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"Are you finished, Doctor?" Spock asked as he entered McCoy's office.
“Almost” He paused while typing on his PADD and looked at the Vulcan. “By the way, Spock, since you helped me with the experiments, I think you should sign the article as well”.
“For what purpose?”
“I simply believe you deserve some of the recognition”.
"As you wish," Spock conceded with a slight nod. "Although, if you really want to register your signature alongside mine, I can suggest another type of document to do so."
Bones frowned for a moment, pondering the meaning of Spock's words. Then he rose from his seat and stood before him. "If I'm not mistaken, is this your way of proposing to me, Mr. Spock?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest and raising an eyebrow, somewhere between astonishment and amusement.
“You understood correctly, Leonard”. Spock replied, and added: “although I realize I didn't follow proper procedure, and I don't have a ring to give you as is customary, so perhaps it wasn't....”
Bones placed a reassuring hand on Spock's shoulder: “Oh no, that was perfect, it's quite suitable for us, don't you think?”
Spock approached Leonard. "Shall I assume you accept, then?"
"Wait a minute," McCoy exclaimed, his index finger blocking the space between them, "this doesn't imply we have to go to Vulcan and fight to the death or something, right?"
Spock let out a small sigh. “If you're referring to the koon-ut-kal-if-fee, there would only be a fight if you chose the challenge”.
"And why would I do that when I already have the most handsome pointy-eared Vulcan?" the doctor said playfully. Despite the teasing tone, Spock straightened his posture slightly, proud of the compliment, and replied:
“Exactly. In any case, I think a wedding on board will be sufficient and, as you say, more suitable for us”.
At this, McCoy's eyes lit up with a joyful glow, while his lips formed a wide smile.
“Yes, that will make Jim very happy too," he said, then put his arms around Spock's neck and added: “Okay, let's sign up those papers then”.
As if sealing the agreement, Spock finally closed the small distance that still separated them and pressed their lips together in a warm kiss.