AoS + text posts pt. 1/?

(The borderlands anon from however long ago)

So, I finished watching the show a couple days ago, because there were a couple things that showed up consistently in fics i that I didn’t understand (blood blossoms, some of the baddies, a handful of fenton inventions, etc)

First off, I still very much prefer pitch pearl to amethyst ocean or whatever the hell it’s called

And also, do you know where pitch pearl as a ship came from? I know there’s the episode with fun and super, but is that all there really was? Or were there more early fandom headcannons that supported them as separate beings?

Hello again! Sorry this took so long, I wasn’t sure how to answer 😅

Canon did a poor job with AO. I would even say it did it dirty, but it's popular enough it doesn't need that kind of support lol. If you really want to give it a fair shake I’d recommend reading fanfiction for it, but I understand everyone’s preferences are different. I personally don’t ship it because shipping best friends is something I have real issues with, but it’s not a bad ship if you want something that’s soft and makes you feel all warm inside.

Onto pitch pearl tho!

Tbh, I’m not entirely sure myself how pitch pearl as a ship started. I don’t believe it was because of the Fun and Super episode, largely because those two are rarely used in the ship. 

I asked someone else, and they thought that moment in What You Want when Phantom was first torn from Fenton as this colorless ghost might have been what started the concept they weren’t one whole person. Because, honestly? This ship goes far, FAR back. A lot of the older fics made Phantom into a voice in Danny’s head or a spirit that could separate from him at will without the need of the Ghost Catcher in order to offer Danny comfort. They had no rules because there weren’t any set way yet. The fact that Phantom could move and think independently from Danny was enough to get people thinking. It wasn't all romantic, most of it was borderline at best. They mostly focused on hurt/comfort and self-love, finding a balance between human and ghost with the occasional kiss thrown in.

Then there’s TUE, where Danny meets his evil future self and learns that his ghost half killed his human half after merging with Plasmius. It definitely gave more credence to the idea there might be more to Danny’s ghost half than simply having ghost powers. It aired before Identity Crisis, so it set the stage with a BOOM and had a much bigger impact on the ship. Phantom being seen as his own person is a bit more credible when he’s willing to kill Danny. It helped that TUE was a VERY popular episode. It drew in a huge crowd, and everyone was curious about what made the ghost half snap like that if he’s supposed to be Danny.

Supporting that idea is that a lot of the older art and fics took a darker view of Phantom in general, seeing him as Danny’s darker half or a ghost out for revenge after being imprisoned for so long. Even the name “pitch pearl” was created with that in mind. I always thought of it as “white hair/black hair” in the same vein as AO taking inspiration from Sam’s purple eyes and Danny’s blue, but when I went searching for the origins for the name, the old explanation set Danny Fenton as white pearl and Phantom as pitch black. The reasoning for that was partly their jumpsuits pre- and post- accident, but also because Fenton is human and “pure” while Phantom is a ghost and dangerous--because without Fenton, Phantom became Dan and destroyed everything.

For obvious and somewhat personal reasons, I don’t subscribe to that. But it does make all the art where Phantom looks evil while holding Danny make sense. I don’t like dark romance, and I’m personally thrilled we moved away from such a dark beginning, but it likely had a hand in the early popularity of pitch pearl.

If I were to guess how else it started when the source has them as one person, I would say it was most likely the fanart? Putting Fenton and Phantom side-by-side has a yin-yang appeal, and when they interact in art, you get the sense that these are two characters, not one. This was really popular when the fandom was much bigger than it is now.

For instance

Save Our Soul by nycken isn't a shipping piece by any means, but it could very easily give rise to the idea, especially if someone is new to the fandom.

They did not shy away from it being a self-cest ship back then, though. The idea that Phantom wasn't Danny was there, but I don't think anyone looked for evidence in the show to support it. That seems to be something the ship has evolved into rather than something it started from, and it is honestly my favorite way to see it.

I do have many headcanons about how they aren’t the same person in canon if you're interested! There’s the out of sync transformations, the title sequence and how Super and Fun are shown to separate in the Identity Crisis episode, Vlad’s inability to clone Danny, the way Danny talks to himself, just all kinds of things! If you want to hear more about those I'd be happy to answer 😁 (they'd probably be easier too lol)

But yeah, I think it was TUE and fanart. There may have been other factors (I think this was around the time Yu-Gi-Oh and puzzleshipping was popular too) because fandom doesn't exist in a vacuum, but I really couldn't say for sure. It's a ship that means different things for everyone who ships it. I like the psychological questions when they start off as "one" (the bonded peeps version) and enjoy the aus like soooo much, but others like it only for aus, and others like it as a crack ship, and then there are even others who like it as something dangerous. Some people love it for Fun and Super in Identity Crisis because they're just fun caricatures. It's hard to find the origin point when it has so many branches lol

Title: Jealous;

Fandom: The Avengers;

Character: Pietro Maximoff;

Request by anon: Can you do one where pietro gets jealous and hasn't admitted his feelings for you yet, so he acts like an asshole and you finally question him and he's all shy and acute about it aos since it's his first time being jealous

Request by second anon: Hello!!! I love your writing style! I wanted to ask for a Pietro imagine where he is figuring out things because he was raised to learn that loving someone is weakness... and then you help him understanding about love and you end up dating.

Note: Y/N: Your Name;

Warning: Cursing;

Note: Thank you for requesting 💕 and since I had these two for a while I decided to put them together as a single imagine. Hope you don't mind!

You were usually a rather calm person. Treated everyone nicely, smiled all the time, everything was always alright for you. Being an S.H.I.E.L.D’s medic you had to keep your cool during pressure situations and you were pretty good at that.

But lately you wanted to punch Pietro right in the guts.

So. Fucking. Much.

Ever since you started frequenting more often the Avenger’s Facility he had been acting like a complete asshole with you. Which didn’t match him at all, because after de Sokovia incident you had became really close. Being the medic you had to work with the Avengers and other S.H.I.E.L.D agents to rescue and take care of all the wounded.

Pietro was the one that helped you the most. He would take you to the most difficult locations that required imediate help, like people who were stuck under walls or to hurt to move in areas with hard access. In the begging you actually felt ashamed of how bluntly he would grab your waist and carry you in his arms - that is after the nauseas from the speed - towards those in need. But once you got used to it, you were able to focus only in your patients.

After that you naturaly drifted close to each other.

You learned about his and Wanda’s story, about their redemption with the Avengers and how much it meant to them this second chance they were getting. He was usually a prick with Tony and Clint, but you could see that as the time went by they created a family-like bond almost as strong as the one you had with your own family.

Wherever you were off duty you would spend your time with him or Wanda and soon you started going to the Avenger’s Facility more often. And of course, that meant you developed a huge friendship with all of them and a huge crush on Pietro.

It started as a joke.

With him calling you “baby” and offering to pay something for you as your boyfriend. You laughed, ignoring the butterflies in your stomach, allowing him to pay, stating he did only his obligation as the super hero one in the relationship. And then to your surprise and embarassment he sneakead his arm around your waist, pulling you against his body, laughing. You blushed and pushed him, walking away missing the funny spark on his eyes.

It ended up becoming a habit.

Acting as if you were lovers sometimes, jokingly. And soon turned into a flirtatious thing between you two. And you loved it because as friendly as Pietro could get with other people he would never to that to any of them. It was something only between you and him.

After a few weeks, wanting to be closer to him, you started hanging more and more on the Avenger’s Facility. That’s when he started changing.

At first he would just act a little grumpy, not smiling often like he used to and you thought that he just had woken up on the wrong side of the bed or something. The playful thing you two had together disappeared. Then he started to be rude, roll his eyes, scoff and be a freaking sarcastic idiot. You tried to talk to him once but he just shrugged and walked away, saying that it was none your business.

You were usually really strong when it came to people acting like that towards you. S.H.I.E.L.D training wasn’t easy, especially during the begging and even more to rookies. Other rookies would gang up and could be really cruel sometimes. You learnt how to deal with them of course but seeing Pietro acting like those idiots really hurt you. Your chest tighted and you furrowed your brows, staring at his broad back as he walked away from you yet again.

But something you learned after all that time dealing with those assholes were to never give up. And it was Pietro. He could have ran away. But he didn’t. So you knew he definitely didn’t want to stay completely away from you.

“Hey! Stop with the bullshit, Pietro!” you grabbed his arm, forcing him to face you.

“What the hell, Y/N. Leave me alone. I already told you it’s none of your business.” his accent usually made you suspire, but at the moment it just made you angrier. Why did he have to be so sexy?

"I'm the one who should be saying what the hell here!" you stated angrily "You are acting like a fucking asshole and I can't even know why? Oh and detail: you're only doing it with me! So cut the crap and just tell me what the hell is wrong with you?"

He rolled his eyes angrily.

"Pietro..." you controled your tone, approaching him slowly again, finaly managing to get him to look at you. You told yourself to be honest with what you were feeling instead of trying to just push him into talking, so that's what you did "Please... tell me what's going on... I... I miss you... I really do... and you've barely even looked at me lately. I have no idea what I did wrong. Please. Talk to me..."

This broke Pietro completely. The way you sounded hurt. He never imagined that somehow he could affect you this way.

"I don't know either..." He answered with a huge frown.

"Wait, what?" You exclaimed exasperated "You are kidding me right now, right?"

"I'm not..." his voice no longer had the angry tone, now showing a confuse one "C-can we talk somewhere else then, please?"

You nodded turning to walk but surprisingly so he grabbed you by the waist just like when you first worked together running somewhere. Being so close to him again made your heart skip a beat and you took the opportunity to wrap your arms around his neck.

Or course by the time you had wrapped them you were already on the rooftop of the Facility and you had to let go of Pietro.

He seemed to also linger a little bit more than necessary holding you, but soon you were both sitting there looking up as the clouds passed by.

You knew he hated doing that kind of thing, it bored him to death. But he knew you loved it. He was trying to make you feel better. So maybe you should've tried to talk to him earlier.

"So... let me try to understand you..." you started, looking at him "Why were you acting like that with me?"

He sighed running his hands through his hair.

"I don't know how to explain..." he groaned throwing himself back, lying on the ground.

"Try remembering when it started then. It might help..." you said, turning so you were now lying on your belly looking at his handsome face, with your own face being supported by your hands.

"Well..." if you were correct, you could see a blush spreading in his pale skin "Lately... when you come around I can't help but feel annoyed... ever since you started to hang to much on the Facility..."

"Alright... but... why? Don't you like me being around more often?" You bit your lip, feeling really disappointed and not hiding it from your voice.

"No, no, it's not like that..." he quickly corrected, sitting up and almost bumping his head into yours, making you also sit again "I... I just feel it when you come but instead of hanging with me like you always do you... well, you just..."

"I just what, Pietro?" Noticing that he was starting to stutter, you pressed him a little. His accent increased a lot and he was fumbling with his fingers.

Pietro fucking Maximoff was acting adorably cute.

Maybe because he actually started to realize how much he was acting like a child towards you. And you started to understand what he was feeling.

"You just go and... and... train with Clint or Steve. Or goes around talking about stuff I don't understand with Tony and Natasha. I even get mad with my sister sometimes... because they keep... taking you away... and you just... go with them..."

You were dumbstruck.

Pietro was just feeling jealous.

That was it.

"Look. I grew up on a Facility, being trained to be a weapon, being experienced on day after day, always locked... I grew up... just feeling hate." you sighed, knowing he was being truthful and it hurt to imagine "And suddenly when I come out and meet you... I started to feel so much more... You don't understand how overwhelming it is sometimes. Wanda says she understands but I don't think she does."

Wait. Was he saying...?

"Pietro..." you whispered, approaching him until you could lean your head on his shoulder "Sometimes you are such a... jerk that I forget what you had to go through..."

He laughed slightly, letting his own head lean against yours.

"What you're feeling is simply jealousy..." you explained "You just ended up making a huge deal out of it and reacted in a really bad way. When this happens again just come to me... I promise I'll try giving you more attention."

You let a small giggle, while Pietro pouted cutely.

"It pisses me off so much. I don't even understand why it happens only with you. As I said... my feelings get overwhelming."

You heart was racing like mad. It's was not possible that he didn't knew what he was doing to you. It couldn't be. He had to be teasing. This innocent side of Pietro was something completely new.

After giving it a little thought though you managed to clear your head enough and came to the conclusion thay actually, it was possible he wasn't teasing. He never had any contact with anyone besides his sister. Even the doctors and scientists weren't allowed to try developing any kind of bond with them.

Pietro joked with you, right. But you never knew about or saw him with someone else. Which made you relieved, of course.

"Y'know... actually... I might know what is going on with me... it's just that..." he took a deep breath and you placed your hand against his, showing that you had patience and would wait until he was ready to share whatever it was with you. He squeezed your hand back "I've been taught that those feelings are nothing but a waste of time. Weakness. That I wasn't meant to feel this... thing."

"You don't have to be afraid of saying it, Pietro." You said soflty, looking up at him, gathering all your courage to lift your hand to his cheek "Really... I know it might be... silly... but it might be easier to admit once you say out loud... And this feeling. It doesn’t make you weak. On the contrary. Most people are stronger when they have someone they feel this to fight for. So... wanna try saying it out loud?"

"Love, Y/N..." he surprised you by saying it without any hesitation “I believed that this kind of feeling only got in the way of everything. Like it wasn’t something good enough to be felt. But then you came along. And you make me feel like it’s worth it. You made me enjoy it. And you were right... saying out loud makes it easier to admit it. I was angry with everyone because they took you away from me when I wanted to have you all to myself... I fel in love with you...”

You were speachless, your eyes never leaving his. A beautiful smile graced your lips and you laughed, tearing up a bit, because, holy shit you had fallen hard for Pietro and he just kept making you love him even more. You didn’t had to voice it since it was crystal clear in your eyes how you felt and Pietro being himself, acted on it as soon as he understood it.

At first he tentatively pressed his mouth against yours, making you let out a shaky breath. The contact alone brough goosebumps all over your body. He parted his lips and you kissed him back, slowly, allowing his tongue to enter your mouth.

As you parted he smirked at your red face.

Pietro’s lips crashed against yours again, this time with more urgency and need. His fingers curled into your hair and his body scooted closer to yours. The warmth radiating from him made your head spin while the rhytm of his kiss rended you breathless in a short while. 

For someone not used to physical relationships he sure learned fast.

“Well...” he whispered languidly between little kisses in your face “I guess this solves my problem... next time I feel jealous again I’ll just steal you away and have you all to myself...”

“Pietro, you can’t act like this...” you managed to answer before he captured your lower lip, biting it and kissing you fervently again.

“Of course I can.”

“And what makes you think so?”

“I think me being your actual boyfriend is a good start, don’t you agree?”

You stopped for a moment. Laughing, you answered before capturing his lips again.

“Fair enough...”

Do you by any chance know something about when we will be getting new content? Either s7 trailers, teasers or just s6 bloopers and bts? I feel like because it’s the last season the promo team isn’t engaging with us fans as much and it kinda makes me sad since this is the first time I’m having to wait in between seasons (came into the fandom a bit late lol). The drought is killing me and I need new content ahhh

Hi Anon,

As an old and weary veteran of many a LONG hiatus hang in there, because yes it utterly and totally sucks.  I feel like the last bit is always the worst and this one was worse than the last because they haven’t been filming so there haven’t been any crumbs from set that we can obsess over for a few days.

Everything is a bit up in the air right now.  While AOS has wrapped many shows that are still in progress and getting ready to film their season finales have had to stop production due to COVID-19.  So it is yet to be seen how that will effect finale season and when AOS returns.  Last year we premiered the week after finale week.

Last year after our endless hiatus Wondercon what was broke the damn.  Not only did we get the first episode but it started the string of content of premiere date, promo pics, trailers, new character intros, all sorts of fun stuff.  Wondercon has now been postponed so using it as a launching platform is out.  That doesn’t mean that they can’t start dropping content about then though. 

My suspicion is they might have to being in a bit of a holding pattern until ABC figures out what’s going to happen with the shows still in production.  On the other hand should they need new content to fill a sudden hole in the schedule HELLO look who is all ready to go.  

Keep a close eye on Colo’s Instagram, he’s usually a good indicator of when things start to pick up.  He was pretty active a couple of weeks back which was giving me hope for Wondercon.  ABC will also be doing their upfronts soon and that may offer some content as well.

The final method of getting stuff to drop is me leaving my house and since that is being discouraged at the moment we can’t even rely on that.   But I will do my best to be stuck on hold for ages to see if that works.

Me First

Fandom: Star Trek AOS. Pairing: Leonard McCoy X Female Reader. Word Count: 2844. Genre: fluff. Rating: all ages. Summary: Modern AU.  When your daughter gets sick and her pediatrician’s office can’t see her in a timely fashion, you take her in to a local walk in clinic.  The last thing you expect is to wind up a patient, too, and to find yourself smitten with the doctor. Beta: @starshiphufflebadger. Note: inspired by a conversation I had with @kittycat-cas. 

You sigh inwardly as your daughter clings to your leg, staunchly refusing to let you lift her up to sit on the exam table beside you.  You don’t blame her for being scared of doctors’ visits, but it’s still frustrating attempting to get her to cooperate.  You have no idea when or why she developed the anxiety, but you’re sure it - like most things - is temporary and will abate on its own in time.  In the meantime you’ve just resigned yourself to helping her work through it.

Leaning past her as you wait for the doctor, you deposit your coat and your purse on a nearby chair, freeing your arms to help your daughter with her own layers.  You glance around as she shucks her jacket, taking in the posters on the walls of the unfamiliar exam room.  You’ve never been to this particular walk-in clinic before, but your daughter’s pediatrician is on vacation and your own doctor is booked solid so you have little choice but to see someone else.  The prospect of seeing an unfamiliar doctor is only fueling your daughter’s fear, but she’s had a fever for a few days and you’re concerned that it needs attention sooner rather than later.

“Do you think you can sit on the bed for me?”  You ask softly.  “I’ll be right beside you, but it’ll make it much easier for the doctor that way.”

She shakes her head.

“What if I sit beside you?”  You coax.

She doesn’t agree, but she doesn’t shake her head either.  Counting it as a victory, you gently pry her off of your leg and look down, smiling in a reassuring way.  You scoop her up easily, sitting her on the bed and keeping one hand on her shoulder to keep her calm as you clamber up beside her.  You swing your legs a little, keeping one hand on your daughter’s back and playing a game of “I spy” to pass the time.

A knock on the door distracts you both and you feel your daughter stiffen.  The door swings inward a moment later, admitting who you can only assume is the doctor, going by his white coat and the stethoscope hung around his neck.  You smile warmly in greeting as he closes the door and turns to look at you and your daughter, and your heart skips a little as you realize how handsome he is.

“Hello, I’m Dr. McCoy,” he says warmly with a smile of his own.  “And this must be Isabelle.”

“Bella,” your daughter murmurs quietly from where she’s buried her face in your sweater.

“Bella, then,” the doctor agrees.  “What seems to be the trouble?”

You gently rub your daughter’s back as she clings to you, desperately trying to focus on your words rather than on the doctor’s hazel eyes and friendly smile.

“She’s had a fever for a few days,” you explain.  “A bit of a cough, too.  I’m sure it’s just a virus and a total waste of your time, but I wanted to have her checked just in case.”

“A mother’s worry is never a waste of time,” the doctor assures you.  “Have you given her anything to relieve the symptoms?”

You nod.

“I’ve been giving her Tylenol for the fever, but it’s just not breaking,” you reply.  “The cough hasn’t been too bad, though, so I’ve just been keeping an eye on it.”

Dr. McCoy nods and sets down the chart he’s holding.  He slowly moves in closer to the exam table, crouching down so he’s nearer your daughter’s level.  He keeps his expression friendly as he engages her, trying to get her to come out of hiding.

“Bella, darlin’, do you think it would be okay if I gave you a quick check up?”  He asks her softly.  “It’ll help me figure out what’s wrong so that I can do my best to help make you feel better.”

“I’m not sick,” Bella insists, briefly peeking out from where she’s hiding.  “I wanna go home.”

“Well, then, how about you let me take a look so we can prove to your mom that she has nothing to worry about?”  He suggests, glancing up at you and flashing you a wink that makes you weak in the knees.  “And maybe we can rustle up a sucker and a sticker for you for being a brave girl once you’re all done.”

Bella turns her head a little further at the blatant bribery, finally meeting the doctor’s gaze.

“Can I have the treats first?”  She asks shyly.

The doctor chuckles.

“You know, I’ve got a little girl of my own about your age,” he says.  “She doesn’t like the doctor much either.  She finds it helps make her feel better if the doctor explains everything he’s doing so she’s not surprised by anything.  Do you think maybe that would help you?”

Bella considers his words for a few seconds, then nods slowly.  Dr. McCoy smiles, rising to his full height and stepping away for a moment, returning with a thermometer.  He holds it up for Bella’s inspection and she eyes it warily.

“I’m sure your mom’s checked your temperature lots of times before,” he says.  “So if you’re more comfortable that way, I can have her check it now, too.”

Bella shrinks back, clinging to your sweater again.

“Mommy first,” she squeaks.

You smile wryly, keeping a protective arm around her as she leans into you.

“Sorry about that,” you murmur quietly.  “Lately she’s felt more comfortable with unfamiliar experiences if I go first, so me first, I guess.”

The doctor smiles warmly, nodding in understanding.

“No problem at all,” he assures you, turning his attention back to Bella with a wink.  “That just means we get to give mommy a checkup to make sure she’s healthy, too.”

Bella smiles a little, relaxing as she watches the doctor move toward you.  You sit up straight, turning your head a little as he places the thermometer probe in your ear.  It only takes a few seconds to get a reading and he glances briefly at the readout before turning it around to show your daughter.

“No fever for mommy,” he explains.  “Now let’s see about you.”

Bella watches attentively as he moves away to replace the probe cover before coming back.  She sits still, her hand grasping at the hem of your sweater, and allows Dr. McCoy to check her temperature.  He’s done in a matter of moments, and he gives your daughter a thumbs up as he checks the reading.

“Great job,” he says.  “You do have a fever, but that just means your body is doing a really good job of fighting the germs that are making you sick.”

Bella beams proudly at the praise, her grip on your sweater easing a little.  She watches the doctor closely as he sets the thermometer aside and moves on, showing her what he’s going to do and using you as a model.  He checks both you and your daughter’s ears and throats without incident.  As he moves on to check your lymph nodes, though, you have to fight to suppress a shiver.  His hands are warm and gentle and you curse yourself inwardly as he explains to your daughter was he’s doing, blessedly taking no notice of your discomfiture.  

You’re both relieved and a little bit sad when he pulls away to examine your daughter instead, missing his touch and scolding yourself for it.  You absolutely cannot let yourself have a crush on a likely married, impossibly attractive doctor that you’ll probably never see again.  You have enough things to think about without daydreaming about his handsome face and deft hands…

“Ms. Y/L/N?”  His voice calls, shaking you out of your reverie.

“Hm?”  You intone wordlessly, trying not to look guilty at your clear lack of attention.

“I was just about to show Bella how I’m going to listen to her heart and lungs,” he explains.  “Would you mind removing your sweater?”

You nod, feeling heat fill your cheeks.  You can feel your heart pounding in your chest and you know you’re doomed: he’s going to hear it racing away and there’ll be no excusing it.  You resign yourself to your fate as you disentangle your sweater from Bella’s grasp and pull it off over your head, leaving you in a tank top.

Dr. McCoy flashes you a friendly smile as he steps closer, his lab coat brushing your knees as he leans in with his stethoscope at the ready.  You bite the inside of your cheek as he reaches behind you to press the stethoscope to your back, his free hand resting on your shoulder.  He’s close enough that you catch just a faint hint of some sort of soap or cologne; something light and fresh.  Your already-elevated heart rate ratchets up even further as the scent engulfs you and you stiffen a little.  If Dr. McCoy notices, he doesn’t say anything.

He pulls back a moment later and moves the stethoscope to your chest.  The lower cut of the tank top gives him direct access to your skin and his fingertips brush just beneath your collarbone as he pauses to listen, making you feel almost dizzy.  You haven’t been this infatuated with someone in a very long time and it’s making you feel like a schoolgirl again.  Cursing your body’s betrayal, you keep quiet and let him finish, not daring to look at him in case his expression is knowing.  You would be mortified.

You breathe a sigh of relief when he pulls away a moment later and turns his attention back to Bella.  You watch as she giggles as he offers her the stethoscope.

“Do you want to try it?”  He asks her.  “It’s pretty neat.”

Bella nods excitedly, reaching out for the instrument.  She allows Dr. McCoy to help her put it on and you can’t help but smile at how adorable she looks as he presses it to her chest.  She gasps and opens her mouth in surprise as the sound of her heartbeat reaches her ears and she laughs in delight.  She listens closely for a few moments before reaching over and tugging on your arm.

“Mommy, mommy!  Can I listen to your heartbeat?”

You chuckle softly, nodding and leaning in closer so that the stethoscope reaches.  Dr. McCoy presses it to your chest again and you hazard a glance up at him as he holds it in place, letting Bella’s excitement replace her anxiety.  His expression is impassive and you allow yourself to hope, perhaps foolishly, that he hasn’t noticed your reactions to his touch.

“Wow, mommy, your heart is so fast!”

Your blood runs cold at your daughter’s exclamation and you let out a nervous laugh before you can think to stop it.

“Mommy’s got a lot on her mind, sweetheart,” you say quickly.  “It’s called stress and you’ll learn all about it when you’re older.”

Thankfully Dr. McCoy withdraws at that moment, taking his stethoscope back and sparing you a sympathetic glance.  You do your best to arrange your features into a mask of calm as he moves on to focus on Bella again and you’re grateful for her stifled laughter as it covers up the sound of your quickened breathing.

The rest of the exam is a breeze and goes by in a flash, and you’re almost disappointed as he steps aside to call for one of his nurses and make a few notes in Bella’s chart.  The nurse arrives moments later and Dr. McCoy comes back over to the exam table, giving Bella a warm smile.

“Bella, this is Chris, my best nurse,” he explains.  “She’s going to take you down the hall to pick out some stickers.  I just need to talk to your mom for a few minutes and then you’ll be free to go.  Sound good?”

“Yeah!”  Bella cheers.

She allows him to pick her up and set her on the ground, but before she can run off with the nurse you call after her.

“What do you say to the doctor, Bella?”  You ask.

“Thank you!”  She replies.

“You’re very welcome, darlin’,” he replies with a laugh.  “Now go on before someone takes all the good stickers.”

The nurse holds her hand out and Bella takes it, hurrying the woman out of the room in search of treats.  The door to the exam room glides closed in their wake and you’re left alone with Dr. McCoy.  You smile in what you hope is a neutral fashion and reach for your sweater.

“So, what’s the prognosis?”  You ask lightly.

“Your diagnosis was right on; it’s most likely a virus,” he explains.  “She’ll be just fine in a few more days.  In the meantime you can keep treating her symptomatically.”

You nod and move to put on your sweater, but Dr. McCoy stops you with a gentle hand on your knee.

“Not so fast,” he says.  “I’m not quite through with you.”

Your heart rate picks up again at his words and you lower your arms, letting your sweater drape over your lap.

“This visit wasn’t for me,” you insist politely.  “Really, I’m just fine!”

Dr. McCoy doesn’t look convinced.  He reaches out to grasp your wrist and his fingertips settle over your pulse as he glances down at his watch.

“Bella could be a great doctor one day; she was certainly right about your heart rate being on the high side,” he says lightly.  “Is this normal for you?”

“It gets like that when I’m under duress,” you mumble.

Dr. McCoy raises an eyebrow.

“Duress?”

“When I’m stressed out, or nervous, or smitten,” you blurt, immediately wishing you could take the words back.  “You know…”

The doctor hums wordlessly in acknowledgement as he moves on to check your blood pressure.  You avert your gaze as he works, looking anywhere but back at him, itching to jump off the table and make your escape, but also wanting to stay and have his hands on you just a little bit longer.

“Miss Y/L/N?”

You force yourself to meet his gaze as he addresses you.

“Y/N is fine,” you say.

“Well then, Y/N, I was just saying that while I’m sure there’s nothing serious going on, your elevated heart rate and blood pressure might warrant a follow up in a week’s time,” he explains.  “If I’m making you nervous, I encourage you to check in with your family doctor instead, otherwise I’ll leave word with the girls at the desk and they can book you back in to see me.”

“You’re not making me nervous!”  You assure him.  “Quite the opposite, actually.”

You’re worried you’ve implied something unwelcome and overstepped your bounds, but the easy smile and playful twinkle in his eye speak volumes.  Taking the plunge, figuring you’ll never have to see him again if your instincts are horribly misleading you, you smile back.

“Do you make house calls?”  You ask.

His gaze never wavers as he leans casually against the exam table beside you, slipping his free hand into his pocket.  He’s so impossibly good looking he might as well have been cut from a magazine cover and you’re suddenly glad for the table beneath you as a dizzying wave of attraction grips you.

“I don’t make a habit of it, but I think I might be persuaded to make an exception.”

You’re grasping at straws for some sort of a clever, flirtatious comeback when Bella’s voice outside the exam room door interrupts your moment with the doctor.  He straightens up and you hurriedly pull your sweater on as the door swings open.  Bella rushes toward you, her shirt covered sleeve to sleeve and hem to neckline in stickers of all shapes and colors.  You can’t help but laugh as you slip off of the exam table and she rushes to hug you around the legs.

“Ready to go, peanut?”  You ask.

“Mommy, mommy!”  She squeals.  “Nurse Chris let me pick as many stickers as I wanted!  And she gave me some suckers to take home, too!”

“Okay, okay, you can show me in the car,” you say with a laugh.

You reach for her coat, turning to look at the doctor as you make your way toward the door.

“Thank you again, Dr. McCoy,” you say warmly.  “And my number’s in Bella’s file in case you’d like to call and schedule that follow up.”

You wink at him, feeling your cheeks heat as he nods and gives you a friendly wave.

“I’ll be sure to do that, Y/N.”

As you and your daughter make your way down the hall, Christine comes to stand beside Dr. McCoy in the doorway you’ve just left, the two of them watching you go.  Chris glances up at him with a knowing smile.

“I’ll leave Bella’s file on your desk, next to your phone,” she says softly.  “And we’ll need to replace some of our sticker stock.  I’ll have the expense report on your desk by week’s end.”

@star-trekkin-across-theuniverse @feelmyroarrrr @ababyinatrenchcoat @alluramc @medicatemedrmccoy @arrowsshootyouforwards @wonders-of-the-multiverse @devanshade @dolamrothianlady @startrekimagines @theonlyparadox @gaeilgerua @itsjaynebird @thevalesofanduin @elsa-lost-in-translation @thefanficfaerie @gryffindor9whovian @auduna-druitt @archangels-lollipop @bookcaseninja @supermoonpanda @bubblegum-star-trek  @the-space-goddess-16 @bkwrm523 @starmission @the-geeky-engineer @startled-seastar @sassmasterqueen @shewolf-2013 @this-obsession-o-mine @littlecarowrites @eyeofdionysus @nasanatmfers @galaxycharmed @battlebunnyteardropsinthesun @kirkaholic123 @viioletdelights @ambie2020 @yallneedtrek @iwillwakeherinthemorning @haveyouseenmymind @sorryallonsy @reading-in-moonlight @mad-girl-without-a-box @itsrandombooklover @all-time-foes @goingknowherewastaken @kickingitwithkirk @sebastianstanslefteyebrow @annathewitch @kawaiiusagichansan @garnet-redtailedhero @djisfantastic @ever-faithful-sidekick @killerbumblebee @lurkch @resistance-is-futile81 @my-life-as-a-fangirl @chook007

Guardian (Part Four)

Part Three

Fandom: Star Trek AOS

Pairing: McKirk

Word Count: 2894

Rating: Teen

Beta’d: @captainsbabysitter-blog

Perma tags: @feelmyroarrrr, @mccoymostly, @wonders-of-the-multiverse, @pinkamour1588, @goodnightwife, @ryon1101, @captainsbabysitter-blog, @medicatemedrmccoy, @mrkrychek, @southernbellestatues, @goingknowherewastaken, @emmkolenn, @landlockedastronaut, @eyeofdionysus, @bookcaseninja

McKirk: @pinkamour1588, @mccoymostly, @yourtropegirl, @t-hy-lla, @medicatemedrmccoy, @imoutofmyvulcanmind, @frostingsfics, @shewolf-2013, @nasanatmfers, @lurkch, @a-legion-of-benedicts, @illogical-potato, @future-kat-lady, @eyeofdionysus

Story tags: @randomlittleimp, @fezesmakeseverythingbetter

Chris shook his head and looked across the desk at his boyfriend. “How much longer before they really start to question Leonard’s past Phil? You have to do something. Jim’s inquisitive by nature he’s going to start digging eventually.”

“I know Chris. I think I’ve got it worked out. You remember Donna?”

“Yeah. She was one of my kids. I always liked her.”

Phil smiled across the table, “She’s about to meet her big brother.”

“Just how are you going to pull that off?”

“She’s been looking for her brother.”

Chris stood up and walked around the desk. He put a hand to Phil’s forehead and sighed. “You don’t feel feverish.”

“Chris, I know her brother died as a baby. That was after they gave him up. The records are gone anyway. She wouldn’t be able to find him. This way Leonard gets a family and Donna gets her brother.”

“It’s a little dishonest Phil.”

“Would you rather see her heartbroken?”

“You know I wouldn’t.”

“Then get. I have some calls to make.”

Jim sulked around the apartment for the next couple of days. He was quiet and more subdued than normal. Leonard wasn’t sure what was wrong but he thought he had an idea.

“Jim?” He asked poking his head out the balcony door after lunch. “Are you okay?”

“Mhmm. Fine.”

He opened the door wider and stepped out onto the balcony. “No you aren’t.”

“Bones…”

Leonard stepped over to the railing beside him and looked out over the park. “Jim. Is this because of the other day?”

Jim looked down at his hands and opened his mouth to speak when the phone in Leonard’s pocket went off. “You should answer that. Might be important.” Jim said as he turned and walked back in the apartment.

Sighing Leonard pulled the phone out of his pocket and answered it. “Hello?”

“Leonard McCoy?”

“Speaking.”

“I can’t believe I found you.”

“Can you hold on a minute?”

“Of course.”

Muting the phone he walked back inside sliding the door shut behind him. “Jim? Can you come here please?”

The bedroom door opened and Jim came out. “Yeah?”

“There’s a woman on the phone that seems to know me. What do I do? What do I say? Do I tell her I lost my memory?”

Jim crossed the room and put his hands on Leonard’s shoulders. “Breathe. Okay? Who is she?”

Leonard glanced down and the phone and shook his head slowly, “I didn’t ask…”

“Ask her what her name is and we’ll go from there.”

“Could you do it?”

Jim shook his head, “You need to do it. She called you.”

Leonard hesitated and stared at his phone in silence.

“Put her on speaker and if you really need my help I can take over. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Jim smiled reassuringly and slipped his hand in Leonard’s “I’m right here.”

Taking a deep breath Leonard unmuted the phone and switched it to speaker. “Are you still there?”

“Yes, I’m here. Have I called at a bad time?”

“Sorry about that miss…?”

“Please call me Donna.”

“How did you get my number?”

“The agency gave it to me. Said they would call you that week. I had hoped you’d call me but when I read about your accident in the paper...of course I only just saw that. How are you?”

“I’m good.”

“I’m so glad to hear that. I hope this not insensitive of me but do you have any lasting injuries from it?”

Leonard frowned and looked at Jim who shook his head and mouthed “No.”

“No I don’t.”

“Wonderful! I have to say we are so proud of you for what you did for that man.”

“We?”

“Mama and I. Daddy would have been so proud of you too. He was a doctor you know.”

“No...I didn’t. Umm...there is something that the paper didn’t mention...something that happened because of the accident. I lost my memory of everything prior to a few months before the accident…”

“Oh my gosh! I am so sorry.” She paused for a moment and then said, “You don’t know who I am do you?”

“No ma’am.”

“Leonard, I’m your little sister.”

Jim snorted loudly and bit his lip to stifle his laughter.

“Are you okay?”

Leonard reached over and punched Jim in the arm, “Yeah. Sorry that was my b…”

“Best friend! Hi, I’m Jim!”

Leonard frowned at Jim who shook his head mouthing “later”.

After a few more minutes conversation with Donna and arranging to meet her at the museum Leonard hung up the phone.

“That wasn’t so hard was it?”

Leonard stared at him, “Best friend? I thought...I thought we were more than that?”

“We are. It’s just that we don’t really know her. We should call that agency and ask about your paperwork. I want to be sure you get a chance to get to know these people if they really are your family. Gauge what they are like. Will they be open to your lifestyle?”

“So it’s not because of what I did the other day?”

Jim smiled and wrapped an arm around him. “Absolutely not. In fact I was a little worried I might have pushed you too far. I should have just gone in the bathroom and finished in there.”

“Did I do it wrong?”

“What? No. You did great. It felt amazing. I haven’t had anyone jerk me off in...three years? And she wasn’t even very good at it really.”

“Does that mean you want me to do it again?”

“Hell yes! But only if you want to. I don’t want you to do anything you aren’t comfortable with.”

Leonard snuggled up to him and laid his head on Jim’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

A week later Jim and Leonard were sitting on a picnic table in the park across from the museum. Leonard fidgeted with the hem of his shirt until Jim put his hand over Leonard’s. “You got this. She’s going to love you. How could she not?”

“I’m not so sure about this Jim. I don’t know what to say…”

“Just be yourself. That’s who she’s coming here to see anyway.”

“Who am I Jim? How can I be myself when I don’t really know who I am?”

Jim slid off the table and stood in front of his boyfriend. Tilting Leonard’s chin up he looked him in the eyes. “You are the kind of guy that goes out of his way to help others. You pulled me and a group of kids out of a fire. You stepped in front of a moving vehicle for me. I have a feeling you’d probably take a bullet for me...please don’t test that theory. You are kind, and loving, and the sweetest person I have ever met and I think I’m in love with you…”

“Oh my gosh! You two are the absolute cutest!”

Jim frowned and turned to face the young woman. “Thank you.”

“I’m sorry, I really didn’t mean to interrupt but that was just so sweet. I’m Donna. Donna McCoy.”

Leonard almost fell off the table in his attempt to stand up. Jim caught him and held out a hand to Donna. “James Kirk, but you can call me Jim.”

“You’re Jim? Oh my gosh! Hi!” She said taking his hand and shaking it enthusiastically before turning to Leonard. “So that must mean you’re Leonard…”

He smiled nervously and nodded. “Guess I’m your big brother?”

She stared at him for a moment before taking a step toward him. “Can I...can I hug you?”

Leonard hesitated for a fraction of a second and held his arms out to her. “Of course you can.”

Closing the short distance between them she wrapped her arms around him, “You look so much like daddy…”

The three of them sat and talked for awhile before Jim stood to his feet and led Leonard and Donna toward the museum. He pointed out the spot where Leonard saved him as they crosses the street and walked up the stairs to the building. Uhura smiled at them when they walked in the door.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you two today. What brings you in?”

Jim slipped his hand in Leonard’s, “Just showing Leonard’s sister around.”

Uhura’s smile broadened and she looked over at Donna. “Leonard’s sister? I didn’t know you had a sister!”

“Neither did we.” Jim said shrugging. “Mind if we give her a bit of a private tour?”

“Of course not.”

With one last smile and a nod to Uhura the three of them started off into the north wing. Jim slipped right into his role of tour guide never letting go of Leonard’s hand. While Jim pointed out all of the usual things every now and then he’d stop and point out things like: “Over there was where I met Leonard for the first time.” and “Here’s where Leonard found me and the kids during the fire.”  and Jim’s personal favorite, “He took his first steps right over there!”

“Jim, do we really have to do that again?”

“It was a big day!”

Over the next few weeks Leonard kept in touch with Donna via weekly phone calls and the occasional trip to see him. Three months after they first met Donna invited them both down to her house for a fourth of July barbecue to meet their mama and Fred. Scotty loaned them his truck for the week and they headed down to Bloomingdale Georgia.

When they pulled up in front of the two story white house Jim put the car in park and turned it off. Leonard stared at the house for a moment before Jim placed his hand over his boyfriend’s. “You got this. You know Donna loves you and if her mother….your mother is anything like her she’s going to love you too.”

Leonard gave a little nod and smiled, “Thanks Jim.”

As they opened the doors of the truck the front door of the house opened and Donna stepped out onto the porch. “You made it!”

Jim grabbed their bags out of the back and they headed up toward the house. “Yeah.  Jim got us a little lost a couple of times but we managed.”

“I didn’t see you offering to drive.” Jim said nudging him in the ribs.

Leonard rolled his eyes and hugged Donna, “How are you?”

“I’m so glad you’re here. Mama has been looking forward to finally meeting you. It’s all she’s talked about all week.”

“I can’t wait to meet her.”

Donna smiled and slipped her arm through his, “Come on inside then. She’s waiting in the library.”

Leading Leonard into the house she glanced over her shoulder at Jim and smiled, “Your bedroom is on the second floor its the door at the top of the stairs.”

Jim nodded and followed them inside. Donna led Leonard straight into the library while Jim went to put their bags away. Leonard looked around the room at the walls filled with books, the stone fireplace centered on one wall, and the rich leather chairs situated in front of the fireplace.

“Mama, he’s here.”

An older woman with dark brown hair streaked with grey stood and turned to face him. She stood in silence just taking him in. Donna nudged him forward gently. He took a couple of hesitant steps forward before she opened her arms, “Welcome home son.”

Meeting him in the middle she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. “I am so glad we found you. I am so glad you could come.”

He smiled nervously, “Thank you for having us.”

She released him and held him at arm's length, “This is as much your home as it is ours. You are welcome here anytime.”

“Thank you ma’am.”

She patted him on the cheek, “Please, call me mama. Everyone does.”

Leonard glanced at Donna who nodded, “It’s true. If they don’t call her mama they call her Nora.”

“Now tell me. Where is that boyfriend of yours? I’d love to meet him.”

“You’re not disappointed?”

She frowned, “With what?”

Leonard blushed slightly as Jim came down the stairs behind him. “That I have a boyfriend…”

“Sweetheart, It doesn’t matter to me who you date or fall in love with. I just want you to be happy.” She held a hand out toward Jim and Donna nudged him over. He took her hand and she squeezed it gently. “You are both welcome in my house. You are both my sons. One by blood and the other in love.”

Jim smiled and blushed slightly, “Thank you ma’am.”

Leonard grinned, “You mean, thank you mama.”

“You boys are a part of the family and don’t you ever forget that. Now come meet the rest of the family.”

“The rest of the family?”

Donna and Eleanora lead them out to the back terrace where three large tables were loaded with salad and sides and drinks and beside that was a table loaded with brisket, ribs, turkey, ham, and smoked chicken. There was more than enough food to feed Cox’s army...and it looked like they were all there.

Jim and Leonard were shown around and introduced to Fred, who had been manning the grill, and any and all other family members that were there. Leonard had lost track after about the third cousin and half the town council. Jim never left his side and held on tightly to his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze every now and then. A couple hours after they arrived Jim was asked to assist Donna with something and left Leonard with Fred. When Jim returned Leonard was gone. “Hey Fred, do you know where Leonard went?”

“I think he went to look for Nora.”

“Thanks.” he said turning to scan the crowd for the McCoy matriarch. After a few moments he spotted her sitting on the terrace talking to an old woman Jim recognized as Leonard’s great aunt Margaret. He walked over to them and nodded to the two women. “Sorry to interrupt ladies but have either of you seen Leonard? Fred said he’d gone looking for you in particular mama.”

Great aunt Margaret pursed her lips and sneered at him. “I have not seen that boy.”

Eleanora stood to her feet, “That boy is my son aunt Maggie. And this boy is his boyfriend. If you wouldn’t mind minding your manners while in my home and speaking about my boys.”

“Child I taught you what manners were.”

“Well it’s a good thing my mama taught me better then. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to go look for my boy.” She turned and slipped her arm in Jim’s and led him away from great aunt Margaret. Once out of earshot She sighed, “I’m sorry about that Jim. Aunt Maggie is just...set in her ways. I had hoped she’d be able to keep her opinions to herself but apparently she couldn’t.”

Jim smiled, “Thank you for that. It’s not often people defend me like that. I mean I have heard much worse but still...thank you.”

“You’re a sweet boy Jim. I’m glad Leonard has someone as wonderful as you.”

“I’m lucky to have him. He’s saved my life in more ways than one.”

She patted his arm, “Why don’t you check out here and I’ll go look inside for him.”

Jim nodded, “Yes mama.” She patted his arm again and smiled as he slipped off into the crowd. Opening the door to the family room and stepping inside she looked around the empty room. Donna was standing in the kitchen making another batch of tea but the adjoining rooms were otherwise empty.

“You seen Leonard?”

Donna looked up and shook her head. “No mama, but I’ve been in the storage room so I might have missed him if he came inside.”

“Was the library door closed when you came in?”

Donna glanced down the hall and frowned, “I don’t think so.”

“I’ll go check in there. Finish up the tea and take it outside. If you see Jim tell him I think I’ve found Leonard.”

“Yes mama.”

Eleanora walked around to the foot of the stairs and peered in the doorframe. Leonard was sitting in one of the leather chairs in front of the fireplace. She smiled and walked over to him. “That was your daddy’s favorite spot too. He used to come in here to hide when we had these big gatherings. Never muched liked the crowd.”

Leonard gave her a weak smile, “I’m sorry, It’s just a lot to take in…”

“It’s my fault. I should have cancelled the party or at least have limited it to family only this year.”

“Please don’t feel like you have to change things on my account.”

She sat down in the chair next to him, “I want you to feel comfortable here Leonard. If that means changes are made then so be it. I won’t be sad to see aunt Maggie taken off the guest list.”

Leonard frowned, “Aunt Maggie?”

“Don’t worry about it. You are welcome to stay in here for as long as you like. I’ll make sure no one bothers you and I’ll let Jim know where you are.” She stood to her feet once more and patted him on the shoulder, “I really am glad you’re here.”

The One He Forgot

Fandom: Star Trek AOS

Pairing: None

Word Count: 2126

Rating: Teen

Beta’d: No

Permanent tags: @feelmyroarrrr, @mccoymostly, @wonders-of-the-multiverse, @pinkamour1588, @goodnightwife, @ryon1101, @medicatemedrmccoy, @mrkrychek, @southernbellestatues, @goingknowherewastaken, @emmkolenn

Jim: @yourtropegirl, @dudahmautner @sergeantangel

A/N: This is the second part of a series of fics featuring The Many Companions of James T. Kirk.

Their family had been on Tarsus for a few months and Noah had already been bullied by some of the other kids. Abra, as her brother called her, had become his guardian while their parents were busy. She had just turned thirteen and they thought she was ready for the responsibility. The boy with the bluest eyes she’d ever seen had saved him from the bullies after he’d run off on her.

He was looking at her funny and she worried she had dirt on her face or something. She’d recently discovered that boys weren’t quite as gross as she had originally thought and J.T. was particularly cute. His shaggy blonde hair falling over his crystal blue eyes and the way he smiled at her, she couldn’t help but smiles back at him.

He’d helped her brother and seemed really sweet. When he offered to play with Noah she’d been excited that Noah had found a friend, even if he was older, she decided to tag along. J.T. didn’t seem to mind and his friend Charlie was really nice too. J.T. led them off into the woods and together they discovered a series of caves and tunnels. J.T. would hold her hand and help her through the dark while she kept an even tighter grip on Noah’s hand.  

She enjoyed their little picnics in the cave, the peace and quiet away from the crowded colony was really nice. She had always loved the woods at the back of the property back home. Noah didn’t remember, he’d been to young when they had to move. Abra noticed when the lunches started shrinking. She didn’t want to draw Noah’s attention to it, she knew he’d ask way too many questions and she didn’t have any answers.

J.T. shared his lunches with Noah when he whined that he was still hungry. Abra had tried to share her own but J.T. said he wasn’t that hungry. She knew he was lying though. She was still hungry after her own lunch and the morning and evening meals weren’t much better.

It wasn’t long before they were splitting a meal that would have been packed for one of them. J.T. gave up his lunch entirely so that they wouldn’t be as hungry.

After a month and a half of steadily decreasing rations, the announcement was made that there would be a selection of people gathered in the square. There was a rumor that there wasn’t enough food for everyone until the relief ships arrived. The rumor was also that those chosen by the governor were going to die. Abra and her parents stood on the doorstep of their house listening as the governor gave his speech.

"The revolution is successful. But survival depends on drastic measures. Your continued existence represents a threat to the well-being of society. Your lives mean slow death to the more valued members of the colony. Therefore, I have no alternative but to sentence you to death. Your execution is so ordered, signed Kodos, Governor of Tarsus IV."

Abra watched her parents faces fall. They knew something. Something they weren’t telling her. She went inside and found Noah in his room. She sat with him until their parents came in.

“Abra, you need to take Noah out for a walk. Why don’t you see if J.T. wants to play?” Her father asked pointedly. He knew that they went out to the woods almost every day and she had told him about the caves.

She shook her head. “Not without you. All together.”

Her mother sighed, “Abra, things are changing. You need to take your brother now. We’ll be alright…”

“All together.”

Her parents looked at each other and finally nodded. “Alright. All together.”

They quickly grabbed what little food they had and slipped out onto the crowded streets. Abra gripped tightly to her little brother’s hand. “Don’t let go Noah. Whatever you do, don’t let go.”

He nodded as they ducked in and out of the crowd. Halfway across the courtyard his hand slipped from hers and he disappeared in the chaos. She led her parents to the cave the farthest up the hillside. They huddled in the dark cave, Abra crying in her mother’s arms. “I’m sorry! I should have held on tighter!”

“Sweetheart, It’s not your fault.”

“But I was responsible for him!”

A month after the massacre Abra was scavenging for food when she heard what sounded like a child crying quietly behind a large boulder. She cautiously approached and peered around the rock. “Noah?” she said, barely a whisper.

The little boy looked up. “Noah! You’re alive! Mom and dad are going to be so happy to see you! Come on let’s take you back to them.”

When help arrived at the colony a couple of weeks later there were rumours of a group of kids that had hidden in a cave. Noah said J.T. had saved him too but he’d gotten lost when he followed him into the woods the day Abra found him by the boulder. He’d talked non-stop about J.T. ever since. Abra had asked if she could see him but the Starfleet people wouldn’t let anyone near him or the other kids. They were still trying to find out if the children had any kin and until they were notified the only people allowed near the kids were medical personnel.

Not knowing what J.T.’s name was made it difficult to find him. If Starfleet knew they weren’t telling anyone. Their parents tried to find him, they really wanted to thank him for saving Noah and wanted to make sure he was alright. There was no way to know for sure, all they could do was hope.

The year Noah graduated from high school was the first time they’d seen him since Tarsus. Abra was reading the news and saw his picture, she’d have recognized those bright blue eyes of his anywhere. She smiled, “I knew he’d do great things.”

After that she watched his career very closely, saving every mention of him she could find. Searching old records to see what he had done before his time in Starfleet only to find out he’d had a rough time. He wasn’t the only one that had struggled though. Noah still had the dreams but he was doing better.

He enrolled in Starfleet academy and was there when the Vengeance crashed. Abra raced to the school to find him and wouldn’t let go once she did. So many died that day.

Then she heard that the Enterprise had been involved and that the captain was seriously injured. She couldn’t get any more than that out of anyone. Even Noah didn’t know more.

A friend at the hospital was able to tell her that Captain Kirk was one of her patients and that the doctors in charge were being very possessive over him and not allowing any visitors outside of the Enterprise crew. Abra managed to slip inside about a week later after “borrowing” her friend’s uniform. She just had to see him.

He was pale as death and was still hooked up to a number of machines. She leaned over and kissed him lightly on the forehead. “Thank you Jimmy. Thank you for saving Noah.” she whispered in his ear. Wiping a tear from her cheek she walked away.

In the next few years Abra married and Noah got transferred to a starbase. He loved his work with Starfleet. He loved helping people, meeting people from different planets, and getting to see things he’d never seen before. Abra and her husband had been there for about a week when things went wrong. A dark cloud appeared outside of the dome and alarms sounded. Everyone ran to secure areas and waited.

Abra’s husband held her close. Her first instinct was to run for her brother and he was the only thing keeping her from running to him. A ship broke through into the square and people ran to help the crew. Rumours of the Enterprise rippled down the ranks and to the secure areas. Abra relaxed and looked up at her husband. “It’s him.”

He frowned and looked into her glistening eyes. “Him? Who?”

She smiled, “J.T. He’ll protect us. He always does.”

The next day Abra and Noah were walking to meet her husband for lunch when they passed a bar full of people. She stopped and walked over to the door.

“Abra? What is it?” Noah asked her stepping up beside her.

She smiled, “You remember the boy who saved your life on Tarsus?”

He frowned slightly, “Yeah, his name was...Jimmy.”

“He also went by J.T. but yes, Jimmy.” She nodded into the bar. “That’s him. The one with the blonde hair.”

“How do you know? I thought they kept his identity a secret?”

“They did, but I’ll never forget what he looked like. He had the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen.”

“And you’re sure that’s him?”

She nodded, “Positive.”

Noah grinned and stepped past her into the bar. She watched him walk up to Captain Kirk and the two men smiled. Noah turned and motioned her to come in. She hesitantly walked into the bar and over to them. “This is my sister.”

Jim smiled.

Oh that smile. The way his eyes lit up, the little creases, the smile that melted her heart. “Hello.”

“I’m really sorry but we just had to say hello to the famous James Kirk.”

“It’s no problem.”

Noah glanced at his sister and shook his head. “Honestly that’s not even really the reason I came in. I don’t know if you remember but we’ve met before.”

“Oh? Where did we meet?”

“Tarsus.”

Abra stared at him as he stilled and his face fell. Of course he remembered Tarsus. They all remembered Tarsus. Some of the detail may have become a bit blurred over the years but they all remember Tarsus.

A dark haired man walked over and clapped Jim on the back. “Who are your friends?”

“This is Lieutenant Davis.”

Leonard shook hands with Noah, “Nice to meet you. Are you stationed here?”

“Yes sir. My sister and I just wanted to come by and say hello to the captain.”

“Oh.” Jim turned slightly and Leonard looked at him. “My god man, you look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

Jim nodded, “Bones, this--this is…” He took a deep breath and looked at Noah. “This is Noah.”

Leonard paused and looked at him. “Noah? I know that name. Jim, why do I know that name?”

“Tarsus.”

Leonard almost dropped the drink he was holding. “Noah?! THE Noah? The kid you lost?!”

Jim nodded. “Yeah…” he said quietly.

Abra smiled and wrapped her arm around her brother. “My parents...OUR parents wanted to thank you for saving Noah but the Starfleet personnel wouldn’t let anyone near you. We looked for you for years…”

He put a hand up and shook his head. “I did what I had to do. I just wish I could have done more. I’m sorry I lost him that day….I thought he was dead…”

“I found him. Took him back to our parents.”

He gave her a little smile. “Thank you…I’m sorry I don’t know your name.”

Noah frowned, “This is Abra.”

“Thank you, Abra.”

“Jim!”

He turned to the person calling his name. “I’m sorry, If you’ll excuse me.” He nodded to them and walked away.

Leonard sighed. “So you’re Noah. He told me about you. In fact I think you’re the only one of his kids he ever talks about by name.”

“Really? Wait, his kids?”

Leonard smiled, “Yeah, He’s always called you that. Threw me at first too. He didn’t talk about Tarsus for years. I’d known him for about two years I think before he ever mentioned it. The nightmares came back and he had trouble sleeping for a while. I think talking about it did him some good but unfortunately it brought old wounds to the surface.”

“Did he ever mention anyone else?”

Leonard shook his head. “Don’t remember him mentioning anyone else by name. He had a friend that died.”

“Charlie, That was Charlie.”

“He saved his friend’s little sister.”

Noah smiled, “I remember Oona.”

“And there was a girl.” Leonard shook his head. “All he remembered about her was how much my little Joanna looks like her.”

“Nothing else about her?” Noah asked glancing at Abra.

“Sorry, he’s been through a lot in the past few years. Nero, Harrison, Krall...and then there was everything that happened on Tarsus.”

“It’s understandable. I just wish he could remember her…”

Leonard looked from Noah to Abra. “I’m sorry he doesn’t remember you.”

Lost in Translation

Fandom: Star Trek AOS. Pairing: Uhura X female reader friendship. Prompt: Requested by @feelmyroarrrr – reader is speaking a fictional language she doesn’t know and it’s driving her crazy, so one day Uhura breaks and asks what it is and reader starts teaching her little phrases in it. Word Count: 1698. Rating: All ages. Beta: @starshiphufflebadger. Author’s Note: First time writing Uhura!  I hope this went okay!  Also, I chose Dothraki because while my first thought was Elvish, I firmly believe Uhura would have read the LotR books precisely because of their linguistics and would have a thorough understanding of Elvish, and @star-trekkin-across-theuniverse and @starshiphufflebadger agree.  Additionally, I try my best to keep my readers gender neutral, but I specified a female reader this time just so that one part of the story could work out the way it did.  Enjoy!

Lost in Translation

The first time you’d caught Nyota Uhura staring at you was when you’d been deep in a discussion over one of your favorite book series.  You’d been jogging on a treadmill alongside one of your fellow security officers and discussing the scandals in the house Lannister.  The Game of Thrones series was a classic, and you absolutely adored talking about it with anyone who would listen, so to have found someone who was just as big a fan of the series as you was a dream come true.

As the two of you had discussed the books, you’d shot a question at your coworker.  It had been completely innocuous, but it hadn’t been in English. You had asked how she felt about the Dothraki, only you hadn’t asked in English.  It was at that moment that you’d noticed Uhura’s gaze drift over to you from where she was clipping away on her own treadmill, but you hadn’t thought much of it. The second time you’d noticed her watching you had been in the commissary.  You’d just joined your co-worker at a table for lunch and you’d asked them how their meal was in Dothraki, earning yourself a response in kind.  You’d wondered why Uhura had been staring at you, but you’d never connected the dots.  Shrugging it off, you continued with your meal, chatting amiably with your fellow redshirt and brushing off Nyota’s glances without a second thought. You’d noticed her staring again and again, and even though there was a common thread to all of the encounters, you’d never once considered it.  You’d just assumed that perhaps she had a habit of staring off into space, and that her gaze just happened to fall on you when she was doing so. All of those moments are long forgotten as you finish a pre-shift workout, parting ways with your co-worker and heading toward the ladies’ locker room.  You step inside and quickly shuck out of your clothes, heading for the showers with a towel wrapped around you.  As you approach the stalls, one of them swings open and Uhura steps out, leveling her gaze on you. “That language I’ve heard you speaking to Ensign Shaw,” she says without preamble.  “What is it?” You pause for a moment, confused, and then it clicks.  Smiling, you shrug your shoulders. “Jinak lekh?”  You ask brightly. Her gaze hardens a little as she tries to work through what you’ve said, but you can tell she’s getting nowhere. “I’ve tried running it through the translator but it doesn’t register,” she continues. “No, I don’t suppose it would,” you muse. “It’s a fictional language.” She raises an eyebrow at your words, seemingly intrigued, and tilts her head. “I’ve heard of Elvish and Na’vi,” she mentions. “But I can’t place this one.” You can tell she’d love to know more about it, and you don’t blame her, what with her specialization in xenolinguistics, and you reach out to put a gentle hand on her shoulder and squeeze before moving to step around her and into a shower stall. “Meet me in the lounge after Alpha tonight,” you offer.  “I’ll tell you all about it.” Uhura eyes you curiously once more and agrees with a nod, her face brightening with a small smile. “I look forward to it,” she agrees and disappears into the locker room’s main area with a final wave over her shoulder. With a smile, you turn away and head into the shower, feeling excited for the later rendezvous.  You’ve always wanted to befriend the lieutenant but you’ve never had the opportunity before and you’re glad for the chance now.  You finish showering quickly and make your way into the locker room proper, pulling on your uniform and making your way to the security offices. Your shift passes by quickly, if uneventfully, and before long you find yourself heading for the officers’ lounge still clad in your reds and carrying a copy of the first book in the Song of Ice and Fire saga. Stepping into the lounge you find it rather empty aside from a couple of nurses from med bay and a relaxed-looking Keenser listening to some music in the corner, undoubtedly waiting for Scotty. Wandering around, you pick a spot at a small table in the corner and set your book down, heading for the replicator to pour two cups of tea.  You consider your options and settle on a rooibos blend that won’t keep you up all night. Taking the mugs in hand, you return to the table and seat yourself just as Uhura walks into the room. You wave her over with a friendly smile and gesture for her to take a seat as you push the book across the table toward her. She glances down at it as you take a sip of your tea and picks it up, turning it over in her hands, reading the summary on the back page.  It’s an ancient book – an honest to goodness paperback – but it’s in good condition, and you continue to observe her as she flips to the map of Westeros inside the front cover. “I’ve heard of this series,” she says without preamble.  “Though I’ve never had a chance to read it.  This is where that language is from.” It’s not a question, and you nod as she glances up at you again. “It’s called Dothraki,” you explain. “It’s the language of the Dothraki people.  They’re a group of nomadic, equestrian warriors with a rich culture and a language with a near-complete set of rules, enabling anyone who cares to learn it to carry on full conversations.  It’s kind of like Tolkien’s Elvish that way, though not quite as polished.” She nods, setting the book back down and taking a sip of her own tea. “I loved learning Elvish,” Nyota admits. “I picked it up in my spare time back in grade school.  It’s part of the reason I pursued linguistic studies.” “Well I’m sure you’d love Dothraki, too,” you affirm.  “You can borrow the book, if you’d like.” “I’d love that,” Nyota agrees.  “And I’d like it even more if you could teach me some of the basics.  Learning a new language is always more fun with friends.” You blush a little, squealing inwardly at her words.  You’ve admired her for a long time and you’ve wanted to be friends with her since the first time you’d seen her at the academy, and now that you’ve opened a dialogue and she’s expressing interest in a new friendship, you’re really excited. “Absolutely,” you say with a nod.  “I don’t know how good an instructor I’ll make, but I’m happy to try!” “Why don’t you teach me something now?” She asks.  “How about a traditional greeting?” You consider her request for a moment and nod. “M’ath!  Hash yer dothrae chek asshekh?”  You intone clearly. Uhura echoes your words perfectly, her accent crisp, the phrase rolling off of her tongue like she’d been speaking Dothraki from childhood.  You grin and nod. “It means something along the lines of hello, how are you today?”  You explain. “It literally translates to with respect, do you ride well today?” Uhura is intrigued by the idiom and she leans forward a bit, making herself comfortable and sipping from her tea mug before asking you more about the language.  You readily and happily oblige her, answering questions and offering more information as the minutes begin to turn to hours. The lounge that has filled up around you eventually begins to empty once again as the hours draw later and the two of you sit nursing your third cup each of tea, its taste like caramel and honey. Uhura looks down into the reddish pool in her mug and smiles. “Where I come from, rooibos grows wild everywhere,” she muses.  “My grandmother used to make us tea from fresh leaves she harvested herself.” “That sounds lovely,” you say softly. “Are you kidding me?”  Uhura says with a laugh.  “We hated it.  The heat of the noontime sun was enough to make us crazy, we didn’t need hot tea making it worse.  We drank it anyway – you never said no to grandmother.” You laugh at the wistful, faraway look on her face as she recalls her childhood.  Your laughter slowly dies down to a soft chuckle and before you know it turns to a yawn.  Shaking yourself off a little, you glance at your chron and gasp. “I should have been in bed an hour ago,” you groan, already calculating exactly how much sleep you’ll be able to get if you doze off the second your head hits your pillow when you get back to your quarters. “This has been so much fun, but I really should get going.” Nyota chuckles softly and nods. “I’ve got the day off tomorrow, but I’d be happy to bring a coffee by your quarters before your shift as a thank you for the lesson,” she says warmly. “Don’t worry yourself!”  You insist.  “Sleep in, take it easy.  Besides, it was my pleasure.” “Well, I’d love to do it again some time,” she says brightly. You grin as you push the book toward her, collecting both of your mugs from the table. “I’d like that,” you agree.  “You can hold onto the book in the meantime, have a read through.” “Thank you,” Uhura says softly, picking up the book and pushing her chair out from the table, getting to her feet.  “I’ll see you tomorrow; we can compare schedules.” You nod and rise as well, picking up the mugs to set aside for cleaning. “Athdavrazar,” you say crisply.  “Dothras chek!” Uhura chuckles and gives it a try, too. “Dothras chek,” she echoes, the words perfectly accented and intoned. Holding your book to her chest, she waves with her free hand and takes her leave, leaving you to clear up and make your own way off to bed.  You’re energized by the exchange, though, and you can’t help but grin to yourself as you walk the corridors, excitement for your next girls’ night filling you already. If the evening is anything to judge by, it’s the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

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Taking Care of Business

Fandom: Star Trek (AOS/TOS) Pairing:  None. Prompt: Requested by Anon - I wish you would write a fic where… the reader is Bones’ infant daughter and their adventures with the space family.  Word Count: 2336. Warnings: childhood shenanigans. Rating: All ages. Author’s Note: My second kid!reader fic.  The pet name Chekov uses, Сладкая (pr. sladkaya), is Russian for sweetie.  In conferring with Anon, I discovered that they meant toddler rather than infant, so I’ve taken the liberty to make the reader five years old.  I hope you guys enjoy it!

Taking Care of Business It had taken Leonard a little bit of convincing to get Jim to put in a good word with Starfleet in his favor; he’d wanted to bring you aboard the Enterprise for a month-long tour out in deep space while Jocelyn dealt with some family drama back on Earth. Eventually Jim had agreed and he’d really gone to bat for your dad, ultimately convincing Starfleet that they should allow it.  Of course, he’d had to promise them that you wouldn’t interfere with the doctor’s work, but once the reassurances had been made, they’d agreed. Now, you’re a member of the crew.  As a welcome aboard, some of the CMO’s nurses had gotten you a tiny purple uniform dress with a Starfleet badge with a heart cut into it on it and you’ve worn it every day.  You’ve become a part of the family already, though you’ve only been on board for a few days, and the entire crew adores you. You giggle as you sit on your uncle Jim’s lap with him bouncing you on his knee.  He’s sitting in his big important chair on the bridge and he’s told you that you’re in charge for the day.  Being the captain is a pretty big responsibility for a five-year old, but you’ve got this.

“Mr. Chekov,” you say with an excited giggle, repeating the orders Jim is whispering into your ear.  “Starfleet has asked us to pay the Fabrini a visit.  Please set a course for the Fabrina system.” Your Rs are coming out sounding like Ws, but your orders are clear. “Aye, Сладкая,” Mr. Chekov acknowledges.  “Entering the coordinates now.” Jim whispers to you again and you turn to address another officer. “Mr. Sulu,” you command.  “Punch it.” “I don’t know, Y/N,” he says with a frown. “This is a big lever.  I think I might need your help to get us going.” You practically fall off of Jim’s lap in your haste to get to the helm and you can hear him laughing behind you as you toddle over to Sulu’s chair.  He hoists you up onto his lap and keeps you balanced with an arm around your waist as he puts his other hand on the lever.  You reach forward and put your hand over his, your tiny palm barely eclipsing the back of his. “Punch it!”  You repeat, pushing on his hand. You shriek with glee as the lever moves with the both of you pushing it and the ship speeds forward, stars and planets blurring by the panoramic window at the front of the craft.  You bounce on his knee, laughing as he types some commands onto the smart screen built into the console. “Lieutenant McCoy, you’re being hailed,” Uhura calls from her station a moment later. Mr. Sulu sets you down on the ground and you rush over to her, nearly tripping over another officer on your way by.  You bounce up to the screen in front of her, standing on your tip toes so you can see who’s on it. “Hi daddy!”  You burst, waving at him, only the top half of your head visible above her console. “Hey darlin’,” he says.  “Are you behaving for your uncle Jim up there?” “Yeah,” you reply.  “We set course for the Fabona system!” He chuckles at your mispronunciation but nods. “That’s great,” he says with a wink.  “Sounds like you’re doing a great job!  Your uncle Jim might be out of a job if you keep this up.” Uhura laughs and your dad’s eyes flicker to her for a moment, exchanging an amused glance with the Lieutenant before turning his focus back to you. “You make sure Mr. Sulu has the helm and then Mr. Spock is going to bring you down to help me here for a while,” your dad explains.  “We have some patients to see.” You grin and salute him. “Yes sir,” you say seriously.  “McCoy out.” He signs off and as Uhura’s screen returns to a regulation Starfleet background, you giggle and turn away from the comm.  You make your way back over to the captain’s chair just in time to hear the doors to the bridge swish open.  As Mr. Spock walks in, you glance around at the crew assembled on the bridge and put on your best captain face. “Keep us flying, Mr. Sulu,” you instruct. “Captain, you’re in charge now.” The entire crew has to fight a chorus of laughter as you give them their orders, and even Mr. Spock seems mildly amused, though you don’t pick up on the sentiment as you turn to face him. Toddling over to him, you reach up to take his hand.  He’s considerably taller than you, however, so instead he picks you up easily, carrying you off of the bridge. “Where to, Lieutenant McCoy?”  He asks. You run a hand over his chest as he carries you, marveling at how much warmer the Vulcan is than any human who has ever carried you.  Looking up, you grin at the sight of his pointed ears and point to the turbo lift. “Medical,” you assert.  “I’m gonna help my dad!” Mr. Spock inclines his head in a nod of acknowledgement and stoops down so you can press the button for the correct floor. The turbo lift whisks the two of you downward and before long he’s carrying you down the hall and into med bay.  Your head whips around as you enter the facility and you spot your dad, pointing across the way. “There!”  You say quietly, knowing you need to use your inside voice down here. The first officer sets you down and you rush across the floor, heading for your dad, your feet pitter-pattering on the deck plating.  You throw your arms around your dad’s thighs as you near him, clinging to his side. He laughs, setting down the PADD he’s holding, and reaches down to ruffle your hair. “How are things on the bridge?”  He asks you. “Tip-top!”  You reply, pulling away to look up at him.  “Who’s my first patient?” Leonard chuckles and reaches down, picking you up and turning to head for his office. “First we’re having lunch,” he clarifies. “Then Nurse Jones needs a checkup, and she said she wanted to see you specifically, Dr. McCoy.” You bounce excitedly in your dad’s arms at the prospect.  It’s a really quiet day in med bay, and the whole thing had been the nurse’s idea. Leonard was grateful for the offer and he’d readily accepted it.  The nurse didn’t mind at all; she got to keep the most adorable little girl in the world entertained and got to spend more time with one of the most handsome men she’d ever met. You shift around as your dad sets you down in a chair beside his desk, looking at the tray on his desktop.  It has a peanut butter sandwich, a glass of milk, and some apple slices on it and you clap happily as he pushes your chair closer. You immediately dig into the food and eat quickly, giving yourself a case of the hiccups and earning an exasperated laugh from your father. Before long, you’re finished and itching to get to work.  You push the tray away from you and take the old tricorder your dad holds out to you from his hands, pressing some buttons on it, watching various different numbers and letters show up on the screen.  You don’t know what any of them mean, but you’re sure your dad will help you with the piece of tech when you need him to. You look up as the door to his office slides open and Nurse Jones walks in, smiling brightly and waving at you. “Hello, Dr. McCoy,” she greets you, turning her gaze to your dad.  “And you, too, Dr. McCoy.” You beam at her as she comes and sits down in another chair, looking at you as you walk closer to her with the tricorder. The instrument is large and your grip on it is clumsy, so your dad hovers right behind you, helping you support it as you point it at the nurse. “Okay, we’re gonna make you feel all better,” you say seriously.  “We have to check your temp’ature.” “Yes, doctor,” the nurse agrees. You watch as your dad shows you which buttons to press to get the right reading and some numbers flare brightly on the screen. They’re a little above where you’ve learned to count to so far, but you listen to what your dad is softly whispering in your ear and you smile. “It’s normal,” you repeat louder so the nurse can hear.  “No we have to check your heartbeat!” You go through the motions, giggling at the whirring noise the tricorder makes as it works and studying the numbers that pop up on the screen intently.  By the end of the check up, you give the nurse a clean bill of health and send her on her way after she promises to eat all of her vegetables and take her vitamins, which makes your dad really proud; he’s taught you well. “You’re a very good doctor, darlin’,” your dad quips, kissing your forehead.  “Now, do you want to go and try your hand at being an engineer?” Your eyes light up and you nod.  Your dad laughs and stands up, holding a hand out to you.  You take it and follow him back into the main part of the med bay, where you’re greeted by someone your own size. “Y/N, this is Keenser,” your dad introduces you.  “He works with Mr. Scott.  He’s going to take you down to engineering where I hear you’re going to help repair a console.” “Hi Keenser!”  You squeal happily.  “C’mon! Let’s go!  We gotta keep the ship flying!” You kiss your dad goodbye and take Keenser’s hand, following him down the hall, into the turbo lift, and down another long hall.  You finally reach the heart of the engineering department and Keenser leads you over to a console where you see a pair of legs sticking out from under it. “Mr. Scott?”  You ask. There’s a thump, a hiss, and his legs jerk before he slides out from under the console. “Hey lassie,” he says warmly.  “I’m glad you’re here – I can’t seem to be able to figure out this wiring problem.  I need your help.” “Okay!  What seems to be the problem, Mr. Scott?”  You query. “You’ll need to slide in here with me so I can show you,” he says seriously. You’re practically vibrating with excitement as he and Keenser help you onto a creeper and slide you under the console.  Mr. Scott joins you shortly thereafter and adjusts the light so you can see easily without being blinded.  He points up at some wires – color coded for ease of reference – and shows you a few that are cut. “I’ve gotten power back to the main part of the console, but now I can’t remember which of these ends match up,” he explains.  “Do you think you can figure it out, lassie?” You stick your tongue out between your teeth as you think, reaching up to touch the wires.  Mr. Scott had made extra sure the console was not receiving power before you’d arrived and so he’s confident that you won’t get a nasty shock.  You pull on the disconnected ones and bring two ends of a red wire together.  You do the same with a green wire, and again with a gray one.  Mr. Scott puts a pair of safety glasses on you and slips his own on and then solders the wires together before wrapping them up in matching electrical tape to insulate the gaps.  He slides out from under the console a moment later and Keenser pulls on your creeper, withdrawing you, too.  You laugh as you sit up and the oversized safety glasses slip off of your nose, landing in your lap. “Does it work now?!”  You ask. “We’re about to find out,” Mr. Scott replies, standing up and helping you onto your feet, too. He picks you up and holds you in his arms over the console, giving Keenser the signal to route power back to the machine. As soon as the switch is flipped, the console lights up and beeps a couple of times, signaling that it’s online and making you cheer. “You did it, lassie!”  Mr. Scott barks.  “We can warp on another day.” You spend the rest of the afternoon in Mr. Scott’s office with him, playing Go Fish with an old-fashioned deck of cards and drinking soda, which he makes you promise you won’t tell your dad he let you have.  Eventually your dad’s shift ends and he comes down to collect you.  You wave goodnight to Mr. Scott and Keenser as you and your dad make your way off to the mess hall, promising that you’ll be back again soon. Your dad lets you have pizza for dinner, but you have to eat some carrot sticks, too, which aren’t as much fun. Still, you eat them so you’ll grow big and strong, and before long dinner time is over.  You yawn widely as you tell your uncle Jim all about your big day and your dad decides it’s bed time The two of you make your way to his quarters and he makes sure you take a bath and brush your teeth before bed.  Once you’re curled up in your pajamas, he sits on the bed next to you and pulls open a picture book on his PADD.  It’s the story of a little girl just like you who grows up to be a captain, and you’re smiling widely right up until the moment you fall asleep. All night long, you dream of all the adventures you’d had the day before, and of all the new ones you’ll have tomorrow, and even in your sleep you’re excited for another day in space with your Enterprise family.

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