The Ragged Edges

Pike was laying back on the bed in his cell, one leg curled up, one hand pillowing his head, the other resting on his stomach. Each breath was pulled in and out steady and easy and he seemed to be asleep to the rest of the world. In truth, he was listening to the quiet talking of the guards outside of his cell - they were somewhere further down the hallway in the brig, leaving him to himself.

Like a cat, he fell into a half-sleep with an ear listening. Never truly asleep, not with Spock missing. They slept on and off, protecting each other in a world of people that would easily take one of them out without a second thought. It was strange to be back to this old pattern, so long had they been together.

Despite the danger the bond presented, it was one that was worth the price. It meant a single person that could always be trusted, that he knew would not betray him and had every reason to protect his life.

And visa versa.
( He could easily recall the first time he had realized the fledgling bond was tucked into the depths of his mind. )