Scotty looked at his neatly wrapped gift. He had struggled to get this right, and now he would give it to the woman he loved just to see her wear it for someone else. He had nothing against Commander Spock. He was a fun guy, pretending to be all formal and correct, but he already had the Captain drooling all over him. Did he have to take all the good catches around the Enterprise? At this rate, before long the only eligible bachelor left would be Keenser.

And Scotty was seriously considering this as a good option.

Maybe he could just give Nyota some other gift. Something he made; after all, he had been making things for her since he started falling for the woman. It would be less humiliating if he gave her one of those things instead of the beautiful necklace he bought thinking of the bright smile she would show when she saw it. Besides, if he gave her the necklace, Mister Spock wouldn't be too happy about it, and adding a pissed off Vulcan to his already messed up predicament was the last thing Scotty needed.

The Vulcan sure was lucky; Nyota and the Captain. Scotty only wished for that kind of thing to happen to him. He was getting depressed; maybe it was best to bail on the party. He could spend his night upgrading the Enterprise. At least she was faithful to him.

His train of thought had gone to a really weird place. But hey, he was feeling miserable, if he wanted to be weird, he had the right. He was alone, and miserable, and he would probably marry Keenser and have a bunch of hairy midget kids; being weird was the least of his problems right now.

"Scotty?"

He turned his head so fast that he hit his forehead on one of the tubes hanging from his beautiful console. Ouch.

"Are you okay?"

Scotty blinked. He was hallucinating; he thought he was seeing Nyota gently touching his forehead. Stupid subconscious, making him see the things he couldn't have.

"I'm fine," he answered shortly. "A little busy here, so, can I help you with something?" He had no idea of who really was in front of him, but he didn't care.

"That bump doesn't look good." The non-Nyota person kept talking. "Maybe I should take you to Sickbay."

Hmm… being sedated by the good doctor didn't sound that bad. He could ask to stay like that for a few years, and wake up ten years in the future, still alone and miserable.

Yeah, that wasn't a great plan either.

"I'm fine," he repeated. "I've had worse bumps. One time Captain Pike called me 'unicorn-Scotty' for a month when I got a huge swelling on my forehead. It lasted a while and people found it amusing to draw faces on it."

He had no idea why he was babbling about this kind of thing. Seeing Nyota, even when it wasn't really her, made him feel comfortable enough to say whatever popped into his head. The non-Nyota chuckled lightly. God, this person even sounded like her when they laughed. Scotty must be so in love that he could hear, see and even smell Nyota in anyone.

That could make the whole marrying to Keenser idea easier, if he kept this trait.

"Okay then," the non-Nyota said. "Scotty… can I ask you a question?"

Before Scotty could answer, he heard someone else entering the Transporter room.

"Scotty! Code red! Nyota –" Scotty saw Rand stop in the middle of her sentence, with wide eyes. "Never mind."

"No, please Rand, finish whatever you were going to say." The non-Nyota stood up, and Scotty did as well. Rand was going red. What the hell was going on?

"I wasn't going to say anything," Rand said nervously. "I better leave you two alone."

"No, stay," the non-Nyota ordered in the same snappish tone she had when she was annoyed. God, that must have been some blow. Scotty shook his head to see if Nyota disappeared. No, she was still there; this worked in movies, why wasn't it working here?

Although if he was hallucinating Nyota, shouldn't he being seeing Rand as Nyota as well? And Rand looked… well, like Rand.

"Por favor, señorito?" Scotty said to test the waters.

"Señorita," the non-Nyota corrected. Then she was really Nyota! She had been giving Scotty Spanish lessons so he could order tequila properly (he didn't even remember asking her for lessons that drunken night but she hadn't let him back out of it). He had been stuck on that sentence for a month already.

"Nyota?" Scotty asked, just to verify.

"Of course," Nyota scoffed. "Are you having problems with your sight?" she asked, getting worried. He loved how she much cared, probably only as a friend.

"No, I… I better refrain from explaining what I thought," Scotty shrugged. "What are you doing here?"

"First I want to know what Rand is doing here." Nyota turned back her attention to Rand. "Well?"

"I… um… I…"

Rand was blushing and stammering like a kid caught with her hand in the cookie jar. What was going on here? Scotty felt like he was caught in the middle of something big. He'd better try to blend with the background to avoid attracting attention.

"I told you in confidence, and you went behind my back like this?" Nyota glared at Rand.

"Maybe I should leave you two alone," Scotty said, sounding a lot like Rand a few moments ago.

"No, you stay right there where you are." Nyota turned her glare on him now.

"Yes, ma'am." Scotty stood still. He knew he was whipped. If Nyota asked him to jump into space naked, he would do it without a second thought. He hoped that sounded more romantic than pathetic.

"It's a misunderstanding, Nyota," Rand said, starting to explain whatever problem they were having.

"Right, I heard the same version of the story from ten different people, how is that a misunderstanding? There's even a video, Rand! Or did you forget security cams, huh?"

"It was completely innocent, you know I want Riley!" Rand started raising her voice. "And besides those don't have sound, they can lead to total misinterpretations, like in this case."

"All right." Nyota sounded calmer, which made Scotty feel a little more at ease with this.

Nyota turned her attention back to Scotty, which evaporated all traces of the ease he'd been feeling seconds ago. Without saying a word, she came closer to him; he backed up until he hit the console, and Nyota kept walking towards him with that predatory look. What? What was she going to do with him? She couldn't kill him, right? Rand was right there! He didn't even remember doing anything bad to Nyota. Why would she want his blood?

Worst of all, Scotty would give her anything, so he wouldn't be stopping her anytime soon. Love was a disease, he was sure of it.

Nyota grabbed him by his collar, and pulled him… directly to her lips. As he recovered from the shock, he started kissing back, feeling like he was in Heaven. Maybe he was dead and this was his last experience before going to whatever place dead people go after kicking the can. He had died a happy man, then; he wished this moment would be endless, wished he could freeze right here and stay like this forever.

The kiss ended as abruptly as it began. Nyota let loose her iron grip on his shirt, and smiled shyly. Okay, not a dream and not an after-death hallucination. Scotty licked his lips, still swollen from the forceful kiss, and he couldn't help it.

He fainted.

Jim was trying to think of the best way to approach Spock tonight without sounding too emotional (or moronic, as Bones delicately put it). He wanted to be perfect, it isn't every day that you declare your love to the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. It was kind of nerve-wrecking for him as well: James Kirk, hopeless bachelor, tying the knot. A lot of people would be disappointed.

Okay, now wasn't really the time for an ego boost. He had to think what to do; he had big expectations about this event. It crossed his mind that Spock wouldn't be interested in him. After all, he had dated Uhura, and she and Jim couldn't be more different. He had his methods to convince the Vulcan, though. He wasn't the quitting type, some people found it endearing.

He hoped Spock was among them.

Maybe if he started casually, but with a flirty tone…

"Looking good, Commander." Jim winked at the imaginary Spock in front of him.

"Thank you, Captain, you are not appalling to the sight either."

"Wahh!" Jim turned around quickly, seeing Spock standing behind him with an eyebrow lifted. "Spock! What – where – why –?"

"It would be helpful if you could form a coherent sentence, Captain," Spock deadpanned.

Jim hated how nervous he got when Spock surprised him like this. Besides being the sneakiest person he had ever known, Spock was also the hottest. Bad combination.

"I'm thinking of giving you a bell to wear around that pretty neck of yours," Jim murmured low enough to prevent the Vulcan from hearing. After months of having Spock hearing everything since he had those Vulcan perks, Jim had found the exact decibel level at which Spock couldn't hear anything. Unfortunately, it was so low that Jim could be better of just thinking instead of saying it. Still, it was fun sometimes; it unnerved Spock and he looked cute all flustered over being left out.

"If you are done mumbling," Spock said curtly (oh, yes, he looked really hot now, frustrated and annoyed), "may I ask why are you standing in the hallway?"

"I was just…" Thinking about how to get you into my bed? No, it was not the time to get flirty. His communicator started buzzing. Saved by the bell.

"Kirk here."

"Jimmy!" Uh oh.

"Gary? How in seven hells did you manage to get through to my personal communicator?"

"You usual secretary wasn't available, and the nice replacement patched me through really quick when I said I was Captain of the USS Archimedes and I needed a word urgently."

Jim noticed Spock going rigid next to him. He didn't like Gary, and since he'd just insulted Uhura and abused his rank for personal benefit, he probably wanted to throttle the guy.

"Wonderful," Jim bit out.

"We need a word, anyway. After what I did for you, the least you can do is –"

"I'll call you back!" Jim cut the communication without giving Gary a chance to ruin his plan. Spock was staring at him, doing that blank thing he did with his eyes where he was looking at you but not actually seeing you, just plotting murder.

"That Gary," Jim said with a laugh, trying to ease the tension. "He still doesn't get that we Captains shouldn't be so unprofessional. Maybe I should make that clear and chastise him for it. Gotta go."

Jim fled to his room to give Gary a piece of his mind. That idiot almost ruined his surprise! Sure, he'd helped with getting Spock's gift, but there was no need to broadcast it. Although to be fair, Gary didn't know Spock was standing next to Jim; whatever, he needed to vent to someone, and Gary had just volunteered.

"Okay, one more time, Uhura… Why is Scotty unconscious?" McCoy looked at Nyota with amusement.

"You heard me the first time, McCoy," Nyota spat.

"It's just so funny! This will be the joke of the month on poker night."

"You better not use this against him, or Christine will have to get your scanner removed from your colon," Nyota threatened with her best intimidate glare.

"Fine, fine," McCoy conceded. "You sure are aggressive, no wonder Scotty's in love with you… oh, crap!" McCoy pinched the bridge of his nose.

"What?" Nyota stopped the death-glare to gape at McCoy. Did he just say Scotty loved her?

"Forget I said anything!" McCoy said quickly. "I didn't sleep well last night, I probably confused Scotty with someone else!"

"Yeah? Like who?" Christine, bless her soul, meddled.

"Don't you have a patient to see to, Chapel?" McCoy stared angrily at her.

"Sulu is still sleeping; you sure gave him a lot of painkillers."

"He was the idiot who didn't come here after he got injured."

"Scotty is in love with me?" Nyota returned to the subject she was interested in.

"No, what makes you say that?" McCoy asked, stammering.

"You, actually. Don't worry, now it makes more sense that he fainted." Nyota smirked. Her boyfriend was so cute; she couldn't wait until he got up so she could kiss him again.

"Does that mean I'm off the hook?" Rand said timidly. She'd been dragged to Sickbay as well to clarify this mess.

"Yeah, sorry…" Nyota gave her an apologetic look. "I should have known you would never do that."

"I get it, just… Don't make him faint again, he hit his head hard last time." Rand winked.

"I'll try, but I can't guarantee anything," Nyota smiled.

"I hate this day," McCoy said. "All the corniness is even worse than the oblivious people."

"Doctor McCoy." Spock entered Sickbay in a rush. He looked angry. "A word?"

"I take that back, I hate the obliviousness more," McCoy sighed, walking resignedly out of Sickbay to follow Spock.

Since Scotty was stirring, regaining consciousness, Nyota had no time to wonder what the hell Spock needed with McCoy.

"Now what?" Leonard asked curtly. He'd had enough of people coming to him, like he cared about their problems. He hated Valentine's Day, he hated romance, he hated everything do to with love. He must have done something horrible in his past life if now he had to live on this ship with all these people who were in love and being idiots about it.

"Jim received a call from Gary Mitchell."

Uh oh. Spock hated Mitchell, mostly because he always flirted with Jim.

"So?" Leonard decided to pretend it wasn't a big deal. It actually wasn't, but for the Vulcan, who couldn't even stand it when Leonard touched Jim, Gary must be… bad.

"I am not pleased about that relationship. The Captain could be distracted from the Enterprise and also –"

"You don't have to convince me, hobgoblin, I actually agree with you on this. Gary is a pest. But he's Jim's friend, and if you want to be with Jim, you'll have to accept his social circle."

"I thought that I would only have to tolerate you," Spock mused, probably ignoring how rude that was. Or maybe he did know, he just didn't care.

"Yeah, tough luck," Leonard said. "Jim isn't the smartest when it comes to people."

"Clearly," Spock said, looking at Leonard.

"Hey, who do you prefer? Mitchell or me?"

"I concede your point. If may I ask, Doctor McCoy… does Jim feel anything beyond friendship for Mister Mitchell?"

So this was what had got the Vulcan all worked up. He was jealous. He and Jim were a match made in heaven, they both were jealous idiots.

"They slept together once." Leonard decided to be honest; if the Vulcan found out he'd lied, he could get even more annoying… and also, it was just too damn amusing.

"I see." Spock clenched his fists; time to ease the blow.

"But Jim was only in his second year at the Academy, and he was a slut. He slept with whoever was available."

"I cannot help but notice you used the past tense in your argument."

"He hasn't slept with anyone since he got the ship. Are we done with this gossip?"

"You have been of assistance to my predicament, doctor," Spock said in a less annoyed tone. "Have a good day."

Spock headed for the opposite side of the hall, while Leonard shook his head. Obviously he had become the 'go to' guy when the hobgoblin got insecure or curious about Jim. Hopefully when those two finally started something, he'd refrain from using Leonard as a source of information/gossip column. When he entered his Sickbay and saw Uhura making out with Scotty on one of his beds, he cursed.

Stupid Valentine's Day.

Hikaru was ready to beg for Captain Kirk to transfer him to another ship, far away from the Enterprise. He couldn't believe what he did, talking to Riley like that. He thought that one of the side effects of meds was not remembering how stupid you acted. But Hikaru had vivid memories of touching Riley and getting all cozy with him, asking him to call him 'Hikaru', while he kept saying 'Kevin' like a madman. Things were fuzzy after they'd entered his room. He remembered Riley putting him on the bed ... and touching him very gently.

That couldn't be. Everyone on the Enterprise knew Riley was straight; the guy kept staring at Yeoman Rand whenever he had a chance. Then why had he touched Hikaru like that?

Unless Riley was questioning his sexuality… that would explain why he'd touched him and volunteered to take Hikaru to his room. If that was the case, maybe he and Riley could help each other out.

Hikaru could see if he could get over Chekov and Riley could see if he was gay or bisexual or whatever label he wanted to use.

Nah, it was stupid. Riley, handsome as he was, wasn't nearly as attractive as Chekov. Hikaru had a weakness for blue eyes and curls; Riley didn't fit the image.

"How are you feeling, Sulu?"

Speak of the devil. Chekov walked straight up to Hikaru.

"Better, thank you." Hikaru was still sour about Chekov being with Uhura, so he didn't want to spend too much time with him. What was the logical thing to do when your feelings weren't reciprocated? Step back and protect yourself from being hurt even more. He needed to put some distance between him and Chekov, at least until he got his head around him and Uhura together, and it stopped feeling like someone was stabbing him in the heart.

"Are you sure? You don't look good," Chekov persisted, sounding like he actually cared.

"Yeah. Have you seen Riley?" Hikaru asked to change the subject.

Chekov tensed immediately and glared at Hikaru. What? What did he say?

"He was in the mess hall," Chekov answered brusquely. "What do you want with him?"

Chekov sounded like Hikaru had some explaining to do; almost like he'd done something wrong. He was a big boy, he didn't need to explain himself. Also, he didn't want to tell Chekov about the incident with Riley. Deep down, he wondered if Chekov would get jealous knowing that Riley had been a little intimate with him, but that was stupid. Chekov was straight and with Uhura, why would he care who touched Hikaru?

How depressing. Nobody gave a damn about him, except perhaps Riley.

"I need to talk to him." Hikaru settled for that. "I'll see you at the party."

Without giving Chekov a chance to answer, he walked away. When he got to the mess hall, Riley was gone. Great, he would have to ask for an explanation at the party. This was going to be memorable.

The mess hall looked nice and romantic. Everyone was arriving in their uniforms; even though it was a party, they were members of Starfleet and they should act like it. Christine was smiling, she and Rand had the best taste on the entire ship. Decorating the place, selecting the food and music and dealing with the secret Valentine the Captain suggested hadn't been easy. Everyone had taken this as an opportunity to reveal their feelings, and even though Christine couldn't blame them, it had given her headaches the entire time. When it wasn't the Captain exchanging names, it was Scotty being too shy, or Hikaru being too careless, or even McCoy being too… well, too McCoy.

The Captain said that instead of exchanging gifts in front of everyone as in the original plan, everyone should approach their secret Valentine to give their gift and a few words, in a more personal way. He justified his decision by saying there was "no need to embarrass Bones". McCoy just glared, but Christine knew he was relieved he didn't have to give his present in front of everyone's curious eyes. She was grateful as well; having McCoy as her secret Valentine had been tough, and giving him the present in front of the rest of the crew could lead to misunderstandings. People knew she'd had a crush on Commander Spock, but they also knew she'd gotten over it quickly after seeing how devoted Mister Spock was to Captain Kirk.

She couldn't compete with him, he'd already stolen the Vulcan's heart.

Christine had high hopes about this party. She wasn't worried about Nyota and Scotty, she knew they were together since she'd seen them in Sickbay; but Sulu and Chekov had been acting weird, Captain Kirk was talking to himself around the hallways (scaring all the yeomen who crossed paths with him) and Mister Spock kept visiting McCoy at odd times. She hoped everyone got their issues worked out and just let the romance settle.

The ship would explode from sexual tension otherwise.

Scotty and Nyota arrived together; she was wearing that beautiful necklace Scotty bought for her.

"I thought the whole point of the exchange was waiting for the party," Christine pointed out when they came closer to her.

"I couldn't wait, I let it slip," Scotty explained.

"And besides, who needs a secret exchange anyway?" Nyota scoffed. "It was more romantic our way."

"I'm sure," Christine smiled. Scotty looked like he was on cloud nine, and Nyota was beaming with happiness. Those two were perfect.

After chatting a few minutes, Christine noticed Hikaru entering the room, looking for someone.

"Hey, there's Sulu." She elbowed Nyota.

"Oh, good!" Nyota smiled. "Come, Scotty."

"I'm not sure about this, lass," Scotty said, frowning. "I'll do anything you ask me to, but this seems… extreme."

"Please, Scotty," Nyota said. "I know it won't mean anything to you, but we could make Hikaru happy, at least for a moment."

"Fine," Scotty caved.

"What are you two planning?" Christine asked.

"You'll see."

Nyota took Scotty's hand, leading him over to Sulu. Christine saw Chekov come in behind Hikaru, who was still standing near the entrance. Oh, this was going to be good.

Hikaru was depressed. Why he had agreed to come? After a long argument with himself, he'd lost. He was here, with a gift for someone who didn't love him, watching couples getting romantic.

The only thing worse than being rejected on Valentine's Day was being around happy couples rubbing their cheerfulness in your face.

Hikaru saw Uhura and Scotty approaching him. They were holding hands… that was weird.

"Hi, Hikaru," Uhura said.

"Hello." Hikaru frowned. She was acting very cozy with Scotty, considering that she was Chekov's girlfriend.

"Lad," Scotty greeted.

"Okay, what are you…?"

"Let me say something first," Scotty interrupted. "Lad, I've been where you are. It sucks not having your feelings reciprocated. You're a fine man, any guy would be lucky to have you."

Was everyone aware of Hikaru's sexual preference? And why was Scotty giving him a pep talk? Maybe Uhura asked him to do it, but why?

"Thank you?" Hikaru didn't know what else to say.

"So, lad, you know I don't swing that way, but… happy Valentine's Day."

Hikaru didn't have time to ask what the hell he meant by that before the Scotsman's lips landed on him. Scotty was kissing him! Right on the lips! He was shocked beyond belief; he couldn't move or do anything to stop the kiss.

He didn't need to, either, since Scotty was pulled from him rather harshly.

Chekov was astonished to see Scotty kissing Hikaru. Was there some strange pollen that was making every straight guy on the ship gay? First Riley, and now Scotty. Since Sulu didn't seem too keen on doing anything to stop Scotty, he had to step in. He had to let them know that Sulu was his.

"What the hell are you doing?" Chekov asked angrily when he managed to pull Scotty off Hikaru.

"I have no idea," Scotty shrugged. "Nyota?"

"I was trying to help Sulu. Why are you so angry, Chekov?" Miss Uhura frowned.

"He was shoving his tongue down Sulu's throat! I had to step in!" Chekov said, not sure if that made sense to anyone but him.

"Hey, there was no tongue," Scotty defended himself. "I was very careful to avoid that."

"I saw a tongue." Chekov glared at Scotty.

"Maybe it was your own," Uhura said, still frowning.

"Stop, all of you!" Sulu finally decided to speak.

"What the hell is going on here?" Captain Kirk and Doctor McCoy approached them.

"He kissed me!" Hikaru started to freak out.

"With tongue," added Chekov, to prove how bad this was.

"He was trying to be nice!" Uhura defended.

"There was no tongue," Scotty maintained his point.

"Sulu, Yeoman Miller said you were looking for me, what's up?" Riley thought that was the best moment to interrupt. Chekov glared at him.

"Children, children." Captain Kirk tried to calm everyone. "Could someone explain what's wrong?"

"The stupid exchange is making everyone crazy," McCoy said.

"Is that true? The secret Valentine is making all of you fight?"

Captain Kirk sounded so sad that they all just froze and tried to come up with something to fix this.

"I'm sure it was all a misunderstanding, Captain," Hikaru said. "Nothing we can't solve by talking about it."

"Yeah, it was a great idea," Uhura smiled. "Scotty and I couldn't be more grateful."

Scotty and her? Chekov turned to look at Scotty, and saw that he had his hand entwined with Uhura's. But she said she was interested in someone with an exotic accent and…! It clicked right there. She never meant him, she meant Scotty. Chekov got it all wrong.

Now all those avoidance tactics he'd used during the past week seemed like a waste of effort. He even ate lunch in a bathroom once! He could have avoided all this if he had talked with Miss Uhura instead of just assuming things.

Still, that didn't explain why Scotty kissed Sulu. And he was waiting for that part.

"I see you two are finally together then." Captain Kirk smiled. "Take care of her, Scotty, she's my best linguist."

"I'll do my best, Captain," Scotty said solemnly.

"Then no problem here, right?" McCoy asked with a small hint of hope.

They all shook their heads.

"Good. Come, Bones."

"I'm not your dog," McCoy complained, but followed the Captain anyway.

After they watched Captain Kirk and Doctor McCoy walk away, the others shared a look… and started arguing again.

Hikaru was baffled. Uhura had just admitted she was with Scotty. 'WITH SCOTTY!', his mind screamed. Either she'd been toying with Chekov's feelings, or this was a big misunderstanding. And he still wanted to know why Scotty kissed him, if he was with Uhura.

"I just wanted to give you something nice, Hikaru," Uhura started explaining. "You love Scotty and I asked him to kiss you as a goodbye… maybe it was stupid."

"What? What are you talking about? I'm not in love with Scotty!"

"You aren't?"

"No!" Hikaru squeaked. Oh, this was so wrong.

"But you were all sad when I said I loved him, and when I told you that I'd fight for him you looked so defeated…"

"Because I thought you were talking about Chekov!" Hikaru cried, feeling the blush rise to his cheeks.

"What? Chekov? He's a kid, for God's sake!"

"I'm almost eighteen!" Chekov defended himself since everyone had conveniently forgotten he was standing there.

"I kissed a guy for nothing?" Scotty frowned. "I must say there's a first time for everything. Come, Nyota, I think you have done enough."

"Yeah, I'm sorry… I got it all wrong Sulu… but… isn't Scotty an amazing kisser?"

Before Hikaru could answer, Scotty grabbed Uhura by the shoulders and led her away from them. Hikaru looked at Chekov, still blushing. Now he knew he was a creep, and he was probably heartbroken after seeing Uhura with Scotty.

Hey, at least they were in the same boat.

"Any chance you didn't hear that?" Hikaru joked, smiling sadly.

"No." Chekov smiled. "So… you love me?"

"It's not as creepy as it sounds, I promise… I just… you… yeah, I'm in love with you. I'm sorry."

"What for?"

"Well, I'm not sure… for loving you, I guess? I mean, I know you love Uhura and all, but I…"

"I don't love Uhura. I love my secret Valentine." Chekov smiled brightly.

"Oh." Hikaru should have been glad to find out Chekov didn't love Uhura, but finding out he loved someone else was even worse. At least he knew Chekov didn't have a shot with Uhura.

"Do you want to know who my secret Valentine is?"

"Um…" Hikaru thought of saying no, running away and hiding in Keenser's room. Nobody ever went there, he would be alone to lick his wounds.

"He's handsome, has dark hair and loves botany," Chekov continued.

"Andrews? He isn't even a good botanist! He keeps confusing trees and he…!" Hikaru noticed he sounded like a jealous creep. "I mean, he's a good choice." If you like idiots, he thought bitterly.

To his surprise, Chekov started laughing really loudly, like he had just told a joke.

"God, you really are oblivious, Hikaru." Chekov chuckled. "Come here."

And just like that, Chekov kissed him. Then it hit Hikaru… He was the handsome botanist with dark hair!

This was the best Valentine's Day ever.

Kevin was really uncomfortable, watching Sulu and Chekov kiss.

"I think they forgot you were here, Riley," Yeoman Rand said, coming to stand next to him.

"Yeah, I see that. Do you think Sulu needs something urgent? He was looking for me."

"Oh, honey, I think whatever thing he needed, he just got it." Rand smiled.

"It seems like it. I'm happy for them, they make a good couple."

"Yeah, a really hot couple," Rand smirked.

Kevin never understood why women were so fixated on gay relationships. Every yeoman paired up guys around the Enterprise, including Captain Kirk and Doctor McCoy.

"So, Riley… I heard you like model airplanes, right?"

"Yeah, how did you know?" Kevin frowned. He and Rand barely spoke to each other, how could she know his hobby?

"I have my sources. You're my secret Valentine, Riley."

What? Rand? Then Sulu… oh, that was why he was asking about the gift, Sulu was doing Rand a favor. And just when Kevin was thinking he projected a gay vibe he wasn't aware of. Good thing it wasn't like that, then, he hated rejecting people.

"Great!" Kevin smiled. He liked Rand, she was a fun woman. "Do you want to exchange gifts now? I mean, I didn't get you, but I could…"

"It's fine," Rand interrupted. "As long as you like my gift, I don't care who your recipient is."

"All right, I'm sure I'll love it."

"Let's see about that."

Kevin expected a wrapped gift, but as Rand got closer, she didn't seem to have anything on her. Rand took Riley's face gently and closed the distance between them by kissing him, hard.

"This is my gift," Rand said as she stepped back. Kevin was still moving his lips, wanting more. Damn, this woman sure knew how to kiss. "I couldn't think of anything better than this, and I want you. So if you're interested, I'm going to be with Christine all night. Feel free to interrupt whenever you want and dance with me."

Rand started walking away, and finally Kevin snapped out of the nice buzz he had been feeling after the kiss. He almost tripped himself trying to stop Rand, and grabbed her by the waist, kissing her again.

He should probably start calling her Janice now.

Spock was looking for Jim, but he was nowhere in sight. He approached Doctor McCoy, preparing himself for the annoying comments he would have to listen to. McCoy hated this event as much as he did. However, for Spock this was an opportunity to let Jim know about his feelings, while for McCoy was just an excuse to be dreadful.

"Doctor McCoy," Spock greeted. "Interesting scarf."

"Chapel gave it to me," McCoy said drily. "That woman probably wants me to hang myself with it."

"I am sure Nurse Chapel gave careful thought to the gift," Spock said, trying to avoid any mentioning Chapel's 'feelings' for him. It was unnerving. "Have you seen the Captain?"

"Yeah, he told me to tell you he's waiting for you on Observation Deck 2."

"Oh?" Spock lifted an eyebrow. Why would Jim want to see him there?

"And this is the last time I act as a mailman."

Spock left the mess hall before McCoy started another tirade about how he was not a messenger boy. He was intrigued; apparently Jim had something on his mind. He expected it to be something positive; nevertheless, a small part of him feared he would be rejected.

Jim paced nervously around the Observation deck. Bones wasn't too thrilled about helping to get Spock there, but he was his friend and he knew he would do it anyway. It was taking too long, though.

"Jim?"

Jim turned around, seeing Spock entering the Observation deck with a cautious look on his face.

"Hi Spock! Welcome!" Jim said with a big smile.

"Thank you." Spock raised an eyebrow. "I have been on the observation deck before, Captain."

"Jim, Spock, we're off-duty," Jim chastised. He hated when Spock kept the formal tone, but in this case he understood; Spock must be freaking out of being requested here.

"I apologize. Jim." Spock corrected.

"Well, I thought… the mess hall is all loud and people will be drunk and acting 'illogical', and you hate watching drunk people, right?"

"I admit it is not amusing for me as it is for you."

"I know," Jim smirked, "so I decided to take you to a nice dinner here… you know, to avoid any discomfort."

Spock looked at the table which was carefully set, thank you very much. Jim had spent all afternoon making this perfect.

"An excellent idea," Spock finally said.

They both sat down, and Jim started talking about the Enterprise and random things. He was too anxious to bring the subject up. Spock didn't seem to notice his unease as he kept talking about nothing.

Okay Jim, Don't be a girl. Just do it; Jim's mind ordered. It was time, he had to do it now, or else he would chicken out again and wait for next year. He wasn't sure he could wait another year to get Spock. He'd hardly made it this far.

"Spock," Jim said, taking a deep breath. "We are friends, right?"

"Of course," Spock answered quickly. "Have I done anything to cause you to reconsider our personal acquaintance?"

"Well, yes and no." Jim decided to be honest.

"I beg your pardon?" Spock stared at Jim.

"We are friends, but recently… well, not recently, I have been struggling with this for a while…"

"Are you unwell, Jim?" Spock asked, worried. "Is something bothering you?"

"Here!" Jim grabbed the present that was hidden under the table. "I'm your secret Valentine."

"Indeed?" Spock looked surprised, taking the small package.

"Yeah… I hope you like it!"

Spock started opening the present as slowly as he could, wearing on Jim's nerves.

"Here, let me help you." Jim took the package and unwrapped it. How hard was that, dammit?

"This is a book." Spock arched an eyebrow.

"How observant," Jim joked, mostly so he could feel a little less nervous about this situation.

"I meant… this book was my mother's favorite… how did you know about it?" Spock sounded genuinely curious.

"I asked around. So… you like it? I know that the one she gave you was lost when the whole Nero disaster happened… I thought of giving you something you thought was lost," Jim said quickly. He sounded so cheesy, he wanted to say more, but Spock was staring at the book as if it glowed. "I'm sorry, maybe it wasn't the best gift, I could take it back if you want."

"No!" Spock said forcefully, taking the book in his hands "It is a very… significant gift for me, I am grateful for your thoughtfulness. You also are my 'secret Valentine'."

"What?" Jim gaped. This must be destiny! A good omen for Jim to continue with his plan. Of course, he'd fought to get Spock's name, but whatever, it still worked and they both ended up giving each other presents.

"I expect to fulfill your expectations about the gift as well." Spock took a small box from his pocket. Oh, God! Was Spock going to propose? Wait, he couldn't do that, he didn't even know about Jim's feelings.

But damn, it felt good imagining himself married to Spock in the future.

"Okay, a little small… are you giving me air from Resa 4 like you did with Bones for Christmas?" Jim smiled.

"That was a 'gag gift', as you described it. And if I recall correctly, it was your idea in the first place," Spock said defensively.

"Yeah, I know, it's just… Bones' face was priceless. Mmm…" Jim opened the box, expecting something like jewellery. He gaped when he saw what the box contained.

"It can't be!" Jim took out the small chess piece; the Queen, to be more specific. It was made completely of crystal, like the one… "This is exactly the same as the piece my father used to propose to my mother! I always wanted one after hearing the story! How…" Now Jim understood why Spock had been spending so much time with Bones lately. He was asking about his present. God, this just made him love the Vulcan even more.

"It's perfect," Jim said, trying to avoid a sob.

"I am glad to hear you say that. I chose this particular present for a reason, Jim." Spock took Jim's hand gently, which made him blush. Spock was kissing him! Or something like that, he never knew what that contact really meant for Vulcans. "I am aware of the meaning of this gift. I know it would be too much to ask for a commitment before we have started an exclusive relationship. However, I was aiming for a future promise, perhaps? If our relationship evolves naturally, in the future we could consider a potential union between us."

Spock kept stroking Jim's hand while he spoke, but Jim noticed the faint blush on his cheeks. It was good knowing he wasn't the only one nervous around here.

"Mister Spock… Are you asking me to take our relationship to the next level?" Jim asked, in his best flirtatious tone.

"If you are not opposed to such thing, I believe I am," Spock said. He knew that Jim's tone was playful, and meant something positive.

"You know? I was supposed to declare my love first, Spock." Jim pouted. "I planned this dinner and everything."

"Is the order of who declared their love first important?" Spock came closer to Jim.

"I guess not. Still, I had a speech and everything! I even made a list of fifty reasons why you should date me."

"Oh?" Spock looked amused.

"Yeah… Number one, I'm smart. Number two, I'm handsome and have good genes for future kids…"

"You are aware that neither of us can carry an infant, correct?"

"Yes, well, small detail, I have the genes anyway! Number three, I am pro vegetarianism and I would even compromise by stopping eating so much meat for you. Number four, I knit; number five…"

Before Jim could continue with his list, Spock kissed him. Even if he did it to shut Jim up, at the moment he didn't care. It wasn't the declaration he had planned, he didn't say the speech or try to convince Spock how good he was for him. He was just himself, and apparently, that was enough.

Spock saw Nyota having lunch with Mister Scott. He was glad she had also managed to get what she most desired.

"May I sit with you?" he asked.

"Sure thing, Commander," Mister Scott said happily. "I leave you in good hands, then. I have to go to the engineering room; Keenser got drunk on oil yesterday and made a mess."

"I thought you had banned the substance from Mister Keenser," Spock observed.

"He managed to obtain, like, five cans. Don't worry, Commander, everything is under control."

Scotty gave Nyota a chaste kiss before walking away.

"He can handle it, Spock," Nyota said.

"I know Mister Scott's abilities; I am sure he will manage just fine." Spock looked at Nyota. "I wanted to thank you."

"Why?"

"You advised Jim about my present for the exchange. And it was perfect."

"I knew you would like it! So? Tell me everything! Are you two dating or what?"

"'Or what' would be correct." Spock blinked.

"Ha, ha," Nyota snorted. She was the only one besides Jim who got it when Spock joked. "It looks like everyone's wishes came true yesterday."

Spock saw Lieutenant Sulu and Ensign Chekov sharing lunch. Even though they didn't look too different, he noticed a sense of intimacy between them. They were making fun of Lieutenant Riley, who looked tired and had a purple spot on his neck.

"Rand is a beast in bed, honestly," Nyota chuckled.

As long as it didn't interfere with their jobs, Spock didn't care about their personal situation. He would be a hypocrite if he chastised them for having personal relationships when he was currently involved with Jim.

Leonard was walking to the mess hall when he felt someone hugging him tightly.

"Spock knows you're getting all cozy with another guy?" he asked.

"He knows you're safe," Jim smirked. "Thank you, Bones."

"What for?"

"Telling Spock about the chess piece… I knew you had your heart somewhere inside you."

"Then you and the hobgoblin are official now? Good, maybe that means you'll stop being a girl."

"Shut up! Come, let's have lunch."

Leonard and Jim sat with Uhura and Spock. Yes, the entire ship had become a love fest, and Leonard was trapped there for the next four years.

The next year, during Spock and Jim's wedding, McCoy knew they all plotted to get him alone with Chapel at the table. Like that was going to work.

"I hate weddings," they both said at the same time.

Well… maybe it could work after all.

N/A: IT'S FINALLY OVER!After almost a year, I'm so sorry, RL is getting wild. Thank you all for reading; I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. A special thank you to my amazing and wonderful beta, Anbessette, without her I would be totally lost (probably blackmailing people to help me out, so you all should thank her for preventing that).