AN: Usual disclaimer, the rights to Star Trek etc belong to someone else. Any mistakes are totally my own, and one day when I'm ready to come back to this story I'll correct them!

Chapter 11

Three years later...

Back on board the Enterprise, Kirk's alarm woke him up. It was early and he'd only made it to bed a few hours before. A few drinks they had said, it's tradition they had said. Nobody had warned him about the stonking hangover he would have the next day. He needed to swing by sickbay before the day began. As he walked he recalled the hurdles he and Uhura had overcome to get to this point. It had been a joint decision to return back to Starfleet; however they insisted to their superiors that they serve together. Command had not been overly thrilled with the stipulation, but Admiral Pike had fought their corner and eventually they were allowed to return and serve on board the Enterprise. The crew were pleased to see them both back, although there were a few snide comments about their relationship. Some thought Uhura benefitted from her link to Kirk, and by extension to Admiral Pike. That annoyed her extensively, and she vowed to prove her distractors wrong. Back as Captain, Kirk felt he had a lot to prove. He was convinced his 9 month absence was seen as a sign of weakness. At times his dedication to the role, and her need to define herself as successful without help from above almost drove a wedge in their relationship. Both so stubborn, he had lost count of the times they had rowed only to have spectacular make up sex. Both so passionate and fiery, it was difficult to mediate between them. McCoy, as Kirk's closest friend on the ship, stayed well out of their arguments but in his own way offered council when he felt it appropriate.

'You here for your hypospray?' McCoy had not escaped unscathed and vowed never ever drink anything mixed by Spock again. When he had awoke he had found Sulu trouserless clutching a teddy bear, Chekov was sat staring out of the window convinced he could count every star he could see and Scotty was wearing an Ensign's dress. Which one and how he got it nobody knew, as for Admiral Pike they were still yet to find him. 'So last night...what the hell did we get up to? McCoy's tone was even more gruff than usual, Kirk massaged his temples. 'I really have no idea…' McCoy looked like he might keel over, and it was only Spock's arrival that reanimated him. Spock strolled in, unaffected by the previous night's activities. 'My god man, you could at least look like you took part in a bachelor party'. McCoy's patience was wearing thin as the effects of his hypospray wore off. Spock tilted his head at the statement, 'As you are aware alcoholic beverages have no effect on me. It was extremely unwise to challenge me to a drinking game, especially one linked to the number of sexual partners Captain Kirk has had'. A hint of a smile appeared on Spock's face. McCoy had stupidly devised a drinking game around Kirk, take one shot for each ensign they remembered Kirk sleeping with, take two shots for each toe curling excuse he had used to leave the dorm before a roommate arrived back, take three shots each time Kirk had sought treatment from some sort of sexually transmitted infection…and so on. At the time, they had though it hilarious, Kirk was not so sure…he had an inkling it would descend into utter disorder. 'Uhura must NEVER find out about this', he had begged McCoy and Spock. Kirk just wanted his hypospray and pushed past Spock to get it. The relief was almost immediate. Remembering what was happening today, he faced his friend, slapped him on his arm and said 'thank you. It means a lot to us'. Spock nodded gracefully. He then responded 'I believe the correct phrase to be let's get this show on the road'.

Spock remembered how he and Kirk had became friends once again. Rather than re-joining the Enterprise, he had opted to be first officer on the USS Apollo. Their exploration was closely linked with the needs of New Vulcan, and he reasoned this would be mutually beneficial – he would be close to home, and yet still able to remain in Starfleet. Uhura had made contact with him; she confirmed her relationship with Kirk and wanted to be sure he would be okay with it. It had taken time for him to accept them as a couple, but during their frequent discussions she had pushed for he and Kirk to start conversing again. So just over a year ago, during his scheduled shore leave, he invited Kirk, McCoy and Sulu to New Vulcan. He was sure Kirk would say no, and was pleasantly surprised when he and the others accepted. On arrival to his home, all the others were friendly and open, even making jokes about his demeanour, all seem comfortable except Kirk. He seemed uneasy, and avoided being alone with Spock, or engaging him in any conversation. Spock rationalised that as the host he would need to do something to break the ice. 'Jim I believe it is time we talked. There is a lot to say', as he stood beside Kirk watching the other men play Dom Jot. A long silence had passed before Kirk exhaled noisily, 'Okay, I'm not sorry she chose me, I love her and I am not letting her go'. He took a gulp of his beer to steady his nerves. Spock sensed it would be better to allow the conversation to continue with them focusing on the Dom Jot game and continued. 'Nyota has told me about her feelings for you. I am pleased. She deserves to be happy…so do you', he articulated using his most sincere voice, as he did genuinely mean it. 'I too am in a relationship with someone. It is a new experience, so there is a lot to learn about one another'. He wanted Kirk to understand that their discussion was not about him reclaiming Uhura. It was about them becoming friends once again. Kirk stopped drinking, and turned to face Spock his relief was palpable. 'I'm pleased for you Spock, so….details…what's she like? Where did you meet her? Is she hot?' Just like that Kirk returned to form. They talked, Spock doing his best to regal Kirk with tales of misunderstanding, and where appropriate keep his opinions to himself about handling the famous Uhura temper. They eventually got round to talking about their attempts at apologising about activities on Theytan, this time both willingly accepted. Back in the sickbay, preoccupied by his thoughts he nearly missed McCoy ordering him out and off to get ready.

They all returned to the respective quarters to prepare. It had been a while since Kirk wore his full officers dress outfit, he wondered how Uhura looked. He had asked the ships computer to locate her, whilst pacing up and down their quarters, 'Commander Uhura is no longer on board the Enterprise'. After all her hard work, she rightfully earned a promotion and he could definitely say it had nothing to do with him. Just then his comms unit buzzed for his attention, 'Captain Kirk your shuttle is ready', the wedding party was going back to Earth for the wedding. The location was Paris, France. Kirk, McCoy, Admiral Pike, Chekov, Sulu, Scotty and Spock congregated inside. Admiral Pike had been located sleeping in engineering 'Jesus, Spock what did you give me…?', as he walked past him onto the shuttle. Kirk was anxious, he was fidgeting and it was distracting everyone. Chekov stared at the Captain, then leant over to whisper to Sulu, 'I've never seen him so nervous'. Scotty, none the worse for wear, jovially asked 'so why Paris then?' It's not as either of them are French'. McCoy laughed and Kirk rolled his eyes, a habit he had picked up from Uhura, 'most romantic place on Earth, does that ring any bells?'. Kirk went back to thinking about the big day, when it had been announced there had been great interest. He was still the golden boy for saving Earth all those years ago, and it seemed the public had a vested interest in anything he did.

In Paris, just outside Notre Dame, spectators lined up to see event. People were determined to get a good seat. Kirk and the wedding party stopped outside to wave and have their photos taken. Kirk really didn't know what to do with himself so he ducked into the church. Making his way to the front he said his hellos to the friends and dignitaries representing the Federation planets. He let out a breath he wasn't aware he was holding, and assumed his position at the front. He would have a great vantage point watching her walk down the aisle. He had seen her the night before, they had made love, before saying their short goodbyes. 'Hey, it's only for a few hours, I'll be the one holding your hand,' Uhura had said, head resting against his heart. 'She's here', McCoy used his thumb to gesture behind him, as he and the other friends walked to the front. Taking their place next to Kirk, the sound of the bridal march played. She kept her pace in time with the beat. During the rehearsals she had either been a beat too fast or a beat too slow. As Kirk watched her walking towards him, it was just right. He saw her beautiful face and it made his heart sore to think she was his. Her hair was swept up in a classic chignon, and was adorned with small white flowers. As she reached the front, Uhura gave him a dazzling smile and stood aside with the rest of the bridesmaids. Behind her, the bride Christine Chapel, took her place next to Spock. She gazed lovingly into Spock's eyes, he returned the gesture, and then the ceremony began. McCoy whispered to Kirk 'Don't lose the rings best man', still sore that Spock had not asked him. At the time Kirk had ribbed him mercilessly, 'seriously, calling him hobgoblin was never going to endear you to him. Besides, who throws the best bachelor parties!?' He teased.

It was a beautiful service, officiated part in standard and part in Vulcan. Spock had met Christine a year into service upon the USS Apollo. She had helped him with his research into developing a vaccine for use on New Vulcan. Over discussions, they had grown to become friend and eventually fallen in love. When she had accepted his proposal Spock knew he wanted Kirk as his best man and the others as his groomsmen. As they walked down the aisle back to the waiting crowds, a cheer could be heard from outside. Uhura made her way to Kirk's side and held his hand, as promised. She took the opportunity to assess his attire, giving a nod of approval she murmured into his ear that he looked 'damn fine'. A blush spread across his cheeks, and together they followed the bride and groom to the awaiting shuttle.

At the reception, Uhura was sitting cross legged on Kirk's lap. He was gently rubbing her back, laughing and talking with his friends. Sulu was attempting some sort of dance move, which looked as if he were having a fit. Kirk returned his gaze to Uhura, and grinned. They both agreed neither was ready for the next step, but it was something to think about. A song she loved began to play, 'can I have this dance?' he whispered to her. She stood up and placed her hand into his before dragging him onto the dance floor. Aware eyes were on them, he vowed to keep his hands in a respectable position on her body. It was tempting to run his hands across her curves, the dress left little to the imagination the way it clung to her. Golden in colour, it was strapless and the material shimmered in the light. He was particularly enamoured by the thigh high split, which gave him easy access to sensually stroke her leg. He had already indicated to her once the song was over, they were going to find a secluded spot so he could examine her outfit more closely. His mischievous eyes hinted at something else entirely. Holding him close, Uhura had rested her head on his shoulder, and could hear him humming the lyrics. Turning her head to the side she could see the happy bride and groom dancing, Spock nodded at her; she smiled and winked at him. She knew she had made the right choice.

The end

AN: Thank you to all the lovely people who followed and/or added this story as a favourite. Sorry, I didn't reply to all the reviews. I wasn't sure what to say. I definitely didn't want this to be a straight love story, and hope the action mixed it up a bit. I realise there is not a lot of love for Kirk and Uhura as a couple, but I hope I have managed to change a few minds. Whilst I have nothing against Uhura and Spock as a pairing, it's nice to have other stories exploring the alternative pairing that could happen. And let's face it, those two are hawt together!

AN2: To those who have asked, yes, I probably will write another Kirk/Uhura story. But I need to get this one out of my head first.