A/N: Just a quick thank you to everyone who has reviewed thus far. It is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Chapter 25

Cancun

Hours later, Kristin was standing on the sandy beaches of Nathan's island. There was just one minor problem: Nathan wasn't there. So, she was forced to decide where he might be. And after a bit of searching, she discovered his boathouse was empty. He was somewhere on the mainland.

That meant two options: she could wait or she could attempt to find him. She thought about the first option. She could go inside, maybe clean up and prepare a nice meal for him. But, she didn't even know if the door was unlocked. And, if it wasn't, she wasn't too sure he'd appreciate her being there, most likely being wary of any more break-ins or violations of privacy. So, she decided her best bet was to make an attempt to find him in town, hoping that wherever he was, he'd be there for a while. So, she boarded the ferry not too long after.

Once in town, she set off on foot. She wasn't sure where she was going nor was she sure if she'd find Nathan, but she figured her best bet was to ask around. She figured she knew enough Spanish to ask that. But, after checking all the local shops and restaurants, she came up empty-handed. She found locals who knew him, but had not seen him.

She finally decided to check one of the local taverns. It was a long-shot, but she had searched everywhere else. She approached the bartender and asked if he knew Nathan Bridger. She was in luck since he did, and he pointed across the room. There, sitting at the other end of the bar, was Nathan, a drink in front of him.

As she neared him, she saw he looked rather depressed, his shoulders slumped. He didn't even look up or seem to notice her. She sat on the stool next to him, hoping it would make a difference. Still, he didn't notice her, so she leaned over and placed the letter he'd sent her in front of him.

He just stared at the letter for a moment, as though trying to register what had just happened. He then turned towards her. "Kristin? How did you find me?"

"You can be a hard person to track down when you want to be, but I have my ways." She paused for a moment but decided to cut right to the chase. "How could you possibly think we didn't want you around anymore…that I wouldn't want you?" she asked quietly.

"Kristin, I thought...well, after I'd turned you all away, I thought you'd be angry, that everyone was angry and disappointed in me," Nathan replied.

"And even if we were, that wouldn't mean we wouldn't want to be around you. Didn't Bill tell you that?"

Nathan shrugged. "Maybe it's more that I couldn't forgive myself for the way I acted." He gingerly touched her bruised cheek. "I don't know if I can forgive myself for what happened to all of you, for what you sacrificed for me."

There was a pause of silence. The tavern wasn't very crowded, and there was a song playing on the jukebox; ironically, a sad American country-western tune.

Kristin finally slipped her arm around his and gave him a gentle pull. "Come on," she urged.

"Kris, I-" Nathan began in protest.

"Please," she countered, "you at least owe me this." And, with that, she pulled him to the center of the floor, put her arms around him, and laid her head on his shoulder. Nathan caught on and followed suit, his own arms encircling her, and within seconds, they began swaying in time with the music. And they danced to several more songs after that, neither of them speaking, but the moment saying so much.

After the fourth song, Kristin finally whispered, "So, what do you say we get out of here, Sailor?"

Nathan pulled back to look at her. "And what did you have in mind exactly?"

"Well, I guess that depends on you," she answered.

"I meant everything I said in the letters…if you still have doubts, I-"

"That's not what I meant," Kristin interrupted. "And I don't have doubts. I meant…well, are you coming back to seaQuest? Everyone was hoping you'd come back with me."

"They were?" Nathan sounded doubtful.

"Of course they were; they all miss you." Then, she brought her lips closer to his ear. "Especially me."

He hugged her tighter in response. "When are you expected back?"

"The admiral gave me two days, but I told him I wouldn't need that long," she replied.

"Very confident in your abilities, aren't you?" he teased.

She buried her face in his chest. "Shouldn't I be?"

"No, I was just teasing. How about we go back tomorrow?"

She raised her head and gave him a questioning look.

"Well, I need time to pack. And, in the meantime, I thought you and I could spend some much-needed alone time together. Lord knows there won't be much of that when we get back to work," Nathan explained. "I thought we could get to know one another better…and please know that I'm not one for casual relationships."

She smiled. "Neither am I, and I think that's a wonderful idea." She looked around the nearly empty tavern. "That is, if you can tear yourself away from this place," she quipped.

He chuckled. "I think I can manage." He ushered her out, and they walked to the docks hand in hand. And, one leisurely boat ride later, they arrived back on Nathan's island just as the sun was setting.

Once inside, Nathan asked, "So, what are you hungry for?" He began searching through the cupboards. "I could make some shrimp pasta…it's sort of my specialty."

"That sounds wonderful," she gushed. "Mind if I help?"

Nathan took out some tomatoes and peppers from the refrigerator. "You can slice these." Then, he began boiling the water for the pasta and preparing the shrimp.

The two of them worked in silence for a while, save for a few words about the dish they were preparing. Once everything was cooking, however, Kristin attempted to ask the question that had been weighing on her mind.

"So, how have you been? Dealing with Carol's death for the second time?" she asked carefully.

He turned his attention away from the stovetop. "Well, the first few days were hard," he admitted. "But, I think I'm better now. I need to realize I can't possibly change what happened."

"And I'm sure she wouldn't blame you," Kristin assured him.

"For the first time, I actually believe that," he admitted after a moment.

"She really loved you." Then, deciding she might need clarification, she added, "Her diary."

He nodded in understanding. "Well, it's in evidence at the moment, but when it's returned, I think I actually might read it."

"I think she'd want that."

When the meal was finished, Nathan turned to her. "Inside or out?"

"Out; it's a lovely evening, isn't it?"

Nathan shrugged. "I hadn't noticed," he answered, staring at her.

She blushed. "Quite the charmer, aren't you?"

"You'd be surprised as to how charming I can be," he replied. He turned his attention to the cupboard. "Would you like wine?"

"Please."

A short time later, they were seated at the small table on the porch.

Kristin took a sip of her wine. "This is delicious. Thank you."

"I think I should be the one thanking you," he said after a moment. "So, how is everyone else?"

"Well, despite a few injuries with Mr. Krieg and Mr. O'Neill, they're doing well. Lucas misses you too."

He gently touched Kristin's bruised cheek. The bruise was now a rainbow of blues, purples, and yellows, since it was beginning to heal. "I'm so sorry that happened."

She waved a hand. "It's nothing. Really, it was Tim and Ben who took more of a beating. But, I'm so grateful they were with me."

"I'll be sure to thank them as well. I'm sorry about Jake, by the way. I didn't…well, I couldn't see what he was."

"You don't need to apologize. None of us could, really. Well, some of us had our suspicions, but…" her voice trailed off. "They do say everything happens for a reason, you know."

"I suppose."

They continued their meal in silence, just enjoying one another's company. Then, when the meal was finished and the wine was gone, Nathan offered his hand.

"Walk with me," he urged.

Kristin obliged, placing her hand in his.

And, as they walked, Nathan told her, "You know, when Carol and I first moved here, we weren't always speaking with each other. Bobby…well, we were still healing, and we didn't always communicate like we should have. Some days, we'd go through days where we'd say a mere five words to one another. But, every night, Carol would take my hand and she'd say, "Walk with me." And, she'd lead me out here, and we'd walk on the beach for hours. It was her way of showing me that even if we didn't say much-"

"That you still had love for each other," Kristin finished.

Nathan stopped and looked at her. "Yeah…"

And after several moments, Kristin noticed he was still staring at her. "What?" she asked after a moment.

"Nothing…just your hair in the moonlight," he whispered, gently brushing a curl off her forehead. "Kristin?"

"Yes?"

"Do you mind if I kissed you?"

"Certainly not, Captain," she whispered, offering her lips, which Nathan gratefully accepted.

They spent the rest of the evening talking, kissing softly, and hugging, never going beyond that, but not needing to at the moment. There would be enough time for that.

And, as the evening got later, Nathan lay on the couch with Kristin lying next to him, holding her tightly as the two of them spoke quietly. But, Kristin was beginning to doze off.

"Kristin?"

"Mhm?" she answered sleepily.

He placed a kiss to her forehead. "Thank you…so much for this. I love you."

"Love you too," she muttered.

"Sleep well."

And it wasn't long before he heard her rhythmic, steady breathing. He lay there listening for a long time and then succumbed to sleep as well.

seaQuest, one week later

It didn't take long for things to get to normal quickly for the seaQuest and its crew. Nathan was welcomed with open arms, just as Kristin had said. Unfortunately, rescue missions and orders from Admiral Noyce kept everyone fairly busy all week. But, by the time Friday night rolled around again, Ben took out his PAL unit and paged everyone to his room as soon as they were off duty.

Lucas met Katie and Miguel in the corridor. "Hey, did you get a page from Ben, too?"

Katie nodded. "Yeah, but he's supposed to be on bed rest still."

At that moment, Nathan, Kristin, Jonathan, and Tim joined them. "I think there's a reason for this, however," Kristin stated upon hearing Katie's comment. "It is Friday night."

Lucas finally knocked on the door.

"Come on in," Ben called.

Upon entering, Kristin saw her suspicion was correct. The poker table was all set up. "I, uh, thought we could all use a game," he said somewhat sheepishly. He looked at Nathan. "I thought it would be a nice welcome back gift for you."

Nathan smiled softly. "Thanks…but next time, the game's on me. You're still supposed to be resting."

Ben waved a hand. "I've been resting all week. And, now that the doc's back on duty, she's been visiting me every day to make sure I don't overdue things."

"I've been watching him like a hawk," she confirmed good-naturedly.

"That, you have…and I have been good, so I think I'm allowed this, don't you?"

Everyone turned to look at her. Kristin nodded after a moment. "I think you do…but don't think I won't be in here tomorrow making sure you stay right there." She pointed to his bunk.

Ben sighed. "Fair enough."

So, they all sat around the table. Cards were dealt, chips were anted, and it wasn't long before they were all involved in a very exciting game. But, as usual, it came down to Ben and Kristin in the end.

Ben smiled. "I don't know why I bother? You're probably going to win anyway," he quipped as he placed another bet. "I'll see you and raise you fifty."

"Well, I could be bluffing," she teased. But, she kept her smile at bay so any onlooker would be confused as to whether she had a good hand or not. "I see you and raise you one hundred."

Ben sighed and matched her bet.

And as the last card on the table was turned over, Ben smiled to himself because he had four of a kind-all kings. Now, the doc had a pair of kings herself since two of them were laid out on the table, but he hoped that for once, he might have the upper hand. "Show your cards," he announced.

Kristin laid her cards out in front of her. She had a two of hearts and a three of spades. Everyone looked at the five cards laid out on the table.

Finally, Lucas spoke up, sounding disappointed, "Aw, Doc…you don't have anything."

Ben chuckled as he pulled all the chips from the center of the table to sit in front of him. "You didn't by chance let me win that hand, did you?"

"Me?" Kristin replied innocently. She suddenly noticed everyone was staring at her. "I assure you all I would never do that. It's just the luck of the draw." Then, she added, "Besides, I rather like seeing you squirm. I assure you, you won't be so lucky in the next hand."

"Sounds like a friendly bet," Ben said with a raised eyebrow.

Kristin smiled as she shuffled the cards and began dealing. "No, just a friendly threat," she corrected, but her eyes were smiling.

Everyone laughed, and the game continued. But, by the end of all the hands, Nathan had the most points. And, everyone agreed it was fitting that he should be the champion of the week.

Kristin and Lucas began to help Ben put the cards and chips away. As the others began to leave, Nathan asked that Tim stay behind. Once the five of them were alone, Nathan began to speak, "I know we've all been rather busy, so I wanted to take the time to thank all of you for everything you did for me while I was in jail. You all took care of one another, which is exactly what I would have asked."

"That's what Ben had said," Lucas replied.

Nathan then continued, "And I especially want to thank you for taking care of the doctor here." He put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed gently.

"Well, it's what she would have done for us. She does so much for us," Tim replied.

"Well, I just needed you to know it was appreciated."

Tim placed a hand on his shoulder. "Anytime, Captain. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Mr. O'Neill."

Lucas gave the captain a hug. "Night, Cap."

"Goodnight, kiddo."

Lucas repeated the gesture with Kristin, then left the room.

"And, you, Mr. Krieg," Nathan began, sounding stern.

Ben swallowed hard, somewhat prepared for a lecture considering he was used to that tone.

But, Nathan softened as he put an arm around him. "I am so proud of you."

"You are?" Ben asked in surprise.

Nathan and Kristin chuckled softly.

"Of course I am, Mr. Krieg. If not for you…well, things may not have turned out so well," he answered, looking at Kristin.

"It was my pleasure, Cap…and I'd do it again if I needed," he confirmed.

"That's good because now that you're becoming more responsible, I'm going to expect to see more of that around here," he said warningly.

Ben sighed. "Yes, Captain."

"Goodnight, Mr. Krieg."

Kristin then wrapped Ben in a hug. "Goodnight, and thank you for this."

"Night, Doc," Ben replied.

"Now, get some rest," she ordered gently.

Ben gave her a mock salute. "Aye, aye."

Kristin laughed as she went to join Nathan, and the two walked down the hall together.

Nathan put his arm around her. "Tired?"

"Not particularly."

Nathan smiled. "Want to go to my quarters and make out?"

She laughed. "You're incorrigible, you know?"

"I know," he replied knowingly. "But, that's what you love about me, isn't it?"

She leaned forward and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. "You know me so well already. Very well, lead the way, Captain."

The End

A/N: Thank you once again for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it.

So, what's next for me? Well, I have two more one-shots I'm planning. Then, I have to finish my little crossover that I put on hold to write this. And after that? Well, I'd normally pick one of my story idea from my profile page that I've had brewing. However, I had another plot bunny sneak up, and I have an idea for something very different. And, I always try to be a little bit different from everyone else, so I think I'm going to pursue it. There's just one small problem; I don't have a title yet, but I'll figure it out soon enough. So, I promise you'll see more of me very soon. Thank you.