A Rosy Cheeked Captain - Kirk/McCoy
“The Paraxians have allowed us some time to explore their world. I suggest we take advantage of this opportunity to become more familiar with their culture.” Spock stated, looking at Jim for assent.
The Enterprise was currently orbiting the planet of Parax. The Paraxians, a peaceful and welcoming race, had offered the crew a few days on their plant to enjoy everything their world had to offer. This was a rare occurrence, as diplomatic work for the Federation often left the Enterprise and its Captain battered.
The corridors of the ship were alive and buzzing with the sounds of the crew members’ anticipation after the announcement. Jim, excited by the energy of his crew, relaxed protocol and had a final meeting with Uhura, Spock, and Bones in the Mess Hall before beaming down to the plant.
Spock had just finished speaking, when Bones took a seat next to Jim. Engrossed in some medical data on Paraxian physiology, Bones failed to greet anyone at the table, his eyes glued to his PADD.
“Of course Spock, but relax!” Jim grinned at him. “It’s not often we get to enjoy free time on a planet.” Turning to Bones, Jim leaned back in his chair and clapped his hand on Bones’s shoulder, “Right Bones?”
His body moving from the shove Jim gave him, Bones leaned his head closer to his PADD, a frown appearing on his face. “That’s right, darlin’.” Bones murmured absently, making a few more corrections to his work.
The word hung in the air as everything seemed to grow still. Eyes widening, Jim felt his body stiffen. His cheeks began to burn, the blush slowly spreading across his face. Dropping his hand from Bones shoulder, Jim made a slight stuttering noise. Looking quickly at the faces of his crew, Jim's eyes narrowed at Uhura, a smirk playing across her face.
Leaning closer to Bones, hoping to catch his eyes, Jim whispered. “Did you just call me darlin’?” A goofy, nervous grin appeared on his lips. Trying to ignore the confusing effect the word had caused on his body, Jim shifted in his chair uncomfortably.
“It kind of sounded like you called me darlin’.” Jim said, trying to sound nonchalant but the slight change of pitch in his voice betrayed his obvious nervousness.
Raising his eyes from his PADD, Bones looked at Jim, his face blank for a moment. Looking quickly around him at Uhura and Spock, Bones shrugged. “Yeah, I suppose I did.” He said, head dropping back to his work. “That’s not a problem with anyone, is it?” He questioned, the tone of his voice indicating that he could give a damn if it was.
“Appropriate Starfleet protocol would indicate that you address the Captain in a formal manner, Doctor McCoy.” Spock stated evenly, looking at Bones sternly.
Bones raised his head in Spock’s direction. Cocking an eyebrow, he glared at Spock.
“However, as protocol was relaxed for this occasion by the Captain, your term of endearment is acceptable.” Spock continued, tilting his head to the side, his mouth twitching slightly.
“That it is Spock.” Uhura added sweetly, raising an eyebrow in Jim’s direction as she took a sip of her tea. “Right, Captain?”
Jim’s jaw clenched as he glared at Uhura, his blush spreading underneath his collar.
“Well, I need to get back to Sickbay.” Bones said, making one final note on his PADD. Placing his hands on the table, Bones pushed himself out of his chair.
Jim’s eyes followed Bones as he stood up from the table. Realizing his mouth was open, Jim tried to take control of himself once again as he fidgeted in his chair. Running his hand through his hair, Jim felt the heat from his face radiate against his palm. How is it that Bones could turn him into a blushing mess with only one word? Jim let out a halting sigh.
As Bones made to leave the Mess Hall, he lingered for a moment next to Jim. Leaning down, his lips almost brushing Jim’s ear, Bones whispered, “Meet me in my quarters in twenty minutes.” He felt a shudder pass through Jim’s body as his breath skimmed over Jim’s ear and neck. “I need to see just where that blush ends.”
Hearing a short groan escape Jim's mouth, Bones eyed Jim's body, noting the tightening in his pants with satisfaction. Trailing his eyes up toward Jim's face, he looked him in the eye. “Got that, darlin’?”