Title: The War Within My Heart
Author: GEM
Feedback: Please send it good or bad written: 8/20/05
Rated: K+
Word count: 539
Story Timeline: Beginning of season 2
Category: Dradis Entry Secrets revealed and kept. Week 3 Laura Roslin
Focus: Laura and Adama with thrown in
Warnings: Romantic undertones Adama/Roslin if you don't like don't read
Summary: Laura has a secret that she has to keep for the sake of the fleet
Spoilers: Season 2 episodes 3 and 4

Laura Roslin made her way to sickbay quickly with her Marine guards in tow. She had to see him again. She had to know that he was alive.

"Doctor." Her voice was quiet. Cottle motioned for her to follow him.

He asked the guards to stay behind. "I promise she won't escape."

Laura smiled as she entered his office if you could call it that.

Cottle lit a cigarette and began to talk. "I have to admit I understand why Bill fell for you. You have spunk."

Laura did her best not to laugh out loud. "Thank you… I think. " Doctor Cottle was the only one in the fleet that knew of her relationship with William Adama. He would never tell as soul.

Doctor Cottle just shook his head. "Honest to the Gods, you two are unbelievable. Laura ask the question or questions you want me to answer."

"How is he?" She blurted out.

"I have him sedated. He is resting comfortably and will make a full recovery."

Cottle watched as Laura's express change to… was that fear. "In light of recent event, I do have a question Ma'am."

Laura was lost in her thoughts. He was going to live but she was still going to lose the only person she ever cared for. The person she needed the most if she decided to go through with this.

She could see his lips moving but couldn't make out what Doc Cottle was saying. Her thoughts had moved to one William Adama. At first their meetings were purely professional. Discussions were centered on problems within the fleet. Then something changed. There were endless conversations over the wireless. After that came the dinners and stolen kisses and hugs whenever possible.
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"I'm sorry, Doctor. You had a question."

"I was shocked when I heard what you did. I have to say that's not what I have in mind when I said you wouldn't be able to hide what you were going through."

"Your Point, Doctor."

"Does he know about your illness?"

She paused and looked up at him "Yes."

Cottle nodded. "What can I do for you Madame President?"

She smiled, he knew her so well. "I need your help doctor. It's dangerous, illegal and goes against your oath as an officer.

"You're a lousy salesman."

Before taking her leave she slid behind his curtain and sat by his bedside. She did her best to keep her tears at bay. She took hold of his hand. "I can't say I blame you for what you did. You did what you had to. I respect that but I have…one I guess you could call it a regret. These last few months have been the best of my life because of you, I love you William Adama. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I hope you will be able to find in your heart to forgive me for what I'm about to do. Laura leaned over the bed still holding his hand and placed a kiss on his still lips.

Cottle watched in silence as she left sickbay. He sent a prayer to the Gods to keep her safe and to help William Adama to forgive his family when they returned.