Chapter 6 – Borderline

In the first four hours of his rotation, Leonard McCoy had patched two gunshot victims, called the police in on a consult for an obviously battered wife, set five broken bones in varying patients, and limited the use of the word 'fuck' to once every thirty seconds; just another night in the ER.

"Remind me why I became a doctor instead of returning to Mississippi." It was a rhetorical question that Leonard posed to another resident currently perched at the coffee pot.

"Because the pay is exceptional and there is no other way you want to spend your Friday night." The young resident said while resting in a chair with his feet propped on the table in front of him.

The words were weighted with the young doctor's Russian accent. Pavel Chekov was almost ten years Leonard's junior. Brilliant didn't even begin to describe the boy. He'd graduated high school before puberty. Finished college and even caused a few professors to retire because his intelligence put them to shame. He'd assisted in a surgery to separate conjoined twins during his first year of residency but he always came back to the ER or the free clinic rotation. Leonard had to admire him.

"If you say so kid." He burned his tongue on the hot bitter coffee. "This tastes like shit." Tossing the cup in the trash, Leonard collapsed in the chair across from a bright eyed Pavel.

"I can call Hikaru if you think ten dollar coffee will taste better." Pavel's cheeks reddened at the mention of his 'roommate's' name.

"I'll make it, ten hours to go." A yawn escaped his mouth and Leonard remembered that Hikaru was the same eccentric historian who shared an office with his Nyota. Why had he mentally referred to her as his?

"How is Mr. Kirk doing?"

Leonard let out a deep laugh before responding, "Just fine." I guess it made sense for him to address most of them in such a proper manner due to the age difference.

Confused as to what was so funny, Pavel pressed on with his conversation, "How is he as a roommate, his room in college was so…what's the word?"

"It was a fucking pig sty." He'd gone nearly ten minutes without using his favorite explicative.

"Pigs are much cleaner than that." The young doctor laughed himself that time. "I am just going to get this out the way, Nyota is a very beautiful woman."

Leonard heard the protective edge enter the young man's voice. "Yes, she is."

"She has been very supportive of me."

"And Hikaru." Leonard added.

The young doctor bowed his head in acknowledgement. "I don't want to see her get hurt, if your intentions are not pure, then leave her alone."

There was finality in his tone and although it was comical to see this gentle guy being so aggressive, Leonard understood and respected his attempt to protect a friend. He would have done the same. "Nyota has been a loyal friend. I will always be a part of her life."

That did not satisfy the young one, "That's not what I'm talking about."

"Can Jim or Gaila keep anything secret?" Leonard leaned in closer, "Why am I even going to tell you this? Damn. I care about Nyota. The first woman I've felt anything for in years. I don't want to hurt her. It is not my intention to hurt her. I will be around as long as she wants me."

They regarded each other in silence for a few moments. Pavel covered his mouth with a hand and suppressed a squeal.

"What the hell was that about?" It was McCoy's turn to look on in bewilderment.

"I told Hikaru you were a romantic. I knew it. All that gruffness is just an act. I saw it in your eyes." He squealed again.

"Please stop doing that." The kid sounded like a pig in pain. "Just keep this quiet, I haven't even told her that."

"Oh, you have to, she'll melt. When Hikaru said I love you."

McCoy raised a hand. "Pavel, I really appreciate this little pep talk, but I haven't advanced to the stage where we share the particulars of our relationships openly. Glad you're happy, but tonight just isn't the night. I'm a doctor not a prepubescent school girl."

The kid's face was still shining, "Tell her, stop being scared, and let Nyota know." Pavel stood still beaming and ending their conversation with a wave after McCoy avoided his attempt of a hug.

Doctor McCoy entered the Emergency Room corridor to stand face to face with Spock, the ex who had plagued too many conversations recently. His eyes were dark with grief. His face lined with worry. The man's father was in the distance bent over a stretcher that contained Spock's mother.

He was a doctor, the urge to be of assistance overruled anything personal that he felt against his nemesis.

"Spock." Leonard attempted to erase the malice from his voice.

When the man looked at him, he was crying. "We were at dinner. She collapsed. She does not respond to any stimuli. Can you help her?

"I will try my best."

They moved the ambassador's wife behind one of the curtains and doctors of every degree appeared instantaneously. The ambassador and his son demanded the all of them be removed except McCoy and Chekov.

The two doctors worked with a team of nurses. Blood was drawn. Tests ordered. CT scheduled. It was after the CT that McCoy found his way to the waiting room to deliver the news to the husband and son. He wasn't prepared for the sight that awaited him. Nyota perched between the two; carefully brushing back the hair from Spock's wet forehead. She was wiping the tears from his eyes with the back of her sleeve; a part of his sweater that she still wore, so late in the evening.

"Ambassador…Spock…" He did his best to conceal the surprise at the scene before him. "After several tests we've concluded that Ms. Grayson had a massive stroke. Until she regains consciousness, we will not know the extent of the damage."

"Thank you Dr. McCoy." Nyota actually had her arm wrapped around Spock's waist as he spoke. They still looked like a couple.

"She'll be moved to a room in ICU within the next hour. I'll alert you when this has been completed." The elder of the two men still sat in stunned silence. Leonard turned to exit the waiting area, when her scent caught up with him before her feet managed.

"Leo."

That damn voice was always too much for him to handle. He turned to face her. Their situation was built on a foundation of confusion. Did he expect her to explain her actions?

Yes, he actually did.

This time the previous night their limbs were entwined and moans of pleasure were leaving both their lips. Now they had gone back to their original roles. He was the unrequited lover and she was the woman pining after the man who could never be faithful.

"There is nothing for you to explain." His tone was cold and unyielding. He walked away, even though he wanted to stay and curse. Beg her to go home and wait for him, so they could repeat the previous night. It was of no use.

Leonard's limbs wouldn't carry him as fast or as far as he needed. Her scent still lingered and he thought it was only his mind playing tricks on him, when the hand held the sleeve of his white jacket.

"No you don't get to walk away without listening."

There was anger and passion burning behind her eyes. She pushed him through the door directly behind him. They stood in a room with little light and stacks of sheets and towels on shelves. Nyota was still holding his sleeve.

"I respect the Ambassador's wife and despite the end of my romantic relationship with her son, the two of us remain close. I think she always hoped for a reconciliation, but that's neither the here nor there. Spock called and I came. Only, as a friend Leonard, I have no desire to feel the kind of pain that his love offers."

Nyota was forcing Leonard to look at her. "Do you understand that?"

"Nyota, I…"

"You're a doctor; no one pays you to think."

He smiled. Even in this light Nyota was beautiful. Her hand cupped the cheek that was covered in stubble. He turned and kissed it softly, before pulling her to his lips. "What are we doing?" He asked against her lips.

"Figuring it out along the way…" Was her response before she pushed past his lips with her tongue.

"Damn woman, you're driving me crazy." Leonard gathered a handful of hair and lost himself in the moment. "I've got to go save people."

Together they laughed. Brushing lips for a few more seconds and finally exiting the storage closet.

"Leo…" Her face held fear this time.

This time he traced her lips with his fingertips. "Yes."

"Always tell me how you feel. Don't walk away. I can't fix it if you won't talk to me."

"Promise."