Chapter Text
Starfleet wanted a neutral world checked out by one of their most efficient ships. Enterprise just happened to be in the area, so they answered the call. Captain Jim Kirk was excited to check out a mysterious planet, Dr. McCoy was not exactly keen on patching him up later, and Mr. Spock didn’t seem to care either way.
It took them approximately 2.5 light hours to arrive at their destination: The planet, Berengaria VII. Jim was just thinking of who he would take along for his away team when they received another transmission. “Captain, message from Starfleet. They say that while there is no indigenous intelligent life, Berengaria VII does have a wondrous and mostly foreign ecosystem, and to still proceed with caution.” Uhura reported. Disgruntled, Jim ordered, “Acknowledge, Lieutenant.” “Aye, sir.” She responded.
Dr. McCoy had, by this point, arrived to the bridge and was clearly satisfied to see Jim pouting. “Aww, poor Captain. Don’t you wanna investigate the plants no more?” he snickered. Jim glared at him from his chair for a bit, then diverted his attention. “Mr. Spock, how would you feel about leading an away team to check out this ‘wondrous and foreign ecosystem’ we have down there?” Jim asked. Spock arched his eyebrow and replied, “Certainly, Captain. It would be most fascinating to discover new life forms on this planet.” Jim nodded and gave Dr. McCoy a nearly vicious yet gleeful gaze. The captain’s face unnerved the doctor, he knew that look and he knew he never liked what came after it. “What do you say you bring Bones along with you? He could use some fresh air, don’t you think?” Jim asked his first officer, grinning with delight. Spock’s eyebrow seemed to raise even further as he looked over at the doctor in question.
The doctor was silently pleading for Spock to say no. He’d had an 18-hour shift after a lab incident had ended with some pretty nasty burns on his medical officers. How it managed to burn all 30 of them, he’ll never know. He had only gotten about 3 hours of sleep before he was called in again; the doctor on shift had an emergency to tend to, so he had to cover her for a few hours. Needless to say, Leonard was tired and didn’t feel like going on an away mission to some unknown planet for God knows how long.
Apparently his silent begging didn’t get him very far. Spock seemed almost amused at poor Bones’ plight as he responded, “Yes, Captain. Having a doctor who is also a senior officer would be most beneficial if anything were to happen.” Spock replied, never breaking eye contact with Bones. Leonard averted his eyes eventually, attempting to will a blush away. ‘It’s the lack of sleep. Yeah that’s gotta be it. Why else would I have butterflies from this hobgoblin starin’ at me?’ Jim’s eyes darted between his friends, a knowing look in his eyes. “Well since I’ll be sending two senior officers down to a class M, friendly planet, I think the two of you should be able to get the job done just fine, right?” he asked them. ‘Oh, you’re gonna get it later, kid.’ Leonard thought maliciously. “Of course, Captain.” Spock said. “Sure, Jim.” Bones responded shortly. “Oh, good,” their captain smiled, “I knew I could count on you both.”
At that moment, Uhura reported, “Captain, we are being hailed.” Jim turned serious, “Put it on screen, lieutenant.” “Aye, sir.” She turned the screen on. Commodore Lewis came on screen, requesting the Enterprise come pick them up and tow them to the nearest starbase, as they had been attacked. They were alright, save for some light injuries, but their fuel supply had been obliterated and they couldn’t move. Captain Kirk accepted, and they were soon on their way, far away from Berengaria VII. Leonard sighed a silent breath of relief. Maybe he could get some sleep after all.
They were about four light hours out when Starfleet requested a report on Berengaria VII. “Well, sir, we have to pick up Commodore Lewis and his crew and we will go back after.” The captain explained. “No, Kirk. Send someone now, we need that report to discuss whether Starfleet or the Klingon Empire should have authority over this planet. There will be a meeting over this matter in the next 12 hours. It is your priority. Starfleet out.” Jim frowned, “Well, alright then. Sorry fellas,” he turned to Leonard and Spock, “looks like we’ll be sending you in a shuttle. We’d escort you gentlemen back there, but we really need to pick up the Commodore and his crew.” The first officer nodded, “Of course, Captain. Come along, Doctor.” Bones cursed his luck, of course he couldn’t get any sleep. Who was he kidding?
As he and Spock walked down the corridor to the shuttlecraft, Leonard couldn’t help a bit of nervousness. He had been feeling really strange around Spock since they had been stuck in dead space together. If he didn’t know any better, he would have thought he might be feeling what is commonly referred to as a “romantic interest” in first officer Spock. ‘That’s ridiculous,’ he thought, ‘I’m a doctor, not a damn school girl.’
They boarded the shuttle as Mr. Scott plugged in the coordinates for the small away team, and in no time at all they were off towards Berengaria VII. About 30 minutes had passed in almost complete silence, both men working on their individual studies and reports on their PADDS. It didn’t take long for Leonard’s eyes to start drooping, and he didn’t even notice when he fell asleep.
Spock stilled for a brief moment when Leonard’s head landed on his shoulder, but he could already feel the doctor’s exhaustion from the light touch. He stared at Leonard’s face, as it was relaxed and not contorted by his almost constant frown. He looked much younger and content like this, the first officer concluded. He slowly reached his arms up and very carefully laid Leonard’s head on his lap for a better sleeping position. Although asleep, Bones seemed to agree with that decision as he sighed with a faint smile at the new, more comfortable position.
Bones didn’t know what the hell was going on. He was dreaming, had to be, but it seemed so real. He and Spock had landed on the planet and had been investigating the flora of Berengaria VII. They had decided to split up at a fork in their path, Spock going left and Bones going right. He had discovered an interesting flower that resembled a green rose and wondered if that was the shade Spock would turn if embarrassed. He was calling Spock to poke some fun at him when it shot up using a previously hidden vine and wrapped around the poor doctor, knocking him off balance and onto the ground. He barely had any time to react before he heard phaser beams. He felt his bonds loosen and he shrugged them off, looking up to see Spock. He looked overly worried considering his near constant calm expression. Just as Leonard was about to ask why, Spock dropped to his knees to wrap Leonard in a tight embrace. Leonard felt himself flush and he clammed up. The hug lasted for a while, and when Spock pulled back he seemed to only pause a second before slowly leaning in again; but this time, Leonard felt pressure on his lips too. He was shocked, but he soon found himself even more shocked when he decided he didn’t mind this development. He began to reciprocate and as their lips danced together, Leonard realized that he felt happy. He felt his cheeks warm again, but he didn’t pay it any mind this time. Spock’s arm started to wander from Leonard’s shoulder to his lower back, later moving even lower. Leonard shuddered with anticipation, knowing fairly well what might come next. Leonard made the move for them to fall on their sides, and when they hit the ground-
Leonard startled awake, but quickly found he had only been asleep and was almost lulled back to the peaceful slumber. He found he was very content to just lay on his comfy bed and hug his warm pillow. ‘Wait,’ he thought, ‘this isn’t my bed. This is a… person?’ He looked up to see Spock’s face, currently concentrating on his work still. He must’ve felt the shift as he looked down at the wide-eyed doctor. “I trust you slept well, Leonard?” Spock inquired evenly. Leonard didn’t know whether to feel embarrassed or angry, but he went with a strange mix of both as he untangled his arms from Spock’s waist and sat up. “I’m sorry, Spock. I didn’t even realize I’d fallen asleep.” Leonard apologized, feeling his face flush. “It is of no concern, Leonard. You were extremely tired, so I thought it only logical to allow your mind and body to rest.” ‘Huh,’ Leonard thought, ‘I thought I had everyone fooled on that.’ “What, are ya some sorta telepath, Mr. Spock?” Leonard joked.
Spock remained quiet for a beat longer than he would have liked, simply staring at his lap where Leonard had been. He looked over at Spock in surprise that turned to horror, realizing that if Spock was a telepath, he could’ve easily known of Leonard’s hot little dream. Spock finally looked at Leonard and responded, “I simply took into account your lack of sleeping on the job and the higher than average number of injuries aboard the Enterprise recently, and I deduced that you must’ve been extremely tired to have fallen asleep so suddenly.” Leonard couldn’t tell if Spock was lying to make him feel better or if he was being serious. He just decided to take his word for it.
“Well, I sure appreciate your logic this time, Spock. I feel a good bit better now.” Bones stated while stretching. “Of course, Doctor. Now, we are currently approximately ten minutes from Berengaria VII.” Spock replied. “Thanks, Spock. I’ll start getting my gear together.” Bones mused. He felt a bit mournful for the return of his title and the loss of his name coming from the first officer. He then felt irritated at his sadness. Leonard became so quickly engrossed in his thoughts that Spock’s response startled him. “Indeed. I shall do so as well.”
They arrived shortly and landed on Berengaria VII. They were exploring for a while- taking readings of the soil, checking the plant life, making sure there are no intelligent life forms (they found none). They eventually found a giant tree in front of them, making a two-way road. Spock suggested they split up and search, as the roads were not horribly far apart. Leonard felt an uneasy sense of déjà vu from all of this, and decided he wanted to go left while Spock went right.
He couldn’t shake his déjà vu, however, so he shortly, silently, followed Spock. As Spock turned a corner up ahead, the doctor heard him stop walking suddenly. He slowly made his way up and saw Spock staring at a beautiful green rose. Yep, there was no denying it now; Spock had seen his dream. He cursed himself for letting Spock see the side of him that he didn’t even understand himself. Spock started to walk away from it, but he stopped again, which confused Leonard. ‘What is he doing?’ he thought. Then, after standing still once again for a second, Spock walked slowly back towards the rose.
Leonard didn’t know what Spock was thinking. He was frozen with the conflicting needs to both run to stop Spock and to stay hidden and watch what the hell was going on. Spock stopped in front of the flower and gazed at it, as if expecting it to move. ‘Well if he saw my dream, he probably is.’ Leonard thought. Not surprisingly, a previously unseen vine came out and shot around Spock’s ankle, throwing him off balance. Leonard was already moving, firing at the vine while running to catch Spock. The vine shriveled away, and Leonard diverted his attention to Spock, who was laying in his arms on the ground. Spock stared up at him wide-eyed, as if still expecting something to happen. ‘Oh, what the hell. Looks like he might’ve done this on purpose anyway.’ Leonard thought. He slowly leaned in to Spock, giving him a gentle peck on the lips then drew back to check the man. He still had the same expression, except now he looked even more shocked. Leonard was just about to have a heart attack from fear of damaging their relationship beyond repair when Spock leaned up and kissed Leonard much more passionately than the previous one. Leonard hummed happily and kissed back with equal fervor.
A few cozy minutes passed with pleasant kissing, then Leonard started to giggle. Spock pulled back looking slightly amused. “May I ask what you find so humorous, Leonard?” “Sorry, Spock. I was just thinking not twenty minutes ago that I hated you seein’ my dream back there, but if it led to this I can’t say I’m still upset.” Leonard responded, grinning. He leaned back in, but Spock pulled back, looking somewhat confused. “Your dream, Leonard?” He inquired. “Why yes, Spock. When I fell asleep on our way here. Isn’t that why you seemed so taken with that flower?” Great, now Leonard was confused again. Spock’s expression switched from confused to enlightened to guilty in the span of three seconds.
“Leonard, what you saw was not your own making. I was inadvertently projecting my illogical feelings and desires for you into your unconscious. I did not realize that thinking about these desires while you were in close proximity would affect you. I apologize.” Spock tried to get up quickly, but Leonard stopped him. “Now wait just a minute, Spock. You mean to tell me that you think the only reason I’m here, happily spending time with you, is because you were ‘projecting’ on me?” Leonard asked, disbelieving. “I understand if I have offended you too much for me to amend, Leonard. None of this was your fault. We can forget this ever happ- “. Leonard pulled him into a kiss to shut him up. He grabbed Spock’s hand and gently ran his index finger up from the palm of Spock’s hand to the tip of his middle finger. Spock shuddered slightly and flushed an emerald green. Leonard pulled back to look at him and smiled. “Guess who’s been studying up on Vulcan physiology, Mr. Spock?”
“Leonard, I am most confused.” Spock confessed with a carefully blank face. His obvious attempt to mask his emotions to shield himself made Leonard’s heart ache. “Let me tell you something, Darlin’.” Spock’s eyebrow raised at the term of endearment but he remained silent, “I didn’t want to admit it, but I’ve been having pretty similar feelings for you and your logical self for a good while. I was just too bull-headed to say anything.” Leonard admitted, flushing a bit. Spock remained quiet for a beat longer then said, “I am not sure what having a head like a bull has anything to do with this, but I am glad you feel the same way.” Leonard suddenly realized that Spock acts oblivious on purpose; this is him joking. He rolls his eyes affectionately and kisses Spock again. Leonard swore he could feel Spock smiling, but he was too happy right now to call him out on it.
--- The next day ---
After Starfleet obtained their report and held their meeting, it was decided that since there were no valuable resources or intelligent life, it would remain a neutral planet. Captain Kirk and Doctor McCoy were talking over some drinks that evening, a ritual they’d established a while ago. They were in Leonard’s room, discussing events that have occurred since the last time they met to drink.
“Yeah, I haven’t heard too much complaining from you over yesterday. Did something happen?” Jim asked, partly teasing but honestly concerned. Leonard averted his gaze to the table and said, “Nah, not really. Just not much for me and the damn hobgoblin to argue over on a planet filled with nothin’ but plants.” Jim didn’t look convinced. “Bones, if something happened that you two didn’t report, you need to tell me. I may be the captain, but I’m also your friend. I want to know if anything bad happened.” Jim had pulled his puppy eyes that he knew Leonard couldn’t resist. “… Do you promise that it’s just between us?” Leonard asked. “Of course, Bones. It won’t leave this room.” Jim responded, dead serious. Leonard heaved a deep sigh. “Alright, Jim.”
Just as Leonard was about to inform his friend of yesterday’s events, someone requested entry to his cabin. “Be right back, Jim.” Leonard said, walking to the door. The door opened to reveal Spock, and Leonard was about to ask him what he was doing there when Spock stepped into the dimly lit room, grabbed the doctor around his waist and kissed him passionately, walking them back against the wall. Leonard was almost enjoying this new greeting except he knew that Jim was still here.
“Okay. I have missed something.” ‘Well, shit.’ Leonard thought. Spock stilled and slowly turned his head to face Jim, who was currently sporting a shit-eating grin. “Jim, um, Captain, I did not realize you were here.” Spock fumbled. “Obviously!” Jim cackled as he stood from his chair. “Well, I think I’ll let myself out and let you crazy kids have your fun. Glad the away mission helped you two!” Jim threw over his shoulder as he walked out of Leonard’s door.
Spock and Leonard stood there awkwardly for a long moment before Leonard snorted, “Well, at least we don’t have to worry about breaking it to him.” “Indeed.” Leonard looked over at Spock. “So, other than kissing me senseless, was there any other reason for coming here?” Spock nodded as he responded, “Yes, Leonard. I have something for you.”
The first officer reached into his pants pocket, keeping eye contact with the doctor. Leonard was shocked to see Spock pull a small blue box from his pocket and hand it to him. He opened it gently to reveal a beautiful necklace - There was a metal diamond figure outlining a blue gemstone cut in a similar shape. “Lordy, Spock, it’s gorgeous. Thank you. Where did you get this?” He inquired. “I’m glad you like it, T’hy’la. That necklace belonged to my mother.” Spock responded. Leonard was so shocked by the last part that he missed Spock’s endearment. “Spock, are you sure you wanna give this to me? Isn’t this the only thing you have from her?” “I am sure, T’hy’la. Would you try it on for me?” Spock gently asked. Leonard nodded, “Of course, Spock. Hey, what does that mean? What you keep callin’ me?” Spock picked up the necklace and placed it around Leonard’s neck as he answered, “My apologies, Leonard. T’hy’la is a Vulcan term. To put it in so few words, it means we have a close connection and that I care greatly for you.” Spock’s hands paused on the other man’s collarbone when the necklace was in place. “It looks beautiful on you, Leonard.” Leonard blushed heavily under the praise and could only muster a small ‘thank you.’ Spock spoke softly in return, “I believe I shall take my leave now. Farewell, T’hy’la. I shall see you tomorrow.” He then took his first two fingers and held them up. Leonard smiled sweetly and responded, “Goodnight, Spock. See you tomorrow.” He put his two fingers up gently against Spock’s as a quiet farewell. The corner of Spock’s mouth turned up. ‘Thank you for the lessons, M’Benga.’ Leonard thought.
From then on, it was assumed by the crew that Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy must be on better terms now, as their bickering is always accompanied by amused expressions and was nearly playful. Everyone on the Enterprise felt a great sense of relief from this development, as they hoped it meant the good doctor and their first officer would finally get over themselves and get together. It wasn’t until one day when Leonard left his cabin in a hurry, forgetting to tuck his necklace under his tunic, that everything became clear to the crew. Unfortunately for Leonard, both M’Benga and Uhura were well-versed in Vulcan tradition, so it didn’t take long for word to spread that Dr. McCoy was apparently Commander Spock’s special someone. Of course, some folks felt horribly jealous or even heartbroken that these two handsome men were now taken, but most were simply happy for them. Jim was especially happy for them, not only because he knew from the start, but he also now had so many more credits in his wallet, due to them only taking a year and a half to realize their feelings and not three years like so many people had unfortunately bet on.