From the Ashes
By Athena13

Rated: NC17

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Chapter 2
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When I look into Starbuck's eyes I still see the girl he once knew, that he misses. The naive, overconfident girl who thought the world would be at her feet as soon as she was old enough. Who thought he would be at her feet. When I look in the reflecting glass I see a woman whose world has been slipped out from underneath her. Whose family motto, "live to fight another day," has become a cruel joke. What else is there to do?

Fight or give in? The battle is already lost. Mine is not the only cup that doesn't rise in celebration of the coming nuptials. Across the circle is Captain Biehn looking as bleak and empty as I feel.

"We'd never thought you'd do it Bucko!" Greenbean claps his hero on the back.

A bittersweet smile crosses my face. I thought he would, I just fantisized it would be with me. Not the woman who I spied in Biehn's arms just a few sectars ago. A woman whom, I noticed, carefully avoided even glancing in the Captain's direction.

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It seemed like forever, rather than a secton since the first when I came in for what was to be my last post-trauma exam. The exam was supposed to be my last, the one where I was cleared for patrol with my wingmate Starbuck. Instead, I wasn't cleared, and Biehn was nipping at my heels.

"She's not here," I told him, again.

"I'm not here for see her," he wasn't completely convincing as he sat himself down to wait.

With a sigh I left him waiting, hoping he would tire and leave. Without seeing my face as I walked out, my suspicions confirmed. Unexpected joy flooding my body.

I had no idea what I would do from here, but I would never be truly alone. I would always...

"Athena?" Biehn said questioningly as I smiled brilliantly at him.

Taking pity on him, and myself, I clasped my fingers over his forearm and led him out of the Life Center. I had been planning my cover story ever since he insisted on accompanying me, but as he stopped me and grasped my arms and demanded to know what was wrong I found myself telling him the truth.

"Seal to me," he said in his honorable way.

"No," I dismissed out loud, though inwardly my mind was grasping the lifeline he was throwing me.

"Yes!" he placed his lips against mine. When I didn't respond, he pressed harder and slid his tongue over mine.

Sparks trailed his velvety tongue, causing me to gasp and let him enter.

For a few microns I let myself believe I could keep the paternity of this baby secret, but as Biehn's hand slid around my waist and pressed us closer together Starbuck's voice cried out in protest.

I attempted to silence it by deepening the kiss.

End Chapter 2
Chapter 3
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