Leonard Horatio McCoy was the human equivalent of a dormant volcano. The grumbling sort that hasn't done much in a while but doesn't quite seem extinct. Every so often he will give off smoke and ash and frighten the islanders with a little flare-up that causes plenty of damage but never seems to cause the kind of devastation that everyone is expecting. He is in effect a ticking time bomb. The kind that doesn't even have the decency to have a working timer.

Patience is something he has always been a little short of. So hardly anyone is surprised when he kicks off at yet another federation gathering, a posh shindig that is trying to raise funds for New Vulcan and therefore swarming with survivors of all ages and sizes.

He doesn't even remember what First Officer Spock says that offends him so. He does recall the smarmy smug face as the Vulcan says it though. The actually words escape him along with the last of his patience. He has just about enough sense to give him the politer (?) and somewhat less well-known 21st centenary gesture, banging two fisted hands together in an offending manner. He does it twice for good measure, glaring at Spock as he does so.

Eyebrows shoot up in what McCoy assumes is surprise. The fire leaves McCoy along with most of his courage. McCoy stands his ground meekly, recalling the earlier incident on the bridge involving Kirk. McCoy swallows nervously wiping his hands on his trousers trying to wipe away the sweat that clung to them.

Kirk looks round worriedly waiting for the fists to fly in the now soundless hall. Almost every eye is on them waiting for the inevitable to play out. His face almost unreadable save for a tiny yet creepy smile, Spock retaliates with a gesture of his own saluting the Doctor with his middle finger in a very human manner.

The Vulcans react before McCoy can, pulling out little round devices seemingly from nowhere. Aiming them at towards Spock and McCoy the crowed pull at the string that trails from the gadgets. Large amounts of glitter and paper streamers fly through the air as the sound of party poppers going off ripples clearly through the silent room. This curious event is quickly followed by a round of Vulcan applause.

Stunned but relived to still be breathing McCoy cautiously accepts the glass of juice handed to him by a waiter. Spock looks at him oddly and for a moment worries returns to McCoy. Confusion follows as Spock stretches out a hand (the same on from earlier) in what is clearly a Vulcan kiss.

He looks at Kirk who is just as clueless as him. Deciding that Spock has probably taken the expression kiss and make up literally he extends his fingers in a similar manner and presses them against the Vulcan's. The spark he feels when their fingers join together is nothing to the cheer that breaks out around them.

Breaking the kiss Spock takes his hand in his, pulling him closer. McCoy's breath hitches as it occurs to him that Spock's face is close enough to kiss. The grip on his hand tightens. Dark eyes bore into his and a steady monotone voice whispers in his ear. " Doctor, may I know now if you would object to conducting the marriage ceremony on Vulcan as is traditional?"

McCoy swallows as realisation hits him, they hadn't been arguing at all.