Family Parties
It was with a certain amount of dread that she accepted the invitation on her colleagues' behalf.
Oh, she figured they'd be safe – well, safe enough, anyway; but there were still… concerns.
Jim, she was sure, would charm her family's socks off, and the others could hold their own – but Spock, she knew, would fade into the background, when accompanied by such light. And she didn't want him to fade. She wanted him to shine. She knew that, faced with the Uhura Clan, he could hold his own, but only if the playing field were even – Only if they could see for themselves the brilliance he kept subdued. She wasn't afraid of their reaction – really, she wasn't - but she had just never found just the right and perfect moment (across space and by subspace receiver) to tell them about them.
So she told her family that they would come – that they all would come – and hoped it would be okay.
Kirk charms the crowd, that much is sure. He stands amongst the aunts and uncles, and manages to ingratiate himself to every one (even those not predisposed to being overwhelmed by such a character). She can tell the uncles will be telling her father how lucky she is, to serve aboard the Enterprise.
McCoy works the magic of his Southern charm. When he exerts himself (and gets out of his own way), he is every bit as much the charming devil as the Captain constantly proves to be. Her mother, she thinks, is not immune, and somehow that makes Nyota happy. Maybe Mama will trust, now, that the Doctor will keep them going…
Scotty has them laughing. Really, of all of them, he's the one who fits in best with her cousins. His stories are completely outrageous, but told with every available ounce of self-deprecating truth, so that they hang on every word and hesitate to talk over him.
Sulu sips his punch, and talks with one or two people at a time. He answers questions about their exploits, and turns them into tales that make his colleagues look good. He talks, then moves on to another lone guest.
Chekov seemed so awkward, at first, that she almost regretted encouraging him to come. But then Emilie draws him aside, and plies him with cake, and tells him of her dreams of Starfleet. In advising her, Chekov finds his voice.
And Spock?
Spock is, undeniably, himself.
He stands amongst them like a statue in a whirlwind – like a pillar in the midst of a parade. The bright laughter and brighter colours – and the loud voices of the Uhura clan - seem to anchor him to the earth. The talk swirls around him, and he gravely bends his head to listen. Watching him, she is reminded, once more, that he is the son of a diplomat – a diplomat, himself – and his straight-backed pose is familiar from a hundred different locations and negotiations. Still, his posture is relaxed – and he seems genuinely interested in what Bibi is saying to him.
Bibi!
She had left Spock to meet her formidable grandmother all on his own.
Perhaps he felt her gaze, for in the next instant, his eyes lift, and shift her way. A second later, they return to her grandmother's face, and he nods.
Enzi brings Nyota a drink just then, and makes an admiring comment about her Captain. Looking over, she sees her aunties laughing, and thinks that in that moment Jim deserves every word of praise.
And Spock?
She surreptitiously glances his way – and catches the instant he gravely, delicately, takes her Bibi's hand, tucking it gently through his elbow. He makes a small gesture, his eyes on Bibi's face, and begins to lead her to where Nyota is standing. He covers her hand with his spare one, and Nyota sees his lips moving as he speaks.
Leaning on him, his slow, steady pace allowing her to move with utmost dignity, it is clear her Bibi feels like a queen. She gazes up into Spock's face, smiling at his words. As they approach, he slows even more, and his fingers wrap around Bibi's to help steady her. She grips his hand a little, knotted tendons working, and Spock holds still, until she feels secure.
Nyota lifts her gaze from their hands to Bibi's face, and then to Spock's, and his eyes – gentle and warm - rise to meet hers.