[ Jim sinks into the hug whole-heartedly, gathering Bones up as much as he lets himself be held. Whereas there's a part of him that needs to know Spock is safe and alive, he wouldn't ask this of him, the thin line of neediness that comes with caring so much isn't tightrope-walked now but steam-rolled, the scent of food and sweat and something that is delightfully Bones (a slice of home) cheering him up more effectively than duking it out with words ever could. He remembers hugging Sam and how his big brother would scoop him up after a playfight, long arms wrapping all the way around Jim's tiny, shrimpy body. This is no less welcome but he stands on equal ground here, wanting to be the one that his family can run to as much as he looks over his shoulder for them. Maybe he will be in the dark, cold and afraid again someday, but he'll make more of an effort to remember how warm moments like this make him feel and it won't be so bad.
Tactfully, he huffs as Bones schools himself again and glances to the kitchen. He does a genuine double-take. ]
no subject
Tactfully, he huffs as Bones schools himself again and glances to the kitchen. He does a genuine double-take. ]
... Did you burn something?