Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

McCoy

Leonard McCoy followed his husband into the dining room of the palace on Georgiares II. He smiled quietly to himself as his mind mulled warmly over the new difference in his name. Scott-McCoy, Leonard Scott-McCoy, no longer heir to Georgiares, married a month now to the love of his life, Montgomery Scott.

He sat down at the table next to his husband, the word still sending an extra rush to his heart, and pushed his knee against Scotty’s like they always had at meals. Scotty looked over and smiled at him.

They had spent the week of their honeymoon at the Scott’s small beach house and then had returned to Georgiares. McCoy had spent the past weeks packing and preparing his things for Starfleet Academy. In the morning they would fly to Scotland again and spend another week with Francine and Granddad. Scotty would get his things packed and from there they’d go to the Academy.

McCoy’s stomach twisted nervously at the thought. He was slowly overcoming his fear of flying, especially with Scotty at his side, but at moments it still seemed like the dumbest decision he could have made; a man afraid of flying joining an organization that functioned in space, flying.

He smiled back at Scotty and those doubts faded. Starfleet was the smartest decision he had ever made, after choosing Scotty of course. They would be together. Scotty would become the best engineer in the galaxy and McCoy hoped to become a decent doctor.

Across the table Queen Eleanor made a soft noise, and David, the king, reached to squeeze her hand.

“I just can’t believe you’re really going,” Eleanor said, looking at her son.

“You sent me away for school,” McCoy said with a grin, “it’s not that different. Except I chose to go this time.”

“But it’s not the same,” Eleanor protested. “You won’t be coming back this time. You’ll graduate and be posted on a ship or a station somewhere far away.”

Next to the queen, McCoy’s sister quietly passed over a handkerchief. Eleanor took it gratefully and dabbed at her eyes.

“Mother, we’ll come visit.”

“But you won’t be here,” Eleanor said with a shake of her head.

McCoy looked at his father for help. David gave a tiny shrug.

“If we hadn’t changed things it would have been Leah leaving eventually,” McCoy said. “What’s the difference? One of us was always going to go.”

Across the table Leah gave her brother a dirty look. “Just shut up Lenny. You don’t get it.”

McCoy opened his mouth to protest, but Scotty kicked him gently against the ankle. He looked at his husband instead.

“I’m sure Mum is feeling the same way,” Scotty said gently. He looked at his brother sitting next to Leah. “And in a way, ye’ve gained Robbie when we go, just as Mum will have us now he’s gone.”

Eleanor smiled kindly at Scotty. “Thank you Scotty. I’m sure Francine and I will have many commiserating calls in the coming weeks. And at least I have Amanda here to go through it together.”

Amanda’s seat at the table was empty. She and Spock and Sarek had taken a trip to Vulcan before Spock would head off to Starfleet as well. Next to Robbie, Jim looked down at his plate. McCoy could see how much he missed his Vulcan boyfriend. Jim had been invited to come back to the Scott’s home with them, but he had chosen to stay at the palace and wait for Spock.

“Just think of all the stars and worlds we’ll get to explore and see,” Scotty said in a wondering voice. They had walked out to the orchard after dinner. Scotty was sitting close to McCoy on the gazebo steps, watching the sky darken and the stars appear.

McCoy was watching Scotty in awe. Only a month ago they had stood in this spot and pledged themselves to each other for the rest of their lives. Sometimes he just couldn’t believe everything they had gone through to get to that point.

“What do ye think our fir— mmph!”

McCoy cut Scotty off, darting in quickly and catching his lips.

“Len!” Scotty laughed when he pulled back. “What are ye doing? Mad man…”

“What’s it look like?” McCoy said, snatching another kiss. “It’s just almost too much to believe sometimes,” he let out in a whisper.

“What is?” Scotty asked, pulling McCoy closer.

“This. That we found each other. That everything worked out for us. That we get to be together. That you’re my husband.”

“I’m glad it all did,” Scotty whispered back before he leaned in to steal his own kiss.

Scotty

Montgomery Scott's heart was beating out of his chest as he stared at the room's ceiling once the young couple had gone to bed. 

Not too much longer and they'd actually attend Starfleet Academy and learn everything about galaxies and planets and starships. Well... not like he didn't know a lot already, of course. 

Scotty had always been fascinated by ships and stars and exploring new worlds. He had read every book that he was able to get his hands on, had watched every documentary, had asked every engineer he knew various questions. 

It had always been his dream to enlist in Starfleet, but during his last year of school, the young Scotsman had found yet another dream. 

And that dream was lying right next to him. 

Leonard and him had fallen in love at first sight and despite their different status, they had managed to become a pair and marry each other. The prince had turned out to be everything Scotty could have ever wished for. 

And that hadn't changed in the slightest bit. 

Scotty was looking forward to their time at the academy for he knew that together with Leonard it would be the best time of his life. 

When the Scotsman eventually fell asleep, he knew that he'd dream of their perfect future. The future of his husband and him. 

The shuttle was supposed to take off quite early so everyone was up before sunrise. They shared a quick breakfast together before the whole family gathered outside to wait for the car taking the boys to the shuttle port. 

Queen Eleanor couldn't stop herself from crying once again when she pulled her youngest child into a tight hug. It was so hard for her to let Leonard go, but Scotty knew that eventually she'd get through it. After all, it wasn't like they were out in unknown space yet. They could always come back for a visit between semesters. 

Scotty said goodbye to David first. He just wanted to shake the king's hand but that one quickly pulled him closer and wrapped his arms around his son-in-law. 

"You'll keep an eye on him, will you, Scotty?" 

The Scotsman smiled gently as he nodded against David's shoulder. 

"Aye, of course."

Next up followed Eleanor and Leah. The crown princess promised the young Scotsman that she'd take care of Robbie, his little brother. 

He was the last one to say goodbye to Scotty and both brothers didn't want to let go of each other. All their lives they had been together, fighting for themselves day by day, and it had always been their plan to go to Starfleet Academy together, however Robbie's plans had changed. 

The younger Scott brother had fallen in love with Leonard's older sister Leah. And therefore, he had made the decision to stay on Georgiares. He would attend one of the best universities at the capital city while Leah was doing her best to become future queen; she was doing a fantastic job.

And Scotty was quite certain that his brother would be happy on Georgiares at Leah's side. It was just hard for him to go separate ways. 

"Take care of yerself, a bràthair," Scotty whispered, pulling Robbie even closer to his chest and he heard the lump in the younger boy's throat when he answered. 

"Ye too, Monty. And tell mum and Granddad that I love them and that I'll call them soon."

Robbie would have joined Scotty and Leonard on their trip to Scotland if it hadn't been for the earlier start of his first semester. In only two days his first courses would start and he needed to be ready for them. 

"I will. See ye around," Scotty gently placed his hand on Robbie's cheek and wiped away the tears. 

"Aye, see ye." 

Both Scotty and Leonard gave Jim a quick hug. After all, they'd see him again soon enough at the academy. 

And then their journey began.

McCoy

McCoy was happy to set foot on solid ground in Scotland. The flight between Georgiares and Earth was long, but he had traveled it many times now. It was slowly getting easier, especially with Scotty beside him, but he still preferred to be on land. The thought briefly flashed through his mind how he would fare on a boat. A smile curled one side of his lips.

“We’ve got it Andre,” McCoy said to the security member reaching for his bag and trunk.

“Sir?”

“Don’t worry,” McCoy said, shrugging the strap of his bag further up his shoulder and grabbing one end of the trunk. Scotty grabbed the other end. “It isn’t far.”

“I remember sir,” Andre said, bowing his head in deference to McCoy.

McCoy and Scotty led the way and the three member security team followed behind.

McCoy hadn’t wanted any security to follow them back to Scotland, but David had insisted. Spock had been McCoy’s security on his previous trips to Scotland before his marriage, but Spock would be going to the Academy as well to begin his own career.

David wanted his son and son in law protected until they were surrounded at the Academy by the officers and cadets of Starfleet. McCoy had protested, but in the end gave in sullenly. Andre and his team would be with them in Scotland and would accompany the two young men to San Francisco.

Francine, of course, had offered for the team to stay at the house, but Andre had said no. One member would be at the house at a time and the others would stay nearby where they would not be a burden.

Two cars were waiting when the small group got to the front of the shuttle port.

McCoy and Scotty loaded their bags and the trunk in the first car and settled in the back. Andre took the driver’s seat and one of the others took the passenger seat. The third member followed in the second car.

It was strange to arrive and drive to the Scott’s house without Granddad or Francine. They had always either picked them up or dropped them off. 

Scotty gave directions to Andre and soon enough they turned down a familiar street and stopped at a house that still looked too new compared to its neighbors.

Before McCoy or Scotty could get out the security team had beat them to the bags.

“You’ve got your mom to greet sir,” Andre smiled at Scotty while holding his bag.

“Fair enough,” Scotty chuckled back.

Scotty stopped on the doorstep, seeming for a moment confused whether he should knock or just open the door and go in. Before he could make up his mind the decision was made for him. The door opened quickly and Francine had her arms around her son.

“Oh Monty!” she cried happily as she held him tight. “It’s been so empty without ye lads! And Leonard!” Francine let go of Scotty and turned to McCoy.

“Hi Francine,” McCoy grinned as he was squeezed.

“Come in! Come in!” Francine moved back to let the boys in. McCoy gestured with his head for the security team to follow.

“You can set those there,” he pointed to a spot by the stairs. “We’ll take them up later. I mean it.” He gave Andre a serious look, but his eyes twinkled.

“Hello lads.” Granddad came from the living room and hugged both boys at the same time.

“You remember Andre,” McCoy said when they had finally finished their greetings.

“Aye,” said Granddad as Francine nodded.

“This is Anthony and Averie,” he continued, motioning at the other two guards.

“Andre and Anthony and Averie,” Granddad said, lifting a brow in amusement.

“They call us ‘Team Alpha,’” Averie smiled.

“Quite fitting,” Francine laughed.

“We’ll just look around quickly and then these two will be out of your hair,” Andre said. “I’ll be here first, and we’ll rotate about every eight hours.”

“Will ye need a key?” Francine asked, looking concerned.

“No ma’am, thank you,” Andre said. “We’ll let each other in as necessary.”

Team Alpha went off together to check around the house.

McCoy looked around. “It’s looking better with those pictures up.”

“Isn’t it?” Francine said. “Harriet found a few more after the ones she brought when ye were here last.”

“Oh,” McCoy said, feeling his cheeks color. He and Scotty’s aunt had not taken to each other. Though who could blame Harriet after the way McCoy had spoken to her. He had apologized when Granddad had taken him back later.

“Malcolm and Iona sent a few other things as well after ye left,” Granddad added.

“What?” Scotty asked in surprise. “He thought of someone beside himself?”

“Apparently,” Granddad chuckled. “Suppose that’s them putting in their bid to be invited to another royal wedding.”

McCoy looked at Scotty and rolled his eyes. He had promised to keep that pair from being anywhere near Scotty again. He would personally lose any invitation to them if their siblings someday got married.

“I suppose ye lads would like to rest a little after your trip,” Francine said. “If ye’re hungry let me know, otherwise ye know when dinner is.”

“Thanks Francine,” McCoy said.

“We’ll go unpack,” Scotty said.

Scotty

It was nice to come home again, even if it wouldn't be for too long. Scotty loved spending time with his mother and grandfather and he knew Leonard did too. The prince had been warmly welcomed into the family and Francine had quickly won over another son. Granddad also loved talking to Leonard.

Together, Scotty and Leonard first retired to Scotty's room. It was one of their favorite places in the house, next to the garden, and they always spent a lot of time in there. 

The luggage quickly flew into a corner and the boys made themselves comfortable on the bed. Francine had been right. They really were exhausted from the journey and needed to get some rest. 

"How was the flight for ye, mo ghràdh?" 

Scotty ran a hand tenderly through Leonard's hair and his husband shrugged his shoulders. Scotty knew how much anxiety flying often caused him.

"It was... okay, I guess. With you by my side." 

A smile played around Leonard's lips as he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Scotty's lips. 

He only pulled his head back when he noticed that Scotty seemed worried. 

"What? What is it?" 

The young Scotsman sighed slightly and looked at Leonard thoughtfully. An oppressive feeling spread through his chest. 

"What... if ye ever have to fly alone? If I'm needed somewhere else and cannae be with ye?"

Leonard blinked a few times, but then he shook his head and smiled gently. 

"That's not going to happen. I'll insist that we're always together on missions."

Scotty wanted to say something back, but his counterpart put a finger to his lips to stop him.

"I am a prince. No one will dare contradict me." 

Scotty couldn't help but grin. 

"Is that referring to me or the people of Starfleet?"

At that, Leonard's face brightened and he chuckled softly. 

"Hmm... both. Just don't worry so much. Everything will be fine."

A nod from Scotty was all it took for Leonard's lips to find their way back to his and this time Scotty returned the kiss passionately.

Leonard was right. He was probably just worrying too much about nothing. 

"There ye are, lads. Did ye manage to get some rest?" 

Francine was beaming from ear to ear when Scotty and Leonard entered the kitchen. The table was already set and something was simmering on the stove. 

"Aye."

"Yes, Francine. That smells delicious. What are you cooking?"

Leonard stepped over to the stove and took a look. 

"Oh, nothing special. Just some sausages. That goes quite well with the salad," Francine replied as she took said salad out of the fridge. 

"Is there anything else we can do to help?" Scotty asked, even though most of the food looked ready. 

"Ye could let Alasdair know that dinner's ready. I think he's downstairs in his workshop."

"Already on it, ma'am," Scotty replied and saluted jokingly before he and Leonard made their way to the cellar.

"Granddad?"

They found the elderly gentleman sitting on a chair at the work table. He was obviously whittling away at something. 

"Dinner's ready."

Hearing those words, Alasdair turned and looked at the boys who had stopped at the stairs. 

"Oh, thanks, lads. I'll be right up."

Curious, Scotty stuck his head forward to see what his grandfather was holding. 

"What are ye working on?" 

Granddad's gaze wandered to the piece of wood and he shrugged his shoulders.

"I'm not sure what it's going to be yet. I... I'll just let my thoughts run free." 

"That sounds good. That way you can surprise yourself," Leonard said and Alasdair laughed. 

"Aye. Well then... Go on up. I'll be with ye in a moment."

"Please, ma'am, that's not necessary."

The boys could hear Andre's voice from afar as they made their way back up and both of them had to chuckle when they saw the bodyguard standing in the hallway, Francine standing in front of him with a plate in her hands.

"No, no, ye have to eat something, lad. I insist."

Andre threw a glance at Leonard and Scotty, obviously asking for their help, but both of them knew that he didn't stand a chance. 

"Just take it, Andre. It's really good. And Francine is right. You have to eat."

At hearing Leonard's words, Andre carefully took the plate handed to him, then nodded at Francine.

"Well then... thank you, ma'am." 

"And ye really don't want to sit down with us?" 

"Oh... uhm, no, thanks. I'll guard the door." 

Scotty chuckled softly. Once one was part of the family, there was no way out.

McCoy

It was strange to be the only two at the table with Francine and Granddad. Before there had always been a group of the boys, but Robbie and Jim were on Georgiares and Spock on Vulcan.

McCoy smiled over at Francine, who still wore a frown looking after Andre.

“Averie is more likely to join us,” he said quietly.

“I can’t not feed someone in my home,” Francine replied. “Especially someone working to keep us all safe.”

“They appreciate it, they just aren’t used to sitting down with us. It isn’t part of their normal duties.”

“I suppose,” Francine said. She let out a huff. “How was the flight? And how’s Robbie?”

Conversation resumed like normal between the four and after the meal McCoy and Scotty offered to wash up.

“What do ye want to do tomorrow?” Scotty asked when they were settled in the garden looking up at the stars. The air was cooling, but McCoy kept close to Scotty.

“Shouldn’t you get packing?” McCoy asked with a smirk.

“Don’t have much to pack anymore,” Scotty said softly. McCoy heard the old hurt in his voice.

“I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “That was stupid of me.”

“It’s alright love, just the truth.” Scotty took McCoy’s fingers and joined them with his. “At least it feels more homey coming back this time.”

McCoy said nothing, worried he’d say something else dumb. Instead he gave Scotty’s fingers a squeeze.

“Besides, I think ye packed well enough for us both. My few things will be easy.”

Silence fell between the two.

“Where do you think we’ll get sent first?” McCoy finally said. He gestured at the sky above them with their joined hands.

Scotty let out a light laugh. “I dinnae ken. Probably somewhere close to start.” He let go of McCoy’s hand and rolled up onto his side to look at the prince.

“I know ye think we won’t be sent on missions without each other, but it’s likely Len. Especially since becoming a doctor will take longer.”

McCoy looked up at the concern on Scotty’s face.

“I might get assigned to a ship while ye’re still studying,” Scotty continued. “Our courses are going to be different. Engineers get sent out more often on ships to train in their last year. I read that.”

McCoy’s heart was pounding in his chest. He had read that too, but had chosen to ignore it. He swallowed down his own worries and fears to reassure Scotty.

“That’s at least three years out darlin’. We’ll have plenty of time to get used to it and the idea before then.” He smiled and reached up to stroke Scotty’s face gently. “I’m sure they’ll keep us so busy that any time apart will just fly by.”

A small smile pulled Scotty’s mouth. “I hope so,” he whispered.

McCoy tugged him down again for a kiss. “I’m cold,” he grinned. Anything to distract them both.

“Well, I suppose I should get ye inside then.”

Inside the house, Andre had gone and been replaced by Anthony.

“Good night your highness,” he said politely, from where he had settled himself in the living room. He had chosen a spot where he could see the front door and through to the back. “Mr. Scott-McCoy.”

“Good night Anthony,” McCoy called as he led Scotty up the stairs quickly.

Scotty

That night Scotty couldn't sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, he thought of what it would be like if he were to go out on a mission alone. Or, even worse, if Leonard was supposed to leave on a shuttle. So much could happen out in space. 

Nightmares of the time when his husband and him had been kidnapped by Romulans filled his mind and he didn't even want to imagine for something like that to happen again. It was a horrifying thought. And there were so many dangers out there in the wide universe...

So, instead of sleeping, Scotty stayed up and stared at Leonard's calm face, hoping that he at least was having sweet dreams. 

He could only hope that nothing would ever take that peaceful smile from his love's lips. 

In the morning, breakfast was already ready for them. Francine had made sure that there was enough food for a whole bunch of people before she left for work. She probably wanted to make sure that every member of the family and security got enough to eat. 

Anthony was just about to leave when Scotty and Leonard made their way downstairs. He nodded at them. 

"Good morning, your highness, Mr. Scott-McCoy." 

"Good morning. Ye're about to leave?" Scotty asked, throwing a quick glance into the kitchen and seeing what his mother had prepared. 

Anthony gave him a nod. 

"Yes, sir. Averie will be here any minute," the bodyguard answered and Scotty quickly ran into the kitchen and grabbed an already fully loaded sandwich. He handed it to Anthony. 

"Please. Take it. My mother will nae be amused if she finds out that ye left without breakfast," the young Scotsman insisted and his counterpart glanced at Leonard who shrugged his shoulders. 

"Scotty's right. You have no choice." 

Scotty couldn't believe it when he saw a soft smile on Anthony's face as he took the sandwich. 

"Thank you, sir. I... will thank your mother later when I'm on my next shift."

Scotty chuckled softly and nodded. 

"Aye. She'll be quite happy to hear that ye ate." 

After all, Francine was everyone's mother. 

The week passed them by way too quickly, but at the end of it every member of 'Team Alpha' was basically part of the Scott's family. And everyone was quite sad when the boys and them had to leave. 

Scotty felt his heart beat out of his chest as he got out of the car and stared at the shuttle that would fly them to San Francisco. 

A new life was awaiting them. And he wasn't sure if he was ready for it yet. He thought back to his nightmares and worries. 

However, when Leonard grabbed his hand and squeezed it gently, Scotty took in a deep breath. Aye... it would be okay. It would be just fine. 

"Oh, me lads!"

Scotty was surprised when Francine appeared out of nowhere and pulled them both in a hug, sobbing violently. 

"Francine."

"A mhàthair."

The poor woman didn't stop her crying even when the boys tried to talk to her and patted her back. 

"Please, please, please be careful! I-I-I wish ye all the luck in the world! And I love ye two so much!"

"Francine, let them go."

Granddad placed a hand on Francine's shoulder and squeezed it softly. There was a smile on his face, but Scotty could see that he too was sad about the boys leaving. 

And he felt it in his hug that followed Francine's. It was tight and filled when love and care. 

"Take care of yerselves, lads. Ye can do this! I believe in ye!"

McCoy

“Have you ever been here before?”

“No,” Scotty answered as he and McCoy looked out the window as the shuttle descended towards San Francisco. “Have you?”

“No, closest I got was to Los Angeles when I shadowed Dr. Lane,” McCoy replied.

“It looks bonnie,” Scotty said. “The hills, and the water.”

McCoy nodded in agreement. The sun was making the ocean glitter.

“Think it’s warm enough to swim in?” McCoy grinned.

Scotty laughed next to him. “We’ll ask first I think.”

Soon enough the shuttle was on the ground at the academy. McCoy was glad it was only a few hours. Next to Scotty, and with the excitement of Starfleet, he had managed to not be scared for once.

McCoy was wide eyed as he held onto Scotty’s hand as they left the shuttle. A glance showed him that Scotty had the same look on his face. McCoy hitched his bag further up his shoulder. Behind them the three security members followed.

In a short time McCoy’s trunk appeared. Scotty had been right about not having much to pack, and they had fit most of it into the trunk with McCoy’s things.

“Your highness—” Andre began to protest as McCoy lifted one end. Scotty had hold of the other side.

“You’re here to see us safe,” McCoy shook his head. “Not to pack our luggage around. And what would other cadets think if they saw you carrying it for us?”

“Yes sir,” Andre nodded.

“Where are we supposed to go?” McCoy asked Scotty.

Scotty had his PADD in his free hand. “Main hall for room assignments, uniforms, and course lists,” he read off the device.

“Ok,” McCoy said, looking out towards the campus in front of them. “And where’s the main hall?”

Scotty laughed as he looked over at McCoy. “Didn’t ye study the map?”

“No,” McCoy grinned. “I’m going to be a doctor not a navigator.”

“Come on.” Scotty gave him an eye roll. “It’s this way.”

“How is it hot and cold?” McCoy complained as they walked.

“The breeze is blowing off the ocean,” Scotty said. “Don’t worry, we’re almost there.”

“Can’t believe there wasn’t some sort of transport from the shuttle depot to here,” McCoy grumbled under his breath. “Are those really the uniforms we’re going to be wearing?” he asked, looking around at the people wearing bright red as they walked. Occasionally someone in black or dark gray walked past.

“Aye Len,” Scotty said. McCoy heard the slight hint of frustration in his husband’s answer. He took a deep breath and tried to stop any other negative thoughts from coming out his mouth.

“Here,” Scotty said at last, and nodded towards a building on the left. At the main entrance a line of other young people in civilian dress could be seen coming out the door.

As they walked past to find the end of the line a sudden squeal had them both turning. McCoy could sense Andre, Anthony and Averie behind them tensing, and moving closer.

“Montgomery Scotty!” a voice in the line exclaimed. “Just Leonard!”

“Jaylah!” Scotty cried back and set his end of the trunk down before a pale blur had jumped out of line and wrapped herself around him.

“It’s alright,” McCoy said to the three security members. They were already relaxing their stance, having recognized the alien girl from her time on Georiares.

A moment later McCoy let out a grunt as Jaylah squeezed him tightly. He noticed the whisper go through the line as people began to realize who he was.

“Hi Jaylah!” he greeted her.

“Have ye seen anyone else?” Scotty asked as she released McCoy.

“No. You two are the first.” Jaylah stepped back to the line and grabbed the handle of a rolling bag. “I will join you.”

“But ye already have a spot!” Scotty began.

“I would rather be with you,” Jaylah said firmly and moved out of line.

McCoy gave a laugh, and picked up his side of the trunk again. He knew how stubborn Jaylah could be when she got an idea in her head.

“Come on,” he said. “Let’s get ourselves in line then.”

Scotty

It was really incredibly exciting to finally be standing on the Academy campus, waiting with other newcomers to familiarize themselves with their new home. 

Scotty sensed that many pairs of eyes were on Leonard and him, but he tried his best to ignore it and focus on Jaylah, who was excitedly talking about the plans she had for the Academy. She wanted to be an engineer, just like Scotty and Keenser, and the young Scotsman was pretty sure she would achieve that goal with flying colors. She had always been good at tinkering and working. 

"I just hope I get a good roommate," she finally finished her excited story and Scotty put a reassuring hand on her shoulder and squeezed it. 

"I'm sure ye'll get along just fine with her. I'm sure it'll be great!" 

Jaylah sighed.

"That is easy for you to say. With you two, it is obvious that you will be sharing a room," she said, looking back and forth between Scotty and Leonard. 

Leonard gave their friend an encouraging smile. 

"Come on, Jaylah. No one can resist your charms. I'm pretty sure there isn't a single person on this campus who wouldn't want to share a room with you."

Scotty had to chuckle softly as he saw the alien girl blush in front of them. 

"Just Leonard... it is sweet of you to say, but I don't think so. Don't be a liar!"

"Hey, I'm not lying! I'm just giving my honest opinion!"

"Your Highness."

Andre's voice caught the attention of the small group. The bodyguard nodded his head in the direction of the registration desk, which was getting closer and closer.

"Oh, thank you Andre," Leonard said, before the three students and the bodyguards continued on their way and quickly caught up with the rest of the queue.

They hadn't even noticed how quickly they were moving. 

It wasn't long before they were standing in front of a nice lady.

"Hello there, welcome to Starfleet Academy. The misters Scott-McCoy, I presume?" 

There was a smile on her lips, as she obviously already knew the answer. By now, the whole universe probably knew about them and their wedding. The three bodyguards accompanying them were just the icing on the cake to show who they were. 

"Aye, ma'am."

"Yes, that's us, ma'am." 

The lady held a PADD in her hands, on which all the important information was probably listed, while a young cadet was already handing Scotty and Leonard their uniforms. He hardly seemed to believe who he had in front of him. His eyes were wide and his cheeks dark red. 

"You'll be sharing a room. It's in building D4, room 816." 

A few more instructions followed, but then Leonard and Scotty were able to leave. Outside the building, they met Jaylah again, who had been waiting for them, but she wasn't alone.

"Christine! Pavel!"

The friends quickly embraced and greeted each other. 

They only broke away from each other when they heard a strangely familiar voice. 

"Well, well, well. Who have we got here? Our rebellious prince."

Scotty and Leonard wheeled around, their smiles fading. 

Admiral Kinnear.

McCoy

McCoy sensed Scotty tense next to him. A second later Scotty’s hand was on his, and McCoy had the feeling Scotty was trying to hold him back. Pavel and Jaylah were watching with wide eyes but Christine seemed to have a faint smirk on her face.

Behind them, McCoy heard Andre stepping forward.

“The prince isn’t—”

But before Andre could say more, McCoy put up a hand to stop him.

“Admiral Kinnear,” McCoy said politely.

“I tried my damndest to keep you out,” the admiral sneered. “After what you did. Starfleet doesn’t need the likes of you.”

“Sir!” “Hey!”

Lieutenant Commander Sullivan stepped up next to the admiral at the same time Andre moved in front of McCoy. Both were looking in surprise at the admiral.

“Perhaps sir, the academy no longer needs—” McCoy stopped himself at the hiss of breath he heard escaping Scotty. Right. He remembered what Pike had told him after his last encounter with Kinnear.

“Well, they’ve kept me, so they must expect good things from me,” McCoy said, gritting his teeth in an attempt to keep polite.

Kinnear’s mouth clamped tight and McCoy could see the tension in his jaw. Around them the air was tense.

“We’ve just been given our dorm assignment, so if you’ll excuse us. Sir.” McCoy smiled tightly, and went to move forward, around the admiral.

“I didn’t give you leave to go cadet,” Kinnear said scornfully. “That’s right,” he said with an eyebrow raised, “they let you be here, now you have to follow the rules.”

McCoy stopped moving and looked the admiral in the eye. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, putting his best fake smile in place.

“True sir,” he bit the words out. “May we have leave to go sir?”

Lt. Cmdr. Sullivan looked at McCoy, then looked at Kinnear. “Sir, you’ll be late for your meeting—”

“I’m on time,” Kinnear snapped at his aide.

“Yes sir.” Sullivan shrank back and gave McCoy an apologetic look.

“Go,” Kinnear said disdainfully. “Though I will be watching. One slip up and I’ll have you gone.”

Behind the admiral again, Sullivan looked at McCoy and gave his head the slightest shake. The prince wasn’t sure what to make of that.

“Thank you sir,” McCoy said. “So lovely to see you again sir.” Before anything else could be said, he bent to take his end of the trunk and looked at Scotty to get the other side. Once Scotty had it, McCoy set them off at a quick pace.

A glance over his shoulder showed Jaylah, Pavel and Christine following too and the security team forming protectively behind them. McCoy wasn’t sure where he was headed, he just knew he wanted to be out of sight of the admiral and anyone else who had seen what happened.

He turned next to a building and stopped a moment later. Scotty looked pale on the other end of the trunk.

“How far is it to our room?”

Scotty blinked then looked over at him. He looked around himself blankly before Anthony handed over the PADD he’d been holding for Scotty.

“That admiral is a bastard!” Christine said in a quiet voice.

“Yes!” Jaylah agreed, nodding vigorously.

“I think we’re going to go get settled,” McCoy said to the three friends. “Can we meet up in a bit? For dinner?”

“Da. Christine and I still need to finish at the main hall,” said Pavel.

McCoy looked at the younger boy in surprise. Why had they followed if they weren’t done? What good friends they were; McCoy could see the protective light in all their eyes as they looked at Scotty.

“I will find my room too,” Jaylah said.

“It’s not far,” Scotty finally said softly. He pointed back around the building they had taken refuge by. “Back that way and left.”

McCoy smiled again, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Right. We’ll see you guys soon.”

A short time later they stood in front of building D4.

“Sir?”

McCoy turned to look at Andre.

“Yes. I think we’ve got it from here Andre.”

“Best wishes to you then your highness. Mr. Scott-McCoy.”

“Thanks. Safe travels,” McCoy replied before he and Scotty shook hands with all three security members.

“Let’s find our room,” he said to Scotty. His husband looked more like himself, but McCoy could still see worry, maybe fear, in Scotty’s eyes. He wanted to reassure him, promise everything would be fine, make sure he knew Kinnear had no power to do anything to them.

“Ok,” Scotty agreed, and pushed open the door to the building.

Scotty

Up in their room, Scotty let out a heavy sigh he didn’t know he had been holding. The scene with Admiral Kinnear - it had reminded him all too well of his time at the boarding school, back when Archer had still been an ass to scholarship students. However, this was different.

Admiral Kinnear had a lot more power than Archer had ever had on his students and Scotty knew that if one of them made a single mistake, that bastard would use it to his advantage. And that scared the hell out of him. 

“Hey, leannan, it’s okay. Please stop frowning,” Leonard whispered to his ear, wrapping his arms around his husband from behind, and Scotty leaned back against him. He closed his eyes.

“Nothing’s okay, Len. It’s our first day and that man is already causing us trouble. Everyone can see that he just wants ye gone from this place.” 

Leonard sighed and Scotty could feel him shrug his shoulders.

“Well, he won’t get rid of me that quickly. After all-“

Scotty didn’t even let him finish. He turned around in Leonard’s arms to face him. 

“Aye, I know. Ye’re a prince.”

As soon as he saw the frown on his husband’s face, the Scotsman regretted his words. He knew that Leonard hated it when people gave preferential treatment to him just because of his status.

“I’m sorry, mo gràdh. I didn’t mean it like that,” he quickly apologized and Leonard’s facial features softened the slightest bit. 

He nodded.

“I know. And I know that even though I don’t want it, people will treat me differently. I just… hope that my performance will be good enough for them too.”

Scotty gently placed his hand on Leonard’s cheek and stroked a thumb across it.

“It will. Ye will be the best medical student the fleet could ask for.”

His eyes saddened a bit.

“I’m just… worried. That’s all.”

A moment later, Leonard’s arms were around him again and he could breathe in the familiar scent. 

“Don’t be. This is our dream. And we won’t let anyone destroy it. Not even that bastard of an Admiral. Let’s make the best out of everything, shall we?“

Scotty hesitated for a single second, but then he nodded. Aye, Leonard was right. No one should destroy their dream. Together they would get through everything. 

When they eventually stepped into one of the big dining halls, they weren’t too surprised to find all of their friends. By now, everyone had arrived and they had all gathered around one table.

The boys waved their hands at them and then quickly made their way over to the table.

“Hey there,” Leonard greeted everyone and soon enough warm hugs followed, before they sat down. 

Jim seemed to be quite happy that he could be with Spock again. He grinned from ear to ear.

“Is everything alright at the palace?” Leonard asked him, once everyone had started to chat with each other, and Jim gave him a nod.

“Sure. I took good care of everyone, after all.”

Scotty couldn’t help but chuckle as he rolled his eyes. 

“Of course ye did.”

Jim, who was sensing the irony in these words, quickly grabbed a spoon and filled it with mashed potatoes. 

“Oh you-“

A moment later the food hit Scotty straight in his face and he grinned, thinking back of all the times they had done that at school. 

“Ye get that back!”

However, Scotty didn’t get that far. Soon enough a member of security was standing next to their table, clearing his throat. 

Scotty and Jim grinned apologetically, though neither seemed to be sorry for real.

The man nodded at them, then left, and Scotty exchanged a glance with Jim. 

Archers were everywhere.

Chapter Text

McCoy

“Well,” McCoy said when they were back in their room. Dinner had felt very familiar with their friends, even if they were all in a new place.

“Well what love?” Scotty asked, smiling softly.

“It’s not much, is it?” McCoy said, gesturing to their room. Two beds, two desks, a pair of dressers and a door to a bathroom. At least a window gave them plenty of light.

“We are first years,” Scotty said. “And it isn’t much more than we’d get on a ship, so think of it as preparation for that.”

“Ugh,” McCoy groaned playfully.

“By the time you’re head of the medical division I’m sure we’ll have the biggest dorm room on campus,” Scotty grinned.

McCoy couldn’t help but laugh. “Guess we should finish unpacking huh?” He began to walk over to the trunk. They had set it between the two beds. “Think we can requisition something different?” he asked as he pointed at the beds.

“Oh aye, I’m sure the admirals will get right on that,” Scotty said with another laugh as he joined McCoy.

“Hey!” McCoy protested. “We are married, it’d be a reasonable request.”

“Tomorrow love,” Scotty said. He leaned over to kiss McCoy’s cheek. “After orientation, we’ll rearrange the room and I’ll see what I can do.”

“You never did at school,” McCoy said quietly.

“Aye, I know,” Scotty agreed apologetically. “It was harder there. Here I’ll have more things available to help me. And,” his voice brightened, “two married men deserve a bed that fits them both unlike two desperate lads clinging to each other.”

McCoy laughed as they began to empty the trunk.

Both were yawning when they closed the trunk and pushed it to the foot of one of the beds. Scotty had turned some music on while they had worked.

“Suppose we shou— Len!” Scotty let out a surprised laugh as McCoy grabbed him close and began to move them in a dance.

“What?” McCoy asked innocently, turning them in a slow circle.

“Mad man,” Scotty murmured.

“It’s our first night in our own first place together,” McCoy said. “We’re grown up adults now,” he grinned. “Out on our own.” He pushed Scotty out for a quick spin before pulling him close again. He leaned his head against Scotty’s. “I’m nervous and scared and all those things, yet perfectly content because I’m here with you.”

Scotty pulled back to look at him and McCoy smiled before he let go of him. His hands came up to Scotty’s face and pulled him in for a deep kiss.

“Whose bed?” he whispered when he pulled back. He dropped his hands to begin undoing Scotty’s clothes.

“Yours,” Scotty said, catching his breath. “Always yours.”

McCoy chuckled. “And you decided which one that is?”

“Aye,” Scotty nodded firmly. “Same as always.” He pushed McCoy towards a bed as McCoy pushed his shirt off.

“Ugh!” McCoy grunted as he tugged at his collar. He looked at Scotty in the mirror behind him. “How are you making this ugly uniform look so good?” he demanded. “Feels like I’m being choked!”

“Ye look fine mo ghràdh,” Scotty said reassuringly. “Ye’ll get used to it.”

“I look like a giant tomato!” McCoy complained. He dropped his hands from his collar. Scotty was doing a poor job of hiding a smile as McCoy turned around.

“I think ye look handsome,” Scotty said. He brushed a hair away from the prince’s eyes.

“You know where we’re going?” McCoy asked, trying to change the subject. He didn’t want to start blushing and be all one color.

“Aye,” Scotty nodded. “We should get moving. And later I’ll make sure ye study the campus map!”

“Suppose I should,” McCoy agreed. With that he let Scotty lead him from the room.

Outside the dorm it wasn’t hard to figure out where to go. All they really had to do was follow the rest of the crowd of red uniformed cadets. McCoy kept his eyes looking around for any of their friends as he held onto Scotty. Maybe they’d run into them at orientation. Or they’d see them after. They should have made better plans at dinner the night before but they had all been excited to finally be at Starfleet.

Scotty

Soon enough all the first years were gathered in a huge auditorium, taking their seats. Scotty was amazed by how many people had been accepted. He let his eyes wander through the room and saw mostly humans, but also some other species. It was just so exciting that they'd get to meet so many different students. 

Since they hadn't found any of their friends in the mass of people, Scotty and Leonard had taken the first free seats they had seen. Now they were sitting between a young human girl - she was chatting with Leonard, having instantly noticed him for who he was - and what had to be an Andorian. 

Even though he didn't mean to stare, Scotty couldn't help but look at the alien boy from the corner of his eyes. 

Unfortunately the Andorian seemed to notice. 

"What are you looking at? Is my nose out of place?" 

A blush quickly touched Scotty's face and he finally looked at the boy completely. 

"I'm sorry. It's just... I've never seen an Andorian in person."

The boy huffed before a grin crossed his face. 

"Well, I suppose I can't blame a human for admiring my kind's beauty. You rarely see creatures like myself, after all." 

Scotty raised an eyebrow in surprise. He certainly hadn't expected that much confidence. Still, a smile formed on his face. 

"Aye, well, it really is a rare sight on Earth. Uhm... I'm Scotty, studying to be an engineer. What about ye? What's yer name?" 

The Andorian's grin widened.

"My name is Aporal. And," he straightened his back to be eye to eye with the taller Scotsman, "I'm going to be the best engineer this fleet has ever seen."

Scotty couldn't help but chuckle.

"Is that a challenge?" 

Aporal shrugged his shoulders. 

"If you think you can keep up with me, Scottish boy."

The Andorian offered his hand but the moment Scotty tried to take it, he quickly pulled it back. 

"Too slow." 

Scotty was about to reply something, but the whole room fell silent when a woman stepped onto the stage, looking at all the students. 

"Welcome everyone! My name is Lt. Cmdr. Williams and I'm here to guide you through your orientation day. First of all, I am so happy to see so many new members for our fleet. It is great to see that so many young people are as eager as we are to explore new worlds, to make new connections and to represent our Federation."

Loud applause echoed through the auditorium. Every cadet was happy to be there. 

"Thank you. The applause is all yours. Today you will get to know the campus, the courses and, of course, your fellow cadets."

Scotty felt Leonard's hand grabbing his and he glanced at his husband, giving him a happy smile. That was it. That was the reason why they had joined the Academy. 

"I really hope that we can give you all a warm welcome."

After the introduction, the students were divided into small groups. Lt. Cmdr. Williams had told them that they were supposed to solve a few riddles to get to know the campus better. 

Scotty was very glad that the groups had been chosen by last names so that he was in a group with Leonard. 

He liked to have a known person close by. And who was better than his husband? 

Sulu was also with them. And the girl that had sat with Leonard. They quickly solved a lot of the riddles and soon enough they sat at the cafeteria, drinking a cup of tea and coffee.

McCoy

It was nice to be out of the auditorium. There had been so many people. Many more than had been at their previous school in total. And it had just been the new cadets. If each of the years had that many… McCoy took a deep breath as he lifted his coffee.

Scotty and Sulu were animatedly discussing something. McCoy smiled as he watched them. The other member of their small group, Cora, sat beside McCoy. She had introduced herself to the prince as soon as he had sat down next to her in the auditorium. Her eyes twinkled with mirth as she watched the two boys gesturing and talking.

“Are they always…?” she asked McCoy.

He chuckled. “Can be.”

“I’m so glad you all are so friendly. I’ve only met my roommate so far,” Cora said.

“Well, we lucked out that quite a few of us from our school came here,” McCoy replied.

Cora’s nose scrunched in thought. “Is it weird to be married so young?” Her eyes widened and she shook her head. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that!” she said quickly. “You just don’t see it very often.”

McCoy shrugged. “We may be young and it may have been quick, but we knew. We’ve been through alot together.”

Cora nodded her head. “I remember reading about those awful things you went through. I’m sure it was much worse than was reported.” She looked at him sympathetically.

“Leo!” said a voice behind him before he could answer.

McCoy turned in his seat to see Christine and Keenser walking up to their table.

“Hey Chris!” McCoy stood up to give her a hug. “Hi Keenser!” The small alien gave him a nod before he drug a chair over and sat down next to Scotty.

“Hi, I’m Christine Chapel,” Christine said, turning to Cora. She stretched out her hand.

“Cora Sullivan. Nice to meet you.”

 Christine took the chair on Cora’s other side.

“How was that meeting?” Christine asked.

“Huge,” McCoy said with a shake of his head.

“You ever been in a crowd that big without protection?” Christine asked with a grin.

“No,” McCoy said. “Better get used to it I guess.”

“My brother said this is one of the biggest first year groups they’ve had in years,” Cora said. “But we’ll probably lose some throughout the year. People who realize this isn’t what they thought it would be and that.”

“Is your brother a cadet?” McCoy asked.

“Oh no,” Cora laughed. “He’s an officer already. My oldest brother, Declan. We’re about eight years apart.”

Christine was staring at McCoy. He frowned at her.

“Wait,” Christine said. “Your brother isn’t a lieutenant—”

“Yeah,” Cora said. “A lieutenant commander.”

McCoy’s breath caught in his chest. Then a loud guffaw came out of him as Christine began to laugh.

“What?” Cora asked, looking puzzled.

McCoy rubbed a hand over his face.

“Does he work with Admiral Kinnear?”

“Yeah!” Cora said brightly. “That’s him!”

Scotty’s head had whipped around at the admiral’s name.

“How’d you know?” Cora asked.

Sulu and Keenser were also now listening.

“Leonard’s on the admiral’s shit list,” Christine said, trying to contain her giggles.

“Chris!” McCoy protested.

“It’s true,” Christine argued back.

“It is true,” Sulu agreed.

“What?” Cora asked.

“Your brother didn’t tell you about the time the admiral got called out and taken down a peg?” Christine asked.

Cora shook her head.

“It was Leo,” Christine continued. “And now the admiral has it out for him.”

“Hey. Stop,” McCoy said, seeing Scotty’s color pale. “He’s not going to have any reason to have any problems with me here. And I mean that.” McCoy threw a reassuring look at Scotty.

“Wow,” Cora said, leaning back in her chair. “I’m going to have to ask Declan about that. What are the chances we’d meet though? So weird how things work.” She smiled at them all. “What building are you in Christine?”

“D2, third floor.”

“Me too! Fourth floor.”

As the girls began to chat, McCoy looked over at Scotty again. His color was returning to normal as he and Sulu picked up their discussion. McCoy wanted to reach over and give his husband’s hand a reassuring squeeze, but Keenser had put his chair between them.

He smiled as he caught Scotty’s eye and slowly Scotty smiled back.

Scotty

The day passed quickly and by the evening, when they returned to their rooms, the students knew all the buildings on campus and had learned something about every course they would be attending.

Scotty was incredibly happy that at least at the Academy he had many basic courses with Leonard; at boarding school there had only been a few. 

Of course, there were also some courses that focused more on the direction the students had chosen for themselves, but even there, Scotty knew that he would most likely not be alone. Jaylah and Keenser would definitely be in some of the classes as well. And maybe even that Andorian Aporal. 

Scotty smiled at the thought of the cadet. 

Even though he had seemed like quite a show-off, Scotty suspected he was probably a smart guy. And a little challenge would certainly be a good incentive to give it his all. 

And Leonard certainly wouldn't be alone either. Christine would certainly stand by his side and support him. After all, she had done that before. 

And they would definitely make lots of new friends too. Like Cora, for example. She really was a friendly girl and the coincidence that she was Lt. Cmdr. Sullivan's sister seemed like a good omen. 

Finally, everything would turn out well.

But someone was missing.

Scotty tried his best not to sigh out loud as he thought about Robbie. He really wished his brother was with them, but he knew it wasn't the right path for him anymore. His greatest wish was to be with Leah. And that had come true. 

"Hey, what's wrong? Are you still worried about Kinnear?"

Scotty looked up as he felt Leonard's hand run through his hair. The prince was snuggled up close to him. They had asked if they could have a large bed and had been told that there were no double beds for the cadets. Nevertheless, Scotty had been allowed to do any construction work on the two beds. He would take care of it the next day. 

The young Scotsman shook his head slowly.

"Nae, mo ghràdh. It's not that. It's... Robbie," he admitted quietly and Leonard gave him a crooked smile. 

"I see. You miss him a lot, huh?"

Scotty nodded. 

"Aye. This was always our dream, but... now he found a different dream."

His brother had already written him several messages, telling him about how nice the university on Georgiares was and about the friends he had found. 

The thought of Robbie finding new friends without him still caused Scotty's stomach to turn. He remembered Robbie's old friends who had tried to pull him onto the dark side of life. If Scotty hadn't saved him back then... who knew if he would still be alive today. 

But... this wouldn't happen again. Robbie had Leah at his side. She took care of him and made sure to protect him. He was safe and sound with her. 

"I'm sure he misses you too, but I'm also sure that you'll both be fine. The two of you are brothers. You are connected to each other through a deep bond."

Leonard pulled him even closer and wrapped both arms around his husband to comfort him. He pressed a kiss onto his head. 

"Maybe you should call him tomorrow. I'm sure you'll find the time," the prince mused, before he chuckled. "After you fixed the bed problem of course." 

Scotty couldn't help but chuckle too, snuggling his head against Leonard's chest. 

"Aye, of course. This time I'll take care of it as soon as I can. Though... I suppose we don't need much space anyway." 

With that he moved his head once again to press a kiss onto his husband's lips. Somehow, Leonard just always managed to soothe him.

Right after breakfast, Scotty sat down at his desk, planning on how exactly he should make one big bed out of two wee ones. 

Leonard had left him alone, saying that he'd spent the morning with some of their friends so that Scotty would have time to himself. He knew that the Scotsman worked best in silence.

Scotty was just about to write down first thoughts when suddenly his PADD rang. He glanced at the caller's ID and smiled brightly. 

Quickly, he answered the call and soon enough looked at a familiar face. 

"Hey, Robbie. Great minds think alike, huh?"

McCoy

McCoy walked out of the dorm building, moved away from the door then stopped to look around. He had told Scotty he’d find some of their friends to hang out with. McCoy had also told Scotty to comm him if he needed help moving anything in the room. He pulled it from his pocket and wondered who he should call. After a long moment he shoved it back away.

He turned his face up. The sun was shining, but a cool breeze was blowing. The cadet uniforms might be uncomfortable and make him feel ridiculous looking, but at least they were warm against the chill in the air. He wondered how much cooler it may get during the fall and winter months.

He decided to take a walk. McCoy had gone for many walks on his own before, though only around the palace grounds and forest. Now there was no one to follow him, no security to protect him if a crowd got unruly. A smile spread on his face. Nerves danced in his stomach, but he squared his shoulders and walked.

Scotty had gone over the campus maps with him the evening before and he felt more confident as he walked. His head swiveled to take in everything. He wanted to make Scotty proud and be able to lead him to their shared classes in the morning.

That thought set off another round of nerves. Their first class would be in the morning. McCoy had no idea if he felt ready for it or not. He supposed he would have to be or find a way to at least look like he was.

McCoy crisscrossed the campus, enjoying the time by himself. It was such a new sense of freedom, made all the better that he was just another face in a red uniform. No one he had passed appeared to recognize him as the prince of Georgiares II. Or at least if they did, it wasn’t until after he had passed them.

He turned a corner as he followed the path and was surprised to find himself at a deadend. A semicircle of benches faced a large freestanding wall. McCoy frowned as he moved closer. The wall and benches were surrounded by small flowering bushes.

Across the middle of the wall a carving depicted a starship, surrounded by a field of stars. On either side words were carved in columns.

“Oh!” McCoy’s eyebrows went up as he realized what he was looking at. A memorial to the USS Kelvin. It wasn’t words on either side of the picture, it was the names of the crew who had been killed during its last battle.

“Oh,” McCoy said again, softer. Jim’s father had served on the Kelvin, had gone down with the ship.

McCoy’s eyes scanned the names. George Kirk. He was listed at the top of the right side column. He’d saved most of the crew, his wife and new born son. Jim.

McCoy stood for a few minutes, wondering what it must be like to be Jim. To know his father was a hero, but to never have gotten to meet him. To grow up with his mother gone more often than not and a jerk of an uncle who didn’t care about him.

He turned quietly and headed back up the path. He was interested in getting a better look at the medical buildings. He assumed that was where he would end up spending most of his academy time.

It still gave him a rush to know he was going to become a doctor and not have to be king of a planet. He would be able to help people and save lives.

“Hey!” a voice said as a familiar arm slipped through his.

“Hey Chris,” McCoy said, looking over with a smile.

“Where ya headed?” Christine asked.

“Just out walking.” McCoy gave a small shrug.

“Where’s Scotty?”

Warmth began on McCoy’s face. “Working on a project back in our room.”

“Already?” Christine laughed. “We don’t even start until tomorrow!”

“Yeah, well, it’s not really a school project,” McCoy chuckled nervously.

“Ooo,” Christine grinned. “Then what? You’re blushing!”

“I’m not!” McCoy protested.

“What’s Scotty making?” she asked, giving him a smug look.

“He’s trying to figure out how to keep our beds together,” McCoy mumbled. “They won’t give us a bigger one.”

“Just duct tape them,” Christine said with a laugh.

“Oh yeah Chris, I’m sure Starfleet uses duct tape for everything.” McCoy rolled his eyes.

“I was heading over to medical,” Christine said, rolling her own eyes and changing the subject. “I wanted to look around some more, get familiar. Wanna come?”

“That’s actually where I was going too.”

Scotty

"Hey there, a bhràthair. I meant to call ye yesterday, but Leah wanted to take a swim after dinner so I didn't make it. How are ye doing?" 

Scotty eyed his brother closely and he could see just how relaxed and happy the younger lad looked. Leah was good for him. Whenever he talked about her, his eyes seemed to sparkle. 

"Oh, I'm good, thanks. Len and I have already settled in quite well. I wanted to call ye too today. I take it from yer messages that ye enjoy university life?" 

Robbie's eyes began to sparkle even more. 

"Aye, it's awesome! My courses are great and I made a few friends already. They are all really friendly and all freshmen."

Scotty smiled softly as his little brother went on about the people he had met and they really all sounded like good people. 

"What about ye? I mean, ye didn't have any courses yet I suppose, but did ye already meet the other first years?" Robbie asked once he was done with his own story.

Scotty smiled as he thought about Aporal and Cora. 

"Aye, we did. There are quite a lot students and, believe it or not, I already found a rival who thinks he can become the best engineer in the whole fleet."

Robbie chuckled and raised an eyebrow. 

"Really now? Well, I'm quite certain that no one can be a better engineer than ye are. Ye're my big brother after all."

Scotty felt the blush on his cheeks and he waved his hand dismissively. 

"Ach, stop it, will ye? I'm not that awesome!" He moved his head as if he was musing and then he grinned. "Okay, maybe I am." 

Robbie nodded his head in agreement, but it didn't take long for Scotty to let out a deep sigh. 

"Still, I have a wee problem to fix and I'm taking far too long to do so." 

The younger Scott brother tilted his head in a questioning way. 

"Oh, and what would that be?"

Scotty sighed once again, then lifted the PADD up to show his brother the two beds. 

"Ah, I see. Now that the two of ye are a married couple ye want and need a bigger bed, huh?" 

Scotty nodded and Robbie seemed to think for a moment before his face lit up.

"Oh, I have just the perfect idea!" 

And then the two brothers got to work. 

When Leonard returned to their room just before lunch, Scotty was done with his project. He wiped some sweat from his forehead and grinned at the huge bed that was standing in the corner of the room. 

His husband stared at it in disbelief.

"Wow! Now... that's impressive," he complimented the Scotsman as he wrapped one arm around him and pressed a kiss to his cheek. 

"Aye, well, I had a wee bit of help," Scotty said with a grin, shrugging his shoulders. After Robbie had sent him the blueprints that he had designed, Scotty had started to work on it instantly with all the tools he had been given. 

"It really looks like a double bed," Leonard said, stepping over to eye it more closely and Scotty chuckled softly. 

"And, the best thing," he started, pressing a button on the remote control in his hand, "it can change back into two beds."

Leonard took one step back when the bed started to move and soon enough there were two single beds again. 

"Woah!" 

Scotty grinned at him. 

"Ye know, just in case we decide that we want to sleep separately one night." 

Leonard's face mirrored the smile and he stepped back over to his husband and pulled him close. 

"Oh, I really doubt that that will ever happen," he whispered and leaned in to press a kiss to Scotty's lips. 

The Scotsman grinned and as Leonard stated to lead the way, he pressed another button, knowing fully well that now they needed the big bed. 

Lunch could wait for them.

McCoy

McCoy lay awake staring at the ceiling. Even with the two beds now joined as one, the two boys were still curled together tightly in the middle. McCoy smiled as he thought about it and stroked a hand over Scotty’s back. They were just used to not having much space.

He let a sigh escape as he snuggled closer to Scotty. Classes would start in the morning and McCoy was feeling slightly anxious. His classes in the morning would all be shared with Scotty. They were basic intro classes for new cadets. In the afternoon he’d finally begin his medical studies. There was a long road ahead of him to becoming a doctor but he couldn’t wait to begin.

He rolled back onto his side and tucked his head against Scotty’s chest. It was his favorite spot. He could hear his husband’s soft breaths and feel his heart beating in his chest. McCoy let the quiet rhythm lull him to sleep.

McCoy swiped a hand over his face before he stretched out an arm to turn off the alarm that was buzzing.

“Why’s it got to be so early?” he muttered.

“It’s not as early as school used to be,” Scotty murmured, pulling his arms back from around McCoy. He sat up, then leaned over to kiss McCoy. The prince was still wiping at his eyes but stilled at the kiss.

“I suppose I’ll get used to it if you start everyday like that,” McCoy smiled.

“I think I can do that,” Scotty grinned. “Do ye want the shower first?” he said through a yawn.

McCoy grinned as he finally sat up. “Just come join me.”

“I’ll be in in a minute,” Scotty said. He reached up to push open the curtain on their window.

McCoy blinked against the sudden sunlight. “Don’t take too long,” he said, throwing back the covers and standing up. He smirked at Scotty as he kicked off his pajama bottoms and stood bare.

“Oh,” Scotty mumbled. “Ye’ll be the death of me, love,” he said with a shake of his head and a grin.

“We wouldn’t want to be late on our first morning,” McCoy smirked and turned slowly to walk to the bathroom. He could hear Scotty still mumbling something as he closed the door.

McCoy waited until the last moment he could before leaving the room to do up the collar of his uniform. He didn’t like the tight feeling around his throat.

“Just a minute,” he laughed as Scotty reached for his hand. “I’ve gotta get this.”

“I’ve got ye mo ghràdh,” Scotty smiled. He turned and finished the fastener. “There,” he said and kissed McCoy. “Ye look handsome.”

“I don’t believe that,” McCoy said. He brushed his hand through his hair, then took Scotty’s waiting hand as they left the room.

“Mmm, it’s true,” Scotty told him as the door locked behind them. “I can’t wait to see what ye look like in your scrubs and then your medical blues. Yer going to be the best looking doctor ever!”

McCoy blushed and laughed.

“I’ll just be red forever,” Scotty said, looking at his cadet uniform and grabbing a lock of his hair.

“Red suits you.”

They followed other cadets heading towards the dining hall.

Their first class was in a large room with tiered seating. At least fifty to sixty cadets would be in the class and McCoy wondered if any of their friends would be in the class with them.

Scotty led them to a pair of seats on the far side of the room after they gave a quick glance around. They sat and both got out their PADDS to be ready. McCoy looked around. They were early and their classmates were still trickling in. A bright smile at the door looked at him and McCoy waved as Sulu headed towards them.

Scotty

Morning passed them by far too slowly in Scotty's opinion. Of course, he liked learning all kinds of stuff about Starfleet, but since he had prepared for the Academy basically his whole life, there wasn't too much new information. It was a wee bit boring for him. Still, there was something nice about morning classes. The young Scotsman enjoyed simply watching his husband's concentrated face. It was just so cute and he couldn't keep the smile off his lips, thinking about how handsome his love looked. 

Eventually though, he let his eyes wander the room. There were so many people. Sulu, who had followed them the whole morning, had sat down with them again. From afar he was able to make out the familiar figures of Christine and Cora. They were sitting in one of the front rows, where the last free spots had been. Apparently most people didn't want to sit right in front of the tutor. 

Every cadet was listening, more or less closely, to what the man in the front told them. He talked about basic knowledge of ships and shuttles - something that Scotty was well aware of. He tried his best to suppress a sigh. How could someone be so... boring?! The man didn't even seem to try to get across just how amazing shuttles and spaceships were! 

He smiled softly as he imagined himself standing in front of a group of cadets, telling them about all the bonnie silver ladies that had been built over the years. If he were the teacher, then classes certainly wouldn't be so dull. 

The man didn't even ask questions! How were students supposed to learn something if their teacher wasn't involving them! 

Even though he shared the course with Leonard, Scotty couldn't wait for it to be over. 

When they eventually left the classroom together with their friends, Scotty finally let out the breath he had been holding. 

Leonard gave him a questioning look as he grabbed his hand and squeezed it. 

"What's wrong?"

Scotty couldn't help but roll his eyes. 

"Oh, nothing. Just that I had great trouble fighting against the tiredness."

Christine, who was walking next to them, smirked. 

"You two just can't keep your hands off each other, huh? I wonder how you spent the night if you are so tired today." 

Scotty chuckled, then shook his head. 

"Nae, it's not that. It's that teacher. Was he even listening to what he was saying? For a moment, I feared that he would talk us all to death. I mean... this guy doesn't even appreciate shuttles the way they are supposed to be appreciated! He has no sense of what they mean or about how important they are!" 

He didn't mean to rant, but he just couldn't keep it in. If every teacher was like Cmdr. Madison, Academy would be boring as hell. 

Leonard chuckled softly. 

"Oh leannan. Not everyone can be as fascinated as you are about ships and shuttles."

"Well then they shouldn't teach courses about them!"

They chatted a bit more about until they reached the canteen.

"I suggest we'll grab something to eat and Scotty will calm down in no time," Sulu said with a grin on his face. 

Maybe he was right. After all, eating was always relaxing for the Scotsman. 

The afternoon passed by way faster than the morning had and Scotty was in a good mood when he left the classroom. 

A smile was on his face as he thought about everything he wanted to tell Leonard about. He had learned so much! It had been quite fascinating.

"Cadet Scott-McCoy!"

He was startled by the voice coming from behind him and he quickly whirled around to see a familar face coming towards him.

His heart sank, but he straightened his back to stand upright.

"Cmdr. Madison, Sir." 

The man gave him a stern look. 

"I have been told that you disagree with my method of teaching? You find my course boring and appear to think that I am not the proper teacher for the subject?" 

Scotty felt his cheeks heating up in embarrassment and he lowered his head the slightest bit. 

"Sir, I-" 

Madison didn't let him finish. He raised his hand to cut him off.

"Stop! You do not have my permission to speak yet."

Scotty shut his mouth and nodded slowly.

"If you think that you can do it better, then how about you prepare a detailed presentation for, let's say, Wednesday? I'll send you the topics and I expect a perfect lecture about everything I list up. Do you think you can manage that, cadet? Permission to answer."

Scotty swallowed hardly. He could already imagine the list and he knew that there would be no free time left.

Still, he could only nod his head. 

"A-aye, Sir." 

Madison kept his eyes fixed on him for a moment before he nodded. 

"Good. Permission to leave. I see you on Wednesday."

Slowly, Scotty nodded before he turned around and headed towards the exit. He felt embarrassed to the core. 

Whoever had told Madison about what he had said?

McCoy

After lunch McCoy had classes without Scotty. His stomach was twisting with butterflies as he walked into his first classroom. He didn’t expect to know anyone. He couldn’t even hope for Christine. She had known longer what she wanted to do and had taken more classes in preparation at the boarding school. McCoy was starting at nearly the bottom.

He settled into a seat and looked around. The class was much smaller than the classes had been in the morning. He gave a brief smile as another cadet sat next to him. He hated to think he already missed Scotty, but he did. They’d had all their morning classes together, it felt strange not to have him at his side now.

Quietly McCoy moved a hand and tapped at his wedding ring. Scotty had made the rings and when either tapped theirs it sent a light to the other. After a moment his ring blinked.

“Was that you?” the cadet next to him asked.

“Oh. Sorry. Yeah,” McCoy said, looking over again. He could feel warmth crawling up his ears, as his fingers twisted the ring and its light towards his palm.

“Why’d it light up?”

McCoy smiled faintly. “My husband made them. I was thinking about him and tapped mine. He got my light and sent one back.”

The other cadet smiled.

“That’s neat. I’m Eugene Dorsey.” The boy stuck his hand out.

“Leonard McCoy.” McCoy shook his hand. “Sorry. Scott-McCoy.”

“Not married long, huh?”

“Just over a month.”

“He here too? Or…?”

“Yeah. He’s going to be an engineer.” McCoy smiled again thinking about Scotty. “A great engineer.”

Eugene looked at him thoughtfully. “I feel like I know you. Why are you so familiar?”

McCoy gave out a small chuckle and shrugged. “Maybe I have one of those faces.”

Before they could say more the instructor entered the room and the class began.

McCoy was tired and yet upbeat as he walked back to their dorm after his last class. He had a pile of reading to get through, but first he wanted to hear all about Scotty’s afternoon. He wondered which of them would get back to the room first and if Scotty had seen anymore of their friends.

He tapped in the code for their door and his shoulders drooped. Scotty wasn’t back yet. McCoy set his PADD on his desk and undid his collar. He let out a sigh of relief and undid the rest of the jacket before he tossed it onto the bed. No one could get him in trouble for being out of uniform in his own room. He’d put it back on again if he left.

Before he could sit at his desk his comm chirped in his pocket. Pulling it out he saw it was a message from Jim.

Dinner @ 18:30. Northwest corner of the dining hall. Not optional.

McCoy laughed. Jim had sent it to their entire group of friends. Well, wasn’t he just going to make a great captain, already ordering them all around.

He sat at the desk, sitting the comm next to his PADD. He pulled up his first textbook to begin reading his assigned pages. His comm chirped again as someone replied to Jim. He wondered who it was and if they were agreeing or arguing with Jim. He pushed it aside.

He was a few pages and many comm chirps in, when the door behind him finally opened and Scotty walked in.

“Hey darlin’!” McCoy exclaimed, smiling brightly as he turned to look over his shoulder. His smile quickly turned to a frown as he caught Scotty’s expression. “What’s wrong?”

McCoy stood up and moved to his husband as the door slid closed. Scotty silently wrapped his arms around McCoy. McCoy embraced him back, still confused about the expression on his husband’s face. He felt Scotty sigh, but just held him, waiting for Scotty to be ready to talk.

After a long moment Scotty finally pulled back. McCoy quickly took the PADD from his hands and turned to set it down, then he grabbed Scotty’s hand and led him to the bed.

McCoy stroked a hand across Scotty’s cheek and around the back of his head.

“What happened?” he asked softly.

“Someone told Cmdr. Madison what I said about his class.”

“Oh.” McCoy frowned. “Who did that? Who even heard you say that besides me and Chris?”

“I dinnae ken, but now I have to prepare a presentation for Wednesday on the topics he sends me.” Scotty dropped his face into his hands.

“You’ll do great! You’re a genius, leannan, and I’ll help you with what I can!” McCoy put his arm around Scotty’s back and pulled him close to his side. “And if I find out who the nosy bastard is who told him…” McCoy bit the words out and Scotty gave a faint chuckle.

Scotty

Even though Leonard had done everything he could to cheer him up, Scotty was still pretty depressed during the whole dinner. And his friends, who were sitting at the table with him, noticed it quite clearly. They could all see how listlessly the young Scotsman poked at his food. 

"Come on, Scotty. What's that wry face you're pulling?" Jim, who was sitting on his left, put an arm around his shoulder and pulled him closer. 

"I don't want to talk about it. Not...," Scotty looked around uncertainly, "here." 

There were too many other students around. Too many people he didn't know and didn't trust. What if he said something wrong again and it was passed on? 

Jim frowned in confusion. 

"What the- Since when are you so grumpy? You love this Academy more than anyone!" 

"Jim!" 

"Ashayam." 

Both Leonard and Spock spoke up and gave the blond a critical look, while the others rolled their eyes. 

Jim immediately raised his hands in defense. 

"Hey, I'm just asking!" 

"If Scotty says he doesn't want to talk about it, then we have to respect that," Christine warned with a stern look, even though she looked worried too, and Jim sighed. 

"Alright, alright. I'm just worried. I'm sorry if I put you under pressure." 

Scotty just nodded. He knew that Jim only meant well. He had known his friend long enough for that. 

"It's all right. I'll... I'll write to ye later about what's going on, yeah?" 

Jim eyed him critically once more before he nodded. 

"Sure." 

That was the end of the topic and the friends went back to talking about their first classes and the people they had met. 

When they re-entered their room, Scotty shuffled straight to his desk and dropped into the chair. He sighed heavily and buried his face in his hands. 

He didn't even want to look at Cmdr. Madison's message. He already knew that it would certainly be impossible to prepare the presentation by Wednesday. 

Scotty only lifted his head again when he felt hands on his shoulders, squeezing them gently. 

"Hey, please don't worry so much. You'll get this done." 

Leonard. He had so much confidence. And yet Scotty still had his doubts. 

"And what if I don't? Then this Madison will make a mockery of me and give me a bad mark straight away." 

A great start to the first year! Why hadn't he been able to keep his damn mouth shut? Scotty cursed silently. 

"Hey, look at me. Look at me." 

Slowly, Leonard turned Scotty's chair and grasped the Scotsman's face with his hands. He looked deep into his eyes. 

"You can do this. I know you can! And you know it too!" 

And when Leonard's lips pressed against his, he knew that his husband was right. He just needed the necessary self-confidence. 

It was already late at night when Leonard finally managed to persuade him to come to bed. 

As Scotty had expected, the list of topics was incredibly long and complex and he just couldn't find an end to the work. He had to make progress! 

But Leonard's arms wrapped around him from behind made him realize how tired he was and how much he needed the sleep and he finally gave in.

Chapter Text

McCoy

He had done what he could to help Scotty after dinner. McCoy knew his husband probably had all the knowledge he needed for his presentation tucked away somewhere in his genius brain, but instead of doing his own reading, he had helped search and notate as Scotty asked. He would find the time to skim through his textbook before afternoon classes.

Scotty had fallen into bed when McCoy had finally urged him. The Scotsman had curled up with his head on McCoy’s chest. McCoy just smiled and held him tight. He tried his best to breath slowly and thoughtfully, to help Scotty relax. As his husband’s breath evened out, McCoy thought about how he could help the next day. Surely Scotty had all the info he needed and it shouldn’t be too hard to get it organized.

McCoy would ask every question he could; who better than him to test out the presentation on? His knowledge of ships and shuttles was minimal due to his fear of flying. The more questions he asked, the more Scotty could simplify and streamline his information. McCoy smiled again before closing his eyes. Whatever Cmdr. Madison thought would happen on Wednesday, he was in for a surprise.

The alarm buzzed in the morning and McCoy stretched his hand out to shut it off. Rubbing his face he sat up and slowly realized he was alone in the bed. His hands dropped and his eyes opened in panic. He let out a loud breath as he saw Scotty sitting hunched over his PADD at his desk.

“Morning darlin’,” McCoy called as he leaned over to push open the curtain. A small noise came from Scotty and McCoy frowned.

He threw back the covers, stood, and stretched before he crossed over to the desk. He leaned down against Scotty from behind and wrapped him in a hug that the boy couldn’t ignore.

“How long have you been up?” McCoy asked as he nuzzled his face into Scotty’s neck.

“Wee bit more than an hour,” Scotty mumbled.

“How much more?” McCoy asked.

“Closer to two,” Scotty admitted as his face colored.

McCoy held back the sigh that he wanted to let out. If he ever discovered who had overheard them and tattled to Madison…

“Nope. Come on,” McCoy said firmly. “Shower, then breakfast.”

“But Len! I—”

“No,” McCoy repeated. “You aren’t going to burn yourself out on day two. I’ve got some ideas to help you organize, but we’re eating first. So. Let’s go. Come on.” He released his embrace, but turned Scotty’s chair and reached for his hands to pull him up.

Scotty gave up his resistance and his head dropped towards his chest, as he followed as McCoy pulled him along.

The prince got his husband out of his pajamas and into the shower and followed quickly after him.

As the hot water fell on and around them McCoy pulled Scotty close again.

“You’re the smartest person I know leannan,” he whispered into Scotty’s ear. “You told me more in the museum I grew up going to than any person who worked there ever knew! You know ships and shuttles and dates and parts! Parts people have never heard of!”

Scotty lifted his head and looked at McCoy.

“But—”

“No buts!” McCoy said. “It’s true and you know it. This presentation is going to be amazing. You’re going to be amazing! Madison did do a terrible job, you’re right. But you have what he doesn’t!”

Scotty frowned at him. “I don’t have—”

McCoy nodded vigorously. “You have actual passion for this topic! You’ve only been interested your whole life! You’ve studied ships. Hell! Your father built ships!”

McCoy saw a faint smile beginning at the corners of Scotty’s mouth.

“Make him proud!”

“What if I can’t say anything when I get up there? Ye’re the bold one, always saying and getting what ye want,” Scotty said softly.

“Then pretend you’re me,” McCoy laughed. “A stubborn, grumpy prince who’s used to always trying to get his way.” McCoy grinned at his husband and Scotty laughed.

“Ok?” McCoy asked, looking into Scotty’s eyes. “You can do this.”

“Ok,” Scotty said quietly with a nod.

Quickly they finished their shower, hurried into their uniforms and headed for the dining hall, Scotty carrying an extra PADD. McCoy made it his goal to make sure Scotty actually ate and didn’t just work through breakfast.

McCoy couldn’t stop himself looking suspiciously around at the other cadets in Cmdr. Madison’s class. Who had overheard them? Who was that pathetic they would overhear and go running to the teacher? They barely knew the other cadets beside their friends yet. Who had it out for Scotty?

“Ok?”

McCoy looked to his right. Christine and Cora had joined them and Sulu. Well, McCoy had made sure to save them seats. A quick glance between McCoy and Christine and she had chosen to sit on the other side of Scotty. McCoy was grateful they could read each other so well.

Cora was looking at him questioningly on his right. She had barely whispered the word as she had lightly touched his arm. He gave her a tight smile and quick nod, before returning his eyes to the teacher.

Scotty

It was strange to sit in Cmdr. Madison's class again and Scotty felt embarrassed whenever the man looked at him. Madison was probably just waiting for him to speak up, but he would not expose himself like that. 

The Scotsman gritted his teeth determinedly and clenched his hand to a fist. 

On the next day, he would give the best damn presentation anyone at this Academy had ever heard! He would make sure of that! 

His thoughts went back to what Leonard had told him about him being the greatest and most passionate person to tell others about starships. His husband was right. No one knew as much as he did! He had basically prepared for that presentation his whole life. 

Aye, it would be perfect. For sure.

"Hey, Scottish boy. Heard that you will give us a presentation tomorrow?"

Scotty turned around when he heard a familar voice coming from behind him. He suppressed a sigh and tried his best to put on a confident smile as he watched a certain Andorian stepping over. 

"Hey, Aporal. Aye, that's right."

Scotty's eyes narrowed suspiciously as he eyed his counterpart. What if it had been Aporal? What if he was the one who had told Madison? After all, there was a grin on the lad's face.

Leonard who was standing next to him, stepped even closer to Scotty as if to protect him. He gave the Andorian a suspicious look.

"Well, I suppose that's what you get for badmouthing professors," Aporal said with a shrug and Scotty once again gritted his teeth. 

"So ye were the one who tattled?" 

At hearing that, Aporal's face dropped almost instantly. 

"What the- No! Of course not! Why would you think something like that?"

Before Scotty could say anything, Leonard beat him to it.

"Maybe because you fear that Scotty's better than you? Maybe you want to take out your biggest rival right from the start?" 

Aporal raised an eyebrow and eyed Leonard from head to toe.

"And who would you be?"

"I'm his husband."

The Andorian's eyes widened slightly when he heard these words. Then he smiled. 

"You're that prince, aren't you? The one who made fun of Admiral Kinnear." 

Both, Scotty and Leonard, frowned at that. How did other cadets know about the story already? 

Aporal started to chuckle and he placed a hand on Scotty's shoulder. 

"Oh man, Scottish boy. Then it's quite obvious who tattled." 

The Scotsman shook his head in confusion. What was the lad talking about? 

Leonard too seemed to have no idea for he exchanged a quick glance with his husband. 

"Francis? Francis Kinnear? Doesn't ring a bell? The nephew of Admiral Kinnear?" Aporal asked once he noticed how lost the two humans looked. 

Scotty felt his stomach tighten. A relative of Kinnear? Of course! Who else would try to make their life at the Academy a living hell?

He swallowed hardly. 

"You two really made yourself a strong enemy. Well then... I wish you good luck for tomorrow," Aporal said, before he leaned closer to whisper the next words to Scotty's ear, "I just came by to tell you that you're right. Madison is the most boring man in the whole universe. Show him what you got."

One last wink and then Aporal vanished in the crowd of students, leaving behind a shocked couple.

McCoy

A nephew!

Admiral Kinnear had a nephew who was also a cadet.

McCoy sighed. Of course the admiral would have his nephew on his side.

“Which one is he?” Scotty whispered nervously at his side.

McCoy shook his head. “We’ll find out, don’t worry. Come on, we’ve got to get going.” He reached for Scotty’s hand to walk to their next class.

They settled into their seats in the next class, and McCoy scanned the faces of their fellow cadets. Which one was Francis Kinnear? Was he in this class too, or just their first class?

As the class began McCoy angled his PADD on his lap and began a search. The academy had taken all their pictures when they arrived for orientation, was there a list somewhere of all the cadets? Would their pictures be there? McCoy frowned as he quietly tapped away.

“Cadet Scott-McCoy!”

McCoy’s head whipped up and he looked at the instructor with guilty eyes.

“Yes?”

A muffled chuckle went through the class and McCoy looked at Scotty as he realized they had both spoken. Scotty had a nervous smile.

The instructor gave a soft sigh.

“I forgot you’re both in here,” she said.

“Perhaps it would be better if we went by our own names when we’re in class together,” McCoy said to Scotty, who nodded. “Apologies ma’am.”

“Yes. It was you I was addressing, Cadet McCoy. Are you going to pay attention and join us?”

McCoy gave a slight grimace at the words of reprimand.

“Yes ma’am. Sorry ma’am.”

“Right. Continuing,” she said, turning back to speak to the class.

McCoy closed out of his search and began to listen. Soon his mind was wandering again. If Scotty was a genius at ships and shuttles, McCoy knew just as much if not more than this instructor about Federation history, though he wouldn’t say that where anyone but Scotty could hear. He had no desire to have to present his own presentation.

McCoy looked around the dining hall as they moved to find a place to sit. He had an idea forming, but he needed more information.

“There’s Chris and Cora,” he said, bumping Scotty’s arm gently. “Let’s sit with them.”

“Hey guys!” Christine said brightly as McCoy and Scotty sat down and greeted the two girls.

“Hi,” Cora smiled. “That was a cute moment you guys gave us in class earlier.”

McCoy rolled his eyes but smiled, as Scotty blushed light pink.

“What were ye doing Len?” Scotty asked.

“I was trying to see if I could figure out which one Francis is.”

“The admiral’s nephew?” Cora asked. “You should have asked.” She looked around the dining hall. “Over there, five tables back and two over, facing this way. He’s the one with the white-blond hair.”

McCoy and Scotty both turned to look.

“That’s not suspicious at all,” Christine chuckled.

“Why’d you want to know?” Cora asked.

McCoy glanced at Scotty before he answered.

“Oh. We just found out that Kinnear had a nephew here.”

“He seems nice enough,” Cora shrugged. “But I haven’t really met him.”

Before anyone could say more another tray settled onto their table, and they looked up to see Jaylah.

“Hello Montgomery Scotty! Are you excited for class this afternoon?” Jaylah’s eyes were lit up.

Scotty nodded vigorously. “Aye!”

“Hi Jaylah,” McCoy said.

“Yes yes, hi Just Leonard, Christine.” Jaylah paused for a moment as she looked at Cora. “And Cora.” She turned back to Scotty and began talking even quicker about engineering things that went over McCoy’s head.

“‘Just Leonard’?” Cora asked with a grin.

McCoy and Christine laughed. “You have to be careful how you introduce yourself to Jaylah apparently,” McCoy said.

Jaylah led Scotty off quickly after lunch. McCoy barely had a chance to give his husband a kiss before he was gone, pulled away by Jaylah.

“Oh don’t pout Leo,” Christine laughed. “You’ll get him back in a few hours.”

“How’s Roger?” McCoy grinned.

“Fine,” Christine smiled at him. “Gonna go to town together over the weekend.”

“Well tell him I said hi.”

“Of course. Later!” Christine waved a hand as she hurried to her own class.

McCoy was left standing with Cora. He drew a breath nervously as his idea from before lunch came back.

“Hey, um, could I ask you something?” he said as he turned to look at Cora.

Scotty

Jaylah was still talking about the upcoming projects that one of the teachers had presented to them the day before, when they met Keenser. The Roylan nodded to both of them in greeting and then simply walked along with them. 

As they sat down in class, Scotty looked around searchingly. Was Kinnear's nephew also on this course? Was he aiming to become an engineer? 

There were an incredible number of students, but the Scotsman couldn't see Francis anywhere. He was probably from a different subject area. But he did spot someone else. 

Aporal.

The young Andorian was sitting a little further away from the other students and only now did Scotty realize that he had never seen him with any friends before. His eyes had also fallen on him a few times in the canteen and Aporal had been alone there too.

Well... Scotty wasn't particularly surprised. If Aporal always acted like he was the greatest, then he certainly didn't have many friends.

But Scotty couldn't help but wonder why. Why did Aporal behave the way he did? Maybe he should just get to know the other one better.

Later. The young Scotsman still had other things to worry about. He still had to perfect the upcoming presentation. 

"Okay?"

Only when Keenser addressed him, did Scotty turn his head to look down at his friend, who was looking at him with concern. He sighed. 

"Aye. I... just got a wee bit lost in my thoughts." 

Keenser nodded in understanding. By now, all his friends knew what had happened. Scotty had written to them and told them about the story with the presentation. They had all said that they would support him wherever they could. 

But he wanted to do it on his own. After all, it was his punishment. 

It wasn't long before the lesson began. The instructor was simply brilliant. She asked lots of questions and made the cadets think. And she was already giving them tasks to work on.

When they were told to divide into groups of four, the three friends quickly knew that they would be working together, but they were missing a fourth member.

Scotty's gaze fell on Aporal, who looked around searching. Many groups had already found each other, but he was still standing alone. 

With a nod of his head, Scotty pointed at the Andorian and saw Jaylah's face grimace. She had already noticed what type of person Aporal was. 

"Come on, let's give him a chance." 

Even though Jaylah seemed reluctant, she listened to Scotty and he walked over to the blue-skinned cadet. 

"Do ye want to join us?"

Aporal looked at the human in surprise and he shrugged his shoulders.

"If I have to. I hate group work." 

Even if he would never admit it, Scotty recognized gratitude in his counterpart's gaze. He gave him a smile.

"It will be fine." 

Together, the boys went back to Jaylah and Keenser and quickly they were immersed in work.

After class, Scotty immediately sat back down at his desk and continued working on the presentation.

He had to get everything ready for the next morning. And he was nowhere near ready.

It was only when the door to his room opened behind him that he looked up and smiled at his husband.

"Hey there, mo ghràdh."

McCoy

“Sure,” Cora smiled up at McCoy. “But can we walk? I have class in five minutes.”

“Ok.”

Cora led the way.

“So…?” she asked gently when McCoy didn’t begin speaking.

“I… Well, I don’t want this to come off like I’m asking for something just because of who I am.” McCoy’s fingers nervously played with his wedding ring. “I know we don’t know each other very well yet, but I promise that’s not what I’m trying to do. I just- I want to look out for Scotty.”

“Ok,” Cora said slowly. “How can I help?”

“It’s my fault,” McCoy said. “Scotty’s been worried about it since I told off Kinnear when he visited our school. He doesn’t think I should have and he’s probably right, but I did and, well, there it is.”

Cora nodded along as she listened.

“Sorry. So the point is— and I really don’t want it to come off that I’m trying to use you or anything because of your brother, cause I’m not! I just don’t know where else to turn yet...”

“But?” Cora smiled at McCoy.

“But could you maybe find out from him how much say over things the admiral really has? This whole presentation for Madison has Scotty really worried again. Starfleet’s been his dream since he was a kid. And if now there’s a nephew we have to be careful around too…”

McCoy looked over as Cora patted his arm.

“We’re all Starfleet now,” she smiled. “We look out for each other. You’re both nice and I’m glad we’ve met. I’ll ask Declan when I get a chance.” She tugged McCoy closer. “I don’t think he likes it much, but it’s Starfleet. We go where we’re assigned.”

“Cora, you’re the best. Thank you!” McCoy smiled gratefully at her.

“You really care about Scotty; it’s not that hard to see.” Cora stopped. “I’m in here.” She gestured at the building they were next to. “I’ll see ya later!”

“Bye!” McCoy called as Cora disappeared. Turning around he hurried to his own class.

McCoy dropped into his seat just as the instructor walked in. He drew in a deep breath and blew it out.

“That was close,” a voice next to him said.

McCoy looked over to see Eugene. He shrugged. “Least I’m here,” he grinned. Eugene snorted back a laugh.

Both boys turned back to the front as the instructor cleared his throat.

McCoy walked across campus in the late afternoon thankful that his professors hadn’t assigned much more reading. He still had chapters to get through from the previous day. He’d foregone doing his own homework to help Scotty the night before. He’d get right to it when he got to their room he promised himself. He’d read all of it and help Scotty.

He smiled as he thought of his husband. McCoy wondered if maybe Scotty would like to go out on the weekend and see some of the city. Christine saying she and Roger were meeting had put the thought in his head. Maybe there was a city guide for cadets somewhere. McCoy added it to his mental list of things to get done.

Lost in his thoughts he was surprised to find himself at his dorm. He hurried up the stairs, not waiting for the lift and quickly tapped in their door code.

McCoy’s smile grew bigger as Scotty turned at his desk to look at him.

“Hey there, mo ghràdh.”

All thoughts of getting his reading done left McCoy’s mind. Scotty’s smile was bright. He had taken off his uniform jacket and his dark undershirt was snug against his slim body.

McCoy didn’t answer, just moved forward in the room until he was in front of his husband. Then he dropped down to his knees so they were nearly face to face and pulled Scotty into a deep kiss.

Scotty made a brief surprised noise, but quickly moved into the embrace. He let out a chuckle when McCoy finally pulled back.

“Ye’d think ye hadn’t seen me in days not hours.”

“Maybe you’re just too hard to resist,” McCoy grinned back. He let his hands rest on top of Scotty’s thighs. “Come on, why don’t we take a little break?” He inclined his head toward their bed.

“Len!” Scotty said. “I’ve got too much work still to do.”

“All the more reason you deserve a break,” McCoy said, darting in again to catch Scotty’s lips. “Come on darlin’,” he whispered, trailing kisses across Scotty’s neck. His hands moved up to Scotty’s hips.

“Ooh,” Scotty murmured. “My presentat—”

“Ok,” McCoy said, pulling back suddenly. “You’re right. Work first.” He stood up and began to undo his own jacket. “I’ll just be over here.” He moved to his own desk and hung his jacket on the chair.

“Oh, ye big baby! Ye incorrigible mad man!” Scotty had stood up.

McCoy grinned at him.

“Ye did that on purpose! Now get back here!” Scotty demanded.

“But your presentation—”

“Shut it!” Scotty said, closing the distance between them and pulling McCoy’s face down to meet his. “Yer lucky I love ye,” Scotty said after he gave McCoy a searing kiss. “Come on then,” he said, looking McCoy up and down.

“Yes sir,” McCoy grinned again and began to back Scotty towards the bed.

Scotty

On the next morning, Scotty's legs were trembling as the boys made their way to class. 

After his little adventure in bed with Leonard the afternoon before, he had taken the rest of the evening to finish his presentation. 

The Scotsman knew that it was good, knew that he had put all his heart into it, yet still, he couldn't shake the feeling that everything would go wrong. 

Leonard walked close beside him, one hand wrapped around his shoulder. From time to time, he whispered encouraging words to his husband. 

Scotty gave his love a weak smile as he nodded, however it quickly faded when he heard a voice coming from behind them. 

"Cadet Scott-McCoy!"

Both boys whirled around to face Cmdr. Madison who was walking up to them. His face was stern as ever. 

"Good morning, sir," both students answered simultaneously.

Madison looked at Leonard for a moment, then gave him a nod.

"You can leave, cadet. I want to talk to this Scott-McCoy." 

Scotty felt his stomach drop and he wanted nothing more than to beg Leonard to stay, but he knew that his husband had to follow the order. 

"Scotty?" Leonard still asked, giving the Scotsman a worried look. 

Scotty nodded at him, then placed a kiss on his cheek.

"It's okay. See ye in class," he whispered and after another moment of hesitation, the prince walked off.

Scotty straightened his back and placed his arms behind him. 

"Commander? What can I do for ye, sir?" he asked, head held high. He wouldn't show weakness now. 

"Are you ready for class, cadet?"

"Aye, sir."

"Did you work on all the topics I sent to you?"

"Aye, sir." 

"Will it fill two hours?"

"Aye, sir." 

For a long moment, Madison eyed Scotty critically, before he eventually nodded.

"Well then... let's go."

"Good morning, cadets. Today we will have a special lecture. Your fellow student, Mr. Scott-McCoy, prepared a presentation for us and I'm sure we are all very excited to hear what a greenhorn like him can teach us."

With these words, Cmdr. Madison took a seat in the first row and looked at Scotty expectantly.

The young Scotsman let his eyes wander through the room. There were so many people. Had there always been that many people in this class? 

He felt his mouth go dry. Heat rushed into his cheeks and his heart began to race. 

"Cadet? You can start."

A chuckle went through the crowd at Cmdr. Madison's words and Scotty tried his best to focus.

And then he found Leonard in the crowd. His husband was smiling at him in an encouraging way. He believed in him. He knew that Scotty could do it.

So, the Scotsman closed his eyes, took a deep breath, cleared his throat and when he opened his eyes again, he tried his best to be confident. 

He would give his classmates the best presentation they had ever heard. And he would make sure that every single one of them would see and adore shuttles and spaceships the way he did. 

For he not only knew what he was talking about, but he felt it.

McCoy

McCoy couldn’t help glancing over his shoulder as he walked away from Scotty and Commander Madison. He knew how nervous Scotty still was. He had felt the anxiety coming off his husband.

“How is he?” Christine asked as she fell into step with McCoy and slid her arm through his. McCoy startled slightly, after all there was only one person who ever grabbed him like that.

“He got it all finished last night and I think it’s good. But we always judge ourselves the hardest.” McCoy frowned. He hoped Scotty would get over his nerves and prove to everyone in the class how much he knew.

“Our own worst critic,” Christine agreed with a rueful shake of her head. “I can’t wait to hear him and see what Madison thinks after Scotty blows everyone away.”

McCoy chuckled. He thought the same thing. They entered the classroom and Sulu gave them a wave. The pair headed up to sit by him. Cora joined them a few moments later.

“Hey Prince.” McCoy felt a jab to his shoulder from behind. Turning he saw Aporal had taken a seat behind them. “What are we in for?”

McCoy managed to keep from scowling. He knew Scotty seemed to like the Andorian, even with his cocky attitude. He smiled tightly.

“You can call me Leonard. Scotty’s going to do great.”

“I’m sure he will,” Aporal said, his own grin speaking volumes.

McCoy turned around as a hush went through the class and Madison explained what was happening. Scotty was pale and McCoy could see the tremble in his husband’s hands. He shrunk in on himself slightly as Madison prompted him to begin.

McCoy smiled as encouragingly as he could when Scotty’s eyes found him. He gave a nod then Scotty took a deep breath and began.

Scotty started haltingly and McCoy found Christine squeezing his arm. Soon enough Scotty settled as he dove into his presentation. The more he spoke the more his passion came through and the more confident he appeared.

“He should be the teacher,” Sulu leaned towards McCoy and whispered.

The two hour class had never flown by as fast as it did that morning. Scotty had found his rhythm and proved to be an animated and expressive instructor. A brief round of applause went through the class as he finished, though it broke off abruptly as Madison stood and looked over the cadets.

“Dismissed,” he said and the hall filled with the soft murmurs of cadets gathering their things and leaving.

McCoy couldn’t wait to crush Scotty in a hug, he was so proud of his husband. But as McCoy made his way towards him, Madison blocked the way. The instructor had his back to everyone and was talking to Scotty. McCoy stopped and caught Scotty’s eye, but the Scotsman gave him a tight smile and gestured for McCoy to head out. He hoped Madison wasn’t telling Scotty off for upstaging him.

“Where is he?” Christine asked as McCoy came out the door alone.

“Madison is talking to him.”

“I hope he’s alright,” Cora said next to Christine. “That was one of the best lectures I’ve been to so far.”

McCoy smiled. He completely agreed.

“Madison better not be telling him off,” Sulu said quietly. “That would be completely unfair.”

“Scottish boy did good,” Aporal said, clapping a hand on McCoy’s shoulder as he walked past.

“You can tell him that,” McCoy called after him.

“How long is he going to keep him?” Christine looked worried. “We have more classes to get to.”

McCoy’s stomach twisted nervously, worrying what was happening between Scotty and the commander. Just as he was about to head back in, Scotty came out.

Christine, Sulu and Cora immediately all began to compliment Scotty at the same time and he blushed.

“You were amazing,” McCoy whispered as he pulled Scotty tight. “What did Madison say?” he asked in his normal voice.

Scotty

Words couldn't have described how proud Scotty was feeling when the crowd applauded for him. His chest swelled with pride and he smiled brightly at his fellow cadets. 

However, his smile quickly faded when Madison dismissed the class and then stepped up to him. Scotty wasn't sure how to judge the look on the man's face. 

His heart sank. Was he supposed to say or do something? What was Madison expecting of him? 

Behind him, Scotty caught a glimpse of Leonard who was running at him, but the Scotsman quickly gave him a tight smile and nodded at him to wait outside. Then he turned his attention back to Madison. 

The instructor didn't say anything for a long time until he let out a sigh and nodded slowly to himself. 

"Do you think that the class learned something today?" 

Scotty tried his best not to frown. His heart started to beat faster and he swallowed tightly. Madison was trying to intimidate him. It was clear to see. He wanted to make Scotty feel bad about everything he had achieved. 

But the Scotsman stood tall and raised his chin proudly, hands crossed behind his back. 

He nodded. 

"Aye, sir." 

Madison's eyes narrowed and he stared at the cadet for what felt like forever. He probably hadn't expected that answer after how nervous Scotty had been. 

And Scotty even dared to keep on talking.

"They learned everything you asked me to teach them. They now know about several models of old and new ships and shuttles. They know about what makes them special. They know about the most important models, who designed them and what they were made for. They know-"

He could have gone on forever, but Madison cut him off with one quick movement of his hand.

"Alright, alright, I get it. You... did good, Mr. Scott-McCoy. You gave us a nice presentation about all the topics I've sent to you."

Once more, Scotty's chest swelled with pride and a smile formed on his lips. However, the instructor wasn't done yet.

"But," he said with one raised index finger, "from now on, I expect you to follow my classes without badmouthing them afterwards. You can think what you want about my way of teaching, but you will keep it to yourself. After all... some of us have a family and mouths to feed. They... can't afford to lose their job." 

Scotty's eyes widened and he stared at Madison for a moment. Was the man actually implying that he could lose his job just because of what a student had said? That seemed crazy! Then again, maybe he should look up more things about the man in front of him to understand him better. 

"Sir?"

Madison, who had apparently been lost in his thoughts, quickly shook his head and then focused on his counterpart again. 

"I... might think about my teaching methods though. You are permitted to leave now, cadet. After all, you have more classes." 

Scotty wanted to say something else, but he knew that Madison was right. He had to be on time for his other classes. 

"I'll see you next week, Mr. Scott-McCoy."

"A-aye, sir. See ye next week." 

With that, Scotty left the room only to be greeted by all of his friends congratulating and complementing him on his presentation.

Leonard was the last one to pull him into a hug. 

"You were amazing," the prince whispered and Scotty felt his heart getting warm. He had only achieved it, because of Leonard's help and encouragement. 

"What did Madison say?"

A soft smile spread across Scotty's face as he thought about how the man had told him that he had done good. 

"I'll... tell ye later. Let's get to class."

McCoy

Scotty’s smile had reassured McCoy that Madison hadn’t been too harsh with him, but he still couldn’t wait to hear what his husband had to say. He walked close to Scotty to their next class. If he had to work a little harder to focus on the class and if his hand slid closer to Scotty’s during the next lecture McCoy couldn’t really blame himself.

“There’s the man of the hour!”

McCoy and Scotty turned to see Jim coming up to their table in the dining hall. Spock was at his side. McCoy saw Scotty’s blush as he turned back and shared an eye roll with Christine across from him.

“We’ve been hearing all about you in our classes!” Jim said as he plopped into the chair on Scotty’s other side.

“Hey Spock,” McCoy said.

“Hello si— Leonard,” Spock corrected himself. He looked politely at Cora who gestured for him to take the seat next to her.

“So! Tell us all about it,” Jim reached over and grabbed Scotty’s shoulder. “Sulu already told me you should be the teacher.”

“No, no,” Scotty quickly said as he turned redder and shook his head.

“He was wonderful!” Cora gushed. “I didn’t know shuttles could be so fascinating. If I didn’t want to go into command, I’d be more than halfway tempted to take up engineering just to be your student.”

Scotty’s mouth dropped open and he looked at a loss for words at the compliment.

“Thank ye,” he finally managed.

McCoy pushed his knee tighter against Scotty’s.

“Spock, how’re your classes going?” McCoy asked before Jim could start again. He could see Scotty was flattered by all the compliments, but knew he didn’t like being the center of attention so obviously.

McCoy managed to slip away from lunch early with Scotty.

“So what did Madison say?” he asked as they walked slowly along.

“That I did a good job. And that I should keep my thoughts to myself next time.”

“It is going to be hard to listen to his lectures again after hearing yours,” McCoy said. He squeezed Scotty’s hand to emphasize his words.

“Thank ye love.”

“Maybe he’s more knowledgeable about some other subject,” McCoy shrugged. One could hope.

“Maybe,” Scotty said slowly.

“What?” McCoy asked. He could see Scotty was thinking about something.

“Nothing. Just how easy do ye think it is for instructors to be let go?”

“Don’t know. I’d think they’d be safe since we’re all in the fleet. Maybe just reassigned or something.”

“Hmm.”

“You know,” McCoy said a few moments later, breaking the silence that had fallen between them. “Teaching isn’t a bad idea. You, I mean.”

“What?”

“If I have to be here longer, becoming a doctor. Maybe you could teach here and we’d still be together. You really did a great job today.”

“Oh.” Scotty’s face began to color slightly.

“I know it’s a few years out to think about, but it’s an idea to tuck away.”

McCoy greeted Eugene as he sat down in his first afternoon class.

“Hey, did you hear about the cadet that taught a class today?” Eugene asked.

“What?” McCoy asked in surprise.

“Yeah, I heard from a friend who was in the class. He really upstaged the instructor it sounds like.”

McCoy stared at Eugene in surprise before a laugh fell out of him.

“That was my class,” McCoy said. “And that was my husband.”

“What?” Eugene's eyes opened in surprise. “It was?”

McCoy nodded.

“Get out!” Eugene laughed.

“It’s the truth,” McCoy grinned.

“Wow. Well. Tell him my friend was impressed.”

“Will do,” McCoy said, even more proud of his husband.

Scotty

Scotty was kinda glad when Leonard and him eventually could retire to their room after dinner. He let out a deep sigh he didn't know he had been holding and dropped onto the bed. 

"What a day!"

First his presentation and then so many people congratulating and complementing him on it - it had been quite a lot attention for the young Scotsman who wasn't much of a fan of standing in the spotlight. 

"Only three days and you already are a well-known star at the academy," Leonard said as he fell down next to his husband and grinned at him. 

"Well, just what I expected. After all, you're a genius."

Scotty returned the grin and he gently grabbed Leonard by his uniform jacket to pull him closer. 

"Aye, well, I have to make a name for myself. I can't just be 'the prince's husband' now can I?"

Leonard tilted his head to the side, apparently musing for a moment, before he chuckled. 

"True. And maybe if you'll become the popular one, people might even forget about me being the prince. Even though some cadets don't even seem to know about it." 

Scotty chuckled too.

"Oh?"

"Yeah, there's this student in one of my courses. Eugene. He has no idea who I am," Leonard explained and Scotty smiled, placing on hand on his cheek. 

"And I bet ye are quite happy about that, eh?" 

Leonard nodded, leaning his head into his husband's hand. 

"It's quite nice to be unknown, yeah." 

Scotty could believe that. He knew that similar to himself, Leonard too didn't like too much attention. Unfortunately, that wasn't easy for him since the whole galaxy knew his face from articles and TV. 

"Anyway, I'm just glad that you have more free time again now," Leonard changed the topic after a moment of silence and he slowly started to unbutton Scotty's jacket. 

The Scotsman couldn't keep the grin off his face as he started to do the same with Leonard's.

"Aye, more time for... important things." 

Moments later, their lips were pressed against each other and their clothes lay on the floor. 

In the morning, they had different classes than the days before and therefore they weren't together. 

However, Scotty was able to spot another familar face in the crowd as he entered the auditorium. 

He smiled to himself as he made his way over and clapped a hand on the strong shoulder. 

"Morning, Jimbo." 

The blond startled for a second, then chuckled when he saw who was standing next to him. 

"Oh, hey Scotty." 

Quickly, Jim moved one seat to the side and made space for his friend who sat down. 

"Where were ye? We missed ye at breakfast." 

Was Scotty imagining things or was there a soft blush on Jim's cheeks? 

"Oh, uhm, I... I wasn't hungry and I... needed some space, time for myself." 

At hearing that, Scotty frowned. It wasn't like Jim to avoid his friends. Unless there was something wrong. 

"Did something happen? Is there something I can do for ye?" 

Jim stared at his friend for a second, before he sighed.

"Uhm... I can't really talk about it. It's... private." 

Now that was even more concerning. It sounded quite serious, but Scotty wouldn't ask more questions. He didn't want to force Jim to say anything he didn't want to say. 

"Okay, just... know that I'm there for ye, if ye need someone."

Jim gave him a soft smile and nodded. 

"Will do. Thanks, Scotty."

Chapter Text

McCoy

McCoy sat in his first class of the morning with a sense of dread in his stomach. Though he intended to be a doctor, to serve on a starship as Scotty wanted, McCoy had to be able to at least fly a shuttle in an emergency. So he sat, nervously twisting his ring around his finger in a class that would teach him ship flying basics.

He had been engrossed in getting himself into the actual classroom and hadn’t paid attention to anyone else around him. McCoy had no idea if anyone he knew was already sitting. He focused on breathing evenly.

He startled as a hand touched his shoulder.

“Leonard?”

“Ny! Hey,” McCoy said, looking up.

Uhura frowned gently at him.

“You alright? We waved at you, but you didn’t look at us.” Uhura gestured a few seats back. McCoy turned to look and saw Jaylah wave.

“I— yeah. Umm, I’m ok,” McCoy lied.

“Want to come join us?” Uhura still had concern on her face.

“Sure,” he nodded and got quickly to his feet.

“Good morning Just Leonard,” Jaylah greeted him as he sat down next to her.

“Hi.”

“You and Scotty ok?” Uhura asked.

“What? Yeah. Of course,” McCoy said in surprise.

“What is wrong?” Jaylah asked bluntly, looking between McCoy and Uhura.

McCoy ran a hand over his face as he let out a sigh. The girls were going to realize sooner or later if they were in the class with him.

“I’m scared of flying,” he said quietly.

“What?” Jaylah asked.

“You are?” said Uhura.

McCoy nodded. “Terrified. I’ve been trying to get better about it, and it has gotten easier when Scotty’s with me, but…, my mind just thinks up all the things that could go wrong.”

“Oh Leonard,” Uhura said gently. “And you still joined Starfleet?”

He nodded again.

“We will help you,” Jaylah said determinedly.

McCoy couldn’t help a smile at the alien girl.

“Thank you,” he told them. “But please don’t say too much to the others about it please?”

“No problem,” Uhura told him.

“Your secret is safe,” Jaylah said.

Relief spread through McCoy as he left the class with Uhura and Jaylah. It would be another week or two before they began to practice in the flight simulators and he hoped by then he’d be somewhat used to the idea. He said bye to the girls and headed for his next class.

In the classroom he saw an old familiar face and headed straight towards Spock.

“Hey Spock.”

Spock looked flushed as he glanced up at McCoy, and the prince just managed to keep from raising an eyebrow.

“May I?” McCoy asked, waving a hand at the seat next to the Vulcan.

“Fine.”

McCoy looked sharply over at Spock as he sat. Spock had spat the word at him almost angrily. McCoy racked his brain; had he done something to annoy Spock? He could think of nothing.

“How’s your morning going?” McCoy asked, keeping his voice casual. He turned his head slightly. He could see Spock’s jaw clench, then forcibly unclench as he appeared to draw a deep breath.

“It has been fine.”

McCoy watched Spock closer. The other boy seemed to almost be trembling. McCoy began to worry. Spock was always calm and collected.

“You alright? You aren’t getting sick or something?” It would explain the flush on Spock’s face McCoy thought. “Lots of new people in a new place, seems like a—”

“I am perfectly healthy!” Spock burst out, eyes dark with anger.

McCoy put his hands up calmly. “Ok, ok,” he said quickly. “Sorry.” He got his PADD ready to take notes. “Just wanted to make sure,” he muttered.

Scotty

At lunch, Scotty noticed that not only Jim was acting strange, but Spock also appeared to be different from his usual self.

There was a flush on his cheeks and his body was trembling slightly. He didn't participate in any conversations and he tried his best to avoid the looks of the others. 

It really was strange.

Jim, on the other hand, was looking at anyone except his boyfriend. He chatted with Chekov and Sulu about a class they had had together in the morning, teased Keenser about an alien girl that apparently had a thing for him and overall tried to act carefree and happy. 

However, Scotty knew his friend well enough to tell that something was very wrong. If only Jim would talk about it...

In the evening, before dinner, Scotty brought his stuff to their room and he wasn't surprised to find Leonard sitting at his desk, jacket thrown onto the bed. 

"Hey there, mo ghràdh," the Scotsman greeted his husband with a kiss to his cheek, hugging him from behind, and he caught a glance at what Leonard was looking at on his PADD.

He raised an eyebrow.

"Angry Vulcans?" Scotty asked, tilting his head to the side in confusion. 

Leonard let out a sigh, eyes still fixed on the screen. 

"Yeah, it's just... Spock acted very strange today in class. He basically yelled at me, not controlling his emotion. It was... scary."

"I can believe that," Scotty muttered, pulling over his own chair to sit down next to Leonard. "Did ye find anything?"

The prince groaned and shook his head. 

"No. Nothing. It's just like... Vulcans are the greatest mystery in the whole galaxy! And Spock won't talk to me about what's wrong."

Scotty sighed, nodding his head. 

"Aye, same with Jim. I know something is going on, but he says it's private and he doesn't want to talk about it." 

Leonard moved his eyes from the screen to Scotty's face and smiled bitterly. 

"Suppose we both have trouble getting through to our friends, huh?" 

Scotty shrugged his shoulders. 

"We cannae help it, Len. If they are ready to talk, they will surely tell us first. And then we can support them." 

Leonard didn't seem satisfied with that answer, yet still he sighed and nodded. 

"Yeah, I suppose you're right. It's just that... I'm worried. Spock has helped and saved me so many times and now there's nothing I can do for him."

A sad look formed on Leonard's face and Scotty gave him a gentle smile, placing one hand on his shoulder. 

"Oh, Len. Ye are there for him. That's all ye can do at the moment. I'm sure that Spock and Jim... they'll get it all sorted out." 

Leonard looked about to protest, but Scotty quickly used his chance to change the topic. He knew that talk wouldn't get them anywhere. 

"So, how was yer day?" 

Leonard sighed once again and he shrugged his shoulders. 

"I had one class about learning how to fly a shuttle."

Scotty's mouth formed a silent 'oh' and he squeezed his husband's shoulder even tighter. He knew how scared Leonard was of flying so attending a class about it must have been quite troublesome for him. 

"We only talked about stuff in theory. Practice will start in a week or two, but... it's still an uncomfortable thought that I'll have to fly by myself." 

Scotty moved closer to Leonard so that he could pull him into a hug. 

"I'm so sorry I cannae be with ye. This has to be so hard," the young Scotsman whispered into his love's ear and he could hear Leonard's voice trembling as he sighed. 

"It's... it's okay. I have to overcome my fears myself. And, I'm not alone in that class. Ny and Jaylah are there too."

Scotty let go of Leonard so that he could look him in the eyes. 

"Did ye tell them about yer fear of flying?"

Leonard nodded. 

"Yeah. They would have found out sooner or later anyway, so I thought to myself, why not tell them right away." 

Scotty nodded understandingly as he gently stroked Leonard's cheek with his thumb. 

"I'm sure they'll support ye in every way they can." 

A soft smile crossed Leonard's lips. He knew the girls as well as Scotty did. He knew that they would help him get through it.

"They sure will."

Then his eyes fell back onto his PADD and onto the clock.

"Suppose we better head for dinner now. The others will be waiting." 

"Aye," Scotty agreed and a grin formed on his face as he pressed a kiss to Leonard's lips. "And after dinner, I'll make sure to distract ye from yer worries."

Leonard's face mirrored the grin. 

"Oh? Well then... I can't wait for it."

McCoy

Something was definitely wrong with Spock, McCoy decided by Friday afternoon. Jim too, but McCoy hadn’t sat next to him in class for two days. He had with Spock and the curtness that had been present on Thursday was markedly stronger on Friday. Annoyance seemed to vibrate off him and McCoy left their shared class on edge.

Walking across campus McCoy saw a familiar flash of blond hair and hurried to catch Jim.

“Hey! Jim!”

McCoy saw Jim’s shoulders tense before he turned around.

“Bones!” he greeted McCoy too loudly.

“What’s wrong with Spock?” McCoy asked bluntly.

“What? Nothing,” Jim said far too quickly for McCoy’s liking.

“I grew up with the guy Jim,” McCoy raised a brow. “Something’s off. Something happen between you two?”

“We’re fine,” Jim waved him off with a smile. McCoy saw it didn’t reach Jim’s eyes.

“We’re all here for you, you know. You just have to tell us—”

“Great,” Jim interrupted. “But nothing’s wrong. I’ve got class, I’ve gotta run.”

McCoy frowned as Jim hurried away from him. 

McCoy turned to walk to his own class, his last of the day. He would have all afternoon after lunch for homework and relaxing. And some investigating. Something was wrong with his friends and he was determined to help.

He pulled out his PADD as soon as he sat in class and quickly typed out a message.

Keep this to yourself. I’ll call you after I’m out of class. Has there been any talk there about Spock?

He hit send. If there was anything to know in the palace, Leah would find out.

In their dorm room, McCoy shucked off his jacket and sat at his desk. He set the PADD in front of himself. He sent another message to Leah to see if she could talk or if she was busy.

A moment later the device began to ring.

“What’s going on?” Leah asked as her face appeared.

“Hi to you too,” McCoy replied.

“Hi,” Leah rolled her eyes. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know,” McCoy said, running a hand through his hair. “Spock is acting weird. He’s snapped at me and seems angry. Really angry. So much he's nearly shaking.”

Leah frowned. “I take it you’ve asked him.”

McCoy nodded. “You know how tight lipped he is.”

“What’d Jim say?”

McCoy made an exasperated noise. “He says everything is fine. I don’t believe him for a second.”

“Did they break up?” Leah asked. Her expression changed to worry.

McCoy shook his head. “I don’t think that’s it. I don’t know why, but I don’t feel it’s that. So any word there?”

It was Leah’s turn to shake her head.

“I haven’t heard anything, but I haven’t been hiding behind doors either. Maybe he’s catching a cold or something? Earth germs affecting him differently?”

“Maybe,” McCoy said, sitting back in his chair. “He’s never spoken to me like that before.” He paused and frowned. “I don’t like it.”

“You can’t make him tell you,” Leah offered gently.

“I know. But with everything he’s done for me, it’s the least I can do to look out for him too.”

“I’ll keep my ears open,” Leah promised.

“Thanks,” McCoy said.

“Everything else is good?”

“Yeah.”

“Good,” Leah said. “Call Mother tomorrow and tell her all about it. You’ve been there a week and haven’t called yet.”

McCoy rolled his eyes at his sister bossing him around.

“I will.”

“There ye are Len!”

Scotty came through their door with a look of relief.

“Ye skipped lunch.”

McCoy was sitting back on their bed reading. He lowered his book to look at his husband.

“I had to call Leah.”

“How is she?” Scotty asked, depositing his things on his desk and undoing his jacket.

“Good. I- I wanted to know if she’d heard anything at home about Spock.” McCoy continued as Scotty looked over at him. “Something’s wrong. He’s angrier today than yesterday and that’s not like him. Jim insists everything is fine. What were they like at lunch?”

“Spock wasn’t there, and Jim sat down just before I left. He looks like himself, but he’s not right either,” Scotty said as he joined McCoy on the bed.

“I don’t like it,” McCoy said again. “I just want to help.”

Scotty

The next morning, Scotty could still see how much the matter with Spock was bothering Leonard. 

Once again, the Vulcan did not appear in the dining hall and this time Jim was also missing. It really was worrisome. 

The rest of their friends had also noticed that something was wrong. Everyone could feel the tension at the table quite clearly, but no one dared to broach the subject. 

Instead, they all tried to talk casually and cheerfully about their weekend plans. 

Uhura wanted to explore the city with Cora and Jaylah and maybe do a bit of shopping.

Christine was meeting up with Roger.

Chekov and Keenser had arranged to play an online RPG game with Robbie and Sulu wanted to try out the fencing course offered by the Academy. 

"Maybe we should take a look at the city too," Scotty suggested as he gently touched the arm of his husband, who was lost in thought.

The dark-haired boy flinched slightly and his eyes widened as he turned his head towards Scotty.

"What?"

A soft smile formed on Scotty's lips and he moved closer to Leonard. 

"I said we could go and see the city today," he repeated his idea and Leonard just nodded, putting on a smile. 

"Oh, um, sure. I was actually going to suggest that to you too." 

"Well, it's a deal then," Scotty said, before pressing a kiss to Leonard's cheek.

Maybe the time in the city would take their minds off things and distract them. 

They set off straight after breakfast. The sun was shining quite strongly, but the cool breeze blowing in from the sea made it quite bearable outside.

At least for Scotty.

He already suspected that it might be a little too cool for Leonard, who was used to different temperatures from Georgiares. The lad had even put on a thin jacket.

"What do ye think? Should we go and see the sea?" 

Scotty was very happy that they were studying in a city that was near the water. It reminded him of his home. 

When he once again received no answer, the young Scotsman frowned and squeezed Leonard's hand, which was resting in his, a little tighter. 

His husband looked at him and his cheeks turned a soft pink.

"I'm sorry, leannan. I was just thinking-"

"About Spock and Jim. Aye, I know," Scotty finished Leonard's sentence as he nodded his understanding. 

Leonard ran his free hand through his hair and sighed. 

"I just want to do something for them!"

Scotty slowly came to a halt and he grabbed both of his lover's hands.

"Hey, ye did something for them. Ye offered them the chance to talk and ye informed Leah. And I'm sure she'll let us know as soon as she knows more."

Leonard had told Scotty about the call with the princess and although Scotty hadn't been particularly enthusiastic about him using her as a spy at first, he knew that Leonard only meant well. 

"All we can do now is wait."

Leonard put on a pout and Scotty couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"And I know how much ye hate waiting, mo ghràdh, but we have no choice." 

Leonard just sighed loudly, then nodded.

"I know." 

They were silent for a moment before Scotty started moving again, pulling Leonard with him. 

"And now, let's go to the beach!"

McCoy

McCoy did his best to push aside his concerns as Scotty happily pulled him along on their walk. The sun was warm but the breeze was cool and McCoy knew it would only get cooler the closer they got to the water.

“This is an old city,” McCoy said as they walked. He looked around, taking in everything.

“Aye. Nae as old as ol’ Aberdeen though,” Scotty said.

McCoy smiled. Scotty’s accent had thickened as he mentioned his home.

“Lots of history though,” Scotty conceded after a moment. “Lots of importance to the Federation.” McCoy caught Scotty glance at him slyly.

“Yes,” McCoy laughed. “I know all those dates. But honestly that’s all I know of the city. I want to know more. Who’s been here? What else has been done here?”

“Me too. There’s been earthquakes, and the old prison, and the bridges, but beyond anything Starfleet related I dinnae ken either.”

“So where is this beach we’re going to?” McCoy asked.

“Near the bridge.”

“And you know where to go?”

“Of course. Unlike ye, I actually look at the maps.” Scotty lifted his chin as he said the words.

“Hey!” McCoy laughed and tried to pull his hand from Scotty’s.

“Nae! Ye’re mine,” Scotty laughed as well and tightened his grip. “Even if ye’re terrible with directions.”

“I never had to deal with directions before,” McCoy retorted.

“Oh right love, yer highness, always somebody to do it for ye.” Scotty’s eyes were twinkling with mirth as he looked at McCoy.

“Hey! What is this? Make fun of your husband day? At least I- at least I…”

Scotty stopped and looked at McCoy expectantly.

“I don’t, uh… I got nothing,” McCoy gave up. “You’re perfect and wonderful at everything.”

“Oh. Len.” Scotty’s face flushed. “Ye know that’s not true.”

“It is,” McCoy said, and he leaned in to kiss Scotty. “Now. Take me to this beach because I can’t read a map.” He grinned, and Scotty laughed.

“Wow,” McCoy said quietly.

They had made their way west after leaving campus. Many things had caught McCoy’s eye that he wanted to go back and see. He knew Scotty wanted to see the ocean first, and after all this city was going to be their home for quite a few years. They’d have time to find all its ins and outs and secrets.

They stood at the top of a bluff watching the waves crash on the beach below them.

“Can we go down there or…?” He looked over at Scotty.

“There’s people down there. There must be a way. Did ye want to?”

“It’s kinda nice just right here for now,” McCoy said.

“Alright mo ghràdh,” Scotty agreed and leaned against McCoy.

As they stood quietly, watching the waves roll on the beach, McCoy couldn’t help but think of Spock again. He had skipped breakfast and so had Jim. He sincerely hoped something bad wasn’t happening between them. A thought hit him.

“Len? What’s wrong?”

McCoy blinked in surprise at Scotty. His husband must have felt him suddenly tense.

“What if it’s because of T’Pring?”

“Who?” Scotty looked at him in confusion.

“Spock! What if something’s going on because of their dumb Vulcan betrothal?”

Now Scotty was frowning at him.

“I’m sorry,” McCoy said. “I am. I really was trying to forget about it, but that just popped into my head.”

“It’s alright love. It could be that, aye.”

“Spock told me last summer nothing would change until he was of age and he is now. I just assumed they would have sorted it all out on one of their trips to Vulcan. What if they didn’t and now she wants Spock to marry her?”

“Leonard.” Scotty had grabbed both of McCoy's hands and was squeezing gently. “If they want to tell us they will. They know we’re here and care. Alright?”

McCoy nodded slowly. “Alright.”

“I’m worried about them too, but there’s nothing we can do unless they tell us except be ready to listen.”

McCoy sighed and squeezed Scotty’s hands back.

“You’re right. See? I said you were perfect at everything.”

Scotty

Even though Leonard didn't mention Spock anymore for the rest of the day, Scotty sure knew that it was still on his mind. And he also knew that his husband wouldn't rest until he had found out what exactly was wrong. 

So when they sat down at the table for dinner in the evening and there was still no sign of Spock or Jim, Scotty could tell by the look on Leonard's face that he was going to pay them a visit. 

Their friends chatted about how their days had gone and about what had happened, but Scotty couldn't really focus on any of it. In the end, it worried him that Leonard worried so much. 

When they parted ways with their friends on campus, Scotty gently grabbed Leonard's hand.

"I'll come with ye," he said and his husband gave him a look of surprise.

"Wha-"

Scotty only shook his head and sighed softly. Did Leonard really think that he was that blind?

"Come on now, ye think I didn't notice the sandwiches ye smuggled with ye? I know ye want to go see Spock and Jim." 

Leonard glanced at the bag he was carrying with him. There were books inside that they had bought during their trip to the city, but the prince had also stuffed two sandwiches inside when he had thought nobody was watching. 

"It's just... they can't skip every meal! It's unhealthy!"

A soft chuckle escaped Scotty as he nodded.

"Aye, well... I suppose I cannae argue with that logic," he admitted and Leonard gave him a crooked thankful smile. 

Quickly, a grin found its way onto Scotty's face as he let go of Leonard's hand and walked a wee bit faster. 

"Well, luckily ye have me at yer side or else ye'd get lost and never find their room."

And then Scotty started running. 

"Hey!" Leonard called from behind him, playing the offended one and soon enough he was chasing after his husband. 

The two of them were really exhausted when they eventually reached the room inside building D1. It had been quite a long run and even though they had taken the elevator, they still needed time to catch their breath again. 

They exchanged one more smile and kiss before Leonard turned to ring the bell next to the door.

When they didn't get an answer right away, Leonard rang again, twice this time. 

Unfortunately - or in some nightly cases, fortunately - the doors and walls in the buildings were thick and soundproof.

Therefore it wouldn't make any sense to yell. 

When Leonard rang the bell one more time after some time, both boys were surprised at the door being forcefully pulled open by an upset looking Spock.

No... not just upset. Furious. Never before had Scotty seen the Vulcan's face filled with so much emotion. 

"What?!" 

Both, Scotty and Leonard, winced at the loud voice and Leonard even stepped in front of his husband protectively. A habit of him since they had been kidnapped by a group of Romulans the year before. 

"Woah, Spock!" Leonard said.

In the back of the room they heard the sound of a door opening.

"Spock! What are you-"

From where he was standing, Scotty was able to catch a glimpse of the boy who had stepped out of the bathroom.

And he was shocked at what he saw. 

There, standing in the middle of the room with a bare upper body, was Jim. A black eye and a bloody nose decorated his usually pretty face. 

"What the-"

Scotty didn't care about anything in that moment. He just moved forward, pushing Spock aside and ran over to Jim.

"Jim!"

"I'm fine, Scotty. It's... it's fine," Jim said, trying to gently push Scotty's hands away, but the Scotsman didn't believe a word he was saying. 

"Nothing is fine! What happened?!"

When Jim's eyes fell on Spock who was still standing at the door with Leonard, Scotty's eyes widened even more than they already had.

He whirled around. 

"Spock?"

McCoy

“Get out,” Spock demanded, his voice a snarl of anger.

McCoy straightened up, squared his shoulders and pushed into the room, allowing the door to close behind him.

“No,” he said firmly. “You may not speak to me that way.” He put every ounce of his royal background into his voice.

Spock’s eyes sparked with fury at him as his mouth worked around to keep from saying anything more.

“Now what is going on?” McCoy asked. He looked at Spock, waiting for an answer. The Vulcan’s jaw clenched tightly as he stared back. The tension rose inside the room.

“How did this happen?” Scotty’s voice asked faintly.

A sigh reached McCoy’s ears and Spock looked sharply at Jim. He moved away from Scotty and sat on one of the beds.

“C’mere,” Jim said gently to Spock.

To McCoy’s surprise Spock moved quickly and sat beside Jim. Spock still glared at McCoy and Scotty, but some of the tenseness seemed to leave his body as he sat next to Jim.

“Two stubborn beings,” Jim said as he stroked over the back of Spock’s head. “You won’t tell and he won’t leave until you do.” Jim said something else quietly in Vulcan.

“Fine,” Spock spat out after a moment.

“Sit down guys.” Jim pointed at the other bed.

“We brought you some dinner,” Scotty offered as he sat. “You can’t keep skipping meals.”

“We haven’t,” Jim said. “We’ve just been going when you all aren’t there.”

“Why?” McCoy asked.

“So we don’t have to put up with insufferably stupid questions!” Spock snapped at him.

“Hey,” Jim said and stroked his hand on Spock’s arm. Jim blew out a breath, then turned back to McCoy and Scotty. “This is incredibly private,” he said. “You can not tell anyone.”

McCoy caught Scotty’s eye. We’re they actually going to find out what was going on finally?

“Ok,” Scotty answered for them.

“So there’s this thing for Vulcans,” Jim began. “And- and when it happens the first time, it usually means it’s time for betrothals to be- to be completed.”

McCoy frowned then his thought from the beach came back.

“So it is about T’Pring.”

Spock’s face darkened as he nearly growled at McCoy.

“Ye’re still betrothed to her?” Scotty asked gently.

Jim nodded. “And if anyone finds out what’s going on, Spock will have to go.” Jim wiped at his eye. McCoy couldn’t tell if it was a tear or because of the bruising.

“So what’s going on? What’s happening to you?” McCoy asked Spock.

“Remember going through puberty and suddenly wanting to get to know every attractive person that went by intimately?” Jim blushed.

“No.” “No.” McCoy and Scotty answered at the same time. McCoy raised an eyebrow at Jim.

“Ok, forget that,” Jim backtracked quickly. “Then when you two got together, how you made use of any private moment?”

“What are ye saying lad?” Scotty asked with a frown.

“Sex,” Spock suddenly bit out, looking at all three boys like they were the stupidest people he had ever met.

McCoy saw Scotty’s color rise and felt his own face warm at the blunt word.

“In a nutshell,” Jim tried to grin.

“So you’ve gotta have sex, then you’ll stop being like this?” McCoy waved a hand at Spock.

“That’s a crude explanation of something my people—”

“Yes,” Jim cut him off. “In simple terms. But since it’s important on Vulcan—”

“I have told you ashayam, I am not certain what I would do to you. I would not want to harm you.”

“But ye did?” Scotty looked at Jim’s eye.

“That was an accident,” Jim said. “I was trying to convince him it would be fine, and he pushed me back.” Jim shrugged.

“Ok,” McCoy said standing up. “So you have sex with Jim and everything’s back to normal? No one talks about it again and you’re free from having to get married for a while longer?”

Spock’s face flushed with anger and his mouth opened.

“Yes, pretty much,” Jim said.

“Then for fuc—” McCoy shook his head. He straightened up again and looked right at Spock. “I’m still your prince. Have sex with Jim and get this settled,” he commanded. “Come on Scotty.” He headed for the door.

Scotty

When they were back inside their own room, Scotty let out a heavy sigh while Leonard paced up and down the room, running one hand through his hair. He appeared to be quite annoyed.

"I just don't get it! If the problem is that easy to solve then why don't they just fu- do it?! It's not like they didn't have sex before!" 

Scotty pushed off his shoes as he sat down on the bed and a weak smile crossed his lips. 

"I guess this isn't the same thing as regular sex, mo ghràdh. Ye heard Spock. He's scared that he might hurt Jim."

Even though he already had by accident. Scotty still felt sick thinking about Jim's bruised and bloody face. To think that someone like Spock who was usually peaceful and calm had done that... 

"Well, I'm quite sure that he'll hurt all of us if he doesn't stop being so angry and out of control!" 

Scotty only shook his head gently and patted the free space next to him, indicating for his husband to sit down. Slowly, Leonard followed the invite and Scotty wrapped his arm around him. 

"Len... there are things we don't understand. Spock's culture is... is different from ours. We don't know how exactly he feels inside. We don't know how hard this is for him.

"I mean... look at him! Did ye ever see him as emotional as he is right now ever before?"

Leonard seemed to think about it for a moment, but eventually he shook his head. 

"He's... he's scared. And confused. All the feelings he's bottled up for so long just burst out of him at the same time. It has to be horrible."

Leonard only groaned.

"Then why doesn't he just stop it? Why doesn't he sleep with Jim and gets it all settled?" 

"Listen, if ye were completely out of yer mind, not in control over yer actions, would ye want to sleep with me? Knowing that ye might take it too far."

Leonard opened his mouth to say something, but he appeared to be at a loss for words.

Scotty leaned closer to him. 

"That's what I thought. We cannae force him to do anything. We can only hope. I'm just glad that they told us the truth."

Leonard sat still for a very long time until he finally dropped backwards onto the bed, covering his face with both hands.

"Ugh, why do Vulcans have to be so complicated?" 

Scotty chuckled softly as he lay down next to his husband.

"I don't know, mo ghràdh. But I'm sure Spock and Jim will figure everything out. I have faith in them."

Sunday passed them by uneventful. They didn't hear anything from Spock or Jim. Leah didn't call either since she probably hadn't found out anything yet. Both boys called their mothers and told them about how their first week had been. 

On Monday morning, Scotty was on his way to his first class when he was stopped by a familar person.

"Hey Scottish boy, didn't you hear the news?"

Scotty whirled around to see Aporal behind him. The Andorian grinned at him. 

"What news?" 

"Our class was canceled and all the members of it are supposed to gather at the gym. First lecture in fighting and self-defense."

Scotty felt a strange tingling in his stomach. He had always known that that lesson would come, but he hadn't known that it would be so soon. 

He swallowed, then nodded. It would be just fine.

Scotty couldn't have been more wrong. Since he had been one of the few students who heard about the change of plan too late and needed to pick up his sports clothing from his room, he was late for class. 

Therefore, as a punishment, the teacher chose him and another boy to be the first cadets to practice an exercise. 

The boy - where had Scotty seen him before? - smiled at him and shook his hand as they stepped into the middle of the group. Scotty tried to smile back, but it was hard.

"Scotty," he introduced himself and the boy in front of him grinned even wider. 

"Francis." 

Almost instantly, Scotty's eyes widened and he wanted to pull his hand back, but the boy in front of him held it tightly.

"Well then, Mr. Kinnear, Mr. uhm," the teacher looked at his PADD, "Scott. Get started. First, we'll practice an easy way to get out of a stranglehold. Mr. Kinnear, would you be so kind..."

"Of course, sir."

Only a moment later, Scotty was turned around and grabbed from behind. 

He tried to breathe calmly, closed his eyes, but the hands holding him back reminded him of the hands that had held him one year ago. 

The Romulans dragging him through the forest to the cabin. The Romulans threatening and hurting him. 

Scotty started to pant and he squeezed his eyes shut. Sweat was forming on his forehead. He heard the teacher say something, but he didn't understand a word. 

"Please... let me go. Please! Please! Please!"

Francis only held him tighter. 

"Mr. Scott! Pull yourself together! I'll tell you how to get out of this grip. Just listen."

"Nae. Nae! Please, let go of me!"

Scotty shook his head, over and over again. Tears started to stream down his face and his heart was beating out of his chest as he started to squirm back and forth.

"Let go of me! Please! Please! Please!"

"Mr. Kinnear. Let go," the teacher said, sounding not very happy about how fast this lecture was ending.

Only a moment later Scotty fell to his knees, crying and sobbing heavily. 

"Get him to a nurse. These sissy kids these days," the teacher muttered and soon enough someone was helping him up and leading him away from the group. 

A hand gently rubbed up and down his back and a voice whispered to his ear. 

"Shh, it's okay. Everything's okay, Scottish boy. You'll be fine."

McCoy

Sitting at his desk, McCoy tried hard to stifle a yawn. He wondered if there was a way he could get out of the class. He knew everything that was being taught already. A life preparing to be king; Dr. Boyce had taught him more about the worlds of the Federation, their politics, and important histories than any other regular student needed to know. Perhaps when the instructor got to the diplomatic parts it would be more interesting. For the moment he let his mind drift.

A buzz against his leg made McCoy reach in his pocket and turn his comm off. He thought he already had.

He frowned a moment later wondering who would be calling. Everyone was in class.

Finally the class ended and McCoy stretched as he stood. A brief walk to his next class and some sunshine should wake him back up. He wondered how Scotty was getting on in his class as he walked. Well, he’d know soon enough.

A passing student was talking on their comm and it reminded McCoy of his own. He pulled it out and turned it back on. His brow furrowed at three missed calls. With a shrug, he called the unknown number back.

“Is that you prince?” said a voice a moment later. McCoy couldn’t quite place it.

“Who’s this?” he asked warily.

“Aporal. It’s about time you called.”

“What’s going on?” McCoy stopped walking and moved to the side of the path. He couldn’t decide if the noise the alien boy made was a groan or a sigh.

“Didn’t you listen to my message? Nevermind,” Aporal said quickly. “Just get over here already.”

“Where?” McCoy nearly yelled. Why did Aporal make everything such a battle?

“The infirmary in the gym. Scottish boy needs you.”

McCoy’s grip on the comm tightened as his blood began to run like ice.

“What happened?” he asked in a faint voice.

“Get here,” Aporal said. The call ended and McCoy dropped his hand to stare at the comm.

The infirmary in the gym? Where the hell was that? McCoy turned, looking wildly around. How hurt was Scotty? McCoy thought his heart was going to pound out of his chest. The gym. He would get there first, then find the infirmary.

He grabbed at the arm of a passing cadet.

“The gym,” he said hurriedly as they looked at him. “That way?” he pointed. The cadet nodded. McCoy took off at a run.

A moment later he skidded to a halt as memories rushed through his head.

He had run off for Scotty before. Without knowing all the details. Khan had lied so convincingly. He gasped a choked breath.

No ! his mind yelled at him. This isn’t the same!

McCoy’s hands dropped to his knees and he bent over catching his breath and fighting back a wave of panic. Andorians were allies. Khan and Sural and their Romulans were locked up.

Slowly McCoy’s chest loosened and he stood up. Breathing heavy he took off again at a quick jog.

Still catching his breath McCoy burst through the door he had been pointed to. There was Scotty! He was sitting in a chair and Aporal was next to him, hand on Scotty’s shoulder.

“What happened?” McCoy cried as he moved forward. “What’s hurt?” He dropped to his knees in front of Scotty, reaching for him carefully.

“Nothing’s hurt,” Aporal said. “He panicked.”

McCoy frowned over at him before turning his attention back to Scotty.

“Hey darlin’,” he soothed gently. “I’m here. What happened?” He gave a grunt of surprise as Scotty wrapped his arms tight around his neck.

“Our class got canceled and changed to self defense,” Aporal volunteered. “Lt. Samuels picked him and Francis Kinnear to demonstrate first.”

“All I could see was the Romulans,” Scotty whispered into McCoy’s neck.

“It’s alright leannan,” McCoy said. He looked at Aporal in surprise as their fingers bumped rubbing Scotty’s back.

“My goodness,” a voice said from nearby. “What a waterworks show.”

McCoy stiffened and caught a look of distaste on Aporal’s face.

“That’s the lieutenant,” Aporal whispered.

McCoy pushed Scotty gently back and got himself free. He stood and turned around.

“In my day we shook ourselves off and moved on,” the lieutenant said to the person at the desk.

“Do you know who I am?” McCoy said, taking a step forward and straightening himself to his full height. “Sir,” he added at the last second.

“Apparently a cadet who doesn’t know better,” said Lt. Samuels, moving towards him.

“I’m cadet Scott’s husband, Leonard McCoy.” His fingers clenched at his side.

“Prince of Georgiares II,” Aporal called as he got up to stand next to McCoy.

“Not here,” McCoy said to Aporal. “Just a cadet. But maybe that tells you something about Scotty and me.” He turned back to the lieutenant.

“Something about Romulans,” Aporal added.

McCoy closed his eyes for a deep breath. Was Aporal trying to help him or get him in more trouble?

Lt. Samuel’s face twitched. Was that recognition?

“Oh,” he said regretfully. “Oh. That was you.” He looked past McCoy and Aporal at Scotty.

“Yes,” McCoy confirmed in a hard voice.

Scotty

Aporal had brought him safely to the infirmary, where a nurse had immediately taken care of him. She had given him a sedative hypospray and instructed Aporal to stay with Scotty until someone familiar picked him up. She still had other patients to look after. 

Aporal had tried to call Leonard several times and had returned the communicator each time in frustration. Then he had turned back to Scotty and when he had miserably tried to explain what was going on with him, Aporal had immediately interrupted him.

"The kidnapping. I know. It's been all over the news back then."

So they had remained silent, Scotty on the verge of tears and Aporal close to him, a hand on his shoulder.

When Leonard finally called back and stood in the doorway a short time later, completely out of breath, Scotty could hardly believe it. He wrapped his arms around his husband, holding him as tightly as he could, new tears forming in his eyes. 

He had felt so incredibly helpless without Leonard. He had been so afraid of all the terrible memories.

And then suddenly there was this voice.

The voice of the man who was the reason why Scotty was sitting in that nurse's room. That voice... it mocked him. 

Scotty felt his cheeks turn red with embarrassment. So many cadets had seen his breakdown. So many people had been there when he hadn't been able to pull himself together. 

The story was sure to spread like wildfire around the campus and in no time he would be the laughing stock of the entire Academy. His second week and he had already made a fool of himself. 

Scotty casually noticed the voices of Leonard and Aporal talking to the lieutenant. He barely heard what they were saying, lost in his own thoughts. 

And suddenly there was a hand on his shoulder. Slowly Scotty raised his head and he looked up, meeting the eyes of Samuels.

"S-sir... I'm sorry. I... I should have..."

But the man in front of him only shook his head.

"No. I'm the one who needs to be sorry. I should have seen who you are. I... I didn't pay the necessary attention to the students who joined us. I sincerely apologize for that." 

Scotty was about to say something, but someone else beat him to it.

"Even if you don't know who it is and what their history is, you have to react differently. If someone gives a clear signal that the lesson should stop, then you have to follow that instruction."

Aporal. The Andorian stared hard at their teacher and when he turned and looked at him, he added a tense, "sir." 

Samuels was silent for a moment before nodding.

"I suppose... you're probably right," he said, and it was clear to see how uncomfortable the man was admitting his mistakes. 

"Well, you'll find I'm often right, Lt. Samuels," Aporal replied with an arrogant smile and somehow Scotty couldn't help but smile through the tears. 

This Andorian was simply incorrigible.

"I would suggest that my husband and I be excused from class for the rest of the day. Would you be so kind as to inform the other teachers?" 

Leonard's voice clearly conveyed his position of power. Even if he preferred to be treated like a normal cadet, being the Prince of Georgiares had its advantages from time to time. 

Lieutenant Samuels just nodded.

"O-of course." 

He turned back to Scotty and squeezed his shoulder.

"Once again... I'm truly sorry, Mr. Scott. It won't happen again."

Scotty nodded slowly, but said nothing. He just wanted to go to his room and hide from the rest of the world.

Chapter Text

McCoy

“Do you need a hand back to your room Prince?”

Lieutenant Samuels had disappeared, hopefully to excuse McCoy and Scotty from their classes the rest of the day. McCoy looked at Aporal as he helped Scotty up.

“Leonard. I think we’re good,” McCoy replied. “Thanks for staying with him.”

Aporal shrugged.

“No really lad,” Scotty said. He turned to face Aporal. “Thanks for everything.”

The Andorian shifted from foot to foot, and gave a tight nod.

“I’ll just get to my next class then,” he said, and quickly moved for the door.

McCoy shook his head gently. “He’s something else.”

“He’s good,” Scotty said.

McCoy took a long look at Scotty. He was relieved his husband wasn’t physically injured. But it worried him how easily the memory of the Romulans came forward. He wanted to know more about what had happened, but first he needed to get Scotty back to their room.

“You ready?” McCoy asked quietly. Scotty nodded yes. McCoy turned to look at the person at the desk. “Do we have to check him out or anything?”

“Nope. He’s been free to go.”

“Ok,” McCoy smiled tightly. “Come on,” he said to Scotty.

It wasn’t a long walk between the gym and their dorm, but whatever had been given to Scotty to calm him had made him slightly sluggish. But eventually they were there and McCoy helped Scotty from his uniform jacket and boots. As Scotty settled on the bed McCoy got himself comfortably out of uniform as well.

A moment later he was laid out with Scotty pulled close.

“What happened?” McCoy asked quietly as he stroked a hand through Scotty’s hair. He listened as Scotty explained.

“I knew,” Scotty murmured. “I knew it wasn’t Sural. I was safe, but…”

“It didn’t help that it was Francis,” McCoy said.

“Aye.”

McCoy let out a soft sigh.

“It’s been months since we saw Dr. Hudson. Maybe we should see if there’s someone here.” McCoy looked down to see Scotty’s reaction. “They won’t be as good as her, but it would be something.”

“Suppose we should,” Scotty said slowly.

“We’ll get through this, we always do,” McCoy said.

They spent the rest of the day close together on the bed. They held each other, they dozed. They read for their classes, they read for fun. They talked and were quiet.

When dinner came there was a weariness about both boys. Hand in hand they walked to the dining hall. A quick meal and an early evening sounded like a good plan.

Before they could sit and join their friends, Christine was on her feet, hugging Scotty tight.

“We heard,” she told him. Scotty’s face turned bright red in embarrassment.

“No, no!” Jaylah cried. “Aporal told us so we wouldn’t worry!”

“It did still hit the campus gossip unfortunately,” Sulu added. “But it was quickly forgotten when the chem lab exploded.”

“What?” McCoy looked over in surprise.

“Just a little explosion,” said Chekov, holding his index finger and thumb about a centimeter apart.

“Someone lost some eyebrows,” Cora giggled.

Keenser gave Scotty a squeeze on the arm as he sat next to the small alien, and Scotty smiled gratefully.

“Still no Spock or Jim?” McCoy asked, looking around.

Uhura shrugged. “I saw Jim crossing campus earlier, but he barely looked over and waved when I called him.”

“I’m sure they’re fine,” Scotty said, quietly bumping his knee against McCoy’s.

Scotty

They chatted a bit about how the day had been for their friends, nobody asking Scotty anything so as not to bother him, and the boys enjoyed listening to their stories, however Scotty was also very relieved when they returned to their room and lay back down. 

It had been nice. Spending the whole day alone with Leonard, just the two of them close together. His husband had done everything in his power to comfort the young Scotsman and it had worked wonders. He felt way better and from time to time had even managed to forget about what had happened in the morning. 

Now, however, pressed tightly against Leonard, darkness surrounding them, he couldn't help but think back to the incident. 

Francis hadn't even thought about letting go of him. No, he even had pulled Scotty closer as this one had started to beg. How could someone be like this? 

Was it Kinnear's doing? Had the admiral ordered his nephew to make Leonard and Scotty's lives a living hell? Or was it just who Francis was? Maybe he really was a bastard by nature! 

In the end, it didn't matter. No matter what the reason, Scotty and Leonard needed to be very careful around the guy. 

Scotty's mind moved on to Aporal and he smiled weakly. He really hadn't thought the Andorian to be the kind of person to take care of him and be comforting. After all, he was always trying his best to be an outcast. Yet still, he had even defended Scotty in front of their instructor. Aye, he really was a good friend. At least Scotty hoped that they could be friends. Maybe he could invite Aporal to sit with them in the morning to show him that he was welcome to join their group. 

Scotty snuggled tighter against Leonard when he heard his husband starting to snore softly. He must have drifted off to sleep already, even though he had tried his best to stay awake, running his hair through Scotty's hair. 

A pang went through his chest as he imagined what Leonard must have thought when Aporal had called him. The fear and worry he must have felt, thinking that Scotty was badly injured. And the memories of one year ago when he had also rushed to save his love, only to be lured into a trap. 

"I'm sorry, Len," Scotty murmured gently before he pressed a kiss to his cheek. He hadn't meant to worry his husband and remind him too of those bad times. 

Leonard didn't say anything, fast asleep, and it wasn't necessary either. Scotty knew that his love would never blame him for what had happened, but at least he had apologized to him. 

When he drifted off to sleep, he prayed that nightmares wouldn't come to haunt him. 

The night had been okay with only a few bad images in his dreams and after a quick shower, Scotty was ready for the day. 

Leonard and him had one class together in the morning and Scotty was really grateful for that, knowing that having his love around was keeping him calm.

When they entered the canteen, both Scotty and Leonard were surprised to see two familar faces sitting at one of the tables. They exchanged a quick glance before they grabbed some food and then walked over to said table. 

"Good morning, Jim. Spock," the Scotsman greeted his friends with an uncertain smile and Leonard also said his good mornings. The prince eyed Spock from head to toe and a flush quickly touched the Vulcan's ears. 

"Good morning," he replied, strangely quiet. Jim, on the other hand, was grinning brightly.

"Morning guys! So good to see you!"

"Is it okay to ask how you're feeling, Spock?" Leonard asked, raising his eyebrow only the slightest bit.

"O-of course, sir. I mean... Leonard." Spock took in a deep breath, before he found the confidence to answer. "I'm feeling... all right. Better."

Leonard nodded understandingly and Scotty could see that Spock appeared to be... embarrassed. 

"That's great, Spock. Glad to have ye here with us again."

The Vulcan was just about to reply something when suddenly more of their friends started to join them, greeting the two friends happily. 

"About time the two of you are back," Sulu said, clapping Jim on the shoulder with a grin. 

"What was wrong? Where were you?" Pavel asked, looking from one friend to the other. 

Spock awkwardly cleared his throat while Jim looked at him. Apparently the blond didn't want to say anything unless Spock did. 

"I... I wasn't feeling too well, but I am better now." 

A frown crossed Christine's face. 

"I'm so sorry to hear that Spock. You should have told me. Maybe I would have known what to do. Did you go see a nurse?" 

Slowly, Spock shook his head. 

"No. I did not visit the infirmary. It... it was-"

"A Vulcan thing," Jim finished the sentence for him and Spock gave him a grateful look. He nodded.

"Yes. That is what it was."

Christine gave them a strange look, but she didn't ask any further questions. 

"Oh? Well, I'm just glad that you're feeling well again. So, what's the plan for today?"

McCoy

Morning classes passed quickly. McCoy had kept a smile to himself during class when he had pushed his knee against Scotty’s. He had seen his husband look over at him from the corner of his eye, but kept on looking at the instructor.

McCoy watched Scotty walk away for a long moment before he made his way to his own next class. A pang of worry settled into his chest. What would happen the next time Scotty had a self defense class? Would he be alright? Had it just happened because of Francis and the nerves of being chosen first? McCoy set his jaw firmly and headed for class. He would see Scotty again soon enough at lunch.

Everyone had been glad at breakfast to see Spock and Jim again. Jim had beamed at all of them, while Spock had done his best to act like his normal self. But McCoy had seen something in the Vulcan’s face. Something no one who didn’t know him well would see. A conflict still happening deep within the Vulcan. McCoy hoped Spock would settle his feelings on what had passed and that everything would remain alright between him and Jim.

Lunch was lively with a loud argument between Chekov and Jaylah. Neither was mad at the other, only trying to convince the other how they were wrong.

“Ye’ve been having this battle for years,” Scotty laughed at them. “Can’t ye find an end yet?”

“No!” both turned to Scotty and cried. Scotty looked at Keenser for help, the small alien shook his head. “Jim?” Scotty appealed.

“No way!” Jim laughed. “It gets more entertaining every time.”

Scotty let out a huff. “Oh fine!” he muttered.

“Don’t worry darlin’,” McCoy grinned. “Someday they’ll be married and having the same argument.”

“What!?” “No!” Chekov and Jaylah looked over at McCoy in surprise. The others laughed.

“I wouldn’t marry Pavel,” Jaylah protested.

“What’s wrong with me?” Chekov demanded, staring at Jaylah.

“Ha!” Jaylah said.

“Hey!” Chekov began to turn red. “Well I wouldn’t marry you!”

“Because I am out of your league!” Jaylah stuck her tongue out at Chekov.

“There ya go leannan,” McCoy whispered to Scotty. “Now they have a new argument.”

“Mad man,” Scotty murmured back at him with a smile.

“Leonard,” Cora called behind McCoy as he walked to his afternoon classes. He stopped and turned.

“Hey,” he greeted her.

“I haven’t had a chance to talk to you,” she said as she caught up. “I spent some time with Declan over the weekend.”

“Oh?” McCoy asked as they began to walk together.

Cora nodded. “I asked him about the admiral for you. Of course I didn’t say it was for you,” she said quickly. “I didn’t mention you except to say we had become friends.”

McCoy nodded, encouraging her to continue.

“Anyway,” she said, leaning closer and lowering her voice, “Declan said the admiral doesn’t have as much pull or say as he thinks he does. However, Declan did say to still be wary. You never know what secret or favor someone may have up their sleeve.”

“Or what pain in the ass nephew,” McCoy sighed.

“Yes,” Cora agreed. “Francis might not be able to get you in trouble with his uncle, but he could cause problems for you with other officers.”

“Which could be just as bad or worse,” McCoy said through gritted teeth.

“When I said we were friends, Declan said he didn’t know if he had been jealous of you for what you said to the admiral or scared for you for saying it. I think I’m jealous I didn’t get to see it,” Cora grinned.

“Our old headmaster felt the same,” McCoy laughed. “He was more glad it was me and not Jim.”

“Well maybe I’ll get to see the next time you take some self important person down a peg.”

“I don’t think there’ll be a next time,” McCoy replied. He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. He knew how upset it would make Scotty and how much he would worry if McCoy ran his mouth off at another officer. And he had promised Pike he would be more careful.

“Hopefully,” Cora agreed. “Anyway, I should get to class. I just wanted to let you know.”

“Thanks Cora, I appreciate it. See ya later.” He waved as she walked off.

Scotty

After lunch, Scotty had classes with Keenser, Jaylah and Chekov. The curly haired boy and the alien girl just couldn't stop arguing, but Scotty really hoped that at least in class they would behave themselves. 

When the instructor asked the cadets to form teams of two, Scotty looked across the room at Aporal. The Andorian boy once again sat all by himself in a corner. 

Scotty was just about to stand up and walk over to him, but he was stopped by Jaylah who grabbed his arm and pulled him close. 

"Well, I'll take Montgomery Scotty as my partner," she claimed, grimacing at Chekov who had apparently wanted to ask the Scotsman first. However, he didn't let it on. Instead he quickly wrapped his arm around Keenser's shoulder. 

"Ha! Keens and I will be way better and faster than the two of you! In fact, we'll be the fastest of all!" 

Keenser only grunted, obviously not too happy about being pulled into this whole thing and Scotty shrugged helplessly. They didn't stand a chance against their impulsive friends. 

So eventually, they just gave up and started to work on the project assigned to them. Maybe that would settle the argument once and for all. 

Neither of the teams managed to finish the task first and when they left the classroom, Jaylah and Chekov were still lost in their wee disagreement. 

Scotty ignored them and instead searched the leaving crowd for a familar pair of blue feelers. He found them quite quickly and hurried to follow the Andorian they belonged to. 

"Aporal, hey, wait up, laddie!" 

The called out student turned around at hearing the familar brogue and a smile crossed his face as he saw Scotty. 

"Hey there, Scottish boy, feeling better today?" 

Scotty returned the smile with a nod. 

"Aye, I am. Uhm, so... I don't think I thanked ye properly for what ye did yesterday. It meant a lot to me, ye know? So... thank ye very much." 

Aporal only shrugged his shoulders. 

"No big deal. I only did the right thing." 

He went to go again, but Scotty held him back by grabbing his wrist. 

"Wait, I... there's something else I wanted to ask ye." 

Aporal raised a questioning eyebrow at that. 

"Uhm... would ye maybe like to join me and my friends during meals?" 

Scotty didn't know what to feel when he saw a frown cross his counterpart's face. Was it a good or a bad thing? He couldn't really tell. 

"That's... a nice offer, Scottish boy. But I honestly doubt that the rest of your friends would want me around." 

"Nae, nae. That's not true. I'm sure they'd enjoy yer company," Scotty protested, but Aporal just chuckled. 

"Well, I'm quite certain that everyone enjoys my brilliant company sooner or later, but I think I'll pass. Thanks though, Scottish boy." 

With a wink and one last wave of his hand, Aporal walked off, leaving behind a very frustrated Scotty. 

What was it with that lad? One moment he was the friendliest guy ever and the next, he was the same stuck-up bastard as always! 

With a shake of his head, Scotty headed off to his next class. One day he'd find out what was wrong with Aporal. The reason why he was such an outsider. The reason why he didn't want to befriend anyone.

McCoy

Tuesday passed on to Wednesday. Wednesday became Thursday. And once again McCoy sat in class with Uhura and Jaylah. His heart sank as the instructor announced they would be moving class over to the flight simulators. A shuffling of chairs filled the room as the cadets followed the teacher out of the room and down the hall.

McCoy’s fingers on his left hand played nervously with his wedding ring as he carried his things in his other arm. He focused on breathing. He just had to stay calm. Breath in. Hold. Breath out.

Suddenly he was surrounded as Uhura and Jaylah pressed close to him on either side.

“It’ll be ok,” Uhura promised him quietly.

“We will be right with you,” Jaylah said.

McCoy smiled gratefully at each girl in turn, but his heart still began to pound.

“Class will meet in here from now on,” the instructor announced as the cadets circled around. “We will be getting familiar with the controls in the simulators, but we will not be starting any flights or programs today.”

A wave of relief washed through McCoy. Another week would pass before he had to try anything. Plenty of time to study and become familiar with something that sent such fear through him.

“Please find a seat and we will begin.”

Quickly the cadets began to settle. The five shuttle simulators stood behind the instructor at the front of the room. McCoy eyed them with dread. Uhura gave his arm a sympathetic pat.

Behind him, the instructor projected an oversized version of a pilot’s station.

“The class F shuttle is a common design and…”

The teacher continued and McCoy forced himself to pay attention. Information and facts he could learn. He would know everything he could and know it well.

But knowing wasn’t the same as putting that information into practice, and McCoy’s attention kept being drawn back to the simulators. They’d start in them next week. His mind kept coming back to that. He startled as fingers closed over his own. In surprise he looked at Jaylah.

“You were shaking,” she whispered with a shrug. She squeezed her hand over his. “We have you.”

He realized the pounding of his heart was slowing to something normal. He couldn’t have asked for better friends as he tried to give Jaylah’s hand a squeeze back.

Lunch came and McCoy wrapped Scotty in a tight hug as soon as he saw him.

“Hello love,” Scotty chuckled. “What’s got into ye?”

“We had flight class this morning,” Uhura said, giving Scotty a knowing look.

“Oh,” Scotty said understanding. “Ye doing alright?” he asked McCoy quietly.

“Ask me next week when we start in the simulators,” McCoy said palely.

“We have him Montgomery Scotty,” Jaylah said. “He will pass and we will help him get over it.”

“Get over what?” Jim asked as he and Spock joined the table.

“Nothing James T,” Jaylah said and clamped her mouth tight.

Jim looked wide eyed at that answer. “Well hello to you too Jaylah,” he laughed.

Scotty

In the evening, after dinner, they sat down on their bed together and Scotty quickly wrapped his arms around Leonard. It must have been such a hard day for him. 

The Scotsman let out a deep sigh. 

"Listen, mo ghràdh, I know that Ny and Jaylah will take good care of ye, but... don't ye think that ye should tell the instructor about yer fear of flying?"

At hearing that, Leonard's eyes widened instantly and he moved slightly aside so that he could stare at his husband in shock. 

"No! I-I can't do that! They'll kick me out of the academy right away if they ever get to know about it!"

Scotty gently rubbed his hand across his love's back, trying to calm him down again.

"Hey, hey, don't even think about that," he said, but Leonard moved further to the side, a frown on his face.

"Why? Because I'm a prince? You think they can't touch me just because of that?"

"Nae! They cannae kick ye out, because ye have good grades and are a great student!"

Scotty could feel that this talk was going into the wrong direction and he really tried to stop it from heading there. 

"The instructors will understand. They will do their best to help ye, if they know about yer fear." 

Leonard only shook his head. 

"No! They will think I'm a coward!" 

Now that was something Scotty couldn't and wouldn't let his husband believe for one second. He cupped Leonard's face in between his hands and forced him to look into his eyes. 

"Hey! Ye're not a coward! Don't ever think that, ye hear me?!" 

Leonard tried to avoid his gaze, but Scotty kept on staring at him. 

"We all have fears, reasonable or unreasonable doesn't matter. And we have to face them, but we don't have to face them alone. Believe me, if I could have told Lt. Samuels earlier about my trauma, I had. I'm really glad he knows now for now he will be more careful. And he will help me." 

At least Scotty hoped so. 

"Nyota and Jaylah will help me," Leonard muttered quietly, stubborn as he was, and Scotty sighed once again. 

"Ye know that's not the same." 

It took a moment, but suddenly Leonard's face was buried in Scotty's chest and he clang on to his shirt. 

"I... I just wish you would be there at my side." 

It was nothing more than a soft whisper and Scotty felt his heart breaking at the sound of despair in his husband's voice. 

He gently started to run his hand through Leonard's hair. 

"Aye. Aye, I know. And I wish I could be with ye." 

But it wasn't possible. The fleet had already chosen their classes and groups. 

They didn't talk about the topic anymore. All they did was fall onto their sheets, snuggling until they eventually both fell asleep. And Scotty could only hope that Leonard would reach out for help. 

"Any volunteers?" Lt. Samuels asked on the next morning. The same group from Monday was once again gathered at the gym. 

Scotty tried his best to stay hidden in the group. He didn't wish to be chosen, preferred to watch the others first. 

"I can do it." 

The Scotsman winced at hearing the familiar voice of Francis. The boy quickly stepped out of the group, a grin on his face. He threw a glance at Scotty who tried his best to suppress a shiver. 

"Good, good, Mr. Kinnear. Who else?" 

A hint of blue stepped forward and Scotty smiled weakly as he saw who it was. 

"Well, why not?" 

Aporal. He casually shrugged his shoulders. But Samuels raised an eyebrow.

"Are you certain Mr. Tallister? You weren't even with us the last time and I would like to repeat what the cadets learned there." 

Aporal didn't seem to care though. He only stepped closer to Francis.

"Oh, I'm certain, sir. Don't worry about me." 

Samuels only nodded. 

"Alright then, we start with-"

He didn't even get to finish for soon enough both students had already started to fight. 

Scotty's eyes widened in awe as he watched Aporal easily dodge all of Francis' attacks. He was great at this! A perfect member of security! Didn't he want to become an engineer though? 

"Gentlemen." 

Even Samuels didn't seem to know what to do or say. 

The fight lasted no longer than two minutes and eventually Francis was lying on the ground, Aporal sitting on top of him.

"And that's how you defend yourself and turn the tables," Aporal said with a grin before he got up and walked back to where he had stood before. 

Scotty couldn't help but chuckle when he saw the surprised and angry look on Francis' face. 

Aporal had really showed him how to fight. Scotty only wondered where he had learned it so well.

McCoy

“What are you doing tonight?”

McCoy looked over at Eugene. They were supposed to be working on an assignment. Cadets around them were working and talking quietly together.

McCoy gave a shrug. “Probably stay in with Scotty.”

“Nah, come on,” Eugene said. “They’re gonna start loading us down with all kinds of work and exams and papers soon enough, you guys should come out.”

McCoy chuckled softly. Eugene was nodding eagerly at him.

“And where would we go?” He raised an eyebrow questioningly.

“There’s a couple places nearby,” Eugene grinned.

“I’ll mention it to Scotty,” McCoy said. “See what he thinks.”

“Great!” Eugene jotted something down and shoved it across to McCoy. “That’s me. If you come out and want to meet some people, just send me a message.”

“Sure,” McCoy said as he slipped the paper in his pocket to add to his comm later. “You get an answer for five yet?” he asked, looking towards Eugene’s work.

McCoy was stretched out on his back, head hanging off the side of the bed when the door to their dorm opened.

“What are ye doing?” Scotty laughed.

“Was reading homework and got bored.” McCoy tried to give a shrug, but upside down as he was the movement was awkward. “Though,” he said, sitting up and turning around, “I do think I’ve completely memorized the pilot’s console for a class F shuttle.”

“That’s wonderful!” Scotty said as he hung his uniform jacket on his desk chair. “Most other models have a similar set up. Ye’re going to do great!”

“Maybe,” McCoy said after Scotty sat down and hugged him. “Memorizing the layout is still different from having to use it.”

“True,” Scotty nodded thoughtfully. “But it’s still a good first step.”

“How was your day?” McCoy asked. He pulled Scotty backwards on the bed next to him.

“Interesting,” Scotty said as McCoy placed kisses around his face. “Aporal fought with Francis in self defense.”

“Oh?”

“Aye. He missed the lesson with me the other day, but he still knew more and blocked every attempt Francis made.” Scotty grinned. “It was quite a nice sight to see him on the ground.”

McCoy laughed. “He deserved it. Good for Aporal.”

“I wish I could understand him better though,” Scotty said quietly.

“I’m sure we’ll all know each other pretty well soon enough. All living here together and everything,” McCoy said. “Speaking of, what do you want to do tonight?”

“Hadn’t thought of it,” Scotty gave his head a shake. “Dinner, homework and then… I dinnae ken. Maybe ye,” he said with a sly grin.

“I like the sound of that,” McCoy replied, kissing Scotty again. “Someone from class invited us out if we want.”

“Oh? Who?”

“Eugene. I told you about him. He’s the one who doesn’t know who I am.”

“Where?”

“Somewhere close by he said,” McCoy shrugged. “Could be fun.”

“Why not?” Scotty agreed. “If we don’t like it we come home.”

“Hey!” a voice cried over the loud music pumping at the back of the bar. “You came!”

“Hey Eugene!” McCoy called back. “This is my husband, Scotty. Scotty, Eugene.”

“Nice to meet ye,” Scotty said, sticking his hand out. Eugene clasped it tightly.

“You too!” Eugene turned and introduced them both quickly to a small crowd of people. McCoy knew he’d never remember all the names.

“You’re that guy who gave the lecture in my class last week,” said a girl with dark hair.

McCoy saw Scotty flush at that.

“I learned more from you in one day than Madison so far,” the girl continued.

“Uh, thanks,” Scotty choked out.

“We’ll be back in a minute,” McCoy said, taking Scotty’s arm and gesturing with his head at the bar.

“Yeah, go for it,” Eugene told him.

“Drinking?” McCoy asked Scotty as they reached the bar.

“Aye,” Scotty said.

“Looks to be a fun night,” McCoy grinned and ordered for them.

Scotty

They had a drink and danced for a while with Eugene and his friends. It was really nice to socialize and party again. 

For one night, Scotty actually managed to forget all his worries and thoughts and just had fun. And he could see that Leonard felt the same way. 

When Scotty needed a short break and some fresh air, he briefly told Leonard and went outside to one of the many balconies the nightclub had. 

He closed his eyes with a smile and took a deep breath of the night air. 

"Hey, are you okay?"

The young Scotsman was surprised when he heard a voice behind him. It was the dark-haired girl from Madison's class. 

"Hey, uhm, Amy, right?" Scotty asked, not sure if he had remembered the name correctly. The girl giggled softly.

"Amber," she said and Scotty shook his head with an apologetic smile.

"Of course. Sorry." 

Amber waved it off and stood beside him, leaning on the railing.

"It's all right. Are you okay?" 

Scotty nodded slowly, leaning back.

"Aye, I just needed a bit of fresh air. Quite a lot going on in there."

"You can say that again. With so many new cadets who all want to have a bit of fun before the serious side of life starts." 

Yes... The first exams would be coming up soon and the students would be drowning in work. They had to make good use of the time that was left. 

"What are ye doing out here?"

Amber shrugged her shoulders.

"I saw you go out and thought I might as well take the opportunity to take a breather. After all, as a young girl, you don't like to go anywhere alone," she replied and Scotty nodded understandingly. 

"All ye had to do was say something and I would have gone out with ye earlier." 

Amber laughed softly. 

"That's really nice of you, Scotty. I'll keep it in mind."

She glanced over her shoulder. From where the two of them were standing, they could see the rest of their friends dancing.

"I can't believe Eugene still doesn't get it," she said, shaking her head, and Scotty looked at her questioningly. 

"What do ye mean?" 

"That your husband isn't just some normal boy?"

Scotty's mouth formed a soft 'oh' and he laughed. 

"So ye all know, but no one tells him?" 

Amber just smiled. 

"I think the prince is quite happy to be treated normally, don't you? Eugene's a perfect friend for him." 

Scotty nodded. 

"Aye. He likes to stay under the radar," he agreed. 

"You're really lucky, Scotty. You're smart, talented, and you've found a handsome prince to boot." 

Amber sounded almost wistful and Scotty guessed that she probably wished the same for herself. 

"Aye, well... I think everyone will find their prince or princess eventually, if that's what they want. Fate just takes more time sometimes."

Amber laughed and shook her head.

"You really are a dreamer, huh?"

Scotty returned the laugh softly.

"Of course I am. I never thought it would happen to me myself. But when the time was right, my destiny was fulfilled."

He put a hand on Amber's shoulder.

"And now let's go back inside. Maybe yer prince is already waiting in there somewhere." 

Together they moved back inside again and joined their friends.

McCoy

Something bright hit McCoy’s face and he gave a grunt of displeasure. Turning he pulled his pillow across his head.

His head.

Why was it pounding? Slowly, cautiously he lifted the pillow and cracked an eye open.

“Morning mo ghràdh,” Scotty said, sitting up next to him. He had pushed open the curtain, that was the bright light that had hit McCoy’s face.

“Gungh,” he managed and pulled the pillow back down. Scotty laughed behind him. “Too loud,” McCoy muttered, pulling the pillow tighter.

“Oh love,” Scotty said. His voice sounded sympathetic, but still amused. “That’s what ye get. Eugene’s probably hurting just as bad.”

McCoy frowned. Slowly memories surfaced from the previous evening. They had gone out. Eugene and his friends. Scotty dancing close to McCoy. He smiled at that. Drinks in his hand. Oh. There. He groaned under the pillow.

“Aye love. Maybe next time ye won’t be so eager to toast to ‘future CMOs.’”

Eugene had ordered the shots. McCoy had lifted the first one. There had been much laughing and arms around shoulders.

McCoy’s stomach turned and for a moment he worried he was going to have to get to the bathroom somehow. The thought of moving made his head pound again. He breathed slowly and the feeling passed.

“Was fun though, right?” he murmured from under the pillow.

“Oh aye, especially trying to keep ye quiet coming home.” Scotty’s voice was holding back laughs. “How do ye know so many Earth love songs from the 1980s?”

“No…” McCoy moaned, his face warming in embarrassment.

“Ye’ve got a lovely voice,” Scotty chuckled. He patted McCoy on the hip. “Come on mo ghràdh; we’ll get ye cleaned up, then get some food in ye. That’ll help make ye feel better.”

Scotty was persistent and within twenty minutes McCoy was showered and dressed and they were heading for the dining hall. Of course he had made Scotty shower with him to keep him safe from falling. McCoy had grinned and Scotty sighed dramatically.

“I’m your mad man,” McCoy had said before Scotty could say anything.

“Ye are,” Scotty had conceded as he pressed close to McCoy.

“Ye need more than just coffee,” Scotty protested as McCoy turned to look for a place to sit. “Here! Ye’re having toast at least!”

“Fine.” McCoy took the plate Scotty shoved at him and raised his coffee for another drink. Why didn’t he have sunglasses? The room was so bright.

“There’s Cora-lass,” Scotty said. “Come on.”

“Hi Scotty!” Cora said as she looked up and saw them joining her. “Hi— oh my! Are you ok Leonard?”

“He’s fine lassie,” Scotty said, waving the comment aside. “Maybe next time he’ll remember to take it easy on the shots.”

“Who did shots?!” Jim’s voice was loud as he came up next to them and McCoy cringed.

“Ashayam,” Spock said as he noticed McCoy’s movement.

“Bones is hungover?” Jim exclaimed.

“Shut up!” McCoy growled.

“You guys went out?” Jim looked at Scotty in surprise.

“Aye,” Scotty said. “With some of Len’s friends from medical.”

“Too loud,” McCoy muttered, lifting his coffee again.

Scotty pushed the plate of toast in front of him. “Eat.”

“Why didn’t you call us?” Jim asked. “Nevermind. It was med students. We should go out! You guys wanna go tonight?”

McCoy felt Scotty shrug.

“Good! It’s decided,” said Jim, already getting his comm out. He began to type away. “Cora I gotta get you in that text group,” Jim grinned, “but that includes you too for coming out.”

“Sounds fun,” she smiled.

“Shoot me,” McCoy grumbled.

Scotty

After breakfast, Leonard said that he wanted to go back to sleep in order to get ready for the upcoming evening. Scotty chuckled softly as he watched his love move slowly across the campus. 

"Ye sure ye can get there alone?" he called after him and Leonard just gave him a thumbs up. 

Scotty nodded to himself, before he headed off into a different direction. He wanted to take a look at the rooms that were always open for the students to work on their projects. 

Engineering, science, medical - these divisions each had their own area. Obviously Scotty headed straight towards the engineering area. 

He wasn't very surprised to find a familar Andorian in one of the rooms, working on something. 

Scotty watched for quite some time and he startled when the boy suddenly talked to him, without even turning around. 

"Why don't you come in, Scottish boy? Take a closer look at my project." 

Slowly, the Scotsman got into the room and walked over to the table where Aporal was standing. 

"Hey, sorry, I didn't mean to stare. What... are ye working on?" 

He eyed the project up and down, tilting his head to the side questioningly. 

"This, Scottish boy, is a device to improve the warp core's stabilization." 

At hearing that, Scotty raised an eyebrow, eying the device even closer. 

"Now that's interesting. Care to explain to me how it works?"

Aporal didn't seem too sure for a moment, but eventually he started talking. He showed Scotty the blueprints and what he had built so far. 

It really was a stunning project. And Scotty would have loved to have had the idea himself. 

"It's beautiful, lad. Just tell me if I can help ye in any way."

A frown crossed Aporal's face. His body stiffened. 

"Why would you help me?" 

Only a moment later a hand grabbed Scotty by his shirt and pulled him close. 

"Do you intend to steal my project?!" 

For a second, Scotty hardly recognized the Aporal he knew. His brown eyes were filled with rage and he bared his teeth. 

"N-nae, I'd never do that," Scotty quickly said, raising his hands in appeasement.  He hadn't meant to provoke the other boy. 

It didn't take long until realization washed over Aporal's face and he quickly let go of Scotty. His eyes widened, then he quickly grabbed his project.

"S-sorry, Scottish boy. I... I better head back to my room now." 

Aporal turned around, wanted to leave, but Scotty gently touched his arm. Concern was written all over his face. 

"A-are ye alright, laddie? What... what happened just now?"

Aporal opened his mouth for one second, then closed it again. He shook his head. 

"I've gotta go."

With that, he hurried out of the room and didn't even look back anymore, leaving behind an utterly confused young Scotsman.

Chapter Text

McCoy

McCoy curled on his side of the bed willing more sleep to come. Instead his mind drifted. Thankfully his head was no longer pounding and any feeling of sickness had dissipated, most likely due to the toast Scotty had forced on him and the bits and pieces of bacon he’d stolen off his husband’s plate. A faint smile pulled at McCoy’s mouth.

Realizing sleep was not going to find him again soon, McCoy rolled onto his back. He let his eyes wander around the room. It was pretty bare. Now that they were settled in, maybe they should get a few things. Pictures at least could be put up. McCoy grinned; maybe their own coffee machine. It could live on his desk.

Before his thoughts could go further his PADD chirped. McCoy pushed himself up to sitting and reached for it.

“Hello,” he greeted his sister.

“Whoa Lenny,” Leah smirked at him. “What happened to you?”

He rolled his eyes.

“What do you want?” he asked.

“Can’t I just call and say hello to my little brother?” Leah asked with fake innocence.

“Rolling my eyes at you hurts my head.”

“No really, what happened to you?”

“Nothing,” McCoy said and shut his mouth tightly.

“Hmm,” Leah said. “Robbie, sweetheart, what do you think is wrong with Lenny?” The PADD turned away from Leah and McCoy saw his brother in law move across the room towards the screen.

“Hi Leonard.” Robbie gave a brief wave of his hand.

“Hi Robbie.”

“Well?” Leah asked her boyfriend. Robbie shrugged and looked at Leah. “I think someone partied a bit too hard last night,” Leah grinned. “Bit hungover today?”

“Shut up,” McCoy snapped.

“How’s Scotty?” Leah asked.

“He’s fine.” McCoy answered the question more kindly since Robbie was watching. “He went to look around the engineering buildings or somewhere.”

“And how’s Spock? And Jim? And everyone?” Leah asked the question casually, but McCoy knew what she was asking. He hadn’t talked with his sister since he had called her asking to listen for news about Spock the previous weekend.

“Everyone’s good,” he said. “Doing good, all normal.” He gave Leah a knowing look.

McCoy spoke with Leah and Robbie for a while longer. When they finished, he lay back on the bed again. A bit of song went through his head and he recalled what Scotty had said that morning. McCoy’s face heated at the thought of others hearing him singing as he and Scotty walked home. He closed his eyes and tried to remember, but that part of the night was a blur.

Had Scotty been mad at him? Annoyed? He had seemed amused when he had mentioned it, but maybe that had just been a cover?

Maybe he could make it up to his husband. McCoy stretched for his PADD again and began to search.

He had just set the PADD aside, satisfied with his search and brief call, when Scotty walked in.

“Ye’re looking better,” Scotty said as the door closed behind him.

“Getting there,” McCoy agreed. “You ok?” Scotty’s eyes seemed worried.

“I ran into Aporal,” Scotty said slowly. “I just, I don’t know. One minute he’s friendly and the next he shoves ye away. I wish I knew what it was.”

McCoy moved over for Scotty to join him. The Scotsman kicked his shoes off, then laid down beside McCoy.

“He’s a good guy,” McCoy said. “Rough around the edges, but I’m sure he has his reasons. Just keep being you and you’ll win him over in no time.” He smiled.

“I hope so.”

They lay quietly, just enjoying the closeness.

“I made dinner reservations,” McCoy finally said, breaking the comfortable silence. “For before we go out with everyone.”

“Ye did?”

McCoy nodded. “I’m sorry if I was a pain in the ass getting home last night.”

Scotty laughed. “Oh no, I was quite entertained. Yer repertoire of songs was quite impressive. Maybe I should get Jim to make sure there’s karaoke wherever we go.”

“No!”

“I don’t know Len, yer voice is quite nice and I’m sure it’d only take a couple drinks to get ye up there.”

McCoy rolled onto his back and pulled a pillow over his face. He muttered something but it was lost in the pillow. Suddenly it was pulled away.

“Where are we going for dinner?” Scotty asked.

“A place over by the water. The reviews all said it’s the best.”

Scotty nodded happily.

“Then we’ve got plenty of time for a lazy afternoon,” he said with a soft smile.

“We do,” McCoy agreed. He smiled too before his mouth met Scotty’s and he was pulled close. 

Scotty

Scotty looked around curiously as Leonard and he entered the restaurant. It really was a beautiful place with lots of lights and a huge glass front with an aquarium behind it. 

"How did you manage to book a table here so spontaneously?" Scotty whispered, fascinated, and Leonard just grinned. 

"Well... being a prince has its advantages," he replied and it wasn't long before the couple was greeted by a gentleman who was probably the owner of the restaurant himself. 

"Your Highness and Mr. Scott-McCoy, what a pleasure and honor to welcome you both here." 

The man beamed across both cheeks as he shook hands with the boys. 

"Good evening, sir." 

"Hello."

"Please, follow me. I'll show you to your table," the restaurant owner quickly said and gestured for the couple to come with him. 

No sooner said than done.

A short time later, Leonard and Scotty were seated at a beautifully decorated table in a small, private corner of the restaurant. They had a great view of the sea and the beach from the window. The sun was already setting, sinking into the water.

"This place is just so gorgeous! I can believe that it has the best ratings."

If the food tasted as good as the restaurant looked, it would be perfect. Scotty was quite certain of that. 

"I was hoping you'd like it. After last week, you deserve a nice evening," Leonard said and he took Scotty's hand, stroking it gently with his thumb. 

The young Scotsman knew what he was talking about. The thing with Francis and the self-defense training was still in his bones. But he didn't want to think about it now. Instead, he smiled gently. 

"We both deserve it, mo ghràdh." 

Leonard hadn't had it easy either. His fear of flying had shown itself once again and it certainly wouldn't get any easier in the coming weeks. But somehow he would manage to cope with it. Just like Scotty would learn how to defend himself. 

"Well then," Leonard raised his glass of wine with a smile, "let's toast to a wonderful dinner."

A giggle escaped Scotty as he raised his own glass to toast.

"I thought ye didn't plan to drink tonight."

Leonard just shrugged his shoulders, a grin on his lips.

"I can't let you drink alone, can I? That wouldn't be very princely."

Scotty shook his head, smiling.

"Incorrigible." 

After a lovely dinner, the boys met up with the rest of their friends. 

"Ye all look so bonnie," Scotty complimented the girls as he pressed kisses to their cheeks. 

Everyone was dressed up quite well to go out. 

"We missed you at supper, guys!" Jim exclaimed, wrapping his arms around both Leonard and Scotty. 

"Well, I chose to take my husband out for dinner," the prince replied, reaching for Scotty's hand. 

"And it was way better than what they serve at the academy," Scotty added, placing his hand in his husband's. 

"Oh? You've gotta tell us everything about that place," Christine said with a grin. 

"Yeah, sure. But first. Let's get inside. I'm ready to party!"

As Jim lead the way into the club, the others followed slowly, hoping for a fun night.

McCoy

McCoy had lost track of his husband. The music was loud and he looked around with a grin. Christine had pulled Scotty along for a dance and McCoy had taken the opportunity to get a fresh drink. As he turned back from the bar he looked across towards the large table the group had taken over.

His head turned quickly as he thought he caught a glimpse of Scotty’s reddish hair, but it was just a pulse of light. McCoy shrugged and began to make his way back to the table.

Spock was the only person sitting when McCoy made it back.

“Jim isn’t making you dance?” McCoy asked loudly as he sat next to Spock.

“He needed the restroom,” Spock told him.

“Ah. Hey, so, uhh, everything’s alright now?” McCoy leaned in so he wouldn’t have to shout the question at the Vulcan. Even in the low light McCoy could see the hint of color climbing Spock’s face.

“Yes,” Spock said shortly.

“Is that something you’re going to have to deal with often?” McCoy asked.

“The normal cycle for a normal Vulcan is seven years,” Spock said quietly. “Being half Vulcan I am not sure how it will be for me.”

“Oh.” McCoy looked out at the people dancing and took a sip from his drink.

“Just Leonard!”

McCoy startled as Jaylah came from somewhere to his right. As McCoy looked at her he didn’t know what to make of the expression on her face.

“Hey Jaylah,” he greeted her carefully.

“You will dance with me now, and show Pavel how to not step on your partner’s toes.”

McCoy raised an eyebrow in amusement at Jaylah’s demanding tone.

“At least you were taught!” Jaylah continued.

“That’s not fair!” Chekov said next to her. “I said sorry!” He looked at McCoy and Spock. “It was only once!”

“Sounds like an accident Jaylah,” McCoy said. “I just got a new drink.” He lifted the glass up. “Ok, ok!” he said quickly as Jaylah began to glare. McCoy shook his head and laughed. “You know you can’t just boss me around.” He got to his feet.

“It’s not because I stepped on her toe,” Chekov grumbled. “She just wants to dance with a prince and show off.”

“Show off?” Spock asked.

“There’s a boy from class here.” Chekov pointed towards the crowd. “She wants to catch his eye and make him jealous.”

“Aww Jaylah,” McCoy grinned. “You should have just said so.” Jaylah’s face colored. “C’mon darlin’, I’ll help ya.”

“That—! It’s not—!”

“Let’s go,” McCoy said and pulled Jaylah along.

In the middle of the dancing crowd McCoy finally spotted Scotty and Christine. He waved when they looked and both grinned back. In another moment he was close to Jaylah.

“So where’s this guy?” he asked by her ear. Her color rose again.

“Pavel lies!” she spat out.

“I don’t know, you are blushing.”

“I’m not! It’s hot in here!”

McCoy just smiled.

“You having fun?”

McCoy had finally gotten back to Scotty’s side and they were holding each other close as they danced.

“Aye!”

“Whenever you want to head out, just say,” McCoy said.

“Did ye want to leave?” Scotty asked.

“Not yet,” McCoy shook his head. “Couple more songs and a last drink?”

“Sounds good. Are ye going to serenade me home again?”

McCoy rolled his eyes as he tried not to blush.

“I kept away from Jim and the shots tonight,” he said. “Maybe it’s your turn.” The prince grinned at his husband.

“No thanks!” Scotty laughed.

Scotty

They used the whole Sunday to regain their energy for the upcoming week. Two nights of partying had been really exhausting and Scotty was quite sure that they wouldn't do it again too soon. One night was enough. 

He was glad to spend the whole day with Leonard, just reading and relaxing and preparing for more information to hit them the following day. 

And that following day came way too fast. 

On the next morning, Scotty and Leonard sat in Madison's class once again. While the prince was chatting with Cora next to him, the young Scotsman saw Amber from afar and waved at her. She smiled and waved back. 

"She's really pretty, isn't she? But I thought you were married," a voice next to him joked and Scotty only rolled his eyes. 

"She's just a friend, Aporal. But if ye find her so pretty, why don't ye go talk to her?" Scotty asked, a grin on his lips. 

Aporal chuckled.

"Oh, Scottish boy. I'm not really the type for dating or relationships." 

At hearing that, Scotty tilted his head to the side questioningly. He raised one eyebrow.

"Oh? I thought the oh so great Aporal would love to be admired by the lasses." 

At that, the Andorian only smirked.

"Can't say that I don't. But that doesn't mean I want anyone at my side." 

Before Scotty could say anything else, Madison entered the auditorium and everyone fell silent. 

He sighed. Yet another round of boring lessons. 

"Well, ladies and gentlemen, I hope you all know what you learned so far. Today we are having a pop quiz." 

All the cadets exchanged surprised glances when they heard their instructor's words. 

It was the last class of the day, special class for engineering students, and no one would have expected a quiz already. 

Scotty looked at his friends who sat close by. 

Keenser kept a straight face while Jaylah's eyes widened in shock. She always worried far too much about these things. 

"Several questions will appear on your PADDs. You have twenty minutes to answer all of them. The cadet with the best and fastest performance will get to visit the newest ship of Starfleet no cadet has been to up until now." 

Surprise quickly turned into determination. Everyone wanted to win this prize! Scotty too, of course.

So when the questions started to appear, he quickly started to answer them. One after another. 

He knew everything. After all, he had known most of this stuff already before they had been accepted to the fleet. 

His fingers moved fast, but in the end it wasn't enough. 

"And the fastest cadet with the best results... is Mr. Kinnear. Congratulations!"

Scotty gritted his teeth in disappointment. Why did it have to be that bastard? Why not him or his friends or-

His heart sank as he watched Aporal standing up from his seat. The Andorian's eyes were wide and he stared at the PADD in front of him. Slowly, tears started running down his cheeks and only a moment later, he rushed out of the classroom. 

Whispers started to fill the room. Some people looked surprised, others laughed.

And Scotty? He quickly got up, ignoring everyone else. He needed to check on Aporal. As fast as possible!

McCoy

McCoy walked across campus in the afternoon sun. It was warm and the usual breeze that blew across campus from the ocean had stilled. It was almost hot and for a moment McCoy was home on Georgiares. He smiled.

In his pocket his comm chirped. He pulled it out, wondering who it would be. A message. Scotty said he was going to be late from classes dealing with an engineering issue. McCoy wondered how long that would take.

Sweat began to slide down his neck. Why the uniforms had to be so warm… Though in a few months he’d probably be freezing. McCoy wondered what winter in San Francisco would be like. He decided to look it up later. If he needed a heavier winter coat he wanted to be prepared.

He laughed out loud. In the late summer afternoon heat and he was thinking about being too cold.

“Leonard!”

McCoy turned and saw Eugene coming towards him.

“Hey,” McCoy greeted him.

“Hey I was going to ask, but you left too quick,” Eugene began when he caught up, “do you maybe want to study together sometime this week?”

Their instructor had announced their first exam would be Friday. McCoy was feeling confident in the class, finally having caught up on his reading after the first week when he had let it slide to help Scotty.

“Yeah, that sounds good ,” he replied. “Just let me know when.”

“Cool,” Eugene grinned. “Where you headed now?”

McCoy shrugged. “Was heading back to our room. Scotty’s got a project or something, so I don’t know. I might go over and check out the gym. I haven’t been for a swim for a few weeks.”

“Oh nice. You do laps or something?”

“Yeah. Grew up racing my sister.”

“Who’s faster?” Eugene laughed.

“She is, but I won’t admit that to her,” McCoy grinned. “Do you swim? Want to join me?”

“Oh. Well, I mean I learned how,” Eugene said. “But I’ve never just swam laps. Going to a pool was always more for playing.”

“If you want to join me, feel free. And if not, I understand. I’m in here.” McCoy gestured at the building they had stopped next too.

“I’m D6,” Eugene said. “I’ll think about it though. Might be something different to try.”

They parted and soon McCoy dropped his things on his desk in their room. He shucked his jacket off quickly and breathed a sigh of relief at the drop in temperature. Quickly he changed into some workout gear and left the room after leaving a message for Scotty.

The smell of chlorine was familiar as McCoy entered the pool hall. It wasn’t bright like the pool at home, but it was bigger than at school.

McCoy found a chair and kicked his shoes off under it. Then he pulled his shirt off and dropped it on the chair. A couple others were swimming and McCoy chose an empty lane away from them. Getting himself ready, he took a deep breath before diving in.

The water was cool against his skin, but still warmer than school. Bubbles rushed past and after a moment he broke the surface and turned his head for a breath. Something inside him settled into place, and though his muscles were working, he relaxed.

Down and back, and then again. Something caught his eye as he got ready to dive and turn, so instead he grabbed at the edge and stopped.

“Decided to come, huh?” He grinned up at Eugene on the pool deck.

“You’re really fast,” Eugene said, impressed.

“Well, like I said, we grew up in the water.” McCoy smiled.

“I- I don’t actually know what to do,” Eugene admitted sheepishly.

“Oh, well, you can dive in and go, or you can just climb in and start in here.”

Eugene nodded then crouched down to sit on the edge and push himself in.

“I can stay close if you’re nervous,” McCoy offered.

“Oh, you don’t have to slow down just for me,” Eugene said quickly. “I’m fine in here. Like I said, not really a lap person.”

“I like it,” McCoy told him. “Swimming always helps me calm my thoughts.”

Eugene nodded. “Did you learn at a club or something?”

“No, we have a pool. My friend Spock, his mom taught us all.”

“That must be nice, just be able to go whenever you want.”

“Especially when I couldn’t sleep,” McCoy laughed.

“Go on,” Eugene said. “I want to see how many laps you can do in the time it takes me to do one.”

McCoy laughed again. “Alright.” He pulled his body close to the edge again, placed his feet on the wall and gave himself a strong push, gliding through the water before he began to pull with his arms.

Scotty

He only just saw Aporal disappear into a nearby storeroom before the door closed. Scotty ran over as fast as he could and just before the automatic door could be locked from the inside, it opened once more for the young Scotsman. 

"Aporal, wait! Please!"

As much as he would have loved to just run into the room, he didn't want to rush Aporal. Instead, he waited for the Andorian's cautious nod and then entered.

The door closed with a hiss and Aporal typed something on the screen next to the door so that it locked. 

Then he just stood there for a moment, leaning his head against the door. Scotty saw more and more tears streaming down his blue cheeks and he tentatively put a hand on Aporal's shoulder. 

What was going on? It had only been a wee pop quiz. Of course it would have been nice to win, but it wasn't the end of the world. 

Aporal flinched briefly at the touch, but eventually he sank to the ground beside the door, pulling his knees close to his chest.

"I... I failed." 

It was no more than a whisper that came from the Andorian's throat and Scotty sat down next to him. 

"That... that's not so bad. Next time-"

Scotty was startled when Aporal looked at him with wide, angry eyes. 

"There won't be a next time! Do you understand? I-I- I must be the best! Always! Otherwise..."

The Andorian's features slipped and only a moment later he buried his face in his hands. His shoulders trembled. 

"Aporal..."

Slowly, Scotty put an arm around the other's shoulder and pulled him closer to him. 

"Shhh, it's okay. Everything's fine." 

Whatever had caused Aporal's reaction, he needed to understand that it couldn't hurt him here and now. 

It took a while for the Andorian to calm down. Enough time for Scotty to send a quick message to Leonard, saying that he couldn't come to their room just yet. 

As Aporal wiped away the last of his tears with the sleeve of his uniform, Scotty looked at him questioningly. 

"Will ye tell me... what happened?" 

For a while, Aporal just stared at him, but finally he began to speak.

"I-I had just turned eighteen when... when this strange species showed up in my hometown. They... they kidnapped several boys and girls who were the same age as me."

Scotty swallowed hard. He tried his best not to think about his own abduction. This wasn't about him now, it was about Aporal.

"These beings... held us captive on a ship. They... trained us. We had to solve tasks day after day and get better and smarter. If you weren't good enough at the end of the week..." 

Aporal squinted at the memory.

"I watched them die, Scottish boy. Every single one of them. Either they were killed by the creatures or... they killed each other to eliminate competitors. That's why... I became the best. The smartest, the strongest..."

It broke Scotty's heart to hear this story. He carefully pulled Aporal even closer to him, stroking his back reassuringly.

"When the last five of us were rescued, I swore to myself that I would always be the best. I swore to myself that I would join Starfleet and find the home planet of these beings." 

Aporal's hand formed into a fist. 

"I will destroy them for what they have done to me and the others." 

Scotty didn't know what to say. How terrible it must have been for Aporal.

The young man he had always thought to be selfish and conceited was just as broken inside as he himself was. 

"We... we will find them, Aporal. When we eventually finish our training, we'll find them and bring them to justice."

Aporal's eyes widened in surprise as he looked to Scotty.

"W-we?"

"Of course! I will help ye. And... the rest of my friends too, if that's what ye want. Aporal... ye're not alone. Never." 

Aporal didn't seem to know what to say. He simply leaned against Scotty and allowed him to hug him. 

"We'll work this out. I promise ye that."

McCoy

McCoy breathed deep as he crossed campus back to their room. The swim had settled him. He wondered if Scotty had returned yet and if he wanted to head for dinner early. McCoy smiled to himself; the workout had made him hungry.

Their room was empty when he entered, and McCoy gave a quick frown before checking his comm and PADD. No more messages from Scotty yet. Well, he could start on some homework. He ducked into the bathroom and ran a comb through his hair. He had showered off at the pool but his hair was still drying.

Thirty minutes went by as he read and he still hadn't heard from Scotty. Marking his place, McCoy picked up his comm and sent a quick message. He’d give Scotty a little more time before he headed for the dining hall alone. His stomach grumbled in protest.

McCoy walked to the dining hall alone. Whatever Scotty was busy with must be important; he hadn’t heard anything from his husband since the first message.

He looked around after getting some food. It was early and not many people were eating. McCoy made his way to where the group of friends usually sat. No one gave him a second glance as he walked and he felt a deep happiness at that. He was just another cadet having dinner.

McCoy wondered as he sat, how long it would be before Eugene realized he was a prince. Would it be worth it to drop little hints? McCoy gave a snort of laughter. Scotty had told him how even Eugene’s friends found it amusing.

“Hey Bones!”

McCoy looked up to see Jim and Spock moving towards him.

“Hey guys.”

“Hello Leonard.”

McCoy hid a smile at the hesitation he heard in Spock’s voice as he used his name.

“Where’s Scotty?” Jim asked as they sat. He turned his head to look back behind them. “Thought you were joined at the hip.” Jim grinned at him.

“He’s working on something,” McCoy shrugged. “Haven’t seen him since lunch. How was your day?”

“Alright,” Jim said. He looked around them before leaning closer. They had all learned from Scotty’s experience to keep their complaints quiet. “Diplomacy is a joke. Where do they find some of these instructors?” Jim shook his head.

“The science labs are exceptional,” Spock said.

“Yeah, that’s true,” Jim agreed. “What about you?” he asked McCoy.

“Good. Have an exam on Friday. Went for a swim.”

“How is the pool here?” Spock asked.

“Not home,” McCoy said with a knowing look. “But nice. Good temperature, not crowded.”

Spock nodded his acknowledgment and they continued eating.

They were halfway through the meal when Keenser sat down next to McCoy.

“Hi.”

The three boys greeted the smaller alien.

“How was your day?” Jim asked.

“Ok,” replied Keenser.

“What’s Scotty working on?” McCoy asked. He frowned as Keenser turned to look at him and shook his head.

“With Aporal.”

“They’re working together on something? What is it?” McCoy asked curiously.

“No project. Had a quiz. Aporal left upset.”

“Oh.”

“I’m sure whatever is wrong Scotty will make him feel better,” Spock said. “He seems to have a knack for that.”

“Well we’ll find out soon enough,” Jim said. He pointed across the room. “They just walked in.”

McCoy followed Jim’s finger and sure enough, his husband had entered the dining hall with the Andorian beside him. He wondered if Aporal would join them. That would be interesting.

Scotty

Aporal and him had continued to talk for what seemed like hours and when they eventually left the storeroom and headed towards the dining hall, the Andorian seemed quite calm again. 

Of course, they passed by some of their classmates on the way, but even as they started to whisper, Aporal held his head up high. He would definitely handle the blasphemy way better than Scotty ever could. 

Once they reached the dining hall, Scotty quickly caught a glimpse of Leonard and the others. They were sitting at the usual table, Jim pointing over at them. 

Scotty felt Aporal tense next to him. Even though he had allowed the Scotsman to talk to Leonard about what he had told him, he apparently still wasn't sure what to think about the rest of their friends. 

"Will ye sit down with us?" Scotty quietly asked, gently grabbing the Andorian's arm. "Only if ye want to, of course." 

Aporal shrugged his shoulders. 

"I... suppose it's the least I can do after you stayed with me that long. After all, you apparently want to have me close by, Scottish boy." 

A soft smile crossed Scotty's lips. Aporal was trying his best to get back to being his normal self. 

"Aye. That's right." 

Slowly, the two of them walked over to the table and Scotty looked at his friends, then at the young man next to him and back again. 

"Hey there, lads. Aporal can sit down with us, right?" 

Jim exchanged a glance with Leonard and Spock, before he shrugged his shoulders.

"Sure, why not?" 

"I see no problem with that," Spock agreed while Keenser simply nodded. 

Leonard had a smile on his face as he moved aside and allowed for Scotty and Aporal to sit down next to him. 

He gently bumped his knee against Scotty's, asking if everything was alright, and the Scotsman gave him a small nod. 

"So, you're Aporal, aren't you? Heard a lot about you. And your big ego," Jim said with a grin on his face and offered the Andorian a hand. 

Scotty rolled his eyes. 

"Jim!" he scolded his blond friend who only grinned brighter. 

"Oh, don't worry, it's fine, Scottish boy. After all, who hasn't heard of the greatest engineering cadet?" Aporal answered, his face mirroring Jim's grin. 

Aye, he really was getting back to being himself.

After dinner, Scotty and Leonard quickly headed to their room. It was quite obvious to see that the prince really urged to know what had happened. 

Their other friends had joined them one after another and no one had said anything about Aporal's presence. Everyone was friendly, just like Scotty had expected them to be. 

As soon as they stepped through the door, Scotty let out a heavy sigh and threw his bag into the next best corner. What a day it had been. 

Leonard quickly pulled him into a hug. 

"Wanna tell me about it?" 

Scotty nodded against his shoulder, then pulled him over to the bed where they sat down together. 

"Did Keenser say anything?" 

He had been with them after all, knowing about Aporal's reaction. 

"Not much. Only that there was a quiz or something like that? Aporal left?"

Scotty swallowed, remembering everything the Andorian had told him. 

"It's... a long story."

And so he started to talk.

McCoy

“Did- did he get help?” McCoy asked in a shaky voice. Scotty had just finished telling him Aporal’s story. “We saw Dr. Hudson. Aporal and the other survivors had to have had help when they returned. Someone to work through that trauma with.”

“I think so,” Scotty said as he snuggled in closer to McCoy’s side. They were sitting together, leaning against the headboard. “But even with Dr. Hudson we’ve still struggled at times.” Scotty was quiet for a moment and McCoy could almost hear his husband thinking about the incident the previous week in self defense class.

“And Aporal went through a much longer abduction than us.”

“How could the Federation not have found these beings? Aporal was rescued; didn’t they interrogate his captors?”

“I don’t know love,” Scotty said. “Even if they had, do ye think they’d have told him? Maybe the captors were killed in the rescue.” Scotty shrugged. “Aporal didn’t say.”

McCoy nodded as he let out a sigh.

“What a terrible thing,” he whispered.

“We’ll help.”

“Of course we will!” McCoy agreed. “I can’t begin to imagine,” he said in a whisper. “What we went through… to picture it going on for months…”

“He’s a strong lad- at least he puts up a strong front- but he needs us.”

“We’ll be there.”

McCoy woke up with a gasp. The room was dark around him. Confused for only a moment, he remembered vividly the colors of his nightmare and reached hurriedly for Scotty. One piece, Scotty was in one piece, and a sob of relief escaped the prince.

“Len?” Scotty murmured sleepily.

“Sorry,” McCoy whispered. “Go back to sleep.” He breathed deeply to settle his racing heart.

“What…?”

“A bad dream. I had a bad dream. I’m sorry I woke you.”

“S’alright,” Scotty said as he put an arm over McCoy and pulled him closer. “I’ve got ye.”

Comfort flowed over McCoy and he tucked his head down by Scotty’s chest. He could hear his husband’s heart and feel his breathing. Aporal’s story must have dug up McCoy’s own memories and he grimaced at the thought.

Morning came quickly and McCoy yawned as they walked to breakfast.

“Are ye alright?” Scotty asked.

“Hmm?”

“After waking up last night. Yer bad dream. Was it about- about the Romulans?”

“Oh. Yeah. I don’t remember much, just being very scared for you,” McCoy said. He could see their friends already sitting as they got their breakfast. He smiled tightly as Scotty squeezed his hand.

Plates full, they began to move across the hall.

“Oh.”

“What leannan?”

Scotty had stopped walking and was looking towards a table away from where they were heading.

“Aporal. He’s alone again,” Scotty said. McCoy could hear his frown.

“Maybe he wasn’t comfortable with our friends without you,” McCoy offered.

“Maybe,” Scotty said thoughtlessly. “I’m going over,” he said decisively.

“I’ll come too,” McCoy said. “He’s going to have to get used to us somehow.” He grinned and they changed directions.

Scotty

Aporal looked quite surprised when Scotty and Leonard sat down across from him. He raised an eyebrow at them questioningly. 

"Good morning, laddie."

"Good morning." 

A weak chuckle left the Andorian's mouth when the boys both greeted him at the same time. 

"Uhm... good morning, Scottish boy. Prince."

"Leonard," Scotty's husband corrected the other boy, knowing fully well that Aporal would never use his name though. It was a nickname that would stick with him for eternity. Like Jaylah's Just Leonard. 

"Can I... help you with something?" 

Aporal looked from one boy to the other. He wasn't used to others sitting down with him. 

"Nae, not really. We just saw ye all by yerself and wanted to join ye," Scotty returned with a shrug of his shoulders and his counterpart sighed, before he took a sip of his coffee. 

"So you really are serious about this whole friendship-deal, huh?" 

Scotty nodded vigorously.

"Aye! Of course! Why wouldn't we?" 

A crooked smile formed on Aporal's lips. 

"I didn't exactly have any friends after..." He stopped himself and glanced at the ground. He didn't want to talk about it again, even though he probably knew that Leonard knew about it. 

"Then I guess it's time for you to make some. And trust me when I say that that crew over there is the best," Leonard said, nodding his head at the table where their friends were sitting. 

Scotty couldn't help but smile. Leonard was speaking from his own experiences. He had been welcomed into their little group quite quickly, after all. 

"They don't judge you for anything. They accept you for the person you are. And they save your ass whenever it needs to be saved." 

"They really are the best," Scotty agreed with his husband and Aporal seemed to think about their words for a moment. 

"And what if they don't have good intentions? What if they'll stab you in the back once you aren't careful enough?" 

Scotty sighed. How often had Aporal been betrayed by others? His trust issues appeared to be very big. 

"Listen, I know these lads and lasses for years. And I trust them with all my life. They never let me down. Never!"

All their friends were good people. Aporal just had to get to know them better.

"Just... come and sit with us from time to time and see who they are?" Scotty suggested, hope filling his voice. 

"I'll think about it," Aporal replied, before he finished his breakfast and got up. 

"I've gotta go now."

Tray in his hand, he started to walk away, however, he stopped after a few steps and turned back to look over his shoulder. 

"Uhm... thanks for sitting down me. I... appreciate it." 

Without another word, he quickly headed off, leaving behind the Scott-McCoy couple.

"Don't worry, leannan. We'll break through that hard shell of his soon enough," Leonard assured his husband with a smile, squeezing his hand. 

Scotty only nodded. 

"Aye... I hope so."

Chapter Text

McCoy

“How about Thursday? After class?”

McCoy looked over at Eugene.

“For studying?” he asked. “Sure. Where?”

“The library has lots of private study spaces. Though the dorms do too, and we can have snacks there.” Eugene grinned.

“You sold me on that,” McCoy chuckled. “Yours or mine?”

“Sounds like we’re setting up a date,” Eugene laughed.

“Guess we’ll see how the studying goes,” McCoy replied as he raised his eyebrows up and down. Eugene laughed again.

“Should I remind you you’re married?”

“He’s just as bad as me,” McCoy grinned. “Though he’d probably call me a mad man and say I was being incorrigible.”

Eugene smiled. “How did you two meet? A Scotsman and an American?”

McCoy frowned gently, and gave a quick chuckle. “I’m not from here,” he told Eugene. “And we met at school.”

“Oh you aren’t? Guess I just assumed… Where are you from?”

McCoy held back a snort of laughter, but smiled in amusement.

“You heard of the planet Georgiares II? That’s my home.”

Eugene’s brow furrowed in thought.

“I think so. I think I’ve heard it on the news before. Something about a kingdom or leadership change?” He shrugged. “I don’t know. I don’t really pay attention to that much outside the solar system.”

“So how about your dorm? It’s closer after class,” McCoy said.

“Sure. I’m on the third floor.”

“Rec and study rooms on the second?”

“Yep. I’ll put a request in for one of them and let you know which.”

“Good plan,” McCoy said. He gathered his things on the table. “Guess we should get going. We’re the last ones.”

“Right.” Eugene grabbed his own things and they walked out of the room. “I’ll see ya later.”

“See ya.” The two parted and began walking in opposite directions. When he knew for certain Eugene was out of earshot McCoy finally let out a laugh. How could the other boy be so clueless about who he had befriended. McCoy could only wonder if Eugene would ever realize.

He was leaning back in his desk chair when Scotty entered the room.

“Hey darlin’!”

“Hi mo ghràdh,” Scotty said. He dropped his stuff on his desk, then flopped on his back on the bed.

“Alright?” McCoy asked, turning his chair to face Scotty.

“Aye,” Scotty nodded. “Just got assigned a big project that’s due next week. It’s a group thing and it was a wee battle to get Aporal to join Jaylah and Keens and me.”

“Jaylah and Keenser ok with that?”

“Of course, aye. They know he’s a smart lad even if his personality is a bit much.”

“He’s got his reasons,” McCoy said quietly.

Scotty sighed sadly. “He does. I hope we can help.”

“We will. You already are.” McCoy stood up and crossed over to the bed. He sat, then stretched out next to Scotty. “You got homework to start or want to just relax for a bit first?”

“Relax first,” Scotty said. He moved to give McCoy a kiss.

McCoy rested his forehead against Scotty’s as the kiss ended. He reached up and undid the collar of Scotty’s jacket.

“Get comfortable at least,” he smiled. Scotty nodded gratefully and McCoy pulled him closer to snuggle. “Wait until I tell you about Eugene,” he laughed.

Scotty

On Thursday after classes, Scotty was alone in their room. Leonard had headed straight towards Eugene's dorm to study with him for their upcoming exam. 

Which left enough time for him to do his homework. Unfortunately though it didn't take him too long and soon enough he was bored as hell. 

His eyes wandered around the room. He could read a book. Or listen to some music. Or maybe he should try and call Robbie, ask him how he was. 

Aye, that was a good plan. 

It didn't take long until the call was answered, however, Scotty was quite surprised to see his sister-in-law instead of his brother. 

"Leah, hey there, lass," Scotty greeted the princess with a smile on his face and she returned it. 

"Hey Scotty. How are you?" 

"Oh, I'm fine. And ye?"

"Same. Just a lot of diplomatic studies going on at the moment. Father and Dr. Boyce are giving me lectures from morning to evening. I'm grateful for every break I can get," Leah returned with a sigh. 

Scotty nodded in understanding, before he frowned.

"Uhm... is there a reason why ye are answering Robbie's PADD?" 

Leah chuckled softly and rolled her eyes. 

"That clumsy boy actually managed to forget it at our room after lunch break. On a Thursday. Where he's at the university until 7 pm." 

Scotty laughed out loud. That sounded very much like his wee brother. 

"Hope he doesn't need it."

"Nah, they have PADDs there too, don't worry," Leah answered, waving it off. 

"That's good. How is everyone at the palace?" 

Leah told him that everyone was fine and that her and Robbie planned on visiting Scotland soon. The princess hadn't been there yet. 

"That sounds nice. Bet mum will love to have a lass over. Living with three lads was always quite exhausting, after all." 

Poor Francine hadn't had an easy time with her boys. But she had never complained.

"I can believe that. I'm looking forward to seeing your hometown. Robbie told me a lot about it."

They talked about Scotland and Aberdeen for some time until suddenly someone rang at Scotty's door. 

The Scotsman looked over his shoulder in surprise, then turned back to face Leah.

"Uhm, I think I better answer that. Say hi to Robbie for me when he gets back, will ye?"

Leah nodded, then waved her hand. 

"Sure thing. And you say hi to my lovely little brother. Bye." 

They ended the call and Scotty got up and walked over to the door to open it.

He was surprised to see Jim standing in front of it. The boy's eyes were wide. 

"Jimbo? What's wrong?" Scotty asked, worry filling his heart. "Is something wrong with Spock again?"

His blond friend only shook his head and stepped inside the room. 

"No, no. Not Spock. Didn't you hear the news?"

Scotty only raised his eyebrow in confusion.

"Nae, what news?"

"The crew of the USS Hammersley is going to visit our academy!"

Scotty frowned. That sounded like a great opportunity to talk to some officers.

"The Hammersley? But-"

"Sam is currently serving there!"

Scotty's mouth formed a silent 'oh my' and he quickly closed the door. 

That was something they needed to talk about.

McCoy

McCoy entered dorm building D6 and smiled. It was exactly the same as his own dorm building.

“Come on. We’ll take the stairs,” Eugene said and began to lead the way.

McCoy followed and soon they were settled in a small room. A couch sat on the far wall while a large table took up most of the room. A small window above the couch gave some natural light.

McCoy dropped his things on the table and went to look out the window.

“Better view than our room,” he said idly. He unhooked his collar and began to take off his jacket. “You don’t mind?” he asked Eugene as he turned around.

“Not at all,” Eugene laughed. “I feel half choked by the end of the day.” He began to remove his own and drape it on a chair. “It’ll be nicer in a year or two when we start classes over in the hospital. Then we’ll at least get to wear scrubs while there.”

“Something to look forward to,” McCoy said as he sat across from Eugene. “I, uhh, I took the liberty of making an outline.” He glanced up nervously from his PADD.

“You did?” Eugene looked surprised.

McCoy nodded. “Just an old habit.”

“Your habit is making outlines for studying?” Eugene asked, amused.

“Yeah. Dr. Boyce taught it to me when I was younger and it’s how I’ve studied ever since.” McCoy knew his face had begun to flush.

“Who’s Dr. Boyce?” Eugene asked. He passed his PADD over so that McCoy could send him the outline.

“He was my teacher until I got sent away to school.”

“Got sent away?” Eugene frowned.

“I mouthed off to the wrong minister and my parents decided I needed better social skills.” McCoy’s face had heated and he kept his eyes down. “So they sent me off and, well, I ended up meeting Scotty and a whole lot of really good friends, so it was for the best.”

“Did your social skills improve?”

McCoy looked up and grinned. “Not in the slightest.”

Eugene laughed and grabbed his PADD as McCoy slid it back.

“Did they let you back in the church?”

“What?” McCoy looked up in confusion.

“After you mouthed off to the minister, did they let you back in church?”

McCoy chuckled and shook his head. “No. A foreign minister. A government official.”

Eugene’s eyes opened wide and his mouth hung open. “Oh,” he said slowly. “You mouthed off to a government official? How? Are your parents politicians or diplomats or something?”

“Huh. Yeah, I guess you could say they are.” McCoy frowned as he thought about it. Maybe it was time to tell Eugene who he really was…

But on the other hand, McCoy was really enjoying the anonymity with the other boy.

“Wow, this is really extensive,” Eugene said as he looked up from his PADD at McCoy. “We’re gonna ace this test. I’m studying with you every time!”

McCoy didn’t feel like another fact would stick in his brain by the time dinner came. He had waited for Eugene to run his things to his room before they had walked to the dining hall together.

“Maybe we should go out again after we get the best test scores,” Eugene said as they walked. “Though the way I was hungover, maybe not.” He laughed and McCoy joined him.

“We went out again the next night too,” he said.

“Oh man! You did?”

“Yeah, our friend Jim found out we went and insisted our whole group go. We had a good time. Kept the drinks reasonable.”

“Smart thinking.”

“Scotty and I went to dinner first. That probably helped.”

“Where’d you go? I haven’t been to too many places yet,” Eugene said.

“Delancey’s. It’s over by the water, but it’s, uhh, it’s a bit pricey,” McCoy admitted.

“Ok. So make sure I really want the date to go well,” Eugene grinned.

McCoy just nodded and held the door to the dining hall open. He glanced to where his friends normally sat and was pleased to see a familiar blue face next to his husband.

“You want to join us?” McCoy asked.

“Oh, umm, maybe next time.” Eugene waved back at someone who was waving at him. “Haven’t seen my friends all day.”

“No worries,” McCoy said. “I get it.”

“Thanks for the studying,” Eugene said as they dished up.

“Thanks for asking,” McCoy replied. “Guess I’ll see ya tomorrow.”

He parted ways with Eugene and made for his friends. Scotty’s face lit up when he saw McCoy coming towards them and McCoy’s heart beat just a bit faster at that.

Scotty

Jim sat down on one of the desk chairs with a groan and buried his face in his hands. 

Scotty could see how much the thing with the visit was bothering him. Mainly because his big brother was part of the crew. 

Sam Kirk, who had run away from home. 

Sam Kirk, who hadn't even contacted his little brother. 

Sam Kirk, who Jim didn't like to talk about because he loathed him for his decisions. 

"Why does it have to be this ship! Why does my oh-so-great brother have to come here? I already know that I won't be able to control myself as soon as I see him!" 

Scotty sat down on the free chair and then rolled over to Jim, carefully placing a hand on the blond's shoulder. 

"Hey, look at me, Jimbo."

Jim didn't listen at first and only when Scotty asked him to look at him once more did he drop his hands in his lap.

"We'll sort it out. Everyone knows about yer brother-"

"But only Christine and you know how much I hate him!"

"That doesn't matter. All that matters is that we'll keep ye and Sam apart. I promise ye I'll be by your side the whole day, okay?" 

Scotty squeezed Jim's shoulder confidently. 

"And as soon as I realize the situation is escalating, I'll get ye as far away from Sam as possible," he promised. 

Jim put on a wry smile. 

"As if you wouldn't want to beat him up yourself, just to protect me." 

Scotty laughed. Everyone knew that the young Scotsman could get angry from time to time. Especially when it came to the people he loved. 

"That's why I'll get ye away. So that I'm out of reach too," he said with a grin. 

Jim smiled for a moment before it faded.

"Does Bones know about Sam? Have you told him about him?"

Scotty shook his head. He knew it was all very personal for Jim and that he preferred not to talk about it. 

"He only knows about Frank, but that's no secret. After all, he met that bastard himself," Scotty replied with a frown. 

Jim nodded. 

"You can tell him about Sam. Maybe he'll manage to keep a cool head."

At these words, Scotty just snorted and raised his eyebrows. 

"Len? The same Len who was sent to our boarding school because of his lack of social skills? I dare to doubt it."

Jim chuckled too.

"Yeah, okay, point taken. 

"Still... you can tell him. I don't mind."

Scotty patted Jim's shoulder, then got up from where he was sitting. 

"Alright, I'll remember that. Now, let's grab something to eat. After all, food always helps us calm down."

Jim sighed, before he put on a smile and grabbed Scotty's hand. 

"Thanks, Scotty." 

When they entered the dining hall, Scotty saw Aporal sitting all alone once again. He let out a heavy sigh and walked over to him. 

"Come sit with us?" Scotty nodded his head at the table Jim sat down at. 

Aporal looked up at Scotty before he glanced over at the table, then shrugged his shoulders. 

"Sure. Why not?" 

He got to his feet and grabbed his tray. 

A bright smile crossed Scotty's face as the two of them walked over to Jim and sat down with him. And his smile widened even more when he soon enough saw Leonard and Eugene entering the hall.

McCoy

“How was studying?” Scotty asked as they walked across campus after dinner. The sun was low and the air was still warm. McCoy’s fingers were warm too, wrapped around Scotty’s.

“Good. The test is going to be a breeze.” McCoy smiled. “Straight back or want to walk a bit first?”

“A walk is nice. Maybe we’ll find a place to hide away somewhere.” Scotty bumped his shoulder against McCoy’s. “Too bad there isn’t a lake.”

“No hills on campus to be pulled down either,” McCoy joked. He leaned into Scotty for a moment. “Is Jim alright?” he asked after another few minutes of walking in silence. “He seemed a bit distracted at dinner.”

“Oh,” Scotty said. “Did ye hear about the Hammersley coming in tomorrow evening?”

“No,” McCoy shook his head. “That a ship?”

“Aye. And the officers will be on campus for cadets to talk with.”

“Well that’s nice.”

“So,” Scotty said slowly. “It’s the ship Jim’s brother is assigned to.”

McCoy stopped walking. “His brother?” he asked in confusion. “Jim doesn’t have—” He stopped. The Kelvin history came to his mind. “George Kirk,” he began, “husband of Winona, father of Jim, who was born as the ship went down…”

“And Sam who was a wee lad at home,” Scotty finished. “Named for George, but called by his middle name. Aye.”

“Jim never talks about him,” McCoy stated. “I’ve never even thought about him having a brother.”

Scotty tugged his hand and they began to walk again.

“Jim has some very… strong feelings about Sam. He…, well, he…, Jim’s idea to run away wasn’t quite original,” Scotty finally got out.

“What?”

Scotty sighed. “Before Jim got his scholarship, he and Sam both lived at home with Frank. And well, Frank is Frank. Sam couldn’t stand it anymore and, well, he left. Leaving Jim behind.”

“Oh.”

“Just a wee lad left with that bastard. Rarely a word from Winona and never from Sam. He’s never forgiven Sam for leaving him with Frank.” Scotty was quiet as he spoke. “He got the scholarship a few years later and Pike looked out for him as best he could. He had served with George and Winona after all.”

“And now Jim is worried about running into his brother while the Hammersley is here.”

“Aye. He’s afraid he won’t be able to control himself around Sam. A cadet going after an officer, ye know how bad that would be.”

“And no one like Pike to mitigate the damage,” McCoy said quietly.

“I told the lad I’d watch out with him. Keep him from doing anything daft.”

“We all will,” McCoy said decidely. They walked along in silence again. “We probably should get back. I have a test and time in the simulator tomorrow.”

“How’d ye do in it today?” Scotty asked with sudden concern as they turned to head for their dorm.

A small shiver went through McCoy’s shoulders.

“Jaylah took the first turn today. Then Uhura. They both did great.”

“And ye love?”

McCoy let out a long sigh. “I froze. I knew where everything was, but…”

“Oh mo ghràdh…”

“The instructor thought I hadn’t studied and- and I let him think that. I got marked down.” McCoy’s head dropped toward his chest. “I don’t know how I’m going to get through it.”

“I’ll help ye! And so will the girls!” Scotty said firmly. “Come on, we’ll get home and I’ll help ye relax.”

McCoy sat in the simulator the next afternoon and his hands trembled. Jaylah sat beside him, whispering encouragement when the instructor wasn’t looking. He breathed slowly through his nose and thought of Scotty. Scotty rubbing a hand soothingly up and down his back. Scotty leaning into his side and murmuring in a mix of English and Gaelic. Scotty, the night before, holding him tight as their bodies worked together.

“You can do this Leo,” Uhura whispered behind him.

He took another deep breath and his fingers began to move across the console, starting preflight sequences. His stomach tightened as the simulator made noise and rumbled beneath their feet.

Breathe. Just breathe, he thought to himself.

“Good,” Jaylah said under her breath.

“That was very slow, but correct,” the instructor’s voice came from behind them. “Cadet McCoy, shut it down, then Cadet Uhura your turn again.”

McCoy’s fingers flew and the simulator quieted and settled. Before he could draw another breath he was up from the pilot’s seat and moving to the seat behind Jaylah.

“Cadet McCoy—!”

He buried his face in his hands and his breathing that had been steady became ragged.

“Just Leonard! It is ok!” Jaylah had turned and had her hands on his shoulders. McCoy was grateful for the contact and attempted to get his breathing back under control. It took another minute, but finally he pulled his hands away from his face and looked at the girls.

“Cadet McCoy?”

“Sorry sir,” McCoy said, getting to his feet and trying to keep his knees from shaking. “First time. Just nervous.” He tried to put as much confidence into his voice as he could, but the teacher still frowned in puzzlement at him.

“Right. Cadet Uhura, if you would.”

Uhura moved to the pilot’s seat quickly as the instructor moved on to the next simulator. McCoy sat again, heavily, and his elbows went to his knees as he bent over.

Scotty

The next day of classes passed him by quite fast and Scotty was still grinning to himself as he walked across the campus to meet up with Jim. 

Once again Aporal had beaten Francis during their self-defense class in the morning and it had once again been way too satisfying to see Kinnear's nephew lose. He didn't deserve it any better! 

Scotty sure as hell wanted to learn some tricks from Aporal. 

His smile faded as he thought about the reason why the Andorian was that good at fighting. It must have been horrible to fight for his life every single day, not knowing whether he would make it to another morning. 

Scotty tried his best not to freeze in his movement as a disturbing question crossed his mind. 

Aporal had told him that the Andorian hostages had sometimes killed each other. Had... he taken someone else's life too? Not by his own will! But maybe... to defend himself?  

It sent a shiver down the Scotsman's spine to even think about that possibility. To think that Aporal could have... 

He quickly shook his head to get rid of the image. His feet started to carry him even faster across the campus. 

The sooner he met up with Jim the better. Then he had other things to worry about. 

He found his friend right where they had agreed to meet. Jim was sitting on a bench, eyes focused on the PADD in his hands. He apparently already tried to distract himself from the arrival of the USS Hammersley that was scheduled to happen in less than twenty minutes. 

Scotty sat down next to him, a gentle smile on his face. 

"What are ye reading?" he asked, leaning in so he could see more of the PADD's screen. 

Jim shrugged his shoulders. It didn't seem to be very interesting. 

"Some homework." 

Now that surprised Scotty quite a lot. He chuckled. 

"Jim Kirk doing his homework the day he gets it? I cannae believe it!" 

A smile pulled at the corner of Jim's lips, but it didn't really reach his eyes. 

"Anything to keep my mind distracted," he mumbled and Scotty wrapped his arm around Jim's shoulder, pulling him closer. 

"It's just one weekend, Jimbo. I'll make sure to stay around all the time." 

At that, Jim finally looked up and grinned at Scotty. There was a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. 

"Really now? What about Bones? I'm sure he'll miss you if you spend all your time with me." Jim looked around searchingly. "Where is he anyway?" 

Scotty sighed. 

"He has a long day. We agreed to meet at dinner." 

Leonard's last class of the day was the shuttle simulator and Scotty really hoped that it wouldn't go too badly. His husband really needed a successful experience in there. 

However, he had faith in Leonard. With the help of Jaylah and Uhura he would surely overcome his fear somehow. If only Scotty himself could be at his side and spend him comfort... 

The Scotsman gently tapped his ring and waited for a reply which he received quite quickly. He smiled. Everything seemed to be okay. 

"I see. Spock and I meet at dinner too. He needed to call his parents right after classes," Jim said and Scotty sighed theatrically. 

"Well then, guess it's just us lonely fellas, trying to spend their time, eh?" 

Jim grinned. 

"That's right. So... enough of this." The blond held up his PADD before he quickly shoved it into his bag, hiding it from the world. 

"I knew ye wouldn't finish yer homework," Scotty chuckled and Jim once more shrugged his shoulders. 

"If I have time until Monday afternoon?! Certainly not! Come on, let's go and play a game of chess, shall we?" 

With that they got up and headed to one of the rec rooms.

McCoy

“Just Leonard? You are alright?” Jaylah’s question was tentative and her voice quiet. McCoy startled briefly. He hadn’t realized she had followed him from class. She reached over to touch his arm nervously.

He nodded slowly.

“That is a lie.” Jaylah gave a small smile.

“I know,” he replied with a weak grin.

“Where are you going? Can I go?”

“Back to my room,” he said. “I’ll take the company.”

“Good. I was going to follow to make sure you got there.”

McCoy laughed in surprise. He held out his arm. “Come on then sweetheart.”

Jaylah frowned slightly. “You want me to walk like Christine does?”

“Oh. Only if you want to,” he said quickly. He gave a shrug. “It’s how I was raised. Escort the ladies.”

Now Jaylah laughed. “I do not think I am the type of lady you escorted around a palace.”

“You’re just as noble as any woman I know,” McCoy told her truthfully. He was rewarded with a blush from the alien girl. Slowly she slid her arm in his and they began to walk.

“You are still scared,” she said plainly after a moment.

“Yes,” he admitted. “I thought I was getting better, more used to it. I used to be so tense when I had to fly anywhere. The last few times I managed to actually relax enough to fall asleep! And when Scotty’s there…!” He sighed.

“We will help Just Leonard.”

“I know and I appreciate it.” He gave Jaylah’s arm a squeeze between his arm and body.

“I can not wait to fly!” Jaylah said. “I will go everywhere I can. As far as I can go!”

McCoy smiled softly at Jaylah’s enthusiasm. A quick glance showed him the stars in her eyes.

“I wish I could feel that way,” he said quietly.

“We will fly together! When we get to try in a real shuttle! I will show you how easy it is.”

“I worry about it being safe.” A shiver went through him. “So many things could go wrong, could lead to terrible ends.”

“But so many things go right!” Jaylah protested. “And it opens a whole universe! So many possibilities!”

McCoy couldn’t help but smile. Jaylah’s words were passionate and she was endearing.

“You’re right,” he agreed. “And I hope I get there someday, but I don’t think I’ll ever love it like you.”

“I will love it extra for you!” Jaylah said, turning a bright smile at him. “Is Montgomery Scotty waiting for you?” she asked as they reached his dorm.

“No. He was going to hang out with Jim this afternoon. We’re meeting at dinner. You wanna come up? We could go do something after I drop this stuff off.” He gestured at the bag holding his PADD and books.

“Ok,” she nodded. She let go of his arm as he opened the door.

A noise came from his PADD a few minutes later as McCoy opened the door to his room. He pulled it out as he set the bag on his desk.

“Oh,” he said nervously.

“What is it?” Jaylah asked. She had walked over to look at the foot of the bed where the two frames connected.

“Had a test today. Just got a message with the results.”

“How did you do?” Jaylah straightened up and turned back to him. “That is clever,” she said pointing at the bed.

“Was all Scotty’s doing,” he said absently as he opened the message. His eyes grew wide as he scrolled.

“Well?” Jaylah asked impatiently.

“I got the second highest score,” McCoy answered in awe.

“Congratulations!” Jaylah cried.

His comm chirped and he pulled it from his pocket. He glanced at the screen and saw he had a new message from Eugene.

“Who was first?” Jaylah asked as she crowded to his side to read the PADD. “Who is ‘Eweg-nee?’”

McCoy laughed. “Eugene,” he corrected her. “He’s my friend. He’s a good guy. Doesn’t realize who I am.” He laughed again. Suddenly the weight from the simulator lifted from his shoulders, and he took an easy breath.

“What do you wanna go do sweetheart?” he asked, huge grin on his face.