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“Spock?”
After entering the override code, Jim steps into Spock’s quarters. McCoy is close at his heels. The lights are off, and the room is too warm.
“Spock, are you in here?” McCoy calls into the dark room. There’s a shuffling of fabric and a groan in response.
“Computer, lights on at 10%.” The lights brighten just slightly, and both Jim and McCoy rush forward as they see the mound of blankets on the bed. Underneath the pile is Spock, his face contorted in discomfort and his eyes squeezed shut.
“Spock,” Jim leans down and brushes Spock’s hair from his face. “You missed your shift on the bridge. It’s unlike you. What’s wrong? What is it?”
Spock’s eyes squint open. His lips part, and he pants out, “Forgive me, Captain. I did not realize the alpha shift had started.”
Immediately, McCoy has his bioscanner pulled out and is running it over Spock’s body. “He’s got a cold, Jim. A pretty bad fever, too.”
Jim shakes his head. “Spock, no one expects you to work when you’re sick. Bones, is there anything you can do for him?”
“Medically, no. A cold just has to run its course.” McCoy tucks his bioscanner away. “Though we can still take care of him.”
Jim nods, then turns back to Spock. “How can we help?”
“I am quite cold,” Spock answers. Each word is laborious and breathy. “Perhaps some more blankets…?”
“I’ve got a better idea.” McCoy peels off his medical tunic and motions for Jim to do the same. “Humans run hotter than Vulcans. I bet we can warm you right up.”
As Jim tugs off his shirt, McCoy lifts the pile of blankets just long enough to slide underneath. He pulls Spock into his chest. It’s a rare moment of tenderness between the two of them.
Jim steps around the bed and slips in from the other side. He presses his bare chest to Spock’s back.
Almost immediately, Spock’s shivering stops.
“Is that better, Spock?” Jim whispers.
Spock nods against McCoy’s chest.
“Good,” McCoy mumbles, “Now get some sleep. Doctor’s orders.”
Spock lets out a quiet hum of acknowledgement, and his body relaxes.
Barely a minute passes before he begins to snore.