Hi!

Here's the next installment, it didn't turn out as pretty as I wanted but hey, we're following up Bones in boxers so everything else gets a little faded... sorry kids!

Disclaimer: If I owned Star Trek, do you think I'd be too lazy to walk down the other end of my house to get food? Hell no. I'd pay someone to get it for me, or fund someone to make me a robot slave that looked strangely like Chris Pine. Karl Urban-bot would be my pool boy.
I do own Charlie, Heradee, Neil, Rodney, Lucy and Heather.
The chapter title is taken from the song of the same name by Him. Yes, it's a Chris Issak cover but this version is a million times better, imo. Enjoy!

Here we go again!

Charlie returned to the girl's dorm block the next day and dropped her things on the ground, stumbling across her messy side of the room to look for a jacket between classes. The sky around the Academy was a dark grey and looked to be getting darker by the minute, the waves from the beach that could be seen from a distance; grey and lapping angrily at the shore – a storm was brewing and that was never good. Besides, if there was one thing that Charlie Houston hated, it was a storm. Heradee's things were on her bed and they caught Charlie's eye, which meant that her friend was around the place somewhere.

So far she'd been avoiding Bones like the plague if not for anything else than to avoid that steely harsh look in his normally soft hazel eyes, but the downside of that meant that she was, in essence, avoiding her other friends too. She sighed and pulled a jacket from its hanger, hunting for a scarf – unknowingly, she had let Lucy win. Not only did the bitch get a chance to break Charlie's wrist but now she and Bones were... well, she was avoiding him, she didn't know how he felt but it couldn't have been good, Lucy had won. Again. That thought killed her more than anything else.

A familiar smell caught her nose as she left the dorm and instead of heading out of the building she turned and headed back towards the kitchen, only partly surprised to see Heradee there surrounded by another load of ingredients.

"Muffins two days in a row, Hera? Dude, even Martha Stewart had her limits." She joked, seeing Heradee mixing ingredients, her friend looked up to her with a look that Charlie couldn't quite place. Fear? Guilt? She looked ill and idly, Charlie wondered how much of the sweet batter she'd eaten herself.

"These aren't for me. They're for you, Charlie. I did something bad." Yup, that was guilt. Charlie felt her stomach twist and racked her brains to try and pre-empt what could be said – was it something to do with Paul? What did that have to do with Charlie?

"Okay. What did you do?" Her voice came out even and slow, only a pitch higher than when she was threatening someone. And yup, there was that fear. Her bag dropped to her side and she folded her arms over her chest as, oh great, the first few lashings of rain started outside.
No good could come from this.

"I went to take Bones his muffins this morning and we got talking, okay? He's a tricky bastard! And he told me that he was going to call in your favour and but I had to help... he lay the guilt trip on me! He's very conniving! And he made me, I don't know how, but he did... I told him." Heradee was talking so fast that it was hard for Charlie to grasp a word, still confused when she thought that she'd heard everything.

"Told him wha – oh. About yesterday." Her voice was flat and her legs felt numb, though she didn't want to sit. Her feet were planted firmly to the ground and movement may stir up other tendencies that she didn't want surfacing right now.

"I'm so sorry. He made me!" Heradee cried to the sound of Charlie's groaning – great. He knew for sure? Although he had as much right to be mad at his sorry excuse for a girlfriend, somehow they all knew that this would be blamed more towards Charlie. Great.

"Damn it Hera! First rule of fight club – don't freaking talk about it! Especially to the guy whose girlfriends' nose I kicked in the day before!"

"You don't understand! He has powers!"

"He's a doctor, not a magician!"

"He was in his underwear! That body leaves a girl slightly jelly-like at the knees, Charlie! I'm weak – did you know that he's a boxer boy?" Another rushed sentence and this time Charlie quirked an eyebrow.

"He was in his underwear?"

"I woke him up." Heradee was chewing her lip so hard that it looked like she was going to rip a hole through it, Charlie let out a deep breath that she hadn't realised she'd been holding. Okay, Bones knew what really happened. So what? So did 50 other Cadets who were there. And Lucy had broken her wrist first; Charlie had acted purely in defence. There was nothing wrong with that.

Then why was there a pit in her stomach the size of Neptune?

"How was he?"

"Surprisingly cool. Like it was what he'd been expecting? I don't know. You haven't seen him today?"

"No – I've been busy. I've got to go, I'm late for class. You don't need to make me muffins Hera; I would have done the same thing if I was in your place." She smiled, not sure if that was true – Bones knew that Heradee was the one who would crumble first and damn him, he'd gotten to her. Next time anything else went down the girl was being babysat by Gaila, Uhura or herself. Babysat and gagged.

"I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to be sorry for! Seriously hon, relax. I'll see you tonight, okay?" She replied with a forced smile, sliding her bag over her shoulder again and ducking out the back way to get to her class, feeling cold rain splashing at her bare legs. Great. There was definitely a storm brewing now.

****

"Wait, let me get this straight. Charlie and Gaila run an underground boxing ring; Charlie and Lucy jumped in, turned off the safety, proceeded to break each other and then lied about it?" Jim asked incredulously, his voice was tinged with pride.

"Yup."

"That would have been so fucking hot!" He burst out with a grin which faded as soon as Bones glared viciously at him, "I mean, that is extremely irresponsible."

"I don't give a damn about that, I give a damn that somehow, Charlie's wrist got broken and apparently she kicked Lucy in the face! What the hell is up with that?" Out of all of the things that he could have asked Heradee to help out with when it came to Charlie, getting her to reveal her roommates shady underground fight club wasn't one of them. But, as had been painfully obvious at dinner the night previous, she was the weakest link of the four, would clearly be in the know and was indebted to him for curing her hangover. It was a perfect fit.

"You know that they don't like each other. At least they weren't in the firing range - that would be difficult to explain. Wonder who won?"

"Charlie did. Apparently she and Gaila bankroll from this thing."

"I wonder if I can get in on the betting." Jim mused and McCoy resisted the urge to trip him up as they walked. His blood hadn't stopped boiling since the inkling that something shady was happening had started and now that he had confirmation, he wanted to kill her. Well, not kill, but maim. Just enough to knock her pretty little ego and devious business dealings down a little. Of course though, his best intentions always got screwed because his smarts and his sense, as well as his plans and bravado always faltered a little at her presence whether he knew it or not. He knew it, just didn't acknowledge it.

"So you're pissed because she hit your girlfriend?" Jim questioned, seeing the fury burning under his friend still as rain washed around them and the undercover walks became more crowded by the minute.

"I'm pissed because she hit Lucy and then lied about it to my face!"

"Are you pissed at Lucy?"

"When did you take diplomacy, Jim?" He snapped in reply, a scowl etched above his eyebrows. There was no use, he had barely slept and now with this burning white hot through his veins he was a time bomb - more so than usual. Jim didn't look phased and merely laughed at his friends' turmoil, letting out a whistle as they passed a female Cadet who smiled winningly back at the blonde.

"I'm just saying – Tex had her wrist broken too, you know. Besides, two girls slugging it out over you? My man, you might just be king of the world right about now. Ooh, gotta go!" He added when the girl looked back over her shoulder with a flirtatious wink.

****

"Lucy? Can I talk to you for a moment?" Bones asked, she was at the same workstation that he'd left her at last night and if it wasn't for her change in hairstyle, he would have wondered if she'd left at all. She cast him a happy smile and nodded, dropping her PADD onto the table with a kiss.

"Of course. What's up? You look tired. Did you have breakfast? You get angry when you haven't had breakfast." She told him, reaching out to smooth his hair, he ducked her hand.

"I'm fine. Did you and Charlie kick the crap out of each other yesterday?" He asked pointedly and her face clouded, her jaw set and although he wanted to hear her say it, wanted to hear at least one goddamn admission from either of the women intent on destroying him, that was all he needed.

"She told? Should have known that wench would cave,"

"Hey!" He barked, not in the mood to put out spot fires but sure as hell not in the mood to hear her whine about his choice in friends, "Not a wench." A lot of other things, yes, but not from Lucy. Only from him was it acceptable.

"Fine. I'm surprised that she spilled, seeing as it's her game and all. But then again, it's no secret that she's jealous of you and I so I'm not surprised. Let me guess – she told you that I did something horrible?"

"Considering she came in with a broken wrist, I'd say you did."

"Did you see my nose? She broke it!" She shrilled and he stood, not in the mood.

"Whatever. Lie to me again and I'll let it heal naturally." He snapped as he stormed out, now on the hunt for the second piece of the puzzle. She was going to be harder to track down seeing as Charlie was apparently avoiding him – which she damn well should.

Apparently a master (mistress?) of disguise, he didn't get a chance to see her until dinner. He had waited by one of her classes but still managed to miss her, staked out the replicator that she used in between classes for coffee, even stopped by her dorm but only Heradee was there, babbling that Charlie knew that he knew. Aha, so she would have stepped up her game in avoiding him. Would she admit defeat long enough to break bread with her friends? Or would she blatantly shun them as to avoid him? Suddenly Bones wished that he'd taken tactical – the girl was a wiz in that class apparently and now he could see why.

She was late and he started to wonder if she was going to show at all when she dumped her tray down at the only spare seat at the table which was next to him. Purely by coincidence.

"Tex! Where have you been today?" Jim asked and she cracked a smile, loosening her scarf slightly.

"In the labs. I've got assignments due Kirk, as do you."

"I got a whole lot done today," He grinned slyly and she held up her fork as he went to continue.

"Stop there – I already got the 'am I going to see him again?' from Heather. Seriously Jim, she's a bunny boiler."

"Heather Restirre? Ouch," Uhura murmured as a Lieutenant walked past with a bandage across her nose and one on her cheek, Bones nudged Charlie in the side lightly.

"Is that you're doing too?" He asked innocently, his voice quiet but he hit his mark at seeing her cheeks pink visibly and she speared something on her plate.

"Fine. Out with it. Come on Bones, we all know that you're going to blame me so – go. Do your worst." Her voice was low and she turned to face him, waiting for the strike she knew he'd take.

"You need a check up on your wrist. And you lied to me." Was that what he was really mad about? He didn't know. Technically, it should be because she hit Lucy, shouldn't it? "And you hit my girlfriend. Lucy." He added, seeing her eyes flare as she snapped something back at him, he didn't hear. Even when she was mad, it made him smile. And he didn't know why – he was dating Lucy and he was happy (wasn't he?) but as Charlie argued with him over what he couldn't remember, he had to fight to keep from grinning like a fool. Maybe it was because her eyes looked grey like the thunderstorms that used to roll over the Georgia sky without warning, her eyes normally a bright blue that stood out clouding to a serious and lethal silver when she was mad. Which she apparently was now.

"Don't humour me McCoy. Come on, out with it. Blame me for something you clearly know nothing about and then tell me I need a fucking check up? What are you playing at?"

"Don't flatter yourself Princess. I didn't get a chance to book it in when you came in for your apparent fall, I was a little busy repairing you and pulling Lucy's nose back into place!"

"Then she shouldn't stick it where it doesn't belong!"

"Where would that be exactly?" Jim interrupted to me met with the darkest glares possible form his friends. Laughing to himself he sat back and watched the two bicker in front of him, their voices staying low but he could see the fire in each of their eyes and it made him smile – his two best friends in the world, the two most fearless people that he knew and the two most headstrong, the two most kind and caring (although neither would ever admit it) and they were in love, a crazy, fiery love that Jim had never witnessed before but was seeing it unfold before his eyes with them. The only catch? Neither had any clue whatsoever.

"How dare you? You automatically think that I landed the first hit? Did you even ask your perfect little girlfriend?"

"I know you and I know her. This has nothing to do with her other than the fact that you decided to play Rambo on someone else, regardless of whom, without the fucking safety! What the hell were you thinking?" He snapped, purposely trying to keep his voice low so that no one else could hear their argument – he could feel eyes boring into him, most likely Lucy's. Right now, or ever, he didn't care. Her silence after his question got him a minor victory which he relished, they were rare when it came to arguing with her and as her cheeks flushed with fury, he continued his tirade.

"Damn it Charlie, stop doing things half cocked!" He exploded and she grinned at his choice of words, not daring to make a comment. He was holding that fork pretty damn tightly and more than likely knew at least three ways to render her useless with it within a mere moment.

"It's just a bunch of Cadets letting off some steam. With some cash. The safety is always on."

"Except for when you jump in."

"I've fought twice. This was the first without safety."

"Apologise."

"To her? You're out of your damn mind."

"To me."

"Not until you apologise to me!" She was tired. Tired of dealing with him and that hag, tired of fighting her cool when he was in close proximity, sick and tired of it all. She dropped her fork onto her tray with a crash and stood although he was still barking at her for something, glaring at him as she stomped off. Bones glared back at his plate and ignored the stares that he could feel from his friends before doing exactly as she had, stomping off in the opposite direction and cursing under his breath all the while.

"Dinner and a show," Jim joked to the rest of their table who all grinned at the two having left. There was never a dull moment.

****

It was the day after Charlie and Bones had stormed away from dinner and so far, the day had been spent cursing the other's name. Fury, unabashed and untamed flew between the two though it really had no right to. It was late in the afternoon in the combat training room and another meet of fight club was breaking out, Charlie surveyed the scene around and wheedled one of the Security Cadets to make sure that the class in the next room had been dismissed. First years were only welcome on special recommendation - they tended to break a lot easier.

Two figures caught her eye and she was shocked to see Bones and Jim wander in, McCoy's arms crossed over his chest as he surveyed the scene around him. The ring was forming and shge offered the two a smile as Gaila took the bets, the two Cadet fighters warming up.

"Nice of you to join us. A formal introduction gentlemen – this establishment here is a time honoured tradition within Star Fleet." She smiled, attempting to bury the hatchet somewhat.

"Bets closing!" Gaila's voice rang through the air, clear and crisp like a bell as Jim leaned back, muttering something to her, golden eyes rolling.

"Cash only, no friend bets and trust me Jim, you wouldn't have the energy to keep up."

"Burn." Charlie laughed, stealing a glance at Bones who happened to be stealing one right back. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips and she didn't try to fight it, the referee calling a start. She watched with a calculated eye both the fight and the crowd, jumping within her skin when a voice leaned down into her ear.

"You suck at apologies." His lips brushed the shell of her ear and it made her entire body flush with colour, fervently praying that he hadn't noticed. But he was talking to her, which was something, wasn't it?

Now a smile played at his lips and she didn't give him a chance to say anything, leaning against his torso and wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. He allowed her and held her tightly right back, she took a moment to feel his steady pulse, breathe in his smell and relish the feel of his cheek resting on the top of her head. However, when the fight in front of them started to get a little too overzealous, she pulled away and glared at a couple of Cadets from security who pulled the fighters apart.

"Get them out of here!" She barked and Gaila shoved one of the fighters in the shoulder, ripping his helmet off.

"Rule number two of fight club – it does not get personal!" She crowed and next to her, Charlie felt both Jim and Bones eye her pointedly.

"Don't flatter yourselves, boys. Besides, it's my place and I'll do whatever the hell I want." She smiled, not looking to either. The next fight was called and the bets taken, Jim wandered over to place his and Charlie felt two arms rest on her shoulders from behind, leaning back against the strong body that she knew would keep her safe and comfortable. Loosely, his arms wrapped around his neck and his chin dropped onto the top of her head again, both sighed at the close proximity.

"You suck at apologies too, you know." She taunted, knowing without seeing that he was smiling and when he spoke, his voice sounded comfortable; content.

"Call it even?"

"Chalk it up to another one."

The next day, he broke up with Lucy.

Author's Note:

The biggest thank you's ever to: Trekky17, -Halceeon-, FuzzyDeath, J-Awesomeness, RachyDoodle, NaomiBlue, Hidden Relevance, Yayyou, LunarEclispe, Vulcanvamp for their amazing reviews. Seriously, I know I say it a lot, but you guys really are legends. Aww.

Also to Trekky17, FuzzyDeath, J-Awesomeness and RachyDoodle for their PM's when I'm buzzing on Diet Coke and can't sleep. Which is also why I'm posting this at 6am.

Lifehouse sing about broken wieners. Jason Wade, you fithy man!

Also, there is some real randomness coming up... will it be with Charlie and Bones though? Will it be in this story? Hmm...

Reviewers get oodles of non- creepy love! :)

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