This was written for Trektober 2023 Day 9: Dressed Uniforms.
In Captain Kirk's quarters, Spock, Bones, and Jim himself are standing around dressed to the nines. Jim makes a final adjustment to his shirt, tugging it down to fit perfectly over the top of his black dress pants. Spock stood by the desk, watching Jim fix his outfit.
McCoy stands in front of Jim's mirror, fussing with the upright neck of his official Starfleet dress shirt. "I still hate these uniforms." Anything with a collar instead of a neckline is too much.
Jim grabs McCoy's shoulder and turns him around. He offers McCoy a sly smile as he adjusts the blue-collar. "It's just for an afternoon." Jim runs his fingers over the golden lining along the top, straightening it out. It's a kitschy look. Far too exorbitant for a uniform this bland, but maybe that was the point. To add a dash of color and something extra for the eyes.
It's one way to distract people from the boring conversations to be had.
As Jim pulls his hands away, McCoy slips two fingers under the collar and runs them around. Able to breathe now he grins. "Ah, much better. Thank you Jim."
Pulling his hands back, Jim's eyes take in his work. Deeming it suitable, he gives McCoy a small pat on his cheek. "You'll survive Bones."
"Why does the CMO even have to attend? It's not like anyone at a military conference will care to listen to professional, medical advice."
Kirk opens his mouth to appraise Bones' many great skills. Perhaps his tactical wit. However, Spock beats him to the punch. "If they're wise they will listen, doctor."
"And whoever said the admiralty was wise?" Spock raises a brow and McCoy grins. "If I was a betting man, I'd place all my chips on you catching the eye of someone tonight."
"This is a professional meeting doctor." Spock readjusts the right end of his sleeve. Once it's fixed he brings his hands together, tucking them on top of each other, hiding his arms entirely within his long sleeves."There will be no flirting."
"That's what you think." McCoy playfully elbows Spock. "Last time we went to one of these Kirk caught the eye of a beautiful-"
"Bones." Kirk cuts him off with a stern tone. It's quickly replaced by a playful smile. "You look quite handsome yourself in that suit."
"Thanks for the compliment Jim, but I think we both know our updated Starfleet uniforms are nothing on his vulcan design." McCoy waves a hand in front of Spock before gesturing towards the glittery Starfleet insignia on his bright blue shirt. "I look like a child's doll."
Kirk rolls his eyes, before turning to grin at Spock. "He's right. You do look very handsome tonight, Mr. Spock."
"Thank you, Jim, McCoy."
The faintest ghost of a smile graces Spock's lips. Jim and Bones share a knowing look. To keep the party auspicious, neither makes mention of it.
"Are we coming back to your room for the after-party?" Bones steps into the lift at the end of the hall.
Kirk steps in beside him, as Spock takes his place on Jim's right side. "That depends. Do you think you'll be awake enough for an after-party this time?"
That earns him a laugh as Spock raises a brow. "We will have to return." The vulcan states, not even glancing at the other two. "Our change of clothes is on your dresser."
Bones and Jim turn their heads in sync, sharing a look. "Well, he's got a point there Jim." With a tilt of his head, Bones offers a wide grin. Kirk shakes his head smiling, as Spock watches them with eyes that almost look happy. The party won't be too awful, not with company like this.
