Dance

The Enterprise was docked at star base 89 for refit. The base had only recently been completed and they were just in time for the official opening festivities. The senior crew had been asked to attend a ball, preferably in the company of a dance partner. Spock was aware that there were many women on board interested in being his 'date'. But he also knew that he was only interested in one woman.

He hesitated at her door, unsure if she was already sleeping. He signaled his presence. "Who's there?" came Tami's voice over the intercom. "Commander Spock. I can return tomorrow if I would disturb you."

The door swished open. "You won't disturb me. I'm already in bed, but I wasn't sleeping." Tami said from the bedroom. Spock paused. Was she lisping? He slowly stepped closer. Tami lay in bed, her head supported by a pile of pillows with a book in her hand. He stopped short. The blanket was wrapped around her chest, revealing only the lace-covered straps of her black top. Her face was clean of make-up, but what caught his attention was her hair. A few of strands framed her face and brushed her bare shoulders. The rest was sprawled across the pillow like a golden halo. She sat up and adjusted the blanket. Her palms, wrists and a part of her forearms were clad in knitted arm warmers. "What can I do for you?"

She was definitely lisping, he noted with slight amusement. Despite his efforts to hide it, she seemed to notice it. "My dentist prescribed me a biteguard because my tense jaw muscles caused severe headaches." She blushed slightly and got out of bed, revealing the rest of the lacy top and a pair of wide black trousers. "I'll take it out."

He stopped her by gently taking hold of her wrist. "That will not be necessary. I can understand you perfectly." He studied the white, blue and grey stripes of the arm warmers. "What are these for?"

She avoided his eyes. "Carpal tunnel syndrome. My wrists hurt less if they are kept warm."

He became concerned. "Does it hurt much?"

She shook her head. "No, only a bit. My fingertips are slightly numb, but it's fine. I'm used to it."

"Have you considered surgery?"

"No, I… I guess I still haven't adjusted to this century. Back where I'm from surgery didn't sound very appealing. And I couldn't just be out for several weeks. Someone needed to take care of the house. My mother had three jobs, my stepfather never did anything after work and my brother was a domestic disaster." She sighed. "But that's not why you are here."

Spock suppressed his nervousness. "You are aware of the opening ball of star base 89?"

"Yes, Uhura wanted me to accompany her today to pick out her gown."

He cleared his throat. "I wished to ask if you wished to attend with me."

She looked at him with wide eyes. "You want me as your dance partner?"

He could barely keep himself from fidgeting. "Yes, I would be pleased if you chose to accompany me."

She gaped at him, then smiled sheepishly. "It would be my pleasure. It's just… prom was more than three years ago. My dancing skills are somewhat rusty."

Spock barely refrained from sighing. "We still have three days to practice."

"You'd teach me? Great." She giggled. "I warn you, I'm horrible."

He raised an eyebrow, his gaze warm and slightly amused. "I accept the challenge."

She grinned. "There is so much to be planned. I need a dress. I need to do something with my hair and make-up. Oh dear, it will be some work."

Spock hesitated again. "May I make a suggestion?"

"Sure."

"You should wear your hair open. It looks… pleasing on you."

She brushed her hair behind her right ear. "Will do, Commander. Thank you."

He looked into her bright eyes. "My name is Spock. The title is no longer necessary."

She smiled once more. "Gladly, Spock." She yawned. "I should sleep now. See you tomorrow?"

He nodded. "Of course. Sleep well… Tami."

The image of her smile accompanied him to his room.

Upon hearing about Tami's participation, Uhura insisted on taking her shopping on the star base. It had been equipped with large shopping facilities in the style of Tami's century. Spock had no idea why he agreed to accompany the two women. Probably curiosity about what kind of gown Tami would choose.

"First I want to get the dress, then shoes and then maybe look for jewelry. It all depends on the gown," Tami explained. Spock was pleasantly surprised. Tami seemed to be a very organized shopper.

"What about a handbag? You only have one and it's not suitable for this," Uhura said.

Tami looked at the black bag dangling at her hip. It had a large silver star printed on the front. "You're right, but I'd like to match the bag with the shoes."

They entered a store for formal wear. Spock watched the two looking at several gowns before Tami found something to her liking. "It should be the right size," she explained while gazing intently at the sky blue fabric.

"What are you waiting for?" Uhura pushed the blonde into a dressing room and pulled the curtain closed. "Try it on."

Spock exchanged a glance with his colleague. "It has the perfect color, don't you agree, sir?"

He crossed his arms over his chest. "It suits her." And it would certainly match his dress uniform.

"Ehm, could someone help me with the back closure?" came an uncertain voice from behind the curtain. Uhura quickly joined Tami. Spock heard her emit an exited squeal. "This is perfect. Absolutely amazing. Gosh, you're so pretty."

The curtain was pulled back and Tami followed Uhura out of the room, her eyes glued to the floor and her cheeks flushed.

Spock held his breath. The gown had a layered, ruffled, floor-length skirt and a tight bodice with a v-neckline decorated with silver beads. The dress had no sleeves, only cap straps. The straps and the upper layer of the skirt were ornamented with sequins. He was at a loss for words.

"What do you think?" Tami asked him shyly. Spock took her hand and spun her around. "This is… highly acceptable."

She brushed her hair behind her ears and smiled. "Thanks."

After the purchase had been made, Tami acquired a pair of earrings that resembled silver, sparkling angel wings and a silver rhinestone bracelet. The women wanted to get to last two items on the list, but Spock had something else in mind. "I will return to the ship. I will see you tonight, Tami."

She nodded. "I look forward to it. See you later. Thanks again for teaching me."

Spock nodded and waited until they had disappeared around a corner before returning to the jewelry store. There was a piece that had caught his attention. It reminded him of a particular pair of eyes.

Spock chose the appropriate music before clasping one of Tami's hands in his and placing the other on her waist, mental shields firmly in place. Her hand hesitantly moved to his shoulder. Her newly bought white pumps made her slightly taller, even if it was only nine centimeters. He started leading her through the steps and she followed carefully.

After some time her eyes moved from their feet to his eyes. It was illogical, but he lost himself in the music and the depth of her eyes. That is, until she stumbled and her head collided forcefully with his chest. "Ow, Scheiße verdammt."

He tilted her head up. "Are you alright?"

She rubbed her forehead. "I guess so. Sorry. I told you I'm horrible."

"You are not horrible, just unpracticed. Accidents happen."

She gazed up at him through blackened lashes. "Are you ok?"

"Quite. Do not worry."

She placed a hand on his chest, running her thumb over the fabric of his uniform. When she realized what she was doing, she took her hand away as if burned. "Sorry."

He took her hands and moved them back to their proper position before placing his on her waist again. "It is quite alright. Let us continue with the lesson. Computer, replay music." And they continued.

Up next: the ball