"He needs plenty of rest. Make sure he gets it...I don't want him sneaking off to the bridge or something.", utters the physician in his usual grouchy tone.

It had been days since the accident, and his subsequent surgery, and the Vulcan is at last released from the clutches of the Medbay. Despite McCoy's trust in Uhura's ability to tend to and keep a vigil eye on the still-recovering Spock, the doctor will pay visitations to his friend to check on his progress. For the time being, though, there is only the patient and the Lieutenant, the former with cane in hand and assisted by the latter as he limps through the open doorway of his quarters.

"He really does care about you, you know.", she speaks as the pair approach the lounge.

"Yes. Contrary to his rather unique demeanor, I realise that the doctor means well.".

With her help, and that of the cane, he carefully seats himself upon the inviting furniture. She gracefully takes the staff from his hand, bringing it to a rest against the armrest, and holds his palm in hers as she places herself at his side.

"Do you need anything?".

"Not at the moment, thank you, Nyota. I would merely like to sit for a while.".

For a moment, her eyes gaze into his, almost studying him, forever grateful that he is alive. Then, her hand lets go and her slender arms bind themselves around him, careful to not aggravate his healing back. A tender kiss, and her head settles upon his collar, while his hand rests at her waist.

"I thought I was going to lose you...", her voice trembles as she speaks.

"I am still here, alive, with you.".

"But you nearly died, Spock...technically, you were dead. I saw you in cardiac arrest.".

"And yet, the attending physicians were successful in reviving me.".

"What if...", with a dampening of her eye, her voice quivers more as she continues, "something like that happened again...and they couldn't save you? I'm scared of losing you...".

"And I, you, Nyota. As the ship's First Officer, I am obligated to maintain the safety of the crew. I could not jeopardise the lives of those on board by allowing a potentially dangerous object to be brought aboard the ship. Least of all, your life. Please, Nyota", he lovingly caresses her dark hair with his fingertips, "do not allow such thoughts to plague your mind. What matters is that you are safe, and we are here...together.".

Her worried thoughts quelled, her head moves from its position for a moment, with another gift of an affectionate kiss, along with a smile in reassurance that she is indeed safe. As is he. She places a gentle palm upon his cheek, content in the knowledge that he is here, with her. Safe.

"Admittedly, I had been yearning for an embrace such as this since returning to the ship. It offers great comfort.", his is a soft voice in the utterance of the words.

"So have I.". Their lips join again, and her head returns to its previous position at his collar.

Together, they remain in this state for several minutes, one and the other offering warmth and love and security. A sudden twinge of pain, and he lets out a slight cough with an uneasy breath. Hastily, her head moves again, her eyes scanning him as if they were a medical tricorder. A petite hand touches his face once more, and she speaks with mild concern in her voice.

"Are you in any pain?".

"Mildly, yes. It is...apparent that my lungs, much like my spine, are still in need of healing.".

"We'll stop talking, okay? So you can take it easy. Besides, I just really want to snuggle right now.". After an additional kiss, her face now rests upon his chest.

"That is...quite favourable.".

"I'm glad you're going to be alright, Spock.".

As am I, Nyota.

THE END