Out of the Fires
by Starsinger
This is inspired by "Fire on the Galactica." I love Athena and Starbuck, but what if Athena's near death experience caused her to look on someone new. Allowed her appreciate herself a little more and leave behind something that never really was. Don't own them.
Athena pressed herself against the floor, debris flying around her. A small body pressed protectively below her and a much larger body above her, arm wrapped protectively around her. Fear was passed, they all waited for this to end. It finally did and everyone looked around, oxygen masks pressed against their faces, unsure as to whether or not it was truly over. They waited, not lowering the masks until they heard voices outside the storage locker door, "Everyone alright in there? We'll have you out in a centon."
Relief flooded the room. Masks were lowered as people hugged and Athena fussed over the wounded once more. Soon, the fireman forced the door open and workers from the Life Center rushed in. Athena found herself in a whirlwind, barely any time to think of herself as she explained what she had done for the wounded since the attack. They nodded at her and herded them all out. Everyone would be examined.
They reached the Life Center and Casseiopia sat both her and Boxey down for a full exam. Aside from cuts, scrapes, and the inevitable burns from explosive decompression, they were both fine, as well as Boomer. Boomer hovered, unwilling to leave their sides. Then, Cassie told Athena about her father and brother. She reassured her that both would be fine as more fear flitted across Athena's face. Cassie led them to see Adama who was just waking up.
The first things that Adama saw when he awoke were the smiling faces of his daughter and grandson. He smiled, his family was safe. Apollo soon hurried in and threw his arms around his son and sister, and tears overflowed. Boxey hiccupped his way through his explanation of Muffett's disappearance, and smiled as Starbuck brought Muffey back into their lives.
Athena felt overwhelmingly tired. It had been a long day, and all she wanted was her bed. She excused herself, telling everyone that she wanted some sleep. They all nodded and she left for her quarters. She heard someone following. She turned to find Boomer behind her.
"You don't mind if I escort you?" he asked, gallantly. She shook her head, suddenly shy. They reached her quarters and stopped. The silence stretched out. They stared at each other and he reached out a hand and placed it on the side of her face. She looked at him, really looked at him. "Athena, would you like to go out sometime? I know you and Starbuck…" his voice trailed off.
Athena continued to stare at him, almost as if in a trance. She shook it off, "Boomer, I'd love to. I think…I think it's time to move on."
Boomer nodded, "I still don't have to worry about patrol until tomorrow. Tonight, then? I'll call you to make sure you're awake and dressed." Athena nodded. She entered her quarters and went to sleep. For the first time since the destruction of the colonies, her dreams weren't haunted with what could have been. Cassie and Starbuck were meant to be. She wasn't fighting it anymore.