A/N: Thank you for being patient with me. Looking to update more often.

After a long playful day at the beach, they went back to the house to discuss more of how they would survive their time with her family. Nyota told her mom that they were going to take naps and asked to not be disturbed. They both concluded spending the whole time on Earth for 6 to 8 months was going to be pushing their arrangement that he would leave once his daughter was back on the planet. Leonard apologized many times when he revealed that he could only stay for 2 months at most with her. She figured that she could make up some excuse about him needing to leave for a medical crisis off-planet to her family.

"So what happens once we start another 5-year mission?" He asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, usually people who are engaged intend to get married and marriage is a thing that is forever. So what happens after we get back to duty then the 5-year mission is over?"

"I don't know. I didn't think that far."

"Better start thinking. I don't think I wanna play fake husband for the rest of my life, you know." He felt like his tone was rather a harsh judging by the way she winced. His face softened. "What I mean is I don't think this would benefit us to do this long term."

"I promise I won't make you play fake husband forever. Who knows, maybe by then I'll be in a relationship. By the way, do you know how hard it is to date on a starship?" To Leonard's distaste, dating on a starship was never anything he strived for.

"Eh, I imagine it's not the best. I've never really tried."

"You never dated anyone on the ship?"

"Once, Jim tried introducing me to some women. There was one woman from engineering. She was nice, but there wasn't much of a connection there. Other than that I've haven't made time."

"Well, your first mistake was letting Jim Kirk set you up?" She laughed. "If you dated someone what are you looking for?" The question caught him off guard. Not that it was too personal but just interesting that there was an interest in his dating life.

"I don't think I have a type. I just want someone I can share a great life with. Someone who is kind, full of life, and maybe someone who could push me out of my comfort zone. You know, a balance. She has to accept and love my daughter, otherwise, she doesn't stand a chance. Confidence, I definitely find it attractive."

"If you don't mind me asking, would you want to get married again?"

"Yeah, I definitely want to again someday. It just has to be with the right woman. The only reason why it didn't work out with my ex is because she cheated on me."

"That's terrible, Leonard. I'm sorry."

"Eh, she wasn't the right one for me. We got married too quickly out of college and ended up having a kid. I love my daughter. That was the only good thing I got from that marriage."

"I want to know more about Joanna. What is she like?" He cocked his head slightly to the side. Something about the way she said it made his heart flutter. She didn't say it in a way where it was just knowledge she needed to know in case her family asked something about her, but it was in genuine interest. Leonard pulled up a picture of him and Joanna on his PADD. It was a picture clearly taken some time ago, by the looks of it when he graduated from Starfleet Academy.

"She is one of the most brilliant 12-year-olds I know. She loves dancing and wants to perform across the galaxy." He said while scrolling through a few more pictures of her in ballet costumes.

"She's a cutie and has your eyes."

"Are my eyes cute too? He asked jokingly.

"They are…" She said and paused to look into his hazel eyes. "They tell a story."

"A story huh? What story would that be?"

"They tell a story of a man who is driven by the sense of helping others. There is compassion and empathy."

"Don't forget the headaches. There are a ton of those." He chuckled.

"Like the one I burdened you with?"

"No, you were never a burden."

"Come on Leonard, you can't tell me that this isn't frustrating."

"Weird is more like it, but I want to help you out. Believe it or not, if having you onboard the Enterprise to help translate frequencies and prevent an alien species from blowing us up then by golly I want you and no one else translating."

"Well if I'm suffering from some medical emergency then there is no other doctor I would rather visit than you."

-0-0-0-

When the evening came it was time for Nyota and Leonard to meet her parents for dinner at La Parada. It was one of her favorite places to eat and honestly, she had been craving it since the last time she was home. They had met her parents at the restaurant. She wore a white floral dress with her hair in her usual high ponytail. Leonard wore another suit that her mother bought him. This time it was all black. Nyota couldn't kid herself anymore, she was developing an attraction towards him. Not because he looked good in a suit or even shirtless but she actually enjoyed his company. He was sarcastic but in a playful way. Watching him open up in ways exposed another side of him that she never knew existed. He cared enough to help her. That part still made her wonder. They weren't ever best friends through all of their years of knowing each other. They would at times get together with their crewmates but never hung out one on one. She wouldn't mind exploring and seeing where things would go, but who was she kidding? Would they make a good couple? She didn't know, but she doubted he was interested in her. It wouldn't hurt to maybe flirt and see, but then she didn't want to do anything that would make him feel uncomfortable in case he didn't have those feelings. She already had too much on her plate. Adding a potential relationship with her fake fiance was something she couldn't handle now. A private car brought them to the restaurant. Before going in to meet her parents he stopped her.

"Are you ready for this? We could always say you got sick and we can try again later."

"I think I'm ready. How about you?"

"Ready as I'll ever be. By the way, you look gorgeous tonight." He said. She couldn't hide the smile she gave him as she tucked a loose strand behind her ear.

"Thank you." Then she gave him a smirk and a flip of the hair to the side. "And I know." She said playfully. She paused and waited for his reaction.

"Oh, much confidence." He smirked.

"Well, you did say you liked confidence." She wouldn't believe she said that. Was that too much?

"You got me." He said extending his elbow to her. She looped her arm around his and they walked in. The restaurant was rather large and bustling. They reached their seats to where they found her parents sitting. Her mother greeted them with hugs while her father hugged his daughter and shook Leonard's hand. She figured her mom convinced him to at least give Leonard a handshake. They took their seats.

"I'm so happy you two made it."

"Thank you for having us." Leonard said. Nyota grabbed her menu to look for something, but she knew she was going to get her favorite, lamb rack, and potatoes. She didn't know how to handle the awkwardness. Leonard asked her suggestions on what to eat. The waiter came to the table and took everyone's order.

"So I never asked you, but do you have a wedding date?" Her mother asked.

"Um, not yet. We are trying to figure it out." Nyota replied.

"Well, I assume quickly since you both have to go back to service soon. Unless you both are taking positions on Earth." Her mother sounded hopeful.

"Sorry, mama. We are still assigned to the Enterprise. We are going to take another 5-year mission, after this leave."

"Seriously, Nyota? Don't you want to stay at home?" Her father asked.

"Of course I do, but we have commitments."

"When you're not flying off in some starship, are you two going to live here in Africa?" Mr. Uhura asked in an agitated tone.

"I don't know, we haven't talked about it."

"These are things to talk about before taking the next steps into a marriage." Mrs. Uhura said.

"Would you too be opposed to having a wedding before you leave?" Her mother said. Nyota's heart leaped and Leonard nearly spit out his drink.

"That's rather soon don't you think?"

"Yes, but otherwise we would have to wait for you to come back."

"I don't know. We would have to talk about it."

"So Leonard what do your parents think about this? Have they met our Nyota yet?" Mrs. Uhura asked.

"Um, no ma'am. Unfortunately, my parents have passed away." He replied. Why didn't he tell her his parents passed. When she asked about them he kinda blew it off. Did he not have a relationship with them?

"I'm sorry, dear."

"It's alright, you didn't know. If they were around I'm sure they would have treated Nyota as their own."

"Thanks, Leonard."

"How long have you been practicing medicine?" asked.

"About 15 years now. I was a doctor in the US, more specifically I was a pediatrician."

"What made you join Starfleet?"

"Uh, just needed a change."

"That must have been difficult since you have a child."

"Yes, it was, but my kid and I are close"

The dinner was going how she expected. Her mother asked all the questions while her father sat pushing his meal around with his fork, giving the occasional grunt and sigh. Was it going to really kill him to at least engage with the man? Again, it was an awkward situation. She wanted her father to engage, but at the same time not really. It would even make her blood boil when he would make comments under his breath when Leonard would say something. There were a couple of times when Leonard would reach over to catch her hand to give a gentle squeeze to let her know he was alright. There were a couple of times where his hand lingered longer than it should. This brought her comfort, not because he was touching her, but because she knew he cared about how she felt. She started to think about him more. She never thought in a million years that she would be falling for . She had no idea how he felt about her. The whole playing pretend thing was crossing too many lines that she couldn't tell how he felt unless she bluntly asked. She sighed to herself, again a relationship is the last thing she needed.

"Hey, you ok? You're awfully quiet." Leonard said leaning in a whisper.

"I'm fine. Just trying to make this feel normal." She said.

"So Nyota." Her father said cutting into his steak. "I just need to know one thing. Why did you keep this relationship for so long from us?"

"We...uh. I- I just knew you would not approve because of the arrangement with me and Tau."

"And you thought bringing this man to my home would make everything ok? That I'm supposed to accept this?"

"I wanted you to get to know him."

"I don't care to get to know him!" His voice rose.

"Malik! Keep your voice down." Her mother said, but he ignored her.

"I expected my daughter to marry an African man."

"But what about what I want? Do you think I want to stay here and be bound to some man I didn't love and birth children all day? Baba, I'm making a difference and saving lives in Starfleet-" smacked his palm on the table causing everyone at the table to jump and caught the eye from a few patrons around them.

"The hell with Starfleet! You belong here. Not out flying around some death trap with some man." His words stung more than she could have imagined. The realization of him not accepting her made her angry. She wanted to shout back at him, but this wasn't the time and place for this. She was tired, so tired of her father being so controlling and dictating of her life. All she could do was take a breath of air and exhale sharply to prevent her already formed tears from falling.

"Leonard, let's go." Nyota said standing up and storming out of the restaurant, not even seeing if Leonard was behind her. She made her way to the courtyard entrance. She felt a warm hand on her shoulder. It was Leonard looking down at her with sympathetic eyes. She just wanted to embrace him in a hug. She just needed to feel him, but part of her felt disgusted. To have her father say all of those things. "He...just." Her voice cracked. He pulled her into a hug. "Why does he do this to me?"

"What do you mean?"

"He meddles in my life. Controls every aspect."

"This isn't the first time?"

"It's a rather long story. I just don't want to get into it right now. I just want to go back home."

0-0-0

The next week was rather interesting, to say the least for Leonard. He watched each day as Nyota became flustered with her situation. Her father was not making anything easy for her. He was a complicated man. It was like he wanted the best for her, but wanted to make her life a living hell. It was a weird relationship dynamic between them. He watched how they avoided each other. It was something that made his heartache. He would never want that for his daughter. He figured what has been going on runs deep. He never tried to pry her of the information. He figured she would tell him in due time.

He tried his best to cheer her up during the week. Each day they became more and more comfortable with each other. She even joined him in watching a movie with him in bed. He was concerned he was going to make her uncomfortable by the closeness, but she seemed to welcome it. He was conflicted about what to do about his feelings toward her. He was enjoying her company more and more. He wanted to be more than a friend just helping her out, but there was the thought of would she want the same thing? Would she be open to it? She seemed to be flirty with him but was that all an act for her family. He wouldn't know unless he asked her and that was something bold he couldn't do.

Nyota became anxious about her conversation with her father at La Parada. He could tell it was something that bothered her at times. Finally, she had the last straw and marched downstairs to speak with him while leaving him in her bedroom. He figured it was best that she went alone. To occupy his time he worked on folding the laundry that he washed. A gentle knock came from the doorway. He looked up to see Mrs. Uhura standing there.

"Leonard, where is Nyota?"

"Uh, I think she went to talk to your husband."

"Oh, dear. I figured as much."

"Is it always like this? Their relationship?" He asked. Mrs. Uhura stepped into the bedroom and sat on the bed.

"Sadly yes. Nyota has always been her own woman. She always walked to her own beat in life. I say she's free-spirited and he thinks rebellious. I think her running away made things worse."

"She ran away?"

"I thought you would know this, dear. When Nyota turned 19 she ran away to join Starfleet. We all knew she wanted to join. Malik thought it was a joke when he found out. She was preparing to wed Tau but she left for the United States. She didn't speak with any of us for a while. I felt for her. She was young, scared, confused, but she wanted to be among the stars and follow her dreams."

"He really doesn't care about her happiness?"

"He wants her to come home and carry on the tradition with our heritage. I don't condone my husband's behavior. I want what's best for her. Even if it's in Starfleet, away from home and with someone she cares about. I see the way she looks at you Leonard. I can tell she truly cares for you and I can see you care for her as well. All I ask is that you take care of my daughter."

"You have my word, ma'am."

Footsteps stomped down the hallway and into the bedroom. Nyota's tear-filled eyes darted to Leonard and her mother as though she was trying to decide who to run to. McCoy was prepared to embrace her, but her mother raced to her first. Mrs. Uhura said some words to her daughter in Swahili. Leonard didn't know what she said, but he figured it was something comforting. He felt odd watching them as though he imposed on a private moment.

"Listen, you two need a moment. I'll give you some time to talk." He said. He stepped out of the room and made his way downstairs. He was trying to process the information. No wonder why she was so desperate to stay in Starfleet. All of this goes beyond an arranged marriage. He felt like he needed to step in, but he was such a stranger. He had to do what was right. Leonard knew he might not respect him, but at least he could make an effort to get through to him. He had a crazy idea, so crazy it made his stomach ache. Leonard walked through the large house to where he might find Mr. Uhura, in his office. The door was opened. He knocked on the doorframe before entering fully.

"May I come in?" Leonard asked. Mr. Uhura looked up from his desk and took in a deep breath.

"You may. Come have a seat '' He said in a deep tone. Leonard walked incautiously. He wasn't expecting a yes, but definitely not for him to have a seat. Leonard took a seat and looked around the office. It was very luxurious and pristine with expensive artwork on the walls. Mr. Uhura stood up and walked towards his liquor cabinet and grabbed two glasses.

"Brandy, Doctor?" He asked.

"Yes, please." Leonard replied. Leonard could hear the liquid being poured into the glasses and then gave a glass to him. He extended his arm out with drink in hand.

"Cheers." The men clinked their glasses. gulped down the liquid in one quick swallow. Leonard knew he was sizing him up and he did the same and emptied his glass. "Another?"

"No thank you, sir."

"Suit yourself." Mr. Uhura said, grabbing both glasses and placing them by the liquor cabinet. He went back down to have a seat at his desk and looked upon Leonard like he was some troubled schoolboy who was visiting the principal's office. "What brings you this evening?"

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry. We started off on a bad foot. I never intended to cause any issues in your family. For what it's worth though I really care for your daughter. I want to take care of her. I never properly asked for your permission to marry your daughter."

"Doctor, I'm going to be honest. I think you're a smart man, a good man, a man of virtue." Leonard could feel there was a but coming.

"But, you're not what my Nyota needs."

"And what does she need, sir?"

"She needs to be with her own. She needs to carry on the heritage. It's a right of passage for our daughter to be part of an arranged marriage. Unfortunately, you can't give that to her. That's why I want you to call off the engagement."

"You have to be kidding me."

"I don't joke and to show my seriousness I'll give this to you." pulled something from his desk and wrote something on it and slid it to Leonard. Leonard picked it up and looked at it. He couldn't believe his eyes. It was a signed electronic check for 200,000 credits. He was disgusted that he would pay him off to go disappear. He stood up with the check in his hand. "Do we have an understanding?" He slid the check back towards him.

"No sir, we don't." Leonard said. He could tell that ticked him off. "There is no amount of money in this galaxy that would stop me from loving your daughter. You're also wrong. You don't know what she needs. She needs someone to love her every waking day, who will support her dreams, she needs someone who will respect her in every way. She also needs a supportive father in her corner. If you keep pushing her she's going to push away. Do you really want her to stop talking to you like when she ran away? I beg you, sir, stop before she breaks." Leonard moved to leave the office until he stopped at the doorway. "I won't even tell Nyota about your bribe. I can't stand to watch her cry one more tear." He said and then left the office.

0-0-0

Nyota sobs softened into her mother's shoulder. Her mother always was the balance in their home. She was so much more understanding.

"Why does he care so much for me to marry someone rather than me being happy?"

"He's a stubborn man, Nyota."

"That doesn't justify anything. He's also been so rude to Leonard since he's been here."

"I know. I've tried talking to him about that."

" I don't know what to do."

"I know what you mean. I was in your situation years ago."

"What do you mean?"

"I fell in love with someone that wasn't your father. His name was Obed and he was a Batazoid." Nyota's eyes widened in shock. She never knew her mother would be interested in interspecies relationships. "We dated secretly for a while. We even thought about running away with each other to get married. I couldn't do it. I couldn't leave my family even though I loved him. Things were happening so fast. I was scared like you. I ended up marrying your Father and said goodbye to Obed. I hated that I broke his heart. The first few years it took a long time for me to learn how to love your Father. There was so much resentment towards him that I can't believe your Father was even patient enough with me."

"What happened to Obed?"

"He went off and eventually started a family of his own, but there were times I've always wondered what if I had gone with him. Then again, I probably wouldn't have had my beautiful 3 children. Nyota, I don't want you to live with what if's. I want you to have the life you want despite what tradition says. This is your choice, mpenzi. I'm so proud of you. I wish I was brave like you at your age." Knowing what she knows now explained why her mother had her back for so many years. She almost felt comfortable enough to tell her the truth about her and Leonard, but she couldn't. She was ashamed of the lie in the first place. Leonard came back to the bedroom. He was red in the cheeks, a familiar scowled face she was used to seeing when something frustrated him.

"Everything ok?" She asked.

"Nothing important. Are you ok?"

"I'm better."

"Good. We are going out."

"Wait, what? Where are we going?"

"You and I are going on a date. Nothing fancy." He said putting his shoes on. "I think you and I could use a little fresh air."

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