Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Spock and McCoy share a unique relationship from the moment they meet.

This is kinda-sorta a follow-up to my 'Logic and Hypos'

"I don't know who he is, but I like him." Cadet McCoy

Since the moment Lieutenant Commander Dr. Leonard McCoy, aka Bones, had met Commander Spock, aka Green-Blooded Hobgoblin, he had been intrigued by the Vulcan. Their first encounter had been when Spock had called Jim onto the carpet for cheating, and that was something that the older human could admire. In fact, it was something the older man was constantly doing himself, trying to make Jim a more sufferable human being. He had watched every one of Jim's defenses come on-line and the blonde had barely been able to handle the attack. Had the hearing not ended so abruptly, there is no doubt in McCoy's mind that Jim been brought down a notch. Of course, looking back it was a good thing it didn't happen, the crazy human needed that ego the size of the moon to save Earth.

On their first mission, that horrible day forever more etched into his memory, Spock had shown a different side to McCoy. In a round about mostly Vulcan way, he had apologized for stranding Jim and then thanked him for his support. Of course, the Southerner had not been prepared for such, he had been expecting a dressing down, so his response was not as tactful or grateful has it should have been. However, during that twenty-four hours of gut churning adrenaline rush, they had learned to trust one another, something that was not easy for either but had come practically easy this time. It would be the basis for the rest of their career.

Later that same week, McCoy had been distraught to learn that Spock would not be joining the Enterprise on her true maiden voyage. Using every available resource, without making it too apparent what he was doing, he had dug for information. McCoy had even gone so far as to plead with Uhura to get her to convince Spock to come back. He needed him, not that he used those exact words. She had simply gave him a sad smile and replied that her influence over the Commander's decisions had lapsed. So, he had gone and begged Spock himself. Well, perhaps beg was too strong a word, he had requested that Spock join him in helping to keep Jim Kirk alive and well. On the bridge as they separated from Space Dock, McCoy's heart was heavy with the knowledge that it should have been Spock standing next to Jim and not him. The shock and surprise could not be held from his features when the Commander arrived and asked permission to fill the vacant position in Jim's Command Team; however the happiness that bloomed within him stayed lock inside his chest.

However as the intrigue grew, McCoy had deduced that it was because Spock was now a survivor of a mass genocide against his race and the physician had always taken a liking to the rare and exotic, or that is was because they were brothers-in-arms with the same goal of keeping Jim Kirk alive. Then again it might be the way they had both changed directions so dramatically - from jumping on Jim to keep his ego beat-down to jumping in front of the blonde to keep him safe. There was a reason, McCoy was sure, but he just couldn't put his finger on it. No matter the truth, they had a relationship that was different than they shared with anyone else either on the Enterprise or back home. The way they spoke to one another was completely different than any other conversation they had all day long. Spock actually egged McCoy on, encouraging his tirades and McCoy took every opportunity to do the same to the Vulcan.

~!~!~!~!~

It had been many a day since the beginning of their five year journey. Jim, Spock and McCoy had become close friends, closer than brothers. McCoy was constantly trying to save one or the other's life after some foolish Away Mission. Today was no different.

Spock was bleeding some where on his chest and his blue tunic was not doing anything to conceal the green blood flowing from the wound. McCoy had met them on the transporter pad. Jim was helping to keep the Vulcan standing up straight, his face gaunt with worry. "What in the hell happened?" The gruff southern drawl was the only noise besides Spock's labored breathing in the room.

Jim's eyes were fierce as he faced his CMO. "Spock's was injured in the cross fire." He helped his friend lay down on the portable bio-bed.

McCoy was scanning. "You think?" He growled once more. "I can't trust you two idiots to do anything without getting hurt." He rolled his eyes at the Captain and nodded to the orderly to start transporting the Vulcan back to Med Bay. "I've got Spock; they need you on the bridge." His hazel eyes held the promise of fixing the other third of their friendship.

Jim could only nod and comply with the CMO's orders. Bones picked up the pace to Med Bay once they were out of Jim's sight. It was of no use to worry Jim any further. "You just have to throw yourself in the way of phaser fire aimed at Jim, don' you?" He asked, not expecting a reply, Spock was in too much pain.

Swallowing and turning to face the human, Spock grunted a reply. "It was not phaser fire, it was an archaic gun." Pain filled his eyes that only those closest to him could have seen. McCoy's mouth pressed in a thin line as he hurried the group towards the Med Bay.

Once they were inside the Bay, McCoy cut off the blue tunic and began assessing the wounds. A single, small caliber bullet had pierced Spock's skin where a human's heart was located. "Good thing you don't have human physiology." Gently he rolled his patient to find no exit wound. "I need surgery set up in Trauma One. We have a bullet to find." He ordered his staff before turning back to his friend. "Spock, the bullet is some where inside your body, I'm going to have to find it and extract it. I'll give you something to sedate you during the procedure." McCoy had begun to wash off the blood with sterile water and four-by-fours. He was always as frank as possible with Spock, he felt like he owed him that much.

Spock shook his head negative. "No, I will remain conscious." His jaw clenched as McCoy skimmed the bullet wound.

McCoy froze. "You want to remain conscious? What kind of sick and twisted mind wants to be in that much pain?" His hazel eyes stared hard into the Commander's blank look.

Taking a deep breath which was slightly impeded by his injury, Spock responded with his voice devoid of any emotion or pain. "As soon as we are finished here, the Captain will need me on the bridge. This procedure should not be as difficult or as painful as you suggest." His mental bonds were already pushing aside his physical discomfort.

With his mouth gaping open, McCoy stuck the sedation hypo into Spock's neck. "Jim can dig himself out of this one; I'm taking care of you properly." He smirked as the dark chocolate eyes began to droop.

Chapel had watched the entire exchange. "I think you get pleasure out of stabbing him with a hypo." She chuckled as she finished removing the ruined tunic from the non-responsive form.

Not bothering to answer her directly, or to even think what she might mean, McCoy wheeled the patient into the proper room. "One of these days they are going to learn how to visit a planet and not need my services upon return." He rumbled.

The CNO could only laugh as the CMO turned to sterilize his hands. In the thirty seconds it took for the bacteria on his hands to be killed, Spock's heart beat began to slow. "McCoy, his heart rate is dropping." Chapel's voice held the stern tone that she reserved for emergencies.

Quickly turning back, McCoy began sweeping his tricorder up and down Spock's body. "Yes, his heart rate is dropping. That damned bullet has pierced several main arteries. And he wanted to stay awake while I fixed him!" He grumbled more under his breath but they had already begun the intricate job of vascular surgery. As always the physician said a silent prayer for his friend, he needed all the help he could get.

Two hours later, after a successful operation and Spock finally awake from the sedative, McCoy was having words with his patient or rather he was yelling at his patient, his eye was twitching in frustration. "I am not letting you out of this Med Bay! You nearly died! CMO orders outrank everyone and you are included in that." His exacerbation was clearly evident; he paced back towards the bay door keeping his back to the Vulcan.

Raising an eyebrow, almost in pleasure, Spock replied in an even tone. "If you were as competent a physician as you claim, there would be no need to keep me any longer from my duties; I would be perfectly healed by now. I am the Commander of this vessel and I am needed on the bridge." His voice was still completely devoid of any emotion but his eyes held a twinkle.

Stopping mid-stride, McCoy turned back to face the other man. "I just saved your ass from bleeding to death. Not to mention all the other times that I have brought you back from the brink and this is how you repay me? Don't you think I deserve just a little more than that you ungrateful bratty green-blooded fool? Who do you think ensures that you can save Jim's ass every day?" He leaned closer. "Your body – your scars are evidence of my life's work." He held up his hands. "These hands have kept you alive during this voyage. I would expect a logical being like you to understand that fact." McCoy looked genuinely hurt. He was hurt. For all the times he had saved Spock, he questioned his competency after McCoy had sewn his very blood vessels back together.

Spock's eyes widened in shock, he had never before pushed his friend to his limit. Their banter was always witty and comical; never did the barbs truly sting. "I am sorry, Leonard." He paused. "It seems that I have crossed the proverbial line." Worry and regret quickly passed over his features before the took residence in his onyx eyes.

Taken aback that Spock had relented and saw he was truly hurt by his words, McCoy nodded. "Well, just remember who loves you." He growled and left the room.

It wasn't until he had made half way to his office that he realized exactly what he said. Completely stopping in the middle of the room, McCoy's mind raced over his options. He could turn back and explain that it was a human expression, even though he was not quite sure that was the whole truth, or he could simply ignore it and let Spock think he meant nothing by it. Shaking his head, doubting that Spock would even be affected by the words, McCoy continued into his office.

Neither man realized just how those words would change their relationship.

A/N: Thanks for reading!

I've never really ventured into McSpock territory, but I thought it would be fun. This is just the beginning… Please tell me what you think!