Disclaimer: Don't own them.....or myself...or any of my other personalities;)
Authors note: This is the part 2 of morphine. This could be in any season, take your pick. Sorry about the moody stories-it's been a very sucky 2 months.

Nathan Bridger sat in his quarters, trying to figure out Lucas' reaction. He knew how much he meant to the boy, hell, the kid meant just as much to him. Lucas tolerated the parental concern Nathan showed with recepratory feelings. Their relationship was one that went deeper(in a different sense) than he and Robert could have had. Lucas was almost a combination of Carol and Robert. He shared Nathan's interest in science and new things much like Carol did, yet he also challenged him in ways that only Robert could have.

Nathan looked over at the hydro tunnel. The consistent waves created a calming effect. He still was figuring out Lucas' moods and expressions. Nathan shook his head at the thought that came to him. The person that knew Lucas was Tim. He could tell what mood Lucas was in way before anyone else could. Nathan knew the reason Tim knew was from the way the man watched people. He was a quiet, reserved, almost shy person. He would talk , but he listened for verbal clues, as well as watching your face for visual clues.

Nathan was almost haunted by the way Lucas' expressions had changed. He had entered with a typical look of 'the computer god is here'. That had quickly changed after they had started talking. His expression went from inquisitive to one of shock. It didn't take any advanced degree to see the boy had been shaken. Nathan almost hadn't finished what he was saying. He tried to explain his reasoning to Lucas, but by then the boy's face had become a mask. Nathan hated to see that expression. It was one that he had seen, before he had really gotten to know Lucas.

He knew Lucas hid most of his feeling, burying them so that no one could see if they'd hurt him. He had watched Lucas smile through any pain, never letting on anything was up. Nathan had finally gotten the boy to open up to him, to make him let some of his feelings out. It wasn't healthy, plus, everyone needed a friend to talk to. Nathan had talked to Darwin after Carol's death, even crying with his head against Darwin's melon. Darwin had just floated there, trying to understand and be supportive.

Nathan laughed quietly at the memories of Darwin trying to make him feel better, trying to take care of him. He would bring Nathan a fish if he thought Nathan hadn't eaten. The strangest part with that was he would chatter at him until he cooked and ate it.

Bridger's thoughts turned back to the floppy haired blond 'kid' he knew was upset. He knew his decision was something he had to go with, but yet he also knew he'd have to make Lucas understand it. He owed him an open discussion. He wanted him to know that he wasn't leaving him, abandoning him to a principle.

He sat back, trying to figure out how to explain it, to make him see the reason. Nathan wanted him to see that he would never run out on him, that he was loved.

He decided to let the issue go until the next morning, hopefully then he could make Lucas see the truth; make him see that he would be back .