I'm truly sorry for the long delay. It's not that something happened to me that caused the hiatus; unless it's life that happened - this summer was kind of a blast to me, I enjoyed the time with my little family (I became a mommy not long ago) and met a lot with friends... Whenever I wanted to write again, I looked outside and it was this amazing weather and well... I procastinated. Now it's fall, soon to be winter, and I remembered my fanfiction. Fortunately, I've got the rest of it all planned out and only have to write it down so I wrote the new chapter in two days.

I hope you'll forgive me and I promise I won't leave you hanging for so long again.

Concerning the chapter: There will be cursing, mentions of rape and some violence, but not too much.

To my reviewers:

-DancingInTheDark85: I'm glad you enjoyed the tension in the last chapter, it will continue in this one!

-Vana Valie: Thank you so much for your support during this...hiatus. Finally, you got what you wanted - I hope you enjoy reading this new chapter!

I was angry with my friend;
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.

And I waterd it in fears,
night & morning with my tears:
And I sunned it with smiles,
and with soft deceitful wiles.

And it grew both day and night,
till it bore an apple bright.
And my foe beheld it shine,
and he knew that it was mine.

And into my garden stole
when the night had veiled the pole;
In the morning glad I see,
my foe outstretchd beneath the tree.

- A Poison Tree, William Blake

Chapter 10: The Trial, Part II

Leonard could only stare numbly as the drama unfolded.

His ex-wife walked up towards the Board of Admirals. As she passed him, the look on her face was inscrutable. Admiral Marcus gestured for her to take her seat, smiling at the good-looking woman, whose hair was a dark brown though her overall complexion was pale - maybe due to her eyes, which were a light, almost grayish, blue.

Atticus Finch nodded kindly at his witness and asked her to introduce herself.

"Jocelyn Treadway," she replied in a calm, collected voice.

"Mrs Treadway, you are the former Mrs McCoy? You have been married to Leonard McCoy?"

"Yes."

"How long have you been married?"

"For seven years. We were divorced three years ago."

"You have a daughter?"

"Yes. Joanna."

"Thank you. Mrs Treadway, in the seven years of your marriage, have you ever noticed Dr McCoy's homosexual tendencies?"

An audible gasp went through the audience at this blunt approach. Leonard could feel several people around him stiffen, including Jim, whom he could actually hear gnashing his teeth. Quietly, he took his lover's hand. 'This is bound to be ugly.'

Jocelyn raised a shapely eyebrow. "Homosexual tendencies?" she repeated, haltingly.

Atticus Finch nodded, seemingly unabashed by the silent hate directed at him by the Enterprise's crew.

"Yes - he is in a relationship with a man. His captain, as a matter of fact."

"I didn't know that," the brunette replied. "He forgot to tell me many things, it seems." There was a bitter note to her voice and she shot an accusing look at the ex-husband.

The defensive lawyer gentled his tone as if he wanted to be sensitive: "I see... I imagine it cannot have been easy with a husband that was so secretive about certain... aspects in his life-"

"Objection," Cora Rosenberg spoke up, sharply. "That is a suggestive question!"

"Yes, yes - sustained," replied Marcus and made a movement with his hand as if he wanted to shoo away an annoying fly. "Mrs Treadway, you don't have to answer."

Leonard's ex nodded stiffly, her pale eyes blinking rapidly.

Finch cleared his throat and continued his interrogation: "Mrs Treadway, in your own words, what was the reason for your divorce?"

"We... that is, me and Leonard-" she was breathing deeply, obviously struggling for words. "-we never talked anymore. And he... he was very distant - he had no interest in me anymore."

"No interest... in sexual activity?"

"Well - yes," she snapped, heat rising to her cheeks. "He wouldn't even touch me at all!" Suddenly she had turned around, directly talking to McCoy for the first time now.

"You never even explained to me what the matter was! You blocked me out, only talking to me about Jo - you didn't even fight back when I insulted you! All you ever said was that you were fine!" " Angry tears threatened to spill and she quickly turned around again, chest heaving.

Waiting out the dramatic effect, Finch quietly spoke again: "So... would you say that your husband's secrecy... was also untruthfulness towards you?"

Jocelyn shrugged, clearly overwhelmed by her own emotion. "Yes, I guess it was..."

"And would you say that, over the years, lying has become a habit to him?"

The woman lifted her head, frowning.

"...I'm not sure that he was actually lying-"

"But he kept a secret from you all that time, didn't he?" Finch pressed on. "He was lying when he told you he was fine?"

"I guess... he was."

"Thank you," the defensive lawyer nodded, satisfied. "I have no more questions for you, Mrs Treadway."

Admiral Marcus inclined his head. "Prosecution?"

While Dr Rosenberg stood up and moved over to the Board, Kirk leaned over to his vulcan crewman. "Spock... he's really a tough bastard, isn't he?"

Spock raised an eyebrow. "I have no information regarding Mr Finch's parentage, but I agree that he's setting a strong case against the Doctor..."

Jim nodded grimly. "You think Dr Rosenberg can counter that?"

"I am not sure, Jim. Nobody of us knew Doctor McCoy's former wife would be testifying."

Cora racked her brain how to undo the damage Finch had inflicted on her client's reputation. 'It's not going to be easy.' she thought, regarding the distraught woman in front of her. Jocelyn Treadway looked at her warily, as if she was expecting the prosecutor to shout at her - what Cora felt a lot like doing right now. But she would try a different approach.

"Mrs Treadway, I can see you are very hurt at what you perceive as untruthfulness from Dr McCoy. But you cannot truly believe him to be a liar, can you?"

"But he...he... what if he's been lying to me about his...inclination?" The woman averted her eyes, as if shamed by what she was asking. "What if he's always been interested in men and never told me?"

"Joss-" Leonard began, falling silent again when Cora held up her hand in warning.

"Mrs Treadway... please believe me when I tell you that your ex-husband has never entertained a romantic relationship with another man before Mr Kirk. Nor do I think he wanted for you to separate. Can you really believe he would have wanted to be with a man after what happened to him?"

Jocelyn looked up, clearly disturbed. "You - you mean the... attack... when he was in university?"

The blonde woman fixed her with an unwavering look. "Mrs Treadway, he was raped. That is a matter of fact."

The brunette shuddered violently. A few moments passed in silence.

"Then... I don't think he would have wanted to be with anyone," she whispered. Tears finally spilling, she all but sobbed: "But I am so angry and... Maybe I could have helped, if only-" she broke off, shaking her head and crying silently. Dr Rosenberg gave her a few seconds, then asked quietly: "Do you think him to be a dishonest man?"

"I..." Jocelyn hesitated briefly, but shook her head. "No, I don't think so. He loved me, at least for a while. And he really loves Joanna... And I am glad he's found someone," she laughed softly.

"I really am."

The hearing was adjourned after Mrs Treadway's testimony until afternoon.

Leonard got up heavily from his seat, feeling a hundred years old. This morning had not gone well for him. The refusal of Spock's testimony was a huge blow - they'd based a lot on that. Suddenly he was no longer assured he could really win this. He closed his eyes; briefly imagining what his future would look like if he lost: all of Starfleet would know about it and assume he'd been after money, or fame. They'd know he'd broken the law when he stole the medication back in University - that he'd sued the same man that had hushed up his transgression out of mercy. They would think he'd always been homosexual and lied to his wife during their marriage.

It left a sick feeling in his mouth.

He felt Jim grab his elbow to lead him outside, but he shook his head.

"There's someone I have to talk to, Jim."

He removed his arm and walked over to his ex-wife. "Joss."

The dark-haired woman turned and regarded him, not unkindly. "Len."

"Listen, I... I am really sorry I never told you what happened... That you had to hear it all at court."

"Yes. I am sorry about that too." She looked down. Leonard sighed, running a hand through his hazel hair. "I wish I could say tha' I'd have told you eventually, but-"

"-but you'd have never told me," she finished, smiling sadly. "I know. You never really trusted me that way."

"No, that's not true," he frowned, wondering at the same time if she was right.

"It's okay, Len," she gently laid a hand on his shoulder. "I understand why. I was always so demanding, so focused on myself in our marriage... I said awful things to you. I made it hard for you to trust me."

A shadow fell over her face. "And when I think of what that man did to you... What you had to cope with on your own..." Hey eyes watered. Leonard took her hand, squeezing gently.

"Don't think abou' it, Joss. Me an' Jim, we'll handle it. Just keep it away from Jo-Jo, right?"

"Of course." She hesitated, then continued almost apologetically. "Listen, I think I will go back home now... I don't want to leave Joanna alone too long, and-"

"I get it, Joss. Things are ugly enough already."

"Thank you, Len." She turned, catching Jim regarding them with a curious look of anxiety and hope on his face. She nodded over to him.

"So... You and that superhero Kirk. I've heard about his spectacular victory in the news, of course. I never knew you had a thing for blondes, Len."

Blushing furiously, her ex crossed his arms. "Well, I-"

"-But then again, I never knew you were into men, either..."

Leonard let his arms sink, looking her in the eyes. "I am not into men, Joss. I am just into Jim."

She averted her eyes. "...I understand. Well, like I said, I am glad you found someone, just as I have. I never wanted you to stay alone. Maybe..." she breathed in, resolving herself. "...Maybe you and Mr Kirk can come to visit Jo... when this whole mess is over."

McCoy nodded, touched by her suggestion that clearly had cost her some overcoming. "Thank you. We will."

She smiled slightly and turned again but paused when she heard him speak again, softly: "You know... It's still not easy to talk about this shit. It took eight years and a Jim Kirk to get me to open up."

She nodded without looking back. "You've always been one hell of a bullhead."

With that, she left.

Lunch passed in gloomy silence. The slight elation Leonard had felt after Joss' invitation to visit Joanna together with Jim had faded quickly during the quiet talk with Cora Rosenberg, who explained to him and Kirk that things were not looking good for them.

"I talked to Admiral Pike," she said. "It seems Admiral Marcus has already convinced the Admirals Archer and Barnett that your accusations are false-"

"Convinced... or urged them to think that." McCoy stated flatly. Cora sighed.

"Well, it seems it wasn't too hard to make Archer believe you a liar. It seems he is prejudiced against the whole Enterprise crew ever since Mr Scott is part of it."

The two men looked a bit uncomfortable at this. Finally Leonard asked: "And Barnett?"

"Barnett hates me," Jim answered instead, gnashing his teeth. "Man's got a long memory. He was the one who grounded me after the Kobayashi Maru."

His words were followed by silence. Then McCoy shrugged and folded his arms over his chest. "That makes three against two, if we can assume Dearing's on my side. It all comes down to John's testimony, right?"

"Much depends on it; he is the only person that has seen you and Burgh on the night of the attack. I believe he will make a credible witness; he seems to be rather fond of you." She smiled slightly, patting Leonard's arm comfortingly. "Don't give up yet, Dr McCoy!"

With that, she stood and exited the cafeteria. Leonard sighed and buried his face in his hands. "Easy to say..."

"She's right, Bones," Jim answered quietly, putting his arm around his lover's shoulders. "We need to see this through. I know the odds are not in our favor right now but we still have a chance! And even if... if we lose, many people will know what he did."

"That's what I'm afraid of," his friend whispered, raising his head again to gaze at the ceiling. "There will be the ones who believe me an' pity me. And the ones who believe me a liar... or worse, assume I sleep with men in high positions for personal gain." His eyes flickered over to Kirk for a second. The blond man frowned and grabbed McCoy's shoulder, turning him around to look in his eyes.

"Are you really placing me on the same level with that piece of shit? Everybody knows I've loved you from day one! Long before I became captain!"

"Yeah, but unfortunately I only started sleeping with you after your promotion, Jim."

"..." Kirk was at a loss for words. Leonard knew he'd hurt his friend's feelings and took his hand.

"I'm sorry, Jim. But this is how it will look like. And even if I don't give a shit about what other people think, I care about what Jo-Jo thinks." McCoy sighed again. "I don't want her to know..."

"I understand, Bones. But she will love you no matter what. Just like me." Jim smiled softly and placed his arms on his friend's waist, pulling him close. "Now kiss me, you goddamn southern bullhead."

"Irritatin' corn-fed kid," Leonard responded, grumbling slightly. "If it weren't for your big blue eyes..."

"And my charming personality," Kirk added, leaning in. "Not to mention my great body and sex appeal."

"Dammit, Jim," McCoy snorted, giving up resistance and closing his eyes.

"You will be the death of me."

Until the court gathered again, Kirk had been fairly successful in distracting his doctor from his brooding. On the outside, Leonard appeared perfectly calm and collected; only those who knew him well could see the subtle clenching and unclenching of his hands.

Long minutes passed until all the admirals were seated and had stopped shuffling their PADDs around; minutes that felt to McCoy like agony. When everybody had finally settled and Marcus cleared his throat, he was just short of clawing at the desktop.

"Prosecution, please name your next witness."

Cora stood up and moved to the front. "Prosecution calls forward Mr John Barrows."

Leonard turned in his seat to look at the elderly man that was now rising from his place in the back row and slowly moving up the aisle. It has been years since he last saw the former night guard and was happy to see that Barrows, though he had aged somewhat, still looked as competent and kind as he recollected. The white-haired man briefly caught his eye when he passed McCoy, a small, but sad, smile on his wrinkled face.

When he'd taken his seat, Dr Rosenberg started her questioning gently: "Mr Barrows, please state your age and profession."

"I'm 83 and have been retired for six years now. Before that, I worked as the night guard at the Ole Miss."

"How long have you been working at the University of Mississippi?"

"For thirty-three years."

"That is quite a long time," Cora stated, looking intently at the board of admirals. "I suppose you've come to know many of the students and teachers there."

"Yes, I did. Some more than others; of course."

"So you remember Leonard McCoy?"

"Yes," the old man confirmed again, gazing fondly at the person in question. "He stood out. Bright, inquisitive... kind. I still remember some of the talks we had, when he'd stayed late in the faculty."

"Really?" The prosecutor smiled. "What did you talk about?"

"Oh, his studies, mostly. I don't pretend to understand too much of it, but it was nice talking to one of the students. Most don't make the effort of even noticing the person at the front desk." A hint of an old bitterness had entered his voice, but disappeared quickly again.

"He used to inquire after my dogs, too - I've never had kids of my own, see, so I kept some of them... Helped me more than once when one was sick, that McCoy. Would have been a great vet, too."

Cora nodded, changing the topic slightly. "And did you get to know the teachers and professors, too?"

The reminiscent smile disappeared from Barrow's face.

"There weren't that many of them that worked in the medical faculty; so yes."

The blonde woman pointed at the defense's table. "Do you recognize this man?"

"I do, that's Professor Burgh. He always greeted me when he left at night. We spoke two or three times, but not much."

"How would you describe him?"

The elder shrugged. "Polite. Punctual. Very extroverted; he would always invite someone he's met in the foyer into his office for a talk."

Dr Rosenberg's eyes narrowed. "Did he also invite students back to his office?"

"Well, yes. He usually needed to discuss something medical or biological with them, from what I've heard-"

"There's absolutely nothing wrong with that," cried a voice behind them suddenly. Burgh had apparently lost some of his cool and had jumped up, much to the annoyance of his lawyer, who whispered furiously to him.

"Those students asked me for help with their work, I offered my advice-"

"Sit down!" hissed Atticus Finch, finally succeeding in pulling his client down again.

"I see." Cora paused for a moment for the effect and to collect herself for her next round of questions.

"Do you recall the period of time in which Leonard McCoy worked for Dr Burgh as his... assistant?"

The old man's face grew serious. "Yes. I remember because it struck me as odd that Leonard only left the faculty way past midnight, several times a week. I thought to myself: 'This can't be healthy to a young man.'"

"Right. Did you notice any change in his behavior during that time?"

Barrows frowned as he searched his memory. "...Well, he was paler than usual. And he seemed more... reclusive. I mean, more than usual. He always kept himself to himself, he did."

Cora nodded and leaned forward in preparation of her most important question: "Do you remember the night of stardate 2249.04?"

"Yes."

"Can you tell us about anything that might be considered unusual that happened that night?"

"Well... I started my shift at ten p.m. and, as usual, looked up who'd checked in and who'd already checked out again. I saw that Leonard and Professor Burgh were both still inside."

"Was that unusual for them?"

"...No, not really. Leonard always stayed longer than most students. As for Burgh, it was normal for him to work late in his office. I only started to wonder when I returned from one of my rounds later that night and saw that they were still checked in."

"What time was it then?"

"It was already past one in the morning!"

"And that was indeed unusual?"

"Yes, students are not allowed to stay in the faculty after midnight unless they're allowed to do so by one of the teachers. But I knew Leonard was currently working for Dr Burgh, so I didn't go looking for him."

"When did you see them next?"

"They both came down shortly after one-thirty."

"Alright. Mr Barrows... You are aware of the charges against Dr Burgh raised by Dr McCoy?"

The former night guard's face darkened and he shot a quick look at the professor, whose expression was composed again.

"Yes..."

"In the light of these charges, did you notice anything about them that might indicate that Dr McCoy was assaulted?"

"I clearly remember that Dr Burgh's nose had been bleeding; there were stains on his jacket."

"How did he explain them?"

"He said he'd run into the frame of his door."

"Did you believe him?"

"I... I did."

"What about Leonard McCoy?"

"He was... very, very pale. He acted a bit strange, nervous and almost... skittish. I remember because he was usually a very calm boy."

"How did he act the next time you saw him?"

"It was quite a while until I saw him again, because he didn't stay in the faculty during the nights any more. When he did stay longer again, he still left before curfew. I never saw him with Dr Burgh again."

"Would you say he avoided him?"

"It seemed like it."

"Thank you," Dr Rosenberg said, nodding towards the defense. "Mr Finch..."

Atticus Finch rose and briskly strode over. "Mr Barrows, did Leonard McCoy say anything to you about the alleged attack?"

"No... we didn't really talk anymore."

"And on the night in question, did you notice any injury about him that could be associated with an assault?"

"Uh... No. He was just pale. I only saw that Dr Burgh was injured."

"Could his pale complexion be a result of the long nights working in the faculty and the lack of sleep?"

"I- I guess-"

"How regularly have you been doing your rounds in the faculty?"

"Every hour."

"Does your round take you to the teacher's offices?"

"Yes."

Mr Finch leaned forward intently, staring at the older man. "Mr Barrows - did you hear anything that indicated a struggle, or a fight?"

Barrows paused, then hung his head. "No, nothing."

Finch rose again. "Thank you-"

"He couldn't hear anything because Burgh installed acoustic insulation before he raped me!" Leonard simply couldn't keep quiet anymore. He was on his feet, staring the defense lawyer directly in the eyes. "He knew John would hear it all otherwise-"

"Dr McCoy, you will sit down again right now or be dismissed from court!" Marcus bellowed furiously, rising as well. Leonard ignored him, still looking intently at Finch, who surprisingly said nothing but looked at McCoy speculatively.

"McCoy! Sit or be dismissed!" Marcus repeated, spitting with rage. Cora hurriedly took her client by his arm and steered him back to his seat. "Come on, Dr McCoy..."

When everybody was seated again, Admiral Pike cleared his throat and looked very pointedly at Alexander Marcus. "I would say a break is in order for everybody to calm down again-"

"We don't need a break; the prosecution has used up all their witnesses, we can reach a verdict right now!" the Fleet Admiral growled.

Cora looked up, alarmed. "Wait, sir! There's no need to hurry this-"

"You failed to present actual evidence that Dr Burgh so much as laid a finger on your client," Marcus interrupted her. "So he was raped by someone! But that was surely not the dean of the University of Mississippi, a man that has dedicated his life to the education of young people!" He gestured at Burgh, who smiled and nodded satisfied.

"Indeed, Alexander... And who knows - maybe it wasn't even rape! Maybe these injuries are the result of some perverted sex game that Leonard indulged in? Admirals, don't you think it's strange that a man that claims to have been raped is now in a relationship with another man?! A captain, no less," he almost purred, gaze shifting from Leonard to Jim and back.

"Always picking the ones that can be of use to you...You really have no shame at all, do you, Leonard? No wonder you've sunken so low to become the captain's whore and a disgrace to-"

Just what exactly McCoy was a disgrace to he would never know, for in the instant the word 'whore' had left Burgh's mouth, there was a collective roar from the rows behind him and Jim, closely followed by Scotty, Christine and Pavel had charged forward and jumped the professor. His blond lover was the first to deal a fierce blow to the man's face that had Burgh sliding out of his chair and to the floor. Leonard stood transfixed when Pike, Barnett and Archer all got up and made a beeline for Kirk to try and pry him off with the rest of the Enterprise's crew yelling obscenities at the man.

McCoy had the vague feeling of displacement while he watched his life crumble in front of him. A numbness was closing in around him, holding him in place. It was a feeling he had experienced before, on the night of his assault. As if his life no longer belonged to him; as if he had no control left at all.

Suddenly another person moved past him, pushing him aside: it was Spock. He was quickly parting the crowd until he reached the heap of bodies that were Kirk - who was still beating the shit out of Burgh - and the three admirals that still tried to wrestle him down. The push brought Leonard back to senses; he was already moving forward when the Vulcan grabbed Jim by his scruff and pulled him up and away from his victim. McCoy gathered his love in his arms, trying to keep him from leaping at the professor again, but though he was taller, it was almost impossible to hold onto his captain that was besides himself with hate. When he looked into Jim's eyes they looked almost animalistic, with a pure, passionate instinct to kill.

"Spock," Leonard growled, teeth clenched with the effort of keeping a hold on Jim, "help me, dammit!"

The tall man reached out.

When Kirk came to his senses again, he was lying on grass.

He was sure it was grass because he could feel it tickling his fingertips. It smelled like grass, too.

It was nice. He could stay like this forever, lying on grass. There was a gentle, cool breeze caressing him and a warm hand in his hair, stroking softly. He sighed contentedly.

The hand stilled.

"Jim?" asked a voice quietly.

'That's my name.'

"...Would you open your eyes?"

'I don't want to.'

"Jim, I need you to wake up."

'Alright, alright...'

Giving up his futile resistance, Kirk sat up and took in his surroundings. He was on campus; he could see as much, but how did he get here? He didn't need to look at his love to know it was Bones sitting on the ground with him - he would recognize that deep, accented voice even in a coma.

"What happened?" he asked, looking up at the falling darkness.

His friend sighed. "You don't remember?"

"I remember I tried to kill that son of a bitch."

"...Well, you damn well tried to punch his nose all the way to the back of his head," Leonard growled. "It took three men and a Vulcan to get you off him!"

Jim rubbed his stiff neck, frowning slightly. "Spock did that nerve-pinch thing to me?"

"Yeah. It really was the only way to calm you. You..." McCoy swallowed audibly. "...I really thought you might kill him, Jim."

"I would have." He felt his lover tense and finally turned to look at him. "I'd have killed him if you hadn't stopped me. And I wouldn't regret it."

"Yeah you would!" Leonard took his face into his tanned hands, golden hazel eyes boring into sky blue ones. "You'd've regretted it the moment they'd have taken you away from me forever!"

"...You are right," Jim whispered finally, his demeanor crumbling; the icy numbness fading into a devastating sadness. Feeling tears coming, he bent forward and pulled the other man into a crushing, desperate hug.

"I would have done it for you, you know, Bones?" he forced out between suppressed sobs. "I would have killed that man if it meant you could sleep peacefully again..."

"Hush, kid," Leonard soothed him, kissing the blonde head. "When will you get it into that thick skull o' yours that I'm not some medieval maiden, demandin' someone's head on a platter before deignin' to notice you? I don't want you to defend my honor, Jim - or to fight my battles for me."

Lifting his young captain's chin, he smiled down at him. "Don't stand in front of me. Stand by my side."

"Bones," Jim half-sobbed, half-laughed, "You really are the most amazing person I know... I love you!"

"I love you too, Jim."

"I will fight by your side, always!"

"Great. So can we please end this mushy chatter now?"

"Uh... yeah." Kirk suddenly remembered something. "I... guess I am in deep trouble now? Attacking someone in court and all?"

McCoy sat back and folded his arms. "Well, for starters, you weren't the only one. Scotty, Pavel and Christine jumped him, too. They all received reprimands for 'actions unbecoming of a Star Fleet officer', so I guess you will, too. I don't know if Burgh will charge you with physical assault, but Admiral Dearing fixed his nose in no time. Marcus dismissed the court for the rest of the day - he might think of something nasty to do to you over this, though," Leonard added worriedly. "Burgh's his friend, after all... But Spock says it's in our favor that he lost his cool first, insultin' me. Everybody heard that he called me your - what he called me," he finished, feeling horribly ashamed.

"...Bones, I wish I could undo all that shit that happened to you," Jim answered after a moment, torn by compassion and incredibly sad. "I know if it had been me, you'd find just the right words, you'd know what to do... I wish I could help you better, but I do what I can, okay? I am with you. I just hope I am enough..."

"You are enough, Jim," his friend replied, smiling softly. "You're a handful, actually..."

His young lover smiled back, but it quickly faded.

"Bones?"

"Yeah?"

"You think we'll lose tomorrow?"

"...Yeah. I believe we will."

They sat a moment in silence, each lost in his own thoughts. Suddenly Jim giggled. Leonard stared at him, wondering where that was coming from. Seeing his look, Kirk blurted out: "You realize this is the second time one of us broke that fucker's nose?"

McCoy watched his captain roll around on the grass, laughing his ass off, and couldn't help but grin too.

"Actually it's the third time..."

Kirk's laughter died somewhat, remembering the first time his friend had broken his rapist's nose. "Yeah... Hey, Bones?"

"Yes, Jim?"

"Wasn't it totally awesome how Burgh fell off his chair and hit the floor?"

He dissolved into fits of merit again and this time, Leonard laughed with him.

"Yeah - totally awesome."

Neither of them noticed the person in the shadows, watching them unobtrusively.

^^y^^

Oh shit... who is the person that's spying on our beloved couple? Please let me know in your review if you have an idea. ;)
I had SO MUCH fun writing that scene when Jim & Co. all went beserk and beat the sh... out of Burgh! It was very satisfying for me as the author, I hope it was just as satisfying to you.
What did you think about the poem I chose for this chapter?

If you liked this, please tell me so and stay with me for Chapter 11: Maintaining