The past few weeks had been sheer bliss. Somewhere between the end of the worlds and this hellhole of a planet Bill had found his soul mate. The woman occupied his thoughts all day, whether he was in CIC or another gods awful meeting with President Baltar and his ground survey team. No matter how many ways they looked at it, living on this planet was going to be rough. But Bill could only focus on one thing – Laura.
She had stayed on his couch that first night and hadn't left his quarters yet. The pretence of finding suitable guest quarters was kept only for appearances, neither really wanting to leave the others company.
In the evenings they would sit side by side and read, sometimes discussing themes they found in Bill's many books and sometimes reminiscing about things they missed in New Caprica. Bill was delighted to hear of Laura's affection for the fountain in the Caprica City park and marvelled at the giggle she let slip when he told her how he loved to make up stories about people passing on the street.
He had to admit to himself that she hadn't just moved into his quarters, but had firmly taken up residence in his heart. When or how, he was going to admit that to her, he wasn't sure. Gods did she feel the same? If she even returned half of the love he felt for her he was a lucky man.
"I've got the command Bill. You go on and get some rest." Bill flashed a quizzical gaze to his XO as Tigh continued. "We're herding the first of the civilians down tomorrow. Or did you forget?" The Colonel laughed aloud at the look on Bills face.
"That's tomorrow? Frak, I can feel the headache already. Thanks Saul." Bill patted his friend on the shoulder as he passed him, exiting CIC.
Bills hurried footsteps echoed along Galactica's corridors as he raced home. Locking the hatch behind him he spun around to find Laura already fast asleep on the couch, the blanket resting loosely around her waist. The book they had been reading the night before sat on the table, remaining open on the chapter they had last been discussing. He glanced at the clock that stood behind what was now Laura's bed.
Surely it wasn't that late? No wonder she was already asleep. Battling with his disappointment after missing a chance to talk to her again, Bill pulled the blanket up to cover her fully, tucking it in under her shoulders.
"Bill..."
"Shhhh... Laura go back to sleep."
"It's late." Gods damn it she was beautiful, even when she was so groggy with sleep she couldn't even open her eyes.
"I know I'm sorry. Go back to sleep."
"I didn't continue on in the book." Seven simple words broke his heart and mended it back together. He couldn't keep the smile from breaking across his face even if he wanted to.
"Thank you Laura. Go to sleep, we can read some more tomorrow."
"Kay." And with that sleep claimed her once more. Bill didn't dare risk waking her again so gingerly made his way across the room to feel the comfort of sleep himself. He would in fact find comfort in the best night's sleep he ever had; sweet dreams of a new life with Laura filling his mind. Spending days just reading to each other and taking walks by fountains, letting their feet play in the water while they created back stories for the strangers that surrounded them.
x
"Bill...Bill...BILL!" Bill turned over in his rack, not ready to part with the sweet images in his mind just yet.
"Admiral Adama you need to get up." The blanket fell from his chest and pooled at his waist as Bill sat upright, suddenly very much awake. "I'm... eh... sorry, it's just that...ummm... you need to... civilians... today... preparations..." Laura's voice trailed off and Bill noticed a flush creep up her neck to become an all out blush on her beautiful cheeks. Looking down he realised he had opted to forgo the tanks in bed last night and the former president was ogling his torso. There was no other word for it, she was ogling!
"Thank you. I was so fast asleep, I'm usually a much lighter sleeper but for some..." he trailed off as Laura nodded, turned and briskly walked into the head, closing the hatch behind her. Bill rushed to dress whilst she was in there, to save any further embarrassment between them. Although to see that blush again would be nice he had to admit.
He was finishing his morning coffee when she finally emerged from the head, also dressed. Seeing as she had nowhere to really go these days, she had swapped the power suits for some more casual clothes. Some had been found by Tory and some, like today's ensemble, was from Bill's own wardrobe. A set of old tanks and comfortable jogging pants that seemed to be floating on her, adorned her slim frame. Now who's the one blushing Bill, he reprimanded himself.
"I'll see you later; maybe we can finish that book?" Bill said all this with his back to her to try and hide his discomfort.
"I'd like that." Her voice had regained some of its usual strength after her incoherent mess earlier. Bill nodded and began to make his way out of the hatch.
"Bill you forgot something" Her voice called out from the back of the room and Bill spun around making his way back to her, trying to remember what files he had left on his desk.
"I'm sorry there are so many different reports flying around about down there I lose track sometimes. What one did I-" He stopped mid sentence when he noticed there were no folders in her hands. She stepped closer, inches separating them and Bill felt all the breath leave his body. She smiled at his reaction and lifted up on her toes.
Her lips brushed across his lightly, almost reminiscent of their first kiss until Bill felt her tongue slide along his lips. He groaned at the feeling and she pounced on the opportunity to taste him fully.
His arms wrapped around her waist instinctively and he began to rub small circles on her back. Her own hands were resting on his chest, just below his shoulders, the feel of her fingers burning through his uniform until her was sure they were going to scar.
They pulled away slowly and Bill opened his eyes to memorise everything about this moment. The way her eyelashes were fluttering, that smile that seemed to light up even the darkest room and the way her lips were still slightly puckered as if asking to be kissed again.
He did just that, bending forward to press a quick kiss there once more. She hummed as he pulled away again.
"How could I forget something like that?" Bill finally spoke when his surroundings seemed to come back into focus.
"I don't know Admiral, but don't let it happen again." She reached behind her to grasp some folders on the desk, folders Bill recognised as containing the list of the first batch of civilians to leave for New Caprica.
"You're always looking out for me." He couldn't resist it and bowed forward for another chaste kiss. Laughing she pushed the files into his hands.
"Admiral you are going to be late!"
"Alright, alright, I promise we'll finish that book when I get back." The thought of leaving her after what had just transpired angered him, but duty before self was his motto. With that he moved away and out the hatch not turning around for fear he'd never leave with one more glance at the goddess he just left.