A/N: This is a companion piece to my fanfic Southern Loving, in which McCoy finds himself falling for a Starfleet cadet. I suggest reading it first otherwise you might be a little lost about Bones' OC. I decided Pike deserved some love after re-watching the film a couple of times this summer.
Captain Christopher Pike drifted in and out of consciousness. He could hear Dr. Leonard McCoy among the murmurings around him but couldn't make out the other voices. They all soon faded away ...
The next time he came to, a female voice soothingly spoke over him. It sounded like a prayer of comfort. He managed enough strength to force his eyes open. Chaplain Sarah Randolph smiled at him and gently squeezed his hand.
"It's good to see you awake, sir," she said. He attempted to muster a smile in return but winced instead. He shifted his eyes to glance around at his surroundings. The room was unfamiliar—he realized he was no longer in MedBay aboard the Enterprise.
"How long have I been out?" Pike croaked, his mouth dry. Sarah offered him a drink of water and he greedily sipped on the straw.
"Two days and three nights, Captain," she replied. He started to ask another question and she grinned, answering before he could.
"The Enterprise is undergoing repairs and will be as good as new in a month or two," she said.
Pike gave her a half smile in return, this time a bit out of sadness. He knew he'd never pilot his own ship again. He also wondered if he'd ever walk on his own again.
As if Sarah could read his mind, she tenderly patted his arm in sympathy.
"On the bright side you will get to watch your 'kids' soar," she said. "Many of them have been anxiously awaiting for news of your recovery."
"Are you harassing my patient, Sarah?" McCoy asked as he entered into the room.
Sarah shook her head and gave Pike another smile.
"I'll be back to check on you later," she told him before turning to face McCoy. They shared a look and her hand lingered on his arm before she exited.
"How are you feeling?" McCoy inquired as he began checking Pike's vitals.
"Like my insides have been turned outside," Pike hoarsely said, closing his eyes.
McCoy's expression softened as he set aside his tricorder.
"Would you like something for the pain, sir?" he gently asked.
Pike shook his head.
"What's the prognosis?" Pike asked instead. McCoy internally groaned at the question but quickly schooled his features when Pike reopened his eyes to stare at him.
"We removed the slug but several nerve endings were severely damaged. You'll require extensive physical therapy to regain use of your legs, but I believe as does Sarah that you will be able to fully walk again, Captain."
Pike arched an eyebrow at him.
"You and Sarah," he stated. McCoy uncomfortably tugged at the neckline of his uniform shirt.
"I, uh, the chaplain has been, uh …" McCoy fumbled for what to say, earning him a half smile from the man in the bed.
"At ease, McCoy," Pike said. "I'm not going to cite regulation or stop you from seeing her."
McCoy visibly relaxed.
