Hardly feeling his legs anymore, McCoy was dragging his exhausted body through the corridors towards his quarters. It had only been a week, but the evening cuddled up in bed with Hope, basking in memories and their love, seemed like a lifetime ago.
He remembered lying awake in the small hours of the next morning, unable to go back to sleep after having woken from yet another nightmare of Hope falling down crevices and worse. Still rattled by the events of the previous day, all he'd really wanted was to feel her warm and very alive body, peacefully asleep, nestled against him. It hadn't been the first time, he'd come this close to losing her. And it very probably wouldn't be the last. But he was certainly never going to get used to the feeling.
He wouldn't have minded staying in bed forever, just holding her and keeping her from each and every harm, but of course, that was never going to happen. Instead, just like the dutiful officers they were, they'd got up in time for their shifts, and had helped pick up the pieces after the Trian earthquake debacle.
Fortunately, Trias hadn't had to report many casualties, so the Trians had politely declined Kirk's offer of additional medical support. They had, however, gratefully accepted the Enterprise's geologists' help, appreciating their vast experience and access to the Federation's knowledge banks regarding earthquakes. And, of course, the negotiations had to continue as well.
Kirk and McCoy had had a heart to heart over breakfast, Kirk's refusal to go after Hope still hanging between them. But, as always, they'd quickly made up, both apologising and accepting the other's apology in return. It was how their friendship worked. They didn't need many words. With the Andorian ambassador already aboard, and the Tellarite ambassador still on the planet, McCoy acknowledged that Kirk hadn't really had a choice, and that the decision had been hard on the captain, too, whereas Kirk admitted he'd been sure that the doctor would never leave Hope behind, and had, in fact, counted on him disobeying his orders and going after her anyway.
Besides, Kirk always cut Bones some slack regarding the way he talked to his captain. Or any superior for that matter. And frankly, he wouldn't even want the doctor to hold back. His friend's unfiltered words had often proved invaluable input, and the captain had come to rely on McCoy to speak his mind. Whether or not to follow the doctor's advice, remained Kirk's decision, after all.
As peacefully as the morning had started for McCoy, the respite from his fretting had been very brief, indeed, as by the end of the day, the doctor had had a sickbay full of security officers fighting for their lives after saving one careless ambassador from his own folly and getting themselves severely poisoned in the process.
Damn ambassadors!
Apparently, this idiot had been intent on getting a good look at the dinosaurs, and found a way to deactivate part of the forcefield. Finding himself attacked right after setting foot, or rather hoof, on the other side, the security detail had had no choice but to go after him and save his hide. Regrettably, while able to drive away the assaulting beasts, they'd got themselves stung by some symbiotic insects that turned out to be highly toxic for humans hours later, after they'd already returned to the Enterprise.
Even with the Trians' support, who'd instantly supplied all the information they had on the insects in question, it had taken McCoy almost two days to find an effective antidote. Two days of continuous lab work, while at the same time doing everything to keep the wide range of symptoms at bay. And not just rashes or itches, either, but severe symptoms like sudden heart or lung failure or temporary blindness.
With all this going on, the doctor hadn't left sickbay for a minute those first two days and nights, and even when everybody had been given the antidote, he hadn't really dared to leave his patients alone for long. In sum, McCoy had spent exactly half a night in his quarters all week, and then he'd been far too anxious and exhausted for more than a little cuddle with Hope. Spending actual time with her seemed like a distant memory.
Not for lack of trying on her side, though, he was ashamed to admit. Having to attend the negotiations all day, she hadn't had a lot of time to spend in sickbay, like she normally most certainly would have. But she'd still tried to find time for a quick coffee in the evenings, at least. Every time she'd shown up, however, bearing gifts in the form of steaming coffee mugs, he'd found himself talking about nothing but his current medical issues. He knew, of course, how much she needed to talk about her day, share her experiences, too, but he'd simply not been able to really pay attention to any of her stories. Frankly, just seeing that she'd come back from Trias in one piece, had been all he'd needed to know.
Hope, unsurprisingly, had claimed she understood, letting him prattle on about his thoughts and theories, listening attentively to all his fears and problems. And he didn't doubt that she did. So far, she'd always been very understanding where his job was concerned. The only question was, for how much longer? Would she always put up with him being busy elsewhere for days, or weeks at a time? Or would she start turning to other people sooner or later? People – men – with time to spare, who were there for her? Like Chekov, for example? Maybe Jocelyn had been understanding, too, in the beginning. He honestly couldn't remember.
So, now, McCoy was standing outside his quarters with a guilty conscience and mixed feelings, both longing to finally be with Hope again, but at the same time fully expecting her to be in a huff with him. All his fears were allayed, of course, the moment he entered and she came flying into his arms, wrapping him in love and tender kisses. He really should have known.
Drawing back a little, Hope's eyes took on a concerned look.
"Oh, Leonard, you look exhausted!" she exclaimed, eyes glistening with compassion. "Come on, let me take care of you."
Taking him by the hand, she pulled him over to the bed, gently stripping him of his clothes along the way, made him lie down on his stomach, and started to massage his aching body.
"You've given your all this past week," she murmured softly, as her hands caressed his back and shoulders. "Now it's time to let go. No more decisions today, no more responsibilities. You just rest and let me take over."
She's definitely too good to be true, were his last coherent thoughts, before surrendering to her gentle hands and giving in to the blissful feeling of being pampered and cared for.
-x-x-x-x-x-
Jenny had expected a worn out and tired McCoy to come back to his quarters that night, and had already made preparations for a relaxed evening, wanting to make him comfortable and spoil him a little after the week he'd had. But when she saw how completely drained he looked, her heart went out to him.
Only this time, with the negotiations going on, unfortunately, she hadn't been around all that much. Christine, of course, always tried her best, too, taking as many responsibilities off the CMS's hands as she could. But with everything going on in sickbay during the past week, the nurse had probably hardly been able to look after herself, let alone the doctor.
At least she could be here for him now, Jenny thought, looking fondly at Leonard's familiar form, while her hands were trying to ease away the tension in his muscles. And she seemed to be doing a good job, judging from the little sighs and moans of pleasure her touches drew from him.
"I don't deserve you, love," he murmured sleepily, making her smile.
"No, you don't," she laughed affectionately, "you deserve much better."
At that, McCoy turned around, rolling over onto his back, to look at her, the unbridled love in his eyes nearly taking her breath away.
"You know, I came here with a guilty conscience, love," he smiled ruefully at her, "fully expecting you to be cross with me, or at least upset for having shamefully neglected you. But you gave me this prodigal-son-returns-home hug instead and said those magic words."
"What magic words?" Jenny chuckled, leaning down to press a gentle kiss on his lips.
"Let me take care of you," McCoy answered dreamily, his eyelids drooping, and was fast asleep moments later.
Jenny gazed at his beautiful face, so relaxed and serene in sleep now, overwhelmed, once again, by the depth of her love for him. He more than deserved to be taken care of, and she was grateful that he let her, given that he usually liked it the other way round.
He was such a wonderful man, so very caring and generous, no matter how hard he tried to hide it behind his affected surliness. And she felt a rush of immense happiness every time she was reminded of what a special place she held in this big heart of his.
