Chapter Ten

"Are the walls to lock you in or to keep others away, And if the doors were to be opened would you leave or would you stay, The comfort of your misery you cherish dearly, you cherish dearly And you haven't started dreaming 'cause you're still fast asleep, you're fast asleep, But don't you wanna, Run wild, live free, Love strong, you and me..." - Run Wild, for KING and COUNTRY

The first night aboard the Enterprise was like torture for Julia. She wasn't going to admit that she didn't get much sleep that evening after reminding herself that she wasn't back home. The random sounds of people wandering down the halls and the fear of something going horribly wrong was almost overwhelming. Julia knew that in the world of Star Trek, just about anything could go wrong. She had seen the movies enough times to know that things usually got worse before they got better. The only positive consolation she had was that the worst was behind them. Even so, she just couldn't get used to the fact that she was on a Starship of all places.

Emily had made the room feel a bit homier, and she suspected that was because of her fear of cramped spaces, but even that wasn't enough. Julia liked the way her room was laid out, because there were art supplies all over the place. Working on a new canvas or sketch was what had calmed her down when she was feeling anxious or when she needed time to think. She felt oddly comforted knowing that her supplies were close at hand and within sight. She knew it had led to some of the many arguments between them in college. Emily's need to keep things neat and tidy was enough to drive her crazy.

Once again, her eyes fell upon the data PADD on the desk. Julia chewed the bottom of her lip after noticing there was a message sent to her. It took her a few seconds to open the data PADD in question. She was so used to the technology from their world that she knew it would take time for her to get used to this world's technology. But when she did finally open it, she blinked in surprise upon seeing who sent said message. What did Kirk want with her? Was he planning on sending her back to Earth after all of this was said and done? She'd have nowhere to go if that were the case. And not for the first time, she was suddenly reminded of the fact that Emily had been in a similar predicament.

Julia shook her head at the thought as she got changed. Since Emily had nothing but her uniforms and a few civilian clothing in the closet, Julia had to choose something that was huge on her. She tried not to think about it as she finished changing and headed for what she hoped was the mess hall. Emily had shown her around before, but that didn't mean she wouldn't get lost again. Thankfully she was able to find it. Unfortunately, the moment she arrived was when spotted Emily and McCoy sitting together, their heads close as if they were in some deep conversation. She reached the table and noticed Kirk was sitting there, looking slightly miffed with whatever they were discussing.

"Did I miss something?" she asked after noticing that neither McCoy nor Emily had noticed her arrival.

It was obvious that they had been in some kind of deep conversation. She frowned at the thought after noticing that they had been mostly ignoring Kirk's presence. Though, that didn't stop him from guessing what they had been talking about.

"Ask them," Kirk retorted with a shake of his head, gesturing to the pair as Emily narrowed her eyes while McCoy scowled in annoyance, "They're the ones who decided to get hitched without even telling anyone."

"You what?" Julia practically shouted, earning more than a few strange looks.

"Dammit Jim, we haven't done anything like that," McCoy snapped, rolling his eyes at Kirk's expense.

He glanced at Emily as her hands fell around the mug of coffee that always seemed filled these days. Julia rose an eyebrow after noticing the slight exchange, and the fact that Emily was practically leaning into him. It was going to take time for Julia to get used to the fact that they were together. She suddenly wished that she could have been around when they were getting to know one another. Then again, she would have likely gotten in the way and made things worse.

"No, but you might as well have after telling me this morning," Kirk griped, sounding more annoyed by the second as he crossed his arms and looked back defiantly. "What made you decide to go through with this now, of all times?"

"Because life's too damn short," Emily replied this time, earning a half-smirk from McCoy that said it all. Julia almost grinned at the prospect as she finally chose to sit down next to Kirk, ignoring the incredulous look the Captain was giving her. Though sitting next to him made her feel a little uneasy, she wanted to know exactly how they would get around this latest bit of news. "When exactly are we going to find the time to have an actual ceremony? Or, the space, for that matter?"

"I'm sure you could work something out," Julia pointed out.

Though, she knew she didn't have much of a voice in the matter. She wasn't even working on the Enterprise, and she had somehow gotten lucky enough to stay. Though, something told her that wouldn't last long if a certain Vulcan had his way. Spock wasn't fond of anyone who stayed on the ship without having a reason behind it. She was technically violating the regulations by staying on the ship as an unregistered civilian.

"Look, I've waited too damn long as it is," McCoy put in, ignoring the looks of surprise from both Julia and Kirk.

Julia's eyes widened in surprise when she realized that this was something they both wanted. Seeing the look McCoy was giving Emily was enough to remind her that they were more than just close friends. Kirk just eyed the pair as if this was the worst news he could've received. Julia didn't blame the poor guy for his sudden concern. This was a big step for anyone, especially when she knew that marriage could go so horribly wrong.

"You know, I always expected there to be some kind of ceremony," Kirk pointed out with a sigh. "But, I know that keeping you of all people happy is best for everyone. A grumpy CMO is not fun to deal with."

"Ass," McCoy muttered under his breath, and Julia couldn't hide the fit of laughter that followed.

She loved the banter that went on between McCoy and Kirk. It was obvious that McCoy cared about Kirk as a friend, and would do anything to keep the guy safe. Even if Kirk went out of his way and often injured himself for multiple reasons.

"So, you're okay with us getting married?" Emily pressed, ignoring the cocky grin that followed when Kirk looked between the two.

"Em, you're my sister," Kirk reminded her, "So, seeing both you and Bones happy is more than enough. Guess I never thought I'd be the one to hand the documents."

"Tell me about it," McCoy rolled his eyes once more.

Julia had to keep reminding herself that Kirk and Emily were closer than anyone would have expected. The fact that they did keep treating each other like siblings almost made her laugh. She knew how Emily could be, and how Kirk often was from the movies. So, it was a wonder they got along at all. They were complete opposites, and yet they somehow made their friendship work. Julia supposed that was due to the fact that Kirk wormed his way into everyone's hearts when he was given the chance.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" she added once that was said and done.

Kirk just looked at her incredulously before finally remembering the reason behind sending the message to her data PADD.

"Spock wanted to have a word with you," he explained, his cheerful demeanor changing within seconds.

Julia frowned at that, realizing that Spock would want to have a word with her after this was said and done. She was also aware that Spock could just as easily have her reported for even being aboard the ship.

"And, I'm guessing it won't be anything good," she sighed.

"No, probably not," Kirk agreed with her while flashing Emily a knowing look.

"You're not going to be alone," Emily reassured her, "Believe me, I've been in your position already."

That was enough for Julia to wonder what Spock had asked of Emily when they first met. She knew the Vulcan would have more than enough questions regarding Emily's position aboard the Enterprise, and where she came from.

What made it worse was knowing that she had jumped at the opportunity to stay in this crazy world without thinking. Her impulsive choice may have just landed her without a home or a possible future. But, seeing the look of determination in Emily's eyes gave her enough hope that maybe things wouldn't end so badly with Spock filing a report.

…

About the only thing that could make that morning anymore awkward was Julia's arrival after discussing the matter at hand with Jim. He must have thought they jumped the bandwagon after Leonard dropped the bombshell without a second to spare. Seeing the incredulous look on Jim's face was enough of a reminder why neither of them wanted to make this a big deal. While getting married in general was a big deal, neither of them wanted the attention that the crew seemed to take on their relationship. Worst still was knowing the meeting at hand would lead to an ultimate decision for Julia.

Spock had argued with Jim about her position aboard the Enterprise the moment she arrived. Because she didn't have any place to go, and they were at least a month's trip away from Earth, sending her back was out of the question. Even with a shuttle, there wouldn't be enough fuel to send her back. Besides, Emily wasn't planning on sending her friend to the unknown. She'd already been there, and she knew what it was like to wonder whether she would survive this crazy world.

All four of them were sitting in the room where meetings were normally held every couple of weeks. With Leonard working that morning, Emily found herself standing between Jim and Julia while Spock discussed the issue at hand.

"She is not a member of Starfleet, and therefore, her presence aboard the Enterprise violates regulations," he recited, and Emily resisted the urge to roll her eyes as her arms crossed.

"Yeah, and neither were we before taking classes at the Academy," Jim pointed out. Julia frowned in confusion as she wondered where this was headed. Emily merely shrugged, knowing that this was something that needed to be done to keep Spock from reporting her. "Spock, just give her a chance."

"She could always take classes at the Academy from the ship," Emily put in, and that was enough for Julia to stare at her in alarm. "I know that it isn't necessarily typical for Cadets to work on a ship while taking classes, but it's not like she has any other choice."

Julia just stared at her incredulously. Emily bit back a scathing retort after noticing that look. Considering she had put herself through those classes and was able to pass with flying colors – her marks were almost as high as Jim's by the end of classes – she knew that Julia was capable of doing so herself.

Spock narrowed his eyes as he thought of the circumstances at hand. It wouldn't be easy for Julia. But, Emily planned on helping her where she could so that she managed to get through this. She wasn't about to leave her friend in the dark with no way out.

"If she is willing to comply, then I do not foresee a problem in that," Spock finally nodded curtly in agreement, and both Emily and Jim breathed out sighs of relief. "However, there is still the matter that the Enterprise has no space for her."

"Spock, something tells me that won't be a problem," Jim assured him after shooting Emily a knowing look. "She and Bones finally decided to tie the knot, more or less."

Emily couldn't hide the smirk that followed when she caught the gleam in Spock's eyes. He rarely conveyed emotion, but, when he did, it was obvious. The fact that they were signing those documents tonight was enough of a reminder for Emily that this was going to be official. The thought left her heart fluttering with joy. She knew that it was just a document, but it was also an official document that meant their lives would change forever.

I'm going to be a McCoy, she realized with a start. She hadn't realized until then just how significant that felt. The fact that Leonard was willing to spend the rest of his life with her was more than enough for her. There was no telling what the future would hold when it was all said and done. The only thing she did know was that she felt more than ready to go through with this. What made it better was the fact that Leonard was ready for the next step, which was significant considering how long it had taken to get this far.

Once they were finished discussing the matters at hand, Julia suddenly pulled Emily to the side and looked at her accusingly.

"Are you kidding me?" she exclaimed, careful not to drawl Spock's attention as he and Jim discussed the fact that she and Leonard were getting married. "Do you have any idea how challenging that's going to be for me?"

"Julia, relax," Emily took her by the shoulder and tried to ease her trembling. "I know it isn't going to be easy, hell, it wasn't easy when I started out. But, everyone has to start somewhere, and we'll find something that you can relate to."

"But, I'm an artist… I prefer playing with paint than fixing things on a Starship, and playing music for that matter," she pointed out.

"Then we'll find something that suits an artist such as yourself," Emily assured her. "Jules, you won't be doing this alone. I'll be with you the whole way through."

Julia rose an eyebrow at that, and Emily sucked in a breath as she realized where this was headed. Since she and Leonard were getting married, she knew the odds of getting distracted were even higher, now. She didn't want to admit that she wouldn't always be there for her friend. But she was at least willing to try. Julia had chosen to stay in this world, and she needed to consider the consequences for staying. It might not be easy for her, but it gave her a chance to work on the ship of all places.

"Something tells me that won't last long," she muttered with a shake of her head. "But, I do know that Spock makes a valid point, as usual. I shouldn't have agreed to stay, but, I'll have to pay the consequences."

This isn't a punishment, Emily wanted to remind her. Seeing the look in Julia's eyes told her otherwise. Emily let out a sigh of frustration. There was no backing out of this – Julia was her best friend, and the reason she was still alive today. She didn't plan on letting her down anytime soon.

"Look, why not check out the different departments we have on the ship?" she suggested after thinking it through. "That might help provide some insight on what you'll choose."

For once, Julia seemed to think it through as realization dawned on her. Finding out her strengths and figuring out where she belonged wouldn't be too big of a challenge. There was no way she could see Julia working in medbay – she and Leonard would eat each other alive if given the chance. So, the next best options were still out in the open.

"Would you be there to help me?" she asked cautiously.

"We can start first thing tomorrow, if you're willing," Emily nodded in agreement.

Julia bit the bottom of her lip before looking at Emily thoughtfully.

"Why not the day after – it'll give you and Bones enough time to recover from the fact that you're officially married."

Emily resisted the urge to roll her eyes after realizing what Julia was implying. She knew how big of a deal marriage was. And what it would mean to Leonard once it was said and done. The truth of it was, she found the whole thing overwhelming the more she thought about it. Julia seemed to catch the look in her eyes when the two of them made their way to one of the rec rooms. It wasn't surprising to see it bustling with activity.

"You look a little lost," Julia remarked after eyeing her cautiously.

"Is it that obvious?" she tried not to look as overwhelmed as she felt.

"Well, you kind of look like someone who just realized they'd missed the bus," she explained with a playful nudge.

Well, that's one way of describing it, Emily thought with a roll of her eyes. The only thing she did know for certain was that their lives wouldn't change that dramatically. Considering they had been living together for the last five years, she couldn't imagine things would be any different.

"I just don't want to make a big deal out of it," she admitted once they'd taken their seats. Julia rose an eyebrow at that. "People have been treating our relationship like it's a circus act in the first place."

Julia simply nodded in understanding, though it was clear she didn't understand where Emily was getting at with that explanation. She couldn't explain it without making it sound crazy. She knew Scotty had started a pool over how long it would take for either of them to finally crack under the pressure. Jim just treated the whole thing like he normally would – with a vast level of immaturity that could drive either of them up the wall.

"Well, considering this is Bones we're talking about, who probably would have sworn off women had he not met you, something tells me that might be part of the reason behind their behavior," Julia pointed out. "Not to mention, there aren't many people in the world who are willing to put up with him."

She only shook her head in disbelief as she understood where Julia was getting at. Leonard truly was a one of a kind, and she wouldn't want him any different. She could still remember that day on the shuttle when they first met. She remembered how terrified he'd been, and looked as if he was suffering from a massive hangover.

"At any rate, we're going to find a place for you, one way or another," Emily put in, shaking her head at the memories.

"Glad to hear it," Julia flashed her a cheeky grin.

Things would work out for the both of them, in the end. Of that, Emily was certain. Julia may have chosen to stay in this world over her own, and might consider it a mistake, but, Emily was grateful she'd made her choice. In a matter of hours, her life was about to change for the better. And those hours couldn't come fast enough.

…

Excited wasn't even the beginning of how she felt after the matter. She never expected her life to take this turn the way it had. Emily sucked in a breath when her eyes met Leonard's. She knew what this meant for him, what it meant for both of them. It was hard to believe that six years ago, she was still struggling to find her place in the world.

"You know, I never once thought I'd be the one passing off the document," Jim remarked as he turned to face the two of them, bearing the widest grin Emily had ever seen.

"Tell me about it," Leonard rolled his eyes.

"Relax, Leonard," Emily almost snorted with laughter when she caught the look in his eyes. Jim may have treated their whole relationship like the immature Captain he normally was, but, he was still their best friend. Emily couldn't ask for a better friend, or brother-not-by-blood. "It actually feels right to have Jim here, as sappy as it sounds."

"Awe, I knew you loved me, Em," Jim replied with a cheeky grin. "Alright, so, I'm assuming you know the drill, Bones," he added after pulling up the document on said data PADD.

The scowl that followed was priceless. Emily almost smirked when she realized what Jim was implying.

"Dammit Jim, I told you not to bring that up," Leonard grumbled as he grabbed hold of the data PADD.

Jim's smirk only widened further than Emily thought possible. She knew when Jim was just trying to get under his skin, and this was no different.

"Alright, enough fooling around," Jim held his hands up in mock defense. The moment they signed the document was when it felt as if a weight had been lifted off Emily's shoulders. "Congratulations, Doctor Leonard and Emily McCoy."

Emily couldn't hide the grin that followed as she locked eyes with Leonard. Seeing the look of pride that followed was almost too good. That was when Leonard grabbed her back with one arm and held her with his other arm. Her look of amusement and triumph never faded as he captured her lips with his.

"You're a McCoy, now."

That was enough to make her legs feel like jello. Emily realized just how significant that was, and she couldn't ask the moment to be any different. All the hell they'd been through together in the last five years led up to this moment.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," she assured him with equal cheekiness, ignoring the coy look Jim was giving them.

She would have forgotten he was there if it wasn't for the fact that he'd let out a tiny cough.

"Now that that's all said and done, I think the least we could do is have some kind of party," he pointed out.

Emily exchanged one look with Leonard, already aware of where this was headed. They never planned on having any parties or making it a big deal. But, seeing the puppy-dog look Jim was giving them made her realize just how much this meant to him.

"What do you think?" she asked knowingly.

Leonard merely rose an eyebrow before glancing at Jim, who was practically leaning forward in his seat.

"I suppose a party wouldn't be a bad idea," he admitted.

"Great, because I've already got the perfect place in mind," Jim clasped his hands together, smirking in amusement as he caught the scowl that followed. "You and Em deserve the rest of the night off. Just don't go crazy."

"Ass," Emily muttered under her breath as they were practically shoved out of his room.

She had a feeling they were going to regret letting Jim throw a party for them.

AN: I really am having too much fun writing these... and adding a little for King and Country flare to the mix. Yes, I do love them. Got to see them four times in concert, and their acts never get old :) Even got to see Joel up close and personal once, and he was as much of an Australian gentleman as they get XD Anywho, I certainly hope this chapter lived up to readers' expectations, and, if not, than I'm fine with that too. I'm just writing this story for the fun of it. Also, I'm not quite sure if I got their title right... seeing as Bones is a doctor and Emily's not O.O Hopefully I did.

Howling2themoon - Yep, he is indeed :) And thanks, I'm glad you liked it so much!

MidnightPenguin - Lol, it wasn't necessarily a full chapter, but hopefully it lived up to your expectations. I might or might not have to write a one-shot revolving around a full-on ceremony just for them. As for a baby being on the way, that is definitely in the makings ;) Though, not anytime soon XD