[ Bones nods. That makes sense, that Jim would still be a cadet while he was doing shit like that. Leonard would hope that the kid would calm down between then and whenever he became captain of a ship.
Still, talk of the dream sobers Bones up pretty quick. If he had to guess, any situation where Jim dies probably means Bones couldn't stop him from doing something stupid or reckless. That, or maybe he just wasn't on board? He'd guess he was dead maybe, but who can say? Had Jim's sacrifice for the crew included him? Could he really think that sacrificing himself would be worth it?
It's a can of worms he doesn't wanna open too much. ]
That's a real shit memory.
[ Not the worst way to die, if he's being honest—saving other people is the best reason to, at times, but if you ask Bones he'd rather save people and avoid an untimely death. He still doesn't know Jim well enough to guess what he was thinking. All he can do is bring an arm around Jim's shoulders, pulling him into a half hug. ]
Hey, at least in this life, you're not gonna die permanently. Us vampires get to cheat death.
[ It's pretty great!! Except for the shitty parts, but Bones is trying to stay positive here. Which is how you know he cares about Jim—he's a real negative Nancy with most people. ]
[Kirk laughs, though a little humorlessly at the summation that Bones offers, because yeah, it was a real shit memory. Yet, it wasn't. It was worth it to save his crew, to save his friends and loved ones. He remembers looking at Spock and thinking "I saved him" and the satisfied way it filled his heart with warmth.
He knows he would feel the same way about Bones and saving him. The relief he felt when Spock told him the ship and crew were saved. It was terrifying but worth it. And what a weird feeling that was, but he can still feel that mix of emotions in his chest when he thinks about it.
It makes his Becoming something he's dreading.. to die again.
Again.
The half hug is surprising, but he returns it, leaning into the hug and resting his head against him.]
Yeah.. yeah you're not wrong.
[He gives Bones a cheeky smile, more to cover up that the idea of dying in general scares him.]
Plus, I get to bother my favorite doctor all the time. I'm looking forward to it.
[ One day Bones is gonna remember Jim's death and he'll have a lot more to say than just this. But for now, he's got his bedside manner, and he's got his friend, and if death is coming, then they'll just get past it.
Clearly, death can't stop them because they can't read. ]
Yeah, lucky me.
[ Bones rolls his eyes but he gives Jim a squeeze. A physical reassurance if nothing else. It's all he can do, when there's so much uncertainty. He doesn't know what any of this. means, what a shared life in space might have to do with where they are now.
But an eternity with his friend—maybe even his best friend, even if they're both vampires, well. That sounds pretty nice, he has to admit. ]
Better not get injured just so you can come see me. I have office hours, you know.
[ As if Jim needed office hours to invade Leonard's space. Psh. ]
Edited (besties (last one I promise) ) 2024-02-23 21:03 (UTC)
[Kirk leans into the squeeze, squeezing the man back in return. Because he really cares about him, this crotchety old doctor has really become someone he care about so dearly and it's so weird for him. Sure, he sometimes finds someone and attaches to them like honey, but that only really happened with a couple people in his life.. and one left and the other is his maker, so the fact it happened with Bones? Well.. he's glad it did. He's glad there is this pull between them so he could meet this amazing man.
And the fact that Bones barely tried to push him away before also giving in to this feeling, before giving into the pull between them? It just made Jim want to stick to him even more.
Bones wasn't doing himself any favors being nice to this idiot, he would never get rid of him at this rate.]
Uh-huh, office hours, we both know those don't apply to me. [Grin.]
But just for you, I won't go looking for trouble, I'll let it find me instead.
[ But he smiles as he says it, somehow warmed by the proximity, even knowing what a headache Jim Kirk can be. He can't imagine getting rid of him now, can't imagine not having him in his life even with just the few things he remembers before. Something about this kid, underneath all his bluster, was worth keeping around.
He doesn't even deny the thing about his office hours. Those never apply to the people Bones actually likes.
They were always going to meet, whether in this life or the next. Strange fucking feeling, but at least they weren't dealing with it alone. ]
Try and do it for your hot maker too—even if somethin' tells me trouble an' you are old friends.
[ He elbows Jim in the side, playful more than anything. Oh, you're in trouble now, Jim. If you've made it to Bones actually getting playful, there's simply no escaping him. ]
And if you tell Edgin I said he's hot, I'll find my biggest needle to stab you with next time you end up in the infirmary!
[Yep, Kirk doesn't hear any denial about what he says about the office hours, which gets him to smirk knowingly. Because of course Bones likes him enough to be willing to see him outside of office hours.
He laughs when Bones calls him and trouble old friends. Honestly, he likes Bones being playful, it felt right.]
Of course I try to stay out of trouble for my hot maker, and I promise, I won't tell him. Though he would be flattered to know.
[A pause and then he's grinning this time, like the cat who got the canary]
Wanna see my mask? I'm told it looks like a slightly younger, less sad Edgin.
[ Brat and your special perks, smh. Bones grumbles elbowing Jim again. ]
He's just a friend! Like you.
[ That's not a "we'll never have sex," in fact it's the opposite considering how Bones feels about Edgin, but don't worry about it. If they're just messing around, then that's good. It feels nice. Bones hasn't really had a friend like Jim... ever, if he thinks about it. Maybe in that other life? But it was Jim, wasn't it? ]
Sure, let's see it. Though for the record, Edgin pulls off sad really well.
He really does, doesn't he? Makes you want to kiss him better, right?
[He gives Bones a wink before taking a deep breath and focusing. It's obvious he's not quite got masking down as easily as some, still learning it and all. It was so easy to do it drunk but it was harder sober.
But after a moment of focusing he goes from being 21 to 30 something in age, his hair a little longer and his eyes bright human blue. He looks aged for sure, like he has life experience and weight behind his eyes and in the lines of his skin, not Edgin levels, but there is a similarity that's more noticeable now that he's a little older looking. But he's still undeniably Kirk.]
[ Bones snorts. It does make him want to kiss him better, so to speak. But in the way that he would—which is to say, by holding Edgin close and embracing him, maybe kissing the back of his neck or just... being there. He'd be so—goddammit, not the time.
Stupid Jim making him think about Edgin. The mask certainty doesn't help with that. Bones watches the change, curious despite his fake qualms. Jim is getting the hang of these things, it looks like. ]
Not bad.
[ Understatement. It's uncanny. It hadn't really occurred to Bones to think about the resemblance, but seeing it now it's undeniable. He knows they're not father and son, but damn. Is this why Bones is attracted to both of them? Is he weak for blonds with thick eyebrows and nice lips? Jim looks older than he was in his memories, too. The age looks good on him. Not that Bones will admit that.
His stare, and the way he looks Jim up and down, maybe even licks his lips, should make his real thoughts clear enough. ]
You sure you and him aren't related? 'Cause you and him could be brothers, easy. Especially like this.
[Oh, he notices the way Bones looks him up and down, the way he licks his lips.
Kirk laughs as the mask vanishes again, leaving the young Kirk there again to be seen. It's something he's still working on keeping up, he wasn't bad at it, but he still needed to practice keeping it up when he wasn't thinking about it. Masking didn't come as naturally to him as compelling did.
Maybe that says something.]
I mean, we're both from the North, who knows, maybe distantly, but no. I think I subconsciously made my mask look more like Edgin or something.
[He knows it doesn't work that way, but there.. has to be an explanation.]
Next season is animal forms, won't lie, excited to fly. Maybe you can help me with that, hm?
Pretty sure that ain't how it works, but what do I know.
[ I definitely haven't nailed down what I want Bones' mask to be, but he's not the best at Blue Court and mostly uses it to hide when he's tired, so. Like Jim, Gold Court skills came easier than Blue, but he doesn't use those much either. His identity is pretty set -- this is who he wants to be, despite everything.
Jim on the other hand, damn. Who knew he could get more attractive. Founders give him strength. He rolls his eyes at Kirk's easy confidence -- it might prove to be misplaced, but Jim knows himself better than anyone. Maybe it'll work out. ]
You're sure you're flyin', huh? I guess if you do, I could teach you a thing or two.
Yeah, but not sure why I decided I needed to age a decade. Still hot at least.
[He doesn't sound pressed about aging a decade, there wasn't much he needed to do or look like to be different. He was happy with who he was, it felt right, but the aging... that was strange. Because looking in the mirror... it felt more right than looking at the face he has now. Like he's too young.
It was weird.
But he nods.]
You best believe I'm looking to you for flying advice. You and Edgin.
[He thinks about it for a second and looks even more resolute.]
And I have to fly. I mean.. maybe it's the whole other life and being in space of all places, but... it feels like I'm meant to be closer to the stars than down here..
Maybe you're supposed to be "wise beyond your years."
[ He says that with clear sarcasm, obviously meaning you're sure as hell not, Jim. But sometimes masks really are like that. And Bones knows Jim has suffered, despite not knowing all the details. Maybe there's some truth under his sarcasm. Maybe. ]
Wouldn't surprise me. If you and me really were supposed to be up there in the stars, then flying's as close as it gets.
[ That he'll help Jim learn to fly goes without saying. He wraps that arm around Jim's waist and pulls him flush against his side. It'd be a kind gesture except he's about to tease him. ]
I'm thinkin'.... hummingbird? Sparrow? Maybe, ooh, a cardinal! Or a peacock. That'd suit you.
Edited (sorry this is the last one) 2024-02-27 03:44 (UTC)
Or maybe I'm supposed to know how hot I could have been.
[He laughs, clearly something a little more self deprecating than one might expect from him. But it's gone as fast as it comes and he's back on the bird thing, not giving it any thought why the idea of being wise beyond his years makes him sad. Maybe because in whatever life they will have or had he didn't get to be...
Jim is quick to wrap an arm around the man's shoulders and lean against him, smiling while he does because it was so easy with Bones. With him he doesn't feel touch starved. Maybe because they often were touching when around each other.]
As pretty as a peacock as I am, I don't think they fly fly, they like throw themselves a certain distance.
You mean how hot you're gonna be. You know some people mask 24/7, right?
[ Hmmm, did he really just say that? About Jim being hot? Don't worry about it. He saw that flash of insecurity and pain, so of course he has to shut it down. Plus it doesn't feel awkward to admit to Jim, as long as the kid doesn't fixate on it. Like this touching thing -- it's normal. It feels normal. He's not gonna question it, just focus on the bird thing so he doesn't feed Jim's ego anymore than his due. ]
They glide, Jim. And they like shakin' their big asses to get people's attention. I think you and them got a lot more in common than just your good looks.
Oh, ho? You liked that much huh? I'll keep that in mind.
[He gives Bones a grin, because he will have to focus on getting better at his mask if Bones was going to like it that much. He could do that, mask as his hotter older self for the man. He would gladly.
It would be on his priority list to get better at that.
Laughing at Bones, he shakes his head.]
Gliding isn't good enough, I need to fly, be a speck up in the sky I get so far up there. Though, has my ass shaking got your attention yet, Bones? Only good if it gets you the person you're shaking it for.
Oh, hush. It makes you look like Edgin. Maybe you oughta be thanking him for your good looks.
[ Not that that makes any sense, but teasing Jim has never had to make sense. Bones just... it feels right. And he still has his arm around Jim's waist, so he certainly doesn't think Jim looks bad like this. Far from it. ]
Oh, yeah. [ Dripping with sarcasm. ] How'd you know I had a thing for peacock bullshit? I'm definitely into you waving that thing in front of me.
[ He shoves him playfully, elbowing him in the side with a nudge. ]
He's not my dad, he didn't give me these good looks.
[He laughs, something warm and bright as he smiles. He's clearly not bothered by the teasing. In fact, he's flattered to be compared to Edgin, because the man is so handsome.]
I'll be sure to shake my tailfeathers for you some more then, have to lure in my best guy some how.
[ Bones would say something crass about how that's not surprising, considering they're fucking, but that's not his place and he's not that mean. Plus just the image of Jim and Edgin fucking is hot. Really hot.
Let's focus on the dumb bird shit instead. Bones rolls his eyes. ]
It won't be with your tail-feathers, I can tell you that much. Though if you do turn out to be a peacock, I am gonna laugh and laugh, Jim.
Oh, am I going to lure you in with my great ass instead?
[He grins before slipping out from Bones' hold, it was probably time he headed off, finals were soon and he needed to study. Maybe he could figure look up more on these memories while he's at it. Wouldn't be the first time he's snuck into the restricted section.
Laughing, he smacks Bones on the back in a friendly manner.]
If I'm a peacock, I sure as shit am gonna be the first one that flies.
Your ass better make sure it stays in one piece, otherwise we'll have words, kid.
[ It is indeed finals season, and Bones can't keep him (he knows he can't, Jim is a free spirit if there ever was one,) so he just rolls his eyes as Jim walks on past. ]
I know you won't let me hear the end of it, either way. So go on and git! You'd best keep studyin' so you can actually make it to your next season.
No promises, but I will come to you if I break it.
[He laughs and with that goes to the door, opening it to let himself out.]
Of course not! Not like you will let me hear the end of it if I becomes a peacock. [He rolls his own eyes with a smile.] And yeah yeah, I'll be by your office later, so keep the door open for me!
[WIth that he's out the door with a smile and a wave.]
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Still, talk of the dream sobers Bones up pretty quick. If he had to guess, any situation where Jim dies probably means Bones couldn't stop him from doing something stupid or reckless. That, or maybe he just wasn't on board? He'd guess he was dead maybe, but who can say? Had Jim's sacrifice for the crew included him? Could he really think that sacrificing himself would be worth it?
It's a can of worms he doesn't wanna open too much. ]
That's a real shit memory.
[ Not the worst way to die, if he's being honest—saving other people is the best reason to, at times, but if you ask Bones he'd rather save people and avoid an untimely death. He still doesn't know Jim well enough to guess what he was thinking. All he can do is bring an arm around Jim's shoulders, pulling him into a half hug. ]
Hey, at least in this life, you're not gonna die permanently. Us vampires get to cheat death.
[ It's pretty great!! Except for the shitty parts, but Bones is trying to stay positive here. Which is how you know he cares about Jim—he's a real negative Nancy with most people. ]
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He knows he would feel the same way about Bones and saving him. The relief he felt when Spock told him the ship and crew were saved. It was terrifying but worth it. And what a weird feeling that was, but he can still feel that mix of emotions in his chest when he thinks about it.
It makes his Becoming something he's dreading.. to die again.
Again.
The half hug is surprising, but he returns it, leaning into the hug and resting his head against him.]
Yeah.. yeah you're not wrong.
[He gives Bones a cheeky smile, more to cover up that the idea of dying in general scares him.]
Plus, I get to bother my favorite doctor all the time. I'm looking forward to it.
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Clearly, death can't stop them
because they can't read. ]Yeah, lucky me.
[ Bones rolls his eyes but he gives Jim a squeeze. A physical reassurance if nothing else. It's all he can do, when there's so much uncertainty. He doesn't know what any of this. means, what a shared life in space might have to do with where they are now.
But an eternity with his friend—maybe even his best friend, even if they're both vampires, well. That sounds pretty nice, he has to admit. ]
Better not get injured just so you can come see me. I have office hours, you know.
[ As if Jim needed office hours to invade Leonard's space. Psh. ]
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And the fact that Bones barely tried to push him away before also giving in to this feeling, before giving into the pull between them? It just made Jim want to stick to him even more.
Bones wasn't doing himself any favors being nice to this idiot, he would never get rid of him at this rate.]
Uh-huh, office hours, we both know those don't apply to me. [Grin.]
But just for you, I won't go looking for trouble, I'll let it find me instead.
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[ But he smiles as he says it, somehow warmed by the proximity, even knowing what a headache Jim Kirk can be. He can't imagine getting rid of him now, can't imagine not having him in his life even with just the few things he remembers before. Something about this kid, underneath all his bluster, was worth keeping around.
He doesn't even deny the thing about his office hours. Those never apply to the people Bones actually likes.
They were always going to meet, whether in this life or the next. Strange fucking feeling, but at least they weren't dealing with it alone. ]
Try and do it for your hot maker too—even if somethin' tells me trouble an' you are old friends.
[ He elbows Jim in the side, playful more than anything. Oh, you're in trouble now, Jim. If you've made it to Bones actually getting playful, there's simply no escaping him. ]
And if you tell Edgin I said he's hot, I'll find my biggest needle to stab you with next time you end up in the infirmary!
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He laughs when Bones calls him and trouble old friends. Honestly, he likes Bones being playful, it felt right.]
Of course I try to stay out of trouble for my hot maker, and I promise, I won't tell him. Though he would be flattered to know.
[A pause and then he's grinning this time, like the cat who got the canary]
Wanna see my mask? I'm told it looks like a slightly younger, less sad Edgin.
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He's just a friend! Like you.
[ That's not a "we'll never have sex," in fact it's the opposite considering how Bones feels about Edgin, but don't worry about it. If they're just messing around, then that's good. It feels nice. Bones hasn't really had a friend like Jim... ever, if he thinks about it. Maybe in that other life? But it was Jim, wasn't it? ]
Sure, let's see it. Though for the record, Edgin pulls off sad really well.
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[He gives Bones a wink before taking a deep breath and focusing. It's obvious he's not quite got masking down as easily as some, still learning it and all. It was so easy to do it drunk but it was harder sober.
But after a moment of focusing he goes from being 21 to 30 something in age, his hair a little longer and his eyes bright human blue. He looks aged for sure, like he has life experience and weight behind his eyes and in the lines of his skin, not Edgin levels, but there is a similarity that's more noticeable now that he's a little older looking. But he's still undeniably Kirk.]
There, I think I got it. What do you think?
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Stupid Jim making him think about Edgin. The mask certainty doesn't help with that. Bones watches the change, curious despite his fake qualms. Jim is getting the hang of these things, it looks like. ]
Not bad.
[ Understatement. It's uncanny. It hadn't really occurred to Bones to think about the resemblance, but seeing it now it's undeniable. He knows they're not father and son, but damn. Is this why Bones is attracted to both of them? Is he weak for blonds with thick eyebrows and nice lips? Jim looks older than he was in his memories, too. The age looks good on him. Not that Bones will admit that.
His stare, and the way he looks Jim up and down, maybe even licks his lips, should make his real thoughts clear enough. ]
You sure you and him aren't related? 'Cause you and him could be brothers, easy. Especially like this.
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Kirk laughs as the mask vanishes again, leaving the young Kirk there again to be seen. It's something he's still working on keeping up, he wasn't bad at it, but he still needed to practice keeping it up when he wasn't thinking about it. Masking didn't come as naturally to him as compelling did.
Maybe that says something.]
I mean, we're both from the North, who knows, maybe distantly, but no. I think I subconsciously made my mask look more like Edgin or something.
[He knows it doesn't work that way, but there.. has to be an explanation.]
Next season is animal forms, won't lie, excited to fly. Maybe you can help me with that, hm?
[He's just so damn certain he's gonna be a bird.]
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[ I definitely haven't nailed down what I want Bones' mask to be, but he's not the best at Blue Court and mostly uses it to hide when he's tired, so. Like Jim, Gold Court skills came easier than Blue, but he doesn't use those much either. His identity is pretty set -- this is who he wants to be, despite everything.
Jim on the other hand, damn. Who knew he could get more attractive. Founders give him strength. He rolls his eyes at Kirk's easy confidence -- it might prove to be misplaced, but Jim knows himself better than anyone. Maybe it'll work out. ]
You're sure you're flyin', huh? I guess if you do, I could teach you a thing or two.
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[He doesn't sound pressed about aging a decade, there wasn't much he needed to do or look like to be different. He was happy with who he was, it felt right, but the aging... that was strange. Because looking in the mirror... it felt more right than looking at the face he has now. Like he's too young.
It was weird.
But he nods.]
You best believe I'm looking to you for flying advice. You and Edgin.
[He thinks about it for a second and looks even more resolute.]
And I have to fly. I mean.. maybe it's the whole other life and being in space of all places, but... it feels like I'm meant to be closer to the stars than down here..
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[ He says that with clear sarcasm, obviously meaning you're sure as hell not, Jim. But sometimes masks really are like that. And Bones knows Jim has suffered, despite not knowing all the details. Maybe there's some truth under his sarcasm. Maybe. ]
Wouldn't surprise me. If you and me really were supposed to be up there in the stars, then flying's as close as it gets.
[ That he'll help Jim learn to fly goes without saying. He wraps that arm around Jim's waist and pulls him flush against his side. It'd be a kind gesture except he's about to tease him. ]
I'm thinkin'.... hummingbird? Sparrow? Maybe, ooh, a cardinal! Or a peacock. That'd suit you.
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[He laughs, clearly something a little more self deprecating than one might expect from him. But it's gone as fast as it comes and he's back on the bird thing, not giving it any thought why the idea of being wise beyond his years makes him sad. Maybe because in whatever life they will have or had he didn't get to be...
Jim is quick to wrap an arm around the man's shoulders and lean against him, smiling while he does because it was so easy with Bones. With him he doesn't feel touch starved. Maybe because they often were touching when around each other.]
As pretty as a peacock as I am, I don't think they fly fly, they like throw themselves a certain distance.
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[ Hmmm, did he really just say that? About Jim being hot? Don't worry about it. He saw that flash of insecurity and pain, so of course he has to shut it down. Plus it doesn't feel awkward to admit to Jim, as long as the kid doesn't fixate on it. Like this touching thing -- it's normal. It feels normal. He's not gonna question it, just focus on the bird thing so he doesn't feed Jim's ego anymore than his due. ]
They glide, Jim. And they like shakin' their big asses to get people's attention. I think you and them got a lot more in common than just your good looks.
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[He gives Bones a grin, because he will have to focus on getting better at his mask if Bones was going to like it that much. He could do that, mask as his hotter older self for the man. He would gladly.
It would be on his priority list to get better at that.
Laughing at Bones, he shakes his head.]
Gliding isn't good enough, I need to fly, be a speck up in the sky I get so far up there. Though, has my ass shaking got your attention yet, Bones? Only good if it gets you the person you're shaking it for.
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[ Not that that makes any sense, but teasing Jim has never had to make sense. Bones just... it feels right. And he still has his arm around Jim's waist, so he certainly doesn't think Jim looks bad like this. Far from it. ]
Oh, yeah. [ Dripping with sarcasm. ] How'd you know I had a thing for peacock bullshit? I'm definitely into you waving that thing in front of me.
[ He shoves him playfully, elbowing him in the side with a nudge. ]
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[He laughs, something warm and bright as he smiles. He's clearly not bothered by the teasing. In fact, he's flattered to be compared to Edgin, because the man is so handsome.]
I'll be sure to shake my tailfeathers for you some more then, have to lure in my best guy some how.
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[ Bones would say something crass about how that's not surprising, considering they're fucking, but that's not his place and he's not that mean. Plus just the image of Jim and Edgin fucking is hot. Really hot.
Let's focus on the dumb bird shit instead. Bones rolls his eyes. ]
It won't be with your tail-feathers, I can tell you that much. Though if you do turn out to be a peacock, I am gonna laugh and laugh, Jim.
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[He grins before slipping out from Bones' hold, it was probably time he headed off, finals were soon and he needed to study. Maybe he could figure look up more on these memories while he's at it. Wouldn't be the first time he's snuck into the restricted section.
Laughing, he smacks Bones on the back in a friendly manner.]
If I'm a peacock, I sure as shit am gonna be the first one that flies.
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[ It is indeed finals season, and Bones can't keep him (he knows he can't, Jim is a free spirit if there ever was one,) so he just rolls his eyes as Jim walks on past. ]
I know you won't let me hear the end of it, either way. So go on and git! You'd best keep studyin' so you can actually make it to your next season.
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[He laughs and with that goes to the door, opening it to let himself out.]
Of course not! Not like you will let me hear the end of it if I becomes a peacock. [He rolls his own eyes with a smile.] And yeah yeah, I'll be by your office later, so keep the door open for me!
[WIth that he's out the door with a smile and a wave.]