A month and a half pass by slowly, but finally, Billy is packing his pack up, double checking that he has plenty of ammunition. He looks up as Erik walks into the room. Erik, who has grown into a very handsome man, smiles at him. "Dr. Grant said you needed someone to drive the boat to the island. I'm here to volunteer."

"You know how dangerous this is, right, Erik?"

"I know and I'm going on the island with you. You can try and stop me, but we both know that's not going to happen." Erik grins at him. "So, just let me go without all the arguing."

Billy sighs. "Okay. Just... You know the risks and you still want to go with me?"

"Absolutely." Erik nods and gestures to the pack he's got on his back. "I've got a parachute, just in case. I've got weapons and I packed food and some extras just in case we get stuck on the island. I also have rock climbing equipment."

Billy smiles, shaking his head. "You're prepared. Good to know. You've been rock climbing before?"

"And base jumping." Erik moves closer, looking over Billy's weapons. "Nice. The Beretta ARX-160, yeah?"

Billy laughs. "Yeah. I've also got a Bushmaster ACR. Is there one you'd prefer?"

"I've got a Barrett REC7. Do you have enough ammo for both?"

"I have a lot of extra ammo." Billy grins. "I've also packed a chute and food and some extras in case of an overnight or two. I also have a parachute and I have a couple of handguns. Two glocks and a berretta."

"Good for the compys. And maybe the raptors." Erik nods. "Okay, tomorrow at noon is the best time. Otherwise we'll be climbing in the wind and possible rain."

Billy nods. "You have a room?"

"No."

"Planned on crashing with me?"

"Yeah." Erik smiles at him before looking over his shoulder when the door opens. "Dr. Grant?"

"Erik. You got here. Billy, you'll be taking Erik with you?"

"Yeah. He's offered."

Erik watches, frowning a little as Billy shakes Alan's hand. "Alan, thanks for calling him."

"Well, I couldn't let you do it on your own and I can't go back to the island. I can't."

Billy shakes his head and grins. "It's fine. I know you can't. I don't blame you. I wouldn't be going back if I didn't have to take care of the Spinos."

Alan nods and glances at Erik. "Erik, it's good to see you. You look good. Any ideas on what you want to study in college?"

Erik gives him a small smile. "I think I'm planning on studying animal biology. Specifically, dinosaur. Since it's a relatively small field right now, I think I'd like that."

Billy turns and grins at him. "Well, once we put the Spino down, you can do the autopsy."

"It's called necropsy in animals." Erik smiles back.

Billy rolls his eyes. "Whatever. If we can do a field necropsy, you're welcome to it. I have a feeling though that we'll have the raptors on us the second the Spino goes down."

Erik nods. "Oh well. There's going to be other times that I can do field necropsies on dinosaurs. We can try to maybe get one of the eggs. There are ways to stop the fertilization process..."

"No," Billy and Alan say at the same time. "No taking the eggs." Billy smiles and shakes his head. "We can't."

Erik nods. "Okay. I'll do what you want."

Billy smiles at him. "Good. Now, you and I need to get some sleep. Alan, we'll see you in the morning before we go." He opens the door for Alan, murmuring goodbye.

Alan waves a little and walks out. Billy turns to Erik. "You need a shower before bed?"

"I'll shower in the morning if you don't mind."

"No, that works. I'll go now, so we can get going in the morning."

Erik nods and watches Billy walk into the bathroom. He packs up the rest of Billy's stuff and flops down onto the bed, sighing. Then he remembers to get up and look around. There's only one bed? Erik smiles a little. He's been harbouring a crush on Billy for years. It's one of the reasons he'd jumped at the chance Alan had offered him. A chance to spend days with Billy was something he could not pass up. He'd seen the way Billy had looked at Alan. It stood to reason, in his mind, that since Alan seemed to have no intention of giving Billy what he wanted, maybe Erik could get what he wanted.

Erik changes into a pair of pajama pants and looks over as Billy steps out of the bathroom. He's got only a towel wrapped around his waist and he's still wet from the shower. Erik wonders for a moment if Billy can see the drool forming before he forces himself to look away.

Billy looks up from where he's looking for his watch. He catches the look Erik's giving him and he sighs a little. He has to admit that he likes Erik and the boy has turned into a gorgeous man, but he's still in love with Alan. It had taken him a long time to admit it to himself, but he'd never love anyone else.

He pulls on some boxers under his towel, knowing that Erik is watching him. Then he uses the towel to finish drying off. "You take the bed. I'm going to crash on the floor."

"We can share, Billy."

"Nah. I'm used to sleeping on the floor. I almost always end up that way anyhow. I find most mattresses are too soft for me." Billy smiles and grabs a pillow and one of the blankets off the bed. He makes himself a bed on the floor, glancing up as Erik peers over the edge. "It's okay, Erik, I promise."

"Are you sure? I don't mind sharing."

Billy grins. "I'm positive." He settles into his makeshift bed and closes his eyes.

The next morning, Billy is up and getting ready by the time Erik wakes up. "Hey sleepy head. It's already eight in the morning and we need to get going. The boat ride will take at least three hours. It's a thirty minute ride to the docks where the boat we're renting is, so..."

Erik yawns as he crawls out of bed. "I can be ready in twenty minutes."

"Okay. Go on. Hurry though."

Erik nods and heads into the bathroom. Sure enough, twenty minutes later Erik is coming out of the bathroom, wearing a pair of jeans and a towel around his shoulders. "Just need a shirt and some shoes."

Billy watches him, surprised at the surge of lust- but when he remembers that it's been a good seven months since he had sex, it's no wonder. He shakes his head and double checks his pack. "Okay. Ready to go?"

Erik nods and picks up his pack. "Yeah. Let's get going."

They both grab their packs and head down to the lobby. Alan looks up from his paper. "You're both ready to leave?"

"Yeah." Billy smiles at him. "You gonna give us a ride to the docks?"

"That's why I'm up." He gets to his feet and looks at Erik. "And you're sure about this?"

"Positive. I know it sounds crazy, but..." Erik licks his lips and looks between the two men he's admired most in his life. "I need the closure of going to the island again in a not sterilized setting."

Alan sighs. "I wish I could agree with you."

"Doesn't matter. We can't stand here arguing all day." Erik shoulders his pack and leads the way out to the rental. He glances back, noting the way Billy and Alan talk in hushed tones. They're the same. They've barely changed in the years that they were apart. He sighs, noting that Billy is carrying the rifles in an oversized duffle bag. At least they both trust him to watch Billy's back. That's something he didn't think he'd have. Especially when he'd told his parents why he was coming back. They thought he was crazy and his mom had forbidden him to come.

He shakes his head as he loads his pack in the trunk, taking Billy's bags from him and loading them as well. After a little less than half an hour, they're at the docks. Erik loads the boat while Billy and Alan talk.

"Just promise me that you won't take any unnecessary risks. I want you back in one piece, Billy. I want..."

Billy nods. "I do too. I'll be back in a couple days. It might take a while, Alan, but I will be back and we will start over. I'm coming to California. I accepted a teaching job in San Diego. Same college you're at."

Alan smiles and touches Billy's shoulder. "Good. I'll see you in a couple days then."

"You bet." Billy licks his lips. "I have to go."

"I'll see you."

"Yeah. See ya." Billy climbs in the boat with Erik and looks at the younger man. "Let's get this done."

Erik nods and starts the boat, letting out a little sigh as they start to head for Isla Sorna.

Erik gets them as close as possible to the cliffs and throws out a rope, catching over a rock. He and Billy pull the boat closer and Billy changes into his climbing gear. He puts his pack on and hooks the duffle bag with their weapons around him. He grabs onto the cliff face and looks at Erik. "Get your climbing gear on."

Erik nods and changes quickly, hefting his pack over his shoulders. Billy starts up the cliff face, Erik following behind. He watches Billy, noting where he puts his hands and feet and does his best to make sure he stays on the same track.

"Is free climbing really the best idea?" Erik asks when they're about halfway up.

"We're not technically free climbing. But you got a better idea?"

"Yeah, we go back, get a chopper and have it drop up on the Spino's head." Erik laughs a little, leaning against the cliff face. "No?"

""Fraid not, Erik. Just keep moving," Billy suggests, already several feet above Erik. "We get up over this next ridge, we can't go back."

"Oh yay." Erik rolls his eyes and starts climbing again.

Billy laughs. "Just keep moving and it won't seem so daunting."

"Says you," Erik mutters, following Billy until Billy goes up and over the ridge. "How do I do this?"

"There's a good handhold right near the edge. Grab onto it. Pull yourself up. Reach over the edge and use your arms. You've got great definition in your arms, kiddo. Use it for once."

Finally, they reach the top and Erik watches Billy climb up and over the side. After a few moments, Billy sends a rope over the edge. "Grab on and I'll pull you up. The wind is kicking up."

Erik grabs the rope, wrapping his hands and feet around it. "I got it."

Billy starts pulling him up, grabbing his hand when Erik's within reach. He pulls him up, grunting with the effort. "Damn, kid. You're not exactly a lightweight are you?"

Erik smiles a little. "I weigh what's normal." He straightens up and dusts off his hands and clothes. "You're a lot stronger than you look."

"Have to be when you're free climbing." Billy smiles and picks up his bags again. "Let's get going. We're kind of out in the open here."

Erik nods, following Billy into the trees.

Night falls quickly and before they can get to the Spino's nest. Billy leads the way up a tree and they make their beds among the thick branches.

The next day, they begin walking again. Midday comes and goes and Erik sits down on a fallen tree. "Billy, I have to stop."

Billy turns, smiling at him. "Thought you were in shape, Erik."

Erik snorts. "I thought I was too. But you're in much better shape. How is that?"

Billy grins. "I go on hikes. I go mountain climbing. I go base jumping. I work out." He touches the scars on his face. "A lot of these scars tend to stiffen up if I don't use them. Particularly the ones in my arms and legs. And my back, I have to be really careful of." Billy shrugs. "Sucks, but it keeps me healthy and in shape."

"You should let me work out with you."

"Sure. You can come down and go hiking with me or free climbing. You probably don't want to go with my regular fitness routine. I do yoga to keep flexible."

Erik smirks at him. "How flexible are you?"

Billy laughs and shakes his head. "You won't be finding out, unless it's needed on our expedition here." He starts walking. "Come on. Sitting is more likely to make you want to stay put."

Erik grumbles, but gets to his feet and starts following Billy. It doesn't take them long to get to the Spino's nesting site. Billy gives Erik one of the shotguns. "Take this. If you see the Spino, shoot her. Do not hesitate. You hesitate, we die." Billy grabs the other assault rifle and begins climbing down the hill.

Erik watches his ascent and before long, he nods, noting that Billy's making his way down to the eggs. Erik checks the perimeter, shivering as a sudden wind picks up. "C'mon, Billy. Destroy the eggs."

Billy glances around and picks up one of the eggs, crushing it to the ground. One down, four to go. He sighs. Part of him feels bad about this- these are living creatures and he's killing them without a second thought. He remembers the damage one Spinosaurus had done and crushes another egg. Quickly, all the eggs are destroyed and he can hear a roar in the distance. That's definitely the Spino, so he runs for the hill and starts scrambling up it. He's up and over by the time the Spino appears in the clearing and he pulls out his rifle, aiming it at the Spino. "Please let this work. Please let this work." He repeats it over and over, under his breath, glancing at Erik whose mouth is moving in silent prayer.

"Aim for her eyes," he murmurs, taking aim. "On the count of three."

They both count slowly and on the count of three, pull the trigger. It takes several shots, but finally, the dinosaur goes down, twitching. Billy climbs to his feet and then freezes. "Aw, damn."

"What?"

"Raptors. Closing in on the body. I don't think we'll be of interest when they've got such a big meal, but let's get the hell out of here." He shoves the guns back in the bags and pulls Erik to his feet. "Keep a handgun out. There's probably still predators on the island."

"Billy, why don't we go back down the cliff?"

"Because that wind will kill us. We try jumping, it'll just slam us against the wall. The boat's probably long gone by now."

Erik nods, frowning. "Shouldn't we at least check?"

"Sure, we can check." Billy shoulders the bag of guns and his pack. "Let's go." He leads the way back to the cliffs where the wind buffets them back.

Erik drops to the ground and shimmies forward. He winces. "The boat has been smashed to bits. Billy, how are we getting off the island?"

Billy smiles and helps Erik to his feet when he scoots back. "I've got Alan on standby out in the main ship that we used for tours. I send up a flare, they'll have someone on the beach in fifteen minutes. So now we have to get to the other side of the island to send the flare up."

"Why don't we stick to the perimeter?"

Billy just looks at him. "You should know better than anyone that while the raptors control the compound, the bigger predators like the edges. They have room there for more of them to exist."

Erik sighs. "We don't have a way out."

"Yes, we do. Same way we got out before. Same way I got out when I had the whole island to traverse by myself. We walk the island. We do our best to walk the island. We have guns and food and camping gear. We're as prepared as we can be for this."

"Right. And if we can take down the Spino, we can take down anything, right?" Erik looks at him hopefully.

Billy nods. "Absolutely. Now, let's get going 'cause it's about to start storming." Billy points up to the darkened sky. "We need to make the trees before it gets much worse."

Erik nods. "So, we run?"

"Jog. Try not to draw too much attention to us." Billy starts for the nearest copse of trees, Erik on his heels.

Two days later, they're on the beach, both flopped down, breathing hard. It's still pouring and the trek through the jungle had been hard and difficult, but they'd made it without much difficulties. Now they were waiting after sending off the flare to have Alan to come and get them.

Erik looks over at him and rolls to his side. "You were amazing. How'd you know the right route that would lead us past the dangerous animals?"

"I've been studying this island for years. It's become my life. I know where nearly everything on this island is. Their hiding spots, where they eat, where they sleep. Where the animals go to mate, where they go to bear their young. No one could ever know this island as well as I do." Billy shrugs a little. "Not necessarily a good thing, but..."

Erik shakes his head. "I think it is." He leans over and kisses Billy, placing his hand over Billy's chest to hold him down, hoping he won't get pushed away.

Billy kisses him back for a moment- just for that one moment, it's nice to be wanted- but his better sense grabs hold and he pushes Erik back. "Erik, no. Look..."

"I'm sorry." Erik sits up, curling his knees up to his chest. "I'm sorry. I just want you so much."

Billy sits up and scoots closer, wrapping an arm around Erik's shoulders. "No. You don't. You think I'm what you want, but I'm an old man compared to you, kid. You need someone you have something besides life and death in common with."

"But you're still in love with Alan."

"Always will be. The difference is... I never thought he was all knowing and so amazing that no one could compare. He has flaws. Many flaws. I love him because of those flaws, not in spite of them."

Erik sighs and leans against Billy. "I wish things were different."

"I know, kid. I know. I wish I could love you the way you deserve to be loved." Billy kisses the side of his head and gets to his feet when he sees the approaching boat. "Let's go. They've come for us."

Erik follows Billy onto the boat and he watches, his heart breaking as Alan grabs Billy and hugs him, bending their heads together to kiss. He hears Billy laugh and sees him throw his arms around Alan, kissing him harder. After a few moments, Erik turns away, staring out over the sea. Someday, he'll have what they have.

The End