There it was. That laugh he loved to hear from Jim and how it always seemed to light up his world just hearing the idiot happy. "Yeah well, don't go countin' your chickens before they hatch. I don't plan on carryin' that bean pole anywhere any time soon." Snorting softly, he couldn't stop the corner of his lips lifting just a little to smile just a bit.

Humming a low, unconscious sound, Leonard felt a good deal of the tension bleed out of his neck and shoulders. He like this proximity. The warmth and feeling of just having Jim closer. Somewhere he could have that false hope he could keep him safe.

His heartbeat.

He didn't have to ask the computer if Jim's vitals were fine. The doctor could feel his pulse alive and strong against him. It made him feel like his feet finally found solid ground and God, he needed this.

When Jim pulled back, he let his eyes catch those of blue and he shivered slightly. Things like that, you didn't just go and say 'em. The hand in Jim's hair shifted, the palm pressing against his cheek as his fingertips traced along the frame of his face. It was so damn easy... easy to drown in those blue eyes and get carried away by those words that he knew damn well were heart felt and sincere.

His thumb slid over Jim's cheekbone slowly as his lips parted to take a shaky breath. "I love you..." The moment the words came out on the exhale, his eyes went wide. And just as fast, he turned his head away and cursed under his breath. "Damn it.. Look Jim... just... just forget I said that. Sorry."