A/N: Okay, so my chapters are a little shorter because I'm trying to post more frequently. Again, thanks for all of the feedback, you guys have been great! I hope you're enjoying the angsty fluff as much as I enjoy writing it!

"The red…or the blue. Red…blue? Gods, they both look good!"

Gaila spun around to show off her selections. This time when Nyota smiled, it was genuine.

"You'll drive the guys crazy in either one. But if I'm forced to vote I would say…the red. It's fiery like you."

They were in a popular mall not far from the Academy and Nyota was glad to be out of her room. She was glad to have Gaila.

"You know, I think you're right. I could really knock 'em dead in this dress. It's just the thing to get the attention of all of those lovely graduates. Especially that Kirk."

Nyota rolled her eyes. "Alright, how much is it? Will it break the bank?"

Gaila laughed. "Price is no issue, my dear. The question is, will it break hearts?"

That line won her another eye roll.

Gaila started whipping out credit cards and doing the math. She raised an eyebrow in Nyota's direction. "So…what will the lovely, top-of-her-class graduate be wearing to the social event of the year?"

Nyota hesistated. "Well, I haven't really thought about it. Not really sure if I should even go."

Gaila was feeling feisty. "You're going to have to cancel the DJ for your one-woman pity party and suck it up for this one. You're not going to skip the Gala just because Commander Stuffy won't be your date."

Date. That was something Nyota hadn't thought of.

*********

Spock gleaned much from speaking with his mother. She had such a rare, unusual perspective on life—it made her unique to give advice on this particular topic.

After all, she was a Human woman who'd spent her life learning to understand her Vulcan husband. She knew better than anyone the nuances of communication between the two.

She'd explained what Spock already knew…that Nyota had been embarrassed by the kiss, because he hadn't returned it.

He'd explained to his mother what she already knew: that he could not allow himself to kiss Nyota. Not while they were in his quarters. Not while she was his student.

"Spock, I admire your dedication to Starfleet, and to its regulations. But if you feel as strongly for this woman as I believe you do, perhaps you can make an exception."

Spock considered this. "Mother, it may not be necessary. Cadet Uhura will graduate in 4 days. She is requesting a post on the Enterprise and I believe Captain Pike is amenable. We will serve on the same ship. She cannot avoid me as she has on campus on the ship."

Lady Amanda's face hinted at a frown. "Spock, I know you will proceed with the most logical path. But I want you to consider one thing. This Cadet, she is beautiful, is she not?" Spock nodded. "And she must have the mind to match if my son is so taken with her. Please consider that this Cadet may not be available when you decide that you are ready."

Spock quirked an eyebrow—the same way her husband had so many times. "What I mean, Spock, is that a young, attractive woman like Nyota doesn't stay single for very long."

Spock felt an anger he wasn't expecting rise in his throat. The thought of Nyota with another man made his blood boil.

"Thank you, Mother. This conversation has been most enlightening."

Spock knew his mother's logic was sound. He would heed her warning.

********

Date. Nyota turned the word around in her mind over and over. Gaila was right, she didn't want to miss this event. She'd worked hard all of these years and she was going to enjoy the fruits of her labor. This time, as a Starfleet officer.

She'd be lying to herself if she said she didn't want to go. And she'd be lying to herself if she didn't admit that somewhere--in the back of her mind--she wanted a date. She certainly didn't want to walk into that ballroom by herself in front of Commander Spock. That would just…magnify her embarrassment.

She felt her cheeks heat at the thought of him. She'd seen him looking at her in class, trying to get her attention when he dismissed his students. She'd wanted to approach him...break the ice so they could go back to where they'd been before she'd ruined everything.

But you have to go forward—you can never go back.

So that mean she had 2 weeks in Africa to find the perfect dress…and the perfect date.