A/N Sorry I haven't updated for a while. The story is coming to an end within one or two more chapters. I know the quality is awful, but I try, so make allowances and enjoy.

Margie and Spock walked to the galley, step for step, Margie laughing as if Spock had said something hilarious. Spock, for his part, looked perfectly composed, save for a tiny smirk and an odd look in his eyes. McCoy had labeled the look as the Vulcan equivalent of amused affection. He'd been in denial for the past couple of months, refusing to admit to himself that Spock had something that he wanted. He was absolutely infatuated with Miss Margaret Reinhold, and would've gotten over his chickenness by now and asked the lady for a date, until he'd seen it. He had been working late one night, and on his way back to his quarters, he'd seen Margaret walking back to her quarters from Mr. Spock's. "I had a great time, Spock! Thanks for inviting me," he had heard her say. "As did I. Feel free to come again, Margie," Spock replied. His first thought was, "Spock? Miss Reinhold? No… Maybe?" And his thoughts hadn't changed. He did not honestly think that they had a romantic relationship, but their bond was beyond friendship. He should really just ask them, because trying to decipher their relationship did no good but to give him a headache.

"HAPPY VALENTINES DAY SPOCKY!" was written on a note attached to a plate of cookies resting on the top of Spock's science consul. The recipient quickly snatched up the note before anyone could see it.

"You know the rules, Mr. Spock. No bringing food up to the bridge unless you plan to share," said Kirk, in his best stern teacher voice.

"I assure you, Captain, that I did not bring these to the bridge. They appear to have been left for me. You are welcome to a cookie, assuming that you are not allergic to peanuts."

"Just my luck. Peanut butter cookies. So, I suppose you must have a secret admirer," said Kirk, adding a wink for good measure.

"Captain, I am aware of the identity of the person who left me these."

"Fraternizing, Mr. Spock? I wouldn't have expected that of you."

"That depends entirely on your definition of fraternizing, Sir. And they were not left as a romantic gesture, but rather in observance of a family tradition."

"Fine. Keep your secrets to yourself."

McCoy had listened to the entire exchange. Family tradition. Not a romantic gesture. The words kept echoing in Leonard McCoy's ears. Could it be possible that Spock and Miss Reinhold were somehow related? After all, Spock's mother was human. Cousin, perhaps? McCoy could only hope.

"I appreciate the peanut butter cookies, Margie, but was it necessary to leave them on the bridge? I believe they were a major contributor to the 27% drop in bridge crew efficiency."

"I'm glad you enjoyed them. It's Valentine's Day! Of course there was a drop in efficiency. It was inevitable."

"Why is that?"

"It's Valentine's Day!"

"As you have established."

"Everyone is thinking about their significant other, or if they don't have one, wondering if anyone might like them… it's perfectly natural."

"I see. Have you experienced this behavior yourself?"

"Oh, Spock. You're initiating girl talk. Bad idea."

"Hmm?"

"Okay, so maybe all day long I've fiddled with my hair in hopes that a particular guy in medical would ask me out."

"I thought that you might have been interested in the good doctor."

"You're such a tease. Unfortunately, a very perceptive one."

"You give far too many hints. I suggest that you "ask him out" instead of vice-versa. He is interested in you, but seems to have some reservation in approaching you."

"Not a bad idea, Spocky. The worst he can do is say no."

"Precisely."

Leonard McCoy called himself the worst of cowards (among other things). But seriously, if a girl like Margaret constantly hung out with a guy like Spock, what are you left to assume?

She needs more friends.

She likes the weird, smart, stoic type of guy.

By association, she must also be weird, smart, and stoic.

Leonard McCoy is few of those things, and therefore has no chance.

McCoy was definitely overthinking this. He should just ask her out. The worst she could do is say no.