Jim didn't particularly feel like having that conversation. He did know that Bones sold himself too short more often than not, that he couldn't possibly see all the ways in which he impacted Jim's life, how much he had done for him over the years— even before they became this special to each other.

He could list them out, honestly. He could go into great detail too, but it would end with Bones either flustering immensely or possibly even crying on him, and that wasn't something Jim wanted right now. Even if the former was always very appealing to him.

His hands slid back down to Bones's waist, rounding it smoothly, settling on the small of his back when their bodies pressed together. His knees spread a little so Bones was fitting right between them, though he enjoyed the closeness and intimacy more than he tried to chase any pleasure their positions could bring.

"We are a family," Jim said, trying to sound more level than he felt at just hearing those words. He was actually fighting the urge to get up, grab Bones and twirl him around all happily. "And don't say that. I love Jo, she never felt like a burden to me. I'm happy she's part of my life now too. And that I get to be part of hers."

It wasn't the same as being a father, he knew that. But to Jim, it was close enough, and he liked that more than he thought he ever would.