Chapter 9: Mind Melds Work

Summary:

After Spock's mind-meld with Valerie, Leonard and Valerie are both relieved at the results and ready to celebrate.

When Spock suddenly stepped back from where he'd been bent over the medical bed where Valerie lay, both he and she let out a gasp.

"It… it is done," Spock said, the exhaustion of the process hitting him hard.

McCoy took the few steps closer to Valerie and instinctively took her hand in his. "Darlin'—you are you feeling?"

Valerie blinked a few times, then looked down at where her and Leonard's hands were linked, then up to him and smiled. "If power ever goes down and the lights go out, I know who I want holding my hand, Leonard McCoy."

His face broke out in a wide grin. She was recalling one of their first conversations, when he'd brought her lab results to engineering. "You—you remember?"

She nodded, a tear rolling down her cheek.

"Everything?" he asked as his other hand went to her cheek to wipe away the tear.

"Everything," she whispered.

Sickbay or not, he let go of protocol and leaned down to give her a quick, chaste kiss. When they stopped, he rested his forehead against hers a moment as he caught his breath. Then he stood straight and looked at Spock, tears threatening at the corner of his eyes. "I'll never be able to thank you enough, Spock."

Spoke seemed to clear his mind at that moment and turned to McCoy, nodding. "Thanks are not needed, Doctor McCoy. I am glad that the endeavor was successful and Lieutenant Maynard's memories have returned." He paused a moment, then looked between Valerie and Leonard. "I know that if Nyota was ever in need of medical assistance, you would do whatever was within your power to aid her, Doctor. I only wished to do the same."

McCoy was speechless

Valerie sat up and turned, letting her legs hang off the edge of the bed. She gave Spock a knowing look. "I have a feeling I don't need to tell you how grateful I am, Commander."

Spock glanced between Valerie and Leonard a moment, then back to Valerie. "No, Lieutenant. I believe I understand. I must go now, I should complete my shift on the bridge. And Nyota insisted I let her know as soon as possible if my attempts were successful."

McCoy caught him before he could go. "I can give you medical leave the rest of the day if needed, Spock. I'd say it's well deserved, and I'm sure that mind meld takes a lot out of you."

Spock took a moment to assess his own mental state. Being engulfed by the memories and emotions of Lt. Maynard had been rather overwhelming, particularly the last moments in which he very clearly felt and saw her care for the Doctor.

"I believe I will accept your offer, Doctor."

Bones seemed particularly surprised that Spock had accepted. "Alright, I'll write it up."

"Before my medical leave begins, might I also offer to provide you with two days leave. I believe you and Lt. Maynard have much to discuss—and experience—together now that her memories have returned."

Bones smiled sincerely. "Spock—I don't know what to say."

"A simple yes or no would suffice."

Valerie rolled her eyes and slipped down off the bed to come stand by the doctor and look up at him expectantly.

"Val will still need a few more days to ensure she's ready to return to duty. I don't see how it could hurt to be able to spend that time with her—for observational purposes, of course."

Spock's eyebrow went up and an ever so tiny, almost imperceptible, smile edged at the corner of his lip. "Of course. I'll see to it the order is put through. Thank you… Leonard."

"And thank you, Spock."

"Lieutenant Maynard, I will be sure Lt. Uhura knows of your well being."

"Please tell her I'll let her know when she can come by and visit."

He nodded, the turned and walked out, Valerie looked up to see Bones having been left speechless. "I never thought I'd see the day where you two are getting along so well."

"I was so happy when you told me you remembered everything, I could have kissed him."

Valerie smirked. "Nyota might get jealous. How about you save those for me, hmm?"

Bones waggled his eyebrows. "That's a deal, darlin'." He turned and pulled her into his arms. "Now, how's that head feeling with all those memories returned?"

"I feel… whole… again."

"And how about this?" he asked, squeezing her. "How do the past few days of us connect to the past five weeks of us for you?"

"I told you, Leonard. Somehow, someway, the way I feel for you stayed despite all the memory loss. I think I fell a tiny bit for you all the way back on that cadet shuttle. You and your cranky, grumpy, ways. Now—everything just falls into place. I'm glad new me was bold enough to say and do what old me was a little too shy to do."

"I can't believe you had your eye on me through Academy."

She gave him mischievous grin. "I did. What can I say—your dashing good looks and southern charm lured me in."

He puffed up playfully. "Yes, well—it is hard to resist."

She swatted him on the shoulder. "Why don't you finish up here and put Spock's medical leave through. I'll meet you back at my quarters in an hour?"

"Sounds wonderful, darlin'. See you then."

Bones couldn't help but smile as he watched Valerie leave sickbay. It was amazing how much more confident she seemed now that she had those memories back. And he couldn't believe he was lucky enough to have found her and have her in his life.