“Nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

Jim Kirk eyed his best friend over the sugared rim of his fancy drink. They were enjoying a rare reprieve from final exams at Academy at a little bit of a froufrou bar some distance away from the campus. By choice. He smiled wryly. “You’re in a good mood.”

Leonard “Bones” McCoy snorted. “And divorce. I forgot that.”

“Now you’re just being petulant.”

“Well.” Bones shrugged. “That last test kicked my ass.”

“So you’re testy,” Jim cracked.

“Do me a favor and don’t become a standup comedian.”

“As if.” Jim put his hand over his chest. “Still. You wound me.”

“You’ll live. I’m surprised you’re here hanging out with me and listening to me bellyache. Surely you have a date with your mystery man.”

“Nah, he’s busy.”

“Yeah? He taking tests too?”

Jim smiled. “Yeah, it’s test-related.”

“Hmm. Just wondering when I’m going to find out who lover boy is.”

Jim chuckled. “Believe me that does NOT apply.”

“Still you’ve been seeing him for weeks and keeping it a secret. Ugly?”

“No.” Jim took a sip of his chocolate hazelnut martini.

“Married?”

“Don’t think so.”

“Then why the secrecy?”

“Don’t want to jinx it. I don’t have the best track record, Bones. And he’s…shy.”

“Well I…” Bones stopped speaking as the door of the bar opened and in walked a tall, elegant Vulcan dressed in an all black professor’s uniform. “Oh well that just killed the mood.”

“You were in a bad mood anyway. What’s your objection to…Spock!”

“Don’t call him over here,” Bones said hotly.

“Over here!”

Spock noticed Jim, nodded, and headed in their direction.

Bones stared at him. “Oh for…shy? You gotta be kidding me.”

Jim ignored Bones and gave Spock a blinding smile. “All done?”

“Indeed. Doctor.”

Bones muttered and gestured to the bartender. “Another. And make it a double.”