Chapter 10

A Love Worth Fighting For

A/N: Thank you everyone for your support. I know my updates have been sparse. I'm hoping very soon they will become for frequent with my new job, since I'll actually have my evenings back and not just late late nights. BE WARNED this chapter includes explicit content. Not for the youngins! Enjoy, and let me know how I did. This was my first time ever writing a chapter like this. Please, be kind.

"Oh Christian, I'm so glad you're safe!"

"And I you, Ma cherie!"

Sam felt elated. She had felt guilty for pushing Christian out of her life for as long as she had. Even though, they had ended the relationship, he was still an important part in her history. She released herself from his embrace and examined him. He looked in good condition enough. He was frail and gaunt from lack of proper food, but there were hardly any marks of physical harm. Leo had done a good job of looking after him. Jim cleared his throat. Sam quickly turned on him,

"How DARE you go off on a dangerous mission, and deliberately not tell me! I had to hear it from Sulu when I went to look for you on the bridge," her eyes shot to his arm and her anger was immediately subdued, "Oh god, Jim, your arm!"

"Thank-you for noticing!" He gave her a sarcastic look.

"What happened?" she looked at him sadly.

"In the prisoner ward on the Klingon ship, there was a fight before we could reach the Presidents cell. My arm's broken. Ensign Marks didn't make it," his voice trailed off, and his gaze lowered.

"Jim, I'm so sorry," she held him close and his good arm returned the embrace. Jim always took care of everyone, and he didn't handle things well when something bad happened to someone he was looking after. Sam hoped his strength would grow with time. He was such a wonderful leader, and as Captain, he would surely face many more loses. She looked into his eyes, giving him silent encouragement.

"I'll be alright Sammy."

"I hate it when you call me that," she smiled.

"Samantha," Christian spoke carefully taking her hand in his.

Jim nodded, and walked quickly to the doors of medical and left the room.

"I'm so happy to see you alright, Christian," she sat on the edge of his bed carefully.

"It pleases me that your capture was not so terrible that you could not escape. I prayed that it would be easy for you."

Her throat clenched shut. She decided it was best not to upset him with what she had endured. She knew his trouble had to have been hard enough. The only way she had been able to survive her imprisonment was her will. She pushed to survive for Jim and her mother. The refusal to let them suffer her death had kept her going each day. It was what gave her the strength to resist Krell.

"I thought of you every day Samantha. I always regretted letting you go out of my life."

"You didn't let me go, Christian, I left because it was what I needed and wanted. I didn't want you to come after me."

"I mistreated you, and I know that now. Our time apart and my capture has made me realize that I never want to be without you again,"

Her breathing grew short. She had an inclination of where the conversation now led. It was not a conversation she wished to have.

"Remember, the summer we spent on the coast, at my manor. Making love under the stars, we spoke of life and love. We can have that once more, Samantha," he took her hand, "Will you marry me?"

Disbelief washed over her, and her eyes grew wide. Christian had always said he never had any desire to marry. And he had just proposed to her. This was something completely unexpected, and now she would have to do something she never thought she would do in the situation.

"No, Christian, I will not," sadness filled his eyes, "there was a reason that I left, and that reason still exists. I will always care for you, and you have a special place in my heart, but I don't love you."

He pulled back hurt at her words. She didn't know what to say. What do you say to someone when you've just rejected them?

"I'm sorry," she spoke softly.

He looked into her eyes curiously, "Your heart belongs to another?"

"Yes," there was nothing else to say. It was true. It seemed strange that only a short time had passed, but she had fully given her heart completely to Dr. Leonard McCoy, and she had no intention of taking it back.

"Then I am too late," he turned his gaze away, "I wish you only happiness."

She reached for his hand to comfort him, but he pulled it away.

"Should you need it, you will always have a place on my council. But for now, I need rest. My experience has left me quite exhausted," his voice wavered.

"Rest, Christian. Dr. McCoy will take good care you," as she spoke she realized Leo's absence. It was strange. She was sure that he would have been there. He had been there when she came in. Where was he?

Jim rushed down the hall in search of Bones. From the look he had seen on his best friend's face, it looked as though a puppy with a baby had died. He had to do some damage control and fast. Quickly he stepped into the turbo lift.

"Computer, locate Lieutenant Commander McCoy,"

A tone rang, "The Chief Medical Officer is located in the crew lounge."

Jim rolled his eyes and sighed. Looks like he's hitting the sauce early. He stepped off on the appropriate floor and marched straight for the lounge with purpose in his step. He was not going to allow his friend throw himself a pity party. The doors to the lounge opened and he stepped through and immediately saw Bones perched at the bar sulking. He threw back a shot, and placed the empty glass behind three other empty ones. Jim wore his captain's persona as he approached the bar.

"You know Bones, sulking really doesn't look good on you?"

"Leave me alone," Bones muttered as he downed another shot.

"Come on man, don't do this to yourself."

"What did she say when he asked her?"

"I didn't stick around for that long," Jim took a seat next him, and the bartender placed his favorite scotch in front of him.

"I hope she's happy with him," Bones said sullenly.

"Damnit Bones, this morning you were crazy about her, and now you're not even going to fight for her!"

Bones cringed, "I can't Jim. She deserves someone like that. Someone who will take care of her and give her everything she needs."

"And you can't give her what she deserves because why? That's stupid. I've never seen her as happy as when I've seen her with you. Now I don't know how she feels about the president, but you should find out! You deserve to know how she feels."

Bones sat up straight and looked curiously at him. Jim simply stared back, urging his friend to come to his senses.

Sam opened her door, "Leo! I was looking for you earlier. Where have you been?"

His brow was furrowed in a way she didn't like, "Can I come in Sam? We need to talk about something."

"Sure," hesitation filled her stepping aside, allowing him entrance to her room. He stepped in with determination and went to the center of the room. As the door shut, she turned to him.

"What's up?" she spoke softly.

"SO! When's the wedding?" He turned on her with new found anger.

"What? What in the world are you talking about?"

"You and frenchy boy. He asked you to marry him. Have you set a date yet or are you just planning to elope?"

She was completely caught by surprise. Same hadn't expected him to learn about her history with Christian, let alone what had just happened. The wheels turned in her mind as she tried to fight her way out of corner she had backed herself into.

"Did Jim tell you about that?" this time, her own anger flared.

Bones crossed his arms standing his ground, "No, your boyfriend told me himself of his oh, so noble intentions. When were you planning on telling me that I was only keeping you busy until we rescued your boyfriend?"

Her jaw dropped and she felt angry tears sting her eyes, "WHAT? That's what you think this was? I haven't been with Christian for over a year, not since I left him!"

"Then why was he asking you to marry him?" he yelled.

"If you would just shut up for a second I could tell you that I told him 'NO' He's not the one I'm in love with!"

"You should have told me about him! Why did you keep it a secret, Sam? Bottom line is you lied!"

"No! I didn't lie, I didn't think it was important, that's all," she went quiet, but Bones didn't let down.

"Not important? From what I could tell there's still plenty of spark there between you two."

"Why are you so upset?" she grew desperate.

"Damnit Sam, you're incredibly frustrating ya know that? Why do you think I'm upset? It's cause the thought of you with someone else kills me! Every time I touch you," he took her hand, "or we kiss my heart beats so hard I'm afraid it'll bust right out of my chest," he brought his hand and rested it on her cheek bringing her close to him.

Despite her attempts to hold them at bay, Tears leaked from her eyes. Only Bones could make her feel as happy as she had been lately. Filled with guilt she turned away, and sat on the couch. Breathing deep, she looked sadly up at Bones. She had already caused him so much pain, and the last thing she wanted was to hurt him.

She finally spoke, "When this mission is over and we return the president, I'm staying on Earth."

His face shifted to worried fear, "Why?"

"I can't stay here."

"Yes, yes you can. Sam, please stay!"

She sobbed; he knelt in front of her and took her hands once more. Sam looked into his soft-doe eyes, and he whispered, "Stay with me?"

"It wouldn't be fair to you…"

"That's crazy! Why wouldn't-"

"Please, Leo, let me just say this," she pleaded and he remained silent.

"It wouldn't be fair, because I'm no good for you. Leo, I've been through so much and it's left behind a deep scar. Even when I knew that I could trust you, I still didn't want to open up. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me. But you deserve someone who can give you everything. Someone who isn't so damaged…someone who isn't broken," tears flowed freely now. There was momentary silence before he broke it, "Are you done?"

Sam simply waited. Bones raised an eyebrow waiting for her to continue, but she didn't.

"Good. Now you're going to listen to me, and listen good… you are not broken."

"But I feel vulnerable, and I can't depend on you to-"

"No! Stop. You think that, because of what happened, you don't deserve happiness?"

Tears continued to trail down her cheek, he quickly brushed her tears away.

"You're not the only one who has something terrible in their past. I'm not just talking about my divorce. I'm gonna tell you something that I've never told anyone. It's haunted me for a long time," his jaw clenched and he took a deep breath, "my first year out of med school. My dad got really sick. We found out his disease was incurable. He was in pain all the time," his voice quivered, "I wasn't able to help him or even ease his pain. I felt completely helpless. After a long time, my father couldn't stand it. One night, I was sitting at his bed side, and he asked me something… he asked me to help him end his pain," Sam placed a hand on his cheek as he averted his gaze and continued, "he couldn't stand the pain, so I gave him peace… two months later, a cure for his disease was discovered."

The tears painting her face were now for him and the burden he had been carrying. He choked out, "So I've got baggage too," he looked at her fiercely once more, "I still want to be there for you. Love isn't easy. It can be painful and hard, but true love makes you feel like everything's right in the world. That's what makes it worth fighting for."

Sam wasn't entirely sure of what she should do at that point. So she did the only thing that made sense. Her lips pressed against his when she pulled him up to a standing position. Electricity seemed to crackle in the air. Bones lowered his hands to her hips and pressed their bodies together. A soft moan sounded in her throat. Her fingers splayed in his hair as she desperately met his movements. She could feel passion erupting within her, and felt his excitement on her lower stomach. His tongue teased her bottom lip, and then passed over to massage hers. She surprised him by sucking his tongue and tightening her grip on him. A growl erupted from his mouth. Quickly, he swept her off her feet and carefully made his way to her bedroom. Softly he lowered her onto the bed, and she pulled him on top of her earnestly. She craved to feel every inch of him. Bones fingered the button on her pants. She aided his efforts by removing her blouse and discarding it on the floor. He pulled her pants down slowly, trailing kisses on her soft thigh as he went. She felt hot; her body writhed beneath his touch. His hands skillfully teased her slit over the thin lace barrier. A cry escaped her lips. Bones kissed the inside of her thigh before pulling her panties past her ankles and discarding them. For the first time she felt nervous. The first barrier had been removed, and she felt vulnerable once more. Bones brought his lips to meet hers while he managed to unhook her bra one-handed. His lips lingered on her breast as his hands caressed the rest of her body. She quivered under his touch. Her breath quickened. He peered at her with lust in his eyes, and she felt a shot of excitement pool in her lower abdomen. His fingers traced her smooth entrance past the curls, her head lulled back as a breathy gasp was all she could muster. He could feel her entrance was already moistened. Slowly, he rubbed small circles around her sensitive nub and was delighted to see her writhe in pleasure.

"Leo," she released a small whine and brought her hands to caress her breasts to supplement the pleasure she was feeling at his touch. He continued his touch and her ministrations became more desperate and feverish. Her hair was splayed across the pillow, her eyes closed, and lips parted allowing quick breath to pass through. No longer able to resist he slid a single finger past her folds and began to suck and nibble one of her breasts. She cried out in surprise with now open eyes. She could feel a heat building inside of her she couldn't control. Feeling brave she reached for his hand that had been pleasuring her and brought his fingers to her lips. She eagerly sucked and licked her own juices from his fingers. Bones trembled at the enticing vision of beauty before him. Before he could regain a sense of dominance she had flipped him and pinned him on his back. She held him by his wrists and nipped and sucked his neck. Soon his own moans of satisfactions were sounding. Her hands soon moved to explore his chest, tracing the line of hair from his belly-button to the area below belt. Her hands quickly removed the belt and pulled his pants and boxer briefs off in a swift motion. He shivered at the sudden exposure to the air as his cock stood at full attention. She peered at him, her eyes dark with desire. It was the look of a cat about to devour her prey. His thick cock twitched eager for attention. Slowly, her hands moved up his legs to his hips. Her lips left kisses along the lines of his hips. A small bit a clear liquid leaked from the tip of his shaft when he felt her breasts ghost the surface of his skin. He gasped, and she looked at him seductively. In no hurry, she traced just above his groin with her fingertips. He pulsed with desire, and it was almost becoming painful.

"Stop teasing," the gruff sound caught him by surprise. She smiled. Her small hand wrapped firmly around the shaft, and he let out a loud moan. She moved slowly feeling the length and girth. The smooth velvet feel of the skin, and the feel of the blood pulsing in the member. Keeping one hand on his hip to steady herself, she moved her lips closer to the tip. She peered up from under her thick lashes as if asking for permission.

"Please, Sam… Please," his tight voice pleaded.

Without any further hesitation, she took the head of his cock into her mouth. His hips rose and he cried out once more, "Fuck!"

Her tongue circled the head. She reveled in the sensation. He was slowly becoming undone and it excited her to no end. She continued by licking the thick vein underneath his cock. Once more she took him in her mouth and began her torturous motions up and down. His hand moved to her hair and clutched tightly. He never forced the movements; instead he encouraged her natural instincts. She greedily sucked him harder as she moved her mouth up and down his shaft. Each time taking slightly more of him in, until she couldn't take anymore. His hip thrusts became more fervent, matching her every move. She could tell he was growing closer to his end. Suddenly, he pulled her back and she released his cock with a faint pop. Before she could ask why he had stopped her, he pulled her up on the bed, positioning himself above her. Bones sucked her neck leaving traces of ownership behind. Once more, he reached down to her entrance to test her readiness. Pleased, he found her wetness overflowing. Her legs opened further to cradle him there. His arms placed by her side, and he looked into her eyes, trying to read her thoughts. They were to the point of no return.

"Are you ready?"

Her frantic breathing continued, and she rolled her hips trying to make contact.

"Leo, please, I need it, I need you – please, I," he entered her slowly. She opened her lips in a gasp, but his lips forced against hers. He allowed her to adjust to his size, and placed kisses all over her face. He wanted to be slow. She could still be healing, and he didn't want to hurt her. When he felt it was alright, he pulled out of her slightly before pressing into her once more. She moaned and gasped each time, her hips meeting his. She needed more.

"I won't break, Leo, faster!" she muttered. He needed no further encouragement and he didn't hold back. He quickened his movements as she dug her nails into his back and dragged them down slowly. He moaned resting his head in the crook of her neck, pounding into her with drive. She continued to feel her passion rising. Each thrust spurred the sensation in them both. Heat was quickly building up within her. His breath was quick as her grasp on him tightened. She arched her back, allowing him deeper access, "Oh God, Leo, fuck!"

"Sam, I'm—I'm gonna, Oh," he cried out as he spilled his hot cum into her and she moaned at the feeling. He pressed his lips to hers as he continued to ride out his climax. Completely spent he collapsed onto her breathing heavily. They each struggled to regain control their heart beats. Sam raked her fingers through his hair, sweat gleaming on the surface of their skin. He was shaking in her arms, "Leo you're trembling," he raised his head to hers.

"Don't worry, I'll be alright," he smiled.

She kissed him softly, and he rested his head on her chest listening to the sound of her heart.