm tired. When do I get to stop fighting? When do I get to win?" Tears stung his eyes, and he wiped them away before they could fall. I must sound so pathetic.

"I'm not going to lie to you. It's going to take a long time. But eventually, it will stop feeling like a struggle; it will get easier. But some things are worth fighting for, Leonard. And I think this is one of them."

Leonard couldn't respond to that. He just wanted everything back to the way it was.

"I also think you need a break, though."

He looked up at her. "What?"

"I think you need to get off this ship for a bit. We're probably going to be here for a while during negotiations. On the Enterprise, you're surrounded by people you need to care of and memories of what happened. I think you need a break from that."

Leonard shook his head. "I can't. I don't want to apart from Jim right now. It's bad enough that he's in negotiations all day. After what happened, I just … I can't."

"What if he were to go with you?"

"I couldn't ask him to. I know how important this is to him. He wants to make the situation right. He probably still feels a little guilty, even though he shouldn't."

"Maybe you should let him decide, Leonard. You're very important to him, just as he is to you."

Leonard sighed. "That's your recommendation, isn't it?"

She nodded. "If Admiral Pike asked for it, which he will, that's what I would tell him. You need a break, and Jim needs to go with you."

Leonard thought it over, recalled Jim promising to take him home. "All right. Tell him. Let's see what Pike says."

Jim watched Bones carefully, squeezing his hand as the shuttle landed. "Told you I'd take you home, babe."

Bones took a few deep breaths and nodded. They slowly unbuckled their harnesses and gathered their luggage. They didn't speak as they stepped into the warm, humid Georgia air and caught a transport to their hotel.

Jim had suggested going to Bones's family, but he was adamant that they stay in a hotel and only visit family when Bones was ready. Jim understood. It had been a long trip consisting of shuttle rides, transporters, and hopping around Starbases to make it back to Earth. It would take a few days before either of them got used to a Terran schedule. And probably a few days more before Bones felt ready to see his family.

They had made reservations at an enormous orchard that had been turned into a resort. There were many private cottages among the fields, and guests could even volunteer to help in the kitchen or the orchard if they wanted.

Of course, the second Dr. Dolan had made her recommendation, Jim had commed Bones and told him that he would go with him, so long as Pike gave him leave to do so. The negotiations were exciting, but he knew his lover was still hurting badly from the ordeal.

Bones didn't object as Jim took his bag from him and set them both on the love seat to be unpacked. The cottage was small but clean and charming; it even had a little porch in front with a swing. Bones seemed to just be standing in the center of the room, looking lost and overcome with emotion.

Jim took his hand led him outside to the swing. They both sat down as the wood creaked and swung back. Jim wrapped his arms around Bones, kissing the top of his head. "Welcome home, Bones."

A warm, gentle breeze carried the scent of ripe peaches to them.

Bones shook in Jim's arms, soaking his t-shirt with tears. Jim hushed him as he rocked the swing gently back and forth with one foot. "Shhh, 's'over, Bones. It's all over now."

Bones eventually quieted as the sun set. He let Jim guide him over to one of the peach trees, and they both picked an armful before heading inside.

Jim ordered dinner from the replicator, assuring Bones that they could try the main dining room the next morning. "I know how much you miss real grits, Bones."

For the first time that day, Bones smiled a little. "One day, you'll see the light, darlin'."

Jim snorted. "No way. Those things are gross. Even when they're done right." They kept up a pleasant, light conversation through dinner. Dessert, however was dominated by slurping and groans of pleasure as they devoured the fresh peaches.

"Fuck, these are the best peaches I've ever had," Jim stated. "I could live off these."

Bones chuckled. "They are some of the best I've had. I guess they know how to treat 'em right 'round here."

"Yeah, I can't wait to try their peach cobbler. I bet it's amazing."

Bones leaned over, cupping his hand to the back of Jim's neck. "You're amazing." He kissed him, tongues battling and chasing the taste of peaches everywhere. Jim let Bones lick the sticky residue from his lips and chin. They hadn't been intimate since the incident, and Jim felt himself reacting to the attention.

"Bones," he whispered, leaning forward and trailing kisses down his neck.

He felt his lover tense up. "Jim …"

"Shhh," Jim placed his finger on Bones's lips and locked eyes with him. "It's okay, babe. Just one step at a time. No expectations, okay?"

After a moment, Bones nodded.

Jim picked up one of the remaining peaches and cut it neatly into slices. Smirking, he took Bones by the hand and led him to bed, carrying the plate in his other hand.

Bones didn't question him, just undressed silently and lay down.

Jim set down the plate, shed his own clothes, and ordered the lights down. He picked up a single slice of peach and lay beside Bones. He carefully traced the peach over Bones's skin, trailing it across his collar bone and down his chest. He followed it with his mouth, lapping up the delicious juice and taste of Bones's skin.

Bones's breath hitched as Jim continued his ministrations, swirling the peach lightly around his nipple and then sucking on it gently.

Jim traced the peach up Bones's neck to his lips, gently teasing his mouth open and letting him eating it. He kissed and licked Bones's neck as he swallowed. "You want a turn?" he whispered.

Bones nodded.

Jim leaned over to grab another slice and handed it to him before lying back.

Bones rolled onto his side, squeezing the peach a little to get the juice to drip onto Jim's chest and stomach. He took his time lapping up the juice, making Jim groan and squirm under him. "You like that, darlin'?" Bones rumbled.

"Yes," Jim gasped.

Bones ate the second slice and reached for a third. He coaxed Jim to lift his arms over his head before tracing the peach down the middle of his chest to his navel. He took both Jim's hands in his and lightly pinned him before following the juice trail with tongue.

Jim groaned, louder this time, arching up off the bed. His lover certainly always seemed to know exactly how to reduce him to a whimpering puddle.

Bones looked up at him and smiled. "You sure you like this, sugar?"

"Yes, fuck, so good," Jim babbled. "Don't stop, please …"

"I won't," Bones promised softly. He quickly ate the slice of peach and smirked. "I think there's something else down there that looks good enough to eat." He squeezed Jim's hands a little, giving him a silent signal to stay put. Then he moved down the bed and began licking and mouthing Jim's cock.

"Fuck, fuck, fuckity fuck," Jim cried, arching up into Bones's hot mouth. He wanted to reach down and bury his fingers in Bones's hair, but he knew that wasn't what his lover wanted; Bones wanted to be in control, and Jim was willing to let him.

Bones worked his mouth up and down Jim's shaft, quickly increasing the pace. Jim knew he wouldn't last long. Bones lightly tapped Jim's thigh, another signal he knew well.

Jim cried out incoherently and thrust wildly into Bones's mouth, letting his lover guide his movements.

"Fuck! Fuck, BONES!" The world whited out as his body convulsed, shooting his load into Bones's mouth.

Bones swallowed him down and lapped it all up as Jim shuddered with aftershocks. He looked up as Bones moved back up to lie beside him, reaching across to grab another peach slice and eat it.

Jim smiled weakly. "Guess I'm not as sweet, huh?"

"Not as much," Bones agreed. "But this makes a damn good chaser."

Jim laughed, pulling Bones in for a kiss. "What about you, Bones? What do you want?"

Bones shook his head. "I don't know, Jim …"

"It's okay," Jim whispered, kissing his nose. "Let me take care of you, sweetheart. I'll make you feel good. Trust me?"

Bones slowly let Jim lay him back. Jim traced his warm hands all over his exposed skin before moving down to his right foot; he cupped it with both hands and massaged the arch. Jim smiled as he was rewarded with a groan from his lover. He continued massaging the foot, moving up to the ankle and calf before turning to the other leg.

"You keep this up, I'm gonna fall asleep," Bones muttered groggily.

"That's okay," Jim whispered, pressing a kiss to his heel. "I want you to relax. Just let everything go." He continued massaging, watching the tension drain from Bones; he looked around ready to melt into the mattress.

Jim set down Bones's left leg and moved them apart, so he could kneel between them. He laid his hands on Bones's thighs and slowly applied pressure.

Bones groaned again, much louder this time.

Jim smiled and worked his thumbs in circles and moved slowly inward. As expected, Bones's cock began to react. He blew lightly over it, smirking when Bones shivered. He kept moving his hands achingly closer until Bones was half hard. Then he leaned forward and took Bones's cock into his mouth.

Bones shivered harder; Jim pulled off and looked up at him. "You want me to stop?"

He heard his lover take a deep breath. "Don't you dare."

Jim chuckled before lowering his head again, licking and slurping his way down from tip to base. He hummed happily as Bones arched into him. It wasn't long before he was dragging full moans and half words from him.

Strong fingers tangled in his hair. "Jim!"

Jim hummed encouragingly, letting his thumbs rub circles into Bones's trembling thighs. Strong fingers wound into his hair as Bones came hard. Jim swallowed him down, stroking his hands down from Bones's chest to his hips. He finally released his soft cock from his mouth and lay next to him. "Was it good, sweetheart?"

"Yeah," Bones whispered, rolling towards Jim. "Been a while."

"Yeah, it has," Jim murmured as he pulled the blankets up and wrapped his arms around Bones.

Bones tucked his face against Jim's neck, pressing little kisses to his skin. Jim smiled and kissed his hair. Bones was soon snoring lightly in his arms. Jim waited until he was sure he was asleep before turning off the light.

Leonard awoke from his nightmare choking and gasping. He could distantly hear Jim's calm voice, telling him to breathe slowly. He pushed the blankets away violently, didn't want to feel anything surrounding him.

Jim rubbed his back soothingly, and his voice slowly filtered through the panic. "You're, okay, sweetheart. I'm right here. We're safe."

Leonard couldn't stop shivering.

"Talk to me, babe."

"C-Cold …"

Jim knew he shouldn't suggest wrapping him up in blankets. "Want some tea?"

Leonard nodded jerkily, wrapping his arms around himself. He blinked as Jim ordered the lights on low. The comfortable cottage somehow looked wrong in dark and shadows. The trees outside looked like towering, formidable guards.

"Here," Jim said, offering him a steaming mug.

Leonard took it and held it against his chest, letting the steam curl up into his face.

Jim rubbed his shoulder. "It's okay, babe. You're all right."

"I'm not all right, Jim," Leonard whispered as a tear crept down his cheek.

Jim leaned closer, kissing the tear away. "Not yet. But you will be. I promise."

Leonard let his deepest fears spill out. "What if I'm not, Jim? What if I … what if I can't go back? That whatever's broken can't be fixed?"

Jim was quiet for a moment. "Then I'll stay with you, and we'll start over. Together."

Leonard shook his head. "You can't. This is what you've worked for -"

"Bones. Look at me."

Leonard turned to face his lover. Even in the dim light, Jim's eyes seemed to shine. "You're everything to me, Bones. If you can't go back in space, then I'll stay with you here. I love you, and there's nothing more important to me than you." He cupped Leonard's cheek, thumbing away the tears. "Understand?"

"No."

"Okay, but do you believe me?"

Leonard closed his eyes. "Yes."

"Good. Try not to worry about it now, Bones. We've got time to work this out. But if something's changed, if you really can't go back … then I won't either. Just … don't focus on that right now, all right?"

Leonard nodded and didn't pull away when Jim wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

"Drink your tea, sweetheart." A kiss was pressed to his temple. "Everything's gonna be fine."

Leonard opened his eyes and slowly sipped his tea. It warmed him down to his core as much as Jim's words had. Sleep started to come over him again as he heart rate slowed down. Jim took the mug away before he could spill what was left, gently guiding him to lie back. He nodded when Jim asked if he could pull the blankets up again.

"I love you, Jim," he whispered, tucking himself back against Jim's neck.

"I love you, too, Bones."

The End