Disclaimer: Star Trek is not mine.

Just another fluffy, McKirk, based on a possible missing scene in the movie. This is a two-shot so stay tuned for Part II in the near future. :) Enjoy and I'd really love some feedback, so please review. I have a feeling that my ST characters are becoming more and more OOC.

Beginnings

Part I

"Jim!" McCoy couldn't keep the relief out of his voice, as Kirk stumbled off the platform, his arm wrapped around Captain Pike. He was safe. His Jim was safe; oh thank God.

The medic had spent what had seemed like an age pacing back and forth the corridor outside the beam room, the memory of their last conversation and embrace flickering inside his mind.

"Are you sure you want to go through with this, Jim?" The two of them were walking side by side along the corridor, Spock and Uhura ahead of them.

"I've got to, Bones."

"Dammit man, how can you be so calm? You could die!"

Kirk paused in his walking and placed two hands on his friend's shoulder. "Hey, don't worry. I'll be fine."

"Don't worry! You shouldn't have to go risking your life-" Even as he said it, McCoy knew it wasn't true.

"Listen, Bones," Kirk's tone had turned serious as he cut him off and looked McCoy right in the eyes. "You've got to be strong, just in case..."

"In case you don't come back? You were just saying you'd be fine!"

Kirk sighed and shook his head slightly. "I'm not saying it's likely I won't return. It's just possible." McCoy felt himself nodding, not wanting to contemplate life without Jim. "And Bones... I want you to know, just in case... I want you to know that..." he paused as though unsure as what to say. "I just want to thank you, Bones. For always being there for me-"

"Good God..." it came out as a weary sigh.

"What?"

"This is starting to sound like goodbye."

"It's not." And McCoy involuntarily raised an eyebrow."Ok, fine. I can't promise anything."

"Captain!" Spock's voice cut through the silence.

"Coming!" Kirk shouted back.

McCoy rolled his eyes, "Pointy-eared bastard."

Kirk bit back a laugh. "I'd better go."

McCoy nodded, somewhat sadly, then just as quickly a fierce look appeared in his eyes. "If you don't come back, I'll track you down and kill you myself."

Kirk flashed a grin and clapped his friend's shoulder. "That's more like it."

The medic restrained himself from giving another eye-roll; how Jim could keep such an optimistic outlook in such a dire situation was beyond him. Kirk released his grip and made to turn away.

"Jim!" McCoy stopped him. "If you do come back, when you come back, I'll be waiting and I'll be here to fix you up."

Kirk held his friend's gaze for a few seconds before nodding. "You know I wouldn't want it any other way. Thank you, Bones."

McCoy nodded, before waving him away. "Go on, don't keep the Vulcan waiting."

Kirk bobbed his head once more and flashed a grin before running off down the corridor. McCoy was left alone in the empty hallway and, for once, was glad of the solitude; he didn't want anyone to see the tears which had formed in his eyes. Deep down he knew it was stupid. (Illogical, Spock would have said.) But McCoy couldn't help it. Kirk had been his friend and so much more for so long and now it seemed as though this might be the end. He wouldn't know what would happen if Jim didn't return. Would he continue to work on the Enterprise with echoes of the man he loved lingering around every corner? Could he really put himself through that?

Running footsteps brought him out of his depressing reverie. Looking up, McCoy came face to face with the running figure of Jim.

"Jim what...?" he was cut off as the captain clasped two hands on his shoulders and firmly pressed his lips against his own. The shock wore off in seconds and McCoy deepened the kiss, wrapping arms around the strong form of his captain. Moments later they broke the kiss simultaneously, panting from lack of air.

"I'd never be able to live with myself if I was killed without doing that," Kirk said as way of explanation. McCoy decided not to point out that he'd be dead anyway, so living with himself would be totally out of the question.

"I'm glad you did, Jim," McCoy said, leaning in and giving him once last swift kiss.

"And I'll be back," Kirk murmured. Just like he was gone again, leaving McCoy to wonder if he had imagined that last embrace.

Minutes passed and in the distance the medic heard the sound of Jim and Spock energising and beaming to the Romulan ship. Leaning heavily against the wall he closed his eyes, only opening them as he heard footsteps. Uhura. He nodded a greeting, taking note of the tears sparkling in her eyes. She must have noticed the same pain reflected in his own eyes, because she gave a weak smile and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"They'll be back, Doctor."

McCoy could only nod and pray she was right.

In the end, she was right.

"Bones!" Kirk responded and McCoy noted the hint of joy in his voice at being back. Jim had missed him as much as he had him.

And as McCoy raced forward to take Pike off the weary captain, Jim leaned forward and whispered into his ear.

"I told you I'd be back, Bones."

To be concluded...