Title: Animal
Chapter 4
Pairing: Spock/Kirk
Rating: T
A/N: Writing this with my tribble (er, guinea pig) purring in my lap.
Until I have found a better way to portray McCoy's voice, I will use omniscient narrative. :)
Spock was able to explain the Captain's unaddressed internal injuries with an ease that told McCoy the half-Vulcan had mind-melded with the comatose patient. Appreciative, McCoy came to a decision. Surgery was not needed; however, the cracked skull needed new bandages.
Spock stood with his hands clutched behind his back as he watched the doctor rewrap Captain Kirk's skull. "I wish to convey gratitude for your devotion to the Captain in his current state."
"Was that a 'thank you', Mr. Spock?" McCoy grinned. "As the chief medical officer and Jim's friend, I'm just doing my job."
"Even, so." Spock found it hard to stand still, "Thank you."
The doctor affixed the bandage to the Captain's head and looked over at the First Officer. "You're welcome." McCoy bent toward the captain to speak, "Now, it's all right, Jim. Spock and I will have you good as new in no time. No time at all."
Spock watched as McCoy rubbed the Captain's arm, a gesture of comfort that no doubt helped humans to feel relief and hope. Spock had quickly learned, through his experience with his mother and exposure to coupling on the Enterprise, that it was human nature to crave security and contact. The half-Vulcan was beginning to sense a commonality between the care McCoy expressed for the Captain and the growing ache in his own heart.
"Mr. Spock," McCoy was trying to get his attention. For how long, Spock was unsure. "Did you try talking to Jim?"
"Affirmative," Spock moved to the table across from McCoy. He laid hands on the Captain's arms in a less than possessive manner. Emotional transference coursed through his veins. "I found the Vulcan mind-meld, however, more informative and satisfying."
McCoy gazed down at the Captain with a sad smile. "I think I prefer not being able to read this man's mind."
Spock pressed his lips into a thin line. He was reminded by the grogginess of Captain's Kirk's recall. "Are you able to determine when the Captain will regain consciousness?" His caress of Kirk's arm matched McCoy's rhythm. Spock's incredible sensitivity, however, allowed him to feel Kirk's pulse steady under his hands. The First Officer mused that it would not be long before his Captain would wake.
McCoy seemed to be keeping record of the Captain's vital signs closer than Spock guessed, for the doctor predicted the Captain would be able to speak and open his eyes within the next few hours.
Spock offered to stay with the Captain while McCoy tried to sleep.
"That's unnecessary, Mr. Spock. I am able to look over the Captain." McCoy insisted his medical expertise was of more value at Kirk's side. Certainly the captain would need a doctor, not Spock hovering and worrying.
The half-Vulcan persisted. "I will retrieve a meal from the cafeteria and then return to the Captain's side."
McCoy made a face, "If you think your presence is indispensable, I will not argue with you."
"Indeed." Spock was gone for a brief minute before taking long strides back to the Captain's 'bed'.
His timing was perfect. Just as he set his plate on the counter-top, Spock heard the Captain let out a hoarse groan. "Jim?" He held the man's hand in his own.
McCoy smiled, "Thought we would lose you there, Captain."
Spock's face blanched. Had he really been so close to losing his friend? He looked into the Captain's eyes and saw them smiling up at him.
"Bones," his breathing was slow but steady.
Spock hushed the Captain, "Do not waste energy by speaking, Captain."
Jim Kirk nodded and settled back under the blanket. His head throbbed and a sharp pain shot through his chest with every breath.
"Take it easy, Jim," McCoy adjusted the IV drip. "Now that you are awake, I have some tests I need to run. But you'll be able to get some rest soon."
A/N: More later tonight?