Kirk thought it a just example of McCoy getting a taste of his own medicine when Doctor Sanchez refused to let him leave his sickbay bed for the next three days. He didn't doubt that Bones could easily escape his own sickbay if he put his mind to it but fortunately he was provided with a sufficient incentive to stay.

Spock sat by his bedside every time he was off duty, often bringing in food so that they could eat together. If McCoy was asleep then Spock would sit quietly working on a PADD but if the doctor was awake then they would talk.

Or argue, however one chose to phrase it.

Jim had visited frequently and inevitably found them, sat amid a haze of green and red, unable to agree on an unimportant but immutable point of contention. They seemed so stubbornly set on disagreeing that Jim was absolutely certain the argument was a substitute for something else entirely.

Something impossible to even contemplate in sickbay.

And so Kirk found himself sat in his command chair actually wishing Sanchez would hurry up and release Bones for all their sakes.

The swish of the turbolift doors distracted him and he turned slightly to see who was joining them. A huge grin spread across his face as he saw McCoy practically bouncing onto the bridge.

"Bones!"

Spock turned immediately on hearing the captain and eyed the doctor with a distinctly unimpressed expression. This was belied by the sudden appearance of the by now familiar green halo.

"You are not due to leave sickbay for another 5.65 hours Doctor."

"Not disobeying your physician are you?" Jim added teasingly.

"No," McCoy replied with a smirk. "Unlike some people, I was a model patient and Sanchez agreed I could leave early so long as I promised to rest in my quarters."

"These are not your quarters," Spock pointed out.

McCoy's eyes sparkled mischievously as much as his glitter cloud.

"I decided to take a detour."

"This detour will have taken you 6.34 minutes out of your way. Not allowing for the time you remain here."

McCoy shrugged, unconcerned.

"You saying you aren't pleased to see me?" he queried.

"I did not say that," Spock hedged.

Their eyes locked and Jim would later swear he could see the haze around them darken perceptibly.

"Mister Spock," he announced with sudden determination. "Please escort Doctor McCoy to his quarters where he is supposed to be." Jim saw Bones open his mouth to protest and quickly added, "And use any means at your disposal to ensure he remains there for the next six hours at least."

McCoy grinned widely. Spock merely blinked before turning to the physician.

"Doctor?" He gestured towards the turbolift.

McCoy grinned impossibly wider and followed the unspoken direction.

"Whatever you say, my pointy eared paramour."

Jim heard several snickers around the bridge and couldn't stop his own smile from spreading. Spock of course was completely unfazed.

"I believe I shall hold you to that," he said precisely.

McCoy eyed him sideways as they stepped inside the turbolift.

"That sounds decidedly promising," he declared.

Thankfully the doors closed before anything more could be overheard. Jim eyed the remaining wisps of glittering haze and wondered how long that effect would last.

He decided that probably didn't matter as their newfound relationship would most certainly last much longer.

Particularly since they seemed determined to attempt to work as much of the powder out of their system as they could.

Smirking, he turned back to the viewscreen.

"Mr Sulu. Set our course for Cygnet XIV. I think we're overdue a little shore leave."