4 Months Later

"Cheers Jim." McCoy brought his glass up to Kirk's.

"Cheers." Kirk downed his drink and put down his glass smiling at his friend.

"What?" McCoy asked wearily, he never liked it when Jim had that look on his face.

"What? Nothing what?" Kirk held his hands up in innocence, McCoy was going to push further but thought better of it. After a while Kirk poured another measure for them both. "Did Spock mention we're coming up on Space Station Hinojos?" McCoy looked at him quizzically.

"When does Spock speak to me about anything Jim?"

"I don't know? I thought maybe he would have mentioned it in passing." Kirk looked up at the ceiling.

"Cut the bullshit Jim, why would Spock tell me about a damned Space Station?!" McCoy's eyebrow was arched in bafflement.

"The Federation want us to take part in ceremonial talks between the Edosians and the Caitians." Kirk replied.

"Why would Spock tell me about that…?" It dawned on McCoy what Kirk was inferring. "And you've asked Carla to head up the talks?" McCoy answered his own question. Kirk nodded his head.

"She's been cleared for duty Bones for a while now and you yourself suggested that active work would help in her recovery, I just know that you and her have become close and Spock thought…" McCoy's head snapped up.

"What did that pointy eared bastard think?!" McCoy interrupted.

"Bones." Kirk warned.

"No Jim, explain to me exactly what Commander Spock thought?" Kirk knew there was no way out now, he took a deep breath.

"We've all noticed it Bones, the connection between you two. You spend most evenings together and she always sits next to you in briefs."

"She sat next to me in briefs before Jim." It was a weak argument McCoy knew it, even as he uttered the words.

"It's understandable Bones, you both went through something very few other people could handle, plus you're a good match. She's surlier than you at times!" Kirk laughed at his last remark uncertainly, he was trying to lighten the mood but when McCoy's face stayed like stone he quickly lost his grin. McCoy shot his drink back and immediately poured himself another one.

"It's not like that Jim." McCoy finally whispered.

"It's not like what? The two of you aren't…?" McCoy shook his head.

"We're good friends."

"Really?" Kirk was shocked, to everybody else they appeared to be a very private, affectionate couple.

"Really." McCoy repeated, Kirk sat silently for a moment contemplating his friend's words.

"Through choice?" He asked.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, do you want it to be more and she said no? Or does she want it to be more and you said no?"

"The conversation has never come up Jim, it's never come up because it can't." McCoy rubbed his hands over his face in exhaustion.

"Why can't it?"

"Because she deserves better, and I don't know that if something were to happen between us it was because we like one another or because we have a bond due to something so fucking horrendous we don't know what else to do?"

McCoy had worked well passed the end of his shift, he was dead on his feet and his quarters seemed to be further away than normal. When he finally arrived he walked in and audibly groaned when he took off his boots. He was too tired to even pour himself a drink, looking around his living room was empty, typically Carla would be sat there reading her PADD or writing a report. They'd have some dinner, a drink and then she'd either go back to her quarters or fall asleep on his couch and he'd throw a blanket over her. She was never there in the morning.

He felt a pang of sadness, he had been looking forward to seeing her, sharing his day with her. He wasn't one for small talk but over the past few months he had found talking to Carla an extremely therapeutic exercise that reduced his constant worry.

His PADD beeped on his desk, opening up his messages he saw that he had a new one from Carla.

Collins, Carla Lt (EA) 023:08:

Hi Leonard, sorry I'm not there, prepping for tomorrow. Not sure if I'll see you before I go so... Don't worry, I'll remember my 'damned' breathing!

McCoy smiled at her message, typing a quick message back he yawned and stretched.

McCoy, Leonard Lt Cdr (EA) 00:18:

you'll do great, see you soon

The Edosians' and the Caitians' contribution to the Federation was being celebrated by an understated gathering of dignitaries on the Space Station Hinojos. Kirk and Carla were in attendance and quite frankly the pair of them were bored out of their mind.

"When can we leave?" Kirk asked her out the side of his mouth, Carla only smiled in response.

"Please Captain, this is a historical event." She replied seriously, she didn't have the same familiar friendship with Kirk as McCoy did and didn't feel it prudent to reply with some witty sarcastic remark. She might have heard all about his exploits and the ridiculous adventures he and McCoy had gone on but her interactions with him had always been professional. Kirk turned to look at Carla, she returned his gaze with a polite smile.

"What is it Captain?" She asked him.

"You look happy Collins, healthy. I hope you don't mind me saying so?" Kirk said kindly.

"No, of course not Captain. I appreciate it, and yes, I do feel happy. This is good. Thank you for your patience and support." Kirk waved her off.

"Don't mention it, besides, I think Bones is the one who deserves all the praise."

"He is indeed, I don't know what I would have done without him." Carla looked back at the dignitary currently making his speech. Kirk paused a moment.

"And you him I would imagine."

"Pardon me Captain?"

"You've been there for him also don't forget, he's not the easiest of characters but you handle him better than anyone! It's good to have someone." His last comment struck a nerve and she found she suddenly had to fight back tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks. "Lieutenant? Carla? Did I say something wrong?" Kirk pulled her to one side, away from prying eyes.

"I'm so sorry Captain, this is completely unprofessional of me." Kirk rubbed her arm reassuringly.

"Don't apologise, do you want to talk or do you want me to leave you alone? Be honest, you're not going to hurt my feelings." Kirk sat her down on a nearby chair and took the one next to her.

"Leonard saved my life." Carla finally uttered.

"And you saved his as far as his report is concerned." Kirk replied.

"We have grown close, he's helped me a lot. Captain…I think he has feelings for me?" She blurted the words out and then just sat there staring at him. She had no idea why she was having this conversation with her Captain. Kirk seemed to go quiet and nod his head at what she just said.

"And if he had?" Kirk was careful not to expose his friend's real feelings.

"Then ordinarily Captain I would be thrilled, because I've come to care for Leonard much more than a friend and I find him attractive also but in the back of my mind I can't be sure that we're both not getting ourselves mixed up? I can't start something with someone when I can't even…!" She didn't finish her sentence and Kirk didn't push her to.

"I would have thought, and I'm no expert. But I would have thought that Bones would be the best person to start something with. He was there, he knows what happened. He has all the knowledge and skills to make sure you feel as safe and as loved as you need to be. Plus, I remember the way you two were before that mission, there's always been something between the two of you." Carla took in his words and sat thinking about them for a moment before she replied.

"Or, he knows too much and would always feel like he's looking after a broken ornament?" Carla replied.

"Or that." Kirk shrugged his shoulders. "But I don't think so." He added. Carla rubbed her face with her hands.

"Ugh Captain! I'm fucked!" The words came out before she realised and the look of embarrassment made Kirk laugh out loud.

"You've fallen in love with Bones, you're definitely fucked." Kirk laughed.

Collins, Carla Lt (EA) 06:48:

Leonard, dinner tonight? 21:00?

McCoy, Leonard Lt Cdr (EA) 10:52:

only if you're making stew

Collins, Carla Lt (EA) 06:48:

Looks like I don't have a choice in the matter! Alright, I'll make you stew. You can bring a bottle. X

The kiss at the end of her message stared back at Leonard, he couldn't pull his focus from it. He felt like he was teenager again, obsessing over every little detail. She was inviting him to dinner, not too early, not too late. She agreed to make his favourite dish, she asked him to bring a bottle, she put a kiss at the end.

"Good god man! Get a hold of yourself!" He chastised himself. Looking around the med bay and then to the time on the wall he rolled his eyes and crossed his arms in front of his chest. Nine o'clock couldn't get here fast enough.

Thank you for the follows, favourites and reviews. I really do hope you're enjoying this story. Please leave a review if you can. LLAP :-) XOXO