[Date Night] - [NVC] - [Uhura, Len]

[original_fierce]

Bill had been pretty clear about it when she had messaged him on-ship: an invitation from Uhura would not be taken badly, by anyone. Still, Uhura had deliberated for a few days after beam down, as to whether this was really the time. After a day or two of exploration, however, her mind was made up. The colony already presented a staggering array of

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[len_not_spock]

Much as Leonard was enjoying being back on solid ground for a while, it had actually occurred to him that he hadn't seen Nyota since the birthday party Jim had thrown on board the ship - and the he very much wanted to see much more of her. Her message, then, when it flashed up on his screen, instantaneously brought a smile to his face, as well as that only too familiar ill-defined flutter in the pit of his stomach, as he went to reply, more than a little bemused at himself.

Dear Nyota,

Been having a lovely time, thank you. And yes, I would - the words 'absolutely love' were typed and very quickly deleted again - very much like that, and I have nothing planned for the evening. I could pick you up around seven, if that works for you?

He paused, momentarily hesitating over what to write next. It was so unlike him to just assume, but then there had been that interaction of LiveJournal which, anonymous or not, had made it plain that Bill's instincts on this matter seemed to be spot on. Still, it couldn't hurt to confirm right?

...just

[original_fierce]

Ah. So Bill had decided to keep their interaction a secret, then. She smiled, pressed a hand to her mouth to stifle a laugh, and contemplated her reply.

Dear Leonard (she began),

I fully understand your wish to run this by Bill, since I absolutely am - to be ruthlessly clear - asking you on a date. However, I would point out that I have actually run this by Bill myself already, to make sure an invitation from me would be received well by both you and him. I presume he wanted to keep it as a surprise for you. At any rate, he shouldn't be surprised, himself, to hear that I've (finally) actually sent you a message on the subject.

Seven would be great. Directions to my billet are attached, so you shouldn't have any difficulty tracking me down.

Looking forward to seeing you then!

Nyota
xxx

[len_not_spock]

The tea he'd been drinking - not chamomile, but some interesting fruit concoction native to this planet - just barely avoided meeting the computer console as Leonard choked on the surprised bark of laughter which threatened to escape.

That bastard, let him walk right into this one. But Leonard could hardly fool himself; the idea that Bill and Nyota had discussed him between themselves and were clearly in agreement on this matter, were so obviously interested in his happiness above all else, left him feeling curiously touched, almost, a liquid pool of warmth settling in his stomach.

Dear Nyota, he replied

I see. Well, in that case, count me exceptionally flattered and looking forward to tonight. I shall see you then.

Love,
Leonard

[original_fierce]

Uhura had always had a problem with being early for everything. Not for her the fashionably late arrival, nor the casual disinterested appearance so well worn by other women she had known, despite her best intentions. As usual, she was ready ten minutes early, dressed for the heat in a short white dress that sat strikingly against her skin.

[len_not_spock]

Leonard was, as usual, right on time. Which actually was rather remarkable in this instance, seeing how it had taken him entirely too long to pick a shirt (in the end he'd settled on a deep green, short-sleeved for comfort), much to Bill's amusement. Damnit, he'd never had this issue - but then, it had been absolute ages since he'd last gone on a proper date with someone who wasn't Susan, and some indecision was surely acceptable, no matter how many times Bill called him a fifteen-year-old girl

[original_fierce]

She had the door open almost as soon as the buzzer sounded. Embarrassing, but hopefully he wouldn't notice. Or mind.

She hadn't expected flowers. And yet, even as she laughed her pleased surprise, she wondered why not - for Leonard was exactly the sort of old-fashioned gentleman who wouldn't dream of arriving for a first date not bearing some kind of gift. She took the flowers from him, beaming, and pushed open the door the rest of the way to let him in.

"Leonard." She held an arm out, indicating. "These are beautiful; you really shouldn't have. I'll have to get them some water - I want them to last as long as possible."

And on impulse, just before she turned away with the flowers, she leaned up on her tiptoes to press a kiss to his cheek. He really did look very handsome. Perhaps she would tell him so, later.

[len_not_spock]

And there it was: the warm rush of elation that left him unable to do anything but grin in response, the flutter inside his stomach as her lips pressed against his cheek for an instant.

"You're very welcome," he said, "and I couldn't have not - they suited you far too well."

No stretching the truth needed there, either. She looked truly stunning in the simple dress she'd chosen to wear, its color a delightful contrast against her skin. Leonard would have been perfectly content to just stand here and look at her.