Star Trek/ Star Trek RPF Fic: And your little Karl, too! (1/3)
Title: And your little Karl, too!
Sequel to: Not in LA anymore, ZQ. (Can you sense the ridiculous Wizard of Oz theme?)
Author: Trekkinthestars
Fandom: Star Trek XI/ Star Trek XI RPF
Pairing: Spock/McCoy, Zach/Karl (omgwtf, I was a Pinto girl?)
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Will require yet more suspending of belief. Includes Zach and Kirk, jock-like, a grumpy McCoy, a shocked Karl and a stoic as usual Spock.
Summary: Zach wakes up and finds himself on the USS Starship Enterprise again. This time, Karl’s along for the ride.
Notes: A ridiculous mutation based on this prompt on st_xi_kink , because it wouldn’t leave me alone! Also, totally unbeta’d. Also, someone help me stop the madness please! This was written whilst sleep deprived, and should really be called - the fic in which everyone tries to make Zach and Karl hook up.
Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Star Trek, unfortunately. And I don’t own ZQ or Urban either, which is even more unfortunate D:
This time, when Zach wakes up to the sound of light beeping and his view filled with nothing but white, he sits up with a grin. “Leonard,” he says in delight as he stands up to embrace the man walking towards him with a smile on his face.
“Zach,” McCoy replies with a quick squeeze, and then lets go and reaches for his tricorder. “How you feeling?”
Zach almost bounces on his toes. It’s been four months since he woke up on this ship, four months of not telling anyone in case they thought he was crazy. Which, you know, he might still be, but at least he enjoys his breaks of sanity. “Fine, fine,” he says, waving off any worry. “Where did I appear this time? The Bridge again?”
McCoy shakes his head. “This time you appeared right here in sickbay,” he replies with a grin. “Guess you wanted to see me first.”
Zach bats his eyes at him. “You know you’re my number one,” he says flutteringly, and McCoy rolls his eyes.
“And, you brought someone with you.”
Zach frowns, and then turns to follow McCoy’s gaze and finds himself looking at the prone form of Karl Urban. “Oh. My. God.” He spins back to McCoy. “What’s he doing here?”
McCoy gives him an unimpressed look. “I’m a doctor, not a physicist. Didn’t you just... bring him with you?”
“Me?” Zach replies. “How would I do that? I struggle to make him come out for coffee, never mind pull him across worlds to the Enterprise.”
McCoy looks at him curiously, then back to the man lying on the bed. “His name is Karl Urban,” Zach informs him. “And he’s obviously the one who plays you.” Thankfully, Karl’s not wearing one of his sweater vests, just simple jeans and a long sleeved shirt, rolled up to the elbow. It shows of his lean forearms, the tan he wears so well. His face is lightly stubbled, relaxed in sleep, and looks younger than the man stood next to him.
“He’s a good looking man,” McCoy says, voice satisfied. “The two of us might cause a commotion.”
Zach rolled his eyes. “Oh yeah. Two grumpy men with accents that make them hard to understand. They’ll be running each other down... to get away from you.”
“Hazel eyes and an accent?” McCoy asks, voice knowing. “I thought that combination made you melt.”
“Only from you, sweet cheeks,” he shoots back, a grin on his face which is mirrored by McCoy. “Now, how is my delightful double doing?”
The top of McCoy’s ears flush, but when he replies his voice is brusque. “They’ve both been injured on a dozen away missions, Jim’s had at least 5 STDs and Spock has... made an effort at embracing his human side.”
“He been telling any of the jokes I left him?” Zach asks, and McCoy grins.
“Yeah, but his delivery could use come work.”
“Shocking,” Zach laughs, and then gestures towards McCoy’s belt. “Can I call them to come and greet me?”
McCoy rolls his eyes, but hands over the communicator. “Don’t make them think there’s an invasion going on or anything,” he warns. “All we need is Jim ninja rolling himself into sickbay and knocking himself out on one of the beds. Again.”
Zach lifts three of his fingers up, in the scouts honour position, and then presses the transmit button, glad he’d let Uhura show him the ropes during his last visit. “Spock to Kirk,” Zach says, in his most serious Spock voice.
“Spock?” comes the confused reply. “Tall? Vulcan? Terrible hair?”
“Captain, I require your assistance in sickbay. Please make your way here as expediently as possible.” A long silence follows his request, as Kirk and the rest of the bridge crew try and figure out if he’s a threat, someone dangerous masquerading as Spock, and then there’s an inhale of breath and Kirk’s speaking again.
“Zach, is that you?” he asks, a thread of laughter in his voice. “I thought we got rid of you months ago.”
“Four months, three days and seven hours,” he and Spock correct at the same time, although Spock says the figures which are correct, not just pulled from nowhere, and Zach laughs along with Kirk.
“Alright, alright. We’ll be right down.”
“Don’t hurry,” he says with a sly grin towards McCoy, one which he knows will transmit through the communicator. “I’m sure Leonard will keep me company until you arrive.”
He hears something like a growl before the communication shuts off, and turns to McCoy, eyes wide. “That was a jealous Vulcan growl, right there,” he says, and the implications for that run through his mind. McCoy’s face is wearing a smile which is two parts sheepish, one part smug, and Zach steps closer to him with a grin. “You made your move?” he asks, and when McCoy nods he holds his hand up for a high-five. “Good work,” he says as their palms connect, and McCoy gives a half smile in reply.
And he is happy for McCoy and Spock, is so glad that his meddling and attempts actually may have led to something between them. The main problem now though, is that he’ll have to watch his double and Karl’s double being all lovey-dovey, whilst ignoring the huge crush on Karl which sprung up in the wake of the hot steamy sex Zach had with McCoy. Which sounds convoluted, but there you have it, and he’s never been more thankful that Spock is a Vulcan, and therefore not one for major signs of affection. He’ll be able to handle the brush of hands against hands. Hopefully.
He’s broken out of his pity party/hot steamy memory by McCoy moving away from him, a smile on his face. “Thanks for your help,” he says, voice rough. “It really helped me see Spock in a new light.”
“And without clothes,” Zach says back, and loves the flush which touches McCoy’s cheeks until he forces it back.
McCoy is about to reply when Kirk’s voice comes floating into sickbay. “...need to see what we can do about blocking this connection, Spock, since I don’t want to see Zach and his ridiculous face ever - oh, hello Zach!” he finishes, pretending to be surprised they could hear him, but his eyes ruin the charade.
“You see my face every day, genius,” he says as a greeting, and then moves forward for a hug. It’s warm and quick, and he pulls away with a smile.
“Not with that ridiculous hat perched on top of it,” he laughs, and Zach reaches on hand up to pat his hat protectively, sending it good thoughts. “What the hell is that thing?”
“It’s called fashion,” he replies snootily, nose in the air. “Don’t worry, I’ll try not to make you look too bad.”
Kirk rolls his eyes, but his grin is wide, so Zach turns to Spock. He looks just the same, just as identical to Zach as he remembered, and he’s positioned himself just slightly in front of McCoy. It’s only subtle, his right shoulder in front of McCoy’s left, but it’s obvious that Spock’s claiming the doctor.
“Hi, Spock,” he says with a tiny wave, and Spock nods his head in greeting. “McCoy tells me you’re going steady.”
“The ship’s speed is indeed set at a fixed warp seven, yes,” Spock replies blandly, and Zach laughs aloud at the glint of enjoyment in his eye.
“You know what I mean. Congratulations.” He holds out a hand, and is glad when Spock deigns to shakes it, because it means he can send through his feelings; how happy and glad he is for them, how he in no way wants to come between them. The contact doesn’t last long, but it’s apparently enough, because Spock seems more relaxed after he let go.
Then he raises one eyebrow and looks in the direction of Karl’s bed. “It would appear that your second patient is regaining consciousness,” he says to McCoy, and they all move to surround Karl’s bed, just in time to watch the man’s eyes blink open.
~*~
Karl blinks his eyes open and groans, and McCoy finds himself looking into his exact eyes. The man blinks for a moment, sleep hazy eyes taking in the group of men around the bed, and then he covers his eyes with an arm. “Why are they two of you, Quinto?” he asks, voice rough. “I don’t remember drinking last night.” He speaks with an interesting accent, bouncy, as though he’s from Oceania.
“We didn’t,” Zach confirms, and then pauses as if considering something, eyes playful. “And you aren’t seeing double. Well, you are, but not like... two of me double.” Another pause. “Just open your eyes.”
Karl does, apparently sensing that if he doesn’t then Zach will just keep on rambling. McCoy watches him take in Zach, who’s grinning down at him, all big glasses and fugly hat. Then his gaze moves towards Kirk, and recognition flashes in his eyes. He opens his mouth but his gaze keeps moving and then freezes as his eyes catch on Spock and McCoy. He blinks once, and then sits up quickly.
“What the hell?” he asks, and presses his palms into his eyes. When he pulls them away, he looks disappointed that what he’s seeing hasn’t changed. “No, seriously Zach. What the hell?”
Zach hesitates, shares a quick glance with Spock, and then speaks. “Well, you remember a few months ago when I kind of... disappeared for a few days?” he asks, and Karl nods. McCoy wonders how long he was gone for, how worried his friends were when he disappeared.
“Yeah,” he replies.
“Well,” Zach grins. “I did say that you’d never believe me when I told you where I disappeared to.” He gestures around him and Karl follows his hand as it encompasses sickbay, and everyone stood within it. McCoy looks at him, sees the paleness of his skin, which is slightly clammy, and he moves closer to check the man out. Karl watches him with wide eyes as he approaches, and by the time McCoy’s stood in front of him his eyes are wide and pupils dilated, and McCoy’s looking at himself on the verge of a panic attack.
“Zach,” Karl asks, though he doesn’t look away from McCoy. “Have I gone mad?”
“No,” Zach replies, and moves closer, so he’s sat next to Karl on the biobed. “You’re really on the Enterprise, having a staring contest with McCoy.” His voice is calm, soothing, like Spock sounds when dealing with touchy enemies with their fingers on the trigger. Zach continues. “You’re in sickbay, with me, McCoy, Spock and Kirk.”
Karl laughs, and McCoy can hear the disbelief in the sound. “I’m on the Enterprise, Zach?” he asks, finally pulling his gaze from McCoy and looking at Zach. “You do realise that sounds insane.”
Zach shrugs with his whole body, relaxed. “Believe it, baby. We’re in space.” His mouth splits into a grin, wide and happy, and he moves close, puts one hand on Karl’s knee. “Just go with it, Karl. It’s fun.”
Karl gets into a staring match with Zach for a while, and in between scanning his health McCoy takes in the sight of what is basically Spock and him sat in front of him. Zach looks just the same as when they last saw him, still relaxed and happy, and McCoy is genuinely happy to see him again. Karl doesn’t look too much like him - he looks more preened, younger. His hair is longer, not parted, and his cheeks are covered with a few days worth of stubble. And he lacks the lines McCoy sees around his own eyes, the slightly haggard look which comes from worrying about a ship full of people.
Spock steps closer to him and brushes two fingers down the back of his hand, telling him without words that he’s there, and the appearance of his double changes nothing between them. McCoy wraps one finger around Spock’s for a moment, thanking him for the reassurance until his attention is pulled away by Karl.
“Alright,” Karl says, and looks away from Zach. He looks less likely to collapse, and Zach pats him on the back before he jumps off the bed.
“He took that much better than you,” Kirk says, voice laughing, and Zach sends a false scowl at him.
“Well, I didn’t have someone calming me down,” he defends. “I just got stabbed in the neck by a hypo-happy doctor.” McCoy rolls his eyes.
“You made a break for it,” he says, and ignores Karl’s heavy gaze. “I had to neutralise you until we knew you weren’t dangerous.”
“Skinny jeans,” Zach and Kirk say at the same time, and then share a grin as McCoy throws them a frown. Kirk rolls his eyes and then grabs Zach’s wrist, pulls him to one side to teach him a new handshake which seems to involve lots of slapping and wrist twisting.
“Are you feeling ok?” McCoy says, and Karl nods and looks up.
“I’m fine,” he replies, “just a bit off balance.”
“Understandable,” Spock says blandly, although McCoy can read the humour in his tone. “You are unused to the subtle movements of starships, it is logical your balance might be impaired.”
“Which isn’t what he meant and you know it,” McCoy growls, but it’s affectionate and Karl raises one eyebrow in a perfect example of McCoy seeing something he finds very interesting.
~*~
Zach knows that eyebrow very well, and pulls away from Kirk’s handshake to place himself between his friend and the couple. No need to spill that just yet, that their lookalikes are getting it on.
“So! You all sorted now? Don’t think you’re going crazy?” Zach asks, and Karl looks at him as though unsure. “Because if you need proof, I’m sure Spock won’t mind melding with you.” He sends a pleading look over his shoulder, and the Vulcan nods slightly.
“A mind meld?” Karl asks, and Zach nods.
“It’s quite fun, actually,” he replies. “Once you get used to him speaking in your mind.”
Karl sighs and then shuffles on the bed before he nods. “Alright then, let’s do this.”
Spock moves towards Karl and Kirk appears at Zach’s side. “This is just more proof of him handling this better than you,” Kirk points out, and Zach shoves his shoulder.
“I’m the one who asked for the meld,” Zach reminds him as Spock touches the meld points and Karl’s eye flicker shut.
Kirk frowns. “Oh, yeah.”
“You think he’ll be ok?” Zach asks after a moment, watching the slight changes wash over Karl’s face. “I mean, he doesn’t know much about melds or anything, do you think he’ll freak out?”
“It’ll give you a great excuse to comfort him,” Kirk says slyly, and Zach turns to find him looking at him with a shrewd gaze.
“What is that supposed to mean?” he asks, crossing his arms over his chest.
Kirk laughs. “You mean to tell me that you get it on with McCoy, and then have no interest in his carbon copy?” he asks, and Zach looks away, forces himself not to flush.
“McCoy and Karl are different people,” he points out. “And just because I find someone attractive doesn’t mean I want to jump their bones.” He tries to look completely annoyed and put out, and not as though the same thought has crossed his mind.
Kirk looks puzzled. “Why not?” he asks. “Just make your move, collect the set!”
“Jim!” McCoy exclaims, although his gaze is on Zach’s face. “Leave the man alone, not everyone can be an intergalactic manwhore like you.”
Kirk’s face becomes exaggeratedly insulted. “You know I prefer the term ‘indiscriminate casanova’.”
“And on that bombshell,” Zach cuts in, and claps his hands together, “let’s talk about something else. Are my quarters still available?”
Zach watches Kirk glance at McCoy with what was probably, for him, a subtle expression, and then nods. “Sure thing. And we can get Karl some nearby as well, so you aren’t too far away.” He gives him a huge grin then, and Zach rolls his eyes.
“Thanks, I’ll be sure to take advantage of that... never,” he replies with a false grin, and when Kirk sticks two thumbs up at him, McCoy frowns and moves closer to Spock and Karl.
“Children,” he growls, and Zach and Kirk exchange amused glances before following his lead. It looks like they have the perfect timing, since just as Zach approaches the bed, Karl blinks his way out of the meld.
McCoy touches Spock’s shoulder lightly, and the Vulcan nods in reply, and Zach turns to look at Karl. He’s more relaxed than he’s been since he woke up, leant back on the bed and grinning at Zach, so he grins back.
“We’re on the Enterprise,” he says happily, and Zach laughs aloud.
“What gave it away? The setting, or the crew members?”
“The irrefutable evidence shipped right into my mind,” Karl replies, and Zach nods.
“It is pretty convincing.” They share another grin, and then Zach realises they’ve been looking into each other’s eyes for a while, and clears his throat. “You fancy checking out your quarters?” he asks, and Karl nods.
“Sounds good,” he replies, and Zach leads him from sickbay with a wave to the others, purposefully getting them out of there before Kirk can say anything he doesn’t want him to.
~*~
“So,” Kirk says as Zach and Karl leave the sickbay, elongating the word. “Zach wants a piece of his universe’s McCoy. Do we have a plan to get them together?”
“How about leaving them alone to let them figure it out between themselves?” McCoy asks, though he has very little faith that this will actually happen.
Kirk proves him right. “You mean like he left you two alone?” he asks with a laugh, and then turns thoughtful. McCoy and Spock look at him for a long moment, and start when he suddenly bursts into action. “I need to go and... arrange some things,” he says quickly, and then practically runs out of sickbay. McCoy spares a moment to pity Zach, and then turns to Spock with a smile.
“You think we should give them a nudge?” he asks, and steps in close to Spock, into that circle of space only a few people are allowed.
Spock raises an eyebrow at him, subtly amused, and replies. “It would be prudent to help Zachary achieve the same happiness as us.” He brushes a finger against McCoy’s with a slight upturn of his lips. “Since it was he who managed to overcome your stubbornness, it would be sensible for us to do all we can to facilitate him to overcome his friend’s.”
“Stubborn!” McCoy replies, although he can’t keep the smile from his face.
“Indeed,” Spock replies. “It was not until you saw my double naked, and was tutored by him in how we would best communicate, that you attempted to address the obvious situation between us.” Spock won’t use the word emotions, even if that’s what he means, but McCoy can’t help but agree. Zach appeared out of nowhere and showed him something he hadn’t really admitted he wanted, and had no idea how to tease out of the Vulcan. And now, here they are. Down to wanting to kill each other only once every couple of days, and now it’s interspersed with lots of hot, sweaty sex.
“I guess we do owe him a favour,” McCoy admits. He doesn’t know what the best way to go about this is, but he knows that him, Spock and Kirk are all aiming for the same thing. He’ll need to watch Karl carefully, and then as soon as he shows even the slightest interest - think of a way to push them together.
“Scotty and Uhura got together when they were trapped in a turbolift,” he offers, and Spock ponders the idea.
“Unsuitable,” he finally decides. “From the information I gained in the meld with Mr Urban, it seems as though he has been harbouring feelings for Zachary for at least six earth months, but lacks confidence that they will be returned. As such, leaving them alone in a confined space will not guarantee a change in their relationship.”
“But Karl does want him?” McCoy asks eagerly, and Spock nods.
“Indeed. I do not know if he has fully admitted it to himself yet, but it exists within his subconscious.”
McCoy might not be a huge fan of Vulcan mind probes, but he didn't deny they could come in useful when searching out certain information. He smiles. “So, we know they want each other. Seems rude not to help them out when Zach so kindly helped me over my... stubbornness.”
Spock raises an eyebrow and lets one corner of his mouth lift slightly. McCoy leans in close and licked it, the sweet crease of his lip. Spock doesn’t react other than to bring one hand to McCoy’s hip and grip lightly. “We are currently on duty, doctor,” he reminds him, although he doesn’t pull away.
Maybe it’s just thanks to the exposure Zach offered of a human version of Spock, but McCoy’s been reading emotions in Spock’s face ever since the man left the Enterprise. Now he knows what to look for he can see each slight upturn of Spock’s lips, see the amusement and smiles in his eyes.
McCoy kisses him again, and then steps back, taking in the softness of Spock’s face, the slight green along his cheeks. “Alright, commander. But you’re making it up to me later tonight.”
“I shall endeavour to do so, Leonard,” Spock all but purrs into his ear, and then walks out of sickbay without so much as a glance backwards. McCoy gives a fond grin, and then moves his attention back to his work. No doubt there’ll be time to admire the two versions of his lover later on.
Part 2