So I found these old books of Star Trek episode adaptations at a local bookstore, and I completely lost it at “Bread and Circuses” because this is what the script became:

Spock wheeled - and this time McCoy caught him at it. There was an instant when he actually saw Spock composing his face into Vulcan impassivity. Then the instant was gone - and Spock raised an eyebrow.
“Really, Doctor?” he said.
McCoy thought “I am very fond of this man.” What he said was, “I know, I’m worried about Jim, too, Spock.”

And then the adaptation ends on Jim watching them bicker while considering how “dear” they are to each other and to him.

Which books are these @greenreticule? Title?

That is freaking mind blowing like…why would he have that kind of thought while having this deep conversation if Spock didn’t mean something to him? And that whole thinking one thing but another thing comes out of your mouth… I can see that happening to McCoy.

And Jim being fond of those two bickering while thinking about his feelings about them… That’s really, really something. Thank you for pointing it out! This is a lot to consider.

(Plus, my first submission from someone! This is really exciting! Thanks.)