Work Text:
Jim stood with his hands on his hips, surveying the luscious land as McCoy took readings with his tricorder. They had been sent to the planet of Andos to study the locals– still tribal, and primitive with their technology– and research the composition of the planet.
“How's it looking, Bones?”
“Everything looks good, Jim. The land is fertile, there's an abundance of native fauna and flora–” McCoy lowered the tricorder. “It's a regular paradise.”
There was the sound of leaves crunching behind them. Jim and McCoy turned together, and both of them lit up with delight as they saw Spock walking towards them.
“Why, Mr. Spock,” Jim grinned, “I do think there’s something different about you.”
Spock shook his head, his arms firm behind his back. “I'm not sure what you mean, Captain.”
McCoy pointed his chin in Spock’s direction. “I would imagine he’s talking about the flower crown.”
“Ah.” Spock lifted his hand to touch the purple petals that made a halo around his head. “Yes. An Andosan woman presented it to me, and I thought it best to accept. In the name of diplomacy.”
Jim could see that McCoy was delighted.
“It's a good look on you,” the doctor grinned. “Very humanizing.”
“I see no need for insults, Doctor.” Spock's hand returned to its place behind his back. “Regardless, I will be removing it as soon as we are beamed back on board.”
Jim reached over and patted Spock on the arm with a chuckle. “Speaking of–”
Slap!
Jim felt the distinct sting of a hand across his cheek. He gathered his composure quickly and looked over to find an Andosan woman, wearing a very similar crown of lilac-like flowers that matched her purple skin.
“You will not touch my —”
There was anger in her voice, but the universal translator garbled over the last word.
McCoy's brow furrowed. “I'm sorry, what did you call him?”
The woman bared her teeth. “He is my–”
This time, Jim realized the universal translator was saying multiple words at once. He managed to pick out husband and heart.
“Husband?” Jim looked to Spock, whose eyebrows were as high as Jim had ever seen them. “Miss, I believe there's been some mistake–”
The woman shook her head frantically. “There has been no mistake. The crown ceremony has been completed. We have been wed.”
McCoy's eyes were wide. Spock’s face was carefully composed. Jim worried his hands.
“Well, Spock,” Jim sighed. “I suppose we’ll have to get this sorted before you can leave. We can't have you abandoning your wife, now, can we?”