Title: Along Comes a Stranger (14/?)
Author: klmeri
Fandom: Star Trek AOS
Pairing: Kirk/Spock/McCoy
Summary: AU. Jim’s life in Riverside is uncomplicated until two men, both equally mysterious and compelling, arrive in town, bringing with them the promise of change.
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Part Fourteen

Jim hurries into the clinic, grease still lining the beds of his fingernails, and demands to Mrs. Riley at the front desk, “Jan—”

She sees his alarmed expression and is quick to reassure him. “Oh, Jim! No, everything’s fine. Didn’t Dr. McCoy tell you…?”

“He said I had to get over here sooner rather than later,” Jim almost snaps but catches himself and lowers his voice, straining to be gentle. “Bones didn’t explain the details.”

“Oh you poor thing,” Janice says, coming around the desk. She is trying for soothing but looks uncertain about touching him or hugging him. “You can toss any thoughts of horror out your head, Jim,” she tells him. “Nobody’s hurt or dying, I swear it.”

Hearing her sincerity, something untwists inside Jim and he has to brace his legs to keep from swaying with relief. “Then why am I here?” he wants to know.

“Second exam room. Go on, you know where it is.”

Jim steps around her, ignoring the curious attention of the people in the waiting area. Entering the middle examination room situated along a curve in the hallway holds its own surprise. Jim softly closes the door, pushing away his immediate shock, and asks, “Scotty, are you sick?”

Montgomery Scott struggles into an upright position from where he had been dozing on the patient’s bed. “Waa? J-Jim?”

He drags the man the rest of the way up and takes a long look at him. Scotty is less bedraggled than usual, someone having made him wash his face and hands (and possibly scrub behind his ears). He is wearing a white, paper-thin gown typical for a physical examination, his clothes nowhere to be seen.

“Scotty,” Jim asks again, “are you okay?”

The man nods. “I was mindin’ me own business when some crazy man shined a light in ma eyes and made me come here. Weren’t the police,” adds Scotty, bemused. Then, with a bit more indignation, “I’m not a child to be prodded neither! He poked at me, Jim.”

Jim pats him. “And this man was a doctor?”

“Yeah.”

“With a really big frown and a kind of rude disposition and prone to cussing?”

“Yeah, that’d be him.”

“Then you’ve met Doctor Leonard McCoy. I call him Bones,” Jim says proudly.

Scotty absently scratches at his gown, then seems to realize he is still wearing it. He looks around, confused. “Where’re ma clothes, Jim?”

“I don’t know, Scotty. Can you hang here another minute? I will look for them.” And find Bones.

“Got nowhere to be,” remarks the man. But the way he flushes tells Jim that Scotty is aware of what will happen to him if he tries to vacate this room without explicit permission from the Riverside Medical staff.

Maybe Scotty has already tried escape once, Jim muses, and failed.

Jim pats his shoulder again and exits the exam room. Bones is standing in the hallway, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, and smirking.

“You freaked me out,” Jim says pointedly. “I think I broke seven traffic laws on the way here.”

Bones doesn’t look sorry at all. “I asked Mr. Scott who he wanted to come get him and he said Jim Kirk.” McCoy shrugs. “So Jim Kirk it is.”

Jim takes a second to process that information. “Really?”

“Really,” replies the doctor dryly. “Surprised me, too. His file says he has a living relative, so I thought I’d give her a call but the man looked ready to jump out of his skin when I mentioned his mother as an alternative.”

“She’s not well,” Jim says.

Leonard’s look is shrewd. “What kind of ‘not well’?”

“The cancerous kind.”

McCoy is perfectly still. “Shit. Didn’t see that in her file. Hell, I didn’t see a file for her, period.”

“That’s because she and Mark aren’t… on good terms anymore. Scotty’s dad had an accident at work, it was fatal, and she blamed Mark for not being able to save him.”

McCoy nods in understanding. “Grief really hurts people, makes ‘em irrational sometimes.”

Jim shoves his hands deep into his jacket pockets. “She has a doctor outside of town and goes to the hospital for her treatments, I guess.” His next question is serious. “What can I do for Scotty?”

Bones shoves away from the wall and enters the second exam room, Jim on his heels. Scotty blinks at the pair and McCoy wastes no time in asking, “How long have you been depressed, Mr. Scott?”

Montgomery simply stares at the doctor. “I ain’t depressed, doc.”

“Are you homeless?”

Scotty replies instantly, “No.”

“Then why do you sleep on a bus bench? And don’t say because it’s comfortable.”

The man shrugs. “No reason other than I need a lie-down—so I lie down. None o’ yer business.”

“I’m a doctor. Of course, it’s my business,” retorts Bones. Jim keeps quiet, letting McCoy do what he does best.

“I’m a’right.”

McCoy ticks off a list using his fingers, “Signs of chronic malnutrition, dehydration, clinical depression—which, considering the look of you, tempts me to place you under a possible suicide watch—” That seems to catch Scotty’s attention and the man protests, “No, I’d never do that!”

The doctor ignores him and continues, “—questionable hygiene that can lead to several unpleasant diseases, Mr. Scott, believe me and, finally, anemia. Perhaps you cut yourself?” asks McCoy, eyes sharp. “How often do you pass out, or wake up and not remember going to sleep?”

Scotty is shaking his head. “I dinnae—sometimes, the sleeping bit, I guess.” He looks pleadingly at Jim but Jim says firmly, “Tell Bones, Scotty. This is serious.”

The man slumps, defeated. “I don’t take care of me-self. I know that. Mom’s sick, and I…” He trails off.

McCoy sighs, voice sympathetic but still holding a trace of fire. “You can’t take care of somebody else when you are sick yourself, Mr. Scott.”

Scotty looks close to tears. “She won’t let me!” he cries, and Jim breaks his stance behind Bones, moving to Scotty’s side to sling an arm over his shaking shoulders. Scotty looks imploringly between Kirk and McCoy. “She’s so sick and she won’t let me help. I’m useless!”

Jim shoots Bones a helpless what do we do?

McCoy says to Scotty, “You’re not in good shape. I have to talk to your mother about that—”

Scotty switches from devastated to alarmed.

“—and I’ll tell her your concerns for her, too.” Leonard’s expression says he isn’t going to stop until he has this figured out—and fixed it. Jim has the silliest urge to kiss Bones until the doctor is breathless.

“What can I do, Bones?” Jim insists.

“I guess we’ve flubbed the patient-doctor confidentiality,” Leonard remarks with a snort, “so I’ll give you a list of vitamins and a diet he needs to follow. It’s too early at this point to discuss anti-depressants, not without more testing. Also, bring him at the end of the week. I want to do a blood transfusion, bring up his hemoglobin level.” McCoy adds with more humor, “And for God’s sake, make him bathe until he wrinkles. Your clothes were awful, Mr. Scott. We’ll burn them for you.”

“But…”

“I sent a nurse to fetch an outfit of her husband’s clothes. She said they’d fit you. Jim, once he’s dressed, you can take him home.”

Jim doesn’t have to think it; the choice is easy. “I’ll take him out to the farm. Mom’s been kind of lonely since Spock left. Scotty, man, I’m sorry. If I’d known how bad things were, I would have gotten you help. I’m sorry.”

Scotty ducks his head. “Not your fault,” mumbles the other man. “Imma mess.”

There is a knock on the door and Christine pops her head into the room. “Lacey has the clothes for Mr. Scott, Doctor.” She sets them, neatly folded, onto the chair by the door and slips back into the hallway.

McCoy nudges Scotty’s old boots from under the exam table and says, “Get dressed… Scotty.” He doesn’t question Jim’s choice of a nickname.

Jim and Leonard leave Montgomery Scott to do as ordered and walk towards Leonard’s office (which isn’t as big as Dr. Piper’s office but is separate and completely McCoy’s).

Jim asks the doctor, “Do you think Spock would look into something for me?”

Bones stops walking to stare at him. “Sure he would, but what can he do? Spock isn’t exactly the natural remedy for depression.”

Jim shrugs. “Just an idea, Bones. I’ll let you know if it pans out.”

McCoy doesn’t ask for further clarification, trusting Jim for an explanation on his own time.

When Scotty is dressed and anxious to leave, Jim takes him to the diner first. There, Jim speaks quietly with his mother. Winona listens to his recounting of Leonard’s advice without interruption. Then she turns to Uhura and asks, “Can you handle the rest of lunch?”

Nyota nods, sneaking concerned looks at Scotty who stands silently by the door. Winona removes her apron, gathers her purse and keys, and takes Scotty by the hand, motioning for him to go with her.

Scotty is clearly ready to protest, but Jim says, “I wouldn’t if I were you” and the man closes his mouth. Jim watches as Scotty is bundled into his mother’s truck and they are on the road to the farm. Finally, he is content to climb back onto his bike and return to the garage. Later, Jim shall go to the drugstore and purchase the vitamins and other items on Doctor McCoy’s handwritten list.

And tomorrow he’ll see Spock.

If Mr. Spock is surprised to find Jim Kirk on his doorstep at nine o’clock in the morning, he doesn’t appear surprised. Either that has to be a talent of Spock’s, or there is a course in law school called Decorum When Presented With Unusual Circumstances.

“Hi,” Kirk greets the lawyer. “Is this a bad time?”

“Not at all, Mr. Kirk. Please come in.” Spock stands aside to allow Jim entrance into his home. “I was enjoying a leisurely breakfast on the deck. Would you care to join me?”

“Coffee?”

“Certainly.”

Jim watches Spock make a fresh pot of coffee in the kitchen, knowing by that point that he can’t say “I’ll just what you’re having” because Spock will ignore him. Instead he settles for “Thanks, Spock. I don’t mean to inconvenience you, though.”

“Your company is a pleasant surprise, Jim. I would not find it amiss, however, if you are here for a purpose other than a congenial visit.”

He smiles. “I do have something—or rather, someone—I want to talk to you about. Just a hypothetical situation.”

Spock hands him a cup of coffee. “Then perhaps we should retire to the deck and discuss this hypothetical situation.”

Jim follows the lawyer outside. The morning sun hasn’t warmed the air yet, and Jim is grateful for his jacket. He notices that Spock is wearing a sweater. Spock answers Kirk’s question without Jim saying a word.

“I prefer fresh air in the mornings.”

“Riverside is warmer than Boston,” offers Jim.

“Yes but unfortunately the winter section of my wardrobe serves its purpose, even in Iowa.”

Jim laughs and leans onto the ironwork patio table they are sitting at. “Cold weather is part of nature, Spock.”

“In America.”

“You like America,” counters Kirk.

Spock agrees, “I do.”

“Then stop complaining or move to Florida.”

Spock is doing that not-smile again. “You sound like Leonard.”

He grins. “Bones has that effect on people.”

Jim finds that he really likes the way Spock’s eyes show his mirth, though his face does not. Spock folds the newspaper occupying his area of the round table and places it to the side, effectively telling Jim that Kirk has his full attention for this discussion.

Jim tucks his hands between his knees. “How long does a college scholarship last—I mean, how long before the funds are no longer available?”

“That depends on the conditions enstated at the time the scholarship was awarded. Such conditions vary, as not all foundations can afford to be charitable beyond their means.”

He nods, having already guessed that much. “If a guy is guaranteed four years worth of financial support, let’s say, to an in-state university, chances are he won’t get a full ride out-of-state.”

“The odds are unlikely.”

“But he’d still get some support?”

“In general, yes.”

“Okay. So I know a guy who didn’t go to college after high school for… personal reasons but he’s ready to go now. He won a sizable scholarship before graduation. Is the money still available?”

“Provide me with the name of the scholarship and I shall contact the donating foundation on his behalf.” Spock adds, “I would require all the information you can give, Jim—including the circumstances surrounding his delay. It is possible the money is available but I suspect there will be a penalization clause which goes into effect after an allotted number of years of absentee or non-use. If this person’s circumstances are extenuating, he can appeal for the entire amount.”

“I’ll have to ask him.” Convince him, Jim doesn’t say.

After a long moment, Spock asks, “Is it a habit of yours to champion others’ causes?”

“If I think they are worth championing.”

“And what do you seek to gain by doing so, Mr. Kirk?”

“Who said anything about gain?” he retorts. “Are you going to risk your career for Bones to gain his affection?”

“Irrelevant, as I already appear to have it.”

Jim holds up his hand to stay the argument. “I’m not trying to offend you.”

“Nor I you.”

“Then can we agree that we help people simply because we can and because it’s the right thing to do?”

“Yes, Jim. Forgive me, for it occurred to me that you do this quite often, notably so, and I was curious.”

Jim sips at his coffee. “Do what?”

“Seek to aid others.”

“Like you said, habit.” Holding his breath for a moment, he cautiously points out, “You do the same thing as a lawyer. Helping people.”

Spock looks away. “You are correct in your assumption of my habits as well, Jim. I chose a career in law not solely to appease my father’s sensibilities. I thought it offered an equitable trade—the power and position to defend people, to grant them justice.”

“But?” Jim prompts softly.

“In a firm, I am required to aid causes I do not believe in, or altogether trust. Pro bono work is also frowned upon, past the yearly quota. I… am dissatisfied, at present.”

“You could become independent.”

“Perhaps,” Spock replies. Then he turns to Jim again. “Is your coffee cold?”

Jim shakes his head but sighs. “I need to go, Spock. I’m sorry.”

Spock rises. “Thank you for the visit—and for listening.”

“I swear I would stay and listen for as long as you need to talk but Jose will work himself into a stupor if I’m not around to pull him away from that Corvette of yours.”

“Understood.”

Jim follows Spock back to the kitchen, then to the front door. They do not say much, except the trivial goodbyes. Jim fishes for his keys in his jacket pocket and trots down the front steps.

Spock’s voice halts Jim on the walkway. “Jim.”

He turns with a questioning quirk to his mouth to the man watching him.

“Would you care to have dinner with me this week?”

Poor guy is lonely. “Sure. We can try the Thai again or—”

“No.” Spock is tall in the doorway but strangely not imposing, as if he might be uncertain. “I would like to—I will cook. Traditional Filipino dishes, if you are amenable.”

“Spock, that sounds awesome!” Kirk grins unabashedly. “I’ve never had Filipino food before. If it’s good, I hope you realize you’ll have to satisfy my future cravings.”
God, that sounded less dirty in his head.

“It is good,” returns the lawyer, not-smiling again. “Wednesday evening?”

“Great. What time?”

“7 pm, if you wish to eat. 6 pm, if you wish to help with the meal preparations.”

“Okay, six it is. See you.” He raises his hand in parting. Spock does the same.

Jim realizes belatedly as he pulls out of the driveway on his bike that he is humming the song “Stuck on You.”

Jim stops by the Star Motel to pick Leonard on Tuesday. McCoy slides behind Jim onto the motorcycle, grumbling and saying he’ll kill Kirk, good-looking or not, if Leonard “tumbles off this infernal thing.”

“You’re safe with me, Bones,” Jim tells the doctor cheekily.

“Just shut up and get me to work.”

“Yes, master.”

“Infant.”

“Fake Bible salesman.”

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might,” Leonard quotes dryly, and Jim pretends to wreck the bike, causing McCoy to gasp and clutch at Jim’s middle.

He laughs. McCoy curses the Kirk name.

Dropping McCoy off at the clinic without incident, Leonard turns to Jim and says offhandedly, rather than heading straight inside the building, “I got paid last Friday.”

“Does this mean I get my cut?” Jim jokes.

Leonard rolls his eyes. “I’m offering to buy you a meal or take you to a movie. I’m bored outta my mind.”

Jim says, “Sure.”

“Tomorrow?”

Jim almost agrees but remembers his plans with Spock. “How about the day after? Or Friday?”

Bones gives him a strange look. “You have plans?” Then, in a mutter to himself, “Of course he can have plans. Don’t be an idiot, McCoy.” He turns and grabs the glass door of the Riverside Medical Clinic. “Friday’s good. I’m sure I’ll see you before then, but don’t make it a medical emergency, kid.”

Jim huffs out another laugh. “Scout’s honor, Bones. Have a good day at work, dear!” Kirk tacks on, batting his eyelashes like a pretty wife.

McCoy’s reply is lost when the glass door swings shut. Jim interprets his sour look easily enough, though.

Winona pauses while folding laundry. “You’re going on a date?”

“What?” Jim says, distracted by his plate of mashed potatoes and gravy. He savors another forkful before turning to his mother. “Sorry. Good food.”

She tsks but doesn’t outright tell him to return to the kitchen and sit down at the table to eat like a proper gentleman. Maybe she has given up on teaching him manners?

“Don’t talk with your mouth full, love.”

Never mind.

He swallows. “What did you say?”

“This dinner with Mr. Spock—is it a date, Jimmy?”

He pulls the fork out of his mouth. “A date? No!”

The look Winona shoots his way is full of doubt. “A man offers to cook you dinner and you don’t think it’s a date?”

“We’re friends?”

She sounds equally questioning. “Are you?”

He thinks about it. “We’re not enemies. We have—a common goal.” Jim reddens. “Once you get to know him, Spock’s not a bad guy. Kind of neat, actually.”

“Mmhm. Well, just in case he means to be more than friendly, wear your blue shirt. It brings out your eyes.”

Jim groans. “It’s not a date.”

“Of course not,” she says, absolutely not meaning her words. “And wear that new pair of jeans I bought you. You can’t have worn holes in them yet.” She pauses. “Though some people think the ripped look is sexy. No, definitely not—you don’t want Mr. Spock to think you’re promiscuous on your first date.”

Jim says, ears burning, “I’m going back to the kitchen now.”

“Oh and, Jim,” his mother calls after his hasty retreat, “don’t take wine. Mr. Spock doesn’t drink! You’ll have to think of something else…”

Jim shovels the rest of the mashed potatoes into his mouth, unwilling to let them go to waste, but also needing to finish quickly and get out of this house before his mother starts coaching him in proper date conversation.

Scotty is at the kitchen table, looking better—healthier—than he has in years, and blinks at Jim Kirk who passes by to place an empty plate into the sink. When Scotty opens his mouth, Kirk says in warning, “Not a word!”

The man shrugs. “Was just gonna suggest the herbal store on Main. Maybe they have tea Mr. Spock would like?”

Jim closes his eyes and prays. “How did you know he likes tea?”

“Your momma talks a lot.”

Suck it up, Kirk. He almost begs, “Don’t let her meddle, okay?”

Scotty’s only reply is an incredulous noise that surely means how could I possibly stop her?

When Kirk returns to his apartment (narrowly escaping more “helpful advice”), he strips and climbs into bed. But his mind won’t shut up, won’t stop turning over the possibilities. What is Spock thinking? Does he cook often or is he making a special offer? Does Jim have a pair of jeans without rips, tears, or stains? Green tea or black tea?

Exhausted by thought, he wonders at last, If it’s a date, is it our first or second? After all, they did go bowling and then to The Jade Leaf, and Jim enjoyed the excursion immensely…

He drifts to sleep, his subconscious not minding one bit the thought of dating a man like Mr. Spock. But it does not occur to Jim to worry about what Bones would think.

Not until Bones shows up on Spock’s doorstep at a quarter to 8 o’clock, Wednesday night.

Next Part

Related Posts:

• Along Comes a Stranger (28/28) – from July 10, 2011
• Along Comes a Stranger (27/28) – from July 9, 2011
• Along Comes a Stranger (26/28) – from July 5, 2011
• Chapter of Doom – from July 4, 2011
• Along Comes a Stranger (25/28) – from June 30, 2011

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