Character/Pairing: Spock/Uhura, Kirk, McCoy, Scotty, Chekov, Sulu, OCs
Rating: T
Summary: Spock and his cousins meet up with Kirk and the gang in Las Vegas.
Warning: Swearing. Possible OOC behaviour.
A/N: Takes place after Coming Home, K [1-3]. This story is highly influenced by the summer movie The Hangover, proceed with caution. You can check out my wordpress site for some great .gifs and pictures that I post along with my stories. Thanks again to everyone who's been reading and commenting! A special shout-out to angym who I can never reply to to say thank you! So-thank you! :D

Spock and Hasan hurried through Logan Spaceport, looking for Spock's cousins Brian and Caio. They had boarded a direct shuttle to Boston, leaving Uncles Reggie and Daniel behind at Wangari Maathai Spaceport almost two hours ago. It was now four in the afternoon and Brian had promised that he and Caio would meet them at the boarding gate to Las Vegas.

'Spock! Over here!' Two men called to them, their arms waving them over, standing in front of a long line of people waiting to board the shuttle.

Hasan grinned and looked at Spock, amused to see such an unabashedly joyful reaction toward the somber man, that this remote Vulcan would have very human relations so excited to see him. He had not had a chance to talk with Spock much on the shuttle ride from Nairobi since Spock deigned to meditate for the entire flight.

And now, Spock remained unmoved by his cousins as he offered the standard Vulcan greeting. Hasan appraised the two olive skinned men, both perhaps older than himself. One with curly black hair, a muscular build and green eyes and the other, just as big but slightly taller with close-cropped hair, dark eyes and a smirk.

This last one shook Hasan's hand enthusiastically, 'I'll shake your hand instead of Spock's. Hasan, right? Good to meet you. Welcome to the family! I'm Caio and this is my younger brother Brian.' He then clapped Spock on both shoulders, 'Well, cuz! Lookin' good!'

Spock nodded once, allowing himself a small smile, 'You seem to be in good health, Caio. As do you, Brian. But we will be late if we do not board now.'

Brian was bouncing up and down on his toes, 'That's what we wanted to tell you, man! We've got a private shuttle!' He grinned and raised his arms up in the air triumphantly, causing some people around them to stare at the unlikely group as they passed by.

Spock hesitated, his eyes flicking around to the passerbys that streamed around them, 'I see. This would be the so-called surprise you refused to disclose when I called to invite you to my bachelor party?'

Caio slung his arm around Spock's stiff shoulders, 'Now Spock, we couldn't let this opportunity pass us by! This is about Vegas! We need to arrive in style! Come on!'

They hitched a ride through the spaceport to get to its other side, where private shuttlecraft were docked. Caio and Brian led the way, ducking through the low doorway and into a luxurious shuttle interior of dark inlaid wood and cushy seats.

Spock and Caio went up front, with Caio talking animatedly about the craft's capabilities. Brian and Hasan went into the back to stow everyone's bags. The two young men then plopped into black, overstuffed chairs and laughed nervously after there was an awkward pause between the two.

Brian looked over at the skinny guy next to him, 'So, you want something to drink, Hasan? I've got beer and soda. And why don't you turn on the vid while you're at it? We'll only be up in the air for a couple more hours. We've got time to watch a holo if you like...'

'That's ok, Brian. I'll take a soda and the news would be fine. It's always interesting to watch what's going on in another part of the world.'

Spock fastened his seatbelt as he listened to Caio point out the layout of the shuttle controls and turn on the engine, 'How old is this model, Caio?'

'This year's. You don't like it, boss?' He grinned at his older cousin, unable to resist the easy habit of needling Spock, but curious to see his reaction to what had been essentially purchased with Spock's money.

'It is comfortable and and I know this model handles efficiently. I imagine your clients are suitably impressed with its gaudy embellishments.' Spock quirked his eyebrow at his cousin.

He smiled, 'Oh, I know some people prefer function over form, I guess that's why Starfleet likes you so much, Spock.' Caio deftly manuevered the small ship away from the dock. 'Look, Rachel wanted me to thank you again, Spock. You have no idea how much this has helped us...'

Spock sighed, 'You and your wife have already thanked me several times. It is utterly illogical to keep expressing gratitude for...'

Caio laughed loudly, 'I know, I know! I've explained this to her. But we couldn'tve afforded it on our own, not so soon. Well, you know the deal. And she said it didn't seem right that we hadn't thanked you face to face. So, be prepared for a very long, heartfelt thank-you when you see her. And maybe tears- and a hug.' He laughed again when Spock openly blanched at the warning.

Hasan sipped his soda as he and Brian hung out, chatting about the different things they wanted to see and do once they got to Las Vegas. He was in mid sentence, telling Brian of the universally acclaimed burlesque performer, Tahrella Procyon, when Brian became suddenly distracted by the vid.

'...revealed earlier today to GNN by an anonymous source of the following images from the battle at Earth Outpost Four against the Romulans....' An image of a Romulan warbird appeared onscreen, followed by a male Romulan in military uniform. A male Romulan that looked exactly like a Vulcan. '...where several hundred Federation personnel were murdered at Earth Outposts Two, Three and Four...'

Brian and Hasan looked at each other, stunned as the newscast continued.

'...stunning development was followed closely by an announcement from Starfleet Headquarters decorating the captain of the Enterprise, James T. Kirk, for defeating the Romulans in that battle.'

Brian called up front, 'You better come take a look at this, Spock!'

Kirk shook hands with the admiral, who'd just affixed a medal of honor onto Kirk's gold uniform. He then turned to the reporters present and began thanking Starfleet.

Spock and Caio came over to join the others, watching the press conference.

'...without the dedication of the officers and crew of the Enterprise. And for their calmness and bravery in battle which deserve....'

'What of the Romulans, Captain Kirk? What was your reaction when you saw that the Romulans were Vulcans?'

The anger on Kirk's face flashed for a moment, barely concealed, 'Romulans aren't Vulcans. They're of a different culture. They are not our allies, the Vulcans.'

'But what of your first officer, the Vulcan Spock? What was his reaction when everyone found out that the Vulcans lied about their relationship with the Romulans?'

'Spock's a Vulcan. He doesn't react. And I don't speak for Vulcans, but there's no relationship with Romulans outside of a shared ancestry thousands of years ago.'

He's about to say more, but Kirk is interrupted and led away by other officers and the press conference is ended by an admiral who makes some remarks about the families of those who died at the Earth Outposts.

The three men turn to look at Spock, who was openly frowning and everyone started speaking at once. Spock shushed them as the newscast continued.

'Sarek, the Vulcan Ambassador to Earth, was not available to make a public statement responding to this new information about the Romulans. His staff, however, released a rather terse statement pointing out the historical divergence between the two species and suggested that reporters...and I quote, 'take the time to educate themselves on the vast differences in philosophy, culture and ancestry that exist between the Romulan Empire and Vulcans,' endquote.

Footage of the Vulcan Embassy in San Francisco shows on the vidscreen while the newscaster continues. 'Although it was not confirmed by the embassy, the Vulcan Ambassador travels to Nairobi Kenya today with his family for the wedding of his only child, Spock, who will marry Nyota Uhura, chief communications officer of the Enterprise. There are rumors that T'Pau, the leader of Vulcan, will also be in attendance, but this has not yet been confirmed...'

Spock turned away from the newscast and went to the front of the shuttle. Caio and the two others exchanged concerned looks before they continued watching the rest of the news. Spock's voice could be heard, lowly placing a call to Nyota.

McCoy watched as Kirk knocked back a whiskey shot and then waved for another one from the very shapely hotel bartender, 'Jesus, Jim! Would you slow down? You just got pinned with a medal, it couldn't have been that bad.'

He grimaced from the burn in his throat, but kept his voice low, 'No, it wasn't. I just didn't appreciate getting used as a diversion from 'fleet's friggin' incompetence. It's shit like this that makes me wish we hadn't come home.' Kirk winced as soon as the words left his mouth.

McCoy glared at Kirk, 'Easy for you to say.' He sighed and then drained the rest of his stale black coffee.

'Sorry, Bones. I don't mean it like that. I just hate dealing with this shit. Just tell me straight out that someone fucked up. They knew this was going to happen, couldn't stop it and needed something to cushion the blow, which was me.' He knocked back his second shot, then, 'Bastards.' Kirk shook his head when the bartender smiled and offered to pour another shot.

McCoy frowned, trying to ignore the bartender while studying Kirk's profile, 'Whadya mean they knew this was going to happen?'

Kirk's eyes hadn't left the backside of the retreating bartender, 'Oh come on, Bones, doesn't it strike you as more than coincidental that they give me a medal on this day? Of all days when there's a tip off about the Romulans? They could've given it to me before.'

'I don't get it though. So the Romulans look like Vulcans, big whoop...'

He sighed and turned back to McCoy, 'Seed of doubt. And a great way of embarrassing the Federation and the Vulcans.'

'Well, that's probably true.' He shrugged, 'But to what end?'

'I have no idea, Bones and right now, I'd rather not think about it. You talk to Spock yet?'

'No, but I talked to Ny and she says he's on his way with her cousin and two of his. I'm just getting used to the idea of that gremlin marrying my girl and now I'm kinda finding it hard to believe that Spock has human cousins. And that they've got a history together.' He grinned.

'Mhmm, and you just can't wait to deconstruct the entirety of Spock's family relationships can you?' Kirk shook his head in mock disgust, then, 'You ok with all of this Bones? I know you like to joke about Ny and all, but sometimes...'

'Oh for godssakes, Jim. I did my crying over that girl a long time ago.'

He stared at McCoy in silence for a moment, 'Ok, Bones, if you say so. You gonna cry over Samara too?'

McCoy sputtered, 'God, you're such a jerk! I'm not even going to dignify that with an answer.'

Kirk snickered, 'Fair enough, Bones. You know I love you.' He slapped McCoy on the back and then leaned against the bar, 'Well, it was good we invited the young ones to come along, it'll be a good mix.'

'Yeah, and speak of the devils, here they come.' He nudged Kirk with his elbow and pointed with his chin at the two approaching the bar.

Chekov waved, 'Keptin! Congratulations on your honor!' He was grinning widely and shook Kirk's hand vigorously.

Kirk laughed back, 'Thank you, Pavel. But please call me Jim for now. Hey, Hikaru! Glad you could make it!' He shook Sulu's hand and slapped him on the shoulder, 'We're just waiting on Spock and his cousins. And Scotty of course....'

Sulu sidled up next to McCoy, 'Oh my god, you're teetolling today?' He shook his head, 'Hey bartender, can you get me a Three Nippled Martian?' He turned to Chekov, 'You bring ID, Pav?' When Chekov nodded, Sulu added, 'And a Furry Purple Squirrel.'

McCoy scoffed, 'Unbelievable, I can't believe you're getting girlie drinks.'

The others laughed and despite Kirk's admonition to not talk about the news leak, it was everything the four could discuss. And they continued in heavy discussion, moving to a booth where Scotty later found them, throwing down his duffel bag on the floor.

'Och, lads, ye have no idea what I had to do to get here. Phew!' He sat down heavily and leaned his head against the padded back, feigning exhaustion. 'And I'm starvin'! When can we eat?'

They were finally sitting down to an early dinner, around four in the afternoon, with Spock and his cousins, after Kirk had checked them all into the penthouse suite, much to the surprise of everyone else. Kirk had shrugged casually, saying it was a small way to thank them all for saving his ass so many times. They spent a few minutes throwing their gear into their rooms and marveling at the view from the different balconies, before Scotty's harping about dinner drove them out the door.

McCoy observed Nyota's cousin, Hasan, who looked barely eighteen, interacting rather shyly with Kirk, asking him questions about his early days on the Farragut. He looked over at Brian and Caio, who were consulting their menus, peppering each other with questions back and forth over what they were going to get. Sulu and Scotty were already ordering a round of drinks for everyone and Spock....Spock was taking it all in, arms folded and bemused even, to be in the midst of so much congenial human chattering.

Spock raised his eyebrow when he saw that McCoy was watching him, 'You are not indulging with the others?'

McCoy shifted in his seat, 'Someone's gotta be the sober one.' He shot a look at Hasan, 'Plus, there are minors here.'

'Leonard, Hasan is twenty-two and meets the age requirement for participation in many activities here in Las Vegas.' Spock turned to Hasan and raised his eyebrows, looking for confirmation.

Hasan nodded and then laughed when Chekov patted him on the shoulder, 'Stick with me, kid. I'll show you everything you need to know.'

Sulu scoffed, 'Pav, you've been carded everywhere we go. I told you that you should've grown a beard or something.' He then pulled out a pair of dark sunglasses and put them on, 'Check out my new toy, guys. I'll be recording this evening's shenanigans with these.' Scotty and Chekov oohed and ahhhed when Sulu passed the sunglasses over to them for their examination.

The waiter came by at this point and it took several minutes to place their orders with Scotty changing his mind every other second. McCoy and Kirk exchanged looks when they caught the waiter staring at Spock, who was carefully reading out the ingredients of a double dark chocolate milkshake from the menu. When the waiter confirmed the ingredients, Spock ordered one and then asked for a salad, prompting a guffaw from his cousin Brian.

'I'm glad you're joining the party, Spock.' Brian teased, 'Wait 'til I tell you guys about Spock's first brush with chocolate.'

Spock gave him a quelling glance and raised his voice over the men's laughter, 'Thank you, Brian, however, I am sure the others do not need to hear your exaggerated secondhand story.'

Kirk cleared his throat, 'Well, Spock, Bones says you still need to get a ring for Nyota. I think that's something we can swing after lunch. Then, it's up to you guys what you want to do first. There's a nice stripper joint....'

'After I purchase the ring, I would like to place it with you for safekeeping, Jim.'

'Uhhhhhhh.....' Kirk trailed off, puzzled.

Spock raised his eyebrows, 'It is a human custom, is it not?'

McCoy chuckled, 'Yeah, it is, Spock. Don't lose it Jimbo.' Laughing again when Kirk glared at him.

'Then, there is a museum of important historical figures that I would like to visit....'

Scotty and Sulu groaned, then Chekov said, 'But vhat about the strippers! And Hasan wants to see Tahrella Procyon....as do I, of course.' He grinned at Hasan, who laughed.

The waiter came back with their food and drinks, while Kirk started rattling off some different nightclubs they could go to and Sulu piping up that there was a new roller coaster that he was anxious to try out.

McCoy frowned at Spock, who was frowning down at his salad, picking over the leaves, 'Well, what's the matter now, Spock?'

'There are foreign objects in my salad.' Spock scooped something up with his fork.

'What? Let me see!'

He placed a nugget of something onto McCoy's plate of crab legs and McCoy popped it into his mouth and chewed, 'Damnit, Spock, that's a candied pecan! Give them here, you uncivilized hick.' The others laughed.

Spock sighed, but dutifully placed each pecan onto McCoy's plate, then took a very long draw through the straw of his double dark chocolate milkshake.

Kirk laughed at him, 'You're already driving him to drink, Bones. You really out to pace yourself. Watch Spock...' And started laughing uncontrollably when Spock stopped suddenly and grimaced.

'Spheno Palatine Gangleoneuralgia,' Spock said as everyone laughed and asked each other what the hell that meant.

McCoy howled, 'Press your thumb into the roof of your mouth, dumbass. And be careful, you're more susceptible to brain freeze than the rest of us.' He giggled and wiped away a tear with his napkin.

Kirk, taking pity on Spock, tried to stop laughing and raised his glass of beer to a man, to a Vulcan he never thought he'd consider as his brother, 'I'll take this opportunity to interrupt and help Spock preserve his dignity.' He laughed as the Vulcan flushed green, then, 'Don't worry, Spock, we'll all take this to the grave. But first, I'd like to make a toast to Spock, my right arm and the best officer, the best friend a guy like me could have. You've saved my life more times than I could ever count. It's been a helluva mission and I'm so glad, so grateful really, that you were there. I wish you all the happiness in the universe, my friend. You and Nyota deserve the best of everything.'

He took a sip as the others clapped and cheered, 'Here, here.' and 'You lucky devil!' from Scotty. Spock bowed his head in thanks and then sipped his milkshake.

Kirk grinned and continued, acknowledging the others, 'And finally, to great friends and to new friends and to an awesome time in Vegas!'

McCoy slowly opened his eyes as he felt someone step over him, the sound of bare feet retreating faintly down the hallway. He blinked blearily, unable to make out who it was that went into the bathroom. He groaned, and for a moment, couldn't move his face because it was sticking to the floor. His head hurt, it fucking throbbed. His body hurt too. And where the hell was that clucking sound coming from?