Disclaimer – These people did not originate in my imagination, although they seem to be there a lot nowadays, so I make no claims on 'em.

Rating – M. Keep on keepin' on, the rating is going to be worth it soon, like, really, really soon.

A/N – I got stuck in the worst kind of way on this story. I hope this pleases.

Reviewer Smooches –

Aleja – I'm glad! Here it is.

Abelard – This chapter should give you a good L/K fix. ;-)

Emily – Ha! You pegged me. Can you imagine, though? All those poor lonely women on the fleet, seeing a glimpse of that fine, fine pilot when they showed the clip – I bet there would be a stampede of women with chipped polish all over him.

Lilrebelgirl – Thanks!

Midnightair – You make me blush. The check is in the mail.

Greensleeves – Your story blows me away. I love how you've used this same bit of info to weave such a great story. Thanks for commenting on mine.

Nytel – I'm glad you decided to read it. It's more a hint of spoiler then any kind of big reveal. Thanks for the sweet reviews.

Chapter Four

He is grateful for her and at the same time ashamed that he has broken down so completely in front of her. His pride seems extra fragile in her presence, and as much as he trusts her, he feels the slightest twinge of angst that once again she has swooped in to save him. He scoots away from her embrace, then rises quickly to his feet. He tries, vainly, to regain his composure. Surprised, she stands and raises an eyebrow.

"Kara, I…" He starts, wanting to remove himself as quickly as possible.

"Lee. Don't be weird." She puts a finger on his lips. "And don't you dare try to shut me out again."

Her finger presses lightly into his skin, he hopes she doesn't notice the shiver it sends through him. He instantly chastises himself for even allowing his body to react to her touch. He closes his eyes, maybe if he isn't looking at her, he thinks, maybe he'll stop wanting to reach out and touch her face, stop needing to feel her smooth ivory skin under his hands, stop wanting to feel her underneath him. His brain is telling him to run while he still has half a chance, but every nerve under his skin and every instinct in him is telling him to stay. Her finger drops from his lips and he exhales.

He lets his eyes open, to find her standing within inches of him. As if pulled by gravity, he grabs her shoulders and pulls her into him. When his mouth hits hers it is desperate, searching, rough. At first, she is too shocked to respond, then she is kissing him as intensely as she has ever kissed anyone. He pushes her against the door behind her and presses his body into hers. She writhes against him, breaking the kiss to move her lips down his neck. She feels, more than hears, the low groan in his throat as he slides a hand under her tank to cup a breast. Her breath hisses out in pleasure and he kneads the soft flesh under her bra.

He won't let himself think about how he is fraking up the one good thing in his life.

She fumbles with the fasteners on his flight suit until it falls open. He shucks it and kicks it behind him, under the desk. Returning to her, now wearing only shorts and a tank that matches hers, he resumes kissing her. Soon, they are both panting and grasping at each other. Shorts are discarded or pushed out of the way and then he is inside her.

"Kara. Kara. Oh gods what you do to me," he whispers into her neck and his hips rock back and forth. He feels her muscles tense, and she begins to moan, quietly at first, then growing as she nears her peak. He increases his speed and pressure as she digs her nails into his back. Soon she explodes around him, grinding and moaning. White explodes behind his eyes as he joins her release.

And then it's over. And he knows it was a mistake.

He rights his clothing and turns from her, shamed. "You should go," he says gruffly.

"What?" She is hurt, he can see it in her eyes. He puts on his coldest face, the one he reserves for the women he "entertains" on his shore leaves. Recognition washes over her face. He sees tears spring into her eyes before she quickly blinks them away. Her own reserve comes down around her like a curtain.

"We're done here, right?" He asks, moving to sit at his desk. When she doesn't move he nods at the door. "That's still the only way out."

"Frak you," she says in almost a whisper.

"I think you already did."

She turns on her heel and leaves. He puts his head in his hands and begins to shake. He knows she deserves something better than him. Kara and Paya both deserve better.

…………………………………………………………

Three Days Later

Raisa pours her old friend a strong drink and squeezes next to her on the small sofa.

"I told you to talk to him Kara," she says with a kind smile.

"I know. I should have stopped it. Now the motherfraker won't even look at me." Kara downs the drink in one gulp. Wrapped up in one of Raisa's quilts, eyes puffy and red, she looks defeated. "Thank you for letting me stay here."

"No problem, doll. Stay as long as you want. It's a little crowded, with me, Paya, the kitten, the turtle and the guinea pig, but you are more than welcome." She squeezes Kara's knee. "Speaking of Paya, she should be back any minute. She'll be glad to see you. After she met you the last time you were here I thought I'd never hear the end of it. 'When's Kara coming back?' 'Can I call Kara?' 'Kara's sooo nice.'" Raisa shakes her head and laughs.

"She's a cool kid." Kara wipes her eyes on the sleeve of her sweatshirt. "I see a lot of Zak in her. She has his smile."

"I wish I had known him better." Raisa pauses for a moment. "Are you angry with him?"

"Zak? Not really. I was at first, but it just seemed silly to be mad at him now. Frak, I made plenty of mistakes when we were together. If he hadn't, well… there wouldn't be a Paya."

As if on cue, the little girl burst through the hatch.

"KARA!" She shouts when she sees her new hero. She springs through the small living area and up onto Kara's lap. "You're here!"

"Hiya, Stinkerbell! I missed you so much I had to come back." Kara hugs the girl tightly.

"Are you okay? Your face is all red and your nose is runny." Paya looks up at Kara with concern. Solemnly, she feels the older woman's forehead. "Are you sick?"

"No, honey. Just dumb. Seeing you makes me feel much better."

"Good. Wanna have play tea party?"

"Sure. I'll bring the pretend brownies."

On her way to the bedroom to get her tea set, Paya turns abruptly and looks intently at Kara.

"You're sad because of Lee. He hurt your heart."

Kara feels her mouth fall open. She turns quickly to Raisa, who smiles just slightly.

"Smart girl, that Paya," Raisa says, winking at Kara.

"It'll be okay, though. He loves you as much as you love him. He just doesn't know it yet." Paya smiles, and continues into the back room.

TBC Can you guess which character is the Catalyst in the title?

S.F.S.