“I’ll believe you,” winking at him as your drinks arrived. He bashfully looked down at his drink as he was still struggling to be brave enough to match your affections. The both of you had been flirting for a solid 4 months before Jim got so frustrated that he demanded the two of you paired up on an away mission. It had ended up with you two experiencing a kiss on the cheek and a promise of a first date which Pavel had nervously arranged. He had awed you in his intelligence and charm but still showed moments of awkwardness in social situations which warmed your heart. 

“Lets celebrate!”

“What are we celebrating?” you asked as you prepared yourself for the strong drink that was no doubt going to kill you later on.

“Us! Let’s have a drink in celebrating how good we look together” Pavel exclaimed loudly making you laughed as he clinking his glass with yours, you let the liquid run down your throat. The alcohol started to make you feel warm and  lethargic, the softness of his jumper and the scent of his skin made you melt further into his body.

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It was now an hour later and the two of you were surrounded by empty glasses and bowls of snacks. You were so thankful that none of the crew had went to this bar as you could relax freely without worrying of any of the crew gossiping at your little date night.

“You’re very pretty.” His accent getting thicker the longer he sipped on his drinks. Your cheeks went pink at his words as you decided that were was no point in being shy anymore.

“And I think you’re extremely handsome,” your fingers bravely ran through his curls which bounced back. God he was attractive. Pavel chuckled and grabbed your hand, kissing your fingers while telling you off “You need to behave.”

“I always behave. Pavel, I think you’re the one that needs to get your behavior in check.”

“What am I doing wrong? Haven’t I been a perfect host?” His eyes half glazed over as he further leaned into you which caused you to start sweating with nerves. The two of you must have looked like a pair of drunks, realising that the bill was going to be horrendous when asked for.

“You have been giving me the Russian drinks all night long, are you trying to ruin my innocence?”

“Innocence? Did you have some to begin with?” He laughed at the end of the sentence which almost made him fall backwards on his chair, you quickly tried to stable him now knowing it was time to get home.

“I have more innocence than you, Pavel.” You discreetly paid for the bill as Pavel was trying to find out how many chips he could fit in his mouth. One of the most intelligent minds on the Enterprise was definitely a massive kid on the inside. Bracing yourself to handle the now drunk Russian you put your arm around his shoulder trying to help him to his feet. Pavel tried to not put too much weight on you but it still made you stumble in the first few steps, you’d have to make him pay for this later.

“You’re never going to let me forget this are you?”

“Mhmmm,” you pretended to think as you exited the bar, “maybe after 4 months I might stop talking to Scotty about how drunk you got.” Pavel groaned in protest as you both tried to make it to your quarters in one piece. You had decided to stay in a hotel near by as you didn’t fancy drunkenly stumbling near the crew thought you were sure that Jim would have loved nothing more than seeing his young Ensign in such a state.

“I love you.”  

What?! You turned to face him which made you realise how close he was to you, he gave you a massive grin as he shrugged sheepishly.

“I think we both feel the same?” His eyes searched yours, his grip on your waist getting tighter “We’ve both almost said it several times…I had such a good time tonight that I just wanted to let you know how I feel.”

“While you’re drunk?” raising an eyebrow at his choice of scenario to drop the L bomb.

Pavel laughed, “Drunk? I’m Russian we don’t get drunk.” You rolled your eyes as you pecked his cheek, you could feel the heat coming off his skin. He could deny it all he wanted but he was definitely drunk which only reinforced his cute accent and mannerisms.

“Aren’t you going to say it back?” His voice almost sounded nervous, maybe doubting that he had said it too soon. You quickly decided if you wanted to tease him or not as the ball was in your court.

“Just say it, once more” Your voice was coated with playfulness as Pavel groaned again, stopping in his tracks so he could turn you around to face him. Looking down with loving eyes, his fingers rubbed the side of your arms as he cleared his throat. If anyone was looking at the two of you now it would have seemed like a wedding ceremony you were standing so close together with a serious expression.

“I love you,” his voice was like honey as you soaked in his words. The drinks were now finally starting to take an effect as you went on your tiptoes and planted a kiss on his warm lips, his fingers cupped the side of your face pulling you in closer.