Adea groaned as the light floated into the room, rubbing her hands over her face as she sat up slowly. She pushed herself to the edge of the large bed, pulling her t-shirt down over her red boy-shorts as she stood up slowly. She glanced out the window towards the London skyline, yawning as she wandered into the kitchen, raising an eyebrow as Carol smiled brightly at her from stool at the counter.
"I thought opening the blinds might do the trick," Carol smirked, "Starting to worry you might sleep the day away."
"It's 8:00," Adea frowned, leaning her messy ponytailed head against Carol's shoulder.
"Exactly," Carol sighed, nodding towards the coffee machine as it whirred to life, "You told me you wanted to go to the Archive today, which means afterwards we have t-minus seven hours to find you a dress."
"Why can't I wear something you already have?" Adea sighed, raising an eyebrow at Carol.
"Because it's New Year's Eve and we did not get VIP tickets to Le Soir show up wearing the same old dresses we always do," Carol huffed, "Besides the theme is Champagne and Confetti. You need something gold or silver."
"This grey t-shirt is almost silver," Adea offered, smiling broadly as Carol frowned.
"I mean it," Carol warned, "I will be outside the Archive at 10, sharp. Besides, what all do you have to do? You type the report ID in, you get a name, you write it down, you leave."
"Yes. yes. yes," Adea huffed into her coffee mug, waltzing around the counter as she switched on the radio, "Any other requirements, Dr. Wallace?"
"You required to have fun today," Carol huffed, crossing her arms, "No complaining. No work talk. No staring desperately at your phone like McCoy didn't just text you ten minutes beforehand."
"I don't do that," Adea huffed as she met Carol's raised eyebrow, hesitatingly setting her phone on the countertop.
"No, of course," Carol sighed dramatically, "You never do that."
"Fine," Adea huffed, setting her coffee down as she placed her hands on her hips, "I will only be fun today."
"Are you sure that's possible?" Carol mused.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Adea frowned, turning up the radio speaker, "Having so much fun I barely heard you. What did you say?"
"Oh god, not this song," Carol groaned, "Turn to Radio 1."
"How do you not like this song?" Adea asked, turning it louder.
"You can't even understand what he's saying, can you?" Carol sighed.
"Can't understand? Are you kidding me?" Adea mused, raising an eyebrow at Carol as she turned up the song, sliding across the floor out of Carol's reach.
"Adi, give it back," Carol sighed, reaching towards Adea as she spun out of reach.
"Ey, EY, EY AY EY!"
"I'm serious, A."
"Ey, EY, EY AY EY!"
"A..."
"Sorry, fun mode," Adea shrugged as she picked up the radio, twirling out of Carol's reach as she continued, "WELL I'M BACK IN BLACK! YES I'M BACK IN BLACK!"
Carol raised an eyebrow at Adea as she continued spinning around the room, using the speaker as an air guitar as she pulled her hair out of its ponytail. Adea continued head-banging as the guitar solo wailed on, her dark hair waving behind her as she slid across the living room floor. Adea looked up slowly as the vocals returned, her cheeks flushing red as she caught sight of Carol's phone.
"Carol Wallace Marcus, I swear to God if you don't delete that now," Adea hissed, gently tossing the speaker onto the couch as she lunged towards Carol.
"What?" Carol smirked, holding the phone away from Adea as she held her off with other arm, "I thought this was fun mode."
"What on Earth are you-" Adea started, her cheeks burning hotter as she caught sight of Carol's screen, "Did you send that to someone?"
"What?" Carol squeaked innocently, standing quickly as she shuffled to the other side of the counter.
"You sent it to someone!" Adea cried, chasing after Carol as she raced to the opposite in to the counter, "Who the hell did you send it to?"
"I forgot," Carol shrugged simply, shifting to the right as Adea edged closer.
"You forgot?" Adea mused, "Are you kidding me?"
"Go to the Archive, so you're not late to dress shopping," Carol called out, feigning left as she sprinted towards the right, dodging Adea as she raced towards her room.
"You're a dead woman, Carol Marcus!" Adea hissed, sprinting after Carol as she slammed her door shut.
"Fun mode," Carol's voice lilted from the other side, the lock clicking shut as Adea banged on the door.
4. Arrondissement, Paris, France
McCoy glanced down at the gold pendant, his mouth pulling up in a faint smirk as he snapped the box closed, adjusting the collar of his coat against the wind as he glanced down at the green-grey water of the Seine. He turned back towards the Hotel de Ville as a loud whistle echoed, grinning as he spied mess of brown hair heading towards him.
"Ey! Asshole!" the Frenchman called out, raising his arms in exasperation as he walked towards McCoy.
The shorter man perched his cigarette at the edge of his mouth as he approached McCoy, running a hand through his already dishevelled hair.
"That's a terrible habit, Théo," McCoy commented.
"So is ze amount of whisky you can drink in one evening but do you see me giving a shit? " Théo shrugged, flicking his ashes onto the street as smirked, "My city. My rules. Besides, where were you today, hmm? We meet at 2 o'clock, no?"
"3 o'clock," commented a clipped British accent, its owner straightening the collar of his wool coat as he approached, "You should learn to read your texts, Théo."
"And you should learn to fuck off, Nick," Théo retorted calmly, grinning broadly as he clasped the man's hand.
"Well they just let anyone into Paris these days," McCoy drawled, clapping Nick on the back as he flashed a dimpled grin.
"I swear I feel like I'm back at the Academy seeing you two again," Nick sighed, running a hand through his dark hair, "How long has it been? At least three years since I saw Len in San Francisco. And Théo? You all but fell of the face of the Earth after the Academy."
"Some of us 'ave real jobs, you know, biomedical engineering," Théo huffed, shaking his head as he lit another cigarette, "Ze next time your top of ze line technology works on your fancy Starship, you're welcome, huh? New corporal scanner? hypospray zat doesn't make your tongue go numb? Vitals monitor for human and non-human species? And zat was just last week!"
"So I take it working in R&D is treating you well?" Nick mused.
"Magnifique," Théo sighed, a dreamy look in his dark eyes as he stared out over the water.
"And you, Len?" Nick mused, nudging McCoy's shoulder, "Whoever thought that out of the three of us, you'd be the only one still blasting around Federation space?"
"You're the one who decided to go into medical policy making," McCoy sighed, smirking at Nick, "I'm sure Jim wouldn't mind another doctor aboard the Enterprise."
"Jim Kirk. I miss that man," Nick smiled slowly, shaking his head, "How is he by the way?"
"Same old," McCoy replied, "As reckless and impulsive as ever."
"I still owe him a whisky from our last Poker match," Nick sighed, glancing towards the quai as he tightened his scarf against the wind, "So, shall we get a move on then? I'm not sure about you two but I just got off a flight and I need a drink. Shall we?"
"About fucking time," Théo complained, crossing his arms as he sighed loudly, "I zought you two would stand here talking until next year."
They walked to the end of the bridge, pacing along the river as they made their way towards the Marais. They crossed the square in front of the city hall, following Nick as he beckoned down a side street.
"Putain, non," Théo groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose as they arrived in front of a dimly pub, "Why must we relive zis?"
"I thought you'd remember this place," Nick smirked, glancing at McCoy as recognition dawned in the southern doctor's eyes.
"Isn't this where we celebrated Théo's birthday the second year at the Academy?" McCoy asked slowly, glancing towards Théo as he groaned loudly, covering his face, "I'm surprised you even remember this place, Théo. We all but carried you out of here by your hands and feet."
"It was one time," Théo defended.
"Did you ever find your right shoe?" Nick smirked, removing his jacket as he took a seat at the bar, "I do recall you waking up without one."
Théo shot back an unamused glare, huffing out a string of French swear words as he took the stool besides Nick. He leaned forward as the bartender approached, ordering for the three of them as McCoy's pocket buzzed. McCoy glanced down quickly his phone, Nick and Théo's conversation fading into the background as he read the notification.
You have one unread message:
Carol Wallace (7:47): Just thought you should know what happens when you're away… Happy New Year, Doctor!
McCoy smirked as Adea slid into view, the red of her shorts flashing from underneath her large t-shirt as she raised the radio over her head. He shook his head slowly as she spun around again, her dark hair waving as she smiled, biting her lower lip. She glanced up suddenly at the camera, her dark eyes growing wide as lunged forward quickly, the video ending before her hand reached the camera.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Théo piped up, reaching forward to restart the video as McCoy held the phone away from him, "What are you watching? Sexy women in t-shirts?"
"Sexy women in t-shirts?" Nick mused, "What the hell are you two looking at?"
"Nothing," McCoy huffed quickly.
"Bullshit!" Théo countered, pointing at McCoy's phone, "What was zat video?"
"Can't you mind your damn business?" McCoy huffed.
"Non," Théo shrugged.
"Should I ask?" Nick sighed, taking a sip from his glass.
"My girlfriend and her friend are in London right now getting ready for New Year's," McCoy sighed.
"Wait, did she send that to you or is that her?" Théo mused, squaring towards McCoy on his stool.
"Yes, that's her," McCoy grumbled, frowning as he caught Théo's expression, "Don't look so surprised, asshole."
"But her?" Théo sighed, raising a confused eyebrow, "She looks like a model. She's dating you?"
"She's not a model, she's a diplomacy specialist on the Enterprise," McCoy huffed.
"And she's smart too," Théo sighed dreamily, nudging McCoy, "You are either out of your league or you must have a big-"
"Dammit, Theo, are you done yet?" McCoy groaned.
"Sometimes I really worry about him," Nick frowned, ruffling Théo's hair, "But he does have a point, mate. When do we get to see this mystery girl?"
"Can a man finish his damn drink first?" McCoy groaned.
"For now," Nick smirked quietly, raising his glass at the two of them, "What are they up to in my city anyways?"
Harrods, London, England
"Try this," Carol offered, sticking her arm through curtain as she held the shimmering fabric towards Adea.
"What is this?" Adea sighed, taking the dress as she held it up slowly.
"It's a EV suit," Carol clipped sarcastically.
"Where's the back?" Adea sighed, fingering the gold mesh as she reluctantly pulled the dress into the dressing room.
"Just try it," Carol sighed, taking a seat on a velvet cushion across from the cabin as her phone vibrated.
Nicky (16:08): Hello Car :) Random question for you: what's your friend's name visiting you in London?
Carol (16:10): Hello Nicky :* Adea, why?
Nicky (16:10): typing...
"Do you have it on?" Carol asked, raising an eyebrow at Adea as she poked her head out from behind the curtain.
"Depends?" Adea sighed, eyeing Carol's phone, "Are you filming?"
"No," Carol huffed adamantly, "I'm texting Nicky."
"Nicky?" Adea asked, raising an eyebrow at Carol, "You mean the hot one from your high school that came to visit during second year? The one living in Singapore now?"
"See," Carol smirked defiantly, "Not filming."
"Almost done fastening it," Adea sighed, disappearing behind the curtain again.
"How'd this morning go, by the way?" Carol asked.
"Pain in the ass," Adea huffed, fiddling with the clasp around her waist, "You said the names are in the report."
"They should be," Carol asked.
"Well they weren't," Adea grumbled, "I spent over an hour scrolling over ID numbers, trying to find a match."
"Mmm, that happens sometimes," Carol frowned, "New recruits not yet in the system. Personnel are reassigned. Who knows. Did you find it though?"
"971300731," Adea stated slowly, "I thought it was the ID number for personnel of the Archive, but double checked. The archive's base number is 730 not 731."
"731?" Carol mused, "What the hell is 731? Sure it's not a typo?"
"How the hell should I know?" Adea sighed, staring blankly at the dress as she struggled to identify the opening for her head.
"I've never heard of 731," Carol frowned, glancing towards her phone as Nicky typed, "Are you sure that's the right personnel number?"
"I spend an hour searching for the number and another forty-five minutes searching for the damn base code. The number is burned into my skull," Adea huffed, her fingers fiddling behind her head as she fastening the final clasp, "I'll ask when the Archive staff reopen after New Years, but I think I will explode if I hear or think of the word base code in the next twenty four hours."
"I'd do that," Carol sighed, raising an eyebrow as she read the message the popped up on her screen.
Nicky (16:12): Any chance she's dating a doctor named Leonard McCoy?
Carol (16:12): A very specific question. Depends :) Who's asking?
Nicky (16:14): Asking for my tipsy doctor sitting across from me going on about her ;)
Carol (16:15): Wait, your friend Len is McCoy?
Nicky (16:15): The very same.
Carol (16:16): You're in Paris with McCoy?
Nicky (16:18): For now ;) ...
"What's McCoy doing for New Year's?" Carol mused, glancing up towards the changing room curtain.
"He's still in Paris with a couple of his friends from when he was enrolled at the Academy," Adea answered, "Why?"
"You didn't want to invite him here?" Carol asked.
"He's with his friends he hasn't seen in years," Adea shrugged, "He saw almost everyday for a year and he'll see me in a couple of weeks. I'll see him soon."
"Mhmmm," Carol hummed dubiously.
"If it's fun day Adea, then its non-judgy Carol day," Adea commented, poking her head from behind the curtain.
"That depends. Are you finally done changing?" Carol sighed.
"I mean, it's a miracle this dress stays in place," Adea sighed, pulling back the curtain as she looked towards Carol, "But…"
"Holy shit, Adea," Carol commented, staring up at Adea as the gold dress shimmered.
"I wanted to hate it," Adea sighed slowly, stepping out of the cabin as she turned slowly in front of the mirror, brushing fluttering gold sleeves, "I wanted to hate it so badly."
"You have to get it," Carol stated, standing slowly as she caught sight of Adea's smirk.
"Do I want to know?" Adea sighed, glancing towards the tag.
"It's Fannie Schiavoni's new line," Carol smirked slowly, "It's probably best not to look."
"This is why I set limits before I got shopping with you," Adea sighed, eyeing Carol's devious grin.
"What did I do?" Carol mused innocently, "I mean, you said yourself, you didn't want to like it but-"
"Don't you have a guy to text?" Adea teased, "Or is causing conflicting feelings about a certain James Tiberius Kirk?"
"You can change now," Carol quipped, turning her attention back to her phone as it buzzed again.
Paris, 3. Arrondissement, 20:00
"So what is ze plan?" Théo smirked, glancing at his watch, "It is now 8 o'clock and ze tipsier I get, ze more ze terrible memories of zis pub come back. Let's go. I want to dance."
"I don't dance," McCoy huffed decidedly.
"I bet you would dance if zat girl of yours was dancing in front of you like that video, hmm?" Théo smirked, his grin growing as he met McCoy's glare.
"Nick, what's your proposal before I have to knock Théo's loud mouth out?" McCoy announced suddenly, exhaling loudly as he finished his whisky.
"Well, I'm glad you asked," Nick replied coyly, smiling slowly.
"I'm not sure if I like that smirk any better coming from you," McCoy sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"So I have tickets to a New Year's Eve party at a club this evening," Nick started slowly.
"Perfect. Let's go," Théo declared, sliding of his stool as he glanced
"A club?" McCoy sighed.
"Don't worry," Nick beamed, clapping McCoy's shoulder, "You're gonna love it."
"I doubt that," McCoy grumbled.
"There's a catch, though," Nick sighed, glancing at his watch, "If we want to go, we have to leave now."
"Leave now?" McCoy sighed, glancing at his own watch, "What New Year's Eve party starts at 8?"
"It doesn't start at 8," Nick replied calmly, "But if you two want to change and make it to the hypershuttle on time, then we should head back to the hotel now."
"Hyperhuttle?" McCoy repeated, "What the hell are you up to, Nick?"
"Does it matter?" Théo sighed, exhaling loudly, "Let's. Go. Allez."
"Nothing," Nick sighed innocently, "It's just I got these lovely tickets from my good friend Carol. It's nearly impossible get into Le Soir for New Year's. It's the best club in downtown London."
"Carol in London?" McCoy repeated slowly, raising an eyebrow at Nick, "Carol Wallace?"
"Who's Carol?" Théo sighed.
"Mm, do you know her?" Nick asked, feigning surprised as he glanced up at McCoy, "She's hanging out with her friends in London right now."
"So how long have you been plotting this?" McCoy drawled, nodding at Nick.
"Since this afternoon when I put the dots together," Nick shrugged, smirking.
"How do you know Carol?" McCoy asked.
"High school, mostly," Nick replied, smirking innocently as McCoy raised his eyebrows at him.
"Ey oh," Theo whistled, "What are we talking about?"
"Carol took that video McCoy got this morning," Nick stated calmly, winking at McCoy.
"Woah, woah, woah. Your girl is in London? At zis club?" Théo piped up excitedly, nudging McCoy's should, "I bet you dance now, huh?"
"Goddamn schemers," McCoy sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "The both of you."
"Don't blame me," Théo shrugged, "I just go along with ze plan."
"Come now, Len," Nick sighed, "I didn't negotiate these tickets for nothing."
"And ruin her girl's night?" McCoy mused, "I'm not just gonna barge in there while she's with her friends. Clearly you've never dealt with a Uhura temper."
"Do you think Carol would honestly invite us if she thought it would ruin girl's night?" Nick questioned, standing up slowly as he grabbed his coat.
"Nick-"
"Non, no excuse," Théo huffed, grabbing McCoy's coat, "It is simple math. Your girl looks like zat, you don't stay here in a shitty pub with Nick."
"I'm not sure that's math," McCoy sighed.
"Look me in the eye and tell me you don't want to see her and we'll stay here," Nick sighed, glancing up at McCoy.
"Of course I want to see her," McCoy huffed, "But-"
"La, la, la, la, la. Ok, it's settled, we go," Théo huffed decisively, "Besides, maybe she brings friends, hmm?"
"And I agree with Théo for once," Nick smirked, flashing McCoy coy grin as he turned towards the door, disappearing into the cobblestoned street.
Le Soir, London, England
"See?" Carol sighed, striding past the line of glittering dresses queueing outside the club, "Told you tickets come in handy."
"So does a taxi," Adea shivered, pulling her coat tighter as she paced after Carol as they arrived at the door.
"There you two are!" A blonde woman at the door called out, the crystals in her starred headband glittering as she rushed towards the two of them.
"Since when are you early, Christine?" Carol sighed, pulling her friend into a tight hug.
"Since it's cold outside and I have a tiny metallic dress," she huffed, smiling broadly as she turned towards Adea, "But apparently nothing on yours, Lovely. How are you, Adi?"
"Good and good to see you again, Christine," Adea smiled slowly as the blonde gripped her in a tight hug.
"Shall we?" Christine urged, flashing a bright smile at the bouncer as they slipped in the door, "I didn't squeeze into this tiny dress to wear over it coat all night."
They crossed the dance floor as they made their way to stairs towards the upper deck.
"God, it's been ages since I saw you both," Christine smiled, swerving through the crowd, "At least not since we were all living in Fort Baker. And now you're both assigned to the Enterprise? You two have all the fun."
"You're welcome to join," Carol offered, "I'm sure we could pull some strings."
"The world's most photogenic crew?" Christine mused, "I don't think I'd make the cut. I mean you two, the captain, the chief science officer? Who isn't attractive on that crew? I mean, have you seen the ship's doctor?"
"Funny you should mention the doctor," Carol smirked, nudging Adea as she blushed.
"The doctor?" Christine asking, eyeing Adea curiously, "Is that a crush or a thing?"
"I think its a bit more than a thing the last time I checked," Carol mused.
"Adea Ele," Christine tutted, suppressing her impressed smirk as she shook her head, "Wasn't Dr. McCoy your advisor?"
"I'm ignoring both of you," Adea huffed, ignoring Christine's giggle as she approached a familiar face.
"Oh no," the bearded bouncer smiled, looking up at the three of them as he pulled Adea into hug, "You have to give me a heads up when my favorite three ladies are going to show up."
"Hi, Robert," Carol smiled.
"Beautiful as ever, Carol," he replied, kissing her hand, "But I'm afraid I'm gonna have to break your heart this evening. Someone called in a favor two days ago and reserved the entire upper deck."
"Reserved?" Carol frowned, "What do you mean its reserved? The VIP ticket is always on the upper deck?"
"Last minute change," Robert sighed, "Friend of the owner decided to have his own event."
"So what's the point of a VIP ticket?" Carol sighed "What are we supposed to do with a full champagne bottle on a crowded dance floor?"
"I mean you don't have to carry it," Christine offered, "You could also just drink it."
"I don't need your lip right now, Chris," Carol huffed, "Honestly-"
"Is there any chance there would be space up there for three?" Adea smirked.
Robert exhaled slowly, smirking as slowly as he eyed Adea's red-lipped pout.
"I can ask the host and see if he'll make an exception," Robert sighed, "But no promises, and only 'cause you three look as gorgeous as always."
Adea turning to Carol.
"See what happens when you're nice?" Adea teased.
"Yes, I'm sure he's doing a favor because you great personality," Christine trilled dryly, "But who on earth books a party two days before New Year's?"
"Seriously," Carol huffed, glancing behind her at the crowded dance floor, "What idiot decides last minute to host their own party at one of the most popular clubs in London?"
"Well you better hope that idiot lets you upstairs or you're going to be miserable all night," Adea smirked.
"But honestly, A," Carol huffed, crossing her arms, "What self-absorbed, megalomanic ass-hole-"
"You've got to be kidding me," Adea smirked slowly, staring at upper deck as Robert reappeared around the corner, the gold-blazered host in tow.
"Oi," Scotty called out, beaming broadly as he spied the two of them, "What the hell are two doing in London? Get up here!"
"He knows you two?" Christine mused, raising an eyebrow at the man as he emphatically waved them up the staircase.
"Robbie, these are my shipmates. We're on the Enterprise together," Scotty explained proudly as they walked up the stairs.
"Well this is a small world," Carol mused, hugging Scotty.
"Hello Scotty," Adea greeted.
"Since when are you London, Lassie?" Scotty questioned excitedly, "Give a ring next time, would ya? I would've put you on the guest list."
"This is your party?" Carol mused, glancing wide eyed around the upper deck.
"What? This up here?" Scotty questioned, nodding at his silver-suited friend perched on the back of the sofa, "No, this was all Keenser's idea. But enough about how you got here, let's get you a drink."
Adea exchanged a quick look with Carol, shaking her head as Scotty waved the three of them towards the bar.
"Thank you, Robert," Adea smirked, flashing a smile as the bouncer returned a grin, returning to his post at the bottom of the stairs.
"Keenser?" Carol mused quietly, waving across the room as their shipmate nodded curtly.
"Do I detect judgy Carol?" Adea teased, raising an eyebrow at Carol as they followed slowly behind Scotty.
"Seriously, A, when is the last time you heard him talk?" Carol muttered quietly.
"Remember to say thank you," Adea sighed, winking at Carol as they joined Scotty at the bar.
"What'll it be, then?" Scotty sighed, leaning against the bar, "It's all on the house for tonight and they have everything."
"Gin tonic," Carol ordered, flashing a kilowatt smile at the bartender, "A?"
"Dark and stormy," Adea ordered.
"And you, lass?" Scotty mused, turning towards Christine, "I don't think we've properly met."
"Christine Chapel," the blonde beamed, "I was a cadet with these two at the Academy before I started my residency at Headquarters."
"Well, lovely ya meet ya. Montgomery Scott, " Scotty sighed, grasping her hand as he nodded towards the couch, "You can put your coats over there if you like. It's just Keenser's friends up her and a few of my mates still living London."
Adea removed her coat slowly, smoothing the front of her dress as she sat it besides the others in the chair besides the sofa.
"Now that is a New Year's dress," Christine commented, waltzing around Adea as she fingered the gilded sleeve of the dress, "I might as well go home now. You look like a goddamn goddess. It's practically painted onto you."
"Told you it was stunning," Carol added, glancing at Christine.
"It's just a dress," Adea mused quietly.
"And Jim Kirk's just a average looking man," Christine huffed, as they crossed the deck back to the bar, "That is something else, Adi."
"Oi, lassie, your drink is-" Scotty trailed off as he caught sight of the dress, the glass nearly spilling as he sat it promptly on the counter, "That is, wow…"
He trailed off abruptly, swallowing hard as blinked up at her.
"That is some dress, Lieutenant," Scotty mumbled quickly, rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced awkwardly at the dancefloor, "I mean…"
"Told you," Carol muttered quietly, nudging Adea as she took her own drink.
"I, uh, I think Keenser said something. I'll be right back," Scotty mumbled quickly, "Cheers!"
"Just a dress," Carol clipped, nudging Adea's arm as they moved towards the railing overlooking the dance floor.
"Fine," Adea sighed, glancing down at the glittering gold fabric, "It is a bit showy."
"Showy?" Christine huffed, "You're like a gilded Victoria's Secret model. Poor Montgomery Scott looks like he just had a heart attack."
Adea snorted quietly, rolling her eyes at the two of them as she took a long sip of her drink.
"Don't be coy now," Carol mused, watching Adea as she closed her eyes, swaying with the music, "Will you admit now that you like the dress?"
"Perhaps," Adea smirked, opening a single eye to glance at Carol as she turned slowly, the neon lights reflecting off the metallic paillettes of her dress.
"Please," Christine sighed, "Scotty can barely keep his mouth shut and half the guys down there on the dance floor are staring at you."
"They are not," Adea countered, rolling her eyes at Carol.
"Oh really? Then what's with that man over there by the bar," Carol sighed, gesturing to the floor below them, "That poor man looks like he just died and went to heaven."
"You're hilarious, Carol," Adea smirked, taking a sip of her drink.
"I'm serious, A, if his jaw gets any lower, I swear it would go straight through the floor," Carol continued, smiling slowly as she stared down at the dance floor.
"Which one?" Christine asked, scanning the crowd quickly before turning to Carol slowly, an eyebrow raised, "That one?"
"Mmm," Carol confirmed, smirking innocently as she glanced at Christine.
"Oh, Adi, I think you really should get a look at this guy though," Christine pressed, nudging Adea's arm.
"Fine then," Adea sighed, shaking her head as she scanned the bar, "Where?"
"There," Christine nodded, "Leaning against the corner of the bar in a suit. I mean, damn, that is a suit."
"I don't see him," Adea shrugged.
"I mean how can you miss him, A?" Carol sighed, "He's staring right at you."
"Carol, there's hundreds of people in here," Adea sighed, "What guy are you-"
Adea's breath caught in her throat, the edges of her mouth twitching upwards as she stared open mouthed at McCoy's handsome smirk.
Good God that suit….
Sure, she'd seen his in his Starfleet uniform, coming to and from events, but this was something else. Every inch of it was tailored perfection, from the dark fabric across his shoulders to the unbuttoned white collar of his button down against his tanned skin. Since when was he a suit guy? Adea clapped her mouth shut as McCoy began moving towards the stairs, her heartbeat echoing loudly in her ears as her face burned.
"He's look a lot like that Enterprise doctor if you ask me," Christine commented, nudging Adea's arm.
"Carol, how did you-" Adea started, trailing off slowly as she spied the handsome brunette trailing being McCoy as the men made their way through the crowd. "Is that Nicky?"
"He was in Paris this morning with his friends when he was texting this morning," Carol drawled slowly, "Turns out we shared a mutual friend."
"What-" Adea mumbled quickly, falling silent as she spied McCoy at the foot of the stairs.
"A little birdie named Carol told me there was a dress in London tonight I had see in person," McCoy drawled slowly, his green eyes trailing the length of the dress as he stared up at Adea as he walked up stairs, "But this is something else."
"Lee," Adea sputtered, wrapping her arms around his neck, "You're here!"
"Mhmm, got here, then nearly died," McCoy started, his hands trailed her waist, pulling her closer to him,"Goddamn, Sweetheart, you gotta warn a man before you wear a dress like that, hmm? "
"Oh, really?" Adea smirked innocently.
"Mmm," McCoy hummed in response, a devilish glint flashing in his dark eyes as he leaned towards her slowly, "About to get both of us in trouble."
"Goodness!" Scotty called out loudly, walking excitedly towards McCoy, "The entire Enterprise is here tonight. Good to see you, Doctor!"
"Scotty's here," Adea muttered quietly, stepping back suddenly.
"Well God forbid Scotty's here, Adi," McCoy replied dryly, straightening up slowly as his hands left Adea's waist.
"Lee, that's not-"
"So what brings to you London, Doctor?" Scotty asked, obliviously clapping McCoy on the back.
"Just visiting friends, I guess," McCoy stated indifferently, glancing down at Adea as he turned towards his friends, "Nick? Théo? Drinks?"
Adea exhaled slowly through her nose as McCoy stepped past her wordlessly, frowning as she glanced at Carol.
"Scotty's here?" Carol repeated, glancing over her shoulder as the guys made it to the bar before turning back to Adea.
"Don't start, Carol," Adea huffed, moving to lean against the railing, "He's now in a mood. I don't need you in one either."
"Me? You friendzoned him because Scotty's here?" Carol mused.
"I didn't friendzone him," Adea sighed, moving to lean against the railing.
"You went from jumping his bones to job interview mode the moment Scott walked over," Carol countered.
"Well forgive me if I don't want my entire ship speculating and gossiping about my life like Nyota," Adea huffed.
"Is this still the whole advisor thing or am I missing something?" Christie asked, her blue-eyed gaze slowly turning from Adea as she glanced towards Carol.
"Do you want to update her or shall I?" Carol asked.
"Could you not right now?" Adea groaned, exhaling loudly through her nose as she glared towards Carol.
"Adea can make up her mind if McCoy is her boyfriend or not because apparently that's easier than confronting that word of it might one day get back to her meddling, intimidating mother," Carol concluded, eyeing Adea, "Does that sum it up?"
"No I don't," Adea argued back.
"Please, half the ship does that anyway about you and Kirk, I don't see you caring about that," Carol started.
"You have a thing with Kirk too?" Christine mused.
"No!" Adea snapped angrily, crossing her arms, "It's different, Carol."
"Why because he's your boyfriend?" Carol asked, "Or is he? I can't tell."
"Do you not have anything better to do right now?" Adea snapped.
"You can't make up your mind, Adi," Carol sighed, "You want a boyfriend as long as you can still push him away like he isn't one."
"Are you done yet?" Adea huffed.
"I swear you've gotten judgier since I last saw you," Christine mused, eyeing Carol, "If the girl needs time to figure things out, why push it?"
"That man just put on a suit and flew in from Paris to surprise you and spend New Year's Eve with you," Carol continued, "And you just expect him to wait around while you act like you barely know him because of what other people might think?"
"Or push it," Christine sighed.
"Well as always, thank you for that unsolicited advice, Carol," Adea quipped tiredly, "I'm going downstairs for a bit."
Adea paced down the stairs as she made her way towards the dance floor, breaking her frown for a moment to offer Robert a quick smirk. She edged through the crowd slowly, squeezing through the packed party goers as she arrived at the lower bar. She shifted uncomfortably in her heels, glancing around at the glittering lights flashing off bottles as she caught the eye of the bartender.
"Botucal, straight," Adea ordered, turning as someone slid closely into the barstool besides her.
"Two please and it's on me," the familiar man smiled, flashing a boyish grin, "A beautiful woman should never drink alone. Théodore Chevallier."
"You're Théo," Adea replied slowly.
"I am," Théo smirked, sliding cash to the bartender as their drinks arrived, "And you must be the beautiful Adea, non? You ran off before we could formally meet."
"Oh," Adea mumbled quickly, "Yeah, I just...needed a moment."
"No matter," Théo smirked, raising his glass, "Santé."
"Santé," Adea replied, clinking his glass.
"A good accent," Théo mused, "Tu parles français?"
"De temps en temps," Adea smirked, as Théo raised his eyebrows.
"Now I am truly in awe," Théo sighed, shaking his head slowly, "No wonder Len doesn't shut up about you."
"Yes, well, I think I've successfully pissed him off for the evening," Adea sighed.
"Because you want to make a scene in front of your crewmates?" Théo asked, "Please, I totally understand."
"Really?" Adea mused tiredly, "Well that makes one person."
"My ex-girlfriend was Andorian," Théo started, "And her family did not approve of us dating."
"So, let me guess, you two hid it from your crew so they didn't find out?" Adea sighed.
"Non, we didn't hide it at all and after one particularly nasty argument with her father, he tried to kill me," Théo answered simply, raising his sleeve to reveal a jagged scar on his arm, "Nearly did too."
"I don't follow," Adea started slowly, staring blankly at Théo.
"Point is," Théo sighed, pulling his sleeve down again, "Life is full of assholes. Do what makes you happy."
"I'm not sure if that is the best or the worst advice I've ever heard," Adea commented slowly, eyeing Théo as he finished his drink in a single gulp.
"Perhaps, but unless I'm wrong, you're idea of a happy evening is not sitting alone at a bar by yourself," Théo shrugged.
"No?" Adea mused, shaking her head as Théo ordered a second round, "What gave it away?"
"I would say ze dress," Théo shrugged, raising an amused eyebrow at Adea, "But who knows. I grew up in Paris, ze fashion capital of ze Federation. Maybe zis is just casual for you?"
"Casual?" Adea repeated incredulously.
"My point exactly. It is not ze dress," Théo sliding cash to the bartender as their drinks arrived, "It is because you are not dancing."
"Sorry to break it to you," Adea shrugged, "I don't dance."
"Well you see, I saw a video zat suggests otherwise," Théo sighed, pouring her first glass into the second as he pushed the brimming highball towards her.
"Video?" Adea trailed off, glancing away from the glass as she stared up at Théo, "What v-"
"Ah yes, you remember!" Théo smiled broadly as she groaned, taking a sizeable sip from her glass, "Was zat AC/DC I heard?"
"I'm going to kill, Carol," Adea huffed.
"Non, we do not need to kill people yet. I have a better idea," Théo smirked, nodding towards the upper deck, "You are going to drink this. We are going to go back upstairs where we will celebrate the New Year with champagne on ze house. Zen we are going dancing, because with enough alcohol in zeir system, everyone dances."
"Consider me the exception," Adea sighed, raising an eyebrow as Théo pushed her glass towards her.
"Surely you do," Théo countered, "Everyone dances. But you know who dances really well, hmm? My friend Len. One of the lucky few who is actually coordinated after several glasses of whisky."
"So that's why you came down here," Adea drawled slowly.
"For him? Non. I am a selfish man," Théo smirked innocently, "I just want my goddamn peace and quiet."
"Peace and quiet?" Adea mused dubiously.
"Exactly!" Théo sighed, "Four years. Four fucking years, he won't shut up about you. Zis girl I met on a rooftop. Oh, I saw her again in ze library. I zink I'm falling for her. Oh no, I don't know anymore. Théo, Guess who's on my ship? I'm in Paris, where can I shop for a gift for her? It's exhausting."
Théo trailed off quietly, smirking as she glanced down, blushing.
"What? You zink he doesn't talk about you?" Théo mused, "Judge all you want but I saw ze look on your face when you saw him, hmm? He's not alone. So go spend your night doing what makes you happy."
He nudged Adea's arm, drinking a sizeable portion Adea's drink as he passed it back to her.
"Ze rest is yours," Théo said, wobbling slightly as he stepped away from the bar, offering her his arm, "Mademoiselle?"
Adea shook her head slowly, finishing her drink as she linked arms with Théo. They edged through the crowded dance floor, the sea of glittering guests pulsing with each beat of the dance line. Théo's words echoed through her head as they bobbed through the crowd, her thoughts flashing through her memories like the neon lights waving above her head. Each lopsided smirk. Each touch. Each kiss. Perhaps it was Théo's words, or the dance floor, or God forbid, whatever combination of drinks flowing through her system sent she'd begun getting ready at Carol's. But as she racked her mind for an excuse, a worry, for the first time in four years she found herself drawing a blank. She glanced up at the railing as her heart pounding in her ears, her eyes scanning the upper deck with a newfound determination.
She needed to find him...and for once, regret, fear, and worry be damned.
"Where on Earth did you go, Adi?" Christine called out, pacing towards the two of them as they arrived on the upped deck, "It's almost midnight."
"I was at the bar," Adea frowned, glancing over railing down as the crowd began counting down from thirty, "Where's McCoy?"
"I thought he was with you," Christine replied slowly, "Nick, Carol, and McCoy went downstairs looking for you."
"They did?" Adea frowned as the countdown reached twenty, scanning the crowd nervously.
"You didn't see them?" Christine asked, glancing around as the crowd reached ten.
"Et voila!" Théo exclaimed loudly, gesturing to the trio as they reappeared.
Adea exhaled slowly as she met McCoy's gaze, a relieved look flashing across his face as he caught sight of her. She raced towards him as the room erupted, gold confetti filling the air as it fluttered down from the rafters.
"Adi," McCoy breathed, offering her an apologetic smile as she came to a stop in front of him, "I'm sorry. Look, I know-"
He fell silent as Adea leaned forward suddenly, her arms wrapping around his neck as she pressed her lips against his. He gave into the kiss slowly as the first notes of Auld Lang Syne rang out. His left hand gripped her waist as the other cupped her face slowly, his thumb brushing her cheek as he deepened a kiss. She smiled against his lips as her hands trailed into his hair, his tongue brushing again hers. She stepped closer to him as he sucked her bottom lip, his hands drifting lower on her waist as-
"Did I miss something?" Scotty mused loudly, his face locked in open-mouthed confusion as he glanced between the two of them.
Adea blushed violently as they broke the kiss, glancing away from Scotty as she ran an awkward hand through her hair.
"Don't think so," McCoy sighed slowly, raising an amused brow at Adea.
"Uh, nope," Adea replied quickly, her voice squeaking out an octave higher than usual.
"Well, uh, Happy New Year then," Scotty answered slowly, his mouth snapping shut as he pointed towards the bar, nodding slowly, "I'm, uh, gonna go find...someone."
He turned abruptly, hurrying after Théo as Adea groaned, resting her head against McCoy's chest.
"Well that's one way to start a new year," McCoy drawled slowly, his thumb trailing her cheek as he tilted her chin towards his, the celebrations of the New Year fading into the background as his lips met hers again.
Confession Time:
1. I love Théo. I love him so much.
2. This was a long chapter. Debated breaking it into, but alas its New Year's (at least to them). Why not?
3. As always, let me know what you think, like, dislike. Lemme know!4. Stay safe, readers. Live Long & Prosper! - Case H.
