A small two shot that popped into my head :) Review are appreciated and standard disclaimers apply. You know what I mean :)

Without any further ado...

It was rare for Jim and McCoy to have a full blown argument - it was even more so however, for Jim and Spock to, as the two tended to be on the same wavelength the majority of time. And on the odd occasion when they were at each other's throats (whether literally or figuratively) McCoy was usually there to make peace or deliver a cutting remark or two – whatever the situaion warranted.

So when the Captain, who admittedly has a short fuse at times, flares at Spock's correction of a minor point in a briefing and the Vulcan refuses to back down, everybody freezes and looks to the empty chair to Jim's right, as if they concentrate hard enough, the CMO will appear from his temporary position on a fledgling planet. And although Jim - wound up as he is - doesn't notice, Spock of Vulcan does.

Everybody breathes a sigh of relief as the Vulcan leans back slightly in his chair and 'drops it', attempting to redirect Jim's attention. However, Kirk of the Enterprise, rather like a Terran domesticated canine with a fragment of hard calcified tissue, refuses to let the issue be.

Everyone inhales their premature sighs, redoubling their collective gaze upon the stubbornly empty chair. This time not even an irritated Captain can miss it.

Said man's shoulders slump slightly and he gives the chair his own stare too, before sitting determinedly straight and starting to discuss the point that Spock had made in attempt to head off the argument.

When the CMO does finally return to them, Jim doesn't even wait for him to step off the transporter platform, hopping on and throwing his arms around his friend in a bone-crushing hug. McCoy rolls his eyes at Spock and Scotty over his shoulder, though he returns Jim's embrace, evidently pleased to be back.

Pulling away, Jim grins at him. "Did you miss me Bones?" he enquires cheekily, ducking McCoy's half-hearted swat at his head.

"Sure Jim," he responds sarcastically, though the affection in his voice takes any bite off his words. "I missed patching you up 24/7, how could I not?" Adding in a deadpan stage-whisper, "And Spock's the tooth fairy."

The familiar tilt of the head and quirked eyebrow bring a grin to McCoy's face, even as Spock begins, "Doctor, I fail to see how my identity can be confused with that of a..."

Scotty sighs, relieved and leaves the transporter room to deliver the news to a fervently thankful Bridge crew.

Thoughts? Let me know in a review =)

~ Qalam