Authors Note: I've connected two chapters to make one longer one. Thank you to all those that have reviewed this so far. *blushes deep red* :)
It had been two hours since Lucas had fainted. Nathan felt that this was one of the longest moments in his life. His stomach felt like it was twisting in tight knots, he felt like any moment now he was going to have to make an untimely exit to the bathroom. His complexion had changed somewhat from the tanned beach man to the over sheltered ghost. When Lucas had fainted his whole body had been overcome with fear before he regained control of himself and call a med. team to his quarters.
Kristen had tried to reassure Nathan as they made their way to med. bay but Nathan's heart still felt like it had a ton of bricks weighing it down. He couldn't understand how Lucas could be fine one minute and then dead to the world the next. It didn't make sense. All Nathan could think about was how rude he had been to him before hand about his lateness. Nathan started to pace the waiting area. His footsteps making a slight noise on the floor, somewhat comforting the older man. He slowly allowed his eyes to close, opening them only momentarily when her realized that it was not just a dream, that this was real. He felt so ill inside; he felt every bone in his body ache, every muscle strain in his movement. His eyes sprung open when he heard the doors to med.bay open, he heard the soft steps of Kristen before he saw her. He couldn't help but feel relief when he saw her eyes, sparkling with mischief, it was then that he knew Lucas was okay. At least for now.
"He woke up, and asked for you."
"Is that a good thing or bad one?"
"You'll have to ask him."
Nathan walked past Kristen and into med. bay. He saw Lucas lying on one of the beds, small and somewhat fragile looking. "He's fine" He heard Kristen whisper behind him. Still Nathan couldn't believe that until he spoke to the boy himself. Nathan slowly walked into Lucas line of sight. He couldn't help but hear the sharp intake of breath. He noticed that Lucas quickly regained his composure. Sitting down next to his bed Nathan turned and looked at Lucas.
"Lucas...I'm so, so very sorry for talking to you the way that I did." Lucas just stared at him, once again Nathan's eyes telling much more of a story then his words ever could. Carefully Nathan leaned over and took Lucas hand in his own. "Lucas please talk to me...you really scared me earlier..."
"I'm okay...I'm not dying or anything. Kristen said I was just exhausted and that was why I fainted."
The flood of relief showed quickly on Nathan's face so that all his features relaxed somewhat after hearing Lucas say that he was fine. Although Kristen had told him the same thing earlier it was still better hearing it from Lucas himself. Kristen slowly walked over to the two. Being careful not to interrupt anything, but it seemed tat things were resolved at least to a point where they could talk to one another again. Kristen carefully began to relay instructions on what Lucas should be eating and doing. Telling the Captain to watch over him and if Lucas felt any light-headedness he was to come back immediately.
Two days had past since Lucas' fainting episode. The Captain and Kristen had kept a close eye on him as much as Lucas would allow over that time. It had been a tortuous task but it seemed that his fainting spell was a one off thing. But still they couldn't help but look out for their young friend. Nathan felt like he was a little puppy dog that was following his cherished owner around only to be told to go home again. Kristen on the other hand felt like an overprotective mother, watching as her child was growing up and moving slowly away from her.
The bridge was quiet, quieter than it had ever seemed to be. Nathan sat watching a Lucas worked, talking to Tim to see if the adjustments he was making were improving the system. He noticed when Lucas would look up every so often that there was a small glint in his eyes a sparkle that only every came to his eyes when he was truly happy and usually when he was unaware of the rest of the world. Nathan knew at that moment that Lucas was not only a friend but he was also a son to him. He had felt that way for a long time but now he truly knew it.
Suddenly the silence was broken as the alarm began to sound. "Sir we have been targeted." Miguel called to Bridger. "Mr. O'Neill, hale them"
"Trying Sir." Tim looked down to Lucas praying to God that he had reconnected everything right. Quietly Lucas prayed the same thing. "Sir...uh..." Tim looked down at Lucas, "Something's not right Lucas..."
"Mr. O'Neill?"
"I'm working on it Tim." Was Lucas' reply.
Lucas fiddled with various wires trying his hardest to find where the problem was.
"Captain," Miguel called, "They are preparing to fire."
"Tim...Lucas" Nathan's Stern voice was laced with fear.
Lucas continued fiddling. "Tim?"
"We have made contact Sir" Tim felt a flood of relief wash over him.
"You have crossed the boarder into non UEO territory please turn your vessel around." The Captain of the attacking sub was firm in his demands. Nathan and the attacking captain spoke for few more moments before Nathan ordered the SeaQuest to be turned around. Mumbling something about contacting Noyce as soon as possible. Lucas stood up and swept a hand through his hair. Nathan noticed that he looked pale again. "Lucas?"
Tim barely caught him in time as he fell towards the floor.