I was swept away by the response to the last chapter, thank you so much for the responses! This one probably ended a bit angstier than some of you would have expected (including me) but we'll... Obviously another pre-christmas chapter, still on time ;).

The first chapter ever with a switch in perspective...

Disclaimer: I don't own BSG.

December 1803

Distance and Denial

William Adama

The following week was agony, there was no word from Laura, nothing. He couldn't quite make sense of it. She hadn't looked that upset, on the other hand he knew she was a great actress. And what had she meant with doing "something stupid"? Those were far too many questions for a practical man like him. He didn't like the not-knowing, the games women played for their amusement. But probably he had brought it upon himself by acting so foolishly. A sad old man he was indeed.

There was the possibility of contacting her, of course, but the Commander felt that this would be too forward.

At the same time, Kara seemed to become more and more acclimatised to high society, if she noticed Bill's distress, at least she never mentioned it. She also didn't mention any gossip involving Laura, one thing Bill was eternally grateful for. One Wednesday, as letter arrived containing an invitation to the New Year's Ball Lord and Lady Adar would host. When he casually mentioned it over supper, Kara only quirked an eyebrow.

"You know Papa, I was wondering when you would tell me. Mr Connoy and Mrs De Biers have already mentioned it. After the last ball I was sure we would be invited again. I am very much looking forward to it, so please let us go! It is not as if we have somewhere else to be anyway."

There was nothing to be said in denial and as much as Bill detested the thought of stiff celebrations, there would be some positive effects.

Firstly, Kara wouldn't be sulking but having a good time, even though there was always the danger of a scandal and her going wild in society. Secondly, it could become tolerable with enough alcohol. Thirdly, and his main reasoning, Laura could be there. It was even very likely that she would be there. At least he could see her then, judge her reaction and maybe they could talk out whatever had come in between them. Or he could make it worse. But that was a risk he would gladly take.

Laura Roslin

She had wanted to contact Bill, really she had, but something had always held her back.

Maybe the fear of rejection, to find out that in the meantime her friend had realized what he had done and didn't want any thing to do with her anymore.

Maybe the panic that this simple kiss could lead to something bigger, something honest and real. She was not ready for totally honest and definitely not for real.

And he was dangerous, this one intimate caress of lips had showed her how addicting he could be, how quickly he was pulling her into his orbit. It was irrational and she had to reign in her turmultaneous feelings and slightly inappropriate thoughts first.

So she kept her distance, even though she had started to miss him far more quickly than her rational thoughts had anticipated. She didn't like the feeling of not being able to call at his place or to write a letter with some thoughts, it made her feel unsettled. Something was in disorder. It was only then that Laura realized that Bill (and the Adama family in general) had become part of her life. A somehow upsetting thought for a woman like her.

The invitation by Lord and Lady Adar didn't come unexpected - also there was no way she wouldn't go. She had nothing else to do on the day, she could use it to strengthen her connections and she could use some amusement.

If Bill was there - well she would deal with it in case it happened. No point in worrying about it now.

Just a short interlude - it will be Christmas next so get excited!