#move 1 pt above Utah with the draw

[trustherkindheart]

Chicago better apologize to Ludmilla because she gave everything to get that win and they still let her down

[thesilverconstellation-blog]

McKirk Chronicles; Day 11 - Paris

[Short fic series]

Pairing: James T. Kirk/Leonard “Bones” McCoy

Rating: Teen & up

Additional tags: End of 5-year mission, Future fic, Romance, Fluff 

Word count: 1,230

Day 0 pt. 1

Leonard stepped out to the small balcony of the hotel room, overlooking the gloomy street. With his bare feet, he stood on the ice-cold floor, feeling the cold seep into his skin and send shivers down his spine. Paris was exceptionally still in the early hours of the day and the silence only was occasionally broken by the soft snores coming from his and Jim's bed.

Out of fear of breaking the delicate moment, he breathed out hesitantly at first. The silence resumed and he relaxed. Eventually, his body temperature cooled down enough for him to grab the railings and not hiss at the metal's biting chill. He spared a moment to marvel at the pots of colorful flowers hanging over the railings and their relaxing floral scents, before turning his gaze to further ahead.

The world beyond the flowers was more of a dull grey that ruled the street with opposing the tall building rising two floors higher than his room, cutting off any sign of a rising sun from reaching him. The dark clouds above it added, even more, obstacles between him and a warm daylight. The curtains and the shutters were all mostly drawn shut in the building, the chilling break of dawn making the Parisian citizens and the tourists, alike, glad to be huddled up in under their sheets. He would've done the same, too, he had every reason to return to the soft bed and nuzzle in closer to the warm body occupying half of it. Yet, the city called out to him; pulling him outside, inviting him to take in the rare calm sights and revel in the serenity, it so occasionally had the chance to provide.

He almost felt bad leaving Jim alone in their bed, choosing an invisible sunrise over him. Almost. Seeing and feeling the city draw her first breath felt too personal, too much of a privilege to pass up. There was a certain satisfaction to be found in that; in the absence of her occupants, the way the city belonged to him and him alone.

Jim slept soundly unbothered by his temporary absence, dead tired after the night they had spent in each other's company. Leonard smirked at the thought of that and leaned on the railings, in between the flowerpots. The streetlamps by the main street were soon turned off, drowning the morning in more darkness than he was used, after having lived in the ever so bright Enterprise for five years. It was the first sign that the city was awakening.

Before long, his companion rose from his slumber and padded across their room to join Leonard on their small balcony. He didn't turn to greet Jim when he wrapped his arms, flushed and warm from being asleep, around Leonard's middle. He did straighten up and lean backwards at his urging as Jim tightened his hold and placed his sharp chin on the soft junction between his shoulder and neck.

"You're going to catch a cold" Jim mumbled and Leonard snorted.

"Says the guy who is not wearing any pants"

"Hey, my body is a temple, meant to have your eyes feast upon. I'm doing everyone around a favor" Leonard's laughter filled the otherwise silent street, echoing vaguely. He grabbed Jim's arms before shifting away from his hold and placing a small kiss on his cheek. The drowsiness cleared slightly from Jim's gaze, then and he turned his head to capture his lips in a slow, lingering kiss. Leonard smiled into it, his hand traced Jim's forearm up, eventually reaching the messy but soft hair. His fingers carded through the locks and affection spread through his body, despite the early morning cold. It still wasn't enough to warm up his body nor Jim's.

"Let's get your pretty ass indoors and wake you up with some coffee?" Leonard said but Jim groaned and nuzzled in closer, unwilling to leave their spot. Drowsy from sleep and exhausted from their trip, Jim was more stubborn than usual. His hold on him was with an iron grip. Leonard sighed inwardly. As irrefutable as Jim might have believed himself to be, there were ways to move him. In this case, all it'd take was a simple admission, "My feet are freezing, as are yours, darlin'"

Jim looked up with half-lidded eyes, his touch turning concerned as he rubbed his palms over Leonard's biceps, "Got me there"

"Of course, I do, Utah boy." Jim rolled his eyes at him but pulled back, dragging him along with him. Backwards, he tumbled into the room, with only Jim's hold keeping him in balance. The view of the outside disappeared the second they reached the bed. Jim switched positions, causing Leonard to lose his footing and drop down on the bed.

Leonard let out a surprised chuckle, pleased to witness Jim in all his unabashed glory as he rounded their bed and made his way to the espresso machine. If Leonard were asked what he loved about this country later, their obsession with fresh coffee regardless of the technological advances would be on the top of his list. This thought was confirmed more strongly as the strong scent of coffee spread through the room. He scooted over the bed, lying against the wooden headboard and drinking in the glorious view that was Jim's behind.

Soon, Jim returned with two mugs, leaving them by the tableside on Leonard's side and then climbing over his lap. Leonard could do nothing but grasp his sides, pulling him in until their foreheads rested against each other. Jim batted his eyelids lazily, wanting to do more but not having enough energy to follow through his line of thought.

"I now you have a lot planned today, darlin', but how about we spend the day indoors? Catch up on some sleep and well... other needs. How's that sound?"

Jim smirked knowingly at that, "Bones, if you want to have me, all you need to do is say so."

"I thought that went without saying" he replied but a thunder cut through whatever he was about to say next. The wind blew in through the open balcony doors, followed by the sound of rain as if backing up Leonard's suggestion and the universe agreeing to his plan.

"Well, that's not ominous at all" Jim said, eyeing the outside.

"It's a sign telling you to take it easy" After another harsh wind whipping through the room, Jim jumped to his feet and closed the doors with a click. He left the curtains wide open, the scene and sound of rain adding a beauty to their peaceful moment.

The mattress dipped as Jim sat on the side of the bed and grabbed the coffee, handing one mug to Leonard who shifted to sit behind him, throwing the sheet over Jim's lap from the right side, and looping a leg from the left side. Another thunder echoed outside and lightning struck the sky white, as Jim relaxed backwards and Leonard pulled him in towards his body. The wind howled outside and the rain sped up, accompanied by the occasional thunder. The coffee in the mugs swayed dangerously in their hands as they shared a small kiss but neither of them cared, too wrapped up in their own little world. They were both warm now; that's all that mattered. Warm, content and happy to have found a delicate moment of tranquillity.