Disclaimer:  This is an original story based upon the characters of Battlestar Galactica.  No profit will be made from this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Note:  This is something that came to mind thinking about Bill and Laura's conversation in "Islanded in a Stream of Stars."  I hope you like it. 

He slid down the wall, white paint on his hands, his back, on his uniform, the smell of sickbay in his nostrils, and the taste of her goodbye kiss still on his lips.  The pain ripped through him like shards of glass, leaving him a sobbing heap on the floor.  One lady continually moaned in pain, being filled with technology she had worn out her life fighting.  The other lady lay hooked up to tubes and wires, scared and lost between reality and vision.  He was powerless to save either of them, to stop their pain. He had failed them both.  He put his head in his hands, and for a brief moment longed for his mother.  He had very few memories of her, but there was one strong one of her singing to him at night and how safe it made him feel.  It was a memory he always called up when he was very scared or alone, but now even her memory could not soothe him.  There was a part of him that wished that Lee would come or Saul, but both had been through so much themselves lately that he couldn't stand to burden them with any more.  Most of all he longed for Laura, wanting so badly to be comforted by her.  But Laura was dying and so he sat alone, so terribly alone, and sobbed out his broken heart on the floor of his dying ship. 

He knew what he had to do.  He had known it for a long time, but it was Laura who had gently finally been able to convince him.  Still crying, he lovingly touched the floor of his ship, the place he had called home for so many years.  She had served him well, always going with him into one more battle.  She had shielded and protected his crew, his children.  She had been the core of what held them together.  All he had ever wanted to be since he had first stepped foot on her was the commander of the Battlestar Galactica.  He had always known that when she went down, he would go down with her...until now. 

"I know you love this ship.  You probably love her more than you love me."

There had been no jealousy in Laura's voice, no condemnation, and yet the words hurt him.  He looked all around him at his quarters, the place that had been his sanctuary.  His eyes fell on a picture of Laura, the one he kept on his desk.  It was his favorite picture of her, one he had taken on a rare evening they had spent together.  He sat up, moving to his desk and taking the picture in his hands.  She had been sitting on his couch with her red shawl wrapped around her.  Her eyes were warm and bright, her smile was so loving and genuine.  He brushed a finger across her face and then looked around his quarters again.   He never expected to have to choose between them.  But in the end there was really was no choice.

"If you don't get us off this ship, you may lose both of us at the same time."

Laura was his love.  Laura was the only sanctuary he needed.  Laura was his home. 

He bolted from his quarters, still wearing his paint-stained dress uniform and ran down the hall. He ran past crew members and cylons, both watching him with curiosity.  He ran past cylon goo hanging off the walls, and piles of fragments from his ship.  His breathing was heavy when he reached the Life Station, and he ignored Cottle's questioning as to "what the blazes was going on," as he made his way to her bed. 

Laura's eyes widened in fear as he hurried to her.  "Honey...honey what's going on?" she asked weakly.

He took her hand, "Laura, I love you."

"I know honey, why are you out of breath?"

"Because I ran here very fast."

"Why?"

"I'm abandoning ship.  I want everybody off within a few days."

"Oh Bill..."Laura breathed, her eyes so full of sympathy and compassion.  His love for her was overwhelming.  He leaned in closer to her, “You are my life.  You are my whole world," he whispered, and her eyes filled with tears. 

He knelt down next to her, his body shaking with the intensity of his emotions "Will you marry me?" he asked.

She choked out a little sob, and he reached up and wiped away her tears.  "Honey," she breathed as she weakly touched his face, “It's really happening now, not in months or weeks but days."

"I know," he said fervently, "That's why we don't have much time."

She suddenly giggled as she stroked his face, "My first proposal of marriage, in a hospital bed, in a gown, bald, too skinny, days away from death, from a man who is covered in something that looks like white paint, a story he will have to tell me about later...not exactly how I pictured it."

She paused for a moment, and her hand rested against his cheek and tears filled her eyes again, “On the other hand, it's from the only man I've ever really wanted to ask me that question," her voice shook as she smiled happily, "Yes."

"Yes?" Bill repeated nervously.

She nodded as he came closer and she cupped his face in her hands, "Yes," and with that the entire life station, even crusty old Doctor Cottle burst into applause.

They were married quietly that night, Lee, Kara, Saul, Ellen, Dr. Cottle and Ishay were the only witnesses.  With help the bride had been changed into one of her suits, but lacked the strength to stand and so the groom had held her in his arms as Saul read the vows.  There was no wedding dress, no veil, no flowers, but no bride would ever look so lovely to the people who watched the simple wedding.  Laura Roslin radiated complete and total happiness as she looked into the eyes of the man she loved and slowly repeated her vows.  Not one of them, even Lee, could ever remember seeing Bill Adama as happy as he was as he slid the ring that represented love to him on her finger and lovingly repeated his vows.  There was applause all around as their two leaders kissed each other as husband and wife for the first time.  Each one however saw the intensity in that kiss and felt sad, knowing that each kiss might be the last one they would share.  The friends lingered for awhile, and then one by one eventually left, leaving bride and groom alone.  Lee was the last one to go, with a long hug for his father and a loving kiss on the forehead to the woman he had come to view as a mother.  As he left he twisted the ring on his own finger, thinking of Dee and wishing he could have given her the kind of marriage he had seen between Dad and Laura.

Once everyone had gone the two lovers sat in total happiness.  Bill sat on the edge of her bed, lightly kissing her face and stroking her scalp.  "I love you Laura Adama," he whispered into her skin. 

"I love you Bill Adama," Laura replied smiling, reaching up and touching his face.  The held each other for a moment and a tear spilled down Laura's cheek.  He caught it with his finger. 

"Dance," she breathed weakly. 

"What?"

"I wanted to dance at my wedding."

Without speaking, he gently lifted her in his arms.  Humming a melody, he tenderly swayed with her, putting his head against hers.

"You are my home," he whispered as they danced together. 

They did not know when the happiness would end...days, maybe hours, but for now eternity was theirs.

Disclaimer:  This is an original story based on the characters of Battlestar Galactica.  No profit will be made from this story and no copyright infringement is intended. 

Author's note:  I have really enjoyed the stories so far this month.  They have been so fun! I am so sorry for being late.  We had a family emergency and a family wedding this week.  Here is my contribution for the prompt "joy."  It's also inspired by our recent Marymas festivities.  This is also a birthday present for my new friend page61.  Happy Birthday!  I hope you're all ready for some good ole fashioned romantic fluff :-)  I'd love to hear what you think. 

He came to her a little while after the sun had set and New Caprica's three moons were beginning to cast a silvery light in the night sky.  Laura had heard the admiral was on planet, meetings with Dr. Baltar (she still couldn't bring herself to call him president) most of the day, poor man.  She had wondered if he would come see her, trying to steel himself for disappointment, reminding herself that he still had responsibilities.  However, as she brushed her hair in front of the cracked mirror Tory had managed to secure for her, and dreamily twisted it around her fingers, she couldn't help hoping.  She let her thoughts wander to his deep expressive eyes, the soft smile he always gave her, and the gentleness of his hands.  They had held hands for the first time on his last visit, when he had shown up unexpectedly and taken her on a picnic.  She had laughed at herself afterwards at how giddy she felt as he took her hand in his, as if she was still in junior high school and Steven Simpson had held her hand during the pep rally.  She smiled to herself as she thought about the kiss they had shared, the last one she thought she would ever have.  He had looked at her with such tenderness, held her face so gently; her weak heart had almost failed her right then and there. 

"Laura," he suddenly called to her outside her tent.  She dropped the hairbrush in surprise, and thought she heard him chuckle. 

"Just a second!" she called.  She stood up quickly and accidently kicked her chair over.  She giggled as it crashed to the floor.

"Are you all right Laura?" she heard him ask.  Oh she loved to hear him say her name.  It was the only time she ever heard it, and there was something about the way he said it that made her go weak in the knees.  She smiled delightedly as she fluffed her hair again and opened the flap to her tent. 

Bill Adama grinned, desperately hoping he didn't look too goofy, as she stepped outside.  The moonlight filled her hair with silvery splashes of light and cast her face with a heavenly glow. 

"Hey," he said, marveling at the cascade of curls that fell around her face and down her back. 

"Hey yourself," she replied smiling, twisting her hands behind her.

"How was your meeting?" she asked, trying not to think his wavy black hair and dark handsome features. 

"Fine," he replied, and then kicked some dirt around with his foot, as he added, "I miss you...as president I mean."

"I miss you too," she replied after a moment with a smile. 

"You...you wanna take a walk?" he asked shyly, kicking some more dirt around. 

His voice was so soothing, so comforting, it took her a moment to realize he had actually asked her something. 

"Yes," she replied smiling.

They walked along the outskirts of the city, and it wasn't long before the soft slender hand slipped into the large calloused one.  They talked as they walked along.  He asked her about school and she asked about the ship.  It thrilled her that he took such an interest in her teaching.  He knew many of the student’s names, who the problem students were, the subjects she struggled with, the worries she had about each one.  It did her so much good to talk to him, and she liked to think that she was of some comfort to him as well.   She caressed his hand with her thumb as he told her about the crew getting restless and requesting to be transferred to the planet.  She knew very well what his crew meant to him and how hard it would be for him to have his family broken up.  She had no idea how much it did comfort Bill to hear her softly hum as he talked, to feel the silkiness of her hand, and to smell her sweet floral scent.  After awhile she shivered a little and he took his outer camouflage jacket and put it around her shoulders.  The smell of him was intoxicating to her. 

"Come on," he said as they came in view of the tent that was her school. He led her to the big tree where he and Lee had built swings for her children.

"Madam, your coach awaits," he gestured to one of the swings and she giggled delightedly as she sat down.  Bill began to push her gently, laughing at her infectious giggle, marveling at how incredibly beautiful she was.  Laura smiled and closed her eyes as she drank in the magic of the night, feeling the wind on her face and Bill's strong hands against her back.   They were quiet for awhile,  as the commander of the fleet pushed the former President of the Twelve Colonies in a swing made of rope and a piece of board tied to a tree.  And both thought they hadn't been this happy in a long time. 

"I have something for you," he said after awhile, gently stopping the swing. He circled around and sat down in front of her.  He brought out a small box, wrapped in brown paper. "Happy Birthday," he said, suddenly a little shy again.

She couldn't stop the surprise and delight came over her.  "You remembered," she remarked softly as she took the little box.  She had hoped, a small little girlish hope, that he would remember but hadn't really expected him to.  On her last birthday she had still been president and there had been a dance in her honor on Cloud 9.  He had danced with her then, and she had loved it, but this was infinitely better. 

She opened the package carefully, “Oh Bill," she murmured.

"They were my mother's." he said smiling.

Inside were two beautiful hair combs with intricate black stone designs and tiny cream colored pearls lining the edge. 

"Do you like them?" he asked.  

"Oh my yes," she said looking up at him.  "But, I can't take them...they were your mother's..."

He silenced her by putting a finger to her lips and then smiled, “She would have liked you.  She would have wanted you to have them."  He took her hands and helped her stand up, and then took the combs and lovingly slid them into her soft hair, "For a very special lady, on a very special day," he said and as he placed the final comb his hand slid down to her cheek.  She looked up at him through shining eyes. "You're the best friend I've ever had," she said softly.

"I've missed you.  I've missed you so much," he murmured.  So tenderly, so lovingly, he kissed each eyelid, her cheekbones, her temple, and then finally her lips.  She wrapped her arms around his neck, giving as much as she was receiving, and simply allowing herself to be held, caressed, and kissed by this great gentle man.

When the broke the kiss they wrapped their arms around each other and just held one another for awhile, not particularly caring if anyone had just seen their public display of affection.  There were some benefits to one of them not being in power any more, and that night the future seemed bright and full of possibilities.   Bill smiled as he gently caressed the back of her neck, feeling her silky hair against his hand.  Perhaps he would take his retirement after all.  He had wondered how he could possibly be happy on the rock that was New Caprica, under a lying, good-for-nothing, President Baltar, but...he was slowly realizing that if he was wherever Laura was, he was happy.

However...another lady called to him from the stars,  and the watch still had to be kept, at least for a little while, in order to keep the angel he held in his arms safe. 

"Gotta go," he whispered, as he squeezed her gently and then let her go.  "Walk you back?"

She nodded, trying not to show her sadness, as he put his arm around her and they walked back to her tent.

Disclaimer:  This is an original story based upon the characters of Battlestar Galactica.  No profit will be made from this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

Author’s Note: Thank you to all who have read and reviewed this story.  It has been a fun story to write and a pleasure to share with all of you.  This last chapter is dedicated to Mary McDonnell, the brilliant actress who gave us the gift of Laura Roslin.  Happy Birthday Mary!

She waited. 

She was not sure how much time had passed or even if time passed anymore, but it seemed like forever.

She met each boat, watched each passenger as they disembarked.  Several times she thought she saw him…but it never was.

She would watch from a distance as other lovers were reunited, longing for him so terribly that it caused her pain. 

There were moments when she wondered if he had gone back to the fleet, met someone else, and moved on.  Perhaps he wouldn’t be coming for several years.  She began to think of other women in the fleet that he would find attractive, wondering if had been a relief to him when she died. After all, she wasn’t very desirable in those last months; she wouldn’t blame him if he had found someone that could make him happy.  She cursed herself for being so selfish, all she had ever wanted was for him to live his life and be happy.  Why had she expected that he would follow her so soon?  She felt foolish, waiting for him as if he would die without her, and yet she still walked the shore—standing on her tiptoes whenever she heard the boat coming. 

When she was lonely, she sat on the shore and brought her knees up to her chest.  She would think of him, his big safe hands, the tenderness of his kiss, and the softness of his voice.  Sometimes she would lie back against the sand and hum the little song he had sung to her that night on New Caprica. 

“Got a woman by a stream, gonna show her all my dreams.”

That was the first night she had felt his heart beat, the first time his hand had touched her hair, the first time she had been under the spell of his scent. 

She had been lying on her back, dreaming of him, when she heard footsteps behind her. 

“Anything?” her father said as he approached her. 

She shook her head, “No…I mean, as far as I can tell.  Will I know?”

 “You’ll know sweetheart.”

He sat down next to her and drew her into his arms. She put her head against his shoulder.  It felt good to be held. 

“Daddy,” she whispered, “What if…what if he’s not coming, I mean for a long time? That’s… that’s a good thing isn’t? I mean, I want him to be happy, I want him to have a good long life, but…” she cursed again as her lower lip began to tremble, “What if…what if he doesn’t want me anymore?”

“Laurie…” her father said, kissing the top of her head, “You’re crazy if you think that man has any room in his heart for any one but you…and I don’t even know him.”

She smiled and curled into him tighter, “Wait with me? Just for awhile?”

He held her close and then after a moment whispered in surprise, “Laurie, look at yourself.”

Suddenly she felt a silky material against her skin.  She looked down and gasped…her red dress from New Caprica.

She stood up, covering her mouth with her hands, “Oh Gods Dad,” she whispered, “I think…I think he’s coming.”

“Laura,” she heard a voice behind her, it was Zak. 

“Zak,” she whispered, her eyes shining, “It’s…time, isn’t it?”

He nodded smiling, his own eyes filling with tears.

“Is…he in pain?” she asked.

“I don’t know, but it’ll be over soon.  He needs someone to go get him.”

She smiled, and then gave him a motherly kiss on the cheek.  “You go Zak.  He’s missed you so much.  You need to be the first thing he sees.”

Zak squeezed her hand as the boat docked and others from the shore got on.  “I’ll be back soon,” he said smiling. 

“Hurry,” she replied. 

When he found himself on a boat, very much like the one Laura described he couldn’t resist the temptation to laugh.  He had never been a religious man, and he was just barely adjusting to the idea that there actually was a life after death, and now there actually was a ferry that brought people to heaven or whatever it was.  It was actually a beautiful boat, and he enjoyed feeling the spray of the sea in his face.  He hadn’t been sailing for so many years.  He closed his eyes and let the spray wash over him, when suddenly he felt Zak touch his arm, “There she is Dad.”

He opened his eyes and all the air left him. 

She was there, rosy and healthy, with her long lovely hair cascading about her.  She was wearing the dress from New Caprica, the one that swished when she walked and made her look like a beautiful rose.

“Laura,” he whispered. It was more than the name of the woman he loved, it was a prayer. 

When the boat docked he walked towards her, and for a moment he was so afraid that it was some sort of trick, or a terrible dream.  He fully expected to wake up any moment, curled under the too-small blanket next to her grave. 

He walked towards her entranced, his hands moving forward, wanting so badly to touch her.  She was crying softly as he came closer and without speaking he wrapped his finger  around a silky strand of hair and a curl fell away.  His hands moved up to her face, hovering over her at first, as if afraid to touch her and she would disappear.  She closed her eyes as his hands touched her, so very gently. 

“Are you real?” he asked as he put his forehead against hers. 

“Yes,” she whispered as her voice broke.

He buried his head in the crook of her neck, his whole body shaking from his sobs as he held her tightly. 

“It’s all right,” she soothed, kissing his hair.  “It’s all right my love.  You’re home.  You’re home now.”

He separated the embrace and then looked at her as he held her soft face in his hands. 

“I will never leave you again,” she whispered just before his lips found hers and he kissed her with all the love he had in his heart.  She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck as he lifted her off her feet. 

They were two hearts, two souls, becoming one, never to be separated again. 

When they had broken the kiss he spun her around in the air, and she threw back her head and laughed.  His heart nearly burst at hearing that laugh again, and he laughed as well out of sheer joy.  Again and again he kissed her, drinking her in like a desperate man. 

He almost didn’t realize that there were others that had gathered, he had seen Zak and Laura.  That had been all he needed.  Eventually it was Laura who nudged him towards the gathering crowd, who had simply been happy watching the reunion between the two lovers.  He took her hand (oh how good it felt to the two of them to hold hands again!)  and let her through the crowd.  He loved saying, “This is my wife Laura,” to his friends and colleagues that she didn’t know.  It felt so good to rest his hand against the small of her back again, leading her through the crowd.  The reunion with his father had been awkward, as had their relationship his entire life had been. He had seen Carolanne off in the distance, a man standing behind her with his hands on her shoulders.  He smiled and waved, even as he squeezed Laura’s hand tighter.  He was glad Carolanne would be happy.  Tears stung in his eyes when he saw his mother, and his heart was full as he presented his lovely wife to her and watched as the two of them embraced.  He met Laura’s family after that, as they were his now as well.  The women, especially Lizzy, were charmed by him.  He kissed Julia’s hand, and complimented all the Roslin women’s beauty.   Laura smiled with delight as he shook John’s hand and they talked for a moment.  It looked as though the two men she adored most in life were going to be fast friends.

It was then that Kara stepped out of the crowd and Bill stepped towards her, taking her into his arms. 

“What happened?” he asked as he broke the hug. 

“Don’t you remember? I was already dead,” she replied.

“Lee?”

“He’ll be just fine.  He’s going to explore, and live his life of adventure,” suddenly her voice trembled at the thought of him, “He’ll be just fine.”

He hugged her again, brushing the back of her hair with his hand, “It’s good to see you,” he whispered.

“You too Dad,” she replied.

He broke the hug and tugged a piece of her hair, “You called me Dad.”

She said nothing, just wrinkled her nose at him with affection like she used to do.  It was so good to have the old Starbuck back. 

He was glad when the crowd was gone, and it was just Laura.  He couldn’t keep his eyes off of her as they walked along together, hands entwined together.  She smiled as she realized he was staring at her, thinking that only a short while ago she had worried about him loving someone else.  She turned towards him, brushing a piece of hair out of her face.

“My gods,” he whispered, as he reached out and placed a hand against her slender neck.

“What?”

“You’re even more beautiful than I remembered,” he said as he kissed her again, the soft hair falling against him as her hands caressed his face. 

“I love you,” she whispered against his lips as they broke the kiss.

“I love you back,” he replied, kissing the bridge of her nose, her eyelids, her temple, and then placing a soft kiss against her throat.

She smiled and then entwined her fingers as they kept walking.  They were walking next to a field, rich with tall grass and wild flowers.  They marveled at the beauty around them.  The sky was a brilliant blue, and they were surrounded by majestic green mountains. 

“Where are we going?” Bill asked as they walked along the trail.

“Home,” she smiled happily, “I hope you don’t mind it.  It’s…what I wanted.”

“As long as I’m with you, I’m home.” he said warmly, showing her he had finally learned the lesson she had tried so hard to teach him.  She caressed his hand with her thumb and then stopped as she smiled playfully at him. 

“What?” he asked. 

“Race you to the front door,” she cried and then bolted through the field, giggling as she ran.

He started after her, laughing as he chased her.  The feel of the wind against his face, the smell of the air, and the sound of her laughter intoxicated him.  How was it possible to be this happy?  He caught up to her, catching her around her waist and releasing a delightful cascade of more giggles.  He turned her around kissed her again, slow and deep, resting his hands on her waist. 

“There,” she whispered they broke the kiss, and she turned him around.  “There is our home. My family…don’t ask me how, but they did while I was waiting for you.”

He turned, expecting to see a large beautiful cabin with a large front porch, huge windows, and a chimney coming from a fireplace.  Instead, there was a small familiar place, with four walls, a thatched roof, and two chairs sitting outside the door. 

“How?” he asked as he squeezed her hand. 

“I don’t know, I guess this is the place dreams come true,” she answered. 

“But if that’s the case, why not have a better cabin? You could have a fireplace, a front porch, two stories, windows…”

“I don’t want another cabin,” she said, cutting him off, “I want the one you built.” She brought her hand up to his face, and he closed his eyes as she caressed his cheek, “And just in case you’re still wondering…” she continued, “I did know how much you loved me.”   She turned to look at the view, and his arms wrapped around her waist.  “Did you ever imagine anything could be so beautiful?” she asked as she placed her hands over his. 

 She felt him nuzzle and kiss her hair as he murmured, “No.” She giggled as she realized he wasn’t talking about the view. 

“You are so beautiful Laura,” he whispered as he kissed her head again. 

“Only because I’m so in love,” she replied as she leaned back against him. “Kara and Zak want to have us over soon, I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of them.  Lizzy is crazy about you, I think we’ll be seeing her a lot too.  I can’t wait for you to get to know my parents more, and your mother sounds lovely, I want to get to know her better too.  Billy and I have so much to catch up on, and you’ll want to spend time with Dee, and Kat.  Bill…this really is heaven.”

She smiled as she felt a soft open-mouthed kiss against her temple.  “Say it again,” he whispered against her skin.  She didn’t have to think long to realize what he was referring to.  She turned and faced him, “I will never leave you again.”

“That’s Heaven enough for me,” he replied, kissing her temple again.  She leaned into him, and he lifted her into his arms, cradling her against him.  

And then he carried her across the threshold into their forever.  

Disclaimer: This is an original story based upon the characters of Battlestar Galactica.  No profit will be made from this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Note:  Thanks to all who read and left feedback on the previous chapter.  This chapter is more Bill centric, but again with A/R in there. 

There were moments when he hated her. 

Hated her for getting sick.

For being the secretary of education, and coming aboard Galactica.

For falling in love with him.

For stopping the medication.

For leaving him alone.

The pain was so frightening; it was easier to hate her than to grieve her. 

So he would yell at the trees, the mountains, and the sky, cursing her for not being there. 

Then he would remember her beautiful pain-filled face in the moments before her death, looking up at him with such trust and love. 

"I'm sorry," he would cry then, kneeling reverently by her grave, "I didn't mean it Laura.  I didn't mean it."

He talked to her all the time.  He talked to her while he made tools, while he chopped down logs, and while he put up the walls of their cabin.  He would tell stories to her out loud while he hunted, as much from their books as he could remember.  "Searider Falcon," was the only book he had kept.  That one he could never have let go off.

At night he would build a fire and sit by her grave.  He read their book to her, trying to imagine her curled up beside him. 

He was glad he was by himself.  He was glad he could have the luxury of being crazy. 

After the first two weeks however, the loneliness became unbearable.  He began to long for the days aboard Galactica, the distraction of cylons and saving humanity.  He missed talks with Saul. He missed Athena and Helo.  He missed Chief. He even missed Gaeta.  He longed for Kara, and the way that smile of hers had of making him feel better.

He missed his boy.  He needed his boy.

Several times he had packed up the raptor, ready to find his people again and then he would see Laura's grave.

It was too late now.

He would never leave this place again, not until his death.

He could never leave her. 

And so he worked and read, hunted and waited.  As time went on he was not sure what it was that gave him the strength to carry on through each moment, but somehow he did. He would not leave before his time, that much he had promised her.  But that couldn't stop him from wishing the time would come soon.  Night was the hardest, as he would lie down next to her grave and try to sleep.  Memories flooded him then, ones that made him happy and constricted his heart at the same time. 

He would remember her hair, and how he loved to wrap a silky strand around his finger and create a curl.  He had marveled at how after years of military issue shampoo that it could still smell like strawberries.  He remembered how perfectly her cheek fit into the palm of his hand, and the hum of contentment she made when he would touch her face.  He missed her calling him "honey," or "dearest." but most of all, "my love."  He missed every kind of kiss, from a sweet and simple goodbye kiss, to a long kiss that was filled with so much love it was overwhelming.  He missed the feel of her suits when he put his hand against the small of her back.  He missed just holding her hand.  When sleep finally did overtake him, he would dream of her.  They were such vivid dreams that his heart broke all over again when woke up and saw the reality of her cold stone coffin. 

The weeks turned into two months and the cabin was finished.  It was a simple little place, with four walls and a thatched roof.  He had carpeted it with soft sod, thinking about how she would love to take her shoes off and feel the cool crisp grass between her toes.  He had made a simple double bed, with pine boughs for a mattress, and had carved, “I love Laura," into the headboard.  He still slept outside next her grave, ready to ward off any predator that came near her—always the protector.  He carved two chairs that he placed outside the door for them to watch the view.  He was almost sorry when the cabin was finished, the days became longer then.  He would take a short walk in the morning, and one in the afternoon.  He hunted for food nearly everyday, and the rest of the time he spent by her grave.  Some times he talked to her, and some moments he just sat quietly. 

Another week, and then another...the loneliness overwhelmed him.  He sat by her grave and watched the view, dreaming up scenarios of Lee coming over the mountain on one of his explorations, or that Saul and Ellen would find him and they would stay with him.  Laura had been right.  He was terrified to be alone. 

It became harder and harder to sleep at night, his heart literally ached with longing for her.  He began to be filled with regrets, wishing he would have told her sooner how much he loved her.  He wished he would have spent more time making her happy, making her feel like his queen.  He wished he would have kissed her more, held her more, and made sure there was no doubt in her mind that he loved her more than anything.

"Did you know?" he whispered as he lay next to her grave.  "Did you know how much I loved you?"

He began to lose track of time.  One morning he woke up and it terrified him to realize that he couldn't picture her face.  That morning he found a pencil in the raptor and began to frantically write down everything about her on the only paper he had, the pages of "Searider Falcon."  He wrote the story of his Laura, the president of the twelve colonies, and his love.  He wrote in the margins, and after each chapter.  He wrote their story, the story of their love.  He wrote of their long talks, of their reading together.  He wrote about the genesis of his feelings, and what it was about her that he loved.  He wrote about New Caprica, how it felt to leave her behind, and how proud he was when she was sworn in again. He wrote about his fears when she became ill again, and the sweetest moment of his life when she had softly whispered into his skin that she loved him.  Somehow it comforted him to write it down and read it again, and it made smile to think that the pages that held what was once his favorite story, also held the story that was now the most precious to his heart.

He continued to wait, barely noticing a cough until one day it hit him so bad he had doubled over in pain.  He waited for it to come, day after day, going to sleep at night with the hope that it would be his last.   It was the day he was hunting that he finally knew it was almost time.  He had been searching for some small game when he had heard a noise in the bushes.  He had followed it, and there stood some sort of beautiful animal.  He could tell by the expression on her face that it was a female.  She had four legs, and was big but delicate at the same time.  She had soft brown fur, and two big soft eyes that reminded him of Laura.  It wasn't until he stepped in to take a closer look that he realized that the animal was shaking and that her eyes were filled with pain.  He looked around her and saw her on of her hind legs bending at a grotesque angle and there was blood on her fur.  Immediately he stepped forward, ripping off parts of his tattered uniform to press against the blood.

"It's okay," as the animal moved in pain. "I'm going to take care of you.  It's okay."

He pressed the bandages gently against her, "It's okay baby," he whispered, tears suddenly stinging his eyes.  "It's okay.  I'm here."

The animal began to shake violently, “No," he whispered, "No...no, stay.  I'll fix it.  I'll take away the pai..."

Suddenly the animal went limp in his arms and he cried out. 

"I’m sorry…I couldn't save you Laura," he whispered, choking out a sob. "I couldn't fix your cancer.  I couldn't stop your pain. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

Suddenly there was another rustling in the bushes.  Another animal stepped out, obviously of the same species.  This one was bigger though, and had a majestic set of horns on his head.  The animal stared at Bill for a long moment, and suddenly he understood. 

"Sine qua non," he whispered.  "She was your mate wasn't she?"

He was no different from this animal.  After all the accolades of military, the awards he had won, the promotions he had won, the lives he had saved, he was no different. 

He was a creature without his mate.

He walked slowly back to the cabin that day, and when he got there he turned to Searider Falcon and read to her for a little while.  Then he took out his pencil and wrote on the very last page.

                   "My heart is broken.  I know that now.  It can't work without her because she filled it and gave it purpose.  My name is Bill Adama and I loved Laura Roslin with all my heart and soul.  If anyone in the Colonial fleet finds me here, bury me next to my wife and tell my son I love him."

With that he closed the book and looked out over the mountains.  He wasn't sure how he knew it wouldn't be long, but he knew.  What was it that Lampkin had said..."Each man has his limits."  He could feel it in his chest, in his bones, and in the blood that flowed through him—he had reached his.  When the pain hit him it was no surprise.  He grabbed his arm, gasping for air as he fell back against the ground.  He was a little afraid, and wished he was not alone, but as the pain shot through him, he made no struggle—even as it became harder and harder to breathe. 

"Laura," he gasped with one last breath, and then there was blackness.

"Dad...Dad wake up."

Bill was dimly aware of someone calling him.  Dad....who would be calling him Dad?

"Lee?" he asked as slowly opened his eyes.  "Lee, what happened son?"

He fully opened his eyes, and they settled on dark hair instead of light,  Carolanne's jaw instead of his, and a toothy smile that he had always loved.

"Zak...." he whispered in shock and in reverence.  He slowly stood and walked over to his son. 

Zak’s voice was shaking, "It's me Dad.”

Bill reached up and touched Zak's face, and with the other hand smoothed his hair.  "Zaky," he whispered and then threw his arms around him, pounding his back.  "My gods," Bill sobbed, as he held the boy tightly, cupping a hand on the back of his head.  "How?"

"Your dead Dad," Zak said as he hugged him tightly, "You had a heart attack."

Bill couldn't stop looking at his child.  He was so tall and strong, just as he remembered him. 

"Zaky," he whispered, "I'm sorry I wasn't there more.  I'm...sorry for all the times I let you down."

"Dad," Zak shook his head, "None of that matters now."

He hugged his boy again, "I love you son," he whispered. 

"I love you too Dad," Zak replied and then suddenly chuckled.

"What?" Bill asked.

"We better go.  There are a lot of people waiting for you, and one particular lady in a red dress that has been waiting a long time and she will kill me if I don't get you there soon, which is kind of funny to think about, because I'm already dead."

Bill's heart leaped inside of him at the prospect of becoming whole again.

"Laura," he whispered, “Where is my Laura?"

Zak smiled and put his hand on his father's elbow. 

"Waiting for you," he replied.

To be continued

Disclaimer: This is an original story based upon the characters of Battlestar Galactica.  No profit will be made from this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Note:  Thank you to all who read and left feedback on the last chapter.  This chapter is more Laura-centric, but definitely has A/R in there.

The smell of the sea was exhilarating.  She had always loved the smell of water. Her earliest memory was of her mother dipping her feet in the ocean at the Roslin summer home.  She giggled as the spray hit her, kissing her face with a soft mist.  She turned and saw her father smiling at her, his expression full of love.

"What?" she asked.

"I've missed you so much," he said softly, and put his arm around her. 

She leaned against him, "I've missed you too."

"We're almost there," he said, "It looks like quite the crowd is gathering."

Laura went to the front of the sleek boat and could see the same beautiful shore she had seen in her dream.  There was a crowd of people gathering.  "It's exactly the same," she said, "Exactly like the dream I had when Emily died."

"That was your mother's idea," her father said, squeezing her tightly.  "She wanted you to see that she was okay, and that there was nothing to be afraid of."

Laura leaned forward in anticipation, trying to see her mother.  Another wave hit the boat, and she felt the spray again.  Suddenly it reminded her of Bill's soft caresses, the way he touched her face when he kissed her.

Her dad seemed to sense her sudden sadness and kissed the side of her head, "Missing him?"

She nodded sadly, “I'm not whole anymore Dad."

"It won't be forever Laurie," he said, but John Roslin knew very well the pain of dying and leaving your soulmate behind. 

"Do you know when? I mean...do you know when Bill will...?"

"No, we don't usually get the word until the last final moments."

She sighed sadly, and then leaned forward as she could see a young man with a familiar looking suit on.  The young man caught her glance and waved enthusiastically. 

"Billy," Laura whispered, suddenly so overcome with emotion that she could hardly speak.  She spotted others as the ship got closer: Emily, Elosha, Lizzy, Sandra, and then, stepping through the crowd to get the first hug, she saw her beautiful mother. 

"Mother,” she whispered and put her hand to her mouth.  Was there any daughter alive that had worshipped their mother the way she had? Her mother blew her a kiss as the boat docked, and Laura hurried down the ramp.  For years she had been unable to get the picture of her mother before death out of her mind.  The suffering look in her eyes had haunted her in her dreams.  Now the eyes were as warm as they were when Laura was a child.  Her smile was luminous.  Laura walked towards her, crying softly, and as they reached each other, Julia Roslin cupped her daughter's face in her hands.  Laura put her forehead against her mothers and for a moment mother and child simply touched each other, each weeping as they connected again.  Her scent, her touch, was exactly as Laura remembered it.  Suddenly memories of late night talks with spoonfulls of chocolate chip cookie dough, rides home from school, and back-scratches when she couldn't sleep, flooded her mind

"I've missed you," Laura whispered hoarsely, "I've missed you so much."

Her mother kissed her cheekbone, the way she had when she was a little girl. "I was always there.  I was with you through everything: your swearing-in, the Olympic Carrier, Kobol, New Caprica, the cancer, the Cylon base ship.  I was always with you, and I'm so proud of you."

Laura smiled through her tears and then brought a hand up to her mother's cheek. She tried to speak but broke out in a sob again.

"My little girl," Julia murmured as she gathered her into her arms. "My brave little girl."

Laura clung to her mother, burying her face in her shoulder.  They held each other for several minutes, and then a familiar voice said, "Hey, what about me?"

"Sandra," Laura breathed, and threw her arms around her.  "Oh...you're so beautiful," Laura said smiling, as she caressed her cheek.  Sandra was crying as well.  "My little sister," Laura murmured, stroking Sandra's hair.

"Hey I thought I was your little sister," another familiar voice said and an arm slipped around her.  She turned and there was Lizzy, beautiful Elizabeth. 

Laura sobbed like a child as she took her "really little sister," in her other arm and held the two of them tightly.  "I've missed you Button," she whispered in Lizzy's ear.  John and Julia came up behind them and wrapped their arms around all three of their girls.  There weren't a lot of dry eyes among the other people as they watched the family that had been shattered become whole again. 

It was John that broke up the hug, telling them that they couldn't keep Laura all to themselves.  Laura was already so overcome with happiness, and then Billy stepped through the crowd. 

"Madame President," he said smiling, the same sweet goofy grin she remembered. 

"Billy," it came out as something between a sob and a laugh.  She hugged him tightly, brushing her hand down the back of his head. 

"I'm sorry.  I'm sorry I went to Cloud 9 that day," he said as he hugged her back. 

She started to cry again, “No...no sweetheart, you were a hero.  You saved Dee.  They told me.  You saved her.  I was so proud of you." She broke the hug and looked at him, "I missed you."

"I missed you too," he said smiling.  "Mam, I wanted you to meet my parents," he said, bringing two smiling people out in the open.  "Mom, Dad, this is the president."

"Madame President," Billy's father shook her hand, "We've heard so much about you."

"Laura..." she corrected smiling.  "It's such a pleasure to meet you."

"James, and this is my wife Claudia."

Claudia Keikaya stepped forward and extended a slender hand.  Laura took the hand and then hugged her.  She immediately felt a kinship with this woman who had Billy's same smile. 

"You saved him," Claudia whispered, "You saved my boy.  Thank you."

"No," Laura said, "He saved me." 

She continued to make her way through the crowd, seeing students, friends, and family.  She was delighted to see Maya, Emily, Wally, and others.  When Elosha stepped through the crowds, Laura kept back for a moment.  There was a part of her that was angry with Elosha, angry at her for the lie of earth, of the dying leader.  As soon as Elosha smiled though Laura stepped up and hugged her tightly.  She owed Elosha a great debt, even if she wasn't the dying leader.  Elosha had opened her heart again, opened it to Bill's love. 

"Hey," she said as she hugged Elosha, "Someday explain everything to me okay?"

"The dying leader shall lead the people to salvation," Elosha said as they parted.

"It wasn't me," Laura said.  "I led the people to a nuked rock.  Kara led them to their new home."

Elosha smiled knowingly, “Always so literal.  That was my problem too.  Do you remember when I told you I had almost left the ministry? I realize now that it was because I took the scriptures too literally."

"What do you mean?" Laura asked. 

"Think about it Laura.  Maybe you didn't have some divine revelation of the exact coordinates of the new world.  But you led the people there.  Right or wrong, whether they agreed with you or not, you were their heart and soul.  You led them to salvation."

"The scriptures said I would never enter the Promised Land," Laura countered, still trying to wrap her mind around the idea that the prophesy really could be true.

"But you didn't did you," Elosha said.  "You may have seen the new land, but what was the Promised Land...for you?"

"A life with Bill," Laura whispered, and her eyes widened as she brought her hand up to her lips.  "You mean...it really is true?"

"Yes," Elosha said smiling, "You did it.  You fulfilled your destiny. The people would have been lost without you.  William Adama would have been lost without you.  And Kara Thrace would never have been able to fulfill her part of the story without you."

"She's right," a familiar voice said and Laura's eyes widened as Kara stepped through the crowd. 

"Kara," Laura said, swallowing hard as more tears came and she stepped over to her.  She said nothing, but cupped the younger woman's face in her hands and placed her forehead against hers.  Barriers of different blood and genes were erased, as another mother and child held each other, connected with each other.  They were two women loved by the Adama men, and that alone bonded them together, made them family.  Kara was Bill's daughter, and that made her Laura's as well. The difficulties their relationship had endured were forgotten, replaced by a bond that had been forged through the fire. 

Laura smoothed her hands down Kara's hair and smiled, "So, you want to tell me what you're doing here?"

Kara laughed and shrugged, “Turns out I was actually long over due.  I booked a room here long before you did."

Laura smiled, and ran a finger down the bridge of Kara's nose, “I'm very glad you came back."

"Really?" Kara smiled teasingly, and both women shook their heads at their mistrust that had led to shooting when Kara had first come back. 

Suddenly Kara became serious, "You know...you know I didn't mean it right? When I said that I hated you?"

Laura nodded, “I know.  I knew it then too."

Kara smiled and then reached back excitedly for a hand in the crowd, "I've got someone I want you to meet."

She grabbed the hand of a young man and pulled him out of the crowd.  She started to introduce him but Laura needed no introduction.  He had the same jaw, and the same dark eyes, and suddenly Laura was terribly homesick. 

"Hello Zak," she said. 

"Laura," he said smiling in return, "I've heard so much about you."

She nodded, and suddenly she started to cry again.  She had almost forgotten how much she missed Bill.

"I've heard a lot about you too.  Your dad's missed you so much."

"I know," Zak said.

Suddenly her arms were around the boy, as he was now part of her family as well.  Zak hugged her back.  "I'm glad he found you,” he whispered.

"Well," John said after Laura and Zak had finished talking, “We should get you settled."

"We have the perfect place for you Laura," Lizzy said excitedly.  "We'll show it to you and then we should go for a walk.  I've got so much to tell you."

"Zak and I get her tomorrow night!" Kara called. 

"I want to show you the gardens Honey," her dad said slipping an arm around her waist, "You'll love them."

"Nuh-uh, Mama gets first dibs on her," Julia countered. 

They all started to walk away and then realized that Laura was not with them. 

"I'm not coming with you," she said when they turned back to face her.  "I have to wait for him."

"Honey," John said stepping forward, “You don't know how long it will be.  It won't do any good to sit here."

Laura's eyes were shining, “Yes it will.  When he comes he'll know that I waited for him."

"Angel..." her mother countered as she stepped forward. 

"Mama, Heaven without him isn't Heaven at all to me.  You guys go ahead.  I'll be there.  I promise."

They turned, one by one, their faces disappointed but understanding.  Kara was the last to leave.  Laura brushed a hand down her cheek and nodded in the direction of the others.  "I'll be fine," she said smiling.  "You go on."

"Why are you doing this?" Kara asked.

"Because I can't live without him," Laura replied.

And with that she sat down on the shore and watched the horizon.

To be continued.

Disclaimer:  This is an original story based upon the characters of Battlestar Galactica.  No profit will be made from this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Note:  I couldn't just leave it at that, now could I?

The first sensation she felt was that she was no longer in pain.  It had been so long since some part of her didn't ache.  It was an unusual sensation.  There was something soft and silky touching her shoulders, and she gradually became aware that it was her hair.  She breathed a soft sigh as she touched it.

She began to wonder where she was, as she became more aware of her surroundings.  She was in a forest, surrounded by beautiful trees. 

What had happened? Where was she?

She felt as though she wanted to run for miles, twirl around, and shout at the top of her lungs.  She was trying to wrap her mind around what had happened when she heard footsteps coming through the forest.  She turned, completely unafraid.  She knew that footfall from somewhere. 

"Hello Laurie," the voice was as gentle as she remembered.

"Daddy," she breathed as her father came towards her, his soft features glowing with happiness.

Her father hugged her to him, placing his hand against the back of her head. "Oh Laurie,” he whispered hoarsely, "My Laurie. I've missed you so much. I'm so sorry.  I'm sorry for leaving you alone."

Things seemed so confusing, like her head was filled with cotton.  Alone—she hadn't wanted to leave someone alone...but who?

"Dad, what's happening to me?" she said.  "Where am I?"

"Be patient honey, the transition takes awhile," he said, "What do you remember?"

She thought about it—what did she remember? She remembered pain. She remembered love. "I don't know," she whispered.

"It was the same way with me," he said, helping her to sit down on a nearby log.  "I even had your sisters with me at the time.

Her heart leaped, "Sandra, Lizzy...where are they?"

"Waiting," he replied smiling, "Your mama is there too.  We're finally going to be a family again."

Suddenly all she wanted was to be with them again.  "Where are they? I want to go."

"Not just yet Laurie," Dad said, putting his hand on her shoulder.  "We're going to stay here for awhile."

"Why?" she asked.

It was only then she became aware of a sound.  Curious, she got up and followed it.  As she got closer, she realized that it was the sound of someone crying.  It was a man, and he was in deep heart-wrenching pain.  She hurried towards it; the anguish of the man was overwhelming. 

She came out of the forest and suddenly felt her father's steadying hand on her shoulder. "We're not leaving yet because no man should have to go through this alone," he said.

It was then that everything came back. 

"Bill!" she cried out as she rushed towards him. 

Bill Adama sat cradling her lifeless body in his arms.  His head was bowed, as he rocked her back and forth.  His deep convulsing sobs tore through his body.  He was in agony...deep unshrouded agony. 

Laura ran to her father, "I have to go back!" she sobbed. "I have to...I have to go back. Please, I'll do anything.  Please, let me go back!"

"Baby you can't go back," her father said. "You died.  You can't go back."

"I can't..." her suffering suddenly became worse than it ever had with cancer.  "I can't leave him like this.  I can't."

"We're going to stay with him for awhile," her father said quietly.  "We won't leave him until he's ready."

"Can I touch him?" she asked, turning back to him. 

"Yes," her father touched her arm.  "He won't feel your touch, but it will help him.  Just be with him Laurie," he said gently.  "Just like I was with you, and your mother."

She walked towards him, sitting down next to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.  He didn't react at all, but she kept it there while he cried.  She hadn't realized the depth of his love before.  She knew he loved her, but she had no idea how much.  She watched as he tenderly smoothed her synthetic hair, stroked the pale skin of her face, and kissed her hand.  She had always loved it when he did that.  It had made her feel like a queen. Her own tears fell down her cheeks as she reached up to touch his face. 

"It's all right.  I'm right here Bill. I'm okay.  Shh...It's all right."

He slowly seemed to respond to her, as he stopped crying and then lovingly kissed her body's lips. Laura watched as he carefully lifted her body, cradling her to him as he walked towards the raptor. 

"Where's he going?" she asked as he laid her down in the raptor and walked in the forest.

"Stones," her father replied.  "He needs stones for your grave."

She watched him bring back stones, gathering them in a pile.  She cursed herself for not insisting that he stayed with Lee and Kara.  Why had she let him come out on his own?

"What can I do Daddy?" she asked as Bill lifted her body out of the raptor and over to a patch of thick green grass.

"Talk to him Laurie," he said as they both watched Bill laid her body on the soft grass.  He was so gentle, caressing her skin, smoothing her hair, and then tenderly kissing her one last time.

"Oh Bill," she said as he began to surround her body with the stones. "I'm sorry.  I'm sorry for leaving you." It was so strange for her to not have him respond to her, suddenly she felt very lonely.

"I...I want you to know," she went on as he wiped his tears on his sleeve.  "I want you to know how much I love you.  I've loved you for so long."

He started to cry again as he started to lay the stones over body. 

"You changed my life," she whispered, "Ever since the first day."

"That isn't me anymore Bill," she continued, desperate to make him understand, "I'm right here. Honey, I'm here.  I'm okay.

Bill's body shook with sobs, as he covered her chest, and then started to cover her face.

"Oh Bill," Laura cried, "I love you.  I love you so much.  I'm so sorry.  I'm so sorry for leaving you." She leaned in and kissed his face as he finished and put his head against her grave. 

"It's going to be okay Bill," she whispered.  How many times had he said that to her?

She watched as he carved a branch that he had broken off and whittled.  He carved a small flower and then "Laura Roslin Adama."

"Adama," she whispered.

"I wish you could have known him Daddy," she said as he put the marker in the grave. "He's so kind and good.  He's always taken care of me. "

"I will Laurie," her dad said as he placed his hands on her shoulders. "I'll know him soon enough."

Bill sat down by her grave, and she looked up at him. 

"You deserve a presidential burial Laura.  You deserve to be honored for everything you did.  But I'm all you've got so I guess I'll have to do."

"You were all I ever wanted Bill."

"You know I've been thinking about this, what I would say at your funeral.  I guess it's been in the back of mind since the day you told me it was back.  I was always scared of it, your funeral, knowing every one would look to me for comfort and assurance, and I wouldn't have any to give. Now that it's here, and it's just me, I...I don't know what to say.  I guess all I can say is...you were the reason I wanted to get out of bed in the morning. You were what I thought about when I went to bed at night.  I loved you, Laura Roslin Adama, and I will always love you."

"I love you Bill. I will always love you."

She stayed with him, just sitting next to him as he gazed at the view, and touching his face with an angel's caress when he cried.  When the night came, he brought a blanket out of the raptor and stretched out near Laura's grave.  She lay down next to him, curling into his side.  A small smile came over his face and Laura sat up, "Dad, can he feel me? Does he know?"

"Maybe he does Sweetheart," the patient father was still standing nearby.  "Sometimes the connection is so strong that...it's possible"

She lay back down next to him, and brought a hand to brush his cheek, "I'm here Bill," she whispered, "Be at peace.  I'll be waiting for you.  We're going to have our forever Bill."

The sky was brilliantly full of stars and when she saw it, she pointed to the star she had newly christened "Adama."

"There it is.  There's your star.  Don't forget," she whispered and it seemed for a moment as if he really did hear her, as he turned to the star and kept his gaze there until he fell asleep. 

She sat with him through the night, putting the blanket back on him when he had tossed it off, and gently kissing his forehead when he stirred at all. 

The sun was brilliant when it rose in the morning.  He woke up with it, and after sitting reverently by her grave for a minute, he took off his outer jacket, got some tools out the raptor, and went off into the forest.

"Where's he going now?" Laura asked. 

“My guess, he’s going to get wood to build you that cabin of yours.”

She covered her mouth with her hand, “He’s really going to do it. He’s going to build our dream.”

“Honey…you’re his dream,” her father said smiling. “He’s a good man. I approve.”

She moved over to hug him, “Thanks Dad,” she smiling. Her father hugged her tightly and then said calmly, “I think it’s time to go now.”

She looked up at him, trying to cover her panic. “I don’t think he’s ready Dad.  I think he still needs me here.  I mean he’s all alone,” her voice broke.  “He’s not ready.”

Her father brought a hand up to her cheek and kept it there, “Laurie, you never could lie to me.”

Her eyes pooled with tears and her voice shook, “I’m not ready,” she confessed.

“Laurie, they’re all waiting for you.”

“Just a little longer Daddy…please.”

Her dad nodded and she sat down and waited for him to return.  She watched as he brought large stones back and began to place them at different point.

“Here’s the front porch,” he said, “We’ll be able to see that extraordinary view.”

“I’ve always wanted a front porch.”

“And here’s the kitchen, and the dining room. “I’ll put the master bedroom, over here, with a window in the ceiling.”

“To see the stars, just like I wanted.”

After he was done, he went over and sat down by the ravine. She sat down with him, and for the first time in months, saw peace in his eyes.

“He’s going to be okay,” she whispered. “I…I can go now.”

Her father walked over to her, and offered her his hand.

She took it and was standing up when Bill spoke, “I laid out the cabin today.”

“I know Honey, and it is everything I ever dreamed.”

“It’s going to have an easterly view. You should see the light we get here. When the sun comes from behind those mountains, it’s almost heavenly.”

She dropped to her knees again, kissing the side of his temple, “That’s where I’ll be waiting,” she whispered and then took her father’s hand.

“It reminds me of you.”

To Be Continued

Disclaimer:  This is an original story based upon the characters of Battlestar Galactica.  No profit will be made from this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Note: Thanks to those who read and left feedback on my last chapter.  As always, I appreciate it! This one was a difficult one to write.  I had to keep some tissues handy! I diverge from canon in this chapter, just to forewarn you. 

They flew along quietly, and every once in awhile he reached over and squeezed her hand.  She knew it was as much to reassure himself that she was still there as it was to comfort her.  She wished she could do more to reassure him, but she barely had the strength to turn her head. 

Bill gently dipped the raptor according to her small murmurings of pleasure so she could see more; always so tender with his most precious cargo.

"Just looking for a quiet little place for that cabin," he said, reaching over and taking her hand again. "Maybe a garden. I don't have much of a green thumb though so I hope that you do."

That brought a small "mmmm," from her, which made him smile. 

"Oh..."she suddenly breathed, "Right...there."

He cringed at how weak she sounded, every word sounded so painful. He looked out her window and saw where she was looking.  It was a beautiful green spot, with lots of trees nearby.  There was a ravine, with an extraordinary view.

"Perfect," he said, and went towards it.

He landed as gently as he could.  She was wheezing now, and whimpered in pain as he picked her up.  Tears he would not allow himself to cry yet burned in his eyes as she laid her head against his chest, always so trusting of her protector.  He carried her to where she could see the view, then placed her down and gathered her in his arms. 

"This is it Laura," he said, holding her close to him and wrapping the blanket around her, "This is our home."

"Beautiful," she said, a small smile gracing her features.

They sat in silence for awhile, the only sound being the birds in the trees, the wind rustling through the trees, and Laura's labored breathing.  He lovingly stroked her cheek, and occasionally bent down to kiss the top of her head.

"Bill," her once beautiful voice was gone, she could barely speak, “Tell...me...a...story."

Stories...it had all began with stories.  At first books were the only connections they shared together.  Even though they disagreed about almost everything under the sun, somehow when they were exchanging books or talking about ones they had read, it was different.  Eventually book discussions turned into long discussions about life, family, and how they viewed the world.  The talks often led late into the night, and it was during those talks that he fell madly in love with her.  He had liked her from a distance for a long time, he had found himself staring at her from across the room, and longing for the times when he came close enough to smell her hair.  But it was during those discussions that he fell in love with her brilliance, her wit, her charm, and her heart.  When he had left her on New Caprica he felt like a part of him was missing.  Later on books were what calmed them both through the agonizing diloxin treatments.  He read to her while the poison was being pumped into her.  He read to her during her suffering, when she was shaking from pain, cold, and weakness.  After earth, the mutiny, and the realization that they both were crazy about each other, a book became their date night.  He loved nothing more than to have her curled up against him, her head resting on his shoulder, her hand resting on his chest.  They had always been defined by stories.

His voice shook as he took a deep breath, "Once upon a time, there was an old military commander who was tired of life.  He had lost almost everything he cared about, one of his boys had died, the other hated him.  His wife had left him; his ship was being decommissioned and turned into a museum.  He was tired; he was ready to retire and not care about anything ever again," he brought a hand up and stroked her hair, "And then one day, an angel came aboard his ship.  The man tried not to, but he thought she was beautiful, despite her stubborn nature and her awful haircut."  Laura made a sound that sort of sounded like a chuckle.  "The world ended, and the angel became the President of the Twelve Colonies.  The commander and the president worked together a lot, and the commander started to want to be around her a lot more, and he tried to show the president that he liked her so he..."

"Put...her...in...jail," Laura smiled as she interrupted.

Bill smiled back, "Didn't you ever hear of a boy pushing a girl down, or pulling her hair because he liked her?"

"Good...grief," came the reply which made Bill laugh.

"He would never forget what it felt like to kiss her for the first time, or the way his heart thumped when she took his arm when they were walking.  They were separated for awhile, the commander and the president, and every single morning he would look out his window at the stars, and swear that he would come back to her, that he would save her." Wincing, Laura turned her head so she could look up at him.  "He tried to deny it," Bill went on, "Told himself that she was the president, and that it wasn't right.  But really he was hiding, because he didn't believe that the angel could love him as much as he loved her.  When she told him that she loved him, he was the happiest man in the universe.  Every day he loved her more, every day she became more and more beautiful to him.  She became his best friend, and everything that was right and good in him.  She became his wife," he said and then leaned closer to her, “and just so we're clear, she became the love of his life, and he loved he more than anyone or anything."

Tears pooled in her eyes as she looked up at him.  She brought a shaking hand up to his jaw line. "I...have...loved being...your wife."

He choked out a sob, and cursed himself for crying now, in front of her, "And I have loved being your husband," he murmured.

"Finish...the...story," she said, smiling bravely for him.

"I like it so much that I don't want it to be over, so I'm saving it."

He reached up and wiped away his tears, "I'm going to build the cabin Baby. I'm going to build you a home."

She smiled and slowly brought his hand over her heart. "Already...have."

He took a deep breath, "In the end, the greatest miracle of all was that the angel loved him, and she changed him.  She healed his heart. She was the dying leader and brought her people to salvation.  She was the one chosen by the gods.  And the admiral knew that he would love her all the rest of his days.   She would always be his love.  She would always be his angel."

There was a long pleasant sigh and then there was nothing.  He felt her go, as if a part of him was suddenly gone as well.  He closed his eyes in pain, as if preparing to be struck, as he felt her go limp in his arms.  He felt overwhelming relief that she was finally free from pain, but the loss of her sliced through him, causing him to cry out.  He had no idea, no idea it would be this painful.  She was gone, his Laura was gone.  He kissed her lovingly, and rocked her back and forth.

"Goodbye my love," he whispered, and then began to sob like a child.

Disclaimer: This is an original story based upon the characters of Battlestar Galactica.  No profit will made from this story and no copyright infringement is intended. 

Author's Note: Thank you to all who read and reviewed the last chapter.  I hope you enjoy this next chapter.  As with all fan fiction, this doesn't go strictly according to canon; these are just some more thoughts that came to mind when watching the episode.  Thanks for reading!

It was coming, and they both knew it.  She could feel it approaching and it now that it was here it was both terrifying and welcoming at the same time.  She was a little afraid, having seen death through her mother's eyes, but at the same time the possibility of rest, of no more pain, no more struggle for breath, became inviting to her. 

He could almost feel her slowing draining away from him as he cradled her hand in both of his.  She barely had the strength to brush her thumb across his hand, the way she always did when they held hands.  It was one more little thing that he loved; it was a simple way of her showing her affection.  They had been in many meetings over the past few months when they had held hands under the table and whenever the stress level would be getting high, or some new challenge threatened to overwhelm him, he could feel that small soft caress and suddenly things would seem like they were going to be okay again.  He saw her hand shake as she put on her glasses, and for the first time she didn't try to cover it up or hide it from him.  She coughed again, and there was no attempt to stifle it for his sake.  This was happening, and it was happening soon.

"It's a...beautiful...world," she said, her voice becoming even more labored. 

He barely noticed their surroundings.  He still only saw her, the most beautiful thing on the planet. 

"Does it...have a name?" she asked.

"Earth," he said gently, knowing the name still brought up pain for her, but wanting so badly give her her dreams, to give her everything. 

She smirked, "It's not...earth,"

"Earth is a dream, one we've been chasing for a long time," he said smiling, "We've earned it."

He got a smile out of that one, a delightful smile that warmed him to the core.

The devastation at finding earth a wasteland was nothing compared to what he had gone through after she shut him out.  It had broken his heart to hear her blame herself, and to be able to do nothing to help her. 

"Don't touch me.  Just go,"

He had felt like the air had been sucked out of him.  He had gone, but he had not left her alone.  He had sat outside her door, listening to her sob.

This planet, lush and green and beautiful, was earth. 

Because she had done exactly what she had set out to do...lead the people to salvation. 

Because she deserved her dreams.

And because his dream had never really been earth...since the beginning, it had always been her.

"Earth...okay, it's good," Laura said, trying to laugh but it wouldn't come.  She could feel death coming closer; after all, she had been here once before and knew what it felt like. 

Suddenly the struggle for air became harder.

Suddenly she was afraid. 

Bill's grasp on her hand tightened, and he looked at her with concern.

"I'm....I'm having...trouble....breathing," she gasped.

Bill's heart pounded in his chest.  She was scared, and for the first time he couldn't protect her.  His own fears took his breath away.  He would never be ready for this.  He would never be ready to be alone.  He felt powerless to help her, until he saw the group on animals they had been watching. 

It was time to go. 

He couldn't save her.  There would be no waiting in a raptor for her baseship, or going down to Kobol this time.  

But he could help her not to be afraid. 

"Would you like to get a better look at them?" he asked, trying to play a mischievous grin on his face, trying to act as if he was asking her out on a date or something. 

"Yes...yes I would."

"Why...what are you doing?" she asked as he came closer to her.

"Watch me," he said gently, "Put your arms around me, can you?"

It never ceased to amaze her how gentle and kind he really was.  She put her arm around him, and winced with the pain even that simple action caused. 

He cradled her in his arms, and then lifted her tenderly off of the ground.  She felt like she was flying.  The fear was gone as soon as she felt his heartbeat, smelled his scent and felt his strong arms around her.  The only thing she felt now was sadness at leaving him.  She started to cry, never wanting to leave his embrace.

"I've got you Baby," he whispered. 

She couldn't speak, just nestled closer to him. He murmured his love to her in her ear as they walked, telling her of what she had come to mean to him.

"You did it Laura," he whispered as they walked by their people. "You lead the people to salvation."

"I...didn't...do...anything," she replied.  "It wasn't...real."

He brought her up the stairs to the raptor and then placed her lovingly in the seat. "Look at them Laura," he pointed to their people...her people, "You are the dying leader.  They would be nothing without you.  I would be nothing without you."

"Oh...Bill," she whispered, her eyes filling with tears. 

"They all know it Laura," he said, "They all believe in you."

She raised a hand to his cheek  and he covered it with his own. 

She stifled a sob, and then smiled, "It's...enough...to me...that you do."

Bill looked out the raptor door and saw Lee and Kara there.

Oh dear gods, he wasn't ready for this. 

"Go..." Laura said softly, and he hurried down the ramp. 

Lee...Lee had the same look in his eyes he had always had as a child, every single departure.

"Daddy, please don't go," he would say when he was a small child.  Bill would pick up in his arms and hold him tight, kissing him on his cheek and tussling his hair.  "I'll be back soon Son, you're the man of the house now.  Take care of Mommy and Zaky okay?"

In later years Lee would fake sickness, moaning and groaning and holding his stomach when Bill came in to say goodbye to him.

"I think its newphoneya Dad.  I think you'd better stay."

"That's pneumonia Son, and I have to go.  I have to keep you safe."

In the teenage years it was shoplifting, and running away, Bill taking emergency leave after emergency leave.

"Why are you doing this Son? What's going on?" He had said during one of their tirades.

It wasn't until years later, watching his son conduct a pilot's briefing as CAG that he had realized the answer. 

"Dad?" Lee took a step towards him. 

"I can't...I can't do it," he thought

He took a gulp of air, trying to steady himself, "I don't have much time Son." She was slipping away from him every second.  What if she had already died....he had promised her he wouldn't leave her alone.  But...how could he say goodbye to his son?

"I understand," Lee said and Bill gathered him into his arms.

My son, my brave boy. 

"I love you," he whispered in Lee's ear.  "Don't you ever forget that."

"I love you too," Lee said.

"Thank you for coming back to me Son," Bill said, holding him tighter.  "Thank you for loving me again."

They released each other, both conscious of how precious time was, and Bill turned to Kara. 

The daughter of his heart. 

His miracle child.

"What do you hear Starbuck?" he asked, nearly choking on the words. It would always be their greeting, their affirmation of love for each other. 

Her eyes filled with tears, "Nothing but the rain."

"Then grab your gun, and bring in the cat."

She threw herself into himself into his arms, and he held her tightly.  "My girl," he breathed.

He could feel her smile against him, "You should go," she said, her voice shaking.

He put his hands on her face and gave her a quick kiss, before he turned and went back to the raptor.

He could hear Laura softly crying as he sat down, and he took one of her hands in his as he started up the raptor.  Laura turned to the window where Lee and Kara now stood.  She placed a shaking hand against the window, and they held up their hands, all of them touching each other.  Tears slid down her cheeks as she saw Lee begin to cry, and Kara place a hand against her heart. 

Once she had been an orphan, a woman totally alone.

As the raptor began to lift off the ground, she smiled at them, wanting that to be the last thing they saw of her.

She kept her hand against the glass, still wanting to touch them.

Son...daughter...husband, the family she had found at the end of the world.

"Goodbye," she choked out, when Lee and Kara were only small little dots on the ground. 

On the ground, Lee watched as the raptor flew out of sight.

"Goodbye Mom," he said, keeping his hand up in the air until the raptor was gone, "Goodbye Dad." 

Disclaimer:  This is an original story based upon the characters of Battlestar Galactica.  No profit will be made from this story, and no copyright infringement is intended. 

Author's Note:  Thank you for reading! This is an important story to me, and I'm glad to share it.  I know there has been some debate about whether or not Laura's mom died before or after the accident.  For the purposes of this story, I have made it that she died after the accident.  I hope you enjoy the next installment. 

She was flying, higher and higher, as Daddy's safe arms caught each time she came down and buoyed her again.  Daddy's laugh filled the air. 

"Watch him Laurie," Daddy said as they watched the McEwan and George fight on television.  "Watch George, he's going in for the left hook."

"Yay George!" she said happily as McEwan went down.  She had no idea what a left hook was, or why it was particularly amusing to watch one guy hit another, but Daddy liked it.  And she loved whatever Daddy did. 

"What's the matter Laurie?" Daddy asked her as he twirled her around the dance floor at Cassandra's wedding.

"Just a little jealous I guess," she confided.  "Dave and Sandra are so perfect for each other.  They are so much in love.  I just wonder if I'll ever be loved like that.

"You'll find him," he said, leaning in and kissing her forehead.  "There's someone out there just for you, and he will be the luckiest man in the world."

"If he's anything like you dad," she whispered as she leaned into him, "I'll be the lucky one." 

"We're terribly sorry, there's been an accident." 

The whole world came crashing down.  Horrifying images flashed through her mind of Daddy all hurt and bloody--Sandra, Lizzy...dear gods, the baby.

She had just seen him the night before, "Goodbye Laurie," he had said, kissing her on the cheek and whispering, "I love my little girl," in her ear.  They were going to see Mom before they headed home. 

"My gods," she thought as the water rained down on her, drowning her before her grief could. "What am I going to tell mom?"

"Mom...." she gently smoothed her mother's forehead, "There's been an accident."  The horror in her mother's eyes shook her to the core.  "Daddy, Sandra, Lizzy...Mama, they're...they're dead."

Laura held her mother while her terrible pain-filled sobs filled the room.  When they turned into a racking cough, the nurses took her mother from her, and Laura watched as they sedated her.

Laura shot awake, gasping for air as she realized she had been dreaming.  She was dimly aware that it was Lee who was holding her up, telling her to breathe deeply. 

"Bill!" she gasped in panic. 

In an instant Bill came crashing through the brush, "I'm here!" he said as he gathered her in his arms, "Sweetheart, I'm right here, breathe...it's okay, I'm right here, just breathe,"  He held her close to him, and finally the panic subsided and she could feel her lungs filling with air again.

She relaxed into him, and he rocked her back and forth in his arms.  "It's okay," he breathed over and over again, "It’s okay now."

"I was dreaming," she whispered weakly, "I was...dreaming of Daddy, and I was telling Mom...about the accident."

"It's okay," Bill murmured again, as if to reassure himself as much as her.

"I think I'll leave you too alone again," Lee said gently and started to turn away. 

"Captain...Apollo," she whispered weakly, still enveloped in Bill's arms.

Lee knelt down to face her, "Madame President?"

Her eyes suddenly filled with tears again, she wasn't ready for this, but it was time.  Next to Bill, this was the hardest goodbye she was facing.  There was so much she wanted to say to him.  She wanted to tell him how much he had meant to her, how much she loved him. 

She shook her head, tears spilling over her cheeks. 

Lee leaned in and tenderly kissed her on the forehead. "I'll see you soon Madame President," he said sweetly, and she nodded, bringing a hand up to touch his cheek.

"You okay?" Bill asked her when Lee had gone.  She nodded slowly, licking her lips, "Just...hold me."

"I've got you," he said.  "I've got you now," she could hear him reassure her as she drifted off asleep again. 

She dreamt of the "braiding assembly line," as they used to call it.  Her mother, sitting at the front of their big bed, brushing and braiding Laura's hair, Sandra was in front of Laura as she brushed and braided her hair, and Sandra did the same to Lizzy.  It was Laura's favorite time of night.  There was so much giggling, so much talking about homework, and best friends, high school loves, and grade school crushes. 

Then she dreamt of her classroom--the first one at Caprica Elementary.  She could smell the scent of the chalk; hear the sound of the children's laughter. 

"Hi Miss Roslin, Good Morning Miss Roslin," their voices were filled with their trust.  She had loved them; oh she had loved them so much.

Suddenly her dreams were filled with Bill, their first kiss...the way it felt to have the gentle pressure of his lips against her, the night on New Caprica when she had laid against him and felt his strong heart.  She thought of the last wonderful months, the first time he had kissed her breathless, his gentle touch against her face, the simple pleasure of a hand to hold, someone to kiss goodbye.

Bill traced her cheekbone as she slept, taking comfort from the rise and fall of her chest.  He had been gone only for a second...and hearing her struggle for air had filled him with a terror he had never known.  He had been in combat preparation drills time and time again, he had been prepared for every military scenario, but how do you prepare for when the woman you love can't breathe?

He held her against him gently, careful not wake her, and remembered the last time he had been this scared. 

He ran, ran straight from the raptor.  He ran even though his lungs burned and his legs were going to collapse on him.  "Critical condition," the report said.  It had come just minutes before he landed; Critical condition meant he was still alive.  He burst into the hospital, and found Carolanne in the hallway.

"How is he?" he asked, gasping for air. 

Carolanne was shaking violently.  "I don't know," she shook her head, “They won't tell me anything.  They said...they said it isn't good."

"He'll be fine," Bill told her, tentively putting a hand on her shoulder.  She jerked it away.  "Don't touch me," she snapped. 

He walked the hall, back and forth, back and forth.  "Not Zak, not my gentle Zak," he thought as clenched and unclenched his hands.

He turned as the doors opened and Lee ran in.  He watched from the other side of the hall as Lee put his arms around his mother.  He wanted to be comforted, wanted to put his arms around both of them and comfort them as well, but his feet were stuck to the ground.  His heart jumped as he saw the doctor walking towards them.  He could hear only some of what he said,

"Injuries too severe...brain dead...nothing we could do."

Carolanne sank to the floor screaming.  Lee held her and looked up at him, his eyes blazing.

His dreams would not be free of that sound or that look for a very very long time.

His boy...he could feel his heart splintering.

"I wasn't afraid to die," he had read to her, out of the book he was afraid to finish, "I was afraid of the emptiness that I felt inside. I couldn't feel anything, and that's what scared me.  You came into my thoughts, you filled them.  It felt good."

He looked down at her again, she was so incredibly beautiful, even now.  How could this angel have fallen in love with him of all people? It amazed him.

She woke up slowly again, calmer this time, although squinting against the light. He helped her sit up and take another sip of water, "Thank...you," she whispered.

She sat back, wanting to see more of their surroundings, and took his hand in hers.  He brought her hand up to his mouth and kissed it tenderly.

"I'm...sorry," she said after a minute.   

"For what?" he replied, turning to face her. 

Her breathing was labored again as she tried to answer, "For...breaking...your...heart."

He took her face in both of his hands and turned her towards him.  He would not allow her to die thinking that.

"No..."he said as he held her in his hands, "No...you healed my heart.  You healed me.  You are my heart Laura Roslin."

"I...love...you...Bill," she breathed. 

"I love you Laura."

They smiled at each other, and then were interrupted by a strange sound.  They turned and could see a whole herd of some kind of animal.  Laura was enthralled, so Bill got his binoculars out of his pack so she could look at them closer,

 The smile on her face made him happy.

Since the beginning, that smile had always made him happy.

"There's...so...many."