McCoy and Uhura arrived in Cape Town, South Africa around three in the afternoon. She was hoping that none of her family members would be their to greet them for they still had some planning to do. They had walked through the shuttle station looking for an area to call in a taxi. In the distance an elderly black man in a nice black suit caught her eye. He had been holding a sign with her last name on it high over his head. Her last name was not a common name in the city, she knew instantly that her family must of sent a private driver to pick them up.
"Well it looks like we have transportation. That man must be waiting for us." She said.
"Lead the way." They walked over to the old man. Nyota greeted him in her native language and he replied which a smile. She looked to McCoy and introduced him to the elderly man.
"Leonard this is one of my parents private drivers, he will be taking us to my home."
"Nice to meet you sir." Leonard said.
"Please follow me." The older man said in broken English. The older man lead them through the stations busy halls and to the outdoors. It had been almost six years since she had last stepped on African soil. Besides all of the chaos with her family, she really did miss home. She missed the warm days, going to the beach and the buzzing culture. Hopefully those things will help her keep her sanity while she was on this trip. Looking to Leonard he seemed to be keeping his cool about the situation. He looked around in every direction to see what was going on.
"First time in Africa?"
"Yes, very beautiful place. Sure different than Georgia. Hey I noticed that you and the driver were speaking in a different language. Will I be able to understand anything here?"
"Don't worry there are a ton of english speakers here. You may need some translations of things, but it won't be too hard." They reached a large parking lot where buses and limos were parked. They walked to an all white limo that was parked in the main area. The elderly man took their bags, placed them in a trunk and opened the doors for them to enter. She looked back to see McCoy's reaction to the limo.
"I see we get to ride in style. Why are we in a limo instead of taxi?"
"My family likes to do things big I guess. We have an half hour drive until we get to my home, so we can do more talking. I hope you are not nervous."
"Not really. I just hope this works, for your sake."
The two talked some more about each other on the ride. To her surprise he was a more calmer person than he lead on to be. Back on the Enterprise he seem cranky or tense every second, swearing Jim's name every moment and kept things to himself. She talked to him at times mainly when she had a checkup or someone to talk to during dinner. He never opened up like he did now. She learned more about him within the last few hours than she had the whole time serving with each other. She would of considered being close friends with him if she knew that he was like this. She was impressed by certain thoughts and ideas he had about intergalactic problems that they came across on their journey. She was also happy to hear that they had more things in common such as helping others and making the universe a better place. It kind of made her blush when every time he called her darlin', but that was due to his southern charm. He wasn't a bad looking man nor prince charming, but still had some appeal to her. She really hoped that her family wouldn't eat him alive because he was doing her a big favor.
Looking out the windows her heart began to beat fast as she started to notice the area. Every winding turn the limo made her sick. Not because of motion sickness but she remembered that once after the big turns they would see the property.
"This is a really nice looking area. Looks like someone famous should be living here." He said awe struck from the marvelous views. The car started to slow down as they approached large steel gates. "Does your family live in some private gated community?"
"Something like that." She replied nervously. The limo pulled through the gate and onto the long drive. She saw her home of since she was a child coming into a closer view. It was much different from the last time she saw it. The almost mansion like home sat on one acre of land and a view of the ocean. Many of the bedrooms that had balconies that faced all areas of the house, a large sculpture of woman sat in the yard shooting out water and colorful exotic flowers bloomed all over. McCoy gasped and had a wide eye look on his face.
"When were you going to tell me that you were rich?" He said in disbelief.
"I'm not rich, my parents are. Didn't want to freak you out that my parents had tons of money. My dad owns a small diamond mining company that's an hour from here."
"Great now they will probably hate me now."
"They won't. Just be yourself, how can they hate you?" The old man stopped the car and opened the door for them. They stepped out and grabbed their belongings from the back, said goodbye to the driver and proceeded to the front door. She took a big sigh and stepped through the front door. The foyer was nicely decorated with African art that her mother loved collecting and animal printed rugs. The smell of food filled her lungs making her stomach growled. The sound of footsteps came toward them and the sight of a older woman made Nyota drop her bag.
"Nyota!" The voice called. It was her mother who looked to much like her. She wore a purple silk tunic and black pants. Her hair was long and straight, just like her daughter.
"Mama!" She called. Running to her arms she hugged her deeply. The smell of her mothers perfume brought her back to all of the memories she once had. Seeing her mother in person was a million times better than seeing her on a computer screen any day.
"My girl, I've missed you so much. Look you are so skinny now, they do not feed you enough on that starship."
"I've always been this way. You just haven't seen me in such a long time." Nyota smiled. She almost forgot about McCoy who was standing waiting to meet her mom. "I have someone for you to meet." Her mother cocked her head slightly when she saw him standing there, but then gave a friendly smile. "Mom this is Leonard McCoy, my fiancé. Leonard this is my mother, Njeri Uhura." Leonard extended his hand out to greet her and then braced her for a hug.
"It is an honor to meet you finally." He said.
"Same here, but it was rather a shock to find out that my daughter was engaged in such a short notice, but happy that she found someone that makes her happy. She never told me that she was marring someone handsome such as yourself."
"Well thank you ma'am and thank you for letting me come to your home. I think I'm liking this place already."
"Nyota, you two can sleep in your old bedroom. The guest bedrooms are going to be occupied."
"What for?"
"For the engagement party for you and Leonard. Some of the family is coming over to stay the night."
"A party? Why are we having a party?"
"To celebrate. it's a blessing to have someone join our family. Now go take your belongings to the bedroom, your father and sister should be on their way here from a charity benefit. Come down to the kitchen when you are done."
"Come on dear lets go see my bedroom." Nyota grinned. They picked up their belonging and proceeded through a large white hallway filled with photos of the Uhura family. They went up a spiral stair case to the second level where they found another hallway. They went into a room that was almost a master bedroom size. It was her room. It was like she had left the room like it was the day she left home. Still she had her favorite red blankets and black décor.
"This is your bedroom? Talking about a teenagers paradise. You have a bathroom and balcony in your room!" He moved toward the double doors and opened them up to reveal the small balcony. The view was still what she remembered. "Your backyard is the beach!"
"Yeah, I love sitting out here and sing. Boy it feels good to be home."
"I would never take you to be the rich girl. What a big shock this is."
"There is a lot to still learn then." She took a seat on her bed. "I think you are the first boy to set foot in my bedroom."
"I feel honored." His eyes moved to the bed. "Is it safe to assume that we are sharing the bed?"
"As long as you keep your hands to yourself then we won't have any problems." She smiled. "Come, let me show you the rest of the house." She showed him every room of the house. Every corner of the house had a memory to it. She could vividly replay those memories in her head as she passed by a certain area. From her father's office to the large backyard with a pool, she managed to show him every room of the house. They had saved the kitchen for the last stop and the more than likely place where Nyota's mother was. The kitchen was crowed with five chefs, platters of finger foods, sandwiches and desserts took over any open space. Her mother moved over to the confused couple.
"Are you kids hungry? I can prep you a quick lunch." Her mother asked. They both shook their heads.
"Mom, how many people are coming to this party?"
"Let's see…your grandmother, aunt's, uncle's, cousins, at least over fifty."
"Over fifty! Mom this is really unnecessary."
"It's the celebration of your engagement and also your safe return from the service. It's a special day.
"But mom-" She began to say something, but the touch of two hands touched her back.
"Come one Nyota let your folks throw this party. Its for us and I think we should just accept it. Just think, it's a chance for me to meet your family." McCoy said.
"Your right. We are just going to go with the flow. Well you said that Grand ma maw will be here. I am really excited to see her. Remember me telling you about my grandmother right hon?"
"Of course I do. You talked about how much you loved her. I can't wait to meet her as well."
"You two should relax before everyone comes. I have the decorators coming at four to set up the backyard, so don't backyard. I want it to be a surprise." The door to the kitchen opened suddenly with a woman with short hair and yellow sundress.
"Nyah!" Nyota screeched.
"Ny bear!" Nyah shouted back. The two sisters embraced each other quickly in a tight hug. "I'm so happy that you are home. Oh my gosh where is he?" Nyota smiled and looked back McCoy who gave an awkward smile to her.
"Leonard, this is my lovely sister Nyah. Nyah meet Leonard." Nyah exchanged an awkward smile back.
"Nice to meet you. I've heard so much about you." He said.
"And I've heard nothing about you." Nyah replied.
"Nyah!" Nyota snapped. "Sorry she's like that."
"No apologies. She right, she doesn't know anything about me, but I hope my time being here will change that."
"Where's papa? Mom said he was with you."
"He dropped me off here and said that he had some business to take care of first before the party. Then he has to pick up Grand ma maw. He won't be here until the start of the party."
"I wish that he came in at least and say hi, but if he was in a rush then oh well. Where is Jamal and the kids?"
"Kids are still in school and Jamal is at work. You didn't hear the good news, but I'm pregnant again. Found out last month."
"Wow more kids, that's great." Nyota have a fake smile. She loved being an aunt, but she knew that she was competing against her family.
"Yeah I have to catch up with Malik and you need to the same."
"Well whenever the time is right, I'm sure we will be having our own little bundle of joy.
"What about you Leonard? Do you like kids?"
"Yes I like kids. I have a daughter of my own from a previous marriage."
"Oh I see, so your letting Ny play step mommy first. How did the marriage end?"
"Come on now! Stop it." Nyota snapped.
"What? I was just asking him a question."
"Nyah your sister right, no more personal questions! Now do you all have something to wear for tonight?" Her mother asked.
"I didn't bring a lot of nice dress clothes. Wasn't expecting any parties." McCoy said.
"Oh dear let me take you to the store to get you a nice suit." Their mother grabbed her purse from the counter.
"Mrs. Uhura you don't have to do that."
"I insist. It will be a gift to you. Girls you can get ready, while Leonard and I will be looking for suit for him."
"Why don't I go with you guys?" Nyota really didn't want to leave him alone.
"No, we have catching up to do. We will see you later." Nyah said when pulling her sisters hand. McCoy moved over to Nytoa, closer than she expected. His head bent down toward her face and planted a quick kiss on her forehead. He pulled away with a half smile on his face.
"Go enjoy your time with your sister, I'll be back." He said.
"Yeah." She sighed.
The kiss kept invading her mind like a movie scene that played over and over. Showing affection is a requirement when two people are in a relationship is a no brainier. Then why was is bother her? It made sense that he did that. He was just acting.
"Hey there are you still with me?" Nyah asked. Nyota had not been paying attention to her sister since they made it upstairs.
"Sorry, I was thinking of something."
"Anyways, dad has been cursing up a storm since mom had told him about you. The only reason why he's not coming until the party is because he felt like he was going to lose it."
"I don't see what the big deal is? Is it a problem that I'm getting married or that I am not getting married to Tau." Nyah shrugged her shoulders. "Tau is not the best person in the world you know. He's arrogant, cocky, power hungry and the list goes on."
"But he own his own business, very successful and has money."
"Please, he's one big turn off. I knew I was going to be set up with him since I was teenager."
"So is that why you are engaged? To avoid marrying Tau?" Nyota hated this about her. She maybe annoying but she is very smart.
"No, I'm marrying him because I love Leonard. Why do you have doubts about our relationship?"
"Because you never told anyone about him."
"I didn't say anything because I knew that the family would freak out."
"You know another reason why papa is upset? He thinks you are not proud of our culture. That arranged marriages are bad. He's going to freak when he sees that Leonard is not an African male at least."
"Love has no boundaries. I would never put down my heritage."
"I know, but he doesn't approve of interracial relationships. He believes that you should marry into your race to keep the heritage alive."
"I know papa is a traditionalist, but I'm sorry to brake traditions. I don't have to follow the rule of African girls must marry African boys and make babies all day. I have worked too hard to be where I am at."
"I guess. Well is the sex with him good at least?"
"You are ridiculous you know that."
"Answer my question."
"No, we have not yet. We wanted to wait until we got married."
"I just wanted to know if the rumors are true."
"What rumors?"
"You say he is a doctor. I heard that a doctor knows how hit the right spots on a woman."
"When I find out, I'll let you know."
A/N: I'm sorry that if you hate the sister so far, but she is modeled off of someone I know. All the ppl besides Nyota and McCoy are based off of someone I know. You might think that its weird that the mother is starting to like McCoy, but there is a reason that will come up later.