There is a reunion between Bill and Laura I always missed as much as the one after New Caprica: her return after being held hostage on the basestar (Revelations). This is my take. I hope you enjoy it!

'Welcome on board, Madame President.'

From under the open hatch of the raptor, Laura Roslin scans the small crowd with her eyes. A few crew members and a couple of government representatives have gathered to receive the released hostages, one of which is, notably, the President of the Colonies. As soon as she sees herself surrounded by Galactica's familiar forms, colors and sounds, she feels the adrenaline kick out like a withdrawing tide. A thick cloud of exhaustion descends over her. Her eyes adjust gradually to the much clearer light of the hangar deck. She recognizes a few faces. A bunch of technicians in their jumpsuits roam around like busy, bright orange ants attending to their tasks, oblivious to the relevance of the moment.

She is searching for one familiar face, eager to recognize one very specific set of traits. However, she cannot spot him. He is nowhere to be seen.

Laura bites back the momentary disappointment and walks down the stairs. When she is close enough, she leans on the arm that Lee Adama offers her. She sets foot on the deck.

She smiles at him.

'Thank you.'

Lee nods formally.

She shakes the hand of the two government representatives that hurriedly come over to welcome her. Besides them, most people around are paying no attention. Honestly, she likes it much better this way: a discrete arrival that does not distract people from their duties and hopefully gives her some space. She had even memorized a short speech just in case, but given the low expectancy that there seems to be around the return of the missing President in this very moment, she is more than glad to give it up entirely.

'May I escort you to the Admiral's quarters? He's waiting for you there.'

'Of course.'

They start walking, her hand folded around Lee's elbow. She is grateful for the support, for the company; for seeing at least one familiar face upon her return. However, she would never have expected for it to be Lee's. Something feels off about all this. Something is off about him not being there. As much as she knows Bill would rather die than leave his duties unattended, something serious must be going on if it is keeping him from being there in person to welcome the released hostages.

To welcome her.

She hears her own voice come out with a hint of anxiety. She does not give a frak.

'What's going on, Lee? Is anything wrong?"

The rhythmic echoes of their steps on the deck all but emphasize the heaviness of the silence as her former Captain Apollo takes his sweet time before answering.

'It's better if he tells you.' He mutters at last. He turns his face to her. 'Don't worry, he's fine.'

Something dark clutches at her chest. She does not prompt Lee further, though. She is going to find out in a matter of minutes; she is going to see Bill again and he will explain everything to her, just as Lee says. Whatever it is, it cannot be that bad if Bill himself can inform her, right? The thought that she was able to inform him herself about her cancer, no less, crosses her mind. The fact that he can tell her himself does not necessarily mean it is trivial. She ignores this realization. She sets her jaw and keeps walking; there is ill-restrained haste to her strides now. Suddenly, the corridor seems much longer. She finds herself praying for the next fleet crisis. Please, let it not be personal. Let it not be about him.

'After you.' Lee invites her to enter Bill's quarters, nodding to the guard that opens the hatch for them.

Laura stays standing there, two steps into the room, as Lee shuts the hatch behind her. She looks around. The silence is deafening. One lamp switched on in a corner, casting a yellowish glow over the objects around, is the only light allowing her make out forms and colors.

'He's probably sleeping.' Lee suggests.

Laura turns to him, a brow arched. Getting back to a sleeping Admiral somehow is more concerning than finding him taking care of who knows what awful crisis.

Lee walks into his private area. Laura waits outside: there is no need to make it evident that she is, indeed, rather familiar with that area of the Admiral's quarters too.

After a few seconds, Lee comes back. He looks her in the eye and nods.

'He's asleep on his rack. But you can wait here if you want. Then you can talk when he wakes up.'

'Lee.'

There is a warning in her voice; it's her don't-frak-with-me tone. He should have known that his pretended casualness had little to no chances to fool Laura Roslin. His shoulders slump down in reluctant acceptance that he will not get away with this: he won't be allowed to leave these quarters without telling her more.

He bows his head, defeated. When did he turn so protective of his dad anyway?

But this is Laura. It is someone he knows and, admittedly, respects despite everything. It is the woman his father loves. And she… she seems to love him too. Or at least she looks genuinely concerned; she seems to care. He hopes Bill will not mind it if he discloses a little more to her.

'You were… abducted in that basestar. He waited for you. All alone, floating in the void. You could have been dead; it was a desperate move. One of denial, if you ask me. He just couldn't accept that you may be gone for good. He had to believe you'd make it. And he was right: against all odds, you came back. You did, but only to be held hostage in a ship we probably would have to blow up. Meanwhile, he found out Saul is a cylon. I guess you grasp the shock this means to him. He…' Lee shrugs, shakes his head. 'He just broke. Couldn't handle it anymore. I came here, found him, took care of him. Told him I'd take over, told him not to worry. I promised him I'd bring you back safely. Cottle gave him a strong sedative not so long ago; that's why he is sleeping now.'

Lee meets Laura's eyes again. This is it. Nothing more, nothing less. Dad reached his breaking point; shit went one step too far. There is only so much he can take. He has already taken way more than most people would be capable of. He did the unthinkable for you. So please, don't judge his weakness. Don't judge him. Please just be there for him.

Laura stays silent. Her eyes have narrowed as she drank in each of Lee's words. Her anxiety is replaced by a measure of relief and something else: something made of warmth and ache, of joy and longing. Bill is well, Bill broke at last. Bill broke and she feels the urge to run to his rack and hug his sleeping form, envelope him in all the love she is feeling; make up to him for her absence, for her ruthless order, for how close he was to losing her for good, yet again. Make him feel safe. Her throat is so thick she is having trouble getting air past it.

'Gods.' She finally chokes out.

Lee relaxes: this reaction from Roslin is the right one; the one he wanted to see. He gives her a small smile.

'He will be happy to find you here when he wakes up.' He pauses. 'You'll wait, right?'

Laura nods, her eyes watery.

'Of course I will. I… I'll be by his side when he wakes.'

Lee hums in approval. It's good to know Laura Roslin will be up to what his father deserves. It's good to know he is leaving him in good hands.

'Just… take all the time you need. I'll handle everything in the meantime. I'll let you know if it's absolutely necessary.'

He smiles a little wider; the sharp edge in his eyes softens.

'I'm happy you two have each other.'

He is ready to leave. He turns to the hatch.

'Lee.'

He stops and shoots her a questioning look over his shoulder.

'Thank you for looking after him. Thank you for saving us, and for' Laura swallows. 'Thank you for bringing me back here.'

Lee stays still for a moment. He looks at her in earnest.

'He loves you.'

So many things contained in those three simple words. It is an explanation; the statement of a fact, an acknowledgement, and expression of gratitude; it is his explicit approval, a request, even a warning.

'I can't live without her'. That's what he said when I confronted him.'

Lee's tone is the verbalization of a shrug. I'm still not sure I understand what you two have or what he did, but I accept it. Just don't frakking hurt him, okay?

Laura bites her lower lip; the corners of her mouth twitch upwards.

As the hatch closes in front of her, she lifts a hand absentmindedly and wipes a tear off her cheek.