Work Text:
As the day was winding down on the Enterprise, Bones and Kirk were discussing the events about their latest distress call. The doors to the main deck open to reveal one of the star ship’s medical researchers, holding papers as she made her way to the two men. “Captain, here’s the report on the creature’s condition”,the woman stated. Her voice is sweet and sophisticated like that of a southern lady.
“Thank you Miss Henderson”, Kirk responded where Bones couldn’t help but stare at the woman. He admired her features, the everlasting beauty of her ocean blue eyes and oak colored hair. Not to mention her voice, that voice which always reminded Bones of home sweet home. He grew up in the south as did Henderson so he took comfort in the fact that even if he’s galaxies away he always has a piece of home with him .
Despite having grown up the same and in similar careers , their paths never crossed until this very moment. Working on the enterprise, you never really get much time to socialize, there’s always something going on either a planet’s in danger or Klingon is trying to destroy something. “Hello there Doctor”, Henderson said flirtatiously. Bones smiled awkwardly as he responded, “Hello Miss Henderson.”
She smiled before biting her bottom lip and Bones couldn’t help but blush. Kirk while looking through the report, he peeped to see the scene before him. “That would be all Miss Henderson”, Kirk interjected. Miss Henderson nodded before making her way to the doors, she swiftly turned her head and blew a kiss in the Doctor’s direction. She winked flirtatiously as she exited the room.
Bones had a wide grin on his face as Kirk looked at him smugly. “Jim don’t you dare say it”, the doctor warned without facing him. “Come on Doctor, even a green blooded Vulcan can tell that you’re in love”, Kirk retaliated. “I can’t even imagine”, Bones brushes off Kirk’s statement when Spock chimed in, “On the contrary, Doctor.” “Jesus Christ ! Do you have the power to appear out of thin air ?”
“I believe that it is your own doing because of your lack of attention to your surroundings”, Spock said as Bones’ expression went from mild annoyance to anger. “I say you should talk to her”, Kirk chimed in. “I wouldn’t have the time, Jim”, Bones scoffed. “I don’t see how. You’re a doctor and she’s a medical researcher, I’m surprised you two haven’t crossed paths”, Kirk continued.
“Even if they have, we would be busy working and have no time for casual conversation”, Bones stated. Kirk had a look of pity as he and Spock watched Bones return to his office. Hours passed, all was quiet on the star ship enterprise except for maybe one member. McCoy, no matter what he tried, couldn't sleep.
“Jesus, how did I end up here ?”, McCoy questions as he pours a glass of “Brandy”. Suddenly the door opens, Dr Henderson enters but is taken aback when she sees Bones. She sighs in relief, “I thought you would be in quarters by now ?”
“I could say the same for you”, McCoy responds tiredly. “I had some last minute work to finish up”, Henderson replies as she places the paper on his desk. Slowly making her way over to the good doctor, placing her hands on his broad shoulders as she massages them. “You seem tense”, she whispers seductively.
“Oh yeah, how so ?”, McCoy asked. “Your muscles are stiff”, Henderson as she massages thoroughly. “You’re mighty observant, aren’t ya ?”, McCoy boldly stated as he cocks his head towards Henderson. “It’s my job, mister”, she giggles. As she looks at him, she sees how glossy McCoy's eyes are, watering. Concerned for her colleague, she asked, “Doctor, are you alright ?” Panicked by this, he quickly wipes his eyes as he stutters, “Why of course, I am.” Despite giving tons of crap to Spock for being quote, unquote, “emotionless”, he’s quite the hypocrite in that regard.
McCoy has his bad days, just like any other crew member but he wouldn’t let it show. He gets angry, yes but not in a way where you think it’s genuine. He builds walls when it’s a matter of him becoming very emotional, it started with his father’s passing and from that day he tries to hide.
The only way you would catch him shedding a tear is if he’s alone or if he’s been drinking and Henderson successfully caught him. Henderson takes his hand and whispers, “it’s ok.” Simply by those words he felt the comfort that could’ve come from a million pep talks from Kirk.
She takes a seat across from McCoy and pours herself a drink, smirking as she says, “Brandy back home was much better than this.” “What ?”, McCoy responds bewildered, bringing him back to earth, ironically. She laughs as she repeats , “I said Brandy back home was better than this crap.”
Curiosity starts to take over him. “Where did you grow up ?”, McCoy interrogates, placing one hand on his leg. “Georgia”, Henderson says, taking a sip of her drink. “You don’t say ?”, McCoy whispers to himself, smiling like the Cheshire cat. “ I assume you grew up there as well.” “What gave it away ?”, he rhetorically asked as he smugly smirked.
“That smile of yours was the biggest hint.” With that answer, McCoy laughed and Henderson was pleased with herself knowing she made him laugh. Henderson, getting ready to head back to her quarters, makes her way to the door when she feels McCoy grab her wrist.
“Wait, I didn’t get a name”,McCoy tried to be calm. Henderson swiftly turns her head, looks down at her wrist with McCoy realizing how weird this looks. He looks down shyly, mumbling the word, “Sorry.” Folding her arms, Henderson smiles as she replies, “Eddie.” McCoy looks up. “I think you should return the favor now”, Eddie states. McCoy cocks his head, confused. “Your name”, she mouths. “It’s Leonard”, he responds simply.
Eddie smiles, “Good night, Leonard.” As she leaves, Leonard’s face turns red with that Cheshire cat grin.