[he debates not saying anything about it, for a fraction of a second. because while his crew and Sherlock could make sense of the complications of physics and space/time and alternate realities, he doubted (knew) that the people of that novel didn't operate on science. not like that.]

I've heard of it.

[he says, haltingly, then seems to give up and like he can't contain himself, blurts:]

You're Aragorn.

Someone's told you about that, huh? Don't worry, you aren't the only one.

[he can only guess it's true, because nobody should know what his true name is (if Jim remembers his lore correctly. he really needs to pick up that book again, provided he gets out of this. which he will.) either way, he's lit up now, like a kid in a candy store.]

Your story's an epic, people still study it in my time. Or, read about it I mean.

[and then he has that moment he had with Holmes and Watson. the i literally can't believe this is a real thing happening, and bright blue eyes search Aragorn's face.]

It's an honor to meet you.

Yeah, no, totally. Your secret's safe with me.

[although he might tell Spock and or Bones, though at this point both of them might have figured it out by now. the people he worked with were smart. but he also knew they wouldn't go running their mouths if someone didn't want them to.]

If it makes you feel any better, a bunch of people here know things about me that they shouldn't, too. So you aren't the only one.

Apparently.

[he says, but he sounds almost sarcastic about it. or like he doesn't fully believe the stories. but the fact of that matter is, he knows that his legend belongs to another man. someone who had grown up with his father, had learned all he needed to, who'd had a perfect fucking life.

I know your face, from Earth's history.

he enjoyed the recognition, the attention, but if given a moment to think about it, the feeling was as much bitter as it was proud.]

It's- complicated.

[he concedes, somewhat begrudgingly.]

Alternate universes and parallel universes and the question of whether or not I really existed or not. [Jim gesticulates, as though he could wave the words or the concept or the very idea out of the air after it's been said.] It's really confusing.

[his gaze follows Aragorn when he stands, and the man's comment gives him pause, if just for a moment.

it was a good point. whether or not he was fictional in another reality didn't really matter here, did it? or in his own universe. and it was such a simple thing, that he wasn't sure why he hadn't thought of it.

his chin dips, and he chuckles to himself, cocking his head when he glances back up and nods.]

Touché, my friend.

[and there, Jim gives pause, his gaze lifting more fully to Aragorn. it had been half habit to say 'friend', because if truth be told, Jim didn't make them easily. but the gravity in Aragorn's voice, and the way he looks at him- it makes his chest turn over. the same feeling he'd gets when Spock speaks to him with some brand of familiarity. exciting and terrifying.

the moment stretches, before he hears more people coming in, and Jim glances to his right. left vaguely uncomfortable, and maybe a little embarrassed, he takes a breath and smiles up at the king.] Well I won't keep you.