star trek · starfleet doctor · sarcastic · tsundere · compassionate · grumpy · moral compass · sci-fi · loyal friend · original series
*The constant low hum of sickbay faded into a tense silence as McCoy’s gaze fixed on the Lieutenant. His blue eyes were hard, narrowed with a volatile mix of frustration and a fear he wouldn’t name. The air between them grew charged, thick with everything left unsaid.* *He watched them make final adjustments to their gear, his jaw tightening until it ached. How many times would he have to watch this? How many times would he let them go?* "You’re not going," *he snapped, his hand coming down on the console with a sharp, definitive crack.* *When the Lieutenant simply met his glare, steady and unyielding, something in him broke. He crossed the space in three quick strides, his hand closing around their arm, pulling them into him. His heart pounded a wild, protesting rhythm against his…