The end is near people. Thank you…Thank you…Thank you…no reviews don't control how soon I update but they sure do feel good. You make my day. This one is a little shorter. Love and blessings.

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Chapter 10 – Changing of the Guard

McCoy hurried from the scene; hoping that no one was aware of his presence. He was scared, disappointed, and more than a little pissed off. There had to be a perfectly logical reason that his girlfriend was embracing and kissing her ex. Now he sounded like a damn Vulcan discussing logic. McCoy was walking through the doors of the bar when he felt a firm hand pull him back into the night air. He turned to face his attacker and a rage that McCoy had never felt filled him to the core. He rushed Spock; half expecting to at least catch him off guard and knock him down. Instead McCoy landed on the sidewalk after hitting the beam supporting the awning of the bar.

"Shit." McCoy exclaimed. His ears were still ringing when Spock extended a hand to help him up off the ground. "Get lost. What you want to tell me my services are no longer needed."

"I do not know of these services you speak."

"Enough already Spock; I'm not a toy and neither is Nyota." McCoy was fuming. "If I was capable of kicking your half Vulcan ass I would!"

Spock appeared bewildered looking between his backside and McCoy's red face. "I believe that you are referring to the probability of your physical ability to render me unconscious."

"Damn skippy punk." McCoy had recovered his faculties and headed for the door of the bar.

"Dr. McCoy I just need a moment." Spock's voice had changed; it possessed a pleading nature that was not the norm for someone who practiced control over the emotions.

Unable to walk away, McCoy turned to face Spock, "The name is Leonard."

A noticeable weight lifted from Spock, "I know that you saw me with Nyota earlier this evening. We were saying goodbye."

"Some goodbye. You, asked me to watch over her. Do you know what she was like those first few months? Nyota was a shell of her former self. Afraid. Unsure."

"I am aware; I felt her pain for some time. I even felt the love for you as it began to blossom."

This caught McCoy off guard, "Pardon me?"

"Nyota thanked me tonight for leaving. We will always share a special bond of friendship. However doctor, the lady's heart belongs to you."

Still stunned, McCoy tried to continue, "What are you saying?"

"What is the phrase, the best man won?" Spock extended a hand in congratulations.

The doctor loosely shook his hand still in a state of confusion.

"Leonard, I would like to request that this overindulgence in alcohol end. I understand your enjoyment of libations, but this can be done in moderation. I am concerned that it may cause a problem in days to come."

"Nyota taught me to meditate. She believes that I can learn to relax by other means that don't involve drinking."

"Yes, she did inform me of those lessons." Spock paused before finishing, "Doctor you are not afraid to love Nyota, fear of my human emotions prevents me from dedicating myself to her in the manner that is necessary. I need to know that her life, heart, and spirit are in good hands."

"I will honor your request. Nyota brought me from the brink of disaster, for the second time in my life I've found unconditional love. I saw the eyebrow; the first time was my daughter."

The two men stood regarding each other in silence.

"If you will excuse me doctor, I must return to my father."

"Spock, thank you. One day I hope you find the woman that demolishes the wall to your heart. You will never turn away from it when you find it."

With a nod, Spock turned and walked off into the distance. McCoy stood looking at the door to the bar, shrugged and strolled away in the other direction.

When the rain started, McCoy didn't mind. He was on a mission, headed for the woman who had stolen his heart. Yes, he'd over reacted earlier but thankfully an angel intervened and stopped him from ruining what he really wanted. Nyota had facilitated a reunion with his daughter and denied the smartest man in their universe for him. A Mississippi boy turned Starfleet Chief Medical Officer.

Damn, life was good!