Work Text:
i.
They found Bones at his desk
pouring over test results and medical tomes.
They knew without looking
the text on the PADD was too small—
it was in the squint in his eyes
and the way he absently rubbed at his temples.
His skin was pale as milk
almost transparent
except for dark smudges below his eyes.
Jim shook his head in exaggerated sadness
even as Bones rolled his tired eyes at the drama.
He never learns.
Indeed.
Bones looked to Jim
then Spock
the set of his jaw stubborn.
You two know I can hear you
don’t you?
Spock’s eyebrow raised.
You can be part of this
conversation
when you start taking better care of yourself
Leonard.
Oh for— Bones started
but his mouth snapped shut
when two pairs of strong hands
grasped his arms
guided him from his office
away from sickbay and a pile of problems.
He gave in.
I guess I could use a break.
ii.
Spock made tea
as Jim got Bones out of his uniform.
The robe whispered against his skin
soft
comforting
as Jim tied it closed
and nudged him
until his legs bumped the edge of the bed
and he sat.
Sighed.
He sipped tea
felt the weight of the world
slip
from his shoulders.
It would come back
but for now
he could let Spock and Jim hold it for him.