Two weeks into her official tenure as CMO and Leah was already regretting it. The ship was rocking with a blast of Klingon fire as Jim attempted to evade the furious attack of the Warbird that followed them. They weren't too happy that Jim had invaded their space to free a group of slaves from an abandoned Orion freighter. So far the shields were holding, but they didn't want to strain them much longer.

Leah was almost as green as the Orions she was treating. Her stomach lurched with every turn and maneuver. When she was finished, she hid herself away in her tiny office and tried not to panic. She practically whimpered whenever the ship lurched again, struggling not to throw up. When Spock found her, she was curled into a trembling ball on the floor.

"You are unwell, Doctor," he stated with some concern in his usual monotone.

"Great observation, commander," she gasped sarcastically. "What do you need?"

"The Captain wishes to inform you that we have successfully thrown off the Klingon pursuit. He also wishes to ascertain the condition of the Orions."

With an effort, Leah pulled herself off the floor and into her desk chair. She was still weak and shaky from the ordeal, but she managed to pull herself together.

"They're going to be fine. Mostly dehydration and bruising; couple minor breaks. Tell him he'd better get his fine butt down here as soon as he can. He's going to be collapsing from exhaustion any time now." It was true. Jim had been at the bridge almost 18 hours straight. Spock nodded.

"I will inform him." He departed briskly. Leah leaned forward, head in her hands. That was a scary one.

She'd spent a lot of time around the captain and was coming to need him more and more, which was frightening. He was a good conversationalist, crazy genius, and made her feel better about her past failures and aviophobia. When she told him her ex thought she needed to lose a ridiculous amount of weight to be a proper political spouse, his hands had curled into fists and he had loudly declared his desire to break Jack's face.

"You're beautiful, Leah McCoy and just right in my eyes. Women shouldn't have to be ashamed of having curves. I'm very partial to them myself, you know."

He had given her one of those looks again and she had blushed and spluttered, "You flatterer. Bet you say that to all the ladies." Jim had gently ran a finger down her cheek.

"No, actually, I don't," he said softly. That scene continued to resonate with her and she could freely admit she was more than a little in love with him.

Presently the door burst open and a worried Jim ran in. "Bones! Are you okay? Spock said you looked sick!"

She raised her head and gave a tired smile. "I'm doing better now that the ship isn't wildly gyrating anymore. I had a bit of a panic attack and almost puked all over the floor."

He came around behind her and pulled the chair out so he was facing her. He knelt down and took her hands.

"You're pale and clammy, Bones. Let me help you back to your quarters."

"I can walk, Jim", she insisted as he pulled her to her feet.

"I want to be sure." Jim was determined. "Besides, I want the chance to talk to you in private. It's been ages."

"Two days is not ages, Jim", drawled Leah as he escorted her to her room. "It is to me, Bones," he replied, "I miss you after five minutes."

Somehow this rather pathetic statement was touching to her. Jim wanted to be with her all the time. If she was honest with herself, the longing was mutual. Their was no use denying it anymore. By the time they reached her quarters, her heart was pounding with a whole different kind of nervousness.

She pulled Jim into the room with her. Might as well hear what he had to say. "Alright Jim, door's shut. Tell me what's on your mind." He nervously cleared his thought.

"Leah, I'm not good at this kind of thing, but I have to tell you I'm head over heels in love with you. I know it's really soon, but it happened and

I can't stop it. I don't want to stop it."

His blue eyes were glowing with the intensity of his emotion. Leah stepped forward wrapping her arms around him and laying her head on his chest. A delicious happiness was spreading through her at his admission.

"I love you too, Space Pirate Jim. You're completely crazy, but in a good way."

Jim's arms came around her and he held her tightly, kissing the top of her head.

"We fit together rather nicely, don't we Bones?", he asked after a minute of simply enjoying each other's presence.

"I have to agree, Jim," she sighed, "You're awfully cuddly for a pirate dude."

"That's my dark secret," he whispered, "don't tell Uhura."

She giggled.

"I won't. So how good are you at kissing, Captain Softy?"

His eyes darkened and he raised his hands up to cup her face.

"I'll let you be the judge of that, Dr. Gorgeous." Leah gave him a perfect 10.