Trapped six feet under

Chapter 9: earlier

"So Len, I heard you are leaving me in charge," M'Benga said, making himself comfortable on the edge of the bed.

"Uh huh," McCoy observed himself in the mirror.

"And I am happy about the good news," M'Benga said, as McCoy zipped up his jacket. "put Christine in charge of Sick Bay," the doctor turned toward the dark man while zipping up his jeans raising a brow. "She practically runs Sick Bay while you are on the bridge 'flirting' for the sake of science."

"I don't flirt with Spock on the bridge," McCoy said. "that is unprofessional. And I don't flirt with him on the bridge! Someone has to check on their state of mind."

"Now don't use 'the watcher' excuse," M'Benga said.

"Me?" McCoy asked, insulted."Being a watcher?" he dramatically said placing a hand on his chest glaring at the resting man's direction. "A passive bystander," the white doctor folded his arms. "ya out of your mind!"

"Do I have to take out your logs to make my point?" McCoy looked caught. "You're there, every time, any time, something weird happens on the bridge or to the Enterprise. I thought you would be sick of the bridge turbulence by now but that's ridiculous that you are not admitting to what keeps you on there instead of sick bay."

"Ya know what is ridiculous?" McCoy asked.

"Try me," M'Benga said.

"This conversation," McCoy said.

M'Benga laughed.

"It is," M'Benga said. "I hope your couples therapy is fantastic." he batted his eyelashes back.

"My god, man," McCoy said. "ya lost it."

"I have not lost it," M'Benga said. "but I think you've lost your sense of belonging."

"What's that supposed to mean?" McCoy asked.

You know what I mean," M'Benga said. "full well," he placed his hands on his waist. "you never know: the next away mission someone might just put a ring on him. You know how Vulcans are when it comes to being devoted to their bondmates? No more one night stands, flings, or anything that does not mean being affectionate toward their partner."

McCoy turned toward the dark man.

"I accept that," McCoy said. "I accept that Spock and I won't share the same assignments. I accept that I won't always be there to make sure Jim lives," he sat down along where the darker man sat. He looked over toward M'Benga. "I also accept that a competent CMO will take over should Star Fleet unexpectedly reassigns me," he turned his head away for the last part. "Or should somethin' unexpected happens to me."

"But your relationship with Spock will stand the test of distances," M'Benga said.

"It will," McCoy said, light heartedly with a nod. "surely."

"That's the only thing I want for the two of you," M'Benga said. "you make quite the odd couple."

"Speakin' of odd couple," McCoy said. "ya know Scotty and Keenser are goin' to finally get married this year?"

"Yes," M'Benga said. "joyful occasion. About time."

"Yes," McCoy agreed. "about time."

"Much ado about timing," M'Benga said.

McCoy glared at first toward M'Benga then the two men bust out laughing.

"I will be back before ya know it, dumb ass," McCoy said, as their laughter ended.

M'Benga looked at him warmly.

"Don't stay too long on Fa-tuk," M'Benga said.

"I won't," McCoy said, then he stood up straightening his gray shirt. He came over to the desk taking out a necklace from the drawer. He clicked it on the back of his neck turning back toward the man. "there is nothin' worth my time stayin' down there for."