Disclaimer: I wish they were mine.

Authors note: This is the 3rd part of Morphine. The same apology- sorry about the moods!( At least this one has a happy if not sappy ending;)

Nathan walked down the hall to Lucas' quarters. He had finally figured out basically what he would say to the genius. He stopped at the door, then took a calming breath before knocking. A annoyed voice said come in. Nathan opened the door, then looked over at the computer desk. Lucas was staring aimlessly at one of the monitors. He had large dark circles under his eyes. Nathan mentally kicked himself, knowing he was the cause of Lucas' sleepless night.

Lucas looked up at him with sadly vacant eyes.

"What do you need?"

Nathan sighed. He knew Lucas wouldn't be easy to talk with.

"Lucas, can we sit down and talk about this?"

"Why, what is there to discuss? You've made up your mind."

"Part of it is, but I do want you to understand part of the reason I'm doing this."

"Why do I have to understand?"

Lucas was getting defensive. He didn't know what Nathan wanted, but then, he didn't want to show he cared. He trusted Nathan, letting him see behind the wall. Part of him thought maybe he was really wanting to explain, yet the defensive part thought Nathan was only there to rub salt in the open wound.

Nathan studied the boy's face as conflicting emotions flashed.

"Lucas, I know this hurt you. I didn't mean for it to, but I did.. I have to do what is right. I will be back. I am not leaving you."

Lucas looked up at Nathan slightly confused. His exterior defense faltered slightly.

"Then what are you doing?"

"I have to do this. I will be back, I could never leave you."

"Why not, my parents did."

"Lucas, I'm not your parents. You are as much a son of mine as Robert is. I never left him, I'm not going to leave you."

The growing confusion inside Lucas was starting to show through the outside wall. His parents had never said anything like that. He searched Nathan's face for any signs he was lying or trying to comfort him. There were none.

"Are you serious, or just trying to make me feel better?"

"Completely serious. I would never play head games with you."

Nathan could see he was making progress. He slowly walked to Lucas' chair, then pulled Lucas to him. Lucas tensed up, then relaxed. He wrapped his arms around Nathan's waist. Nathan's arms went around his shoulders, making him feel safe.

Nathan could feel Lucas shuttering and his shirt slowly getting wet. He subconsciously started to rub Lucas back and talk in soothing tones.

Lucas knew he should feel ashamed for crying in front of the Captain, yet Nathan didn't seem to care.

They finally pulled apart. Lucas looked into Nathan's eyes. Nathan could see the innocent trust gleaming in them. He pulled Lucas close again, trying to cement the knowledge that he would always be there for him into the boy's brain.

"Promise you're coming back?"

Nathan nodded.

"Nothing can stop me."

Lucas relaxed against Nathan, finally feeling he could completely trust another person.