Civvies
Commander Spock almost always wears his uniform. Even on shoreleave, he wears it.
Sometimes, then, she'll wear hers, too: It's her subtle indication that they just might come as a matched set.
But the rest? They go for civvies.
They can put aside their uniforms for a few hours, or a few days, and be who they are – Or be who they want to be, which just might be something different.
On a night like tonight, when they have an evening of shoreleave at no-where-in-particular, they throw on their favorites: Those well-worn items they just couldn't leave behind.
Tonight, they have just enough time for a couple of beers, knowing a Vulcan will keep the home fires burning.
Uhura strips off her uniform and considers three outfits before deciding which best expresses her mood. But when she's done, she feels beautiful. She says good-bye to her sweetie, and hears in his silence his hopes that she will have a nice time.
She waits in the Transporter Room for the boys to come.
The Captain wears his flannel, and it carries the opposite of authority. It's a shirt that belongs to a guy named Jim: Just an old faded shirt that's like he is, underneath. It's always been tough but it's now broken in – and there's something soft about that, something vulnerable, which begs for a touch. And women will touch him, no doubt about that.
Sulu's in black, and he looks non-descript, until he smiles his flashing bright smile… Soon he'll drink, tell wicked jokes, and untie that black. She's curious what his t-shirt will tell her tonight. It's always a surprise, and always makes her laugh. ('Capo Ferro'? Nice.)
Chekov is neat in his 'here I am not wearing a uniform' clothes. And it's still the uniform, just not Starfleet issue: Cargo pants (black), long sleeve undershirt (not black – hey, white, this time), a bright-colored t-shirt over. He's neat and pristine.
But when they dance, he'll jump around. The undershirt will come half-untucked, his pants will hitch up on his left boot, and his curls will be damp with sweat. Chekov is very appealing when he's all unwound - and she wishes she could tell him that, sometime.
Scotty has on grubby old somethings that don't look like much. He hunches morosely in his civvies; and she knows he wishes he were back on the job, finishing what he was working on before. But when they've gone down there, they'll pour some whiskey, and commiserate – Jim will make him laugh. Then Sulu will tell a joke, and Chekov's tongue will stumble retelling the Russian version. Scotty's eyes will begin to twinkle under the cap she knit for his birthday, and he'll push back his sleeves. He'll tell an outrageous story that happens to be true: He'll become the life of the party.
Leonard's wearing baggy old jeans a size too big; and she's sorry, 'cause he has a nice ass. Skinny but nice - He just doesn't know it. He has a green twill shirt tucked in all around, with button cuffs done tight. She's watched him and knows that if trouble comes, he'll neatly roll those out of the way, to do what needs to be done. But, maybe, if he relaxes, he'll roll them sloppy, and when they unroll, he'll just let them flop.
He will lean back in a chair to one side, and prop his feet up, shaking his head over their juvenile antics. He'll look over, catch her eye. "C'mon, Darlin'," he'll say, climbing to his feet. "You're looking too pretty to waste on this." He'll hold out his hand with his small Southern bow. "Let's dance."
Tonight, she'll go out with Jim and the boys. She'll flirt, and she'll laugh; she'll likely drink just a little bit too much. She'll talk too loud about things that really mean nothing. And she'll dance, and dance, and dance.
She'll feel beautiful, alive: A human being - a woman - in her prime.
Tonight, she'll call the ship and transport up, just before he leaves the Bridge. If she times it right, they'll meet in the turbolift – or come from opposite ends of the corridor. He'll be cool and composed in his crisp brilliant blue.
Their eyes will meet.
Tonight, she'll dance and come home with her skin hot and flushed. And she'll strip off her civvies.