A/N: So, the next part... I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get any reviews. Still, enjoy, guys!

Without any rest he returned to Starbuck's side. The condition of the blonde had severely worsened, the shivers now had taken complete control of him and despite thick layers of blankets he was obviously freezing. Apollo saw how he tried to form a smile when he saw him, but failed miserably. His own wasn't considerably better he guessed.

The Captain sat down on the bed, cupping his Lieutenant's face with his hand and gave him a soft kiss. There was no knowing if it would help, still Apollo got out of his clothes slipping under the covers. Starbuck quickly curled up next to him - well, as quick as he could considering his condition. Trying to get some warmth into his lover, the brunette rubbed Starbuck's arms holding him as close as possible. Apollo soon began to sweat, but Starbuck remained cold, goose bumps covering his whole body.

By now Apollo began to feel sick, running to the turboflush and barely making it. Well, that had been easier than he'd anticipated... He rinsed his mouth then he returned to Starbuck's side, seeing understanding and then horror in his friend's eyes.

„By the Lords of Kobol, no... I infected you too!"

These words were barely audible and slightly stuttered due to the chattering of his teeth, but Apollo could make them out. Calmly he answered:

„I wanted you to, Star. The only clue to a cure was that healing comes through the beloved person and we already tried other approaches, so I took the last step."

„You really shouldn't have, `Pol... I love you too much to let you die!"

„Don't you know I don't want to live without you anymore? I couldn't, it would be worse than after Serina's death."

Trying to lighten the mood, he added;

„Besides, we've always been lucky, especially you. We'll make it through this too."

Of course he did not mention his hidden letters, Starbuck needed hope.

During this conversation Apollo had put on some pants and was now calling for Salick. His own treatment had to begin.

Salick was shocked by these news and immediately told Commander Adama. In no time Apollo's devastated father was with them. Luckily Salick had kept quiet about the deliberateness of this infection.

„Apollo..."

Helplessness and the fear to loose his last son were clearly obvious in this word, for once Adama did not hide his emotions. He stood next to the bed Apollo was now lying in, a hand on his son's shoulder.

„Father..."

Neither could find any words to say, the situation being somehow surreal. Apollo one one hand had made his peace, fully prepared to die and it seemed as if the Commander knew that. Adama on the other hand had a hard time catching up on it.

This lasted for a few centons, then the alarm signaling attacking cylons rang, calling him to the bridge. With one glance he saw his pilots wouldn't have to many problems with them, still he was reminded sharply of the fact this time two of his bests pilots wouldn't be among the fighters. And just the two that were the heart and soul of this team... 20 centons later the battle was over, luckily with only few casualties.

In the meantime Salick had never stopped trying to find something that would help Starbuck and Apollo. The Lieutenant was getting worse and worse, absolutely nothing seemed to work. Very worried Salick watched him closely, the blonde didn't seem so cold anymore and for a moment he dared to hope some of the medicines had helped, but he was proven wrong when he saw Starbuck convulsing. The third stage...

Apollo of course had seen it too and all color drained from his face. Salick was well aware that if Starbuck died, Apollo would stop fighting and therefore succumb even faster to Mystica. If he could just find something!

The Captain could barely move anymore, drops of sweat on his forehead, yet goose bumps on his arms. Salick tried to get him as comfortable as possible, but there was not much he could do. Every centar Adama called to get an update on the conditions of his son and Starbuck, Salick never had good news for him though.

You could practically see how quick the spasms were draining Starbuck, his vitals were getting worse and worse, he was panting for air until eight centars later he fell unconscious.

Apollo had reached the second stage when he woke again, the same coldness that had held Starbuck in its grasp now also taking hold of him. Salick had left for a moment, so the two were alone.

„Star?"

Apollo's teeth were chattering, because he was freezing so much. For a moment Starbuck didn't respond, then a moan and a barely perceptible whispered „`Pol" acknowledged he had heard his lover.

„I've been thinking about this for a while... I love you and would like us to be official, so please, my Starbuck, get sealed with me. It might be our last chance..."

Starbuck would have smiled if he hadn't been paralyzed by now again and the only muscles he could use were those of his mouth.

„Yes, I would be proud to..."

This simple answer spoken with absolute certainty and doubtlessness managed to chase some of Apollo's coldness away.

Soon after this conversation Salick came back and Apollo asked him to talk to his father so he could get them sealed. It might not be completely legal, but by no means illegal.

They didn't have to wait very long for Adama who had put on his best uniform, in his hands the silver chain that would bind them forever. Apollo could sense he was still getting used to the idea of the two of them being together and only did it for his son.

The two beds were pushed close, then the Captain reached for Starbuck's hand, even there easily feeling the strained, paralyzed muscles. The weight of the chain was still familiar and for a moment Apollo allowed himself to think of Serina. No doubt he had loved and grieved for her, but with Starbuck it was so much stronger...

Adama sighed inwardly when he'd finished. Not that he didn't like the Lieutenant, he did, he just hadn't quite given up on the thought of grandchildren and wasn't really sure if Starbuck could make Apollo happy. Well, so far he had, they would have to wait and see...

A/N: So, how did you like it? I'm not entirely happy about it, but it was the best I could do.