The chief communications officer for the starship Enterprise found herself at a loss for words. It wasn't great for her career, but under the circumstances, her condition was understandable.
She moved towards McCoy, her steps hesitant.
"Oh," she said. Her voice was barely more than a whisper, but in the profound silence, it was audible to all.
She reached out a hand towards her wedding gown, but quickly pulled it back to cover her mouth once more.
"Oh," she said again as the tears finally spilled over onto her cheeks. "Oh… my."
Suddenly filled with a desperate energy, she spun around to face her fiancé.
"You," she said, her voice shaking. She swung her gaze around the room 'til it rested on Kirk. "And… you. Oh my god."
She didn't register the indulgent smiles that were flickering across faces around the room. Her eyes, and her feet, were drawn back to McCoy and the dress he was holding.
And then she was laughing as she started moving forward again. She smiled broadly as she dashed the tears from her eyes and cheeks.
"I-I'm afraid to touch it," she told the doctor. "I'm afraid it's going to disappear or something."
"I can assure you, Nyota," began a deep voice coming from behind her, "it is very real. The captain and I still bear the injuries to prove it."
Everyone joined Uhura in laughter. Even Spock's lips quirked up in acknowledgment of his own teasing.
"How?" She had to know. "When?"
Spock tilted his head, considering her confusion.
"You were," he told her, "otherwise occupied."
She turned to look back at Kirk, still seated across the room, both Rand and Gaila flanking him one more.
"'The Complete Moron's Guide to Sewing'?" she asked.
The young starship captain offered her his signature sexy grin.
"Yeah well, if you'd seen Spock and me before Bones took over, you'd understand just how fitting the 'moron' part was."
Uhura spun around to face McCoy again.
"You too?" She was incredulous. "I didn't hear anything about your involvement in this."
"What'd you think I was doing in Spock's quarters holding up fripperies for?" he grumbled, shaking the dress he still held. "I couldn't let those two ham-handed numbskulls ruin your big day."
She covered a grin with her hand.
"Oh, Len," she said. "Your grumpy old man act is doomed, you know? No one will ever fall for it after this."
More giggles and chuckles flowed through the room as Uhura walked over to wrap her arms around the handsome southerner.
"Pshaw," he said, folding his free arm around her waist. "Mind the dress, now, darlin'. Spock wasn't kiddin' about injuries. Those two couldn't sew their way into a potato sack when I found them. I'd hate to have start all over."
Uhura giggled against his shoulder, but then pushed away and faced her friends.
"How many of you knew about this?" she demanded. "Who knew and how the hell did you keep quiet about it? I mean, my Spock. Sewing?"
When only Sulu raised a hand, she found herself laughing again.
"Figures," she muttered with another shake of her head.
She focused on the only person who had been in on the secret without being part of it and beckoned him closer.
"Hikaru… did you really grow me flowers?" Her eyes were filling again, and her voice held the tiniest quaver.
Sulu obeyed, scratching the back of his head and mentally geared himself up for more crying communications officer.
"Yeah well," he admitted, ramping up the boyish for charm for all its worth, "I couldn't let the captain and company get all the glory, could I?"
He earned himself a huge smile and a kiss for that one.
"Gosh!" Uhura addressed the group once again. She let her eyes meet those of each person in the room. "I don't know what to say except 'Thank you all.' Every one of you has done something special for me, or for Spock," she winked at Chekov, "these past couple of months. I really have the best friends – the best family – anyone could ask for. I hope you all know just how wonderful you are."
She felt Spock's Vulcan heat behind her once more. And then his hands were on her shoulders, pulling her back against him. She only just managed to hide her surprise at the public display of affection.
"I'm simply showing my support," he murmured in her ear before speaking out to their friends.
"I would also like to express my gratitude for everything you have done for the lieutenant and for me," he told them. "Her mother and I would have undoubtedly been too exhausted to attend the ceremony ourselves had our friends not stepped in to assist us. Whether you offered expertise" he nodded at McCoy, "or simply willing hands..."
That bit was directed at Kirk and elicited the desired laughter from everyone but the captain, who called out, "Yeah, hands willing to bleed for you."
Spock continued as if there had been no interruption.
"Or the means to reduce… stress... "
Chekov turned bright red. Scotty nearly spit out his scotch.
"… all of your gifts have been most appreciated. We thank you."
Seconds went by before anyone realized the half-Vulcan had finished his speech and the applause broke out again.
With Upenda's help, McCoy carefully packed the dress back into its bag. Chekov put down his PADD for the first time that evening and went in search of a drink.
The couple split up, taking the time to thank their friends individually. Entering and leaving the various conversations going on around the room, Spock overheard snippets like "mantrap" and "naked" that had his right eyebrow working overtime. Uhura bristled briefly when she thought Scotty was waxing lyrical about a "dark beauty" singing love songs at Spock.
And later the two walked back down the corridor to their own room, hand-in-hand, awash in the good feelings of family and friendship and love.
A/N: Times winding down folks. I've budgeted only three more chapters 'til dum-dum-de-dum, but I might squeeze it into two.
The first five chapters of Ladies Night (formerly called Hen Night) are posted for those of you who feel sorry for Chapel and/or want to know what happened during Uhura's bachelorette celebrations.
Usual disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek, I don't own any of the music referenced, I'm not sleeping with Spock or with Bones on the side, though I'd take either one.
Should have noted earlier: I hate shopping and most things girlie, so forgive me if you think my clothing descriptions have been lacking.