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serenitydiviness · 11 months

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Line Without Hook- Spock x OC

This chapter was a nightmare to finish, but it is done! The regular uploading schedule for this is usually Wed/Sat. However next chapter might either be early or late! Thank you to anyone who liked the previous chapters :)

AO3 || FF.NET

Summary: Six years ago, Yeoman Serena Zuriñe embarrassed herself by giving a drunken confession to her mentor, none other than one Commander Spock. Now she finds herself face to face with the Vulcan man she had planned on avoiding the rest of her life. What could possibly go wrong? slow burn. Fake marriage. Spock/OC

Chapter 3:

Serena felt more at ease once they entered the vessel. She looked around before finding the check-in line.

Janice was running it, Serena noted. That gave her a sense of ease. Janice seemed nice. Nyota as well. Christine Chapel, however, made her feel incredibly uncomfortable. She shook her head before she got to the front of the line.

“Serena, right?” Janice asked. “I’m sorry. I know we spoke earlier, but I've—”

“There is no need to apologize,” Serena assured. “It is kind of you to remember my name.”

“I’m glad I got it right on the first try.” Janice laughed. “Alright, you… it looks like we have a last-minute change, so you’ll share a room with… oh, your friend.”

Serena nodded. “She and the good doctor bonded.”

“You’re telling me,” Janice said. “So I’m guessing the room sharing is a formality.”

“Her flirtations are rarely serious,” Serena said.

“Right. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to imply—”

“She and the doctor have shown a fairly short interest in each other. It is logical to jump to the thought.” Serena said. “I hope I did not come off as rude.”

“Not at all,” Janice assured. “Vulcans are very to the point, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Then you weren’t being rude. You were stating facts.” Janice gave an assuring smile. “Let's get some drinks once we’re settled.”

“Of course.” Serena smiled back.

“Well. Let me go ahead and interrupt the happy couple.” Janice said with a giggle.

“I want to watch,” Serena said.

****

To say, Annaleigh found Dr. McCoy—ahem, Leonard, as he insisted upon— to be charming was an understatement. She giggled a bit as he recounted a story about a Vulcan blood transfusion he had completed.

“I got the last word on both of them.” He said with a bit of a laugh.

Annaleigh batted her eyes, smiling all the same. “Handsome and quick-witted. Leonard, I might just fall in love with you.”

“Well, if you keep batting those pretty hazel eyes at me, I might make an honest woman out of you before this mission is over.” He teased.

“Well, I’ll have to make you an honest man first. You are an incorrigible flirt.”

“I could take you to dinner as a start?”

“Doctors!” Janice called, walking over with Serena. Annaleigh could see the small smirk on Serena’s face. She returned the look.

“Oh Janice, everything ok?” Leonard asked, switching into his professional mode. Annaleigh could have swooned right then.

“Yes, just needed to get Dr. Scott checked in and settled.” Janice nodded.

“We’ll talk more about dinner later, Leonard,” Annaleigh said as she and the two other women walked off.

“Oh, we must.” He called before heading off.

“Dinner?” Janice grinned.

“Leonard?” Serena raised a brow.

“Well, ladies, he wants to make an honest woman out of me?” Annaleigh brought a hand to her chest dramatically. “Who am I to deny him my presence.”

“You’re a flirt.”

“Prude.” Annaleigh teased. “At least I’m getting somewhere with my man.”

“Your man?” Both Janice and Serena looked at her incredulously.

“He will be before the mission is up.” Annaleigh nodded confidently. Yes, she’d make Leonard McCoy make an honest woman out of her, and she’d be more than happy to make an honest man out of him.

“I like you two,” Janice said with a laugh.

“Because we’re entertaining,” Serena asked.

“Oh, very much so.” Janice laughed.

“Well, Janice, I think we’re going to be fabulous friends.” Annaleigh nodded.

****

Serena was glad they were settled. She pulled out her PADD to look through her rotations. She looked intently through them, wondering if, for a moment, Spock would be in any of those rotations.

“Trying to find out if you’re gonna be stuck with your hunk?” Annaleigh asked as she plopped onto the bed.

Serena gave an uncharacteristic groan, covering her face.

“Trying to avoid him?” Annaleigh asked.

“Anna, how does love work when you’re both barely human, and you’re pretty sure the other person is only nice to you out of politeness,” Serena asked as she fell back on the mattress. She could feel conflicting emotions slowly taking over any Vulcan propriety.

“A miracle, mostly,” Annaleigh responded honestly. “Though it looked like he was ready to get you alone as soon as he could.”

“I suppose. I wound up apologizing for that night.”

“I still can’t believe you did that. Even less that it didn’t warrant a diplomatic issue.”

“Clan V’los and Clan S'chn T'gai are political allies. But he was married at the time.”

“Damn, you slut.”

“They’re divorced now.”

“Get drunk and go confess again.”

“Anna, why are you like this?”

“I’m an illogical sentient mass run completely by electricity and unfathomably reckless.”

Serena laughed. “You are. If you do end up involved with the doctor, I may just start believing in miracles.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Anyways, we promised Janice we would meet her and Nyota for drinks.” Annaleigh said as she stood. “Can I borrow a dress?”

“Of course.” Serena nodded as she forced herself to sit up.

“You should wear that cute prairie dress Doris got you for your 24th birthday. The brown one. It’ll look so cute with your necklace.”

“That sounds acceptable.” Serena nodded, touching her necklace blankly.

“You know,” Annaleigh said as she rummaged through Serena’s closet. “You could just get drunk again and make him wish he had answered you immediately.”

“Anna,” Serena said with a shake of her head. “I’ll be okay. It’ll take a few days, but I will be okay.”

“You’re a terrible liar for a Vulcan.”

“I’m being sensible.” Serena huffed before going to grab her clothes to change.

“You wanna jump his bones and commit a carnal marriage!” Anna sang.

“I could say the same about you and the doctor!”

“I’ve made it no secret that if Leonard McCoy asks me to share a bed, we’ll be sharing a bed for life.”

“Whore!”

“Prude!”

***

Leonard walked into Jim’s office, all too pleased with himself.

“You seem to be in a good mood, Bones,” Jim said.

“I’ve got a beautiful woman working med bay with me. And I might take her out to dinner.” Leonard replied as he took a seat. He gave a teasing glance to Spock. “Say, Spock, how are you planning on wooing your girl.”

“I do not have a girl to plan to woo,” Spock said with a frown.

“Really?” Leonard looked like a small child at Christmas. “I heard, from Annaleigh, that you were quite sweet on our new toxicologist.”

“She is my friend, and I treated her accordingly,” Spock replied.

“Well, if that is the case, why don’t Jim and I have friendship necklaces?” Leonard asked, watching Spock. He could see the small moment of emotion that passed through Spock’s eyes.

“What’s this about friendship necklaces?” Jim asked with a laugh.

“Oh, can I tell him?” Leonard asked teasingly.

“I had a piece of jewelry I had no use for and gave it to Ensign Zurine. It is not being sweet as you so callously put it.” Spock replied.

Jim laughed, seeming a bit out of it. Leonard glanced at Spock, who returned a concerned look.

“You alright, Jim?” Leonard asked.

“Just in thought, Bones,” Jim replied.

“You sure?”

“Yes, I’ll be going to the bridge soon. Go, catch up with your lady friends,” Jim shooed them off.

****

Spock and Leonard shared a glance before Leonard got up and left. Spock watched the captain before speaking.

“Does this deep thought have to do with the incident on Psi 2000?” Spock asked bluntly.

“I was worried you’d ask that,” Jim said with a laugh. “I suppose a bit of jealousy hit watching Bones flirt with our new doctor.”

“You have had numerous flirtations, Captain; I fail to comprehend the reason for your envy.”

“A flirtation is rarely serious.”

“Because it does not guarantee a shore to walk on?”

Spock watched as Jim flinched a bit. “Yes, Mr. Spock. You don’t have to call me out.”

Spock looked at the wall. “I will point out anything that will negatively affect the ship.”

Jim laughed a bit. “It could be that, or perhaps you have found yourself in a similar predicament?”

“I do not believe so.”

“Really? I may not be so keen on the Vulcan ways, but you don’t tend to stare as much as you have been this day.”

Spock raised a brow. “I do not follow, Captain.”

“Let’s just say I know something you don’t want me to know.”

“Like?”

“Oh, Spock,” Jim grinned. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

Spock frowned and shook his head. “I’ll see you on the brig.”

“Aren’t you going to the rec room?”

“Why would I go to the recreation room?”

“Oh, Janice mentioned she, Serena, and Annaleigh would be having drinks.”

Spock raised his brow at the casual use of the women’s names. He tilted his head and looked at Jim curiously.

“Something wrong, Mr. Spock?” Jim gave an all too innocent smile.

“Nothing, Captain. I shall see you on the brig.”

*****

Serena watched as Annaleigh entered the rec room. It was hard to ignore such a loud person, she thought. She smiled at Janice, who was waving them over.

“Hello, Janice.” Serena greeted with the Vulcan salute.

“Serena!” Janice smiled. “Annaleigh, get over here.”

Annaleigh strutted over and sat down. “Hello, my dear!” She said with a laugh.

Serena shook her head and took her seat.

“Are the quarters okay?” Janice asked.

“They are acceptable and received with great gratitude.” Serena nodded.

“Oh, absolutely fabulous,” Annaleigh nodded. “So, what’s the 411 on the fun around here.”

“We’ll if we’re not on the verge of death, we have music nights, card nights. Lots of different things to boost morale between us all.” Janice said.

“Music nights must be nice,” Serena said, unable to help a soft smile.

“Are you fond of music?” Janice asked.

“Fond of music? If this girl weren’t so position-obsessed, she’d be the first Vulcan Pop star on earth.” Annaleigh teased.

“Music is a form of art that serves as a good basis of logic. It must be precise, full of intent, and pleasing.” Serena said. “It is the manipulation of sound in its most perfect form.”

“You sound very impassioned about music.” Janice smiled.

“My father was passionate about music. It was his passion after the stars.” Serena nodded.

“Doesn’t your name mean a song or something in Vulcan?” Annaleigh asked.

“She who sings for Glory… if you pronounce it correctly,” Serena confirmed.

“So your name isn’t Serena?” Janice asked. Serena could easily see her confusion.

“Serena is how you would pronounce it in English and how it is translated into English documents. However, the correct pronunciation is a bit more difficult.” Serena explained. “My name comes from the expression She Who Sings For Glory.”

“I see… Do we pronounce Mr. Spock’s name correctly?” Janice asked.

“Yes.” Serena lied, knowing full well Spock would have her head if she ever explained how to pronounce his name. She would never understand that man’s utter need to remain as vague as possible. She knew Vulcans were private. She was quite private in her dealings. But Spock, in her mind, lived for the dramatics of it all. She had heard the same of his father from her father and grandmother.

Annaleigh gave her a strange look before shrugging. “Let’s drink?”

“We only have synthetic alcohol. Is that okay?” Janice asked.

“Probably for the best. We do not want a drunk Vulcan. They’re impossible.” Annaleigh teased.

“Drunken humans are worse,” Serena said with a roll of her eyes.

“Only if we’re trying to forget something.”

Janice giggled as she stood to go grab them drinks. Serena sighed a bit, slouching forward. She felt exhausted the longer she stayed there. Still, she had promised, and she knew Annaleigh would probably be upset if she left.

“Just two drinks, and we go to bed?” Annaleigh asked.

“I will have one, and then you can enjoy your night. Besides, I’m sure you’d like to enjoy Dr. McCoy’s presence.” Serena teased.

“You’re right.” Annaleigh nodded sagely.

“Here you ladies are!” Janice said as she brought them drinks.

“Thank you.” Serena nodded.

“You’re an Angel, Janice,” Annaleigh said.

“Oh, I try.” Janice laughed.

Serena smiled as the idle chat began. She listened as Janice and Annaleigh shared stories of their experiences in the academy. She was happy to be partially aware of the conversation, too tired even for her thoughts.

“Serena,” Annaleigh’s voice snapped her out of her trance. “What was the name of that one group you liked?”

“ABBA?” Serena replied.

“Yes.” Annaleigh nodded.

“Why?”

“We were talking about music, remember?”

“My apologies; I was lost in thought.”

“Do you want to call it a night?” Janice asked.

“I will retire. Please enjoy your evening.” Serena said. “We should do this again soon. Thank you for the drinks, Janice.”

“Of course! See you tomorrow!” Janice nodded.

“I’ll see you in a bit.” Annaleigh waved.

Serena nodded before heading off. She let out a tired sigh as soon as she was alone. She knew it would likely be a bit before Annaleigh would return to the room, so it would be fine if she went to a different rec room.

If her memory of the map she had was correct, there was a rec room nearby that she could also go to. She thought for a moment longer and decided it would be better to go t her room. She was exhausted. Any more excitement could wait.

#spock x oc #sta trek #star trek #star trek fanfiction #janice rand/jim kirk #bones x oc #leonard mccoy x oc #chapter 3 woot

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lookingforroleplayers · 1 year

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Looking for Specific Characters!

If anyone involved found said character, please let me know!

CHARACTER REQUESTS

Disney

xperimentalranger is looking for Buzz Lightyear ( Buzz Lightyear Star Command ) for their XR!

Ghostbusters

firstdxnxharm is looking for AOS versions of Kirk, Spock and McCoy to write with their Joanna McCoy!

Mass Effect

reegcr is looking for any quarian, but especially Tali'Zorah!

virmireisms is looking for a Miranda Lawson and Jacob Taylor for any interaction!

Pibby

spooky-jumpropes is looking for Pibby!

Pokèmon

stxrmcatcher is looking for the GO Rocket Admins!

SCP

brightcarnate is looking for any SCP character, but especially 076/Abel and Dr. Light!

queen-archangel-avacyn is looking for any SCP character

Space Channel 5

vanillacometdreamer is looking for any muse, especially Ulala and Purge!

SHIPS REQUESTS

Disney

hifimuses is looking for a Duchess ( Aristocats ) to ship with their Thomas!

Elden Ring

justafarmhand is looking for a Preceptor Seluvis for a OC x canon ship!

Gravity Falls

hifimuses is looking for a Dipper Pines to ship with their Candy!

Mass Effect

virmireisms is looking for a James Vega for a ship

RWBY

perceptionisms and schneeisms are looking for a Mercury to ship with!

Stardew Valley

violet-stormbringer is looking for a Haley for a OC x canon ship!

#chararequests #shiprequest

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daughter-of-melpomene · 2 years

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“How is my partner more badass than me?” for Genesis x Kirk, please? @dancingsunflowers-ocs 💛

(SEND ME OTP PROMPTS!)

Thanks for this!!

Gen was never coming down to a planet's surface with Jim again. Never. She didn't care if he tried to pull rank for once and order them, she wouldn't do it. Because if this was what happened every time a landing party went down, they were pretty sure she didn't have the patience to constantly deal with it.

When Dr. McCoy had first informed them that the Enterprise had recieved a distress signal from a remote planet, long thought to be uninhabited, and that Jim wanted her to go down with the party to treat any potential injured parties, Genesis hadn't thought anything of it. They, like the rest of the Enterprise crew, had assumed the signal was coming from a ship that had crashed on the planet, and that the crew of said ship just wanted to get off the desert wasteland on which they'd found themselves.

That was not what it was. Not even close.

As it turned out, the small desert planet wasn't as uninhabited as everyone had thought. There was, in fact, a race of people who had been living under the dunes for centuries, humanoid but having adapted to the limited water and dry, arid atmosphere. Only it turned out that, after centuries of only having each other to reproduce with, these people needed some fresh blood to help bring up their birth rate. And Genesis, of frakking course, was the only female-bodied member of the landing party.

Which led to their current predicament - backed up against a tall sand dune with a group of sand people surrounded them, pointing weapons that, while not as sophisticated as blasters, were very sharp and deadly-looking. The landing party consisted of only Gen, Jim, and a young freckled crewman whose name she unfortunately could not remember, but there was four sand people, all with sand-colored skin, bald heads, and fierce, determined expressions on their faces. As well as, of course, those pointy weapons.

"Give us the woman," growled the sand person who appeared to be in charge, "and no one will be harmed." The lead sand person appeared to be female-bodied as well, and had golden thread stitched into her dark green tunic that the others did not. Her voice, like the voices of the other sand people that Gen had heard, was rough and scratchy in a way a voice only is when the speaker has gone a long time without water.

"You won't take them," Jim said firmly, shifting his stance so that his body partially blocked Gen's own from view. He hadn't drawn his own blaster yet, though the young crewman had, but it hung from his belt in clear view of the sand people, an obvious warning.

"She will be well taken care of," the sand woman said to Jim, as if to reassure him, though her voice became no less threatening. "Our child-bearers always are. She will be given first pick of whatever our hunting parties bring back, and she will not be required to work. All we ask in return is that she reproduce as much as possible, so as to boost-"

"You. Won't. Take her," Jim repeated, his voice closer to a hiss.

And Genesis appreciated his willingness to protect her, really they did, but as she continued to gaze at the blaster hanging from Jim's belt, a plan began to form in their head. It wasn't a great plan, and really she would have preferred to have more time to think it through properly, but it was all they had right now, and she probably wouldn't have a lot of time to come up with anything else.

Well, here went nothing.

"Actually," Gen spoke up, stepping out from behind Jim and making eye contact with the sand woman, "that doesn't sound too bad."

The sand woman looked surprised, and her eyes, containing irises of pure black like some kind of rodent's, lit up. "You would consent to becoming a child-bearer?"

"Well, I don't see why not." Genesis started to walk towards the sand people, making sure to slow down as they passed Jim and praying that he would do what she expected him to. "You make a very tempting offer, after all."

Blessedly, Jim did just what Gen had expected and gently grabbed their arm as she passed him, meeting their eyes with an expression that was pure confusion.

"Genesis?" he asked quietly, barely hiding the hurt beneath the confusion in his voice, and oh, Gen's heart squeezed at that, but she couldn't make any kind of move to tell him the truth without risking the sand people seeing. So they kept her face stone-cold and impassive, checking out of the corner of their eye to make sure no one was watching her hands as they reached forward and gently eased Jim's blaster out of the holster.

One advantage to spending most of one's childhood in the company of those who made their living stealing other living beings: you got to be pretty quick with your hands.

"I'm sorry, Jim," Gen said in a purposely cold voice, then turned away from her captain and boyfriend, making sure to quickly tuck the blaster into the back of their belt as she made their way toward the four sand people. If Jim or the crewman noticed the blaster, she could only hope against hope neither of them gave it away.

Stopping directly in front of the leading sand woman, Genesis squared her shoulders and looked into the woman's black eyes, trying to look confident in the descision the sand people believed they had just made.

"I will go with you and reproduce for you," she told the sand women, fighting hard to keep the nervous tremor from their voice. "But you have to let these others leave immediately, without harming them. I am valuable to them as a medic, you can't blame them for not wanting to give me up."

There was a moment of silence in which the sand woman appeared to be mentally arguing with herself; clearly, she wanted to punish Jim for trying to keep Gen from her. But eventually, her shoulders slumped just slightly in reluctant concession, and she nodded once.

"Alright," the sand woman said, not even noticing as Gen's hand slowly reached around her back to grasp the blaster's handle. "If you come with us now, your friends may leave unharmed."

"Good," Genesis replied, giving her sweetest smile - then yanked Jim's blaster from their belt and slammed it into the sand woman's head.

The other three sand people let out a collective yell and charged forward as their leader crumpled to the dunes, out cold, but Genesis hadn't excelled in her hand-to-hand combat course at Starfleet for nothing. With a few well-placed punches and only a single shot from the blaster, the remaining sand people lay on the ground around Gen's feet, their weapons lying unused beside them.

Brushing hair out of their face, Genesis turned back around to look at Jim and the crewman, her forehead stinging where one of the sand people had managed to slice them with his weapon. She couldn't help the smile that broke out on their face at the two men's expressions: the young crewman was staring at her with wide eyes and a dropped jaw, and Jim was beaming at them, his eyes full of pride.

"Sorry if I worried you," Gen apologized, walking back towards Jim and holding the blaster out to him. "Didn't have a lot of time to really think that plan through."

"Oh, it's alright," Jim said softly, taking the blaster back a second before he swept Genesis into a kiss.

The crewman let out a startled squeak behind them, but neither Jim nor Genesis cared; their lips moved passionately against each other, each person trying to wordlessly express their relief that they'd both made it through this okay and Dr. McCoy wasn't going to have to tell Spock that one of his partners was captured or injured.

"Did you know," Jim murmured as they finally broke away for breath, "that I regularly look at you and ask myself, 'How is my partner more badass than me?'"

"Of course you do," Gen responded flippantly. "I'm practically an Amazon from those old Greek myths."

"Yes, you are," Jim laughed, pressing another kiss to the top of Gen's head. "But we should get back to the ship; Spock's likely pacing a hole in the command centre's floor by now."

"And completely denying that he's worried," Gen chuckled. "Because he somehow thinks that the entire crew isn't aware of us by this point."

Letting out another short laugh, Jim beckoned the young crewman close while Gen took out her comm device and asked Scotty to beam them up. And as that familiar light surrounded the three of them and began to carry them home, Gen finally spoke the words that had been on her mind since they'd caught her first sight of the sand people.

"I am never going to a surface with you again."

General Taglist: @hiddenqveendom, @auxiliarydetective, @foxesandmagic, @artemisocs, @raith-way, @reyofluke-ocs, @guardiansofheroes.

#oc drabbles #my ocs #ot3: a romantic enterprise #ch: genesis welton #oc: genesis welton #ocapp #ocappreciation #ochub #allaboutocs #fyeahstartrekocs #star trek oc #fic: all the stars #ship: spirkton

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kidamosher · 2 months

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I wrote a Star Trek (Bones/OC) check it out if you want!

xxx

After backing up and smashing her head on the x-ray machine, Ellie McKay loses consciousness only to wake up to see that she wasn't only in a different time, but also a different world. After being chased by the locals and then saved by the crew of the USS Enterprise, Ellie now has to figure out how she got there, if there was a way to get home, and how she was going to get the CMO, Dr. McCoy to open up to her.

#time travel #star trek #leonard bones mccoy #uss enterprise #original character #original female character #she's a dental assistant like me #dr mccoy #fanfiction #star trek fanfiction #bones mccoy

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legendary-maddie · 2 years

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A/N:

Suddenly the urge of writing something overtook me. As I'm currently watching Star Trek again, it's a Scotty/OC one. OC is described to be a blonde female named Catherine Bailey but feel free to think your pronouns, name and physical appearance instead of mine. I always do that when someone is described as brunette or something haha xD

As for Scotty's accent, I'm so sorry I couldn't write it! I'm not a native english speaker, so I have trouble writing that in the correct way... It's either properly written or not. If someone wants to help, that would be greatly appreciated ♡

Hope you enjoy ♡

Fandom: Star Trek AOS

Pairing: Scotty x OC

Warnings: None

Calmly she prepared the instruments for the next patient. Lieutenant Commander Montgomery Scott.

A small smile appeared on her lips, when she thought about their previous encounters. They haven't met many times but every time they did, she felt like a little school girl. To her friends, it was painfully obvious that she had a crush on him. Well... to her too but she refused to believe that it's mutual, so she - and some others - decided to test the waters today.

The quite sound of the door sliding open, pulled her out of her thoughts.

"Ah, Mr. Scott!", she heard Nurse Chapel speaking outside of the secluded area she prepared for the medical examination. "The doctor is right there in examination room 5."

"Thank you, dear.", he answered. She smiled to herself and turned in the exact second the red shirt entered the room. He had a rather confused look on his face when his eyes fell on the blonde woman.

"Mr. Scott!", she said. "You finally made it."

"Doctor Bailey... Uhm... I thought Bones is going to do the examination?"

"We got an emergency, which called for his specialized skill set. Or... is there a problem with me taking over your examination?" The lie is going smoothly from her tongue. Bones himself had the brilliant idea, so they can finally make a move towards each other.

The engineer shook his head and chuckled nervously. "No, doctor, not at all. I just wasn't expecting you here.", he answered and smiled weakly.

The blonde smiled back, stood up from her stool and pointed to the examination bed. "Very well, Mr. Scott. Please take a seat, I'll be right back.", Doctor Bailey said and left the room to retrieve her pad from her office.

When she got back, her patient sat quietly on the bed and stared at the white wall.

She straightened her back, layed the pad aside and started to put one gloves.

"Mr. Scott, is there anything you would like to discuss, once you're already here? Any health issues?", she looked over her shoulder and saw, that he was shaking his head.

"No, there is nothing I could think of.", he said.

"Alright then, I'd like to start with the worst: taking several samples, if that's alright with you?" The doctor took a metal tray, sat down on her stool and set the tray aside.

"Sure, whatever you say, Doc."

She smiled and nodded, a cotton swab already in her hand.

After she took all the samples she needed, including blood, she neatly labeled and put them aside to analyze them later.

The blonde then took a medical tricorder to scan the engineer and take his basic vital measurements.

"Alright, Mr. Scott. Seems like you're healthy as a horse.", she said as she put the device aside.

"That's good to hear.", Scotty said and rubbed his slightly sweaty palms on his thights.

She took in his tall and quite lean sitting form. "Mr. Scott, your posture is not very good.", Bailey complained and layed a hand on his back to make him sitting straight. Scotty chuckled nervously under her delicate touch but didn't said anything, while she continued to examine his back musculature. "The complications of poor posture include back pain, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration, rounded shoulders and a potbelly." The blonde woman bent herself to the side, looking straight into his eyes, widened from her brutal honesty. He let his gaze wander down to his belly when he heard her laughing. He looked at her and couldn't stop himself from smiling a little bit. Her laugh was melodic and her well formed lips parted to reveal beautiful straight teeth.

"Don't worry, dear, you don't have a potbelly! In fact, you look quite fit.", she said complimenting and started to lightly massage his back muscles with one hand. "Your muscles are very tense, though!" She let her hands wander up to his arms, trying not to enjoy it too much. "You must have back pain, do you?"

"Aye, sometimes..." Scotty said a bit ashamed, looking at the floor.

"Suggestions to improve your posture include regular exercise and stretching, ergonomic furniture and paying attention to the way your body feels.", the blonde started to lecture him as someone entered the room. Dr. McCoy.

"Still not done with our Chief Engineer, Catherine?", he said teasing and took a look at the patient which looked quite helpless and red-faced. "Oh mate, do you have a fever?" Dr. McCoy felt his forehead. "You're glowing!"

Concerned Dr. Bailey roled her stool in front of him and stared at his face. "No way, I just took his temperature!"

"Uh..." Scotty gasped lightly. "Actually... are we done? I got uh stuff to take care of, you know?"

Catherine took her pad and nodded. "Yes, actually, I just need to analyze your samples but you don't to be present for that as it can take quite a while.", she confirmed, before Scotty stood up and straightened his uniform. "Alright then, thank you."

A moment long, they stared at the point where Scotty escaped from their view, as Catherine stood up and smacked her colleagues chest. "Great, you scared him away, McCoy."

"I didn't scare him away, you teased the poor man too much!", he said to his defense and shook his head. "Never expected him to be shy."

Catherine groaned and walked away as well.

____________________________

I planned on doing a similar one-shot where Scotty is the one teasing the OC, maybe another one with smut since there is definitely not enough Scotty stuff going around here, let me know what you think ♡

#Star Trek #Star Trek AOS #Star Trek x OC #Star Trek x Reader #Montgomery Scott #Montgomery Scott x OC #Montgomery Scott x Reader #Scotty #Scotty x OC #Scotty x Reader #Bones #Leonard McCoy #imagine #Simon Pegg #cosplay #Carol Marcus #Dr Carol Marcus

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drgnrder82 · 3 years

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The Demons Within (Xmen Fanfic)

Chapter 14

“You can’t keep this up.” Alex said from the bathroom door.

He’d waited outside the bathroom for Doc to finish showering.

“I know.” Doc sniffed and tightened the tie of her bathrobe and inspected herself in the mirror.

She went into the shower looking like a completely different person. Cuts and bruises and a few swollen patches on her cheek and forehead. Unmentionable bits everywhere. But Doc came back out looking, and feeling, almost like herself again. With one exception. She felt drained.

Alex was quiet for a long time, hovering at the closed door, before saying, “It’s getting worse, isn’t it? The demons?”

Every battle Doc had been in was always worse than the one before. Losing friends or loved ones was never easy. Even if she wasn’t supposed to have those kinds of attachments to the other Masters.

The Zogath attacks were different though and she knew Alex felt it too.

Doc leaned on the bathroom door separating them. He was so close, just on the other side. His thoughts screaming, I’m here. Let me help.

How? How could she let him help? What if he…? What if a Zogath…?

Doc fumbled with the doorknob. Alex’s smile warmed her and he held a pair of denim pants and a simple navy blue sweater out for her.

Nightmares haunted her last night. Nightmares of Zogath feeding on her barrier around the school but this time they got through and found Alex. She shuddered and stuffed down a sob at the sight of Alex unharmed in front of her.

All she wanted was for things to go back to how they were. Training into the night with Alex or reading together when she knew how much Alex hated reading. But he read with her, or pretended to so he had an excuse to spend time with Doc.

She daydreamed about Alex wrapping her in his embrace as they lay in bed with nothing to worry about except their next lesson plan.

Doc realized standing at the bathroom door was the first time they’d had alone in days that lasted more than a moment before having to rush off to meet with Charles or another attack. Doc threw herself into him. Inhaling Alex’s natural earthy scent. She pushed away demons and nightmares and everything else but Alex.

They stood there, embracing in the hallway until class let out and Dani Moonstar interrupted them for her own hug from Doc.

After Dani galloped off to get ready for her next class, Alex made Doc go back to her room to dress while he stood at the closed door giving her privacy but also talking to her about what had happened during his class the day before. Small talk.

She checked herself in the mirror. The clothes were new. She’d mostly brought her tunics and linen pants from Kamar-Taj and Wong bought her a lot of dresses. No jeans. No sweaters. There were some summer-y capris she’d long since abandoned because of winter.

Read the entire chapter on AO3.

#xmen #xmen fanfic #xmen fanfiction #x men #x men fanfic #x men fanfiction #x men first class fanfic #alex summers #alex summers x oc #oc #dr strange crossover #crossover fic #hank mccoy #sean cassidy #charles xavier #xmen ao3

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spacedancer1701 · 4 years

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Another Life - a Star Trek fic - (Chapters 46 - 50)

Sequel to ‘On Borrowed Time’

Fandoms: Star Trek, Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS), Star Trek: Alternate Original Series (AOS) Pairing: McCoy x Original Female Character (Dr. Jennifer Hope) Characters: The Crew of the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) Rating/Warnings: None Tags: Romance, Friendship, Love, Warm and Fuzzy Feelings, Angst/H/C, Caring/Protective/Tender/Comforting/Happy/Grumpy/Worried McCoy Word Count: This is a long one. Again. 😄 (71 chapters - 177k)

Read it on AO3: Another Life

Chapter 46

“You mean,” Jenny began, unconsciously raising her face towards McCoy’s, but found that she had lost all power of coherent speech.

Did ‘always’ mean even before her coma? Had she been aware of it? Had they been together? Had he even just said what she thought he’d said, or had her yearning heart made her hear things? And what had she been thinking, declaring her love for the doctor like that in the first place? What on earth had possessed her to do that?

Her thoughts were racing, but her mind was in a haze, and she just couldn’t think straight, completely lost in the doctor’s beautiful eyes, gazing at her with so much love and tenderness, she felt her heart overflow. She’d come here to be near him, happy to just talk and listen to him. She’d never expected this.

But before she even had a chance to gather her wits, McCoy’s lips were on hers, soft and wonderful, and she surrendered to the sweetest kiss she’d ever known. It was such a gentle kiss, the doctor’s lips softly probing, caressing, not demanding at all. And yet, Jenny could feel the hunger, the passion underneath, just waiting to be released.

McCoy wasn’t being pushy in any way, first his lips, and then his tongue, just exploring, tenderly communicating his love, and she felt herself melting into his kiss and his embrace. Moulding herself against his body, keenly aware of the gentle breeze of his breath on her face and the comforting warmth of his arms around her. It felt exciting and new, yet comforting, and so very, very right. Like a dream come true.

“God, I’m so sorry Jenny. I didn’t mean to…” the doctor’s voice trailed away, as he suddenly pulled back, looking at her, appalled. “Are you okay? I really meant to keep in mind that you’re only just getting to know me, I got completely carried away.”

Jenny could see the concern and the guilt in his eyes, and stopped him with a gentle finger to his lips. Wasn’t it just so typical of McCoy to draw her into something as wonderful as this kiss, and still worry about overstepping a line?

“I’m more than okay, Doctor,” she smiled up at him, wanting nothing more than to feel his lips on hers again. “Although I can hardly believe this is real. And I’ve got so many questions for you.”

“Of course, you have,” he replied kindly, running his hands soothingly up and down her arms. “And please, call me Leonard. I think we’ve just more than qualified for being on first name terms."

He was adorable. So thoughtful, wanting to do everything right by her. If this was any indication of what being loved by this man was like, she was a very lucky woman, indeed.

“How about we sit down again and talk?” the doctor asked, suddenly seeming afraid to touch her at all.

“Yes, let’s,” Jenny agreed, taking his hand and pulling him down to sit on the couch with her.

“So, what would you like to know first?” McCoy asked, withdrawing his hand and casually resting his arm on the back of the couch behind her, not quite around her shoulders, but close.

“Have we been in love before my coma?” Jenny asked bluntly, not quite sure where to start herself.

“Oh, yes, we have,” the doctor confirmed emphatically, the enormity of his feelings for her clearly visible in his eyes.

“A relationship even?” she ventured.

“That’s definitely another yes,” he smiled, “although no one knows yet, apart from Jim and, obviously, Spock.”

“The captain knows?” Jenny exclaimed in surprise, as several memories of the captain acting strangely and making cryptic remarks came flooding back. “Now, that would explain a lot.”

“Well, Jim’s never been known for his subtlety,” McCoy laughed, and Jenny thought she always wanted to see that carefree laugh on the doctor’s face.

“And our relationship, would that have been including … er … everything?” she couldn’t help asking, hoping he’d get her meaning.

As far as she was concerned, they’d only just had their first kiss, and it was hard to imagine anything more at this point. So, she really had to know.

“Including everything, yes,” the doctor chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

The question had evidently amused him, but the way he gazed at her, his face so full of understanding, nipped any embarrassment she might have felt in the bud. It was clear that he perfectly recognised her need to fill in the blanks.

“So, you’ve seen me … er … without my clothes and everything?”

If McCoy found her concern hilarious, he didn’t let on.

“And everything, yes,” he confirmed again, the merest hint of a smile on his lips, then lovingly added, “And let me assure you that you’re absolutely beautiful. Inside and out.”

Jenny felt herself blush at his words. To think that she’d been in love with the doctor for weeks now, and he’d been The One all this time.

“Please, don’t take this the wrong way, Doc… Leonard,” she said, encouraged by the unwavering affection in his expression, “I’m thrilled by how this evening is turning out, and I couldn’t be happier, even though I’m still having a hard time getting my head around it, but it is strange and, frankly, a little unsettling that you know everything about me, while I know next to nothing about you.”

“I can only imagine,” he smiled softly, and the compassion in his eyes instantly took all of her uneasiness away again. “And I agree, I have an unfair advantage over you at the moment. But I promise to use it only to help and protect you. Do you think you can trust me?”

The solemnity with which he made his promise almost made her laugh, and she had no doubt about his sincerity.

“I can, and I do,” she reassured him quietly, thinking that there was genuinely no one she felt she could trust more.

Unthinkingly, she leaned back against him, and let out a content sigh when she felt his arm tentatively snake around her shoulders and draw her closer.

“Is it all right for me to snuggle up a little?” Jenny felt the need to ask permission, mentally shaking her head at the weirdness of the whole situation.

“Snuggle up all you want, love,” McCoy chuckled. “Actually, do anything you want. As long as I can feel you, hold you, I’m not complaining.”

Resting her head on his shoulder and putting one arm across his chest, Jenny heard the doctor sigh with pleasure, as he wrapped both of his arms around her and buried his face in her hair.

“I love you, Jenny,” he whispered. “More than you can imagine. And even though you don’t remember, you still felt drawn to me. Safe with me. That’s how strong our connection is.”

Hearing those words started butterflies in Jenny’s stomach, and filled her heart with joy she hadn’t known existed. Yet, she wasn’t quite ready to say them back to him. It was all too sudden, too soon. But the doctor didn’t seem to mind, even seemed to understand. Because when she raised her head to look at him, there was not a trace of hurt or disappointment in his eyes. Only love. Endless love and happiness.

Seeming to read her thoughts, McCoy said, “It’s all right, love. You don’t have to say anything. I know it’s all so new for you. But we have all the time in the world now. The hardest thing has been to know how badly you needed touch and cuddles, to see you longing for love and security, and not being allowed to give you more than an occasional hug. But that’s over now. Whatever you need, I’ll give to you. I’m here for you, Jenny. You set the pace.”

Deeply touched, Jenny settled back into his embrace, nestling even closer and feeling her heart brim over with love. Savouring the feeling of his hands so tenderly stroking her hair and rubbing her back, she couldn’t help but wonder what it must have been like to be in a relationship with someone so considerate, so caring, so concerned about her feelings and her wellbeing.

“Why didn’t you just tell me?” she asked. “The whole situation must have been so terribly hard on you!”

“Jenny,” he smiled mildly, “you didn’t remember anything about us. Hell, you didn’t even remember you knew me at all. I was, I am basically a stranger to you. I couldn’t just force you into a relationship. All I could do was take care of you, and hope you’d fall in love with me again eventually.”

“I’m so sorry I made you go through this,” she said, trying to imagine what it must have been like for him.

“Don’t be, love,” the doctor shook his head gently, “It’s not your fault. And neither is the fact that you’ll need time to get to know me again. Or do you think I can’t see your uncertainty? Your fear of having to give too much too soon? How you’re wondering if we’ve shared quarters, scared that I’ll want you to move back in right away, maybe even share my bed tonight? You can’t know yet, but I’d never demand anything you’re not ready for. We’ll take it as slowly as you want and need us to, all right?”

McCoy’s words went straight to Jenny’s heart, feeling like a cool, soothing breeze, calming her mind and taking away fears she hadn’t even been able to put into words yet.

“Thank you, Leonard,” she murmured, “I have to admit I do feel a little overwhelmed right now.”

“Jenny,” he responded, gently turning her around in his arms so he could look at her properly. “I love you more than words can say. All I want is for you to feel happy and safe. Once you know me better again, if that’s even what you want, you’ll find that I’d never push you to do anything you’re not comfortable with. If we just hold hands and kiss for the rest of our lives, I’ll be totally fine with that.”

Jenny chuckled at that, actually believing him. The doctor was exactly like that. A gentleman to the core. Although she was pretty certain that she wouldn’t make him wait too long for anything more than kissing and holding hands. If she was honest with herself, she wanted to feel more of him already.

“If there’s one thing I’m sure of,” she smiled at him, “it’s that I do want to get to know you again. All of you.”

“I’m very happy to hear that,” McCoy beamed, “but please understand that you’re under no obligation here. Of course, I hope that we’ll find what we had again. It was the happiest I’ve ever been. But I’d rather live without you than see you try to pretend what you don’t actually feel.”

He’s even more wonderful than I imagined, Jenny thought, nodding in acknowledgement of his words.

“You know, I’ve always felt that I’m missing something important, some crucial part of my life. And now that I know what it is, I wish I could remember more than ever,” she said, smiling sadly at the doctor. “We must have been so incredibly happy.”

“We certainly were,” McCoy smiled back confidently. “And we will be again, you’ll see.”

“Will you tell me everything about us?” Jenny asked, tingling with anticipation.

“It will be my pleasure,” the doctor grinned fondly. “Our whole, wonderful story. You’ve always enjoyed listening to me telling it, in fact, you made me tell it over and over again.”

McCoy pressed an impulsive kiss to her forehead, and Jenny could feel all his love and affection pour from his lips straight into her soul.

“But there’s still a chance that you’ll remember everything yourself. When we were trapped in the mine, you already started to remember something that happened around a year ago.”

“I did?” Jenny was sitting bolt upright, unsuccessfully trying to cast her mind back to those painful minutes. “I don’t really recall anything from down there, it’s all so foggy in my mind.”

“I know,” the doctor smiled reassuringly, “that’s normal. You were in severe pain and distress. But don’t worry, even if you never regain your full memory, we’ll simply start over again. As you told me a few weeks ago, it’s only two years after all. And what’s that in the grand scheme of things, when there’s still so much life left for us to share. We’ll just make new, wonderful memories.”

Jenny had to choke back tears at his words. She’d never felt so loved and cherished before. How could she not have seen this sooner? How could she have missed all that love, that fire, in McCoy’s eyes and mistaken it for a caring doctor’s fatherly concern? There was nothing fatherly in his gaze right now, and she almost wished he were less considerate and would just drag her off to his quarters.

Instead, the doctor got up and held out a hand to her.

“I’ve got an idea. Let me start to reintroduce myself to you. Among other things, we used to listen to classic country music together.”

“Oh, I love country music!” Jenny cut in, taking McCoy’s hand and looking at him expectantly.

“And don’t I know it,” he chuckled fondly. “Will you dance with me to our song then?

“Gladly!”

Jenny jumped to her feet and was immediately drawn into the doctor’s arms, who ordered, “Computer, lights to twenty percent, and start country playlist.”

As the first chords rang out, Jenny instantly recognised her favourite country music couple, instinctively shuffling closer to McCoy, wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her face against his chest.

“It’s Your Love,” she whispered, thinking how very fitting the song was, and how she’d always dreamed of finding someone to feel that way about her.

(A/N: Here’s a link to the song, if you’d like to listen)

Chapter 47

McCoy’s heart was brimming over with love and happiness. He could hardly believe what was happening. How this day had turned from absolute hell to having everything he’d ever wanted right here, back in his arms again. That he was actually holding Hope, dancing to their song, no longer forced to hide his feelings for her. That he could suddenly enjoy the familiar voices and harmonies again, when he hadn’t been able to listen to any country music at all for weeks, feeling sick to the core with grief and loss just from hearing the sound of a steel guitar.

He might never have his Hope back, but this Hope was just as wonderful and adorable. And for some unfathomable reason, which by now he knew better than to question too closely, she’d fallen in love with him again. That could only mean that they were truly meant to be together. That they’d be happy again. He believed that with all his heart.

Feeling Hope pressing up against him, her familiar body, which had driven him to ecstatic heights so often in the past, enticingly swaying in time with the music, did the most incredible things to his groin. But of course, he was aware that she didn’t remember any of the passionate nights they’d shared. As far as she was concerned, they were only just getting to know each other.

Loving her the way he did, there was no question he’d manage to hold back until she was ready. In a way, having this sweet and inexperienced version of Hope back certainly held its own appeal and felt almost exciting. He’d shown her the pleasures of physical love once before, and she’d been a fast learner, indeed. He’d enjoy showing her again. Being tender and careful with Hope was certainly no hardship for him.

McCoy remembered how, after her return from the Lexington, she’d told him that she hadn’t been intimate with anyone else in this century, and that she’d love to keep it that way. He’d been extremely touched by her words then, ridiculously pleased to find himself being so special to her. And he was eternally grateful that nothing seemed to have changed there. That she’d chosen him to be her first - and hopefully only - love once again.

Moving slowly to the music, basking in the most tender feelings, the doctor felt Hope suddenly go rigid in his arms. Taking an abrupt step back, she stared at him with wide eyes, a look of confusion on her face that instantly got him worried.

“We’ve danced to that song before,” she said, a statement, not a question, despite her voice being barely a whisper, then continued a little less certain, “on a beach? And why were we so sad?”

McCoy gasped, wanting to punch the air with joy and relief, yet not quite daring to hope that her remembering the last evening of their shore leave on Earth would wind up any different than her fragmentary memory in the mine had. Gone again as quickly as it had come.

But before he could even start to answer her questions, Hope went on, her voice much stronger now, her face glowing with hopeful delight, “Wait! We sang it together for the first time right here in your office! You thought you were alone, and …”

This time, McCoy couldn’t hold back, a huge grin spreading across his face as he wrapped his arms around her waist, lifted her off the floor and spun her around, letting out an overjoyed whoop.

“That’s it, love!” he exclaimed, beaming with delight, as he gently set her down on the floor again. “Keep going, keep the images coming!”

Hope looked at him blankly for a moment. Then her gaze drifted off into the distance, her eyes moving rapidly as her mind tried to conjure up more memories.

“Oh my God!” she suddenly cried out, “It was you! I told you! About Star Fleet ordering me to secrecy, about actually having been born in the 20th century. About everything!”

She fell rather than stepped back into his arms, and he easily caught her, pulling her into a tight embrace and holding her close, as she wearily slumped against him.

“You’ve got it all right, love,” the doctor murmured soothingly, willing her to remember everything, yet trying to give her time and not sound too eager or impatient. “Why don’t we sit down again?”

-x-x-x-x-x-

“All right,” Jenny agreed, dazed, as McCoy gently guided her back to the couch.

Sitting down, she felt totally drained from trying to wheedle more memories out of her addled brain. As well as giddy with excitement and restless with unanswered questions. All at the same time.

She clearly remembered how the doctor had tenderly coaxed the truth from her, adamant to share whatever burden she was carrying on her shoulders. The relief she’d felt after she’d confided in him, fully trusting him to know what to do with the shared information, to help her cope.

All of a sudden, there was a new closeness between her and McCoy, a familiarity that hadn’t been there only minutes ago. Yet, she felt incredibly shy around him, her brain still not quite processing what her heart already knew.

But when the doctor sat down beside her, doing no more than touch a tender hand to her face while his eyes shone with unbridled love, Jenny’s lips found his of their own accord. She could hear his sharp intake of breath, taken aback for a second by her sudden boldness, before returning her kiss with a passion that absolutely matched hers.

It was the weirdest feeling, so comfortingly familiar, and yet making her feel extremely self-conscious, terribly afraid of having thrown McCoy off guard with the intensity of her kiss. There was really only one word for how she felt. Awkward.

Their ardent, all-consuming kiss seemed to go on forever, hands hungrily exploring, caressing, trying to find their way onto bare skin. Until Jenny noticed that only her hands were being so forward, while the doctor’s contented themselves with tenderly rubbing her back through her uniform and playing with her hair.

The sudden realisation made her pull back momentarily, mortified by her brazenness, but McCoy just smiled at her, not seeming shocked in the least. To the contrary, the doctor had quite obviously enjoyed her abandon, yet looked as if he’d more or less expected her to draw out of this passionate moment as abruptly as she’d initiated it.

“It’s all right, love,” he reassured her, his voice warm and soothing while his hands were still softly caressing her back. “I meant it, when I said you set the pace. And if your feelings are bouncing back and forth right now, that’s totally okay, too. Whatever your heart tells you to do, I’ll be happy to follow your lead.”

Feeling her eyes well up at McCoy’s deep understanding, Jenny leaned into him again, and let herself be drawn into the most comforting hug. The doctor seemed too good to be true, yet she felt in her heart that he’d always been that way with her. That she’d always been and would always be able to count on his never-ending kindness, his unreserved support, and his unconditional love.

As if to prove her point, McCoy planted an affectionate kiss on the top of her head, then drew back a little, looking at her intently, his eyes sparkling with excitement as another idea seemed to strike him.

“I’d like to show you something,” he smiled mysteriously, getting up and going over to his desk, where he took a small box out of one of the drawers.

“What’s this?” Jenny asked curiously.

“See for yourself,” the doctor beamed gleefully, sitting down beside her again, and gently placed the box in her hands. “You got it on your first shore leave, and I’ve kept it for you these past few weeks.”

Trembling with anticipation, Jenny carefully opened the box, revealing a beautiful, dolphin-shaped ring. Not quite, but pretty close to the one Tom had given her, she realised. A little confused, she looked up at McCoy, who was smiling at her encouragingly, almost as if he were hoping for a particular reaction from her.

Losing herself in the doctor’s deep blue eyes for a moment, soaking up the endless love and kindness she found there, Jenny turned her attention back to the ring, carefully taking it out of its box and holding it reverently between her fingers. Delicately turning it around and looking at it from all sides, Jenny froze, as a whole tsunami of memories flooded her mind.

“You gave me that ring, didn’t you, Leonard?” she asked, suddenly recalling that evening in full clarity. “When we said goodbye before I had to leave for the Lexington.”

McCoy just nodded, his eyes filling with tears. Whether they were tears of joy at her remembering, or tears of sorrow at the memory of that particular evening, she didn’t know.

“Oh my God, we had this whole, incredible shore leave together!” she exclaimed, as it all came back to her. “There was Stuey, right? Was that his name?”

The doctor nodded again, tears – of happiness, she was sure this time – running down his cheeks now, gently placing his hands on her shoulders and gazing at her intently, obviously searching her face for clues of more memories returning.

“I remember a cave,” she went on, not quite sure how that fit in with everything else. “You were holding me all night, and I felt so …”

“Geborgen?” the doctor supplied, the infinite love shining from his eyes melting her heart.

“Exactly,” she breathed, wondering how he even knew the word, while realising that it had been the precise expression she’d been looking for.

But before she could dwell on McCoy’s surprising knowledge of German any more, she was distracted by yet more memories filling her mind and her heart, almost overwhelming her in their complexity.

“Shore leave with you was magical,” she murmured, and the doctor leaned even closer to hear her, his warmth, his scent, his closeness engulfing her, soothing her, grounding her.

Jenny remembered dancing with him, then sitting on a bench, talking, kissing.

“That night!” she burst out, as everything suddenly fell into place. “After the dance. Our first, mind-blowing night together.”

She was completely lost for words, as she recalled everything she’d felt that night, everything he’d made her feel. The desire, the passion, the pleasure, the fulfilment. How she’d just known with absolute clarity that the doctor was everything she’d ever dreamed of, or could possibly ever wish for. The utter happiness she’d felt then. That certainty of being safe, and loved. Of being where she’d always been meant to be.

Meeting McCoy’s eyes, Jenny didn’t even need him to tell her that he felt exactly the same. That he was hers as much as she felt she was his. And it was only then, that she started to understand the full extent of the pain he must have felt, when he’d found out about her amnesia. Feeling the way she did now, just thinking about not being able to show it, let alone not having her feelings returned, almost broke her heart.

No wonder he’d often been cranky and just had to get away from her. How he’d even managed to be there for her at all, to remain so loving and giving, so gentle and caring, was beyond her. She couldn’t even begin to imagine the hurt he must have felt at her ignorance of everything concerning their beautiful relationship.

Jenny’s head started to throb, overwhelmed by all the thoughts and images coming tumbling in thick and fast, and she had to squeeze her eyes shut against the pain and the dizziness, pressing her hands to her temples, trying to keep her mind from exploding.

She was dimly aware of McCoy’s concerned look, as he pulled a scanner out of nowhere and began waving it around in front of her face, while visions of underwater worlds, and dinosaurs, and crevices started to spin inside her head.

Someone was whimpering. Was it her? She suddenly felt the doctor’s arms around her, so gentle, so safe, and she could see that he was talking to her, his sweet lips moving so sensually, but she couldn’t hear a word he was saying. She just wanted to kiss him.

Kiss him. Hold him and kiss him.

Jenny felt herself being tenderly lifted. She was floating. Or was she falling?

Falling.

Fully trusting that Leonard would be there to catch her. He always was.

Chapter 48

McCoy had never witnessed someone regaining their memory after a bout of temporary amnesia before, but he’d read up on everything on the subject he’d been able to get his hands on over the past few weeks and immediately recognised – and was prepared for – the symptoms of ‘mental overload’.

He couldn’t even begin to imagine what it must be like to have two years’ worth of memories come flooding back into your mind all at once, and judging from Hope’s reaction it was painful as well as overwhelming. Nevertheless, he was very grateful that it was happening, overjoyed that Hope would finally be able to put her doubts and fears to rest, while the doctor in him, admittedly, appreciated the opportunity, fascinated by the experience.

When Hope showed the first signs of dizziness and nausea, he tried to calm her down by talking to her. But when he got no reaction and saw her pressing her hands to her temples in obvious pain, he got out his trusted tricorder to scan her. Even though he knew it was to be expected, the current level of brain activity worried him, and when she started to lose consciousness, he quickly gathered her in his arms and carried her to the nearest biobed.

Hope had started to moan and whimper in earnest, but the doctor feared that sedating her in this phase of memory recovery might be detrimental to the process. So he tried to soothe her with gentle touches, words, and caresses as well as he could, grateful when she finally passed out, her face relaxing into a serene and peaceful expression as her brain activity sank to a more normal level.

Heaving a sigh of relief, McCoy pulled up a chair and settled down next to the bed, deciding to just let her recover in her own time, while intending not to leave her side for even a moment. The monitor emitted quiet, reassuringly regular beeps, and after a while showed that she had shifted from unconsciousness to a deep sleep, which he hoped would afford her the rest she needed.

Looking down at her beloved face as she lay there, blissfully asleep, the doctor finally relaxed and gave in to the multitude of emotions that had been building up inside him all evening. Love, hope, worry, fear, relief, doubt, exhilaration, being just a few of them.

This woman was his life. Her love and their relationship worth every moment of pain, or fear, or worry. He just knew that he’d fall in love with her over and over again, not matter what, no matter where. In every life, in every universe, in every dimension. And this absolute certainty literally took his breath away.

Strangely though, while McCoy could hardly wait for her to wake up, to finally have the woman back he’d come to love and respect so deeply, who had been at his side, supporting him and enriching his life in so many wonderful ways over the past two years, he knew he was also somehow going to miss the Hope he’d got to know over the last few weeks, a really wonderful lady in her own right.

Never taking his eyes off his beloved, the doctor commed Kirk to give him the good news, and at the same time informed him that he was taking Hope off shift for at least the next day, not even pretending to put up a fight when Jim more or less ordered him to take the day off, too.

-x-x-x-x-x-

Jenny woke up with a start, feeling a little disoriented. She’d had the strangest dream and needed a moment to realise she was in sickbay. And that it hadn’t really been a dream at all. But when she saw Leonard beaming down at her, she knew that whatever the reason for her being in sickbay right now, it couldn't be too serious.

The drip! My blood! it suddenly struck her, sitting up. I fiddled with the parameters!

“Please don’t be mad at me, Leonard,” she blurted out looking up at him, putting on her best puppy eyes.

“Why would I be mad at you, love?” he asked, a worried little frown creeping up on his face.

“Because I tampered with the alarm?” Jenny admitted hesitantly, and when he just stared at her, quite obviously trying to find the right words, she added, “You never told me that the whole amnesia debacle was actually my fault. You must have been so angry.”

McCoy’s face crumpled at her words, and before she could say anything else, his eyes welled up, and he pulled her into a tight hug, holding her close as his whole body was wracked with sobs, his tears finding their way through her hair and trickling down the side of her head.

“I was mad at you,” he said eventually, when he was all cried out, and Jenny almost wanted him to be furious, feeling terribly guilty about having put him through so much pain. “Or at least I tried. Believe me, I tried.”

He pulled back, and she gently touched his tear-streaked face, trying to hold back her own tears. She had no right to cry, it had all been her doing.

“I’m so sorry I hurt you, Leonard,” she whispered, “I …”

She stopped short. There was really no excuse, no words of comfort that could take away the pain she’d caused him.

“You have every right to hate me now,” she whispered. “I was reckless and stupid, I knowingly ignored your warnings, and I put you through hell.”

“But you saved everyone aboard,” McCoy countered, taking her hands in his and kissing her fingers. “And I could never hate you. You know that as well as I do.”

Jenny lifted her face to brush a gentle kiss on his lips. Of course, she knew that. Or had at least hoped so.

“And I think all the anxiety your memory loss caused you, too, over the past few weeks, was more than enough punishment for trying to do the right thing,” the doctor continued softly. “Because I know that’s what you did, even though you were reckless and made a poor choice.”

“Not to forget having to live without you for so long,” she smiled at him ruefully. “Although you were terrific, Leonard. You were always there for me. And maybe I didn’t remember you, but I certainly loved you from the moment I woke up and looked into your eyes.”

“Is that so?” the doctor grinned at her, his earlier distress giving way to a playful twinkle in his eyes. “I’ll keep you here in sickbay for the night, just to be sure, and then tomorrow, maybe I can give you a demonstration of what you’ve been missing.”

“Oh Leonard,” Jenny cried out, “do I really have to stay here? I’m feeling perfectly all right!”

“I want to be on the safe side here,” McCoy replied.

“And I just want to go home,” she sighed pleadingly.

-x-x-x-x-x-

There was no way he even wanted to win this argument, McCoy thought, looking at Hope’s imploring eyes. He wanted nothing more than for her to come home, too.

“All right,” he drawled, trying not to get emotional again, “but you’ll have to promise me you’ll instantly tell me about even the lightest headache or any other pain. Can I trust you there?”

“Promise!” Hope said solemnly, then quietly added, as she gazed at him intently, “But you must promise me something, too!”

“And what would that be?” the doctor asked softly, taking her hand and gently pulling her to her feet.

“Should I ever lose my memory again, please don’t leave me in the dark like you did this time. It’s too hurtful for both of us. We simply belong together. I hope you can finally see that, too.”

McCoy couldn't find his voice to answer, so he just nodded briefly, and then pulled her into his arms again. He really had to work on being less emotional, Spock was right. This constant threat of breaking out in tears over just about anything was getting a nuisance. But then again, that’s what loving Hope did to you, wasn’t it?

-x-x-x-x-x-

Sweet, dear Leonard, Jenny thought as she hurried towards her quarters, so forgiving, no matter what I put him through. I’ll really have to try not to cause him so much worry and pain anymore.

McCoy had asked her to go get her things from her cabin while he finished up in sickbay, and then meet him in his quarters – where she belonged, as he’d smilingly put it – afterwards.

She could hardly wait. More than two months without being intimate with him – unthinkable, really, before her coma. And, even worse, more than two months without falling asleep or waking up in his arms.

Physical love was, of course, not what their relationship was built on, the affection, respect, and admiration for each other going much deeper than that. But it was certainly something Jenny had come to enjoy and even crave, once the doctor had shown her the heavenly pleasures of being with the right man.

When she arrived at the CMO’s quarters, and found the doctor still fully dressed, two coffees waiting for them next to the couch, she was almost disappointed. Even more so, when, ignoring the two cups and going straight to wrap her arms around his neck, kissing him with all her pent-up passion, she found him strangely hesitant. Almost reluctant.

“Something wrong, Leonard?” she asked, pulling back and looking at him worriedly.

But McCoy shook his head, drew her back into his arms and began to kiss her with more fervour, making her almost swoon with longing, when he ran his gentle hands tenderly all over her body, as if discovering it for the first time. Yet, despite his amazing fingers touching her in the exactly right places, she could feel that he was still holding back, starting to undress her with extreme care, far more slowly than she’d have expected – or wanted – him to.

She was almost reminded of their very first night together. The way he watched her closely for any reaction, taking great care to wait for some sign of consent with every touch, was absolutely sweet, but nearly drove her crazy, wanting nothing more than to lie on the bed already, skin to skin, pleasuring each other in ways they knew would take them to ecstatic heights.

And then it hit her. Unlike her, who felt exactly like she had before her coma, Leonard couldn't just switch back to ‘normal’ again. After all, he’d just spent two months doing nothing but restrain himself. Two months of hiding, or rather suppressing, his feelings. Two months of being nothing but decent, kind, and considerate. And platonic.

“You can’t get ‘her’ out of your mind, can you?” Jenny asked softly, her heart swelling with tenderness for this gentle man, who’d always do the ‘right thing’.

“You make it sound as if I were cheating on you. Or on ‘her’,” the doctor groaned, sounding unhappy with his apparent inability to relax and just feel comfortable around her again.

“Don’t worry, I won’t make you choose,” Jenny laughed, hoping to lighten the mood a little, then lovingly added, “I think it’s sweet of you, really. You’ve been amazing through all this time, being there for me and loving me without putting any pressure on me. You didn’t know if I’d ever be the same again, so you just went and fell in love with this other me. Which I really, really think is wonderful, by the way. It’s okay, if you need time to adjust now. I understand. Earlier today, before my memories returned and the shoe was on the other foot, you were giving me all the time in the world, too.”

“Perceptive as ever,” McCoy smiled, gently brushing her hair back and pressing a tender kiss on her lips, obviously grateful that she’d caught on to his dilemma.

But when she couldn't help but kiss him back hungrily, Jenny could already feel his reserve dissolving, as he let himself be guided towards the sleeping area willingly. And when the doctor sank down on the bed, their lips never parting as he lay on his back, pulling her on top of him, she let her hand slowly trail down his body below his waistline, touching him in ways she knew would make him give up all self-restraint.

And sure enough, with her lips following her hand and gently kissing their way down south, she soon had the doctor forget all about taking it slow.

Chapter 49

Having spent the better part of the night in intimate bliss, Hope and McCoy slept long into the next morning. And when the doctor woke up way after the beginning of alpha-shift, finding the love of his life curled up in his arms, still sound asleep, he thought his heart would burst with joy and happiness. All those weeks of enforced celibacy had left them both more than ready for some action. And, boy, had it been wonderful!

He could hardly believe it was true, though, afraid to find himself faced with the next disaster the minute he allowed himself to accept that things were all right again in his world. Like Hope waking up in his bed and once more not knowing who he – or even she – was, for example. A cruel, and very uncomfortable thought.

When she’d come around after her short, but deep sleep, and had immediately started to talk about tampering with the alarm, he’d feared for a second that she didn’t remember the past few weeks anymore, scared to think what else might be missing from her memory this time. But when it had become obvious that she did remember everything and was just apologising – he might have guessed, of course, that this would be her first concern – there were simply no words to describe how it had felt to see her fully restored again.

McCoy was roused from his musings when Hope started to stir in his arms, stretching languorously and sleepily rolling over to face him, the biggest smile spreading across her face when she became fully aware of where she was and what that meant, thus laying his lingering fears to rest.

“Good morning, love,” he murmured, pulling her practically on top of him and silently vowing never to take a single morning of waking up beside her for granted again.

“Morning, Leonard,” she mumbled, her voice still tinged with sleepiness, running a tired hand through her hair in a vain attempt to tame her adorably tangled mane.

Just being allowed to see her like this again, first thing in the morning, before she transformed herself into the immaculate Starfleet officer, filled the doctor’s heart with utmost delight and gratitude.

How am I so blessed? was all he could think at that moment.

“Someone looks like they had a mighty good time last night,” Hope grinned, then brushed a tender kiss on the doctor’s lips before resting her head comfortably on his chest.

“I certainly did,” McCoy chuckled, feeling certain areas of his body starting to tingle all over again. “I just hope I wasn’t the only one?”

He’d meant to tease her, but it came out more like a question, really. And sure enough, Hope lifted her head to look at him, sharp eyes searching his face.

“You’re kidding, right?” she finally asked, gazing at him intently, then giggled, “I know that my memory hasn’t been the most reliable as of late, but I’m pretty sure you asked me to keep the noise down several times.”

The doctor had to laugh out loud at that. Hope was right, of course. She’d definitely had fun, too. No doubt about it. It was just that everything had felt different, somehow. In his head, he’d certainly known that things were back to the way they’d been before Hope’s coma, thrilled that he was finally allowed to make love to her again. But his heart had still warned him to be gentle, not to pressure her into anything.

“Quite a convincing argument, I have to admit,” he chuckled, trying to make it sound like he’d only been teasing her after all. “Come to think of it, it’s actually hard to believe that this was the same woman who’d only hours before so diffidently asked me if our relationship included ‘everything’, and if I’d seen her without her clothes yet.”

The tenderness he felt surging through him at the memory nearly blew him away.

“Oh God, I really outed myself as a completely artless and naive child there, didn’t I?” Hope groaned, burying her face in his neck.

“You just let me know that you felt hesitant about getting intimate with me,” McCoy quickly assured her, realising that his attempt at playful banter had backfired, and hoping to make it clear that he hadn’t intended to ridicule her. “And it was the right thing to do, I was glad you did. You know I’d never push you.”

“I know, Leonard,” Hope smiled, thankfully not seeming put out by his thoughtless remark. “That’s why you were so reluctant at first last night, wasn’t it?”

“I wasn’t reluctant,” he corrected her, “I just needed to be absolutely sure that you were ready.”

“You really loved her, didn’t you?” she asked quietly.

“Loved who?” McCoy returned, confused.

“Her. The other me,” Hope explained softly.

“Of course I did! I’d love every version of you! Always!” the doctor exclaimed, needing her to understand that there was nothing, absolutely nothing, that could keep him from loving her. “But why do you keep talking of ‘her’ as if she were a completely different person? I love you! Simple as that.”

“Because I’ve been ‘her’, and now I’m not, but I can still feel what she felt,” Hope tried to explain, getting all worked up. “You have no idea how deep her infatuation with you was. And I only called it that because I didn’t know any better. How could I have known that what felt like love, really was love. You were so wonderful with her. With me. So kind, and gentle, and understanding. And now, it’s like we’ve only just fallen in love, and yet, have loved each other forever. Oh, it’s so hard to explain. It’s really weird.”

“I think I get it,” McCoy said soothingly, wrapping his arms more tightly around her, “but you need to know that every version of you is adorable, that you were the exactly same, wonderful woman yesterday that you are today.”

“Thank you, Leonard,” Hope sighed, nestling comfortably into his embrace. “I might be a bit of a mess right now, but I’m still delighted to have my memories back. All the wonderful things, the amazing experiences we shared. To think I could have gone through life without even knowing what I was missing…”

“You know, I’d happily have told you all about us again,” the doctor smiled, already knowing exactly what she was going to say next.

“You can still do that, I wouldn’t mind,” Hope replied, sighing contentedly.

“I knew you’d say that,” he chucked fondly. “And I love how you never cease to enjoy hearing and talking about our wonderful history. But I get what you mean. Even I have to sort of get used to having your ‘old self’ around again. Not having to choose every word carefully or keep from touching you anymore.”

“I can’t get my head around how you even did that,” Hope said, her voice full of wonder and gratitude, as she propped herself up on one elbow to look deeply into his eyes. “You were the perfect gentleman, the perfect friend, and I’m so grateful that you looked so lovingly after me despite the hurt it caused you. You’re nothing short of amazing, Leonard. I love you more than you’ll ever know. And I’m the luckiest woman in the whole universe to be loved by you.”

-x-x-x-x-x-

Jenny could easily have stayed in bed with the doctor all day. Talking, and cuddling, and indulging in a few other things to reinforce their wonderful relationship. But when McCoy promised they’d come back right after lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon here together, she agreed to a quick bite in the mess.

Apart from the captain, and probably Spock, no one knew about her recovery yet, and she wanted to keep it that way. At least for today. Because everyone would be so happy for her, and she was going to be swamped with questions, whereas all she really wanted right now was to be as close as possible to the doctor, to spend this rare, off-duty day just with him and make the most of it. She could tell the others tomorrow.

Eventually, they ended up taking their trays back to McCoy’s quarters, making themselves comfortable on the couch. Obviously, the doctor didn’t want to risk anyone taking away from their precious afternoon, either.

When McCoy had stared into the distance for some time, his meal growing cold in front of him, Jenny touched a gentle hand to his arm.

“Penny for them?” she asked softly, smiling when she saw the corners of his lips curl up in a self-conscious grin.

“It only just hit me that I, of all people, got the girl,” the doctor chuckled bemusedly, turning his head to gaze at her with warm eyes. “And not just once, but twice!”

When Jenny just looked at him blankly, guessing that the girl in question was her, but not quite sure where this was going, he elaborated, shaking his head in disbelief, “I’m just not used to getting the girl.”

Jenny still failed to see what he was on about.

“You see, it’s always been Jim they went after. Or Chekov. Or even Spock, bless those unhappy souls,” McCoy laughed, winking at her, “But me? Sure, they might have liked me, they might have found me charming, or comforting, or whatever, might even have wanted to go on a date with me, but…”

His voice trailed off, obviously remembering who he was talking to, but Jenny didn’t even flinch. She was used to him speaking his mind. And confident enough in their love to appreciate and even enjoy his honesty and candour. She liked that, apart from being lovers, they were also best friends, and had been flattered when he’d once told her that ‘talking to her was as easy as talking to Jim’.

“But at the end of the day, I was always too boring. Just not interesting enough,” the doctor finished lamely, grinning wryly at her. “So, what I actually meant to say is that I feel like pinching myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”

“But you’re kind, and generous, and caring …” Jenny listed, annoyed that he was giving himself so little credit.

“Yep, boring, just as I said,” he chuckled.

“… and funny, and knowledgeable, and so good at what you do,” she continued, casting him an exasperated look.

“Boring!” McCoy exclaimed, seeming to actually enjoy this silly conversation.

“I just don’t see how any woman could not fancy you,” Jenny sighed, getting the feeling that he was really in need of a little reassurance there.

Leonard was such a sweet and desirable man, and she desperately needed him to get a more positive and, most of all, more realistic image of himself.

“Could not what?” the doctor asked, raising a quizzical eyebrow.

“Fancy you!” she laughed.

“What does that mean?” he chuckled, shaking his head. “I’ve heard of fancy dress, as in costumes?”

Jenny snorted.

“Oh, am I using an outdated expression again? Well, in my time, the dark ages that is, I would have said that I fancy the pants off you!”

She giggled again, and McCoy had to laugh, too.

“That sounds … intriguing! But seriously, I’ve never been a “ladies’ man”, like Jim, for example.”

“And maybe that’s exactly what makes you so attractive to me,” Jenny interjected softly, smiling at his handsome face.

“You think?” the doctor tilted his head, his eyes challenging her. “Then you’re probably also attracted to me because I’m not a hero, not as courageous as Jim or the others?”

That seriously ticked her off, especially since Jenny got the impression that he wasn’t entirely messing around anymore.

“Now you’re making me angry, Leonard,” she snapped, sitting bolt upright and throwing him an exasperated look. “You’re as much of a hero as any of them. Even more so, I’d say. Only, you’re not so ostentatious about it. You’re a quiet, humble hero. Don’t get me wrong, the captain, Spock, Scotty, Sulu, Chekov, they’re all heroes in their own right. And I admire them greatly. But they crave the glory of it. Whereas for you, the knowledge of having saved yet another life is reward enough. You don’t expect praise or admiration. You consider it your duty and your calling.”

McCoy was staring at her, looking rather taken aback by her outburst. Maybe he had only been joking after all.

Never mind, Jenny thought, in for a penny, in for a pound. Even if he doesn’t expect it, he sure deserves a little praise now and then.

“You make the people around you feel safe,” she ploughed on, determined to prove to him just what a hero he really was. “Not just me, but everyone. You’re the reason why the captain and the others can be heroes in the first place. It’s easy to be courageous, when there’s someone you trust to patch you up again, physically as well as emotionally, no matter what you get yourself into.”

Jenny’s voice and face softened, when she saw the doctor’s eyes grow moist, deeply touched by her words. Moved that someone should look behind his “just and old country doctor” façade and appreciate what he did, day-in, day-out, quietly in the line of duty. She was glad that she’d taken the opportunity to remind him of what a remarkable man he really was. Leonard was such a modest soul, he needed reminding from time to time.

“And as to your not being courageous, that’s plainly ridiculous,” she added softly, leaning towards him and starting to trail little kisses from his ear down to his chin, making him shiver.

“Poppycock! It’s a well-known fact that I’m wary of transporters and more than a little scared of deep water,” he murmured, turning his head slightly so that she could continue her trail of kisses on his other cheek.

“So what?” Jenny asked, keeping her lips close to his face and enjoying to feel him quiver with pleasure. “I’m afraid of heights.”

McCoy pulled back to look at her in surprise. Apparently, she’d never mentioned this to him before.

“Anyway,” she went on, “there’s no courage in doing things you’re not afraid of, is there? Take the captain, for example. He’s so sure of his own immortality, he doesn’t think twice before doing whatever he does. And besides, he knows that you always have his back and trusts you to fix any damage he inflicts on himself. Which you regularly do. And we all know, of course, that you’d transport the longest distances or jump into deep water unthinkingly to save his – or anyone’s – life. Now that’s what I call courageous!”

“Thank you, love, for believing in me like you do,” McCoy murmured, his voice thick with emotion, and his eyes shining with love and tenderness. And desire. “I’m glad that you’re not craving excitement like most women I’ve met, who are drawn towards more adventurous and mysterious, or even dangerous men.”

“What’s wrong with loving a solid and dependable man in whose arms I feel safe and cared for?” Jenny asked defiantly, almost offended by his last words.

“Nothing’s wrong with that,” the doctor said quietly, gathering her in a tight embrace. “Nothing at all.”

“Maybe I’ve had enough excitement to last me more than a lifetime already,” Jenny mumbled into McCoy’s chest, the irony of her words not lost on both of them. “Or maybe I just find you exciting!”

She felt him smiling against her hair, as he pulled her onto his lap to let her feel just how excited he was.

“Or maybe I’m just a boring girl myself,” she laughed, pressing up against him a little. “But I can easily live with that, because I most certainly didn’t feel bored last night.”

“You’re anything but,” the doctor chuckled softly, “and you know it. The bottom line being that I’m a hell of a lucky fellow.”

“Then take it from me that you’re anything but boring yourself,” Jenny smiled, affectionately touching her forehead to his. “You’re the most interesting, brilliant, and awesome man I’ve ever met. Across the centuries.”

The rest of what she was about to say was lost in a passionate kiss, as McCoy’s tender hands started to roam all over her body, gently easing her down on the couch, and Jenny closed her eyes in eager anticipation of the pleasures awaiting her, happily surrendering to the doctor’s loving ministrations. Oh yes, she could definitely get used to his kind of boring.

Chapter 50

The next day, Jenny surprised her friends with the good news, and was once again deeply touched to see how concerned they’d all been, and how happy they were for her now. She really couldn't be grateful enough for this wonderful second chance at life that fate had granted her. The 23rd century was definitely a good place to be, even more so, when one was lucky enough to be a crewmember of the Enterprise.

The most articulate about their joy of finding Jenny’s memory restored again were, of course, Uhura and Chekov, and Jenny’s heart melted when she saw the genuine delight in Pavel’s eyes, even though he undoubtedly knew it also meant that they were back to their brotherly/sisterly relationship. At least as far as Jenny was concerned. That was another conversation she really needed to have.

Uhura and Chapel immediately started preparations for a party they announced was in order, and for which Kirk was more than happy to give permission. However, Nyota had obviously been working on some ‘secret project’, a surprise for Jenny, with Spock for some time now, and was adamant that the party couldn't kick off until that was finished.

Alas, as it turned out, that party had to be delayed even further, since only two days later, the Enterprise received news that crushed all desire to celebrate.

-x-x-x-x-x-

Jenny was in the middle of presenting her newest updates of the universal translator’s programming to the senior officers in the briefing room, when the distress call came through. A civil war had got completely out of control on Iridis, an old Earth colony that had resigned membership of the Federation decades ago in order to be completely independent.

Since then, it seemed, the planet had become a sanctuary for all kinds of outlaws, and the Iridian government was currently faced with a group of ruthless rebels, who made outrageous demands and didn’t shy back from dastardly attacking civilians, more precisely children, selectively bombing schools and children’s hospitals, creating wide-range radioactive contamination, and generally wreaking havoc on the peaceful part of the population.

Everybody in the briefing room watched with horror, as children were running for their lives, screaming and crying, parents were desperately searching ruins for survivors, and paramedics and doctors in ineffective make-shift radiation suits were frantically working to get as many people out alive as possible. The air in the area was thick with smoke and soot, and, judging from the way unprotected people coughed and heaved, also acidic and heavily polluted by who knew what.

Kirk took a look around the briefing room. McCoy’s face had gone grey, and he was watching motionlessly, his fists tightly clenched with impotent rage. Although calm and professional when working under pressure, Kirk knew that his friend took everything to heart and mourned the loss of every single life, this being innocent children making it even worse.

When he was in the middle of disaster, Bones’ training to focus completely on the tasks at hand kept him from breaking down in horror. Even Spock had more than once expressed admiration for the highly emotional doctor’s ability to be absolutely organised, logical and unemotional when his profession and oath required it.

But the captain knew only too well that the terror of such situations always caught up with Bones afterwards, McCoy usually dealing with it by closing himself off from his friends and colleagues, and grieving in private for several days.

Uhura and Scotty had paled, too, and were sitting close together, arms touching, as if leaning on each other for support. Hope had tears streaming down her face, and unthinkingly moved closer to McCoy, gripping his arm in terror, and the doctor reflexively put a comforting arm around her shoulders.

Kirk and Jenny exchanged glances. They both knew that McCoy would want to go there. Would have to go there. And they both worried about him even before he’d said it out loud.

The captain knew that he was not authorised to send members of his crew into the contaminated area to help. No matter how much they might want to, they could not meddle in the affairs of a non-federation-member planet. Not unless they specifically asked for help. Which they hadn’t.

Unfortunately, the distress call hadn’t come through official channels, but only from a minority party hoping to at least draw unofficial attention to the horrific situation on their planet and their need for assistance.

But Kirk also knew that McCoy took his oath very seriously, and that he’d have to let him go. Contrary to the Enterprise’s orders of non-interference, Bones, as a doctor, was obligated to react to any distress call, no matter how unofficial.

“I need to get there as quickly as possible, Jim,” McCoy said hoarsely as soon as the transmission had ended.

It wasn’t a request for permission, it was a statement, and Kirk unhappily shrugged his shoulders.

“Of course, Bones,” he said quietly, then called the bridge, “Chekov, set a course for Iridis, Sulu get us there on maximum speed! How long till we get there?”

“Aye, Sir,” Chekov and Sulu responded in unison, and Sulu added, “16 hours until orbit at warp eight, Sir.”

“Thank you, Kirk out,” the captain said, and turning towards McCoy sighed, “Go get everything you need ready and then try to rest up until we get there, Bones. Anything I can do? I’m sure we’d find enough volunteers who’d want to come with you.”

“No, Jim,” McCoy shook his head, “it’ll have to be just me. You know the rules. There’s too much unknown pollution, radiation, toxins, and who knows what kinds of diseases down there. The risk’s too high, they’re not part of the Federation.”

“If you’re going, I’m going, too!” Jenny blurted out before the realisation that she was way out of line hit her.

Everyone in the room stared at her.

“You’re most certainly not going, Hope,” McCoy said authoritatively.

“But I could help with communications and coordination, and I have some medical experience, after all!”

“I said no, and that’s that,” the doctor snapped. “And now I’ve got work to do.”

-x-x-x-x-x-

After McCoy had stomped out of the briefing room, Jenny lingered behind while Uhura and Scotty quietly gathered up their things and left, too.

“Was there anything else, Hope?” Kirk asked mildly, fully understanding her concern and wish to go with McCoy.

“Captain,” she began slowly, and he knew right away what she was going to say. “I really need to go with him.”

“You heard what the doctor said, Lieutenant.”

“I did. But Captain,” she raised pleading eyes to his, “apart from the children on Iridis needing all the help they can get, do you really want him to go alone? He’ll need someone to remind him to eat and sleep, you know how he is.”

Kirk knew only too well.

“But I can’t send anyone, Hope. My hands are tied. Iridis is not a member of the Federation, and the radiation level is far too dangerous.”

“You wouldn’t have to send me, Captain,” Jenny was quick to assure him. “I’m asking you for leave and will accept all consequences, should they arise.”

Looking at her long and hard, Kirk eventually nodded. He couldn't deny feeling a little better knowing that Bones wouldn’t be all alone.

-x-x-x-x-x-

Relieved to have the captain’s permission, but at the same time dreading Leonard’s reaction, Jenny went straight to sickbay to tell McCoy and help him with the preparations. Unsurprisingly, he was livid and angrily dragged her into his office, shutting the door behind them.

“What were you even thinking, going against a direct order from me?” he hissed.

“You’re not my immediate superior, I don’t work in your department anymore. And you’ll need every help you can get down there,” Jenny stood her ground despite feeling extremely uncomfortable in the face of McCoy’s unbridled fury.

“What I need,” he thundered, “is for you to be safe up here. To know that you’re well, and not have to worry about you on top of everything. I’ll need to focus down there, I won’t have time to look after you.”

“And you won’t have to,” she said defiantly. “I’m an adult, Leonard, a Starfleet officer. I can take care of myself.”

“Jesus, can’t you see?” he raged, blue eyes blazing and boring into hers. “I’ve only just got you back, I can’t lose you again!”

That struck home, and Jenny stepped closer, putting a soothing hand on his arm. But the doctor shrugged her off angrily, turned on his heel, and left her standing there in his office, crestfallen.

He continued with his preparations, stubbornly ignoring her, and when he’d finished getting everything ready, she followed him to his quarters.

“Don’t give me the silent treatment, Leonard, please,” she begged as soon as the doors had swooshed shut behind her, barely able to hold back the tears.

McCoy still didn’t look at her, but he didn’t ask her to leave, either, which left Jenny hopeful.

“When we were watching that message,” she went on, trusting that the doctor was listening as attentively as he always was, despite pretending he didn’t hear her, “I instantly knew that you’d go. And even though I’m far from all right with it, I accepted it. Because it’s what you do, who you are. But did you even stop to think about how I’d feel about you going? Did you stop to think what losing you would do to me? Do you ever think about how I feel when you go on dangerous missions? My fears, my worries? You’ve never even considered them, have you? You don’t have a monopoly on worrying, you know!”

Jenny was angry now, too, and had talked herself into a rage. Until she saw the lonely tear running down McCoy’s cheek and felt her heart clench.

“I’m sorry, Jenny,” he said quietly, “of course, I realise that you worry about me, too, and even though I’m a doctor and don’t really have a choice, I certainly should have talked to you before making this decision.”

He’s right, of course, Jenny thought contritely, I’ve known from the start that Leonard’s a doctor, and a very dedicated one to boot, bound to get into situations like this.

But before she could tell him she was sorry, too, he sadly asked, “How could you go behind my back? You should have known that I had my reasons for not wanting you to come, and you should have respected them.”

-x-x-x-x-x-

McCoy lay down heavily on his bed, staring at the ceiling, avoiding Hope’s eyes.

“It’s not just that it’s dangerous, Jenny,” he sighed. “You have no idea what awaits you down there. I’ve been there before, but you don’t have any experience with the horrors of something like this. And I’m glad you don’t.”

He turned his head to finally meet her eye, Hope’s sweet, determined face only adding to his anguish, as he’d known it would.

“It’s war down there, love,” the doctor went on dejectedly. “Dirty, cowardly, ruthless. Death, and suffering, and devastation on a scale you couldn't even imagine. I can’t let you go through with this. It would break you. Change you forever.”

The very idea of Hope trapped in the midst of such horrific atrocities, her tender, pure soul having to witness such cruelty and mindless devastation, was unbearable for McCoy and just broke his heart.

“All I ever wanted since I first laid eyes on you was to hold you safely in my arms and protect you against all the cruel things in life,” he whispered.

“I know,” she replied softly, all the fight gone out of her, “and I’ve always felt safe with you.”

Hope sat down on the edge of the bed, reaching for the doctor’s hand and lovingly threading her fingers through his, as she gently continued, “But no one can be protected from living their life, Leonard. You need to let me make my own choices.”

McCoy didn’t answer, his gaze locked on their intertwined fingers, knowing in his heart that she was right, of course, yet unable to ignore how small and fragile Hope’s hand felt in his.

“And there was a first time for you, too,” she went on, and he could feel her appraising eyes on his face.

“Of course,” he admitted grudgingly, “but that’s different. I’m a doctor, I signed up for this.”

Hope smiled at him pensively.

“How did it change you?” she finally asked. “You still believe in right and wrong, you’re still the warmest, kindest, most caring man I know. What were you like before? Less sarcastic maybe?”

McCoy couldn't help chuckling at that. How did she always do this? Fill his heart with light and warmth even when moments before there had been nothing but darkness and trepidation.

“Probably not,” he smiled. “But I was certainly less bitter, less disappointed with life. There’s no true carefreeness anymore, once you’ve been thoroughly disillusioned.”

“You mean it made you grow up?”

The doctor stared at her thoughtfully. What a typically Hope thing to say. And, as always of course, she had a point.

-x-x-x-x-x-

Jenny could see the change in McCoy’s expression and knew that he was coming around to her point of view. Lying down beside him, she propped herself up on one elbow and gazed deeply into his eyes.

“Will you still love me when I’m broken and changed?” she asked softly.

The doctor swallowed hard and tenderly took her face between his hands.

“I’ll always love you,” he murmured, pressing the gentlest kiss on her lips.

“Then I’ll be alright,” she smiled and let her head sink onto his chest, curling up against him and letting him hold her tight. “Let’s get some sleep.”

-x-x-x-x-x-

Continue to: Chapters 51-55 Chapters 56-60 Chapters 61-65 Chapters 66-70 Chapter 71

Go back to: Chapters 1-5 Chapters 6-10 Chapters 11-15 Chapters 16-20 Chapters 21-25 Chapters 26-30 Chapters 31-35 Chapters 36-40 Chapters 41-45

Or read it on AO3: Another Life

************ Disclaimer: Nothing of or associated with Star Trek is mine – it all belongs to Paramount / ViacomCBS (or whoever else is currently holding the rights). This is a work of fanfiction, no infringement intended.

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joaquinwhorres · 3 years

Text

Still trying to find the perfect song for these two, but @hairringtonsteve's been helping me with my edits and honestly this one's the best I've ever done.

#ship: pj x bones #leonard mccoy x oc #leonard mccoy x f!oc #bones star trek #dr mccoy #bones aos #leonard mccoy #leonard mccoy aos #star trek kelvin timeline #star trek aos #oc: priyanka joshi #bones x oc #star trek #ship: McCoshi #oc: pj joshi

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starryeyes2000 · 2 years

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Where’s an All-Night Pharmacy When You Need It - Part 20

Read on AO3 or FFN

Rating: Teen

Pairings: Pike & Child!OC, Pike x Reader

Word Count: 1.2k

Chapter Summary: Noah meets Dr. McCoy.

Story Summary: Chris’ adventures in fatherhood.

Excerpt: Leonard McCoy, MD, PhD, newly minted CMO of the Federation’s flagship (with a tenure of thirty-six hours) turns towards a hesitant, tiny, almost shy voice. Looking down he finds a small boy clad in red spiderman pajamas, clutching a stuffed tardigrade, thumb hovering near his mouth. With his dark hair bordering on black, vivid blue eyes, and dimples the child obviously belongs to one man on board. McCoy thinks, He’s a mini doppelganger. He says, “You must be Noah Pike.”

The boy nods. His eyes trace around the room. “Who you are?”

Leonard extends a hand, a small one grasps it and shakes. “Dr. McCoy.”

“Oh.” Noah asks, “Where’s Phil?”

“He had to beam to the space station for a few hours.”

Continue Reading on AO3 or FFN

Story Masterlist | Pike x Reader Masterlist

OC Masterlist | Author Masterlist

#Christopher Pike #Christopher Pike x Reader #Captain Pike #Captain Pike x Reader #Captain Christopher Pike #Star Trek #star trek: discovery #star trek: strange new worlds #star trek discovery #star trek strange new worlds #strange new worlds #christopher pike fanfiction #star trek fanfiction #fanfiction #fanfic #star trek fanfic #christopher pike fanfic #star trek: aos #star trek aos

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spacetimewraithwrites-archive · 3 years

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OC Kiss Week Day 2: Blanket

WIP: To Annex the Kid/The Invention of Fire Pairing: Works x Russell (with a cameo by one of Works’ aliases) Timeline: TIoF CW: More yearning! Yay! Rating: T Words: 1,653

***

Cady shivered and pulled her blanket tighter around her small shoulders, teeth chattering against the frigid cold seeping mercilessly through the doors of the coach. Works turned to her in alarm at the sound.

“My goodness,” he exclaimed, squeezing her to his side on the seat. He rubbed her arms to force warmth into her wiry frame. “Why didn’t you tell me you were this cold?”

Sitting across from this display and facing the rear of the coach, Russell watched Works take a spare blanket from his satchel and tuck it under Cady’s chin, wrapping it tight across her chest and essentially swaddling her within thick wool, and after a few moments the chattering stopped.

“Sorry, Mr. Works,” Cady said. “Guess I didn’t think much of it.”

“Nonsense.” Works peered through the window as best as he could through the endless snow and fog hiding London from view. “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times not to feel that you’re being an inconvenience by asking for ordinary things such as an extra blanket.” He swung around and affected a humorously severe face, brows drawn too tight together and mouth tugged down in an exaggerated frown. “Can you imagine the inconvenience if you’d expired?”

Cady belly-laughed and Russell shook his head, bewildered.

"I do not understand why y’all think the things you think is so funny is so funny sometimes," he muttered, though he let out a quiet snort anyway if for no other reason than because he enjoyed when they interacted with such familiarity.

Still laughing, Cady buried her face in her blanket. “It’s not my fault!”

"There isn’t a lot to envy in the way of having a macabre sense of humor,” Works said. He looked at Russell with an expression of false surprise. “Some say it’s a sign of low intelligence or maturity, you know.”

“Low intelligence, no.” Russell’s face split into an playful grin. “Maturity? That might be up for discussion.”

Works pretended to be affronted and placed a firm hand on the top of Cady’s head. “This is a child!”

Russell opened his mouth to respond when the coach came to a rolling stop. One glance outside told him they’d arrived at the house rented out to them by Dr. Keller, and an overwhelming yawn burst forth from him in anticipation of stretching out on the most comfortable bed he’d ever experienced.

And stretch out he did some minutes later, with a steaming cup of tea brewed by the housekeeper, reclined on a sofa in the well-lit drawing room and another five or six blankets piled onto his lap. He wasn’t sure how he got to that point or why begging Mrs. Gabb to leave him be just this once always resulted in a cup of tea that went to waste.

“Y’ever been dragged along the dirt behind a galloping horse for thirty seconds?” he asked.

Works, freshly changed into a gemstone-hued dressing gown, stifled the sounds of Cady enjoying a lively song with Mrs. Gabb in the kitchen as he pushed the doors closed. “...I can’t say I have.”

“Well, it feels kinda like this.” Russell deposited the teacup along with its saucer onto the table in front of him.

A pause settled over the floor and Works slid his hands into his pockets. “I wanted to speak to you about that, actually.” He hesitated. “About you being here, with me—”

“Works,” Russell interjected, holding up a hand to stop him, “we already talked about it enough.”

Works spared a cautionary look over his shoulder at the doors, where the jovial noise continued from further into the house. The chances of being interrupted were low, yet he dropped his voice anyway. “I still need you to know how much it means to me that you’d come so far from home, into such foreign waters for the sole purpose—”

“Works....”

“—For the sole purpose of letting me pursue a silly whim.” Works’ eyes followed Russell as he got to his feet, leaving the blanket pile behind. “I can see how uncomfortable you are here.”

“First of all, if you call this...this....”

“Symposium.”

“If you call this symposium a silly whim again, you’re gonna have to answer to me. Also, I would let you drag me along the dirt into the deepest depths of the ocean, McCoy.”

The silence that followed surprised them both. Not even Mrs. Gabb’s distant and boisterous laughter could stop the furious blush from cropping up on Russell’s face as he realized he’d taken Works’ shoulder in hand, fingers digging into the muscle meeting his neck, and they stood impeccably close to one another.

“I get seasick,” Works murmured.

“I am all too familiar with the concept.”

“I haven’t stopped thinking about what you said to me up in that balloon.” Works made eye contact and held it for ages. “I fear I’ve underplayed what hearing those words from you has done to me emotionally.”

Russell swallowed. “Yeah...I actually think this might be the first time you’ve looked me in the eye since we left home.” He, too, glanced to the doors. “You’re lookin’ a little like you wanna make somethin’ right, however.”

Magnetically, Works bowed toward Russell, pressing a purposeful kiss to the hollow of his cheek. The flutter of his nervous breath against Russell’s skin sprouted a shiver.

“Works,” he said with finality. Concession.

Taking that cue, Works met his lips, gathering the fabric of the waistcoat Russell hated wearing into tight fists and backing him into the wall with aggression so suppressed it almost snapped like a dry and brittle branch across Russell’s shoulders. Works kissed him like he needed to taste him or accept death, and Russell felt a rumble of courage in his stomach he hadn’t felt in quite a few years that allowed him to hold Works in place by the back of the neck and reciprocate enthusiastically.

Russell had the belt of the dressing gown open and his arms around Works’ waist so quickly the chill of the air hadn’t set in yet. Works inhaled sharp, shuddering under the pressure of large palms splayed flat against the curve of his backside, caught between his trousers and the softness of the robe.

Works tangled his fingers within Russell’s previously kempt hair, and the crash of a dish breaking in the kitchen followed by an undistressed yelp fueled Russell into pushing Works in the direction of the door to his own bedroom on the other side of the drawing room, to get out of open space, to sate the clawing hunger in privacy.

Russell’s famished mouth found its way to Works’ jawline, hands preoccupied by the buttons of his shirt, completely in a haze that he wouldn’t have given an ounce of recognition had it not been for Works suddenly gripping the door frame to stop them with immediacy.

“Russell...” Works hissed. He took hold of Russell’s chin. “Russ, darling....”

Russell gazed up at him with glossy eyes. “Yeah.”

“Not like this.” Works touched his forehead to Russell’s, nails so far into the wall that he tore a bit of the paper, breath coming out in forceful gusts. “I would never forgive myself.”

Russell kissed him again, slow, heart humming into his bones, parts of him aching low and urgent, and though he agreed with Works in the end, he couldn’t help but feel a sting of frustration at the tables being turned for once.

Footsteps in the hall forced them apart, and Works helped flatten Russell’s hair while simultaneously re-tying the dressing gown. He was still in the process of securing the knot in the belt when the drawing room doors opened.

“Sirs,” Mrs. Gabb sang upon entering the room. “Nothing to worry about! I’ve made a right mess is all."

“Everything alright?” Works asked, and only Russell picked up on the strained way he talked.

“Oh, yes. I dropped a teacup. Shattered it to pieces.”

Russell exchanged a look with Works. “Tragic.”

“I’ve sent the young Miss to freshen up for supper while I clean up.”

Works coughed a bit. “Allow me to help, Mrs. Gabb—”

“No, no, Mr. Robinson, I won’t have it at all. You’re guests to this house! What would Dr. Keller say?”

“Let ‘im help,” Russell grunted. “He won’t leave you alone if you don’t.”

Mrs. Gabb’s rosy cheeks pinched out as she grinned. “Well, alright. I’ve got a broom this way....”

The remainder of the evening went on much like nothing had transpired, other than Russell occasionally catching Works in the act of watching him as if he had a particularly puzzling riddle marked on his forehead from across the dinner table. The intensity of his clear blue stare gave him goosebumps.

A knock on Russell’s door much later, after he’d assumed everyone else had retired for the night, startled him. He looked up from his lettering book and tensed up. “...Whozit?”

“It’s me,” Works said. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Russell tossed the book onto the bed and pulled the door open just enough to see Works silhouetted by the hall light, bottom lip between his teeth and worry lines aging him somewhat.

They stood unspeaking for a moment.

Works took a calming breath. “I love you.”

Russell nodded. He’d heard it before, but it still made his entire body warm. Insecurity prevented him from repeating what he’d said in the balloon. “I know.”

“I didn’t want you to think...I apologize if I gave you the impression that I wasn’t....”

“Gimme a kiss g’night, McCoy.”

Works leaned in to press a chaste kiss, the softest kiss to his lips. Russell let it course into his veins.

“Good night,” Works whispered.

Russell found it a little easy to fall asleep that night. If he’d known it could’ve ended up being the last time he’d ever kiss Works McCoy, however...he sure would’ve changed his mind about a lot of things.

#ockiss21 #TIoF

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serenitydiviness · 11 months

Text

Line Without Hook- Spock x OC

FF.NET || AO3

Previous Chapter || Next Chapter

Chapter 2:

The quiet moment between Serena and Spock ended. The captain and doctor were heading towards them.

“Mr. Spock, we need a bit of assistance.” Captain Kirk said.

Serena raised a brow and looked at Spock.

“How can I be of assistance, Captain?” He asked.

“We’ll be adding a new member to our crew besides our lovely Miss Zuriñe here.” Dr. McCoy said with a grin.

Serena rolled her eyes. “Would that new member be Dr. Scott?”

“Why yes. Are you perhaps a fortune teller, Miss Zuriñe?” Dr. McCoy asked.

“No. You’re just a little too excited for my tastes.” Serena replied, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Your friend is very–”

“Troublesome. I know.”

“Doctor, you and the Captain can woo poor Mrs. Hamilton into approving the paperwork without me.”

“But Spock, she loves you because you’re such a tall gentleman.”

“Oh, but Bones, you have that Southern charm you like to boast so much about. How could I deny you your moment with Mrs. Hamilton.” Spock responded dryly.

Serena had to turn away to hide her laughter. Spock had a terrible habit of making her laugh at the most inopportune moments.

“Everything okay, Miss Zuriñe?” Captain Kirk asked.

“Coughing fit.” She replied, straightening up. “Unfortunately, I have more of a human immune system.”

“I see.” Captain Kirk nodded.

‘“You make the worst jokes at the worst times.”

“I’m being logical.”

“Logical, my ass.”

“Pardon the interruption, but we don’t speak Vulcan.” Dr. McCoy said.

“No worries. Spock was just letting me know he’d go assist you.” Serena replied.

Spock raised a brow.

“You can’t disappoint Mrs. Hamilton.” Serena nodded.

“Cunning.”

“I learned from the best.”

****

Spock shot Serena a raised brow before looking at Jim and bones. "Let us get this impulsive act over with." He said.

"Have fun!" Serena waved, a little too proud of herself. And frankly, he was also a little proud.

"We will," Jim said with a wink.

Serena gave a flat expression before turning back to watch the ship.

"You know," Jim said as soon they moved further from Serena. "I've never seen you so ruffled and tense, Mr. Spock."

"Illogical," Spock said.

"If you insist, Mr. Spock." Jim nodded.

***

“Oh, Sere!” Annaleigh called.

“What have you done that has required wooing an old woman in administration?” Serena asked flatly.

“They mentioned they needed another doctor, and I simply told them if they wanted another doctor, I am available,” Annaleigh said.

Serena pinched the bridge of her nose. “You are quite pleased with yourself.”

“The girls would have jumped if they were me.”

Serena looked at her for a moment. “Humans.” She muttered. It was a relief to have someone on the ship that she knew. Spock was there—yes–but that whole situation with him still brought her dread, even if he was still willing to be friends.

“You know you’re happy to have me come along.”

“You are quite pleased that your flirting got you this far.”

“Oh, hush.”

Serena said nothing and went back to her thoughts.

“I had been trying to get on the Enterprise as soon as I heard that you were transferring.’ Annaleigh said.

“Why?”

“We’re sisters, Sere. I can’t leave you to deal with your demons alone.”

“So because we are extremely co-dependent?”

Annaleigh laughed. “That too.”

“Logically… Thank you, Anna.”

“Always. That’s what family is for.”

Serena nodded.

***

“Mrs. Hamilton!” Jim greeted all too excitedly as Bones, Spock, and himself entered the office of the woman they all affectionately knew as Mrs. Hamilton.

“Is that little Jimmy?” the 70-year-old woman explained.

“Of course.” Jim nodded. “I brought my friends, of course.”

“Oh yes! My little Lenny and my handsome Mr. Spock!” Mrs. Hamilton cooed as she stood to give both Jim and Bones hugs before attempting the Vulcan greeting. “How are my handsome boys?”

“We’re good. Had to see our favorite lady before we left.” Bones said with a laugh.

“You’re all too sweet! I should be your second favorite lady at this point!” She wagged her fingers at the three of them. “My niece Peggy has some pretty friends! She’s friends with a nice Vulcan girl! I can introduce you, Spock.”

“Thank you for the consideration, Mrs. Hamilton; however, I am not ‘dating’ at the moment,” Spock said.

“A shame! How can I help you, my boys?” Mrs. Hamilton asked with a sweet smile.

“Well, we’ve recently gotten a toxicologist onboard, which is always welcome. However, I’ve been worried about Lenny here. We just met Dr. Annaleigh Scott, and, well, we were hoping she would be available to join us. As extra hands. After Lenny is only one man.” Jim said with his signature smile.

“Oh, little Anna!” Mrs. Hamilton clapped her hands. “She’s one of my Peggy’s friends. I can get that set up right away. She had submitted paperwork to get stationed. I was about to search for any openings, but if my Enterprise darlings need her, even better!”

“If possible,” Spock said, giving Jim and Bones an annoyed look. “Can we have it done before 1400 hours?”

“Oh, ill see what I can do for you, my darlings.” Mrs. Hamilton giggled.

“See, this is while you’ll always be our favorite lady Doris.” Bones said as he hugged her.

“I still need you to make me some grandbabies.” Mrs. Hamilton said with a laugh.

“We’ll get right on it.” Jim nodded.

“Go, relax a bit. I’ll call you when the paperwork is ready,” Mrs. Hamilton shooed them off.

“Before I forget.” Jim handed her a small bag. “I brought you back some tea.”

“Oh, my darling boy!” Mrs. Hamilton cooed before kissing Jim on the cheek. “Thank you!”

“Of course, Doris.” Jim nodded before turning to his friends. “Shall we?”

Spock nodded before giving Mrs. Hamilton the Vulcan salute.

“See you in a bit!” Bones waved as they walked out.

****

Spock looked at Jim. “I told you my presence was unnecessary.”

“Were you not going to say hi to Doris?” Jim asked.

Spock hummed. He probably would have stopped by the old woman’s office. She reminded him of his human grandmother. Of course, he’d never disclose that tidbit to anyone. “I would have greeted her regardless.”

“Logically.” Bones teased. “So, what should we do now?”

“We could go find Dr. Scott and Miss. Zuriñe.” Jim offered.

“I believe you two owe Mr. Scott a toast,” Spock said quickly.

Jim crossed his arms and looked at Spock, curious. Spock stared back expressionlessly. Jim opened his mouth but soon closed it.

“Let’s go meet with Scotty,” Jim said after a moment, breaking the staring contest. He was overprotective, but Spock had just reunited with a dear friend. The idea of the captain or doctor flirting with her gave him a familiar discomfort that he was not interested in feeling. If he could direct them elsewhere, it would be for the best.

“Of course.” Bones nodded as they started walking off.

Spock felt himself still on edge. He glanced to the hanger and saw Serena and Annaleigh from the corner of his eye. It was good to see her again, but it seemed she still had him confused. They were friends until she wanted something more and then abruptly disappeared.

Would she try her disappearing act on the Enterprise?

****

Serena glanced up, having caught the eye of Spock as he walked off. Her shoulders slumped as she tilted her head. She wondered for a moment what would have happened if she had stayed long enough that fateful morning she left. She shook her head. There was no point in living on what-if scenarios.

“Penny, for your thoughts?” Annaleigh asked.

“Nothing worth voicing concerns about,” Serena replied.

“Oh, there you are!” Serena and Annaleigh turned to see the woman from earlier, Janice heading towards them with two other women in tow.

“Janice, right?” Annaleigh said.

“Yes! I wanted to introduce you, ladies, to some friends!” Janice nodded. “This is Lieutenant Nyota Uhura and Nurse Christine Chapel!”

“It’s lovely to meet you, ladies.” Nyota stuck out her hand.

Annaleigh, ever the social butterfly, took the hand happily. “It's a pleasure! I’m Doctor Annaleigh Scott, and this is Science Officer Serena Zuriñe. Serena is Vulcan, so she doesn’t touch people.”

“You’re Vulcan?” Christine looked at Serena curiously. Serena could see a very sudden shift in the blonde woman. Something about her felt incredibly hostile.

“Yes.” Serena nodded.

“You don’t look very Vulcan. Are you sure you’re not just human?” Christine asked innocently.

Serena looked at Christine, exhaustion slowly building. She adjusted her hair slightly, revealing her Vulcan ears. “I am Vulcan.” She replied flatly. She appreciated that the two other women in question looked horrified by their friend’s action.

Annaleigh, on the other hand, had a smile that Serena was all too familiar with. “Serena!” She said in a sing-song voice. “I’m so glad we’re here. Are we gonna meet your mentor again?”

“Her mentor?” Janice looked at Serena curiously.

“Yes, back in our early days in the academy, she had a Mr. Spock, I think. I can’t say his last name. They were such good friends.” Annaleigh nodded.

“You knew Mr. Spock,” Nyota said excitedly.

Serena nodded. “He was my advisor during my first two years at the academy—”

“And one of her best friends. I think he was closer to you than I was.”

“He had a similar shared experience. It is only logical we bonded.” Serena nodded.

Annaleigh smiled in victory. Serena did not know why Annaleigh engaged in pettiness, but Serena figured it was an act of ‘kindness.’ Serena shook her head.

“What is it like on the deck,” Serena asked., quickly changing the conversation.

“Oh, it's fabulous! We have so many things! The bars and stores are always fun. Since the enterprise is larger, it sometimes acts like a luxury cruise line.” Janice explained.

“Fascinating,” Serena said with a nod.

“Yes, luckily, for the next few years, it will be used for purely scientific purposes. We’re hoping to stop on Theosis V on this next trip!” Nyota nodded.

“Theosis V has an abundance of medical herbs. We currently only know about the Tholia Artea, which provides instant relief the same way a pain killer would; however, if the dosage is too low, it will cause nausea. If the dosage is too high, then it can be fatal. Most medical staff cannot administer it unless they have shown a consistent 100% accuracy rate.” Serena said.

“Plant Nerd,” Annnaleigh said with a laugh.

“Thank you for the compliment, Doctor.”

***

After what seemed like an eternity, it was almost boarding time. Serena exuded an air of calmness; however, deep down, she dreaded every moment. She looked at Annaleigh and marveled as she almost instantly managed to chat her way into friendships.

Part of her wished for that skill, but logically, she did not see too much of a need. Annaleigh would likely coerce her into the interaction at some point.

“Sere!” Annaleigh called.

“Yes, Annaleigh?” Serena asked.

“Come meet Hikaru; he’s Nyota’s hunk,” Annaleigh said.

Serena rolled her eyes and walked over to where Annaleigh, Nyota, and Hikaru were.

“A pleasure,” Serena said with the traditional Vulcan greeting.

“Serena, right?” Hikaru asked.

“Yes.” She confirmed.

“It’ll be nice to have you aboard! Annaleigh says that you are a botanist.”

“As a hobby, yes.”

“Oh, you’ll love the lab I work in! We have a few samples of carnivorous plants that are notoriously toxic.” Hikaru nodded.

“What kind?” Serena asked, eyes lighting up with excitement.

“We have one from Argon VI—”

“Arachne Carnivorous flowers?”

“You’re familiar with those?” Nyota asked with a laugh. “They scare almost everyone on the ship because they’re toxic.”

“They only release toxins under deep root stress. Hikaru, when we board, would you mind showing me them?” Serena asked

“Of course! It’s always a pleasure to share my plants with a fellow enthusiast!” Hikaru nodded.

***

Spock stared, impressed, as Mrs. Hamilton walked over with a PADD. “As requested, with 20 minutes to spare.” She said.

“Doris, I could kiss you!” Bones said with an excited grin.

“Oh, don’t flirt with me. My husband will be picking me up soon.” Mrs. Hamilton said with a wink.

“Mrs. Hamilton, as always, exemplary work,” Spock said.

“I have to keep you on your Vulcan toes!” Mrs. Hamilton giggled.

Spock nodded, offering her a rare half-smirk in appreciation.

“Well, don’t let me keep you! You'll have to be off in an hour!” Mrs. Hamilton said. “Go on. Get. Lord knows what new adventures you’ll have.”

“Thank you, Doris,” Jim said, hugging her. “Next time, we’ll do dinner and take you on a trip.’

“Promises, Promises.” Mrs. Hamilton said, hugging him back.

Spock nodded once before looking at Bones and Jim. “I believe everyone is boarding. It would do us best to get situated.”

“Of course, Mr. Spock.” Jim nodded as he began walking.

“Be safe, and bring me back some grandbabies!” Mrs. Hamilton called.

Spock shook his head. ‘I will never understand the desire that the elderly has with the young bringing progeny.”

“It's human mortality. I’m surprised Lady Amanda has not gotten on your case about giving her a grandchild.”

“She has. I fail to understand why.”

“Wow, Spock. You haven’t given your poor mother a grandchild to coo over?” Bones shook his head in a manner that indicated he was teasing more than anything

“I have not.”

“After the incident on Capela IV, I’ve found myself wanting a little Leonard to run around.”

“I am sure.” Spock raised his brow at them and shook his head. “You two are still absolutely pleased with yourselves for that incident.”

“A great chief named after us is an honor, Spock,” Jim said with a grin. “Although having a little Jim to run around with a little Bones would be nice. If you had one, we could raise three dashing sons together.”

“A mini Spock. Wouldn’t that be cute?” Bones nodded with an all too amused expression.

“I feel pity for your future children. They will be raised by such illogical fathers.”

“Hey!”

“I’d be a fabulous father!”

Spock rolled his eyes. “I believe, gentlemen, it is boarding time. We will have to retrieve our new Doctor.”

“Oh, let me do it.” Bones said.

“By all means,” Spock said.

****

“Oh, Dr. Scott!” Bones called, looking for the brown-haired woman.

“You called, Handsome?” Annaleigh asked as she walked up to him.

“Wanted to welcome you aboard personally.” Bones said with a laugh.

“Well, thank you, Dr. McCoy.”

“Leonard or Bones will do, Doctor.”

“You must call me Anna. How about after we board we have a celebrator drink. I have a nice whisky hidden in Sere’s bag.”

“Of course. I hope you packed enough.”

“Sere and I are the same size, so I didn’t need to,” Anna said. “See you, Bones.”

****

“What happened?” Serena asked as Annaleigh walked over.

“I’ll be boarding as part of the medical team,” Annaleigh replied with a grin.

“Humans.” Serena rolled her eyes.

“You love me.”

“I stand by my statement.”

#spock #spock x oc #spock fanfiction #bones x oc #jim kirk/janice rand #slow burn #fake marriage

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