In the distance he could see the shuttle waiting for the landing party. Thank Christ. Just behind them was a huge…whatever about to pounce on them and eat their flesh and the doctor wasn't sure he could run much more. It seemed the longer he ran the further away the shuttle would get. "C'mon, Spock, not too much longer!" he shouted over the roars of the beast as he looked back to find his companion. But the commander was not there. Instead he saw the terrifying monster, razor sharp teeth dripping in green blood, and a crumpled figure lying motionless beneath him. "Spock!" The monster reared back on its hind legs and crushed the living daylights out of the Vulcan officer's body.

The last thing he remembered before waking up was the uncharacteristic look of fear and pain that marled his love's face.

Mccoy sat up in bed gasping for air. It took him a moment to realize where he was and that the entire episode hadn't really occurred. It was just a nightmare. Spock was fine. He quickly looked around the room as if to see his commanding officer, but that was foolish. He was in his bed fast asleep. It was halfway through the gamma shift.

He groaned and flopped back down on his back. Stupid dreams. The face Spock made at the end always scared him no end. Every time he shut his eyes that was all he could see until he saw the man healthy and happy on the bridge the next morning. That was always somewhat of a relief even though he'd known all along everything had been fine.

He flipped his legs over the side of the bed and pulled on his black undershirt and some pants. There was no way he was going to get any sleep tonight. Better off strolling. Perhaps he'd stop by sickbay and see what the graveyard shift crew was up to.

With the harboured feelings for the green devil finally out in the open, McCoy thought that a huge weight would be lifted from his shoulders. Over the past few days, however, he found that was not the case. Now, not only did he have work that he needed to do, but also he had to worry about Spock. When were they going to see one another? What were they going to do when they were together? Did Spock think they were going too quickly? Too slowly? Was he uncomfortable with the whole thing? Was he expecting something else? All of these questions were on Leonard's mind constantly and his depression and anxiety was still getting worse by the hour. He found it more and more difficult to get out of bed in the morning, because what was the point? He was just going to disappoint himself or have to exert all this effort for nothing. Every time he saw anyone his heart would skip and beat and he would get nervous for Lord knows what reason.

He turned the corner and who did he see but Spock himself. His heart gave a leap in both happiness and distress. It was great to see him alive and well, and normal as ever floating down the hallways, hands behind his back like some sort of green ghoul, but also he hadn't prepared for this meeting. What if he looked awful? What if Spock decided to call the whole thing off right then?

"Good evening, Leonard," he heard through his thoughts. Spock had stopped in front of him and was looking down. Leonard. He was only ever called that in private, but it cause butterflies to pop up in his stomach every time he heard it.

"Evenin' Spock. What're you doin' up?" Why did they feel like strangers?

"I was taking a walk down to the Observation Deck. Would you care to join me?"

Where had he been going? Sickbay? Going on a walk with Spock sounded like a much better idea. He nodded slowly and, to his surprise, Spock guided him in the correct direction, not quite holding his hand, but brushing it with his knuckles. Leonard blushed a little and it darkened even more when he caught the other man observing him. He chuckled and then took a breath, smile sliding off his face. It was nerve-wracking being in an undefined relationship with someone who doesn't show any emotion.

As if he were could read minds Spock said, "I am quite content with your company, Leonard." Was he?

"Oh well…that's wonderful." His tired drawl made him sound a little drunk. He appreciated the Vulcan speaking up though. It was beyond difficult trying to tell what he enjoyed and what he was doing because logic dictated. A moment later their fingers were hooked together and McCoy found his knuckles being gently rubbed by Spock's thumb. Leonard smiled to himself and tightened his grip a little.

When they arrived at the observation lounge the view was beautiful, as always, but he couldn't keep his eyes on the stars. Rather, it was much more thrilling for him to observe the other man while he peered out the window. "You never did tell me why you were awake," Leonard said quietly. Spock didn't respond for a moment, he just stared out the windows and breathed slowly. It was calming.

The doctor had almost forgotten the question by the time the other man answered. "I was unable to sleep," he said simply. McCoy didn't expect embellishment, but again the Vulcan surprised him. "I found myself filled with emotion and had to meditate. When meditation did not help I decided to walk."

Leonard wondered what emotion he was filled with and was immediately worried that he something had happened. Before he could express this, however, Spock spoke again. "I am fine now."

Well that was a relief, but he still wondered what had happened. "Why are you fine now?" he asked with a bit of a strained voice. He couldn't bear to imagine Spock having a mental breakdown. He didn't think his brain could handle it. If the one who has his shit together loses it, where does that leave the rest of them?

"Because I found you." Leonard blinked at this answer. It was touching, but didn't make sense to him. "I worry about you. It sometimes keeps me awake. As soon as I saw you were well I was able to relax." Oh no. Spock was losing sleep over him? That was…ridiculous.

"But why?"

"Because of what happened last week."

"You think that is going to happen again?"

"Perhaps."

"Well it's not." His voice got gruff and he took his hand from Spock's and folded his arms over his chest. He had more control over himself to let something like that happen again. He'd barely had anything to drink since then anyway. Spock turned to look at him.

"There is a chance that it can occur again. I will worry no matter what."

"Why?"

"Because I care about you."

The words left Spock's mouth so easily that Leonard almost missed them. It was lovely to hear, but at the same time he was hit with guilt. He didn't deserve this wonderful man fussing over him. He wasn't worth it. He took a step back.

"Look, Spock, I…I'm not worth all that," he said, putting his hands up in a sort of defensive position. Spock followed him and also raised his hands, pressing his palms against the doctor's.

"You are to me." How could a cold-blooded, heartless demon be so damned romantic? He probably didn't even know what these words were doing to him. Spock continued to rub their hands together lightly. One hand even went down to trace the lines on Leonard's palm with his fingertips. McCoy remembered what this was from their conversation previous. Touching hands was like kissing for Vulcans.

"Are you…kissing me?" The Vulcan nodded ever so slightly and then his fingers started to trail down from Leonard's palms to his arms and down further until he and Spock were less than a foot apart and his commanding officer was holding him by the waist. His hands landed on the taller man's shoulders and soon he was being tugged forward and they were connected by the hips. This was closer than they had ever been and Leonard was just about to say that when his mouth was covered with the softest and warmest pair of lips he'd ever felt. His eyes slid shut faster than his brain could register and he was kissing back, opening his mouth against the Vulcan. He did the same and, with some difficulty, but much carefulness, he slipped his tongue into McCoy's mouth.

Leonard couldn't help the moan that escaped his throat. Oh boy. He tasted just as good as he'd imagined. Better. His heart was pounding against his ribcage and he felt his gentle surgeon's hands sliding up to run through thick black hair. The kiss deepened and Leonard's body was definitely reacting in the proper manner. A little growl escaped him and he was about to adjust his body against Spock's when he heard a noise from the doorway. Someone was clearing their throat.

The two broke apart instantly and Spock's composure suggested nothing about having just been kissing someone with more passion than a Vulcan should ever show. Leonard whirled around to see who was standing there and was faced with the most smug grin he'd ever seen in his life.