Sickbay

"Again! harder! Again, again!" Spock asked. His voice was raw from the continuous demands.

Spock was breathing heavily. He was slowly coming around.

McCoy continued to strike him, his hands were beginning to go numb.

"Nurse Chapel please contact Dr. M'Benga, I do believe I saw him in the mess hall. Tell him Spock is coming around. I'd rather not page him over the intercom. It's best no one knows Spock's condition."

"Of course, Doctor McCoy. I'll be back as soon as I can." She was about to leave when she felt such concern for the alien lying there in the bio-bed.

McCoy noticed the look right away.

"He should be out of his trance soon Christine, now please, hurry."

"I will." the nurse answered and left sickbay moments later.

Dr. McCoy continued striking Spock repeatedly. Minutes later Dr. M'Benga entered sickbay and took over.

Spock began to pant, trying to catch his breath. His breathing became less labored as he calmed his mind. He finally awoke from his slumber, fully cognizant.

"That will be quite sufficient." said Spock grabbing Dr.M'Benga's hand in mid-strike.

"Well it's about bloody time you woke up. I thought sleeping beauty was going to be needin' a kiss soon and it wasn't gonna be from me."

"I regret I have been deliquent in my duties and for whatever reason I am in sickbay it has passed. I shall now return to the bridge and continue my work."

"Now hold on a minute. Aren't you gonna ask us why you were here in the first place. It usually takes a lot to make a Vulcan collapse in his quarters."

Spock stopped in his tracks, McCoy was blocking his exit.

"We need to talk Spock and it ain't gonna be pretty."

"I do not understand." Spock said as he questioned McCoy's statement.

"That's why I'm here to explain it to you. If there is something I have no clue about we have Dr. M'Benga to relay the information.

First up your relationship with Jim."

"My relationship with the captain is professional. I do not know what answers you seek. We are what you humans would describe us as good friends nothing more."

"Is it now? Are you beginning to experience a slight pressure around your temples. Like a headache is coming on."

"Why Doctor McCoy, I did not realize you had psychic abilities."

"I don't. I'll bet though that right at this moment thoug the captain is experiencing a headache as well."

"Why would you think that the captain should experience the same migraine that I am experiencing?"

"Because my Vulcan friend you and Jim are bonded."

"That is not possible. If such a link existed I would certainly know about it. The captain and I have not engaged in any extra curricular activities."

"You meaning you haven't had sex right?"

"Yes, that is correct. The captain has not shown any sexual advances towards me. Why would you assume otherwise."

"There must be something that stands out. Jim usually lets people know when he's interested."

"I believe that is correct. Since he has not shown any interest towards me your questioning is irrelevant."

"Now hold on, just because he hasn't jumped your bones in the turbolift or play footsies under the table does not mean he doesn't care."

"Explain."

"First do you need anything for the headache?"

"It is manageable for the moment. I would appreciate though the knowledge you seem to think you have about our relationship."

"Spock they're plenty instances that I've witnessed between the two of you. Don't you both love to play chess together, how about breakfast in the mess hall. There is also the invading of your personal space, the way he comes up close to you when he speaks. So close that you can feel his breath upon your neck. The way he purposely brushes against you but feigns innocence,, excusing himself pretending that it was an accident when he knows perfectly well what he is trying to do. When he leaves your presence all you have left is the last notes of his cologne. Am I going overboard here? Stop me if I'm wrong."

Spock stood his ground but he could not speak. What the doctor had said had some merit.

"You seem to believe what you say. The captain though has always enjoyed the company of women. Why would he be interested in myself?"

"Because he's in love with you. The bond I talked about isn't completely formed. I truly believe he wants to complete his task. Now the rest is up to you Spock."

Spock needed to see Jim.

"I shall leave you Dr. McCoy, I will speak with the captain and get the answers I seek."

"Good luck Spock. Be gentle with him, he has been through a lot lately. Try parking your logic in neutral when you do speak with him. I believe he'd appreciate it."

"Thank you doctor."

Spock left sickbay to see his friend.