The Ballad of James and Leonard - Chapter 6
Title:The Ballad of James and Leonard (6/9)
Series: Star Trek AOS
Author:neko-fish
Beta:castofone
Pairings: James/Leonard, Spock/Uhura
Rating: NC-17
Summary: In 1893, a blue-eyed stranger barged into McCoy's clinic with a woman in his arms, desperate for help. For Leonard, there was just no going back after that. (The prequel/sequel of 'The Ballad of Jim and Bones' but works as a standalone.)
Warnings: 1890s AU, highlight for more -> character death, racism, mentions of sex, alcohol, swearing, and again, my crappy summary...
Chapter 1// Chapter 2// Chapter 3// Chapter 4// Chapter 5
Chapter 6:
James lifted his head after the rider disappeared from sight and quickly turned to the others. “Is everyone alright?”
“Spock! Answer me, Spock!” came Uhura’s panicked scream.
Leonard immediately ran over to the Vulcan’s aid. Looking around, the doctor snapped at a larger man who poked his head out to find out what’d happened. “You, there! Yeah, I’m talking to you. Dammit, man, focus! Come over here and help me bring him to the hospital while I continue applying pressure to his wound! Now!”
Too shocked to protest, the stranger did as he was told and picked Spock up while Leonard continued dressing the wound. Without another word, the two ran down the street towards the nearest hospital.
Uhura glanced over at James before running after them. “What are you standing there and gawking for? Come on!”
Snapped out of his stupor, the blond nodded and took off after the doctor.
--
At the hospital, Leonard barged in without a second thought. Doctors and nurses immediately stopped what they were doing to stare. Scowling, he bellowed authoritatively, “Where’s your emergency room!? My name’s Doctor Leonard McCoy and this man needs immediate medical attention!”
No one moved.
“For god’s sake - don’t just stand there! Do any of you actually work here!?”
Then the director showed up. “Take that man to the operating room. Hello, Doctor McCoy, I’m Doctor Puri, the director of this hospital. Feel free to use our facilities as you see fit to save that man’s life. It’s an honour having you here.”
Leonard spared the director a moment to acknowledge his presence before running down the hall after the man who was still carrying Spock and the nurses went to assist him.
--
Outside the hospital, James froze when he saw the sign ‘Whites Only’ hanging on the door. Images of his father and Sam immediately popped into his head, causing his breath to get caught in his throat. Pulling Uhura back by the arm, he stammered, “Maybe we should wait out here. Leonard’s got it all under control.”
The woman stared at him in disbelief. Then she noticed the sign and turned back to him, her surprise replaced with anger. “You’re a coward,” she hissed so venomously it caused him to flinch. “Spock just got shot and if you think some stupid sign’s going to stop me from going in there, you need to think again.”
James stood there, looking like he had just been slapped. When Doctor Puri came outside to find out what the commotion was about, the blond took a deep breath and drew deep on the courage he didn’t feel and walked over to the director before Uhura could. “How’s that man Doctor McCoy just brought in? We need to see him.”
The director raised a brow, voice maintaining a professional tone. “Doctor McCoy is currently operating on the man. I’m afraid you two,” he glanced pointedly over at the woman, “will have to wait out here. Who are you anyways?”
Uhura opened her mouth but was cut off by James. “We’re personal acquaintances of Doctor McCoy. And not only that, but this woman here is the wife of that man whose life he’s saving right now. Isn’t it only proper for immediate family to be allowed to be by their loved ones side after an emergency? I know Doctor McCoy’s a strong believer in that rule. I might also add that he’s a very strong believer in treating all women with respect.”
Puri studied the two skeptically. “You’re Doctor McCoy’s personal acquaintances…”
Ignoring his heart pounding against his ribs, the blond nodded and continued, carefully keeping his voice nonchalant, “That’s right. If you don’t believe me, you can go ask him yourself, although I know for a fact that there’s nothing he hates more than being interrupted in the middle of surgery. Now, I suppose you can either leave us out here and wait until McCoy asks after us - he probably won’t be very happy at that point - or you can let us wait inside and I’ll put in a good word for you and see if the good doctor will warm to the idea of helping out while we’re here.”
“Well, you’ve hardly left me a choice, Mr.…?”
“James. And this here’s Mrs. Spock.”
The director nodded curtly, clearly dissatisfied at his lack of options. “Very well, Mr. James, Mrs. Spock, if you’ll come inside, I’ll have someone take you to the private resting room upstairs where your friend and husband will be resting after the surgery. Of course, I hope you won’t find my request that you remain inside that room during your stay here too unreasonable.”
James shrugged. “Not at all. It’s better than standing out here, so thank you.” At the door, he held it open and made an exaggerated sweeping motion. “After you, Mrs. Spock.”
Uhura shot the blond a grateful look before following the doctor inside.
Once in the room and left on their own, James blurted out, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to - I shouldn’t have said anything earlier.”
The singer looked over and waved it off. “It’s fine, James. It doesn’t matter. You got us in here and that’s what counts.”
He shook his head. “No. It matters because we’ll be travelling together and I might do something stupid like that again. I…” he took a deep breath, “I’d like for you to know why I reacted the way I did. Will you hear me out - at least until Leonard’s finished? Please?”
Surprised by his earnestness, Uhura nodded.
--
When Leonard wheeled the injured Vulcan into the room, James was nowhere to be seen. The nurses quickly helped transfer Spock onto the bed before leaving the room. Uhura immediately began checking over the Vulcan’s bandaged torso. “How is he?”
The doctor shrugged. “He’ll be just fine. It could’ve been worse. No major organs were hit and the bullet went right through. Of course, if it’d taken any longer to get here, it might’ve been life threatening. But I guess Mr. Spock’s got a lot of luck on his side.”
She had tears in her eyes. “Thank you for saving him, Leonard.”
“There’s no need to thank me, Nyota. I’m just doing my job.” Then he looked around the room. “So I was told that Just James struck again and convinced Puri to let the two of you in. But apparently that was an understatement because you’re currently sitting in a private suite that’s usually reserved for governors and other important people.”
Uhura snorted. “They probably don’t want the public knowing we’re here. James told the guy that we were your personal acquaintances. He also told the director that I was Spock’s wife and then bribed him with your time.”
Leonard chuckled. “No such thing as a no-win situation, hmm? As long as it worked. We won’t be leaving here until Spock’s back on his feet anyhow. And Puri’s been kind enough to let us all stay here in the meantime so a little of my time’s the least I can give them. By the way, where’s James?”
“I think he went for a drink.” More softly, she added, “He said he had a flashback earlier.”
The brunet sighed and massaged his temples. “Is that right? I guess I better go find him before he makes an ass of himself again. But then again, knowing him, he’s probably gotten into a fight already.” He gestured towards the Vulcan. “Spock shouldn’t be up until the morning, so try to get some rest, Nyota.”
“I’ll try, Leonard. Thanks. And make sure James is okay, will you?”
“I’m too old for this shit.”
But despite his words, he nodded and stepped out of the room.
--
Leonard found James in the saloon just down the street from the hospital. Standing next to him, he asked, “James, how many bottles have you had?”
Surprised, the blond turned to him and grinned. “Leonard! You found me! Look! I didn’t get into a fight! Aren’t you proud of me? And I’ve had many, many beers! If you want an exactly number…well, I couldn’t give you one. But it was probably a pretty big number!”
The doctor sighed. There went the possibility of sitting down and enjoying a drink. “You’ve had enough, that’s how many you’ve had.”
“Can I please have one more? Mr. Bartender! One more!”
Before he could protest, a bottle of beer slid down the counter. Leonard rolled his eyes. “Dammit, man, I’m a doctor, not a babysitter. Okay, you sit tight and finish your beer while I go sort out your tab and get something for the road.”
About fifteen minutes later, Leonard found himself being a human crutch for James as he stumbled down the street. The blond leaned heavily against him and slurred, “You know, I told Uhura about my old man and Sam - by the way, she told me to drop the ‘Miss’. She still won’t formally give me her first name but I think I made progress, don’t you? So I told her everything and she goes ‘I can see why Leonard’s so attached to you.’ What does that even mean? Wait, hold up. I may or may not have to throw up. Let me go check.”
Veering towards an alleyway, the doctor waited as James emptied his stomach, keeping an eye on him in case the blond suddenly decided to keel over and drown himself in his own vomit. As he watched James, hunched over and bracing the wall for support, Leonard realized with great dismay that somehow, he had fallen hopelessly in love with Just fucking James.
‘Because nothing says love like watching someone vomit in an alleyway. At least this explains a lot of the dumb choices I’ve made. You always did have the best taste in people, Leonard,’ he thought sarcastically to himself.
Rubbing James on the back, Leonard asked, “Feeling better?”
“A little,” the blond admitted, sounding a little more sober than he had a minute ago. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “God, I must look so attractive right now.”
Leonard shrugged. “Yeah, well, not many people can pull off throwing up in an alley quite as well as you. I almost wish we had a painter with us to preserve that beautiful moment.”
James chuckled. “You’re such a cantankerous grump sometimes.”
“Big words for a guy who just threw up in an alley. That’s what you get for not waiting for me to drink.”
“Sorry, I’ll keep that in mind next time.” Then more seriously, James turned to him. “Leonard, I don’t know if I can do this. Maybe we should just go home.”
A wave of anxiety hit him. Making a conscious effort to keep his voice leveled, Leonard frowned. “That’s just crazy talk. Come on, you drunk. Let’s get you back to the room first. We can talk about this after.”
The stairs were a lot more manageable with one of them sober. Once in the room next to Spock’s, Leonard set James down onto the bed and walked over to the table to open his bottle of whiskey. After a couple large swigs, he nodded to the blond. “Alright, I think I’m ready to deal with whatever moronic thing you were about to say.”
A part of him was hoping that the other man would’ve forgotten whatever he was about to say on the streets. But no such luck.
James looked over at him blearily. “I really don’t know if I can do this. Maybe this was all a terrible idea after all. I’m not good enough.”
In the back of his mind, Leonard told himself that James’ confidence and mood always plummeted after a flashback, and that it was a stupid idea trying to talk to a drunk, but his frustration got the best of him.
“It’s been over a year, James. You can’t just suddenly say things like that.”
“But-”
“Three of us. You uprooted three of us from our homes. I don’t even like travelling and here I am, in the middle of fucking Texas and arguing with a drunk. My daughter looks up to you, dammit! If you’re going to give up and send us home, then I’m going to drag your sorry ass back to Georgia so you can explain to her how we stopped because you decided on your own that you’re not good enough.”
James frowned. “Spock just got shot today, Leonard!”
“And he survived! We’re all going to get hurt at some point, James! It’s unavoidable - you of all people should know! You’re the one who nearly got skewered by a fucking deer! And unless you’re the one holding the damn gun, then you can’t blame yourself for it!”
Blue eyes grew misty. “The whole time, I kept thinking of Sam…. I don’t want to have to bury anymore people I care about, Leonard. And if anything were to happen to you….”
Unable to stay upset at the blond when he was making such a sad face, Leonard walked over to and flicked James’ nose with a scowl. “Nothing’s going to happen to me. If you want me to live a longer, happier life, than stop saying such moronic things because at the moment, I’m more likely to die from a heart attack from your idiocy than anything.
“Now you better listen real good, you damn drunk. After Spock gets better, we’re heading west - or northwest, or wherever the fuck you want to go, okay? But for now, you need to drink some water before you go to bed or you’ll regret it later. If it’s still bothering you in the morning, we’ll talk then, okay?”
“Yes, doc.” Obediently emptying the glass of water that was handed to him, the blond lay down and closed his eyes wearily. “You’re too good for me, Leonard. If I could, I’d give you the world.”
Brushing strands of hair out of James’ face, Leonard couldn’t help but notice how young the blond looked while he was asleep. It was nothing like the look of pain he saw a moment ago. “You’re such a dumbass sometimes,” he muttered quietly to the sleeping man. “I don’t need the world, I’m perfectly happy with just James.”
--
That conversation was never brought up again.
--
A week later, while helping out with rounds, Leonard heard a familiar voice calling out his name. Raising a brow, he made his way to the entrance of the hospital where a crowd of nurses and doctor had gathered. “James? What the hell’s going on?”
“Leonard? Leonard! Out here! Fuck, they won’t let me in! This guy’s been shot!”
Hazel eyes widened as he looked at the people standing around the door. “Why’s everyone just standing around!?”
There was hesitant silence until one of the staff spoke up, “I’m sorry, sir, but it’s against our policy here to treat people of colour. We have a sign for a reason and we can’t do anything until the director gets here.”
“Oh for crying out loud - and you have the nerve to call yourselves doctors and nurses!?”
“Leonard!”
Grabbing the sheets off a bed nearby, he pushed past the crowd to find James standing there, supporting a semi-conscious man in his arms. Spreading the sheets on the ground, he instructed, “Lay him down and go get my kit from the room. And get Nyota, I’m going to need her help since there are clearly no trained medical staff at this damn hospital.”
James nodded. “Got it.”
Kneeling down by the man, he asked, “Sir, can you hear me? My name’s Leonard McCoy. I’m a doctor and I’m going to help you, okay? It looks like the bullet’s still in there so I’ll have to remove it. It’s going to be quite painful, but you’ll have to bear with it.”
Within a minute, the blond was back with his medical kit and Uhura by his side. Setting to work immediately, he barked out orders to the two. “Both of you will have to wear gloves. James, for now, keep him still and keep him talking until the anesthetic’s ready. Nyota, I’m going to need all those bottles you see in there. They should be labeled. I’ll need ether, alcohol and chloroform. And I’ll need the iodine too, for the wound. There should also be matches and a candle of some sort in there. I’m going to need you to run the tips of my scalpel and tongs over the fire to sterilize them - but keep that flame away from the bottles. This stuff’s flammable.”
The three of them worked in front of the hospital for well over an hour before the bullet was removed and the wound stitched up. Leonard’s back ached from having to kneel there, hunched over during the entire operation. When he was finally able to sit back up, he could hear his vertebrae popping, reminding him of better times. But at least the man was happily resting with his shoulder neatly bandaged up.
James and Uhura were grinning widely at him.
The happiness was contagious and Leonard couldn’t help but smile back. “Good work, you two. Looks like I’ll be counting on the both of you next time something like this comes up. Now I guess all we can do is wait for him to wake up and escort him home since they won’t admit him here.”
The blond laughed. “You hear that, Uhura? We just got complimented by the great Doctor McCoy.”
Uhura raised a brow teasingly. “I have to say, James, I was very surprised that you not only managed to sit still the entire time, but you didn’t set anything on fire or catch on fire yourself.”
“Hey! I’m not that bad!”
The doctor snorted. “Yes you are. You managed to drop my daughter’s book into the only puddle in Georgia in the middle of summer.”
James frowned. “That was an accident! And Joanna forgave me, so you should too! Besides, I’m accident and injury prone, not catch-on-fire prone.”
“I beg the difference.” He was about to say more when he noticed a mother standing there with her child beside her. “Yes, ma’am?”
The woman hesitated. “My daughter’s sick. This hospital wouldn’t treat her the last time I brought her, but I saw you helping that man…will you please help her? I have the money to pay for the treatment.”
“Of course. I don’t actually work at this hospital, but I’m a doctor.” Leonard shot the audience by the door a pointed look and walked over and crouched down in front of the little girl. “Hi there, darlin’, my name’s Doctor McCoy. Can you point to where you’re not feeling well? Nyota, why don’t you go check on Spock? James, pass me my stethoscope and a tongue depressor, please.”
Within a couple hours, there was a line up in front of the hospital and Leonard had to send people into town to buy more supplies. Eventually, a couple of the nurses and doctors began stepping in to help. Then the director returned. “Doctor McCoy, what is the meaning of this!?”
Not turning away from his patient, the doctor replied nonchalantly, “Just doing my job, Doctor Puri. I don’t want to be ungrateful for everything you’ve done for us, so if this is causing you any trouble, just let me know and I’ll move my operations elsewhere.” And he was only half bluffing when he added, “James is talking to the mayor right now. He paid us a visit and didn’t seem particularly happy about all this, but I’m sure James will get him to change his mind and provide us with a proper place to work at.”
The director opened and closed his mouth a couple times before sputtering, “Fine, but who are all these people and why are they here?”
“These are the patients your hospital’s denied treatment to. And they’re here because they need medical services. I was forced to operate on a man out here earlier when your staff refused him entry. Now, I don’t really care if you’ve got that sign on your door or not, that’s your policy and your choice - I can and will respect that.
“But when majority of your staff can watch a man bleed out in front of them and not do anything about it, then I have to question their whether or not they were actually trained to be doctors and nurses. This is the only well managed hospital in the area, when you deny people treatment, you’re practically sending them to their deaths.”
Puri frowned. “And what do you want me to do about it? I respect you deeply as a doctor and surgeon, McCoy, but I won’t put my staff at risk. If we open the hospital to the general public, people will protest and get violent. And this isn’t a charity.”
Leonard raised a brow. “While I understand what you’re getting at, there are two points I’d like to raise. First, these people aren’t looking for charity. I’ve received payments from every single one of them. Some were able to pay the standard price and some weren’t, but no one’s gotten any free treatment. Second, if this is the only fully functioning hospital in the area, I doubt anyone will risk putting you out of business. And you see all these chairs around here? The patients brought them in from their homes and workplaces. If you help people, they’ll go out of their way to help you back - that’s what I’ve found from my experience in Atlanta anyways.”
The director heaved an exasperated sigh and asked, “So what would you have me do?”
The brunet shrugged and turned to his next patient. “I wouldn’t have you do anything. This is your hospital, not mine - although I feel like I should mention that I’ve probably seen more patients today than most of your staff in a month.”
“Yes, I understand that because of our policy, we’ve turned down a lot of patients. But if I were to change it, what would I do about the staff that refuse to treat these patients?”
“That’s a political problem, not a medical one. Speaking strictly from a medical point of view, I’d just send them home. They clearly have no medical training if they don’t understand that all the people on this planet are just humans - and until someone finds me a person who bleeds green instead of red, I’ll stand by that statement.”
Puri shook his head and chuckled in exasperation. “Seeing the kind of doctor you are, McCoy, I’m pretty sure you’d tried to treat them anyways. Tell you what, I don’t want to be known as the first person to deny Leonard McCoy the right to treat people - especially after you managed to bring in so much business - so I’ll annul the policy for the time being and let the staff carry on what they’re doing. But when that day comes when it becomes a law, I can’t promise that sign will stay off.”
“Let’s hope that day never comes then.” Leonard smiled. “You should probably take note of all the nurses and doctor helping right now. They’ll be your most reliable staff members during times of need, guaranteed.”
The director looked around and nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind. Now, McCoy, you’re still young so as your elder, I feel like I should tell you that the path you’re treading on is a dangerous one but you’re clearly not going to budge when it comes to your ethics. It’s very admirable but it’s going to bring you trouble no matter where you go. And I’d like to offer you a position here but I don’t think you’d accept.”
The brunet shot Puri a rueful look and shook his head. “You got that right. I appreciate your concern and offer, but I’m afraid we’ve got plans to head west next. Besides, I know for a fact, that if we stay any longer than absolutely necessary, James is going to get himself hospitalized. And when that happens, your staff will be so preoccupied with trying to keep him confined to his bed that you’ll probably kick us out of town.”
The director let out a laugh. “You’re exaggerating.”
“I wish,” he muttered back.
“Well, speak of the devil…”
From afar, voices could be heard.
“Mr. James, I think it’d be better if you let a doctor look at that.”
“To be perfectly honest, sir, I’d rather not. Leonard practically breathes fire when he gets mad.”
Leonard could feel his irritation spike as he momentarily looked away from his patient. “James, you get over here, right now.” The only reason he refrained from cussing was because there were women and children around.
A moment later, James appeared with the mayor by his side, an innocent grin on his face, and a black eye. “Hey, Leonard, how’s it going with everything here? Look, I saved the mayor from a drunk on the way here!”
The only thing that stopped him from punching the blond in the other eye was when the mayor went up to the director and demanded, “Doctor Puri, you and your team absolutely must take care of all these people.”
From beside him, the blond said quietly, “I was right. Look at us, Leonard. We really are changing the world for the better, one place at a time.”
There was no doubt in Leonard’s mind that he was still gaping like an idiot. “How did you get the mayor to buy into this?”
Instead of answering him, James smiled and winked at him with his good eye.
--
It took over a month for Leonard to finally give Spock permission to get back on his horse. They spent weeks on their horses without running into any trouble - much to Leonard’s surprise. But of course, with James’ luck, it didn’t last. Somewhere in the middle of Arizona, they came across a tall, blonde woman leaning against a carriage, clearly pregnant and in distress.
They immediately got off their horses and jogged over. “Miss? Are you alright? What happened here?” James attempted to place a hand on the woman’s shoulder only to get his hand slapped away.
“Don’t touch me,” she hissed. “My name is Eleen Akaar. I’m the wife of Governor Akaar and my carriage was attacked by thieves. They took everything including the horses. I demand you get me back to my husband immediately.”
Leonard approached her a little more cautiously than James had. “Ma’am, I don’t think you’re going to make it all the way back to wherever your husband is if it’s not in sight. My name’s Leonard McCoy. I’m a doctor. I can help you.”
When he reached for her stomach, he got slapped instead.
“Leonard!” James immediately took a step forward.
“It’s alright, James.” His irritation spiked but he managed to convince himself that the woman was just hysterical from being pregnant and being robbed. Jocelyn wasn’t all that much better - maybe a little less violent. “Nyota, can you grab my kit and come over here to help me out?”
Then he got slapped again.
Eleen looked infuriated. “I don’t need any of your help, and don’t any of you dare touch me! Get me back to my husband right now! He’s a governor!” Then she winced. “I don’t even want this child!”
There was a collective gasp from the group when Leonard finally lost his temper and slapped some sense back into the woman. “Sorry, but I couldn’t care less if your husband was the king of France. He’s not here right now and you’re about to go into labour so lie down and let me help you, dammit!”
The blonde’s eyes widened, but she obediently sat down and watched him in…admiration? “…You have very soft hands, doctor.”
As shocked as he was, there was no time to muse over it. Sparing a ‘don’t-say-a-word’ glare at James who looked caught between surprise and amusement, Leonard motioned for Uhura. “Nyota, come on over here.”
Eleen frowned and shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t want her help.”
The doctor took a deep breath. “Look, I can’t do this on my own and she’s your best bet. Beggars can’t be choosers - and right now, despite your title, you need help so you don’t get a say in the matter.”
The blonde promptly shut her mouth.
“That’s better.” The brunet turned to the other men. “James, Spock, you two will probably want to go elsewhere.”
James pouted. “Do I have to? Can’t I help?”
Leonard raised a brow. “Have you ever seen a woman give birth?”
“…no.”
“Then no, you can’t. You definitely won’t be able to handle it. It’s a messy process. Go stand around somewhere else and make sure we don’t get attacked or something.”
Eleen let out a whimper.
Waving the two off, the doctor scowled. “Go already!”
After a couple hours, with the baby birthed, they managed to bring mother and child back into town. Dropping the pair off at the police station, they left without waiting for their promised reward and recognition on the excuse that they needed to make up for lost time.
They rode off with their heads held high and proud grins on their faces. Uhura looked over, her surprise still evident. “I still find it hard to believe that you actually hit a woman, Leonard.”
Leonard groaned. “Let’s never bring up this incident ever again. I can practically hear my poor granny turning in her grave.”
The blond rode next to him and patted him reassuringly on the arm. “On the brighter note, we indirectly have a child now.”
Spock’s eyebrow twitched. “I still find it hard to believe she named the child Leonard James Akaar.”
The doctor’s frown disappeared at the memory of the baby. “Has a kind of a ring to it, don’t you think James?”
James’ grin widened. “Yes. I think it's a name destined to go down in history, Leonard. What do you think, Spock?”
The Vulcan almost expressed his exasperation and rolled his eyes - almost. "I think you're both going to be insufferably pleased with yourselves for at least a month.”
Laughing, the blond turned to the doctor. “Hey, Leonard?”
“What is it, James?”
“Do you think the governor will be upset when he finds out that his wife named their first son after us?”
Leonard snorted in amusement. “Isn’t that why we left so quickly? She’s named her first son after us and she’s planning on naming her first daughter after Nyota. We might as well be criminals.”
There was a pause.
“Hey, Leonard?”
“What is it?”
James had a huge grin on his face. “What very soft hands you have, doctor.”
Feeling his face heat up in embarrassment, he took off after Enterprise on his horse. “Dammit, James, get back here! I’m going to kick your ass all the way to the west coast!”
--
When they arrived at the outskirts of San Francisco, they had no time to voice their relief at finally reaching their destination. Out of nowhere, a pair of young men rode past them; clearly in a hurry.
“Hurry up, Pasha! We’re almost safe!”
“I don’t think they’re chasing us anymore, Hikaru!”
“It doesn’t matter, keep going until we reach the boat!”
Leonard turned to James to voice his puzzlement but stopped when he saw the large grin the blond had on his face and the excited sparkle he had in his eyes. “Oh no….”
“It’s serendipity, Leonard! Come on you guys!” Kicking Enterprise into action, James took off after the two.
“Dammit, James! You can’t just go chasing after strangers like that!”
Back to Chapter 5
Onwards to Chapter 7
Series: Star Trek AOS
Author:neko-fish
Beta:castofone
Pairings: James/Leonard, Spock/Uhura
Rating: NC-17
Summary: In 1893, a blue-eyed stranger barged into McCoy's clinic with a woman in his arms, desperate for help. For Leonard, there was just no going back after that. (The prequel/sequel of 'The Ballad of Jim and Bones' but works as a standalone.)
Warnings: 1890s AU, highlight for more -> character death, racism, mentions of sex, alcohol, swearing, and again, my crappy summary...
Chapter 1// Chapter 2// Chapter 3// Chapter 4// Chapter 5
Chapter 6:
James lifted his head after the rider disappeared from sight and quickly turned to the others. “Is everyone alright?”
“Spock! Answer me, Spock!” came Uhura’s panicked scream.
Leonard immediately ran over to the Vulcan’s aid. Looking around, the doctor snapped at a larger man who poked his head out to find out what’d happened. “You, there! Yeah, I’m talking to you. Dammit, man, focus! Come over here and help me bring him to the hospital while I continue applying pressure to his wound! Now!”
Too shocked to protest, the stranger did as he was told and picked Spock up while Leonard continued dressing the wound. Without another word, the two ran down the street towards the nearest hospital.
Uhura glanced over at James before running after them. “What are you standing there and gawking for? Come on!”
Snapped out of his stupor, the blond nodded and took off after the doctor.
--
At the hospital, Leonard barged in without a second thought. Doctors and nurses immediately stopped what they were doing to stare. Scowling, he bellowed authoritatively, “Where’s your emergency room!? My name’s Doctor Leonard McCoy and this man needs immediate medical attention!”
No one moved.
“For god’s sake - don’t just stand there! Do any of you actually work here!?”
Then the director showed up. “Take that man to the operating room. Hello, Doctor McCoy, I’m Doctor Puri, the director of this hospital. Feel free to use our facilities as you see fit to save that man’s life. It’s an honour having you here.”
Leonard spared the director a moment to acknowledge his presence before running down the hall after the man who was still carrying Spock and the nurses went to assist him.
--
Outside the hospital, James froze when he saw the sign ‘Whites Only’ hanging on the door. Images of his father and Sam immediately popped into his head, causing his breath to get caught in his throat. Pulling Uhura back by the arm, he stammered, “Maybe we should wait out here. Leonard’s got it all under control.”
The woman stared at him in disbelief. Then she noticed the sign and turned back to him, her surprise replaced with anger. “You’re a coward,” she hissed so venomously it caused him to flinch. “Spock just got shot and if you think some stupid sign’s going to stop me from going in there, you need to think again.”
James stood there, looking like he had just been slapped. When Doctor Puri came outside to find out what the commotion was about, the blond took a deep breath and drew deep on the courage he didn’t feel and walked over to the director before Uhura could. “How’s that man Doctor McCoy just brought in? We need to see him.”
The director raised a brow, voice maintaining a professional tone. “Doctor McCoy is currently operating on the man. I’m afraid you two,” he glanced pointedly over at the woman, “will have to wait out here. Who are you anyways?”
Uhura opened her mouth but was cut off by James. “We’re personal acquaintances of Doctor McCoy. And not only that, but this woman here is the wife of that man whose life he’s saving right now. Isn’t it only proper for immediate family to be allowed to be by their loved ones side after an emergency? I know Doctor McCoy’s a strong believer in that rule. I might also add that he’s a very strong believer in treating all women with respect.”
Puri studied the two skeptically. “You’re Doctor McCoy’s personal acquaintances…”
Ignoring his heart pounding against his ribs, the blond nodded and continued, carefully keeping his voice nonchalant, “That’s right. If you don’t believe me, you can go ask him yourself, although I know for a fact that there’s nothing he hates more than being interrupted in the middle of surgery. Now, I suppose you can either leave us out here and wait until McCoy asks after us - he probably won’t be very happy at that point - or you can let us wait inside and I’ll put in a good word for you and see if the good doctor will warm to the idea of helping out while we’re here.”
“Well, you’ve hardly left me a choice, Mr.…?”
“James. And this here’s Mrs. Spock.”
The director nodded curtly, clearly dissatisfied at his lack of options. “Very well, Mr. James, Mrs. Spock, if you’ll come inside, I’ll have someone take you to the private resting room upstairs where your friend and husband will be resting after the surgery. Of course, I hope you won’t find my request that you remain inside that room during your stay here too unreasonable.”
James shrugged. “Not at all. It’s better than standing out here, so thank you.” At the door, he held it open and made an exaggerated sweeping motion. “After you, Mrs. Spock.”
Uhura shot the blond a grateful look before following the doctor inside.
Once in the room and left on their own, James blurted out, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to - I shouldn’t have said anything earlier.”
The singer looked over and waved it off. “It’s fine, James. It doesn’t matter. You got us in here and that’s what counts.”
He shook his head. “No. It matters because we’ll be travelling together and I might do something stupid like that again. I…” he took a deep breath, “I’d like for you to know why I reacted the way I did. Will you hear me out - at least until Leonard’s finished? Please?”
Surprised by his earnestness, Uhura nodded.
--
When Leonard wheeled the injured Vulcan into the room, James was nowhere to be seen. The nurses quickly helped transfer Spock onto the bed before leaving the room. Uhura immediately began checking over the Vulcan’s bandaged torso. “How is he?”
The doctor shrugged. “He’ll be just fine. It could’ve been worse. No major organs were hit and the bullet went right through. Of course, if it’d taken any longer to get here, it might’ve been life threatening. But I guess Mr. Spock’s got a lot of luck on his side.”
She had tears in her eyes. “Thank you for saving him, Leonard.”
“There’s no need to thank me, Nyota. I’m just doing my job.” Then he looked around the room. “So I was told that Just James struck again and convinced Puri to let the two of you in. But apparently that was an understatement because you’re currently sitting in a private suite that’s usually reserved for governors and other important people.”
Uhura snorted. “They probably don’t want the public knowing we’re here. James told the guy that we were your personal acquaintances. He also told the director that I was Spock’s wife and then bribed him with your time.”
Leonard chuckled. “No such thing as a no-win situation, hmm? As long as it worked. We won’t be leaving here until Spock’s back on his feet anyhow. And Puri’s been kind enough to let us all stay here in the meantime so a little of my time’s the least I can give them. By the way, where’s James?”
“I think he went for a drink.” More softly, she added, “He said he had a flashback earlier.”
The brunet sighed and massaged his temples. “Is that right? I guess I better go find him before he makes an ass of himself again. But then again, knowing him, he’s probably gotten into a fight already.” He gestured towards the Vulcan. “Spock shouldn’t be up until the morning, so try to get some rest, Nyota.”
“I’ll try, Leonard. Thanks. And make sure James is okay, will you?”
“I’m too old for this shit.”
But despite his words, he nodded and stepped out of the room.
--
Leonard found James in the saloon just down the street from the hospital. Standing next to him, he asked, “James, how many bottles have you had?”
Surprised, the blond turned to him and grinned. “Leonard! You found me! Look! I didn’t get into a fight! Aren’t you proud of me? And I’ve had many, many beers! If you want an exactly number…well, I couldn’t give you one. But it was probably a pretty big number!”
The doctor sighed. There went the possibility of sitting down and enjoying a drink. “You’ve had enough, that’s how many you’ve had.”
“Can I please have one more? Mr. Bartender! One more!”
Before he could protest, a bottle of beer slid down the counter. Leonard rolled his eyes. “Dammit, man, I’m a doctor, not a babysitter. Okay, you sit tight and finish your beer while I go sort out your tab and get something for the road.”
About fifteen minutes later, Leonard found himself being a human crutch for James as he stumbled down the street. The blond leaned heavily against him and slurred, “You know, I told Uhura about my old man and Sam - by the way, she told me to drop the ‘Miss’. She still won’t formally give me her first name but I think I made progress, don’t you? So I told her everything and she goes ‘I can see why Leonard’s so attached to you.’ What does that even mean? Wait, hold up. I may or may not have to throw up. Let me go check.”
Veering towards an alleyway, the doctor waited as James emptied his stomach, keeping an eye on him in case the blond suddenly decided to keel over and drown himself in his own vomit. As he watched James, hunched over and bracing the wall for support, Leonard realized with great dismay that somehow, he had fallen hopelessly in love with Just fucking James.
‘Because nothing says love like watching someone vomit in an alleyway. At least this explains a lot of the dumb choices I’ve made. You always did have the best taste in people, Leonard,’ he thought sarcastically to himself.
Rubbing James on the back, Leonard asked, “Feeling better?”
“A little,” the blond admitted, sounding a little more sober than he had a minute ago. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “God, I must look so attractive right now.”
Leonard shrugged. “Yeah, well, not many people can pull off throwing up in an alley quite as well as you. I almost wish we had a painter with us to preserve that beautiful moment.”
James chuckled. “You’re such a cantankerous grump sometimes.”
“Big words for a guy who just threw up in an alley. That’s what you get for not waiting for me to drink.”
“Sorry, I’ll keep that in mind next time.” Then more seriously, James turned to him. “Leonard, I don’t know if I can do this. Maybe we should just go home.”
A wave of anxiety hit him. Making a conscious effort to keep his voice leveled, Leonard frowned. “That’s just crazy talk. Come on, you drunk. Let’s get you back to the room first. We can talk about this after.”
The stairs were a lot more manageable with one of them sober. Once in the room next to Spock’s, Leonard set James down onto the bed and walked over to the table to open his bottle of whiskey. After a couple large swigs, he nodded to the blond. “Alright, I think I’m ready to deal with whatever moronic thing you were about to say.”
A part of him was hoping that the other man would’ve forgotten whatever he was about to say on the streets. But no such luck.
James looked over at him blearily. “I really don’t know if I can do this. Maybe this was all a terrible idea after all. I’m not good enough.”
In the back of his mind, Leonard told himself that James’ confidence and mood always plummeted after a flashback, and that it was a stupid idea trying to talk to a drunk, but his frustration got the best of him.
“It’s been over a year, James. You can’t just suddenly say things like that.”
“But-”
“Three of us. You uprooted three of us from our homes. I don’t even like travelling and here I am, in the middle of fucking Texas and arguing with a drunk. My daughter looks up to you, dammit! If you’re going to give up and send us home, then I’m going to drag your sorry ass back to Georgia so you can explain to her how we stopped because you decided on your own that you’re not good enough.”
James frowned. “Spock just got shot today, Leonard!”
“And he survived! We’re all going to get hurt at some point, James! It’s unavoidable - you of all people should know! You’re the one who nearly got skewered by a fucking deer! And unless you’re the one holding the damn gun, then you can’t blame yourself for it!”
Blue eyes grew misty. “The whole time, I kept thinking of Sam…. I don’t want to have to bury anymore people I care about, Leonard. And if anything were to happen to you….”
Unable to stay upset at the blond when he was making such a sad face, Leonard walked over to and flicked James’ nose with a scowl. “Nothing’s going to happen to me. If you want me to live a longer, happier life, than stop saying such moronic things because at the moment, I’m more likely to die from a heart attack from your idiocy than anything.
“Now you better listen real good, you damn drunk. After Spock gets better, we’re heading west - or northwest, or wherever the fuck you want to go, okay? But for now, you need to drink some water before you go to bed or you’ll regret it later. If it’s still bothering you in the morning, we’ll talk then, okay?”
“Yes, doc.” Obediently emptying the glass of water that was handed to him, the blond lay down and closed his eyes wearily. “You’re too good for me, Leonard. If I could, I’d give you the world.”
Brushing strands of hair out of James’ face, Leonard couldn’t help but notice how young the blond looked while he was asleep. It was nothing like the look of pain he saw a moment ago. “You’re such a dumbass sometimes,” he muttered quietly to the sleeping man. “I don’t need the world, I’m perfectly happy with just James.”
--
That conversation was never brought up again.
--
A week later, while helping out with rounds, Leonard heard a familiar voice calling out his name. Raising a brow, he made his way to the entrance of the hospital where a crowd of nurses and doctor had gathered. “James? What the hell’s going on?”
“Leonard? Leonard! Out here! Fuck, they won’t let me in! This guy’s been shot!”
Hazel eyes widened as he looked at the people standing around the door. “Why’s everyone just standing around!?”
There was hesitant silence until one of the staff spoke up, “I’m sorry, sir, but it’s against our policy here to treat people of colour. We have a sign for a reason and we can’t do anything until the director gets here.”
“Oh for crying out loud - and you have the nerve to call yourselves doctors and nurses!?”
“Leonard!”
Grabbing the sheets off a bed nearby, he pushed past the crowd to find James standing there, supporting a semi-conscious man in his arms. Spreading the sheets on the ground, he instructed, “Lay him down and go get my kit from the room. And get Nyota, I’m going to need her help since there are clearly no trained medical staff at this damn hospital.”
James nodded. “Got it.”
Kneeling down by the man, he asked, “Sir, can you hear me? My name’s Leonard McCoy. I’m a doctor and I’m going to help you, okay? It looks like the bullet’s still in there so I’ll have to remove it. It’s going to be quite painful, but you’ll have to bear with it.”
Within a minute, the blond was back with his medical kit and Uhura by his side. Setting to work immediately, he barked out orders to the two. “Both of you will have to wear gloves. James, for now, keep him still and keep him talking until the anesthetic’s ready. Nyota, I’m going to need all those bottles you see in there. They should be labeled. I’ll need ether, alcohol and chloroform. And I’ll need the iodine too, for the wound. There should also be matches and a candle of some sort in there. I’m going to need you to run the tips of my scalpel and tongs over the fire to sterilize them - but keep that flame away from the bottles. This stuff’s flammable.”
The three of them worked in front of the hospital for well over an hour before the bullet was removed and the wound stitched up. Leonard’s back ached from having to kneel there, hunched over during the entire operation. When he was finally able to sit back up, he could hear his vertebrae popping, reminding him of better times. But at least the man was happily resting with his shoulder neatly bandaged up.
James and Uhura were grinning widely at him.
The happiness was contagious and Leonard couldn’t help but smile back. “Good work, you two. Looks like I’ll be counting on the both of you next time something like this comes up. Now I guess all we can do is wait for him to wake up and escort him home since they won’t admit him here.”
The blond laughed. “You hear that, Uhura? We just got complimented by the great Doctor McCoy.”
Uhura raised a brow teasingly. “I have to say, James, I was very surprised that you not only managed to sit still the entire time, but you didn’t set anything on fire or catch on fire yourself.”
“Hey! I’m not that bad!”
The doctor snorted. “Yes you are. You managed to drop my daughter’s book into the only puddle in Georgia in the middle of summer.”
James frowned. “That was an accident! And Joanna forgave me, so you should too! Besides, I’m accident and injury prone, not catch-on-fire prone.”
“I beg the difference.” He was about to say more when he noticed a mother standing there with her child beside her. “Yes, ma’am?”
The woman hesitated. “My daughter’s sick. This hospital wouldn’t treat her the last time I brought her, but I saw you helping that man…will you please help her? I have the money to pay for the treatment.”
“Of course. I don’t actually work at this hospital, but I’m a doctor.” Leonard shot the audience by the door a pointed look and walked over and crouched down in front of the little girl. “Hi there, darlin’, my name’s Doctor McCoy. Can you point to where you’re not feeling well? Nyota, why don’t you go check on Spock? James, pass me my stethoscope and a tongue depressor, please.”
Within a couple hours, there was a line up in front of the hospital and Leonard had to send people into town to buy more supplies. Eventually, a couple of the nurses and doctors began stepping in to help. Then the director returned. “Doctor McCoy, what is the meaning of this!?”
Not turning away from his patient, the doctor replied nonchalantly, “Just doing my job, Doctor Puri. I don’t want to be ungrateful for everything you’ve done for us, so if this is causing you any trouble, just let me know and I’ll move my operations elsewhere.” And he was only half bluffing when he added, “James is talking to the mayor right now. He paid us a visit and didn’t seem particularly happy about all this, but I’m sure James will get him to change his mind and provide us with a proper place to work at.”
The director opened and closed his mouth a couple times before sputtering, “Fine, but who are all these people and why are they here?”
“These are the patients your hospital’s denied treatment to. And they’re here because they need medical services. I was forced to operate on a man out here earlier when your staff refused him entry. Now, I don’t really care if you’ve got that sign on your door or not, that’s your policy and your choice - I can and will respect that.
“But when majority of your staff can watch a man bleed out in front of them and not do anything about it, then I have to question their whether or not they were actually trained to be doctors and nurses. This is the only well managed hospital in the area, when you deny people treatment, you’re practically sending them to their deaths.”
Puri frowned. “And what do you want me to do about it? I respect you deeply as a doctor and surgeon, McCoy, but I won’t put my staff at risk. If we open the hospital to the general public, people will protest and get violent. And this isn’t a charity.”
Leonard raised a brow. “While I understand what you’re getting at, there are two points I’d like to raise. First, these people aren’t looking for charity. I’ve received payments from every single one of them. Some were able to pay the standard price and some weren’t, but no one’s gotten any free treatment. Second, if this is the only fully functioning hospital in the area, I doubt anyone will risk putting you out of business. And you see all these chairs around here? The patients brought them in from their homes and workplaces. If you help people, they’ll go out of their way to help you back - that’s what I’ve found from my experience in Atlanta anyways.”
The director heaved an exasperated sigh and asked, “So what would you have me do?”
The brunet shrugged and turned to his next patient. “I wouldn’t have you do anything. This is your hospital, not mine - although I feel like I should mention that I’ve probably seen more patients today than most of your staff in a month.”
“Yes, I understand that because of our policy, we’ve turned down a lot of patients. But if I were to change it, what would I do about the staff that refuse to treat these patients?”
“That’s a political problem, not a medical one. Speaking strictly from a medical point of view, I’d just send them home. They clearly have no medical training if they don’t understand that all the people on this planet are just humans - and until someone finds me a person who bleeds green instead of red, I’ll stand by that statement.”
Puri shook his head and chuckled in exasperation. “Seeing the kind of doctor you are, McCoy, I’m pretty sure you’d tried to treat them anyways. Tell you what, I don’t want to be known as the first person to deny Leonard McCoy the right to treat people - especially after you managed to bring in so much business - so I’ll annul the policy for the time being and let the staff carry on what they’re doing. But when that day comes when it becomes a law, I can’t promise that sign will stay off.”
“Let’s hope that day never comes then.” Leonard smiled. “You should probably take note of all the nurses and doctor helping right now. They’ll be your most reliable staff members during times of need, guaranteed.”
The director looked around and nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind. Now, McCoy, you’re still young so as your elder, I feel like I should tell you that the path you’re treading on is a dangerous one but you’re clearly not going to budge when it comes to your ethics. It’s very admirable but it’s going to bring you trouble no matter where you go. And I’d like to offer you a position here but I don’t think you’d accept.”
The brunet shot Puri a rueful look and shook his head. “You got that right. I appreciate your concern and offer, but I’m afraid we’ve got plans to head west next. Besides, I know for a fact, that if we stay any longer than absolutely necessary, James is going to get himself hospitalized. And when that happens, your staff will be so preoccupied with trying to keep him confined to his bed that you’ll probably kick us out of town.”
The director let out a laugh. “You’re exaggerating.”
“I wish,” he muttered back.
“Well, speak of the devil…”
From afar, voices could be heard.
“Mr. James, I think it’d be better if you let a doctor look at that.”
“To be perfectly honest, sir, I’d rather not. Leonard practically breathes fire when he gets mad.”
Leonard could feel his irritation spike as he momentarily looked away from his patient. “James, you get over here, right now.” The only reason he refrained from cussing was because there were women and children around.
A moment later, James appeared with the mayor by his side, an innocent grin on his face, and a black eye. “Hey, Leonard, how’s it going with everything here? Look, I saved the mayor from a drunk on the way here!”
The only thing that stopped him from punching the blond in the other eye was when the mayor went up to the director and demanded, “Doctor Puri, you and your team absolutely must take care of all these people.”
From beside him, the blond said quietly, “I was right. Look at us, Leonard. We really are changing the world for the better, one place at a time.”
There was no doubt in Leonard’s mind that he was still gaping like an idiot. “How did you get the mayor to buy into this?”
Instead of answering him, James smiled and winked at him with his good eye.
--
It took over a month for Leonard to finally give Spock permission to get back on his horse. They spent weeks on their horses without running into any trouble - much to Leonard’s surprise. But of course, with James’ luck, it didn’t last. Somewhere in the middle of Arizona, they came across a tall, blonde woman leaning against a carriage, clearly pregnant and in distress.
They immediately got off their horses and jogged over. “Miss? Are you alright? What happened here?” James attempted to place a hand on the woman’s shoulder only to get his hand slapped away.
“Don’t touch me,” she hissed. “My name is Eleen Akaar. I’m the wife of Governor Akaar and my carriage was attacked by thieves. They took everything including the horses. I demand you get me back to my husband immediately.”
Leonard approached her a little more cautiously than James had. “Ma’am, I don’t think you’re going to make it all the way back to wherever your husband is if it’s not in sight. My name’s Leonard McCoy. I’m a doctor. I can help you.”
When he reached for her stomach, he got slapped instead.
“Leonard!” James immediately took a step forward.
“It’s alright, James.” His irritation spiked but he managed to convince himself that the woman was just hysterical from being pregnant and being robbed. Jocelyn wasn’t all that much better - maybe a little less violent. “Nyota, can you grab my kit and come over here to help me out?”
Then he got slapped again.
Eleen looked infuriated. “I don’t need any of your help, and don’t any of you dare touch me! Get me back to my husband right now! He’s a governor!” Then she winced. “I don’t even want this child!”
There was a collective gasp from the group when Leonard finally lost his temper and slapped some sense back into the woman. “Sorry, but I couldn’t care less if your husband was the king of France. He’s not here right now and you’re about to go into labour so lie down and let me help you, dammit!”
The blonde’s eyes widened, but she obediently sat down and watched him in…admiration? “…You have very soft hands, doctor.”
As shocked as he was, there was no time to muse over it. Sparing a ‘don’t-say-a-word’ glare at James who looked caught between surprise and amusement, Leonard motioned for Uhura. “Nyota, come on over here.”
Eleen frowned and shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t want her help.”
The doctor took a deep breath. “Look, I can’t do this on my own and she’s your best bet. Beggars can’t be choosers - and right now, despite your title, you need help so you don’t get a say in the matter.”
The blonde promptly shut her mouth.
“That’s better.” The brunet turned to the other men. “James, Spock, you two will probably want to go elsewhere.”
James pouted. “Do I have to? Can’t I help?”
Leonard raised a brow. “Have you ever seen a woman give birth?”
“…no.”
“Then no, you can’t. You definitely won’t be able to handle it. It’s a messy process. Go stand around somewhere else and make sure we don’t get attacked or something.”
Eleen let out a whimper.
Waving the two off, the doctor scowled. “Go already!”
After a couple hours, with the baby birthed, they managed to bring mother and child back into town. Dropping the pair off at the police station, they left without waiting for their promised reward and recognition on the excuse that they needed to make up for lost time.
They rode off with their heads held high and proud grins on their faces. Uhura looked over, her surprise still evident. “I still find it hard to believe that you actually hit a woman, Leonard.”
Leonard groaned. “Let’s never bring up this incident ever again. I can practically hear my poor granny turning in her grave.”
The blond rode next to him and patted him reassuringly on the arm. “On the brighter note, we indirectly have a child now.”
Spock’s eyebrow twitched. “I still find it hard to believe she named the child Leonard James Akaar.”
The doctor’s frown disappeared at the memory of the baby. “Has a kind of a ring to it, don’t you think James?”
James’ grin widened. “Yes. I think it's a name destined to go down in history, Leonard. What do you think, Spock?”
The Vulcan almost expressed his exasperation and rolled his eyes - almost. "I think you're both going to be insufferably pleased with yourselves for at least a month.”
Laughing, the blond turned to the doctor. “Hey, Leonard?”
“What is it, James?”
“Do you think the governor will be upset when he finds out that his wife named their first son after us?”
Leonard snorted in amusement. “Isn’t that why we left so quickly? She’s named her first son after us and she’s planning on naming her first daughter after Nyota. We might as well be criminals.”
There was a pause.
“Hey, Leonard?”
“What is it?”
James had a huge grin on his face. “What very soft hands you have, doctor.”
Feeling his face heat up in embarrassment, he took off after Enterprise on his horse. “Dammit, James, get back here! I’m going to kick your ass all the way to the west coast!”
--
When they arrived at the outskirts of San Francisco, they had no time to voice their relief at finally reaching their destination. Out of nowhere, a pair of young men rode past them; clearly in a hurry.
“Hurry up, Pasha! We’re almost safe!”
“I don’t think they’re chasing us anymore, Hikaru!”
“It doesn’t matter, keep going until we reach the boat!”
Leonard turned to James to voice his puzzlement but stopped when he saw the large grin the blond had on his face and the excited sparkle he had in his eyes. “Oh no….”
“It’s serendipity, Leonard! Come on you guys!” Kicking Enterprise into action, James took off after the two.
“Dammit, James! You can’t just go chasing after strangers like that!”
Back to Chapter 5
Onwards to Chapter 7