Where No One Has Gone Before

"Ahh, so nice and cold" - TOS

Trigger warning: none

***

It's another regular day in sickbay, no emergencies, no accidents, no sudden life-threatening diseases that no one ever heard of before. No, it is a calm shift for Doctor McCoy and his staff, even though no one of them would ever say this out loud. The c-word shall never be spoken, that's the rule in the medical branch.
While the nurses chat to each other and check on the equipment, McCoy sits in his office and reads something about the newest medical studies. A cup of replicated coffee stands in safe distance from the edge on his desk and he hums under his breath, helping his mind focus on the reading at hand.
His arched eyebrows furrow as he studies some demographics that break up the text and he taps his chin with his index finger. Just as he reaches for his cup to take a sip of his coffee, he hears the doors to sickbay open and a deep sigh escapes his lips even before he hears who it is. He puts down his cup and reading and stands up to walk into the main area, where he can hear the chief engineer talk to whomever he brought in.
"I'm so sorry Capt'n, I'm sure I checked everything before you came."
As soon as McCoy hears Scotty talk to the Captain his jaw clenches and he walks out his office.
"Don't worry Mister Scott, it could've happened to anybody. I've experienced worse, you really don't have to accompany me," the cheerful voice of Captain Kirk answers the engineer as McCoy steps into the room. Immediately his friend notices him and smiles at him, holding his right hand in front of his chest.
"Hey Bones! I thought I'd pay you a visit today, since you don't have much to do right now."
With one glance at his friend McCoy spots the nasty looking burn on the Captain's hand and sighs.
"Shut up and sit down," he orders while he grabs his medical equipment, his face turning into that well-known scowl of his. Without complaining Kirk complies, still as cheerful as ever, almost like he couldn't even feel the pain in his hand.
"Did you decide it would be a good idea to check the warp core's temperature or why does your hand look like the surface of Excalbia?" McCoy asks while he starts to treat the wound.
"Well, actually you're not far from it Bones. I went to inspect the engine room since I haven't done it in a while, and just as I came in one of the tubes broke and I burned my hand while trying to help seal it off," the Captain explains with a chuckle and Scotty nods.
"I'm sorry Doctor, I didn't expect this to happen."
"Sure you didn't. A normal, sane person wouldn't even have tried to seal a broken tube with their bare hands," McCoy replies and pulls Kirk's hand closer to him.
"Charming as ever," his patient jokes, but McCoy just ignores him. Suddenly the Captain puts his hand on the doctor's chest right above his heart and sighs theatrically.
"Ahh, so nice and cold."
Immediately McCoy glares at his friend and lowers his hands to his side, the annoyance clear in his face. For some moments they just stand there, Kirk's hand on McCoy's chest, a grin on the captain's and a frown on the doctor's face.
Scotty just stands there and watches both of them, not sure if he should leave, stay or say something.
"You're so lucky that I'm not allowed to punch my patients," McCoy finally mutters and finishes to treat the burn on Kirk's hand. Soon nothing is left on the Captain's hand, the skin as smooth and untouched as before.
"There you go, now get out and leave me at peace!"
"Thanks a plenty Bones. Our game tonight still stands?"
McCoy just grunts in approval and retreats into his office, leaving Kirk and Scotty behind.
"Alright, thank you Mister Scott, you can return to your duties now."
"Aye Sir."
McCoy just shakes his head as both men leave sickbay and he resumes his place at his desk. One day his friend will get himself killed out of recklessness.

***

A short one to start this collection, I hope you liked it! Let me know what you think :)