Don't own them, still poor!
Don't Make Me Over
They had enjoyed a lovely dinner in the hotel dining room, followed by "dessert" in their room, a shower, and then more "dessert". Spock was suddenly all about new techniques and experiences. Nyota wished she knew where he was getting his information, but he had "no comment on the matter."
Too bad, because a thank you note would definitely be in order.
They slept in late, and had room service bring them breakfast. There were two important items on the agenda today. The first was lunch with Sarek, who would be returning to New Vulcan tonight, to have his first meeting with T'Sela. The other was a clothes shopping expedition. Spock did not really like purchasing clothing. He felt it a waste of time to shop for items that wore out and had to be replaced. Nyota enjoyed hunting for bargains. This would be an area of their relationship calling for compromise.
After breakfast, Nyota showered and put on a modest blouse and skirt outfit, at least modest by 23rd century Terran standards. The blouse showed no cleavage and the skirt reached nearly to her knees. It covered a lot more than her red uniform. However, she could sense through their bond that Spock did not quite approve. Now that she was "his", he wished she would cover up a little more. Logically, there was no need for her to attract other men.
Spock showered next, then changed into black trousers, a black turtleneck, and a gray sweater. It seemed most of the items of his wardrobe were either black or gray, even his underwear. He found this both simple and logical. One need not be concerned about whether things matched. Besides, it was a Vulcan cultural norm to dress in dark neutrals and "earth tones." Nyota thought Spock needed a little color in his life. He did not understand what purpose that would serve.
They sat on the sofa next together drinking tea, each making a shopping list on a PADD. After about half an hour, Nyota interrupted the silence.
"I'll show you my list if you show me yours."
"I see no reason not to. Here."
Spock's list:
1 pair jeans, black
1 pair casual trousers, black
1 pair dress trousers, black
2 turtlenecks, gray and black
2 casual shirts, long-sleeved
1 sweater, black
1 dress jacket, gray
6 pairs of socks, black
6 pairs of boxers, black or gray
6 T-shirts, black or gray
Nyota groaned. "Beloved, even when you're not in Starfleet issue, you're still in uniform."
"I do not understand why this is a problem. You said that you had always found my gray instructor's uniform "sexy", did you not?"
"I did and I meant it. Your blue uniform shirt is sexy, too. It brings out your brown eyes. Maybe we could find you a navy blue sweater. It would go well with black or gray."
"I shall consider it." Nyota handed him back his PADD. He added "1 sweater, navy blue?". "May I see your list?" Nyota handed Spock her PADD.
Nyota's list:
Cocktail dress
jeans
1 pair casual pants
1 pair dress pants
1 dressy skirt
3 casual tops
2 dressy tops
1 pair running shoes
1 pair black dress sandals
6 pairs of socks
12 pairs of panties
6 bras
lingerie
"Nyota, your list is not very specific. You do not state style or color."
"That's true. I won't know what I want until I see it."
"Your method of shopping seems time consuming and inefficient."
"Perhaps, but it is also fun."
Spock shook his head. "Most illogical."
"Better get used to it."
Spock sat on a bench near the food court of the large indoor retail complex, waiting for Nyota. She had told him that he might not be comfortable shopping in The Orion Woman's Secret. Judging from the merchandise he saw in the window, she was probably correct. Finally she exited the store with a large, plain shopping bag.
"May I ask what you purchased, beloved?"
"You may ask, but I won't tell! I may let you see some of it later, though. We need to hurry if we're going to meet your father on time."
"Fortunately, the restaurant is in this complex." They hurried through the corridor and saw Sarek arriving as well. They greeted each other and went inside the East Indian Vegan Cafe. The proprietor recognized Sarek, so they were seated right away. Sarek ordered vegetable curry and brown rice for them all.
"It seems you two have been running errands."
"Shopping for clothes. It is a disagreeable task, at least for me. Nyota enjoys "the hunt." I do not grasp the concept."
Sarek was highly amused. He recalled his first shopping expedition with Amanda. She had tried on dresses for their engagement party for two hours, finally leaving the store with nothing. It had been very frustrating for both of them.
"Perhaps I can be of assistance. I had wanted to do a little something for you by way of a gift. Your mother would have wanted to "spoil you" a little. I think appointments with the personal shoppers at Van Campen's would be appropriate. It would be my treat, and I will not be dissuaded."
"Thank you, Father. This is most considerate of you."
"I will step outside for a moment to make the arrangements." Sarek was greatly vexed by people who used their comm units in restaurants. Besides, he wanted to make sure the store staff added a few luxury items to Spock and Nyota's lists. Amanda had said that money was like manure. It does no good unless you spread it around. He made a call to Orlene, the Principal Personal Shopper. She made appointments for them both and noted all of the Ambassador's instructions.
"You both have appointments for 1400 hours at Van Campen's. It is on my way, so I can have my driver drop you off."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Ambassador, I mean Father." She gave Sarek a huge grin.
"You are most welcome, my daughter."
Stohl, the Embassy's head driver picked them up in a sleek, black ground car. He dropped them off at Van Campen's. "Please call when you are ready to return to your hotel. I will hang on to your packages so you need not be burdened."
At the door, they were met by none other than Orlene Van Campen herself. She lead them to a large, well-lit room with Victorian decor, and indicated that they should be seated in the overstuffed armchairs. A server brought tea. When Orlene was satisfied as to their comfort, she rang a buzzer.
"This is Laura. She will be shopping for Miss Uhura today. Bryan will be shopping for you, Commander. May I please have your lists?" The pair handed over their PADDs.
"I will need some approximate size information. It will speed the process along." She handed the PADDs back to them so they could provide the required information. Once that was done, she handed the lists to her assistants.
Orlene examined Nyota's face and coloring closely. "Warm, bright colors would suit you best, I believe. You are such a beauty." Nyota blushed.
She moved on to Spock, giving him the same scrutiny. "Cool, saturated colors and dark neutrals. Navy, charcoal gray, and chocolate brown. What beautiful eyes you have. You two make a truly stunning couple."
While her assistants selected items for their approval, Orlene chatted with the young couple and learned their interests. A third assistant brought Spock shoes and boots to try on.
"I did not request these items. There must be some mistake."
"These were requested by the Ambassador. He knows footwear in your size is hard to come by."
"Very true." Spock found a pair of black loafers and some dress boots that fit perfectly.
In short order, all the items of their lists appeared, plus several suggested by Orlene and a few more ordered by Sarek. Some of the items needed to be tried on.
Nyota was simply gorgeous in a coral-colored cocktail dress that accented every curve. Sarek had ordered strands of pearls and jade for her, with matching earrings. She took Spock's breath away. Orlene smiled at her success.
At Orlene's insistence, Spock tried on charcoal gray dress pants with a royal blue banded-collar shirt and gray tweed jacket. Nyota stood looking at him, her jaw nearly dropping to her chest.
Again, Orlene smiled. Time for a little psychology.
"Commander, do you remember your reaction when you first saw Nyota in that dress?"
"Yes." Rapid pulse, shallow breathing, dilated pupils----how could he forget?
"That is the same reaction she is having to you right now. Packaging makes a difference."
"I will take these clothes, Miss Orlene." Suddenly, it all made sense. Dressing to please one's mate seemed highly logical. Nyota's response indicated that he might be "rewarded" later. He also took the blue jeans, denim jacket, and burgandy shirt she suggested.
In addition to her list, Nyota had two outfits that were just modest enough to please Spock, but that didn't make her feel like an old lady. They were a very nice compromise. Orlene definitely knew her job and derived great satisfaction from it. She had been a Personal Shopper for over thirty years. Sarek and Amanda had been one of her favorite couples. She considred herself a type of retail marriage counselor.
Orlene tallied the purchased and had them wrapped, except for the items which required tailoring. Those would be delivered to their hotel tomorrow.
Spock contacted Stohl and arranged for their transport. It had been a most enjoyable afternoon.
They dressed in new casual clothing and had dinner at Wong's. When they returned to their hotel room, Nyota made Spock sit on the sofa. She showered and told him to close his eyes. She slipped under the bed covers.
"Now, you go take a shower and put on what you find hanging in the bathroom."
He complied, and returned several minutes later in a pair of royal blue silk pajama bottoms. Spock walked over to the bed, and pulled back the covers. Nyota was wearing a hot pink satin gown. Packaging did indeed make a difference.
Packages were meant to be unwrapped.
