A/N: Finally, finally the last chapter... Enjoy, guys! :-)

A few centons later Salik barely believed his own eyes when he checked the instruments and took a look at his two patients. They were getting better rapidly. Sure, he had never stopped testing antidotes, but he hadn't put much faith in it. Soon Starbuck's paralyzation was gone, indicated first by small movement of his fingers and toes, then the lower and upper arms and legs and at last his neck. Apollo's shivers subsided, gradually the goose bumps disappeared.

Well, whatever it was that had helped, Salik just hoped it was final, not another nasty little trick of Mystica. For a little time he busied himself with checking every single reading on his instruments, still absolutely taken aback. The scientist in him wished to know exactly how this could have happened right under his nose and was partly offended there was no way he would ever find out.

With a simultaneous rather swift movement both sat up, looking at the Doc. It was Apollo who finally asked:

„Dr. Salik, is it over?"

„Well, truth be told, I don't know. Sure looks like it, though I'll have to keep you here for a few days to be sure. If you're still well then, I think it's safe to say, you're fine."

Apollo did not quite know what to believe. He clearly remembered the words he had read:

"The only way of healing is through a beloved person, through that both can be healed."

Could it be that the sealing... ? He outright refused to believe it, he chose the simple, logic explanation: Salik had found a cure, that was it. It didn't really matter though, the main issue was they were both fine. Once more they had made it... They had cheated death again.

Salik left to call the Commander to tell him these unexpected great news. As soon as he'd gone Starbuck and Apollo turned to face each other, their eyes locking. Unspoken words of love, trust, faith and relief were exchanged before they bent forward. The kiss they shared was needed so much by both and quickly it became very, very passionate, only to be interrupted when Salik came back and cleared his throat loudly - multiple times. Apollo was a little embarrassed at being caught like this, especially when he noticed in the heat of the moment Starbuck had somehow ended up sitting on his lap. No comment on the situation was made, the Doc only announced:

„Commander Adama is on his way."

Indeed he was, not even 5 centons later Adama arrived, wanting to see with his own eyes how much better the patients were. He welcomed the sight that greeted him: Apollo and Starbuck sitting (by now separate) on their beds, both obviously awake and alert. For a moment Adama just drank in the scene, allowing happiness to fill him until it felt as if he'd burst. To give it some outlet he hugged both and then sat down next to his son. Half a centar passed quickly with light chatter, then Salik ushered the Commander out of the room to allow his patients to rest. They might have protested, their bodies betraying them though when they fell asleep a few centons later, their hands once again joined. Salik only smiled when he saw them. A love like that was so rare...

The next visitor was an overjoyed Boxey hurling himself at his father with teary eyes. Apollo kissed his cheeks while cradling him in his arms tightly, relishing in the feeling to hold him close again. Boxey was shivering, clearly still scared, so Apollo just held him firmly, whispering words of comfort in his ear. Finally the young boy looked up asking the question most important to him, fear and hope both evident in his voice:

„Is it true you are well again?"

„It looks that way, but we'll have to stay here for a few more days just to be sure."

Now Boxey sighed and at last relaxed completely in his father's arms.

Athena wasn't far behind and for once it was obvious she lacked words to express how happy she was. Instead she just hugged them both and gave them a kiss on the cheek.

For the next few days Salick had a hard time dealing with his patients since of course neither of those two warriors liked being confined to just one room. The better they got the more restless they became, so the doc was very relieved when he could finally allow them to leave, but not without specific instructions to keep it easy for at least the next secton and to stay away from alcoholic beverages. At that Starbuck groaned playfully, joking if he hadn't been deprived of his beloved ambrosa long enough. As response Apollo laughed and slapped him on the back of his head lightly. Salick was by now used to that behavior, so he only mumbled:

„Go, take that somewhere else! You've annoyed me long enough!"

It was known all over the Galactica that Apollo and Starbuck would be back today. The general feeling was relief, since both were very well liked. Only few people felt differently, but those knew better than to show it openly, they acted as if they were happy too.

Once outside their room the two warriors were met by Boxey, Boomer, Jolly and Greenbeam intending to drag them to the OC to celebrate. His son was begging Apollo to pick him up and carry him, a request the father granted readily. Immediately the boy snuggled closer, resting his head on Apollo's shoulder, his arms tightly around his neck. The brunette smiled, but it was a smile mixed with a little melancholy. Soon the boy would be to old for that, and a little after that there wouldn't be public displays of affection anymore... Well, at least he would live to see it!

With that thought he turned his head to look at Starbuck grabbing his hand tightly. The blond looked at him a little puzzled, he had picked up his lover's emotions, yet he hadn't been able to guess where they came from.

„Explain that to me later!" He mouthed.

„I will." was the silent answer.

By then they had reached the crowded OC, every pilot off duty, no matter the squadron, was there to welcome them. Sheba and Bojay, seemingly a little more than friends, were one of the first to greet them, to express their gratitude that they were back. Apollo was glad, he'd always felt a little guilty for ending things with her.

For an hour Apollo and Starbuck enjoyed the festivities, then they exchanged a look and excused themselves quietly. They were getting tired, moreover Boxey's bedtime was due. The boy had been rather quiet, sitting on Apollo's lap calmly for the last 15 centons, a sure sign he was pretty tired. So they left, Boxey, who had grabbed a hand of each man, between them.

Putting the boy to bed had always been a little ceremony the three of them luxuriated in, today it was even more special. Neither would take it for granted again... They sat closely together on the youngster's bed after having tucked him in, the adults taking turns in reading the bedtime story until sleep overtook Boxey. After good night kisses they left the room and settled in the living area.

For a while nothing was said, the mere presence of the other was enough. As their eyes met it was like a small fire suddenly supplied with unlimited oxygen, their always lingering passion was kindled into full blown desire within a split second. It was a miracle they made it to the bedroom before they were all over each other. Despite the long period that had passed since their last time neither of them wanted to be quick, they wished to revel in every second, to imprint every single moment on their memories. It was a necessity after all they had been through in the last sectons, a celebration of life and the love they shared.

Much later, after both were sated, they lay on the bed, Starbuck caressed Apollo's face.

„Now, `Pol, tell me, what was that sadness I saw earlier?"

Apollo smiled.

„I should have known you'd see that... Well, I was thinking it won't be too long until Boxey is grown up, soon there won't be good-night kisses or hand holding anymore."

„And soon he'll have the ladies fighting for his attention..."

It was said to lighten Apollo up and it succeeded, he laughed.

„I'm not so sure I want to think about that!"

„Well, I know an unfailing way to prevent you from thinking..."

That low murmur together a the soft kiss placed on Apollo's throat signaled the beginning of round two. A challenge the Captain met with a deep, rich laughter and a wide smile.

„I love you, Starbuck!"

„And I love you, ´Pol. More than I could ever imagine loving someone."

- THE END -

A/N: Now, what do you think? Me, I'm okay with it, even though it's not been my best writing ever... Please, please review!