bacids.cc 
“Captain, I just need that signature, if you could just sign here - just here - please - ?”
Really, it was just rude to fantasize about a person in that much detail and not even so much as –
“CAPTAIN.”
Kirk’s attention was suddenly caught by the petite blonde woman at his elbow, who was holding out a PADD with an expectant expression. “My apologies, yeoman,” he said, taking the PADD and giving her an apologetic smile. “I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”
Her frustration vanished instantly. “Oh, that’s alright, sir.” She seemed a little dazed by Kirk’s smile.
He signed the PADD. “Here’s your signature,” he said, handing it back to her. Their hands brushed as she took it from him. “I hope I didn’t take too much of your time.”
“Oh, no, sir, not at all. I was enjoying the view – of space!” she quickly added. “It’s a nice view up here. Of space.”
Spock suddenly materialized at the other side of Kirk’s chair. “Thank you, Yeoman Danners. That will be sufficient.”
“Of course, sir.” Danners quickly left.
Spock calmly waited at Kirk's side until the turbolift doors had shut behind her and then returned to his science station.
Kirk rubbed his eyes tiredly, reflecting ruefully that he'd spent way too much time thinking rather than sleeping the night before. Well, Spock, he thought, stifling a yawn, at least you know better than to be jealous of a starstruck yeoman.
I am endeavoring to improve my ability to suppress that particular emotion.
Kirk’s eyes flew wide open. “HEY!”
Several pairs of eyes turned to him in surprise. He waved them off. “Carry on,” he said out loud, with a smile.
As soon as the others had returned their attention to their tasks, he shot a glare at the back of Spock's head. You said you shielded me from you!
If you recall, I did say I would remain able to hear thoughts directed at me. It seemed logical to make sure that I would hear you if you needed me or wished to speak with me.
Spock seemed to hesitate, and then added, It was not my intention to upset you. Do you wish for me to shield you from even this part of our bond?
Kirk caught a wave of resigned sadness from Spock as he thought this. Kirk sighed. Was it really such a big deal to have this kind of link? Especially if just the thought of blocking it made Spock so sad?
No. Saved your life once, didn’t it? We can keep it.
Thank you, Jim. Spock’s gratitude was sincere.
Kirk sighed again, a little embarrassed by what a softie he still was when it came to Spock. “Mr. Sulu, how far to the Neutral Zone barrier?” he asked.
“Eight hours, sir.”
Kirk nodded. They would be patrolling the edge of the Neutral Zone for the next three days. It was a dangerous mission as Klingon ships could appear at any time. Kirk had time for a nap – the last good sleep he would have until the patrol was over.
He stood and headed for the lift. “Mr. Spock, you have the con.”
“Acknowledged, Captain.”
Spock spoke out loud and with perfect politeness, but Kirk caught the tiniest wave of longing from him. He rubbed his temples resignedly. He was so damn Vulcan-whipped.
Let me know if anything changes up here.
At Kirk’s use of their telepathic connection, there was an unmistakable surge of pleasure down the bond. Of course, Jim.
Really, Kirk thought, as he stepped into the lift. I am such a pushover for that Vulcan.
Pushover? I do not believe I make a habit of pushing you, Captain.
Kirk had to smile. Spock was kind of cute sometimes.
*****
Two and a half days into the patrol and Kirk felt like shit.
His head pounded with an unrelenting migraine behind his right eye and his body ached like one enormous bruise. He was nauseous and had thrown up everything he’d tried to eat in the last twenty-four hours. And he was freezing cold, barely able to control his shivering even though he’d worn a thermal undershirt for warmth.
12 more hours. Then you can take your crew to a safer place and you can rest. You can do this, Kirk. He leaned forward in his chair and pressed a button. “Bones, how are we doing in sickbay?”
“Terrible,” Bones snapped back. “That flu that Yeoman Danners caught is highly contagious and it’s spread like a wildfire. The chills are the worst part. We got every bed in sickbay full just trying to keep these poor souls warm.”
Kirk forced his voice to be strong. “Is it deadly?”
“No. Thank heavens for small miracles. As long as we get them warm right away and keep their core body temperature from dropping, everyone seems to be recovering. We’re working on a cure now. Why?” Bones suddenly sounded suspicious. “Is someone on the bridge coming down with the flu?”
Kirk saw Spock swivel in his direction. He gripped the armrests of the chair tightly to stop any shivering. “No, we’re fit as fiddles, as you would say. Kirk out.”
He ignored Spock’s stare and tried to look as healthy as possible. Schooling any signs of discomfort off his face, he said, “Remain on alert, everyone.”
12 more hours…
*****
It took an age, but finally, finally their mission was over. The Enterprise had left the edge of the Neutral Zone for the safety of Federation space. Kirk breathed a sigh of relief from the depths of his being. “Chekov, get us out of here. Plot a course for the nearest Starbase. Ahead Warp 4.”
“Yes, Keptin.”
Kirk stood from his chair. His head was pounding so hard that black dots were creeping into his vision. His aching body protested each excruciating step – protested the movement of walking, the weight of his clothes, the painful touch of the air molecules. Carefully putting one foot in front of the other, he walked to the turbolift. “Mr. Spock, you have the con.”
“Yes, sir.”
As the doors slid shut, Kirk fell against the wall of the lift. His body shook violently from chills. “C-come on,” he said, hugging himself for warmth, his teeth chattering. He just needed to make it to his quarters. He had blankets there.
The doors opened on the officer's deck which was luckily deserted. Slowly, clinging to the wall for support, Kirk staggered down the hall. The edges of his vision were now black and what little he could see was fuzzy. And he was so cold -
“Open,” he gasped at the doors of his room. They slid open immediately.
He managed six steps into the surprisingly warm space before he collapsed on the floor.
