A/N: Here is the chapter everyone has been waiting for. The fluff awaits you. Also sorry for some of the inconsistencies with Joanna. This is a very McCoy focused chapter just a heads up.

The sun was setting by the time they were leaving her family's home. He still didn't know where he wanted to take her. He told her to take them anywhere that she loved. He realized they had been cooped up in the house doing everything with her family. Then she remembered a place where there were lots of vendors, shops, and thrill rides they could visit that was located on a pier off a beach. They took one of the family's self-driving cars instead of bothering a driver to take them anywhere. When they got in she started to tell him about the place they were going. She talked about how she would go with her friends when she was a teenager. She got excited about the memories she shared. He felt like he accomplished his job in taking her mind off of all the negativity going on.

When they got to the pier they parked the vehicle and made their way towards the crowds of people. It was a lively crowd.

"Where do you wanna go first?" He asked.

"Can we eat? I'm starving. All of that crying made me build up an appetite."

"Of course. Lead the way." He said as he followed her to the food vendors. To his surprise, there were many things to choose from. The smell of spices filled the air which made him even more hungry. They were able to sample foods from different stands because there were too many choices to choose from and couldn't just pick one dish. Eventually, they both found something they liked. They took their food and found a place to eat on a bench.

"So a date, huh?" She asked.

"Well-yeah, a date. I just thought it would do us good to get out and do something fun together." Why was he stumbling over his words?

"I appreciate it though. Thank you for getting me out of the house. I assume you talked to my father. What did you discuss?"

"No ma'am. This is a Malik Uhura free discussion zone. This is our time to have fun and be ourselves."

"Yes, sir." She smiled. "How's your food?"

"Amazing! I bet I can replicate the recipe and make it for us someday."

"For us?"

"Yeah, when we get back to the ship. I figured you would want a meal that tastes like home. Unless you don't want to hang out when we get back."

"Of course I want to still do things with you."

"Good, 'cause you're not getting away from me that easy." They continued to eat until they were finished with their meals. They sat and chatted some more. She even started teaching some basic words in Swahili. Leonard was never the best when it came to learning new languages, but he tried his best. He loved it when she would place his hand on his chin to help formulate the tougher sounding words. "This is why you're the communications officer and I'm not."

"It takes practice. Come on let's keep walking around." They buzzed around the small shops where they checked out souvenirs. He thought to pick up something for Joanna, but he didn't want to carry a bunch of things around, so he figured he would come back another day. Loud music started to play in the distance. He figured it was a live band. He watched her bob her head to the beat.

"Come on, let's go dance."

"Oh no, I don't dance."

"Please? The music is so good." She stretched her hand out in front of her. When she saw he didn't reach for her hand she took his and intertwined her fingers with his and tugged toward the music. He reluctantly stood up and let her lead him towards the music. They settled on a spot that was close enough to the stage. Nyota moved and twirled around and then took Leonard's hands to get him to move. He took one of her hands and placed the other on her waist. The song wasn't too fast, but lively and full of drum beats. He was able to keep up with her. He managed to twirl her around. The song ended and started into a slow ballad. His heart sunk a little when he started seeing other couples come together. Nyota caught him by surprise by wrapping her arms around his neck which brought her closer to his body. He then rested his hands on the small of her back. The two swayed with each other in rhythm with the song.

"You're a good dancer." She said when catching his gaze.

"I never said I couldn't do it. I just don't do it."

They approached an area dedicated to what seemed like street games. There were many that Leonard recognized and some things he's never seen before.

"Hey, Mister!" A voice caught his attention and looked to the right. It was an Andorian male behind a booth of games. "You want to win a prize for the pretty lady?" He asked. Leonard was going to say no, but when he looked at Nyota he had an interested look on her face.

"Sure why not?" They went up the booth and looked around. There were prizes of many sorts displayed and behind it looked like a target range. "How do you play?"

"Shoot at least 10 targets and win a prize." The Andorian said. Leonard paid the Andorian and was given a low energy particle phaser. Similar to the ones from his first year in Starfleet. Not enough power to harm anyone, but had enough force to knock objects over. The Andorian gave him a countdown and started the game. Quickly, targets started to appear and disappear. He wasn't expecting the targets to move as he did, but once he got used to the mechanics he began shooting. He shot down 5 targets which resulted in the targets moving faster. He shot down a couple more intermittently. Leonard took a deep breath and pulled the trigger and he was able to take out more targets with great agility. The game buzzed and it was over. "Wow! That was great! 16 targets." The Adorian said unbelievably. Nyota jumped and cheered.

"That's some amazing shooting. Looks like those years at the academy paid off." Nyota said, giving him a hug.

"Didn't know this country doctor could shoot so well, huh?"

"Alright, you can pick a prize." The Andorian said. Nyota eyed a few trinkets until she pointed at a small furry bear. The Andorian gave it to her. Leonard inspected it more to find it had two long fangs.

"What the heck is that?"

"It's supposed to be a Sehlat."

"A Sehlet?"

"It's a creature native to planet New Vulcan. I think they are pretty cute. Spock would show me images of them." Something about that name being mentioned now put a damper on his mood. He's known for years that they dated but came to an end when he wanted to focus his efforts on giving his species support in rebuilding. He felt a pang of jealousy, but he knew it was silly. It was not like she was still in love with the guy. "Don't you think it's cute?" He crossed his arms and gave her a raised eyebrow. "I'm gonna name him Len Len, after you."

"Oh no, that name is terrible. Please don't name it that."

"Oh come on. Or maybe you prefer for me to call you Len Len instead." His cheeks went pink.

"No, the Sehlet can keep the name. Call me anything, but that." She moved over to him, stood on her tippy toes, and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you for winning it for me."

The rest of the night was going better than he expected. He was becoming bolder in his gestures. Eventually, he took her hand as they walked. He was worried she would pull back, but she embraced it. He thought back to when he last held a woman's hand like this. It was so long that he couldn't remember. Nyota told him that every night at 9 they showed a firework display and wanted to see them. They left the crowded pier and found an elevated spot to see the show and waited until it started.

"Leonard, can I ask you a personal question?"

"Ask away." He replied. She chewed on her lip nervously before asking.

"Why don't you talk about your parents? What happened to them?" Leonard took a deep breath and tried to think of what to say.

"My folks were interesting people. They got together really young and had me. They argued so much. Eventually, my mom left us, which resulted in me and Dad being alone. Last I heard about my Mom she was killed in a hit and run accident when I was 12. When my Dad found out about that it kinda put him in a downward spiral. We didn't get along which made me run away from home many times. It wasn't until I got to college we started to develop a relationship again. Then things went bad for him. He had gotten sick with an illness and passed away just before the cure was found." They were silent for a while until she took a step towards him and placed a hand on his cheek.

"I'm so sorry." She said in an almost choked whisper. He placed a hand on hers.

"You don't have to be. It's ok. I've dealt with the pain."

"You also ran away from home, like me."

"Yeah, your Mom told me about that." Nyota pulled away in shame and looked toward the ocean.

"She told you? Well, you can see why I did it then? I'm not proud I made that decision at such a young age."

"I don't think we all make the best decisions at a young age. But they are part of who we are." He moved next to her. "That's why we should look towards the future. It's an opportunity to better ourselves, mend those broken bridges and start something new." She turned to face him.

"What do you look forward to?"

"Watching Joanna grow up, seeing where Starfleet takes us." He paused and met her gaze. "Seeing what happens with us." She gasped softly.

"You look forward to us?"

"Why wouldn't I be? I guess I'll be honest, but I've always liked you, just could never act on it because you weren't available. Now being here with you makes me care for you more. I think the feelings are mutual between us, unless I can't understand basic flirting then I just poured out my feelings to you."

"The feeling is definitely mutual." He sighed in relief. "I too look forward to 'us'." He knew all too well this look she was giving him. The slow blinking stares, lips full and partly open, the closeness of her body. She wanted him to kiss her. His heart elevated and a breath caught in his throat. This was the moment he had been waiting for. He placed his hands on her waist and pulled her closer towards him. His head bent slightly to where their noses touched. There was a loud bang and glow of light from the distance, the fireworks appeared to have started, but they didn't take their attention from each other. How cliche he thought. His heart beat faster and faster with anticipation. He knew that kissing her would change things between them. No longer crewmates, but something more. This was something he couldn't deny himself any longer. He then kissed her. At his lips' touch, she melted into him as though they were becoming one. She accepted his kiss by giving sweet light nips along his bottom lip which caused tremors of excitement through his whole body. This was a huge step for him. Never has he exposed his vulnerabilities to a woman since Jocelyn. Not like this. Nyota was a breath of fresh air. The walls that he's built were crumbling around him and for the first time ever since then he wasn't afraid to receive love.

0-0-0

The gentle humming of the Enterprise was always calming to her ears. Something about it made her feel one with the ship. Darkness surrounded her in her private quarters except for the window that showed the galaxy's many nebulas. Strong warm arms from behind emerged from the darkness and wrapped around her waist. Her back was pressed against warm skin. A deep breath groaned in her ear causing her to gasp.

"Isn't the nebula beautiful, darlin'?" Leonard asked. His voice was deep and rugged which caused chills to go down her spine.

"It is. You were right. It's amazing." She said. He pressed his lips against her neck and began to leave a trail of kisses down to her shoulder. "Mmmm. I love it when you do that, Len." This encouraged him to keep going and kiss the other side of her neck. He turned her around to face him. She could barely see his face, but the morphing nebula would occasionally cast a ray of colorful beams of light upon his face. She placed her hands on his face.

"I love you." She said.

"I love you more." He bent down and kissed her.

Nyota woke up abruptly from her dream. She felt the newfound warmth of his body engulfing her. From what she could tell he was sleeping. Normally he would be far away from her, not even facing her. Now they were facing each other with his arm draped over her hips. She nuzzled closer to him. She kept replaying the kiss in her mind from their date. She also thought about where things would be for them in the future. There was just a little self-doubt in her head. She thought that she and Spock would have made it, but he left her to tend to New Vulcan. What if he stopped loving her? What if this is too much too soon? What if they really didn't like each other as they thought? Then the voice of her mother popped in her head. She didn't want her to live with what if's. Her mother was right. There was no time for that kind of thinking. He made her happy and that's what is important. She also wasn't going to get any answers right now, so the most she could do is cuddle close to him and enjoy the moment. Leonard grunted when he felt her move closer.

"Hmmm, you ok there?" He asked sleepily.

"Yeah, just getting comfortable." His arm brought her closer to him, so close that her face was just inches to his. She leaned over and kissed his jaw. He didn't respond to the touch and judging by his snort he was back to sleep. This was something she definitely could get used to.

0-0-0

Leonard gripped his PADD and did whatever he could not to throw the thing in frustration off the balcony. Jocelyn had to get her bragging parent points every time she talked to him. He never would understand why she needed to do that. Then she would pick fights with him about needing to be a better father. That definitely cut deep for him. Knowing that his job is what keeps him away from Earth.

"You know, for someone who cheated on me and broke our family you have a lot of critiquing on my parenting skills. Now I didn't call to be belittled by you. I want to talk to my daughter." Leonard growled. Jocelyn's face tightened and turned red. Before she could respond he heard Joanna's voice in the background.

"Is that Dad?" Joanna asked. Next thing he could see Joanna's smiling face on his screen. "Hi, Daddy!"

"Hey, darlin'! I've missed you so much. How's your first off-planet trip?"

"It's amazing. I was a little scared at first, but it wasn't that bad once we got flying."

"You do better than your old man."

"No way. You have to be a pro by now."

"Thanks for your confidence in me. Hey, check out my view right now." He proceeded to show her a view of the ocean.

"That looks pretty. Where are you?"

"I'm in Africa right now."

"Why are you there?"

"Uh, here with a friend from the ship."

"Is it Captain Kirk? If so, can I talk to him? I miss him." She gave a giggle.

"Sorry, your Captain Crush is not here." He watched her turn pink in the face.

"Dad! It's so embarrassing when you bring that up. Anyways, is it a girlfriend?" She said giving a suspicious look.

"Why do you think it's a woman?"

"Because I think I saw a girl walking around behind you."

"Uh, it's a friend who happens to be a woman."

"But she is your girlfriend?"

"Jo!"

"What? It's ok if you do. I think it's about time you put yourself out there, Daddy." Leonard pinched his nose with a free hand.

"I can't believe I'm getting dating advice from my kid." He said rolling his eyes. "Enough of my love life. Tell me about your trip."

Leonard and Joanna talked 20 minutes about her trip with her mother and stepfather. She shared how she had done various activities and wished he was there to go hiking with her. When Joanna had to go, Jocelyn got back on with Leonard to explain the logistics of them coming back. Just as usual she made things more difficult and thought on her terms. He stepped back into the room grumbling under his breath.

"Everything alright?" Nyota asked.

"Just the usual ex-wife stuff. Always gives me a headache." He said while taking a seat on the bed.

"I can tell by the pulsing vein popping on the side of your head." She said. She moved behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders.

"What are you doing?"

"Giving you a massage. You're super tense." She said as she circled her thumbs on his shoulder blades. " Lay your head on my lap." She scooted back. He reclined back, putting his head in her lap. She began running her hands through his hair, lightly dragging her nails across his scalp. He inhaled deeply as her fingers moved. From the nape of his neck to his hairline.

"Mmmmm, this feels good."

"Good. You looked like you could use a stress reliever. How was your call? With Joanna, not Jocelyn."

"The kid was good. She told me all about her trip. How she went hiking and wished I was there. She even told me I need to start dating."

"How did the dating conversation come up?"

"I told her I was on a trip with a lady friend. That's when she said I needed to start putting myself out there." Nyota's hands moved towards his chin. He gave a soft moan when she rubbed his jaw with her fingers.

"And what do you think?"

"I dunno, I think she's right." He smirked. His hands reached up to her hands. He brought his lips to her wrist and planted a warm kiss on them. He opened his eyes to meet her chocolate brown eyes. She gasped when he kissed her again.

"And what are you going to do about it?" He noticed she took in her bottom lip to bite it. If her massaging his head didn't set him on edge then her biting her lip did. His hand reached up to stroke her cheek and then moved his hand behind her to pull her in for a kiss. The kiss was gentle and tender then grew with passion as his tongue slid past her lips and she delightfully accepted. She pulled away slowly but stole a couple of lingering kisses.

"That was a hell of a stress reliever." She gave him a wide smile. The door chimed alerting them that someone was at the door. He kept kissing her and disregarded the door.

"The- door-we have- to answer it." She said in between kisses.

"Alright." he rolled his eyes playfully. Nyota sat up.

"Come in." The bedroom door slid open and it was Malik Jr. that came through. Leonard had barely seen her brother since coming here and he was the last person he'd thought he would see come through the door. He shot up as soon as he saw him. Something about letting him see his head in his little sister's lap didn't feel right. "Lik, what are you doing here?"

"I was coming to invite Leonard to come to do something with me. I have to apologize my work schedule has been hectic and I haven't been around."

"Is someone putting you up to this?" Nyota eyed suspiciously.

"What! No, this was my idea." He said. "What do you say Leonard, do you want to maybe go fishing?"

"I love fishing. I'm in!" Leonard said enthusiastically.

"Good, we shall leave in about an hour. I'll wait for you downstairs." Malik Jr. said. "Nyah is downstairs if you want some company."

"Interesting that my brother wants to hang out with you."

"Why do you say that? Should I be concerned that he will drown me in the water."

"No, just sometimes my father can influence him."

"That doesn't feel reassuring."

"You'll be fine. I'm sure of it.

Malik Jr. took Leonard to a fishing hole just outside of the city called Hout Bay Harbour. Malik apologized so many times on the way there because he had to take some business calls. Once when they got there he promised he wouldn't answer any more calls. They lugged their equipment to where they decided would be a good spot. Nyota was right about him that he was a quiet man because he hasn't said much to him yet. It was odd to be in a foreign place with someone you hardly know much about. Since Nyota's brother wasn't going to say anything he decided to spark conversations.

"I really appreciate you bringing me out here. It's nice to spend time with some of Nyota's family."

"I've heard things haven't been going well with my father. My mother told me all about it. I'm sorry that he's been in a horrible mood since you've been here. He's not always like this, he can be a fun guy at times."

"You don't say. Well, how do I get to know the fun ?"

"Well, this is the main reason why I brought you out here. I wanted to talk to you about how to get in the good graces of my father. If you're truly serious about marrying my sister you have to show him that you respect this family and its culture."

"Haven't I been?"

"This is deeper than being kind and generous. Become part of our history."

"I don't follow."

"Our family for generations has practiced endogamy, to preserve its culture. After the first contact with Vulcans more alien species started coming to Earth it seemed that certain subsets of humans started to disappear or become forgotten. That's why we want to preserve what we have left so we don't disappear. That's also why my father despises Starfleet and the United Federation of Planets and it's disregard for the preservation of the human race. He feels as though they accelerated things."

"But he has to understand that humankind is not the only thing in this universe. We need these things to establish peace and maintain the wellbeing of all living species in the universe. The purpose is not to make culture disappear, but unify."

"Trust me, I get that, but that's not how he sees it. I think my father fears change most of all, that all we have built will be stripped away. That's why I have a suggestion."

"Ok, what is it?"

"If you're serious about marrying Ny then partake in a Kuwa ceremony."

"Kuwa ceremony? What is that?"

"Long long ago our continent suffered many wars among the people. Sadly it resulted in deaths and many children homeless. That's when the Uhuru clan would adopt them as their own. The adoption was simple, the adoptee would pledge to bring honor and support for the community while the clan gave identity, safety, resources."

"So I would be adopted by your family's clan?"

"Correct."

"What is this ceremony?"

"The family comes together to witness your vows to the family. Then you will be washed of your former self which means anything you have suffered through will be wiped away. The family will then cover you in oils of the land to protect you. Then after that, we celebrate for 2 days as a member."

"Wait- wait would I be giving up my last name?"

"No, you will keep it. You're just pledging in becoming part of the Uhuru clan. For example, Tao, the man my sister was going to marry even though he has a different last name, he was part of the Uhuru."

"This sounds like a big step."

"Some would say marriage is a big step."

"You got me there."

"I would really consider it if you want to seek approval, but I'm sure Nyota would appreciate your effort."

"Thank you for your help and support. Also, you're not so bad at history. I enjoy learning about your family."

"Thanks! I've always wanted to become a historian, but Baba insisted I work with him in the family business."