Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of Battlestar Galactica.

WARNING: Spoilers to the end of season 3. If you don't want to be spoiled, don't read until after the season finale! Could include anything from season 3.

Rating: T for now, but may change.

Characters: Kara, Lee, Sam, Dee, Adama

Story follows the show's plot - some AU later. Speculation for season 4.This is what I would love to have happen at the end of the season finale!

The Space Between

PROLOGUE

"It's really me." It became a mantra in his head as he landed his viper on the flight deck. Over and over, all he heard were her words. He didn't hear the air controller go through the usual protocol of landing instruction, he was mentally on autopilot. "It's really me…"

Lee had his helmet off before his canopy cleared. The ladder appeared a split second before he stepped out of his cockpit. Turning without thought, he backed down the ladder as he tossed his helmet back onto his seat. "It's really me, it's really me." He turned and sprinted towards where her viper had landed, she was already receiving a warm welcome from the deck crew and other pilots. "It's really me." As he approached, the other revelers turned to monitor his reaction. After weeks of sidelong glances and whispers behind his back, he could only wonder what they were thinking.

He met the outer circle of the crew, instantly by the look on his face, a pathway appeared. She turned and made eye contact with him. "It's really me." Without hesitation, Lee enveloped her in a hug that put the reunion on the Astral Queen to shame. He held her tightly for a long moment, then pulled back to look in her eyes. Lee stared, not quite sure what to say. What words could convey the emotions rolling through his soul? Looking into her eyes, no words were spoken as he lifted his hands to either side of her face. His lips touched hers in a searing soulful kiss. Pouring all his emotions into the kiss – the fear, grief, love, and loneliness, Lee slowly remembered they were not alone.

The deck crew had grown silent. Some were staring, others looked uncomfortable and uncertain. Words had not been spoken between the couple in the center of the group. Lee backed away and grabbed her hand.

"Back to work everyone, we have a jump to make." Lee ordered harshly. Amazingly, even though he wasn't in charge anymore, everyone turned to occupy themselves with a task. With her hand firmly encased in his, Lee pulled her along to his quarters. She offered no resistance and asked no questions.

The hatch shut with a deafening click. He still hadn't released her from his grip. It was as if he feared she would disappear the moment he wasn't connected to her in some way. No words had passed between the two. Lee felt his heart thump painfully as he turned to face her. He looked at her whole being. Her face seemed different – calm, content, she lacked the tension and anger - her usual companion.

"Kara…" Lee could barely speak. His hand trembled as he placed it against her cheek. Kara returned the gesture, sensing his turmoil and disbelief.

"It's really me, Lee. I'm here, I didn't die," Kara said softly. Tears had started to gather in the corners of her eyes. This was the best homecoming she could have imagined. The day on the hanger deck when they spoke of all that had happened and all they had become, she had given up. She knew he would never be hers. Now, she had a small flicker of hope that began to grow in her heart.

"What happened…? I don't understand. I saw your viper blow to pieces. How can you be here?"

"I'm not sure I understand the specifics, it's complicated. I followed my destiny and discovered the most unbelievable …" A knock sounded on the hatch.

"Lee, I know you are in there. Unlock this door and let me in." Lee groaned at the sound of his father's voice on the other side of the door. He wanted to be with Kara. Alone. He was fooling himself if he thought it was going to happen, there were questions to be answered. It wasn't everyday that someone returned from the dead.

Lee moved to unlock the hatch and open it. His father was standing in the corridor with six armed marines.

"Admiral, is this necessary?" Lee was angry with the show of force outside of his quarters. He had stepped in front of Kara, shielding her from view outside.

"Lee, you are not in any position to question me at the moment. I've come to retrieve Kara. We need answers as to where she has been and what happened to her." Kara had moved to stand slightly in front of Lee. He still had her hand firmly gripped with in his own. She could feel him tense as he confronted his father. There was more to this than met the eye.

"Sir," Kara saluted the man she loved as a father.

"Kara," Adama simply stated. He didn't return the salute. She was puzzled by his reaction to her. "We need you to come with us."

Kara simply nodded and began to move towards the corridor. She felt a pull on her hand, forgetting that Lee had yet to let go of her.

"She isn't going anywhere without me." Lee stated defensively.

"You are in no position to give a command. Or do you forget you lack not only rank, but your commission. You gave that up remember."

"But it is okay if I go out and risk my life in a viper trying to save your hide." Lee spat back.

"We can talk about this at another time, but she has to come with me now!" Adama stated with quiet fury and authority.

TBC?