Captain James T. Kirk nearly toppled out of his chair whenever Uhura hailed them over to Spock's bedside. Hell, he'd almost jumped out of his skin when Spock acknowledged another presence in the room beside Lieutenant Uhura's. Bones shot up, staring at the half-Vulcan as if he could not believe what he was seeing. Kirk scrambled over to the bed like an excited child, Uhura holding out a patient hand and reminding him to be as quiet as possible.

"Spock," Kirk sighed, reaching out and taking one of his best friend's hands. Spock looked as though he were about to pull away, terror clouding his vision for a moment before realizing that Jim was fine, and he was reaching out to him for his own sense of comfort.

"Jim," the Vulcan replied softly, "was the mission successful?"

McCoy snorted from where he was in the corner, arms crossed. Kirk visibly sank.

"Yeah, Spock, it was… it's fine. Everyone is safe and Khan's been dealt with. Can we just focus on you for a second, please? Are you-"

"Dealt with." Spock's words were laced with venom. He shuddered. "I cannot pinpoint his presence. He made himself known… before. He has been-" He cut himself off. "I see."

"Don't worry about that right now, man," Kirk pressed, squeezing Spock's hand as tightly as he could. It was freezing against his own, so Kirk cupped his right hand over it, hoping it would be enough to warm his fingers. "How are you feeling, Spock?"

"How are your ribs?" McCoy asked, finally taking a few steps up to stand behind Jim. "Reset 'em myself, they should be right as rain in no time." Spock raised an eyebrow, befuddled by the expression, which made McCoy grin. "Uhura told me you won't be able to enter that…" He wiggled his fingers around his temple. "Healing trance, thing. 'S that right?"

"I am afraid I cannot," the half-Vulcan replied slowly. "I apologize, Captain. Doctor. I am unable to expedite this process."

Kirk shook his head. "C'mon, Spock, you don't really think we-"

"I am unsure as to when I will be able to return to the bridge," the half-Vulcan continued. "However, if my presence is ever required-"

"Spock, seriously!"

Spock froze, eyes pinching shut and holding his breath, urging the sudden spike in volume to pass over him like a river over stone. It felt more like a wave against a cliff. Kirk instantly paused, rethinking his choices.

"Sorry, hey," he tried, his voice brought back down to a low murmur. "I'm sorry, Spock. I didn't mean to yell."

"Speaking of which, how're the ears?" McCoy chimed in, quickly changing the subject. "Your eardrums were ruptured, I don't know if you remember. We got the bleeding to stop, but it'll take a few weeks for them to be fully healed. Are you experiencing any hindrances?"

Spock shook his head softly. "No, Doctor."

"But we sound like we're underwater, right?"

The half-Vulcan sighed, eyes still closed. His patience was wavering, now. Uhura was starting to question whether or not this had been a good idea.

"Yes."

"Right, exactly. Well, as long as you can still hear, you're in good shape."

"Thank you, Doctor."

The room grew tense, and it was unfathomably clear that Kirk and McCoy wished to say more. Perhaps they were embarrassed to speak in front of Uhura, Or perhaps they had information that they simply could not share with her. Whatever the case, she figured the absolute least she could do would be to give these men some time alone. Hopefully, enough time to reconcile and show their gratitude. Especially enough time for her to retrieve some more painkillers for herself and for Spock.

"Hey, I'll be right back," she said, standing up from her spot on the bed and placing another gentle kiss on Spock's forehead. To her trepidation, he looked almost afraid.

"Where are you-"

"I'm just going to get some more painkillers. We could both use some, don't you think? And some water for you. Are you hungry?"

After a few itching moments, Spock simply shook his head.

"So water, then," Uhura finished with a smile. "I promise, I'll be right back."

As Lieutenant Uhura slipped away, Spock became increasingly aware of the rumbling headache just beneath his skull. He had hardly noticed it as it was, but once Nyota was out of sight (though considerably not out of mind) it started ringing louder. There was suddenly a hand on his shoulder, steadying him and acting as a reminder that there were, in fact, two other people in his room with him. He looked back over toward Kirk and McCoy, his chest swelling up with comfort just at the sight of them.

"You alright there, buddy?" Kirk asked, giving his shoulder a tight squeeze.

"I am, Jim. Leonard. I apologize for my-"

"Oh, for God's sake," McCoy huffed, thumping down at the foot of Spock's bed. "Enough with the apologies, man. You were hurt. We're checking on you."

"I had no intention to… startle either of you," Spock corrected, the words dissolving and then reforming in his head. "Though I am glad to hear of our success. Are we still adrift?"

"No," Kirk answered, "we're out of enemy space, thank God. We're heading home as we speak. Hopefully, you'll be able to get some more rest there."

"Yes," Spock couldn't help but agree. 'Home' sounded nice.

"Is that a grin? Holy hell, Jim, he's delirious," McCoy joked, taking notice of Spock's subtle deterioration of character. Though, in actuality, perhaps he really was starting to become delirious. The half-Vulcan was showing all the signs of delirium, so minuscule that it would have taken a medical professional to spot them all out.

"Give 'im a break, Bones," Kirk replied with a smile. He glanced back at Spock's face. "But yeah, it was definitely a grin."

"I am relieved," came Spock's quick reply, inhaling as best he could through his nose and resetting his face. "And, might I add, incredibly happy to see both of you."

"You have no idea," said Kirk, returning the sentiment wholeheartedly and reaching forward to wrap his arms around Spock. "I know how you are about touch, pal, but just let me have this."

"No, I assure you, it is needed."

McCoy felt his heart seize up in his chest at the sound of Spock's voice wavering. He stood up, making his way to the half-Vulcan's right and asking him permission (with his eyes, mind you) if another embrace would also be welcome. Spock actually smiled. It was not a quick grin. Or an egotistical smirk. Spock smiled at McCoy, which was enough input the doctor needed to bend down, wrapping his arms around both Kirk and Spock, holding them as tightly as he could. Despite their oftentimes bitter dialogue, McCoy would be the first to admit that he held Spock in high regard; the half-Vulcan was his friend, one of the closest friends he'd made in a long time. With that, he was acutely aware of just how important touch was to Vulcans, and how they seldom ever used physical contact as means of sharing any emotion.

So, if this was something that Spock claimed he needed, he would sure as hell get it.

"You can't keep doing this, man," Kirk suddenly mumbled, not moving from where he sat holding Spock. In fact, McCoy could've sworn he hugged the half-Vulcan tighter. He wanted to snarl something about being careful with Spock's ribs but had half the mind to keep silent, at least for now. They needed this.

"I could not allow you to travel with Khan," came Spock's stoic reply. "This ship needs her Captain."

'Her.' That was funny; McCoy figured this was the very first time he'd heard Spock call the USS Enterprise 'her.' In some strange sense, it suited him.

"Well, this ship's Captain needs his First Command." There was a long pause, both men kneeling over what to say. "Spock, you are not someone we can just replace."

"And neither are you, Captain."

"Come on, man, stop it. Just let me… let me talk to you for a second, alright?"

"Your tendency to run headfirst into danger if it means keeping your crew safe is incredibly illogical," McCoy suddenly stated. He pulled away, keeping each hand placed firmly over Kirk and Spock's shoulders. They each looked just as surprised as the other felt. "That goes for both of ya. Jesus Christ, you're gonna make me go gray. Can you both at least agree to think before rushing to a decision?"

"Doctor, I do not-"

"Bones, that's not-"

"No, no. This ain't up for debate. You both are important members of this crew. Hell, you're important to me, dammit. And I won't have either of you dying rushing into something that can be figured out. Least of all situations that could have been prevented." McCoy turned his full attention to Spock, now, inwardly cringing at the darkened splotches under his eyes and around his nose. "Spock, you've been injured. Badly. And you would say the exact same thing Kirk is saying to you if your positions were switched. I don't know everything that I should about Vulcan telepathy, but I know that a blow like that should have killed you. But you held out. You protected Uhura in the process. Gave Scotty enough time to swoop in and save your ass. There is no doubt that you're strong, Spock. You're one of the strongest people I know. But you do not have to suffer because of it."

Spock stared at the doctor for what seemed like hours, eyes glistening with a thousand different emotions at once. Above all, he seemed bewildered that Leonard had called out something so personal about himself. Something so deeply rooted in the Vulcan way of life. Kirk, too, looked thankful, resting his hand against Spock's back and keeping him held close.

"I… understand, Doctor," was the half-Vulcan's reply. Whether or not he actually did was a topic for another day. For now, McCoy felt that he got his point across rather eloquently.

"Like hell you do," he still managed to grumble, earning him a chuckle from Kirk and a wry grin from Spock. He stood to his feet, straightening his posture and adjusting his shirt. "Listen, I need to go. Scotty's still recovering. But Spock, I'll be back, and next time I'm bringing food. I don't care if you're hungry by then or not. You're gonna eat. And stay hydrated, alright? I don't know how long it'll take for you to rebuild those… 'walls' you've got in your mind, but I do not want you working a single second until you're back to full health." He paused, thinking to himself. "Hell, you won't be able to, anyway. We're gonna be home soon, which gives you plenty of time to actually rest. Maybe once you're feelin' better you can take Uhura out. Earth's got a lotta nice coffee shops and-"

"Bones," Kirk snipped, "leave the guy be."

"Yeah, yeah, right. It's not like I'm the doctor around here." McCoy stepped towards the bedroom doors. "But I'm serious, Spock. Do not strain yourself, alright? You've gotta take your time with this. Be patient. You've got friends here who will help you, yeah?"

Spock nodded once. Twice. His lips curled up into a grateful smile. "Thank you, Doctor."

"Leonard. Drop the technicalities for a bit, huh?"

It was whenever McCoy turned to leave for the final time that he noticed Spock's face glitch. In mere seconds, the half-Vulcan was conveying an unusual expression of gratitude, and now, it was as if he was preparing for something awful. He groaned, bringing his hand up to clasp his forehead, opening his mouth to exclaim just as the bedroom doors were opened, and a very frantic Scotty ran inside.

"Oye, he's awake! He's alive!" Mr. Scott exclaimed happily, a bandage wrapped securely around his head. Uhura was right behind him, holding out an arm to try and stop the man from running, her face a mixture of irritation and worry.

"Scotty!" Kirk warned, standing to his feet and leaving Spock latching to no one. He was floating once again, lost in his mind, lost in the pain until-

There she was again, sitting right in front of him and shooting a hypo into his neck. This time, it hurt. It hurt bad. Spock spilled forward, curling into Nyota's chest as she held him in her arms protectively, trying her best (yet not really knowing how) to block out the noise. Both Kirk and McCoy were now at Scotty's side, encouraging him to quiet down, Bones going even further and asking him how the hell he'd managed to slip out of Sickbay.

"My God, man! You've got a concussion, what are you doing up? How did you get by the nurses?"

"Is 'e alright? I didn't mean no harm, honest," Scotty replied, completely ignoring the doctor's questions. "Oye, laddie, how're ye holdin' up?"

"Scotty, Scotty," Kirk urged, lowering his voice and prompting the Scotsman to do the same. "You've gotta keep your voice down, man. He's hurt bad. It's messing with his… senses."

"Oh." Scotty looked over Kirk's shoulder to examine Spock in Uhura's arms, shaking violently. "So, it's a Vulcan thing, then?"

Both men sighed, McCoy rolling his eyes and taking Scotty's arm. "C'mon, man, we've gotta get you back to bed."

"Hold it, hold it," Scotty snapped, yanking his arm away. "I just wanna see 'im. I promise I'll be quiet. Just for a wee minute. Lemme apologize, yes?"

"Scotty-"

"Bones, come on. The guy saved Spock's life. Let him see him," Kirk argued. McCoy pinched the bridge of his nose, seeming to have aged ten years in five seconds.

"Fine. Fine. But you've got to stop trying to escape the Sickbay, Scotty."

The Scotsman waved McCoy's fret away, limping over to Spock's bedside and giving Uhura an apologetic look. She shook her head, running her hands through Spock's hair.

"You're alright, Scotty. You didn't know." Then, slowly, she leaned down, closer to the half-Vulcan's ear. "It's safe. Come back up, Spock."

"Aye, laddie. It's me. I'm sorry for the intrusion, I hadn't a clue what- well…" Scotty cleared his throat. "How're ye holding up?"

Spock's eyes appeared from behind Uhura's arm, wet and red-rimmed. Scotty's frown deepened at the sight of the Commander's face. Even clouded halfway with fabrics and shadows, he could tell that Spock was in bad shape. Still, despite his obvious pain, Spock demonstrated excellent resolve.

"You saved my life."

Scotty's eyes grew as wide as saucers. "Ah, um. You sure ye didn't hit yer head too hard there, Commander?"

"No, Mr. Scott," Spock slowly brought his hand out, resting it on Scotty's shoulder. "You saved my life. I am in your debt."

"There's no point in arguing with him, Scotty, he's a sore loser," Kirk added teasingly from the end of the room.

"Ah, well," Scotty began, sniffling, beaming with pride, "I'm just glad yer gonna be alright, lad. It was the very least I could do."

"You are injured."

"Please. It ain't nothin' this ol' genius can't handle. I've had plenty of concussions in my day." He leaned in, giving Spock a wink. "I'd like to see 'em try and keep me down."

"Scotty, I swear to God…"

"Alright, alright," the Scotsman finally said, caving and throwing his hands up in the air. "I'm goin' back. It's about time we make it home, though, McCoy. I'm gettin' antsy."

"Really?" came McCoy's snark remark. "I hadn't noticed."

"Mr. Scott."

Everyone turned their attention back to the injured Vulcan; an injured Vulcan who had surprisingly pushed himself into a sitting position, disregarding the fact that he was still leaning very heavily into Uhura's hold. He gave the older gentleman a nod, the final outbursts of his pain finally receding.

"Thank you."

Scotty simply smiled, stopping by the door before he was escorted out by Bones. "Please, Commander. Do nae mention it."

Spock visibly loosened up whenever the doors closed, and two major presences were left drifting away from the room.

"I brought you water," Uhura reminded him, pulling her arm close to her chest and shaking the bottle for him to see.

"Thank you, Nyota."

"Are you two going to be okay in here?" Kirk asked suddenly, folding his hands behind his back. "Do you need anything before I got back out to help Bones?"

"No, no, nothing for me," Uhura answered. "Thank you, Captain. It is appreciated."

"Of course. And Spock, remember the Doctor's orders, yeah? Bones is Chief Medical Officer for a reason."

"Yes, of course."

Kirk stepped back up to Spock's side, giving the half-Vulcan one final hug before releasing him, turning down the lights, and slipping out of the room with a soft smile. Uhura grinned as the Captain left, opening the water bottle and helping Spock steady his hands enough to drink. After a few gulps, he pulled away, and she was able to lean over and place the bottle on his bedside table.

"We're almost home, I heard. I passed Chekhov on the way out."

"Did you?"

"Yeah. He says it'll be about ten minutes."

"Hmm." Spock's eyes slipped closed and he leaned back into her chest.

"That still gives us time for a quick nap, don't you think?"

"I do…"

Lieutenant Uhura smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "Alright, then." Slowly, she maneuvered herself to slip under the fluffy blankets littering the half-Vulcan's broken body, lowering him into the pillows, and making sure he was covered up just as much as she was. Being careful to avoid adding pressure to his ribs, Uhura wrapped her arms around Spock's middle, tangling their legs together and locking them in place. She rested her aching head beside his, listening blissfully as his breaths began to even out.

"You're going to be okay," she promised him, unsure and uncaring if he even heard her. "I promise you, I'm going to help you."

That was whenever Spock turned his head, eyes still closed, and placed a careful kiss on the bridge of Uhura's nose. "Thank you, Nyota…" he whispered, the painkillers finally seeming to take their toll and loll him into a state of unconsciousness. Uhura was not far behind, snuggling deeper into Spock's person and allowing herself to sleep for the first time in three days.

"Of course, they fall asleep right when we get home."

"C'mon, Bones, leave 'em be. They're exhausted."

"I know. Yeah, I know."

Kirk pulled his head out of Spock's doorway, allowing the automatic doors to shut in his wake. He turned to face Bones. "How long do you think it'll take?"

"For him to heal? It's hard to say. We can only wait. Offer help whenever he'll take it."

"Yeah, I suppose you're right." Kirk paused, flipping through his mind for options. "Wanna play chess until they wake up?"

To his surprise, Bones actually smiled. "Well, shit. What else are we going to do?"