Author's Note: Written for circ_bamboo's Awesomely Untranslatable comment fic fest on LJ. Set during the Academy Era—sort of as a precursor to one of the film's scenes. (You'll know which one once you read it.) Unbeta'd, so poke if there are any grievous (or not so grievous) errors! Cheers.
Disclaimer: Characters mentioned are used without permission and are trademarks of CBS/Paramount/Gene Roddenberry. I do not own them and am simply borrowing for my purposes. Please don't sue.

l'appel du vide
by Bether

"This is idiotic," Leonard McCoy announced, arms crossed over his chest.

Jim Kirk grinned in response. "It isn't."

McCoy scowled. "Yes. It is."

Slapping his friend on the shoulder, Kirk shook his head. "It's going to be great, Bones—you'll see."

"You won't think it's so great when you split your skull open and die, Jim," McCoy shot back.

Kirk smirked. "If you're so worried, why don't you come with me?"

McCoy snorted. "And die with you? Thanks but no thanks."

"It's really not that serious, Bones," Kirk insisted.

"Whatever." McCoy waved his hand dismissively. "Just don't expect me to come visit you when you've become a vegetable after a massive head injury."

Kirk shrugged. "Suit yourself. I still say it's going to be awesome, though."

"You would," McCoy muttered darkly.

Waving cheerfully, Kirk headed for the transpo taking him to what McCoy still insisted was certain doom. "For the record," he called over his shoulder, "you would totally visit me if I became a vegetable."

McCoy flipped him the bird. "Skydiving," he grumbled with a shake of his head as he watched Kirk go. "Of all the idiotic things to do, he has to pick skydiving. Damn, foolhardy kid."