Thanks my wonderful Beta Mira Black-Snape
True to his word, Nogura kept calling the ship for anything: a report submitted 10 minutes late, a misspelt word, every single little thing.
The crew helped the captain to remodel his office to appear like the ready room on the bridge.
Every night the two men would spend at least 30 minutes talking about every single detail on the reports to avoid problems from the Admiral. Archer was the only one understanding them and helping to keep the other one at bay. His calls were only informal, to keep in touch with the young pregnant man and to know about the pregnancy or just talk.
Often McCoy would appear in Jim's quarters, alerted by Uhura, to end the calls because they were too stressful, using any kind of excuse.
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Kirk was preparing for a nice hot shower to get ready for the day. He loved the real water, the privilege of captains. Spock had to leave early to fix some problem with a science project.
The spray was really relaxing.
Pain started radiating from his middle. He breathed through the nose, and it passed. After a moment, pain free, he took the soap and started his bath ritual.
A minute passed and the pain came back, stronger this time.
The babies would not stop saying there was pain everywhere.
The man could no longer stand, and fell in the shower, screaming. He hoped to have his communicator close…
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The doctor was talking with his staff about the inventory they needed to do when his medical bracelet linked to Kirk went crazy. Uploading on his PADD the stats, he called several people to prepare a stretcher, swearing profusely, not happy with the readings.
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Spock was on the bridge talking with Nogura about their next assignment. His babies were preoccupied. He was trying to cut the call when the bracelet alerted him about Kirk. Uhura was fast to catch the change in the first officer and faked some communication problem and closed the call.
Immediately, the Vulcan left the bridge in a hurry.
The commanding crew was now worried.
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Less than five minutes later both men were out the door.
They entered and called for the captain.
An inhuman scream came from the bathroom.
Passing the living area and the study, when they arrived in the bathroom, the sign of Jim on the floor of the shower shocked them.
Tricorder in hand, the doctor was already scanning his friend after closing the water, while the other one stayed out of the line to avoid hindering the help.
"Bones do something! It hurts! The babies! Help them!"
"Quiet Jim, I'm working on it. It's like if you're in labour!"
"But it's too early", the Vulcan said. And then he touched his head.
"The babies are in distress, doctor".
"I know Spock. But readings don't lie. They are Braxton-Hicks contractions. Nothing to worry about too much. Painful, yes, but it will fade soon. Let's get you dressed Jim, you're shivering. I want to do a complete scan of you and the children. Spock, gimme the towel and go get some clothes."
Ten minutes later the captain was dressed and sitting on the bed, refusing to use the stretcher to get to the sickbay.
"You said I'm not in labour so I can walk Bones, please."
"Nope, stretcher it is, or I will hypo you to next week."
Jim gave the doctor a very angry look, but decided to follow the order… No hypo was worth his pride.
"Bridge to Commander Spock". The comm said.
"Here Spock. What is the problem Lieutenant Uhura?"
"You've got a message from Admiral Archer."
"Doctor, how is Jim?" Spock asked before giving a reply to Uhura.
"Don't worry hobgoblin, he's fine. Go. I'll stay with him." McCoy said.
"Tell the Admiral I'm coming. I love you, Jim."
"Love you too Spock. Now run, don't let the Admiral wait. I'll be fine with Bones."
The group separated: Spock went to the Bridge while the rest headed to the sickbay.
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After two painful hours, the fake contractions finally stopped.
The captain begged his friend to be released from sickbay.
"Please Bones, I want to go home."
"But I told Spock I would stay with you. My shift is not over, I can't leave yet."
"But… But I am ok now. Please!"
M'Benga intervened:
"Leonard, it's quiet today, I think I can live three more hours alone. If something big comes up, I'll call you. Take the captain in his quarter."
"Are you sure Geoff?"
"I wouldn't have suggested the idea if I was not sure. Now you two go before am horde of stupid engineers come in." The afro-american said laughing.
The blonde didn't wait: one arm on his best friend's shoulder, and he was dragging the doctor out the door, happily.
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McCoy helped Kirk to lay down in bed, arguing the need for rest.
"I'm bored, Bones! Can't we stay in the living room and watch a holo?"
"Really, you don't know the significance of rest, infant!"
"Ok, then you will lay down with me and tell me a story!" Kirk replied with a pout.
"Good lord! You are such a baby!" the doctor said, hitting his friend with his shoulder, laughing.
"Deal, on one condition: we start the PN nutrition now. Some hours will do good to you and the babies."
"Fine!" The captain replied.
After receiving the requested items and fixed the PN, the doctor laid down with his friend, hugging him. He started the story about his childhood in Georgia and his pranks. When he was sure Jim was asleep, he kissed him on the blonde's hair, wishing him golden dreams.
Notes: next in 10 days ^_^