Disclaimer: Battlestar Galactica and its characters are the property of Ronald D. Moore, David Eick, Sci-fi Network and NBC. No copyright infringement is intended.

Lee walks into the President's curtained off area with his hands clasped in front of him and clears his throat. He finds Laura laying uncomfortably in her bed reading a book, his father's book. He doesn't like seeing Laura like this, so helpless and sick. He is used to seeing her as someone that is in control of everything. Once he gets her attention he hesitantly says, "My father said you wanted to see me."

Laura looks into his eyes and sees that he is terrified and nervous; also that he doesn't come anywhere near her is a clue. His arms are in front of him, covering his body, which is a sign that he is trying to protect himself, probably from emotions she guesses. She coughs, puts the book on the table next to the bed, and puts her glasses on top of the book. She weakly says, "Lee, I know you're scared. You don't have to try and hide it, maybe from your father, but not from me."

He is about to deny it, but then realizes that he can't. She sees the look of defeat in his eyes. "How did you know?"

She clears her throat and says, "I was once a teacher, no matter how long ago. I learned how to read people pretty well. I guess that kind of thing sticks with you."

Lee tentatively walks over to Laura's bed and sits down on the edge.

"So, how is the presidency treating you?" Laura asks in a hoarse voice.

"Pretty well with all things considered. Except no one really wants a different president. They just want you back. You are the only president they will ever see as the true leader of the people. They miss you," Lee says, as his voice grows quieter and quieter, ending in a whisper.

Laura noticeably swallows and says, "Thank you for telling me that, Lee. There is actually one main reason why I wanted to see you."

"Yes?" Lee asks, curious as to why Laura is being so hesitant with her words, it's so unlike her.

"I need you to promise something for me. Promise me that when I die, you will do everything you can to make sure your father doesn't die with me. Promise me," Laura says with a pleading look on her face.

Lee's face falls as he looks down at his hands and tries to figure out what to say. "I'm sorry, but," Lee starts to say, "But, I can't promise you that."

Laura shakes her head trying to stop the tears from coming because she feels them gathering at the corners of her eyes.

"This is kind of awkward for me to say but, my father fell in love with you. I mean, really truly fell in love with you. I never saw him act with my mom the way he acts with you, never. I don't think anyone could save him now except you. You mean everything to him and you might have been the only thing holding him together these past few years. If you die, he won't have anything left to live for, so..."

Tears are running down Laura's face and Lee clasps her hand with his. "I knew this was what you were probably going to say, but I was still hoping," Laura weakly says.

"I know this isn't my place to say this, but can you fight for a little bit longer. So we can get to Earth with both of you still with us. So my father can have some time with you without responsibilities hanging over both of your shoulders. Can you please do this for the rest of the fleet, and for me, and for most importantly, him?"

"I'll try. I will use every ounce of strength that I have to fight. I just don't think I have enough."

"Please. If not for the fleet, than at least do it for my father. He believes in you and he loves you, so much. He just wants to live a life with you, and only you. I wish you two had met before this had all happened. Yes, I hated my father back then, but now all I want is for him to be happy, and you make him happy. He was never this happy when he was with my mom."

"He doesn't seem happy with me. We always fight and he always drinks. At least, we always fought before I collapsed; now we don't. But, I'm sure he still drinks, maybe even more now. I'm afraid that he will never say that he loves me. I told him once, but he never told me back. And now that he is always drunk and mad at me, I don't think he ever will say it."

"Laura, let me tell you something. He isn't drinking because he's mad at you; he's drinking because he is terrified. He drank when he left my mom even though he knew it was the right thing to do, he drank when Zak died, he drank when he realized that he needed to retire, and he drank after he left you on New Caprica. He drinks because he is terrified because he doesn't know what is going to happen. He loves you, Laura. I'm sorry he hasn't said it, but I guess I'll have to go talk some sense into him."

That earns him a weak chuckle and a faint smile. "Thank you, Lee. I really appreciate it. Whatever mistakes you're father made in his life… He raised a good man. Don't ever forget that."

"Thanks," Lee says with a shy smile. He stands up from Laura's bed and says, "I'm going to go have a conversation with my father. I'll come back later," and he walks out.

Reviews are truely appreciated so please review! I am planning on writing a couple more chapters to this story. Let me know if you like it.