Work Text:
**To see clearly, it is enough to change the direction of the gaze**
Antonie de Saint-Exupéry
Spock and McCoy watch their Captain, James Kirk, at a gala dinner. Neither of them like these festivities that usually take place when a new planet joins the Federation. From time to time, they are entertained by inhabitants of planets that are considering joining or trading with the Federation, but sometimes assassination attempts on some of the crew members or dangerous confrontations have occurred at these protocol celebrations, by factions unhappy with the alien influences. It is because of these unexpected incidents that McCoy will swear a thousand times that his job is not as much fun as some people think. All that glitters is not gold in the Federation of Planets. Spock will be content to agree with the doctor, for once in his life.
On this opportunity, the course of the festive night seems to indicate that incidents will be non-existent.
Leonard loathes protocol, ball gowns with stupid closed collars that nearly choke him (he'd rather choke to death by being strangled by a drunken Klingon than wear the damn suit) and the need to be extremely polite to people he doesn't like. While he can behave like a perfect Southern gentleman, he doesn't enjoy feeling obligated to diplomacy.
Spock considers it a waste of time to prolong these parties once the agreements are concluded. He prefers to return to his work in space exploration and of course, he wants to avoid showing his awkwardness in social interactions. At these protocol dinners, the half-Vulcan half-human attracts the curiosity of all kinds of inhabitants of the Galaxies, by his unusual and elegant physique, often facing subtle flirtations or direct requests for intimate contact.
Dr. McCoy, whose slim figure, pleasant face and splendid blue eyes are capable of attracting many more people than he thinks he is, remains during the evening, disconnected and uninterested in his possible love interests at the party. His eyes never cease to watch his Captain as if trying to prevent and control him from suffering any possible harm.
The distinguished Vulcan remains impassive, hands behind his back, next to the doctor, who tries to hide his distaste for the taste of the local liquor he has been sampling.
Leonard is on edge. The man has been trying to tame his temper with a few drinks. "This drink tastes like hell!" McCoy mutters, clenching his glass tightly and moving it from one hand to the other, trying to find a place to pour the unwanted liquid.
"Doctor, I suggest you act with discretion and deposit your glass on the table. Our hosts are very sensitive to any sign of displeasure towards their local food or drink," Spock advises.
McCoy frowns, glaring at his friend before grunting and walking away. Carefully, he places his nearly full glass next to a huge centerpiece of lush flowers adorning the head table.
At the other end, James Kirk focuses all his attention on the planetary leader's beautiful daughter. The young woman blinks coquettishly, touching her long hair and gently brushing the Captain's hand. Kirk averts his gaze to his friend, winking at him. McCoy responds with a teasing, affectionate smile.
Spock continues to watch discreetly, captivated by Kirk's interactions with the opposite sex. Years of study have made Spock a master of his Captain's nonverbal language. One of Kirk's strengths is his keen sense of humor, along with his near-perfect smile and the subtle twinkle in his hazel eyes. The Captain has a unique way of charming, just as McCoy shows his emotions with ease.
His mission of depositing the glass accomplished, McCoy returns next to the first officer, wearing a pleased and slightly crooked expression. He carries another glass in his hand as he turns to Spock, frowning and fidgeting nervously on his heels.
"Did you see that?" he exclaims, lightly tapping his friend's arm with his free hand.
Spock raises an eyebrow in response to the physical contact. "What exactly do you mean? Please explain."
McCoy snorts deeply before replying. "Jim is with the Antares ambassador. It doesn't sound like they're just exchanging diplomatic pleasantries."
"She's the daughter of the Council Chief," Spock replies calmly.
McCoy opens his blue eyes, surprised by the information. Spock seems to be better informed than he is.
"Doctor, exactly 2.13 minutes ago you mentioned that you didn't like the local booze. Doesn't it seem illogical that you grabbed another glass of the same liquor?" Spock asks with gentle irony.
McCoy sets his empty glass down on the tray of a waiter, who quickly moves away when he notices the doctor's annoyed expression.
"Indeed. Thirty-two minutes and fifteen seconds have passed since the Captain began eye and then vocal contact with the young lady," Spock adds.
McCoy rolls his eyes. "That means, my dear living android, that he has been talking to that woman for far too long. That's not healthy for him."
Spock turns his head toward the doctor. "Have you worked out any statistics to suggest that the captain's prolonged encounters with beautiful specimens of other species causes him problems?"
"Are you kidding me?"
The first officer places his hands behind his back. "As you well know, Doctor, Vulcans don't joke around."
"Nor do Vulcans keep their eyes fixed on their captain for an entire night? Is that a custom on your planet?"
Somewhat uncomfortably, Spock adjusts his posture and crosses his arms over his chest.
McCoy runs his hand across his forehead, feeling the beads of sweat beginning to appear on his skin. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be intrusive." The medic slips a finger under the collar of his dress uniform, seeking to soothe the irritation caused on his skin by the uncomfortable fabric. He pauses to relax as he makes his way to the large table filled with culinary delights and drinks. A goblet with a shimmering, amber liquid catches his eye again. He takes it in his right hand and, careful not to spill a drop, returns to his friend.
Spock gives him a penetrating look. The doctor wobbles slightly at his side and uses his arm to keep his balance. McCoy grunts a thank you.
"Come on, Spock, you know as well as I do.... Edith Keeler happened only a short time ago. Jim has suffered much over the death of the woman he was in love with, more than he's let us see."
Spock has gradually learned how humans cope with grief over loss. Some share their grief, while others simply keep silent and wait for time to pass. He has been as attentive to Jim as the doctor himself, offering his companionship and physical closeness.
"Edith Keeler had to die," Spock responds laconically.
"Damn it, Spock, sometimes you're too direct about everything!" The doctor clenches the fist of his free hand and drains his glass in one gulp. "C´mon, this drink doesn't get any better with time!"
"I suggest, Doctor, that you come to terms with yourself tonight, I am finding your apparent lack of memory about your own claims about the quality of the liquor you attempt to ingest over and over again to be extremely illogical," Spock interjects.
The doctor's eyes widen as the Vulcan discreetly takes him by the arm and leads him to a wall, away from the food and beverage table. Spock takes care of McCoy. He knows that the doctor did not emerge unscathed from that 20th century mission on planet Earth. The guilt clung to his Leonard´s mind for a long time. The Vulcan decides to keep him from drinking any more.
Jim continues his pleasant chat with the girl, but diverts his gaze to look for his two companions to make sure they are all right. He doesn't like to drag them to these social functions, knowing how little they both enjoy these events, but almost always the invitations include the presence of the three highest ranking officers of their ship.
The two men have moved to one side of the room. Kirk usually enjoys listening to and witnessing his friends' sharp exchange of barbs with extreme wit and acid humor. He misses them very much by his side that night. Although he recognizes that he is enjoying the closeness and chatter of the girl who accompanies him.
McCoy lets his back lean against the wall and relaxes. The older man sighs and begins to speak. "I am concerned about Jim. His extreme ability to get into love affairs is worrisome! There's hardly time in his life for little more than quick flings, but somehow, he ends up getting too involved in some of them. Then I'm the one who has to help him put the pieces of his heart back together. Don't get me wrong! I would give everything I own for his well-being and for him to be happy. The Enterprise is a Lady he has married, without intending to."
Spock raises an eyebrow, and is intrigued by the doctor's unexpected speech. "The Captain is a mature, balanced and extremely intelligent man. We shouldn't have to worry about how he manages his private life."
"Of course I know Jim is a mature and capable man!"
"Use an appropriate course of action. Treat the Captain according to his age and rank."
"And he's also a suffering, vulnerable idiot." The chief medical officer concludes his sentence.
Leonard brings his face close to Spock's, as he gently taps him on the chest with his index finger. "Jim needs stability, and not to be jumping from bed to bed like he's a teenager trying out his new found sexual skills."
The doctor's body odor is warm, discreetly sensual, and smells good. Spock's sense of smell stimulates his organism in an unexpectedly intimate way.
Leonard McCoy recoils slightly, though he secretly enjoys the physical closeness with Spock more than he would admit to himself, but he can't help but let his concern linger in his eyes, which sadden sharply.
McCoy is not completely drunk, but he is emboldened that night. He inhales air and launches himself into the void. "Spock...haven't you ever considered having a romantic relationship with Jim?"
"I think it is you who can presume to be direct in your words tonight." Spock manages with difficulty to maintain a neutral expression at the Doctor's statement. "I find your conclusion little short of impertinent. Not moments ago you were apologizing for being 'nosy' with me."
The CMO purses his lips and flashes him a lopsided smile. "Hey, hey...I've seen the way you look at each other. There is so much need and so much longing in all that..... You couldn't live without knowing the other is safe and well. You chase Jim all over the ship, and only avoid him when it's Jim chasing you through the corridors of the Enterprise. You're crazy about each other!"
"Your skills as an observer are as limited as your medical capabilities."
McCoy raises an eyebrow, and tries to look like he was annoyed by his friend's words. "Ha! I know you, you're trying to get us to start a feud to divert attention from what I just told you."
Spock shakes his head. "Such behavior would be childish and un-Vulcan." He concludes.
The doctor protests. "You do it again!" He emits a big snort, which sounds like a mixture of amusement and annoyance. Then he smiles at his friend with affability and respect.
"I find your concern for Captain Kirk's psychological well-being commendable. As his doctor and friend he expected no less from you."
The CMO pats his forehead. "Spock, you're a stubborn hobgoblin! It is much deeper than psychology. It is not professionalism, nor is it the performance of duty. I'm talking about love, and protecting our Jim!"
McCoy watches as Spock's eyes narrow with slight emotion. "I know, Dr. McCoy, I am no stranger to what you are telling me."
The first officer straightens his back and a faint trace of a smile plays across his stony face: "And what of Doctor McCoy's own needs? What is it that you truly desire? I have observed the close relationship you share with Jim, the complicit glances and the little mutual physical touches. Your utmost concern whenever the Captain puts himself in danger, your displays of human pain when he is in serious trouble....If I, in addition to these visual appreciations, were to collect empirical data on how your blood pressure rises and your heartbeat pulses skyrocket in the Captain's presence when he touches you, I could tell that your interest in James Kirk goes beyond friendship or professionalism."
"Are you out of your Vulcan mind?" McCoy's blue eyes widen again, as he blushes profusely. Leonard falls silent and stares at his friend. He knows Spock is too smart for him not to have realized his own longings for Jim. Still, McCoy has no doubt that Spock is the best candidate for James T. Kirk.
The Vulcan gently nods his head and averts his gaze from the doctor. He knows he has once again beaten McCoy in one of their common disputes, with his assertions. This time he does not rejoice inwardly. He feels a very human uneasiness, which he quickly controls with his Vulcan training on emotions. However, he realizes that both of them have just abruptly changed the course of interpersonal relations between the three friends. Time and logic will tell where the love equation they have just formulated is headed.