A/N- I'm so sorry this hasn't bee updated for a long time. Life's been crazy! Thanks for reading, and hope you enjoy!

Chapter Eight

Lee sat on his office floor, his back to the cold wall. Kara had given into sleep, laying on the floor with her head on his lap. He'd covered he with his uniform jacket, for the lack of anything better to use. He absently played with her hair. His shirt was damp from her tears, and his own were still drying on his face. He'd never seen Kara loose control so fully. It had scared him badly, seeing her standing there was a blade at her wrist. He'd never seen her as the suicidal type. She wasn't the suicidal type; that was why it had been so scary watching her.

The room felt like it was closing in on him, but he didn't move. The smell of ambrosia was thick in the air and he knew Cottle was going to go mad, but he couldn't bring himself to care. His mind was replaying that scene again, wondering how serious she had been. Did she really want to end her life or was it just a combination of the drink and sorrow? What would he have done had she pressed down a little harder? He didn't know and wouldn't find out until she woke. He couldn't blame her, in any way. His heart was aching for her.

She moved, blinking carefully. Her head ached, and her eyes felt swollen. She forced herself to sit up, groaning as stiff muscles protested. Sitting, she leaned against him slightly, warding off the chill from the floor. Her chest ached slightly, feeling tender inside from her wracking sobs. He had an arm wrapped around her, giving and taking comfort at the same time. Gods know, they both needed a little comfort right now.

"How long was I asleep?" She asked. Her voice was hoarse and scratchy, throat dry. She coughed a little, irritating her throat even more.

"About half an hour." He said, offering her a drink of water from the bottle at his side. "Talk to me." He said softly.

She couldn't find the words to describe what she had been feeling an hour before. She hadn't wanted to die; she just wanted the world to leave her alone, let her be happy for a few precious hours. Everything had gotten on top of her and she hadn't been able to get from under it. She felt better now, more like herself. It was like a dam had broken and the rush of emotion had been so intense she hadn't been able to cope with it. Her chest still ached from the all crying she had done.

"I can't tell you how I felt. Everything was just too much, I just needed it all to… to stop." She couldn't describe it any better than that. "I didn't want to die. At least, I don't think I did." She honestly didn't know how she had felt; everything was still a blur. She clenched her trembling hands into loose fists, trying to figure out how she was feeling. Leaning forward, she rested her head on her bent knees, wrapping her arms around them in a hug. Lee laid a gentle hand on her back, rubbing, soothing her with touch.

Those words were little comfort to him. She had badly scared him. He'd always thought of her as so tough, even when she was hurting. To see her breakdown like that was like being told the earth was no longer solid; like being told that Cylons were really the good guys. It had shaken him deeply. It had shaken her more, to go to that brink and not want to come back. She had been willing and able to jump from it, so desperate for release from her feelings.

He sighed, deeply, softly. "Gods, Kara… Never do that again. Never!" The lump in his throat wouldn't let him say any more.

She didn't get chance to reply. A quick, sharp rap at the door drew her attention that way, and she looked up sharply, already knowing who would be standing there. She closed her eyes, swiping a tired hand over them, rubbing away the still drying tears that were there. Her eyes were sore, and it felt nice to block out the harsh light for a few moments.

Lee stood, glancing resignedly around the room before opening the door. Helo stood there, hand raised slightly, as if he had been about to knock again. Lee sighed, glad it was Helo and not the commander, or worse, Cottle himself. "Doc Cottle sent me to find you. Is Kara with you?" Helo said quietly, stepping inside of the door.

Lee stepped away from the door, inventing Helo in. "She's here. What does Cottle want?" He glanced around the room, realising too late that there was still smashed glass all over the floor. Kara was still sat with her back to the cold wall, head down on her knees. She was ignoring the men, safe in her own little world. Her hair had fallen around her face, each strand catching the light so it looked like it was glowing.

Helo felt his eyebrows rise as he took in the smashed glass and spilled liquor. He didn't say a word, understanding the mess for what it was; a coping mechanism that, called on once too often, had failed when she needed it most. He felt for her, could hardly understand how she was coping so well with such tragic news.

"Doc says he wants Kara back in the sick bay now; he said it was something about her test results." Helo said, the urgency clear in his voice. "If you wanna take her back, I'll clear this up for you." He half turned, indicating the mess in the room. He moved his foot, glad for the thick sole of his boot as a shard of glass crunched under his weight.

"Am I dying?" Kara asked softly, surprised at how calm she felt. She pushed herself to her feet, stepping carefully over the glass. She looked tiny compared to the men. Barefoot, and in sweats, she looked vulnerable, delicate, like she needed someone to look after of her.

Helo turned, and she got to see the pain etched in his face. "He didn't say, Kara. He wouldn't tell me." His voice was quiet, soft, but she heard every word clearly. "I don't think so, Kara. I don't." He assured her quickly. Some slight thing in his face touched her, made her feel. She didn't want to die. She loved life too much to give it up for a stupid illness. Helo reached out and took her hand, feeling her pulse racing in her wrist.

Her world crumbled. She closed her eyes as hot tears raced down her cheeks. She didn't think she had any tears left to shed. Warm, strong arms wrapped around her and she clung to them, not caring enough to open her eyes to see which of her friends was holding her. Trusting them enough to keep her safe, not let her fly into a million shards like she thought she would if they let go. She was shaking, unable to get enough air because of her tears. She felt her knees grow weak, felt the person holding her take more of her weight as she let herself lean against them.

The strong grip around her relaxed slightly, and she tilted her head back, forcing her eyes open to see who was holding her. Lee stood in front of her, eyes full of concern, lingering on her face. He tilted his head forward slightly, kissing her with such tenderness that she melted, returning the kiss with all the longing in her. He moved his hand, cupping her cheek lovingly. He kissed her eyes, kissed away her tears. They never noticed Helo backing quietly from the room, a warm smile on his face as he watched them.

Helo paused in the hallway, leaning against the door while he decided what to do. He glanced at his watch, deciding that he had time to go back to sick bay before he started his shift. Cottle had been asking for volunteers for testing; Helo was going to be one of them. It was the least he could do to help his friend.