“you’re always welcome to come and talk if you have anything on your mind.” / pike via @iteradastra.
jim’s jaw slacks for a second & he pauses in gathering his bag. he cracks a grin. he’s impressed that it only feels a little bit forced. & that he manages to keep the little humorless laugh from seeing the light of day. “yeah, cool. okay.” he straightens, bag thrown over his shoulder. & there’s the laugh, more disbelieving than humorless. definitely nothing genuine. not even close. maybe he can’t play nice after all. “listen, man. sir. whatever,” kirk says. he turns to face pike. “i don’t need to ‘talk.’ i’m good. i was good before you landed in riverside, i’m good now that i’m here in san fran, & i’ll be good later once i get out in the black. i’m not here to make friends. or be pals. alright?”