Innocence
He was standing still as a statue with a look of terror and shock painted onto his young features, his front splattered with blood.
McCoy shoved the boy roughly aside, though it wasn't out of anger or apathy towards him. It was because if he didn't get to the downed man on the ground at the kid's feet and quickly as possible, there would be no chance at all of saving the severely injured man.
"I-I couldn't-… I-…" sea-grey eyes wide with horror starred unblinking at his fallen colleague as he stumbled numbly back from McCoy's push.
While the doctor swiftly got to work, his assistant sprinted over to be there if she was needed. Tanith skid to a stop while she took in the scene before her. Her mentor working furiously to save the bloodied, nearly dead man, cursing all the while under his breath. The nearly unrecognizable red-shirted cadet, his uniform torn and stained with darker shades of crimson.
And finally the gold-shirted ensign who was shaking, covered with the wounded man's blood, and looked like hell. His lips were moving but nothing sensible was coming out. He was in shock; even if she wasn't a senior medical officer she'd know that.
"Chekov?" she said softly, slowly stepping closer and laying a hand on his arm.
His bright blue-grey eyes shifted to her, still wide with fear "I-I tried-… there was-… I couldn't-…"
Tani noticed his knees quaking seconds before his legs gave out from under him and managed to wrap her arms under his and slow his fall. He collapsed to his knees and Tani was forced to follow him down. There were tears mingling with the cold sweat on his abnormally pale face now. Mother-ish instinct kicking in for the boy, Tani moved her arms so that they were around his shaking shoulders and squeezed him comfortingly.
"It's alright." She said softly, pressing her cheek to the top of his head and only vaguely aware of his damp curls tickling her skin "It's not your fault, it's not."
Out of all of the crew, Chekov had always been the most innocent. Sure, he could rival Scotty in drinking, but despite that he'd still been uncorrupted, untainted. No matter what, he'd always remained the same smiling, good-natured Chekov. But now… Tani was afraid he might have finally lost that innocent side of him.
Yes, there was the death of Spock's mother but it was nowhere near the same. He hadn't been there, face to face. Seen it happen.
He hadn't been covered in her blood.
Tani was far past being 'tainted'. It was what came with the job that sometimes meant the difference between life and death. Because life didn't always win. McCoy was even more adapt to it, which partly explained his gruff persona.
But Chekov was not a doctor. He wasn't used to people dying right in front of him every day. And he sure as hell was not accustomed to the gut-wrenching guilt that ate at you whether it was really your fault or not.
Holding Chekov tightly to her chest to try and soothe him, Tani starred anxiously at McCoy's turned head. Waiting for his diagnosis. Hoping it wasn't too late.
After a moment, McCoy slowly turned to look at her with his rock-hard hazel eyes and answered her unasked questions with a slight shake of his head. She swallowed; dread coiling around her chest, before bringing Chekov closer and telling him that everything would be okay. If only it were true.
Author's Note: Another sort of depressing one but the next one is happy again, I promise. And yes, Tani's in this one again. Please, PLEASE tell me if she's what's scarring people off from reading these. I'm noy saying I'll take her out, but I want to know. What do you think of her? All of it. I would really love some feedback. :]
