"I can't believe it!"

"I don't believe it! There's no way a seventeen year old genius can drink a grown man, who drinks on an incredibly regular basis, under the table and not pay for it the next day."

"It's the truth," McCoy grinned, throwing his arm around a blushing Chekhov. "The kid's good."

"Zank you Doctor. I zink."

"Hey, hey, hey no need for 'doctor' kid, we're off the clock."

The end of the good doctor's statement was met with cheers and whistles, for the entire crew of the Enterprise was together in an impromptu celebration of Jim's promotion to Captain. Jim had invited them back to his dorm to get everyone, even Spock, away from the overwhelming congratulations and well-wishes.

The improvised party was just an added bonus.

"You shouldn't be encouraging underage drinking Doctor."

"Oh come on Uhura, like you never snuck one when your parents weren't looking."

"For your information Captain, no I didn't."

"Of course not. You probably couldn't have if you had wanted to."

"Please, I could've taken an Andorian ale from my Father with my eyes closed."

The room was silent for a moment.

"So, what was the problem then?" Sulu questioned. "Why didn't you?"

Uhura hesitated, unsure of how to respond without making herself look like a goodie-two-shoes.

"I am sure Lieutenant Uhura did not commit a petty crime because she is an upstanding, law abiding citizen."

"Damn, Spock I forgot you were even here," McCoy mumbled into his bourbon.

"I assure you I have been here the entire time."

"Of course ye have! An' you've 'ad nothin' to drink! That's criminal in itself."

"Mr. Scott I prefer not to have my body ravaged my impurities."

"Aw, you're no fun. Right Chekov? Tell the good 'ole Commander Spock to loosen up," Jim cajoled.

The room turned to look at the young Russian boy who had barely spoken two words since the 'party' began. He flushed under the sudden attention.

"Uh, ees true Commander. Et ess more fun vhen you are part of zhe group. Join us."

"Thank you Ensign Chekov, but I am perfectly content with my current position."

"You're not being a team player Spock."

Jim's comment was in effect teasing, but the underlining sarcasm put the room on edge. They all secretly hoped the half-Vulcan's grasp of human sarcasm, and its often hurtful usage, was limited and that he wouldn't understand it.

There was long pause.

"Doctor McCoy would you had me an Andorian ale?"

As he passed Spock his requested drink, McCoy noticed out of the corner of his eye Uhura's smug smirk and Jim's incredulous look. Sulu had reached over to physically close Chekov's dropped jaw and Scotty laughed heartily. Perhaps Spock wasn't that bad afterall....

Spock drank quickly and to save him from the stares, and to save everyone from the awkward silence that the room had been plunged into, McCoy cleared his throat and changed the subject.

"So Pavel, kid, when's our next drinking match. There's no way you'll be able to beat me again."

"Ve shall zee."

The party picked up without a problem.

Sulu monitored the drinking war between McCoy and Chekov, carefully gauging their separate intakes and laughing as the two argued, speech slurred and arms flailing (for the record Chekov won…again). Jim and Scotty animatedly talked about ways to enhance the Enterprise's speed through tampering with the engines; without anyone's knowledge, of course. Spock and Uhura were lost in their own deep conversation, heads bent close together, though not in an inappropriate manner so as to not draw any further attention to themselves.

As the night wore on the crew resorted to other modes of entertainment. Poker, truth or dare ("So Nyota, when Spock blushes does he turn green everywhere?" "I am not answering that Jim."), twenty questions, and various drinking games took up most of the time.

It was nights like these, and ultimately there became many of them, that the crew of the Enterprise came to cherish. Times when they could be themselves and be together. They were no longer simply schoolmates or teammates. They were much more then that.

They were family.

This is the last chapter, it just felt like the right place to end. Special thanks and shout-outs to all of my reviewers: EvilMuffinsOfDeath, Adoete, Coz20, little-pocketmouse, HoVis, and MagicalMary!! And thanks to all of those who favorited and story alerted the fic! Thanks so much! For one last hoorah I'd love to hear from you all one last time! :D