"There is absolutely, no reason for you to use that tone with me, Leonard McCoy. All I asked was that you not bother me right now and you decided to ignore my request!" Liana was not in the mood to argue with him, she was worried about what she was reading from Jim.
"And I made sure that you understood I was not going to wait like we wait on everything else! What is wrong with you, woman? Why do you always insist on being so difficult with me?" McCoy didn't understand it, he knew Liana loved him and he loved her but for some reason she insisted on maintaining a distance between them. It was driving him crazy, the constant emotional roller coaster they were on.
Sighing in frustration, Liana moved away from the stove and stood opposite McCoy. "If you would just listen sometimes then we wouldn't have to always wait. I mean seriously Len, how hard is it to just let me have some time to think? It's not like I'm asking you for the entire planet." She threw her hands up in frustration at the look on his face.
"Umm, why in the hell are you two yelling loud enough to be heard outside?" Jim looked from Bones to Liana, noticing the angry looks on both their faces. "I mean, really, why in the hell is any of this necessary? Bones leave Lia alone so we can all eat. Lia you know how Bones is, he loves you," He waved his friends protest away and turned back to Liana, "And you love him, so please. Do us all a favor and just admit it and move forward!"
McCoy glared at Jim then turned to Liana, he shook his head then turned and left the room without another word.
"Bones, Bones wait! Where are you going?" Jim groaned in exasperation, turning he started to follow him until Liana spoke up.
"Let him go Jimmy. I'll go talk to him, just...just watch the food, ok?" She turned the burners down on the oven she was using and left the room in search of McCoy.
"Those two will be the death of us all, I swear it!" Sulu looked exhausted. "It's like being caught in a war and you can't do anything but just let it happen or be destroyed." He grinned at Jim and nodded his head towards Spock.
Jim sighed, "What I don't understand is why today of all days? Lia usually never loses her temper like that. Something must really be bothering her for them to go at each other like this, especially after things had just been so damn calm." He was confused, before Liana's reaction in the car he would have sworn everything was ok.
Spock looked around the room, taking in the scene before him. He was surprised to have seen his friend show her temper in such a way. "Perhaps there is something going on with her family?" He didn't want to presume to know more than he did but he was worried about her as well. "Should we allow them to remain alone for long? Are they not a danger to each other?" He frowned slightly when Sulu choked on his drink and Chekov had to pat him on the back hard to help him breath.
Gasping, he looked at Jim and could see he was trying to hide his laughter. "The only danger those two pose, is to us. When they argue like that then both disappear..." He drifted off and let Jim finish the statement.
Flushing a bright red Jim glared at Sulu then looked up at Spock. "Liana and Bones have a, uh complicated, for lack of a better word, relationship. They tend to have these major fights then disappear for hours." Jim walked towards the stove, checking the pots and then stirring the contents as he spoke. He wasn't sure how much Spock knew about Liana and Bones or how much he should tell.
Spock nodded his head in thoughtful understanding. "It's the Betazoid half of her anatomy. She once explained to me how it would affect her relationships. I was surprised how she described things, they reminded me of something similar in my culture." Spock stopped talking, realizing just how close he'd come to speaking of the forbidden. As a child, he had been told about pon farr, about the madness that would set in at the start of the Vulcan mating drive. He glanced over at Jim an noticed his back was still to him. Moving towards the table, he nodded to Uhura and Chekov. He was so lost in thought that he hadn't heard the question Jim asked him until he felt a hand touch his shoulder. Blinking he looked over to see Uhura looking at him, a worried frown appearing on her beautiful face.
"Spock are you ok? Jim just asked you a question." She watched his face for any sign of what he was thinking. Knowing full well that she would never fully be able to read him.
"I am well, I apologize what was the question again Mr. Ki...I mean Jim?" He never stumbled or let himself be caught off guard. Something he'd had to learn while in school dealing with his classmates. He'd had to correct himself in addressing Jim after the look that was turned on him.
Jim frowned, trying not to feel hurt at how Spock had been about to address him. He was sure it showed however because Spock corrected himself immediately. If the looks Uhura and Chekov both sent him meant anything, Spock must never have to correct himself. Or apologize for anything he is doing, had done, or will soon be doing. Jim looked at Sulu with a small frown and a look that said, umm what the fuck is that about? "Umm, I asked what in your culture would be similar to the Betazoid sex drive?" He didn't have a problem with talking about sex. Jim was after all a healthy human male, but talking about two of his best friends and their sex drives made him feel a little weird. Then to top it off, he was now asking Spock about the Vulcan sex drive? Or was he asking if Vulcan's have a sex drive? Shaking his head, he tried to clear it of those thoughts, knowing full well that down that path would be his ruination if he continued.
"It is not freely spoken of by my people and not really shared with those not of our culture." Spock knew he could not freely answer the question without giving to much away. He wasn't sure just how much Jim knew about Vulcan anatomy and decided to give the standard answer.
Jim looked at Spock, blue eyes narrowing in assessment, he jumped when he heard Sulu's chuckle. Looking at his friend he leaned back against the sink and grinned. "What, I was just asking a question so you can't say I was being out of line." Looking back at Spock he paused, "Did I go to far? I mean I'm sorry if I was being to intrusive."
"Lia says it's what's going to get him in trouble one of these days. His curiosity." Sulu laughed at the glare his friend gave him. "I was laughing at the look on your face though, that I smell a mystery here look." Sulu couldn't hold back the laughter that spilled over as Jim full on glared at him. "Don't glare at me, Lia is the one who gave it that name." He looked around the table at Uhura, Chekov, and Spock. They watched the exchange between the other two with interest but before he could answer, Liana's voice entered the conversation.
"There is no mystery Jimmy, somethings are just forbidden." She looked at him and smiled as she guessed his thoughts. Glancing at Spock she frowned slightly and sighed. "You know, one of these days..."
"Yeah, yeah I know, I know Lia, curiosity killed the cat. I wasn't going to ask anything else, honestly." Jim could tell she knew differently by the look on her face and grinned. He was glad to feel the wave of affection she sent his way, smiling as she walked to the stove. "Where's Bones, will he be joining us later or..."
"I'm right here if you must know, been here since Lia walked in." He threw Jim a glare and then looked around the table. He wasn't surprised to see their guests watching him and Liana. He walked to the stove and leaned over one of the dishes, Smells good Imzadi. Almost as good as you do. He leaned in close to smell the dish Liana was currently seasoning, when he moved back he moved closer to her, taking a deep breath, he held back a groan.
Liana shivered and stood still as she felt the breath of air that ghosted across her neck. You are just saying that Len, behave we have guests. Liana moved away from him towards the fridge, she looked over at him once then turned back to her task.
Jim watched the exchange with a smile, he hoped they would finally stop fighting and just enjoy things. He didn't miss the looks they had given him or Spock. He had a feeling Liana knew something he didn't and he planned to find out. Until then, he turned back to the table to see Spock watching the couple behind him with open curiosity and Sulu talking to Uhura and Chekov about cooking and horticulture. Clapping his hands together he grinned, "So, where are we going tonight ladies and gentlemen?" He had to much nervous energy and needed to release it. He could tell when the mood in the room shifted because everyone seemed to light up. Even Spock looked please with the idea of going out, surprising Jim.
"Well we can always head to Ground Zero or CynCyr's. I mean, they would offer a better mix as far as music and are more considerate of the fact that Vulcan's have sensitive hearing." McCoy made the suggestions from behind Jim, his eyes still on Liana.
"We're not going to Ground Zero. Not after what happened last time we were there. I'm not going, if we do we risk the chance of having a repeat of that...incident." Sulu's tone held a thread of anger that didn't go unnoticed by the group.
"Ground Zero is out." Jim agreed quickly. The last time they were there Sulu had gotten into a fight with Gary and since that was one of Gary's favorite spots in San Francisco they would avoid it at all costs. "CynCyr's would be better, it offers a better atmosphere and we can move around easier too." Jim was bouncing on his feet now. Excited to be able to get out and hopefully enjoy the night. He caught Spock watching him and grinned. When the other looked away, his grin faltered until he saw that the tips of his ears were a light green. He started in surprise then felt his grin grow wider, Spock was blushing! That was something he hadn't expected to happen and wondered what had caused the reaction.
"Ground Zero isn't a real option anyway. It means we'd have to go back to San Francisco. Cyn's will let us stay here, closer to the house." Liana checked the food one more time then turned to McCoy. "You don't mind do you?"
"I don't mind." He sighed. He handed Jim a set of plates to set out and motioned Sulu over to take the silverware. "Come on guys, get it set out so Lia can serve and we can shower, get dressed, and show our guests a good time." McCoy was placing pots on the table and removing the lids. He gave a soft groan of pleasure at the smells that filled the air.
Jim let out a laugh at the look on his friends face. "Smells fantastic Lia, what is it?" He looked at everything with dancing eyes and couldn't stop moving, until he saw it. A large blue confection with raspberry topping sitting next to a bowl of chocolate and whipped cream. "What in god's name is that?" He moved to stand in front of the sweet, slowly reaching out to touch it.
"James Tiberius Kirk, so help me if you so much as lay a hair on that cake I'll make sure you don't get any." Liana stood with her hands on her hips glaring at not only Jim, but Sulu, Chekov, and McCoy as well. "You three...sit down now. How in the hell do you think you're going to eat the sweet before you eat your food?" She glared at Jim and Sulu, who looked sheepishly at her as they sat down. McCoy grinned at her and took his seat as well. She looked at Chekov and gave him an apologetic smile. "I apologize, they would make sure nobody else was able to get a slice, which means you would be pushed out of the way." When Chekov smiled in understanding she nodded her head then glared at the other three again and moved back towards the stove. A smile playing around her lips.
Spock watched the exchange with interest. He'd seen the large blue confection as well and had wanted to know its texture and taste. He remembered as a child, his mother baking different sweets and letting him taste them. When the bowls of chocolate and whipped cream had been brought out he'd almost sighed out loud. Chocolate was an intoxicant for Vulcan's and he knew Liana knew it. He looked over at her and was rewarded with a wink and small grin.
You will enjoy the club a little more if you're in the same mood as we are my friend. It's time to enjoy yourself and life, tomorrow we will work. She smiled at him and turned away, she didn't see the look McCoy gave her or Spock.
Thank you Liana, I will truly enjoy this experience. He looked over at the confection at the end of the table then turned back to the food in the middle. He noticed most of the food were of vegetarian fare, glancing over at Nyota and Chekov, he gave them both a small nod and smile. He was looking forward to seeing how everyone acted when in a different atmosphere.
Jim looked around the table then clapped his hands. "Lia, come on and sit down, the sooner we eat the sooner we can hit the dance floor." He was ready to get rid of the nervous energy running through his body. He didn't understand it but the atmosphere felt electric and he was excited by it. Looking around at everyone he was pleased to see that they were all getting along. He knew this would help them when they started work at the dig. An unhappy crew was a dangerous crew and that could cause casualties. He glanced over at Spock while they all ate and was surprised to find the other man watching him, a thoughtful expression on his face. Giving him a small smile he flushed when Spock returned the gesture and turned to Uhura, who had asked him a question.
"What's on your mind Jim, you ok?" Sulu was sitting on his left and McCoy on his right.
He looked up at the question and grinned. "Yeah, I'm good just a little nervous I think." He was ready to get out of town. The longer they stayed here the better chance they had of running into Gary and his friends. Something he wanted to avoid at all costs. "I'm just not wanting to run into Gary or his group tonight but I've got to much energy to stay in."
Sulu laughed at the statement, "Well, if Gary and his goons are there we will be fine. They will be reminded that we are not in the mood for their fuckery." He leaned forward and looked at McCoy. "Tell him Len, we are not dealing with Gary and his asshole pack tonight."
Looking at both men he shook his head, "Jim boy there is no way we are going to allow them to mess up our evening. Besides Lia made a traditional Betazoid cake for us. You do know what that means right? There is no way we are going to be able to not enjoy tonight. Tomorrow we can worry about all the extra." He slapped his friend on his back and grinned.
Spock looked between the three, noticing the easy camaraderie between them. He wondered at the friendship between them and who was Gary? He vowed to ask Liana at a later time. He was enjoying their time so far, pleased that Liana had made some traditional Vulcan dishes, although not as perfect as his mothers but still good none the less.
"So Mr. Spock, tell us what it is you do for fun on Vulcan." McCoy was curious and hadn't missed the looks that he kept sending Jim. He was sure that Jim had a similar interest in Spock but wouldn't do anything about it, not yet anyway.
Spock blinked as if he didn't understand the question then looked over to where McCoy sat next to Jim. "Usually it would be studying or reading. Learning is thought to be the best form of recreation on Vulcan. There are other activities one can attend to as well, such as the opera or restaurants and shopping."
"Sounds...different but to each his own. I don't mind learning anything new as long as it will help me benefit myself and those around me." McCoy watched as the younger man processed the statement then nodded his head slowly.
"I would have to agree with you on that particular point doctor. It can however, for some, seem boring and a waste of time. It is all up to the individual how they wish to spend their spare time. However, if you have an interest in caves or mountains there are a number of them that offer the opportunity for exploration. As well as cliffs that offer views of the sunset or sunrise if you prefer. It's rather cold at night but star gazing is an option as well." He looked around the table and saw the head nods from the group.
"Scottie will damn sure enjoy that. The star gazing, you know he's always looking to map the universe." Sulu nodded his head and Jim chuckled in agreement.
"You know he will enjoy it as long as we don't ask him to do it. He always denies that he enjoys star gazing." Jim chuckled.
"Says he would need to find the right partner before he would be able to fully enjoy it." Sulu smiled as he thought of their friend, currently in Wyoming.
They had finished eating and were waiting for Liana to cut the dessert. Everyone watched as she moved the round confection to the center of the table with the bowls of chocolate and whipped cream. She looked at Uhura and Chekov and grinned.
"Now you two, before you eat this I want you to understand I am not responsible for anything that happens once we get to the club nor am I responsible for anything that happens after." She couldn't help letting out the laugh she was holding back when she saw the curiosity on their faces. "It's a Betazoid treat, my mom taught me how to bake at an early age and this was one of my favorites. It's also one of the few that Jim isn't allergic too." She laughed at the blush that covered his face and returned the glare he sent her way. She didn't miss how Spock tilted his head at the information nor did she miss how Jim glanced at him from underneath his lashes.
"What, exactly can happen if we eat this?" Nyota took the plate offered to her and examined the slice.
"Nothing harmful, so please don't worry. It's just a rum cake that tends to offer the effects of being drunk without actually drinking. So what ever happens is not my fault, you can blame my mom and the family recipe." She smiled and handed out the rest of the plates. Smiling, she went back to her seat and sat down.
Jim grinned as she winked at him and took a bite. "Does that mean we're dancing all night?"
Laughing, she glanced over at McCoy then back at Jim. "Of course, I plan to dance as much as possible and as often as possible. You know dance partners will not be a problem either." She winked at Jim, then jerked when the sound of a door slamming echoed through the room. Looking over, she noticed McCoy had left the kitchen, leaving an air of confusion and uneasiness in his wake.
"What the hell was that about?" Jim looked around confused. He'd never seen his friend leave so angry before.
Sulu shook his head and finished his cake. "I plan to enjoy the evening, even if sourpuss is going to make it difficult." The room filled with laughter and the conversation changed to what everyone was going to wear that night.
By the time everyone had gotten dressed and downstairs, the mood had changed from one of mild concern to full blown party mode. Jim, Chekov and Sulu were talking about the latest music that was out. Liana and Nyota were discussing the latest fashions, and Spock and McCoy joined in the conversations when they felt the need. They left the house in separate cars, Sulu, Chekov, Jim and Spock in one car, Liana, McCoy, and Nyota in the other. They headed to club Swaggers hoping to enjoy the night before they had to get ready for the trip to Wyoming.