[ He takes the salve, shooting Finn a quiet stare. ]
Yeah, and with all the blood loss, I'm sure you can't even remember all of it that clearly.
[ Not that it's meant as a jab or anything, but it does come across a little as that. Jim follows it with a quiet 'sorry', because he knows it's not Finn's fault, it's not like he asked to be attacked like this.
He dampens the cloth in the water first, then uses it to gently wipe around the wound, clearing most of the blood from around the cut, then very gently dabbing over it. Once he's pleased with it, he sets the cloth aside and starts spreading some of the salve over the injury, not too much but just enough to cover the wound.
He glances up to Finn every once in a while just to make sure he's not hurting him, and wipes his hands on the cloth once he's done with the salve. ]
[ The jab does make him feel bad, but only because it's a very true callout. All he remembers is that he passed, woke up sometime later, repeat a few times--
James is saying nothing that's not true.
Between that and the pain of having the wound cleaned, he's not even thinking anymore about their close proximity. Though, he does his best not to show the pain, not so much as a hiss or wince, only one little flinch when the salve starts to be spread.
But it's over quickly. ]
It's okay.
[ It does hurt, yeah, but not badly and already fading. Not much that can be done about that... ]
Thanks.
... And you don't have to apologize. I shouldn't make light of it, I guess.
[ It doesn't look bad, and he's pretty sure he'd know if Finn were in intolerable pain. As it is, he can guess it's uncomfortable and there's some kind of dull ache, it'll probably mean Finn will have to be careful when he lies down or moves much, but it doesn't look bad. He'll definitely ask Bones how he can help heal it faster, though, if there are even tools for that here.
For now, he'll have to be content with this. With a sigh and a nod, he takes the bandages, starting with a folded piece of clean cloth to place over the injury and protect it from chafing, then beginning to wrap the strips carefully around Finn's torso. ]
It's fine. You weren't making light of it, I guess I just worried.
[ Part of him can't help but feel bad for all the times he's been in Finn's place, with Bones worrying over him instead. He sighs quietly, his arms winding in what's almost an awkward hug to get the strips of fabric tight enough around him that they won't fall off. ]
Besides, I know it wasn't your fault. Just wish you'd let me know sooner that it happened.
[ Finn stays quiet while Jim works, holding fabric here and there to help a little, features mostly blank. The moment reminds him of the lack of space between them, but it doesn't make him blush or anything like it had before. There's something... accepting now about how tender this is, how much James seems to care, and how genuinely worried Finn's made him.
He finds himself just watching him while he works, perhaps staring but in a warm and contemplative way. And eventually, after Jim's words has time to hang between them-... ]
[ It's easy to finish patching Finn up, with how still he is and the help he provides with keeping the bandages in place. Once he's done, he ties it into place, carefully tucking the ends out of the way, then resting his hands over the fabric, looking up to meet Finn's eyes.
He is suddenly overwhelmed by the desire to kiss him out of nowhere, and he leans in maybe an inch or so as if he's about to do it, only to stop himself with a stutter of his heartbeat. Would it be welcome? He's not so sure. Finn does seem to like him, but he could be getting too ahead of himself and doing this might just ruin the beginning of a good friendship.
So instead he presses his lips in and leans back, gathering the supplies he didn't use to set them aside on Finn's nightstand. ]
I'll go get you something to eat and drink, you need it. Try to sit back and get comfortable, I'll be right back.
[ He-... Finn's suddenly unsure what's happening. Only that his breath has left him and his heart's stopped.
Had that just-... It seemed like-... An image comes to mind, a fantasy of him reaching out to stop James, to bring him closer, to kiss him- But he doesn't. Because that couldn't have just happened. It had but-... ]
Okay.
[ The answer might come a few seconds later than normal, but Finn doesn't really notice or care. He just watches, and will be until James leaves the room. Then he'll pull himself together and follow instructions. Because that couldn't have just happened. ]
[ Yeah, sure. That couldn't have just happened. Better that Finn thinks that than he asks Jim what was that about, because he's not sure he'd know what to tell him.
Anyway, he easily distracts himself by focusing on preparing Finn something to eat, mostly just bread and stuff to add on top of it, some fruit and snacks, and a glass of water that he's absolutely going to need. He brings it all back to Finn's room, setting it down on what little room is still left on his nightstand, then he gathers all the supplies so he can go put them away while Finn eats. ]
[ There is absolutely no way that Finn's going to ask about that moment. Any answer to that question scares him a little too much right now. All he offers is a quiet 'thank you' about the food.
So he's sitting on the bed, leaning back on the headboard, eating a piece of fruit and silently watching Jim gather his things and move around. Which is probably more awkward than just flat out asking, surely. But he can't ask. He won't. He's not.
[ It's a little less awkward for Jim, mostly because he's keeping himself busy with tidying everything up. Once he's done, though, he has nothing else to do, so he goes back to Finn's bed and sits on the edge of the mattress, shaking his head at the offer. ]
It's fine. I ate before coming over.
[ And Finn absolutely needs it more than he does. ]
[ Ah. Well. Okay, then. Finn just... keeps eating, in that case, racking his brain for something to say. Anything to say. Maybe Jim's not feeling it as bad, but Finn feels a little like he's drowning in this room right now.
But the ball's in his court, isn't it? He could- He could do something about it. And if he's wrong, if James hadn't meant to do that or had a sudden change of heart, Finn could blame it on still being light-headed and dumb. Sure. And if that's wrong, this awkward atmosphere could just hang over him for the rest of the trip east after he loses a friend. Great.
After a few pieces of fruit and some bread, he can't take it anymore. ]
Has everything been going smoothly on your end? With... the clocks and everything?
[ Okay, now that he's sitting down with nothing to do, it is a little awkward. And he gets the distinct feeling that he's the one who's made it awkward, which admittedly makes him feel kind of bad.
But Finn is eating, and he's looking a little better now, not like he's about to pass out. He shoots him a small smile, finally reaching out to take one of the cookies on the tray. ]
With the clocks? [ He chuckles softly, shooting Finn a teasing smile. ] Yeah, things are fine. Not sure I'd use the word smoothly, but it's going. Nothing extraordinary happened so far.
[ The smile manages to loosen some of the tension. Finn even manages to relax a little and give his own smile back. ]
That's... good, though, right? The extraordinary things I've seen around here so far haven't been great. But I'm glad it's going fine.
[ He's been a little worried that Jim might get found out, admittedly, considering his plans of wanting to check out the old clocktower by himself or something like that. So Finn's relieved to hear this much.
Plus, he's relieved that Jim's eating a little bit, too. Finn continues going through a piece of bread, watching him with a smile. ]
[ There, that smile is much better, and Jim's expression seems to brighten up again at the sight of it. His shoulder relax from the hint of tension from before, and he scoots just a bit closer, with the totally innocent excuse of helping himself to another cookie. ]
Things overall here haven't been great, but— it's like you said, at least we're not alone here.
[ It's been helping in a lot of ways, and he hopes the same's been true for Finn. Well, extraordinary circumstances aside. ]
Spock and I are thinking of checking out the rebellion group, see what they're up to. You've been looking into anything in particular?
[ Finn's happy about any excuse for getting a little closer again. The flustering from earlier and awkwardness from a moment ago feel like they've more or less managed to dissipate. He wiggles a little, too, not actually moving but still leaning a little closer, too.
As far as the conversation goes, he shrugs one shoulder (carefully). ]
I've mostly been trying to smooth over relations with the Mouse House, give them a piece of the profits and everything. But I've been keeping an eye out for the rebellion after the last few days, too. With the technology and surveillance, it's hard to pick out members.
[ Jim shakes his head at the question, clasping his hands together and resting them on his lap once he finishes eating the second cookie. ]
It's not easy. They've got their own tricks, their own ways of moving about unnoticed. Spock and I are trying to figure out how they do that, and maybe, if that goes well— try to infiltrate.
[ Let's not talk about whether or not that's a bad idea, Jim isn't really asking Finn what he thinks about it. He's gonna do it, the end. ]
[ There's a little furrow to Finn's brow to accompany a frown. Infiltrating is pretty dangerous work, but that's the only complaint he has about it. It's also probably a bad idea, but... well, it was also Finn's idea, too.
Doesn't change the fact that he'd like Jim as far away from danger as possible. He's not going to dig too deep into that, though. ]
... Would you guys like some help? I've got a little experience joining up with rebels.
[ Right now it doesn't look like they've got a whole lot of good ideas to go with, so maybe a bad idea might yield them some good results. The real problem is if they're caught at some point, but that's a problem for later. ]
I'm not going to turn down the offer. If it's just the three of us, it still should be easy enough to sneak around mostly unnoticed.
Or sneak around in plain sight. If we can gain someone's trust or have something that'll give us some authority, a badge or uniform or something, it'll be that much easier.
[ Look, it worked on the Supremacy. Until it didn't. ]
That depends on how these guys operate, though.
[ But while he's talking, Finn relaxes a little more against the headboard. Talking's much better than thinking right now, feels like. ]
That's true, and that's why I'm aiming to join the group. Nevertheless, I feel like it would be strange to see a group of new recruits wandering around too much, sticking their nose where they shouldn't.
[ So yeah, maybe exercise just a little bit of caution, despite being allowed to move around.
Seeing Finn relax a little, Jim smiles, then promptly moves on the bed so he can sit next to him. He figures Finn will get the hint and scoot to make room for him, but if not, well it's not the worst thing if they end up sitting right up against each other. ]
[ Finn's surprised as Jim moves closer, and he scoots to give him some room. Well, a little room. An extra inch or so at best. That may be intentional, considering how much he enjoyed Jim being so close before, and he even gives a shy little smile once they're both settled again.
But, uh, right. Conversation. ]
Um- Yeah. Yeah, I think that's a good idea. No more than three of us, we can still be plenty sneaky.
[ That is perfectly acceptable. Actually, it's preferred, and Jim returns that smile with a soft chuckle, apparently very pleased by how little distance Finn's pretended to try to put between them.
Yeah, this is much nicer. ]
Can you? [ He teases, eyebrow raised. ] You seem the type to stress out easily.
Oh, I am, but I still perform well under pressure.
[ There's a laugh on his tongue from admitting the anxiety, but it tapers off when he realizes that sounds a little like a come-on. It wasn't, right? Anyway, at least his smile doesn't wane, and Finn continues. ]
It's the before and after parts that usually get me most. Wouldn't be the first time I've snuck behind enemy lines, though.
[ Jim does laugh at that, his knee nudging Finn's. That definitely came across as a come-on, but for what it's worth, it seems to be very well-received. ]
Oh, don't worry. Foreplay tends to make a lot of people nervous. [ Delivered with a wink, absolutely shameless. ] Totally normal.
[ Jim- Finn sputters a laugh, turning dark red and hiding his face in his hands. Thankfully, he's far more amused than embarrassed, and his hands drop quickly before he sways to knock his shoulder against Jim's. ]
Not like that.
[ Then he considers this, really considers the whole thing, then looks at him and just goes with it. Why not? Jim started it. ]
Besides, that's one of the times I'm pretty confident.
[ Well, that certainly sounds confident, especially coming from someone who's blushed so hard that Jim could see it even with Finn's dark skin. Narrowing his gaze in amusement, he turns a little to lean into Finn's personal space, teasing him. ]
Oh, really now? So you're just another big player, is that what you mean?
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Yeah, and with all the blood loss, I'm sure you can't even remember all of it that clearly.
[ Not that it's meant as a jab or anything, but it does come across a little as that. Jim follows it with a quiet 'sorry', because he knows it's not Finn's fault, it's not like he asked to be attacked like this.
He dampens the cloth in the water first, then uses it to gently wipe around the wound, clearing most of the blood from around the cut, then very gently dabbing over it. Once he's pleased with it, he sets the cloth aside and starts spreading some of the salve over the injury, not too much but just enough to cover the wound.
He glances up to Finn every once in a while just to make sure he's not hurting him, and wipes his hands on the cloth once he's done with the salve. ]
How's that? Does it hurt?
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James is saying nothing that's not true.
Between that and the pain of having the wound cleaned, he's not even thinking anymore about their close proximity. Though, he does his best not to show the pain, not so much as a hiss or wince, only one little flinch when the salve starts to be spread.
But it's over quickly. ]
It's okay.
[ It does hurt, yeah, but not badly and already fading. Not much that can be done about that... ]
Thanks.
... And you don't have to apologize. I shouldn't make light of it, I guess.
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For now, he'll have to be content with this. With a sigh and a nod, he takes the bandages, starting with a folded piece of clean cloth to place over the injury and protect it from chafing, then beginning to wrap the strips carefully around Finn's torso. ]
It's fine. You weren't making light of it, I guess I just worried.
[ Part of him can't help but feel bad for all the times he's been in Finn's place, with Bones worrying over him instead. He sighs quietly, his arms winding in what's almost an awkward hug to get the strips of fabric tight enough around him that they won't fall off. ]
Besides, I know it wasn't your fault. Just wish you'd let me know sooner that it happened.
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He finds himself just watching him while he works, perhaps staring but in a warm and contemplative way. And eventually, after Jim's words has time to hang between them-... ]
I do, too.
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He is suddenly overwhelmed by the desire to kiss him out of nowhere, and he leans in maybe an inch or so as if he's about to do it, only to stop himself with a stutter of his heartbeat. Would it be welcome? He's not so sure. Finn does seem to like him, but he could be getting too ahead of himself and doing this might just ruin the beginning of a good friendship.
So instead he presses his lips in and leans back, gathering the supplies he didn't use to set them aside on Finn's nightstand. ]
I'll go get you something to eat and drink, you need it. Try to sit back and get comfortable, I'll be right back.
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Had that just-... It seemed like-... An image comes to mind, a fantasy of him reaching out to stop James, to bring him closer, to kiss him- But he doesn't. Because that couldn't have just happened. It had but-... ]
Okay.
[ The answer might come a few seconds later than normal, but Finn doesn't really notice or care. He just watches, and will be until James leaves the room. Then he'll pull himself together and follow instructions. Because that couldn't have just happened. ]
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Anyway, he easily distracts himself by focusing on preparing Finn something to eat, mostly just bread and stuff to add on top of it, some fruit and snacks, and a glass of water that he's absolutely going to need. He brings it all back to Finn's room, setting it down on what little room is still left on his nightstand, then he gathers all the supplies so he can go put them away while Finn eats. ]
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So he's sitting on the bed, leaning back on the headboard, eating a piece of fruit and silently watching Jim gather his things and move around. Which is probably more awkward than just flat out asking, surely. But he can't ask. He won't. He's not.
... But it's awfully quiet-- ]
Do you want any?
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It's fine. I ate before coming over.
[ And Finn absolutely needs it more than he does. ]
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But the ball's in his court, isn't it? He could- He could do something about it. And if he's wrong, if James hadn't meant to do that or had a sudden change of heart, Finn could blame it on still being light-headed and dumb. Sure. And if that's wrong, this awkward atmosphere could just hang over him for the rest of the trip east after he loses a friend. Great.
After a few pieces of fruit and some bread, he can't take it anymore. ]
Has everything been going smoothly on your end? With... the clocks and everything?
[ Shop talk. That's-... Yeah, sure, that's fine. ]
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But Finn is eating, and he's looking a little better now, not like he's about to pass out. He shoots him a small smile, finally reaching out to take one of the cookies on the tray. ]
With the clocks? [ He chuckles softly, shooting Finn a teasing smile. ] Yeah, things are fine. Not sure I'd use the word smoothly, but it's going. Nothing extraordinary happened so far.
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That's... good, though, right? The extraordinary things I've seen around here so far haven't been great. But I'm glad it's going fine.
[ He's been a little worried that Jim might get found out, admittedly, considering his plans of wanting to check out the old clocktower by himself or something like that. So Finn's relieved to hear this much.
Plus, he's relieved that Jim's eating a little bit, too. Finn continues going through a piece of bread, watching him with a smile. ]
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Things overall here haven't been great, but— it's like you said, at least we're not alone here.
[ It's been helping in a lot of ways, and he hopes the same's been true for Finn. Well, extraordinary circumstances aside. ]
Spock and I are thinking of checking out the rebellion group, see what they're up to. You've been looking into anything in particular?
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As far as the conversation goes, he shrugs one shoulder (carefully). ]
I've mostly been trying to smooth over relations with the Mouse House, give them a piece of the profits and everything. But I've been keeping an eye out for the rebellion after the last few days, too. With the technology and surveillance, it's hard to pick out members.
Have you found any contacts yet?
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It's not easy. They've got their own tricks, their own ways of moving about unnoticed. Spock and I are trying to figure out how they do that, and maybe, if that goes well— try to infiltrate.
[ Let's not talk about whether or not that's a bad idea, Jim isn't really asking Finn what he thinks about it. He's gonna do it, the end. ]
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Doesn't change the fact that he'd like Jim as far away from danger as possible. He's not going to dig too deep into that, though. ]
... Would you guys like some help? I've got a little experience joining up with rebels.
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I'm not going to turn down the offer. If it's just the three of us, it still should be easy enough to sneak around mostly unnoticed.
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[ Look, it worked on the Supremacy. Until it didn't. ]
That depends on how these guys operate, though.
[ But while he's talking, Finn relaxes a little more against the headboard. Talking's much better than thinking right now, feels like. ]
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[ So yeah, maybe exercise just a little bit of caution, despite being allowed to move around.
Seeing Finn relax a little, Jim smiles, then promptly moves on the bed so he can sit next to him. He figures Finn will get the hint and scoot to make room for him, but if not, well it's not the worst thing if they end up sitting right up against each other. ]
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But, uh, right. Conversation. ]
Um- Yeah. Yeah, I think that's a good idea. No more than three of us, we can still be plenty sneaky.
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Yeah, this is much nicer. ]
Can you? [ He teases, eyebrow raised. ] You seem the type to stress out easily.
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[ There's a laugh on his tongue from admitting the anxiety, but it tapers off when he realizes that sounds a little like a come-on. It wasn't, right? Anyway, at least his smile doesn't wane, and Finn continues. ]
It's the before and after parts that usually get me most. Wouldn't be the first time I've snuck behind enemy lines, though.
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Oh, don't worry. Foreplay tends to make a lot of people nervous. [ Delivered with a wink, absolutely shameless. ] Totally normal.
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Not like that.
[ Then he considers this, really considers the whole thing, then looks at him and just goes with it. Why not? Jim started it. ]
Besides, that's one of the times I'm pretty confident.
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Oh, really now? So you're just another big player, is that what you mean?
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