3. Borrow the Moonlight Until it is Through

Days like this made Laura wonder if perhaps the Lords of Kobol weren't on Baltar's side after all. After a week of cloud cover and drizzle and malcontent, the weather for the much lauded Ground-Breaking Ceremony was perfect. No one could have asked for a better day and everyone was taking advantage of the warm spell to wear some of their nicer clothes, Laura included.

It was the first time she'd been able to wear this red dress. Olivia, her neighbour to the east, had been hard at work making new clothes for everyone and insisted that Laura take it. It was such a beautiful colour, but it was also so lightweight that most days she would have had to wear a sweater over it, covering it all up. Plus, a long skirt wasn't exactly practical most days in the mud. But today she put it on and felt energized by its vibrancy.

The morning was filled with the usual tasks: eating, cleaning, and otherwise preparing for the day. But after eating lunch next door at Maya's, the routine was placed aside. Laura walked toward the centre of town, where everything had been set up for the ceremony and, more importantly, for the party afterward. She knew they were expecting a fair number of officers from the Galactica and the Pegasus and all the other ships left in the air. It was risky, leaving the ships so empty, but Laura knew that if the Cylons found them, there was nothing a few more soldiers up there could do about it.

As she walked she was constantly scanning her surroundings, looking to see who was here. Laura had to admit, if only to herself, that there was one particular person she was looking for most – and there he was. Doing what, exactly? She had to get closer before she could see and, when she did, she quickly stifled a giggle at the sight of William Adama burying his bare feet in the sand. That and the rather adorable moustache he now had. Not that she would ever tell him that she found it adorable.

Though maybe she should; the reaction would be priceless.

Instead she started walking toward him again. "I didn't expect to find you playing in the sand," she said, as she sat down beside him.

He looked at her for a moment, a smile playing on his lips. "It's not sand. It's alluvial deposits. This used to be the river mouth."

"And you just had to take off your shoes and play in the alluvial deposits," she replied, watching him with amusement. "How romantic," she added, before looking away. It had always treaded a fine line, this flirtation of theirs. But now, things between them were different; she wasn't the President anymore and that once firm barrier was looking shaky in the sunlight.

"That's a nice colour on you," he said, after a moment of silence.

"Thank you." She pulled the wrap forward slightly, covering up more of her skin. She told herself it was because of a sudden chill in the air.

"It's good to see you, Laura."

She nodded. "You too, Bill." After a moment, she rested her hand on his arm.

Together they watched the set-up for the ceremony. "Baltar tried to convince me to be a part of this," Laura said.

Bill looked at her. "And what did you tell him?"

She grinned. "I told him to go to hell, though not exactly in those words."

He was still looking at her, his blue eyes steady. "You still think this is a mistake," he said softly.

It wasn't a question, but she answered it anyway. "Yes, I do."

They sat in silence for a few more moments, until Lee appeared, bearing drinks for both of them in his hands. Laura took a grateful sip of hers, pleased to have a distraction to keep her from having that same conversation again.

New Caprica was doomed. She just knew it.

The Groundbreaking itself was dull at best. The symbolism of one shovel filled with dirt was something Laura had never completely understood, even before the end of the world. But at least she had good company for it, along with a healthy serving of alcohol. She had something else too, though she wasn't sure how Bill would react to that suggestion.

As the crowd began to disperse, she found herself standing with the Admiral beside one of the nearby tents. Everyone around them was caught up in the celebration. It made Laura smile, to see everyone so happy and carefree. They deserved it, they all did. Well, everyone except Baltar.

Now that they were reasonably alone – or as close as they were going to get – Laura decided to be brave. Reaching into the small pocket on the inside of her wrap, she pulled out the two joints inside. Bill was watching her, his eyes fixed on her hand.

"What's that?"

"Ah, these are something Tory brought to my attention the other day," she replied, handing one to him. "There's this plant that grows nearby here. I'm told that the effect of smoking it is quite relaxing, but I haven't tried it myself. Not yet."

Bill held the joint between his thumb and index finger. "This sure takes me back a long time," he said, smiling slightly.

"Admiral," she replied, with a grin, "I am shocked by this revelation."

He laughed. "You're the teacher. Aren't you supposed to be setting a good example for the children?"

Laura smiled, putting just a hint of suggestion into her voice. "Only in the classroom, Bill."

He laughed again and they both quickly lit up their joints, taking the first long drag. Laura sputtered a bit, inhaling too deeply at first. "It has been a long time," she said, answering his questioning gaze.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind of music and smiles and laughter, all seen through a haze of intoxication. Without a doubt, it was the best day New Caprica had ever seen. And one of the best Laura had seen for a very long time.

Somehow she found herself giving Bill the grand tour of the city. Or at least a tour of the way to her tent. It was getting late by the time they reached it. Laura looked up at the darkening sky, still thrilled at the sight of evening stars. She noticed a pile of sandbags nearby and walked toward them, then lay down to get a better look. She was surprised but also thrilled when Bill lay down beside her.

They talked and talked. Bill even sang for a bit, something Laura had never expected to hear. Somehow, as it got colder, she found herself curled up against him. And it felt so…right. They'd both been right before; it was good.

"Let's stop spending the little time we have left here worrying about when it's going to end."

She heard herself speaking and listening to herself she agreed. Yes. This was borrowed time. And she should stop worrying. Because where was it getting her? Nowhere.

And they should just enjoy this.

Bill had the same idea she did, apparently, as she felt his lips lightly press against hers. She sighed then giggled a bit as the moustache tickled her skin. She reached over, grabbing his far shoulder and using it to pull herself up partially onto his chest. She kissed him again as his arms wrapped around her back.

She let her forehead rest on his cheek. It would be so easy, she thought to herself, to just fall into this.

"Yes, it would be."

Laura laughed as she realized she'd spoken aloud. She shifted forward for one more kiss, before slowly returning to lie beside him.

"But we won't," she whispered. "Because one day it will end and then…we need to stay ready for it."

She wasn't sure if Bill agreed, but he didn't press the issue. Laura curled up closer to him, her eyelids beginning to feel very heavy. It wasn't long before the world went dark and her mind was filled with dreams…dreams in which certain barriers didn't exist.

It was pleasant – perhaps too pleasant – to wake up beside him in the morning. Her head ached from yesterday's drinking, though she still felt the effects of the joint. Slowly, she got up, carefully trying not to wake him.

She walked over toward Maya's tent. As usual, the smell of fresh breakfast greeted her before she reached the flap. Maya and the baby were the only ones there, but they had a feast ready. Eggs and sausage. Laura didn't know exactly how she would have gotten them, but right now it hardly mattered.

"Good morning, Maya."

Maya turned toward her. "Good morning. I was just about to bring two plates over for you."

Laura smiled. "I guess that secret's out."

Maya laughed. "Don't worry, I'll never tell a soul."

"Thank you." Laura walked over beside the crib, looking in to see Isis sleeping. "I'll save you the trip," she added, as she picked up the plates Maya had put together.

Maya called out to her as she was leaving with the food. "It was wonderful to see you having such a good time, Laura. You should relax more."

I wish I could, Laura thought.

She found Bill sitting up on the sandbags by the time she returned. "Breakfast?" she asked, holding the plate out to him.

"Thank you," he said. His eyes were still slightly unfocused, letting her know he was also still feeling the intoxication of last night. "This smells good."

"I know. Maya, who lives just over there, makes breakfast for everyone each morning. This is above and beyond what she normally makes though."

Laura sat down beside him, careful not to spill any of the precious meal. They ate in silence but it was a comfortable silence. After she finished, she let her head rest on his shoulder for a few moments, enjoying this time for just a little longer. His hand covered hers, his thumb slowly stroking her wrist.

"When do you have to leave?" she asked eventually.

"I'm expected back on Galactica by 1100 hrs."

"Mmm…that's not long."

"No, it's not," Bill said, as he finally got to his feet. He offered his hand to help her get up as well.

"Well, Admiral," she said as they started walking, heading toward the Raptors that would take the military officers back, "I do hope you have enjoyed your first visit to New Caprica City."

He smiled. "I have."

She smiled back, a happy hum in her throat. Bill reached out and grabbed her hand, squeezing it lightly.

"And trust me, Laura, I'll be back."