Jim could've very well been brought up the same way, if his father hadn't died and he was raised by both his parents. Still, even if he got to see them grow old together and happy, Jim just didn't think it was ever in his nature to hope or look for something like that. A deep, serious and meaningful connection to someone else, someone he could want to spend the rest of his life with. He could've been a little more of a romantic, had his father lived, but he likely would've been just as fleeting when it came to personal and intimate relationships.

But he was glad that there was an exception to that norm, just like with everything. He was also glad that Bones was that exception, for him. Even if at times he wasn't sure what was too much or too little, or if he was ready for a more serious conversation, or more deep and meaningful words.

To him, this was serious already. Serious enough that Jim didn't even think about getting involved with other people, or stopping now what they'd started. Which was why Bones's last words kind of caught him by surprise. Biting back the urge to ask whether it was even right to say they were just 'best friends' anymore, he knit his eyebrows a little at the rest instead, lips quirking and tone light even if he wasn't particularly amused by the implication.

"So what, you think I'd just go and sleep around anyway? I mean, I know I have a reputation, but," he trailed off, shrugging and pursing his lips. "Thought you knew me better than that. I don't want anyone else, and I'd never cheat on you."