Title: Obsession

Chapter: 10

Rating: T

Author's Note:

Rebelwilla – I love The Pierces! But I'm not going to kill anyone… in this story at least. ;)

OfGloriousPlumage – I hope this will live up to your expectations.

To all others who read/review – THANK YOU! Reviews are my crack; thanks for feeding the addiction.

As always, this is a work of fan fiction. Written without profit or ownership of characters, this story was created for entertainment purposes only.

McCoy curled into a ball on the couch, clutching a blanket around his body more for comfort than warmth. He stared at the screen with dull interest as it flashed a paid advertisement for self-help seminars. Fuck, he groaned inwardly and pulled the blanket tighter. The thought of motivational speakers and toothy smiles gave him the beginnings of a migraine. But he didn't have the energy or drive to change the channel.

Behind him, the door slid open, allowing entrance to an unexpected guest. "Len, you didn't even lock the door?" Gaila walked up behind the couch to tousle McCoy's hair. She pulled back her hand and made a sound of disgust, "When was the last time you showered?"

The cocooned body shrugged.

Gaila grabbed at the blanket, yanking it off of the lazy lump. She held her nose dramatically and laughed, "Oh, doc, you stink!"

McCoy rolled over to face the girl. "What do you want from me?"

"I want you to stop feeling sorry for yourself." She unplugged her nose and immediately regretted the decision. "Shower first and brush your damn teeth."

McCoy groaned finding it difficult to move. Every muscle in his body resisted leaving position he had been in for days. He was emotionally and physically drained by the news of Kirk and Spock's rekindling.

(O)

Kirk had bounced into his apartment, announcing his relationship eagerly, "I knew he liked me; I knew it."

McCoy had stared at his friend in shock, not knowing how to react.

"He didn't even reprimand me about the test," Kirk smiled excitedly, "though I'm sure the administration won't overlook that I hacked the test. It was so great, Bones." The young cadet recalled the sentiments and caresses that passed between him and the commander. "You should be so happy for me. I owe all of this to you!"

"Happy," McCoy repeated in disbelief.

"Yeah," Kirk's face fell slightly, "What's up with you?"

McCoy shooed his friend away, "I suddenly feel a wave of nausea."

Kirk grimaced and took offense. "Sorry to bother you."

"I think you should go," McCoy led his friend through the door, shutting it quickly. Alone, McCoy closed his eyes and started to hyperventilate. Only allowing himself to lose control briefly, the doctor steadied his breathing. The couch was the only piece of furniture that looked inviting.

And that is where he remained for the past two weeks.

(O)

Gaila moved around to assist McCoy up from his make-shift bed. She offered a hand, unable to watch her friend struggle, "Up and at 'em, champ."

McCoy fell into her arms and buried his face in her wavy, red hair. "Gaila," his muffled whined tickled her throat.

With her arms wrapped around his waist, Gaila dragged the man toward the bathroom. Propping McCoy up in the shower stall, Gaila turned on the water.

The showerhead released a stream of warm water over McCoy. He leaned into the corner and slid onto the tile floor. His foot fell over the drain forcing water to pool around his legs. Fully clothed, the doctor hugged himself under the water.

Gaila dumped the contents of 3-in-1 shower soap onto her friend's head. The liquid glopped through McCoy's dark hair and onto his face. He looked so pathetic, sitting there pouty and depressed. Gaila kicked off her heels and stepped into the shower stall with him.

Stepping toward McCoy, Gaila felt the bulk of shower water soaking her hair and clothing. She knelt beside him and gave an encouraging smile, "Let's clean you up." Her hands moved through McCoy's hair, bringing the soap to a thick lather. She scrubbed his slack cheeks and neck, soaping up the rough beard that had begun. Holding his face in her hands, Gaila looked into his eyes. Through the steam she saw McCoy's eyes well up with sadness.

"Len," she said affectionately, "Don't cry."

Her words couldn't stop the rush of tears from coming. McCoy pulled the girl into him and sobbed. Soapy water flowed over them as the shower continued. "I hate him," he croaked.

Gaila rubbed his back in circles of comfort and support. "I know," she agreed.

After a proper shower, Gaila was able to coax McCoy into clean clothing and a shave. McCoy walked into the kitchen as a zombie. He sat at the dining table, hiding his reddened eyes under an over-sized hooded sweatshirt.

Gaila, who had been fixing a light dinner for them both, recognized the sweater immediately. "You were never supposed to fall in love with him."

"No love, got it," he grumbled from under the hood.

Sliding a plate of natural eggs and bacon in front of him, Gaila sighed. "You're going to get over it. One day, you'll wake up and it won't hurt anymore."

"Thanks," McCoy poked at the fresh meal with trepidation. "Are you sure this is safe?"

Gaila laughed, "They were in the ice box labeled 'From: Mom.'"

"Hmm," McCoy nodded remembering the package received earlier in the month. He didn't have much of an appetite.

Gaila watched her friend sulk. He had lost more weight this week, though the baggy clothing hid it well. The sound of utensils falling onto the plate startled her. McCoy pushed his chair back from the table.

Something in his eyes had changed. The hood cast a sinister shadow across his face. His face was stern, lips drawn into a thin line. Gaila felt he may cry again and was surprised to hear his voice so strong and angry.

"This is bullshit."

The woman frowned, understanding his outburst. "Do you want to talk to him?"

"Of course not," he huffed, stuffing his hands into the pouch-pocket of his shirt. "I want to kill him."

"Leonard!" Gaila gasped, shocked by the tone of McCoy's voice.

"You know I've kept my distance since the divorce. No men, no women. I never even entertained the idea of another relationship until…" McCoy exhaled audibly, "I trusted him… And he crawled back to that pointy-eared bastard."

Gaila sat across from her friend, "You know Jim, better than anyone. He wants to be young and screw around. He's going to fall in and out of love many times before he matures enough to feel a serious connection." She smiled sweetly, and spoke softly. "You can't hide in here forever."

"I won't," he announced. "But I can't confront him just yet. I just need time."

Gaila didn't want to encourage a fist fight between the two men and thereby agreed to give McCoy time. If McCoy wasn't ready to confront Kirk, Gaila would do it herself.