Check Mate

"Doctor, I am not usually one to place bets. But, in this case, I believe I have the upper hand, and I will agree to participate in the barbaric act." Spock said casually, nodding the Doctor McCoy. In response, the Doctor grinned happily, obviously excited about something. The Vulcan tried to ignore the mischievous look that crawled onto his face, and the slyness that was now swimming in his blue eyes.

"The loser has to…" McCoy trailed off, looking towards the ceiling for a moment as if he was thinking. But, of course, he already had something in mind. Something well thought out. Something devious. Something extraordinary. He held up a finger and went, "Ah!" as if he had just thought of a brilliant idea. Trying to hold back his laughter, Doctor McCoy leaned in to Spock's ear and whispered something very quietly. He didn't want to give it away to the spectators (which was basically the entire crew of the Enterprise) because, honestly, his idea was wonderful. It had to be a surprise.

Spock raised a suspicious eyebrow and nodded slowly, seeming to regret his acceptance of the bet. He stood up straight and put his hands behind his back, staring intently into the Doctor's bright, blue eyes. "Very well."

It was officially on.

"Check mate." McCoy announced, receiving a chorus of shocked cheers from the crowd around them. Spock stared at the 3-D chess set before him, but he couldn't believe his eyes. It had hardly been five minutes, and he was beaten. By Doctor McCoy! Doctor McCoy! He exchanged a glance with the Doctor, who actually seemed just as shocked as him.

"Alright, you pointy-eared elf, I won." Doctor McCoy stood up and pointed to the small stage that was in the rec deck. Spock nodded slightly and stood, regretting placing that bet. Why did he do it in the first place? He knew placing bets was a terrible thing to do. It was uncivilized and certainly not an act that a sophisticated Vulcan would partake in. He felt almost ashamed of himself for agreeing.

But feeling embarrassed was the least of his troubles. McCoy handed him his Vulcan lyre and guided him to the stage, where the crew gathered below him, clapping excitedly and grinning. He took a deep, reluctant breath, and started to strum.

"In the middle of the earth,

In the land of shire,

Lived a brave little hobbit,

Whom we all admire."

As the Vulcan continued to sing the dreaded song, McCoy stood at the back of the room, laughing his head off along with his Captain. Little did Spock know, Captain Kirk had been feeding instructions to the Doctor through an earpiece the entire time. He had cheated, but it was totally worth it.

Notes: The song of choice was The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins by none other than Leonard Nimoy himself. :D