It started with a glance, just like all other crushes did.
Scotty stood amongst his crew members, pretending to be excited about the Enterprise's new assignees. He'd only known Jim Kirk for about three months now, but he knew already that it took a certain type of person to deal with him. And, frankly, none of these officers looked like those sort of people. He was predicting that half of them would request a transfer before their first shore leave. But Jim insisted they meet them, so there he was.
The Captain stood at the front of the group, reading the names off of a PADD in his hand, giving the newcomers their positions.
"Lieutenant Gaila, transporter under Montgomery Scott."
Scotty glanced up when the Captain called his name. They might only be there for a month, but he figured he should at least attempt to put names to faces.
His eyes trailed up the black boots that approached him, up green – green? – legs, curvy hips, flat stomach, and finally, to her smiling blue eyes. Her auburn curls were pinned away from her face, cascading down her back. She was absolutely stunning.
"I look forward to working with you, Sir," Gaila's smile was small, but steady. Her eyes sparked with confidence Scotty could honestly say he'd never seen before. This girl knew what she was doing, and she iknew/i she knew.
And he liked it.