for ZEX, it's time to par-tay

[bornsnarky]

[standing at the bar, yanking on the collar of this damn dress uniform]

[reeeeeeally hoping these Thraddash people don't approach me, surely there're enough interesting people around here that I can just get convivially drunk with Scotty and ZEX and Uhura]

[I can see Jim in the corner being all charming and shit, and there're a couple more being entertained by Chekov and Gaila, excellent, maybe I can get out of this formal reception with my sanity relatively intact]

[then a gravelly voice behind me says he'll buy me a drink]

[...turning]

Ah. Um. Thanks, I guess. I'm Leonard McCoy.


[he says he knows]

Comments

[bornsnarky]

There are stupid doctors.

'sunusual. But general respect for women's a good idea in itself. Especially if you don't want to get your ass pinched.

[zexyandiknowit]

While I would not mind that, exactly, I believe I understand.

[Siiigh and lean] You are not a stupid doctor. This is what matters. And you see now how I am not very good at this, actually, I have just been very lucky.

[bornsnarky]

[arm around you comfortably]

The butt pinching probably ain't the worse part. Just watch that you don't profess too much surprise at a woman being smart and funny, 'kay? I prefer you whole.

You are good at it. You're allowed to mess up. Once or twice.

[zexyandiknowit]

I would not, no; that is the same universally, I think. Regardless of whether or not I mean it as a compliment.

I will make a note of it.

[bornsnarky]

Good.

What kinda social cues would I need help with in front of VUX, by the way? Apart from the 'don't be a dirty human' one of course.

[zexyandiknowit]

...I cannot think of any that would apply to you, considering that one.

[bornsnarky]

[sigh]

I take your point.

[zexyandiknowit]

I can't think of any for me, either, to clarify things. VUX are... mmm.

Judgmental. Pre-judgmental, in most cases. If they are seeing you in person it is already too late to change your first impression.

[bornsnarky]

[shakes head] You really are different from the rest of your species, huh?

[zexyandiknowit]

[Laughs--not bitter, just a bit surprised]

I hope so.

[bornsnarky]

Yup. And I wouldn't have you any other way.

[zexyandiknowit]

[Hums and leans, absent-mindedly checking a clock]

...

When do you usually begin work? Near 0800, isn't it?

[bornsnarky]

[eyes mostly closed, comfortable as hell]

Yeah, my shift starts at 0800. I like to get there a little early. Catch up before I start.

[zexyandiknowit]

How early?

[bornsnarky]

[vague shrug] Hour or so?

[zexyandiknowit]

Then perhaps you could go straight there and this isn't going to be a problem.

[bornsnarky]

[jolts up]

Why, what the hell is the time?

[zexyandiknowit]

Do not be upset.

Nearly four.

[bornsnarky]

...crap.

[sighs, settles down again]

Could be worse, I guess. You mind if I stay here until it's time to get ready? I'll take something for the residual alcohol then.

[zexyandiknowit]

Not at all. I feel at fault. Is there anything to be done now? Water?

[bornsnarky]

[the lightest, laziest of smacks on your leg]

Not your fault at all. Hell, you saved my ass. Yeah, I probably better.

[zexyandiknowit]

[Sighs amiably enough and goes to get some water]

[bornsnarky]

Thanks.

Really.

For everything.

[zexyandiknowit]

Thank you for trusting me to not do anything too fantastically stupid. I did not realize until after that Starfleet diplomats possibly do not fight as often as Armada or Alliance ones do.

[bornsnarky]

[shrugs] I don't think you had much choice. And if you hadn't, I would've been dragged off.

[sigh, still not at ease with the whole powerlessness thing]