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]

[swatting at you amiably when you tickle me, but otherwise letting you fuss at me]

Yeah, pretty much.

[I haven't really danced since Joss, but thank fuck there's no one around smart enough -- including me -- to put that together]

[I'm rusty, but competent enough, Mother sent me to all the dance lessons when I was a teenager]

[zexyandiknowit]

[Laughs and slips easily into following, regardless of height difference]

[bornsnarky]

[keeping up a low rumble of chatter as we move]

[takes me a while to realise how comfortable this is with you, how easy]

[zexyandiknowit]

[Sways and talks animatedly with McCoy, keeping v. close and obviously enjoying himself]

[Takes a second to throw a balled-up napkin at a hooting Thraddash, but these things happen]

[bornsnarky]

[laughing, burying my face in embarrassment in your neck for a moment]

Y'know, I don't mind if you want to lead for a while.

[zexyandiknowit]

[Shivers just a bit at that, but laughs as well]

I cannot promise I will not dip you.

[bornsnarky]

Oh, jeez. Well, I do owe you.

[zexyandiknowit]

[Pfft, little squeeze about McCoy's middle]

Not so much that I would do so in front of the Captain. I will save this threat for later.

[Switchin' to lead, v. accustomed to leading dudes who aren't used to following]

[bornsnarky]

[tiny wheeze]

Sheesh, you think he won't give me grief already?

[much more awkward, but adjusting to it easier than I would with most people]

[zexyandiknowit]

[Takin' it slow]

I know he will, the silly man. I had hoped for a small mercy, really.

[bornsnarky]

[easing into it]

Nah, you know Jim. Action man, not a bad diplomat, smart kid, emotional maturity of a blueberry scone.

[zexyandiknowit]

[Laaaughs, relaxing into the dance again]

Amazing that he would take the time out of his night to remember things that have nothing to do with beautiful women.

[bornsnarky]

...there are times I can really see how you do all right as a diplomat.

[and how I never, ever would]

[zexyandiknowit]

Oh, how flattering. ♥

[bornsnarky]

Hush, you.

[zexyandiknowit]

[Laughs into McCoy's hair, breath warm]

[bornsnarky]

[...reacting to that, don't know why]

[following your lead much more deftly now]

[zexyandiknowit]

[Appreciative noise, swirling between the other couples]

[bornsnarky]

[is smacked on the butt]

[outraged look over my shoulder, Uhura's laughing at us]

[zexyandiknowit]

[LOL and waves]

[bornsnarky]

[muttering] Sometimes I think you're the only vaguely sane person on board.

[zexyandiknowit]

You are so sweet.

I think I will dip you.

[bornsnarky]

Aw, c'mon, Jim's bad enough, but Nyota?!

[zexyandiknowit]

[Nuzzle that he would deny later if pressed]

And if she is behind a pillar?

[bornsnarky]

[too disconcerted to notice]

...do it fast, damn you.