The Sixth Day of Christmas!!
title: A Year Of Celebrations
author: redrockcan
words: 3420 (give or take)
rating: M or MA (I never know these things)
A/N: This started as a short fic (LOL) and just grew and grew. I would have liked to spend maybe another month editing it, but alas today is my day. My initial idea was Bill fulfilling a year of celebrations in a week. I pretty much finished writing this and am posting and running away to eat and drink!! Anyway, I hope you enjoy and happy new year to all!!
This was the first day of a long week of meetings. Laura was learning that Lee liked to hear himself talk; he’ll make a perfect politician, she thought. They were discussing the state of the government and the steps needed to elect new members across the fleet. The loss of so many of the Quorum was devastating. She’d disagreed with many of them over the years, but knew the fleet couldn’t easily replace the wealth of knowledge and experience lost with all those lives.
Laura shook her head and sighed as she finally made it home and closed the hatch. As her eyes adjusted to the dim quarters; she smiled as she saw candles burning on a table set for two.
She’d realized early on that William Adama was a hopeless romantic. Even in the darkest days when she’d pushed him away, he had still believed. She shuddered at the memory. It was still a wonder that he’d not given up on her all together.
She heard movement behind her and turned to see Bill, not in his usual duty blues or even her favourite dress greys, but a sexy black suit and tie. He looked so dashing; her heart melted.
“Welcome home,” he said as he moved toward her. He took her bag and placed it on his desk. She watched him as he moved effortlessly back to her and pulled out her chair.
He looked good and he smelled delicious. His spicy cologne made her want him more than her body might allow, but it wouldn’t deter her from trying before the night was through. She’d take what she could get and these days Bill complied on any level she could handle.
She settled into her place at the table and Bill pushed her seat in. He leaned over and kissed her cheek softly giving her goose bumps. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Laura.”
She giggled and looked at him as he took his seat across from her. She narrowed her eyes, “What are you up to Admiral?”
“We’re celebrating and today is Valentine’s Day, a day of love and romance. It’s an old Picon tradition.”
Why Bill was dragging up old traditions from lost Colonies she didn’t quite understand and was about to bring up nuked Earth, mutiny, cancer and the all-around general bad state of things when the hatch opened. In came a young private with a small red flower. He was Jaffee’s replacement. Laura’s smile was bittersweet as he came up to her and handed her the flower.
“Madame President.” His young voice cracked as he spoke.
“Thank you private,” Laura said softly, putting the lovely bloom to her nose. It was like nature’s splendour captured in a small perfect package. She had no idea where Bill had found it and didn’t really care although it was vaguely familiar. “It’s beautiful Bill.”
Bill smiled at her from across the table. “It’s nothing compared to you.”
Laura would have laughed at anyone else saying it, but she knew Bill meant every word.
The young private proceeded to serve them dinner such as it was and they made idle conversation for a change. They laughed and conversed about books and old movies they remembered. They told tales about growing up and what they’d had as a first pet; simple facts that they had never had time to share with each other.
After dinner was done, they curled up on the couch. Laura slipped in beside Bill and he cradled her against him, his arm holding her safe and close. It had become one of their favourite spots. Laura felt warm and loved as he read a chapter from their latest novel. She could listen to his comforting, soul healing voice for days. There wouldn’t be any other activities tonight as sleep was quickly advancing upon her.
She put her head back against his shoulder and whispered softly in the darkness, “Happy Valentine’s Day Bill.”
He brushed his lips on her cheek as she drifted off to sleep. “You too Laura.”
**********
A second day of meetings had come and gone. Lee had worked with several ships to choose some prospective candidates. Lee had done the legwork, leaving Laura to handle any needed paperwork. With every day that passed Laura was seeing more and more potential from him. Her mind was beginning to ease that he would be there for the fleet when she could no longer run the government.
She made her way back home that night, the thought of the previous night’s Valentine’s celebration on her mind.
Tonight when she arrived there were candles set up on her prayer stand.
What was her Admiral up to now?
They were placed on a small bit of beautiful gold silk with the ceremonial matches close by. Beside the candles was her tattered and burned book of Pythia. Her emotions were mixed as she stood and looked at them.
Suddenly she felt Bill beside her. “Join me,” he said and held out his hand as he guided her toward the prayer stand.
Laura hesitated, but the look in his eyes was so inviting, she came and knelt with him.
He took up the book and opened to a passage. His deep, husking prayer was like a meditation. It permeated the dark quarters and slipped into every dark crack and crevice filling them with light including Laura’s heart.
He’d chosen an old Gemenon prayer that was normally spoken at Easter; the celebration of rebirth and renewal.
Bill knew how important Laura’s faith had been to her as she survived the last few years. He wanted her to take it back, even if it was tattered and seemingly less relevant. They had survived, defying all the odds against them and they were still here. That they’d found each other amongst all the death and destruction was miracle enough.
Laura lit the candles one by one. Bill looked over at her bathed in candle light, reciting the words of love and acceptance from hundreds of years ago. They were the words of a cylon, but that didn’t matter.
Bill had learned that faith was love and to him love was Laura. They were inseparable.
Laura leaned into Bill and took a deep breath. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. “I love you Bill.”
He smiled back at her and whispered, “I love you too Laura.”
He put his arm around her and held her to him as they finished the sacred words.
Bill’s prayers had been answered many times as had Laura’s.
They wouldn’t ask for more.
They were together today and that was all that mattered.
**********
After a third long day of meetings with fleet members, Laura had settled on the couch with her book. It was getting more and more difficult to read with her failing eyes, but she tried the best she could. Sometimes she just skimmed over the pages and savoured the feel of the leather bound volume and the sound of the crisp pages turning.
Really she was missing Bill beside her to read the latest chapter. He was late which was unlike him or he was planning some other strange and wonderful evening for her.
She was drifting off when there was a knock at the hatch. She sighed and got up wondering who it could be. Memories of the recent mutiny still fresh in her mind; she walked slowly to the steel door.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
“Who’s there?” She questioned since the hour was late.
“Trick of treat,” was the words from the other side. It was Bill.
She raised an eyebrow and opened the hatch.
What was he up to now?
Laura couldn’t help but admire the sight as Bill stood outside the door dressed in his flight suit. She wasn’t sure what it was, but seeing him in it did certain things to her as it always had.
“Sir, I think you are lost.” She said seriously.
“No ma’am, I’m in the right place. Aren’t you going to invite me in?” He started to unzip the suit. She saw the top of his scar and realized there was a good possibility that he was wearing nothing underneath.
“It’s awfully late for a visit.” Her eyes darted down to his exposed skin as she licked her lips. Laura raised an eyebrow and looked down the hallway.
“Are you sure you don’t wanna see my trick… or treat?”
“Get in here.” Laura grabbed him and pulled him into the quarters pushing the hatch closed and flicking the lock.
Bill chuckled and Laura giggled as they collapsed on the couch. She had undone his suit to find a pair of bright red boxers with tiny vipers on them. She had no idea what that was supposed to symbolize, other than make her giddy.
Bill sighed when he was free from the suit. “That’s better, it was starting to chafe.”
Laura nearly split her side laughing. Bill held her and let her laughter seep into him. He cherished every smile.
“What tradition is this supposed to be?” She asked looking at him intently, her laughter finally subsiding.
“We didn’t have many celebratory traditions on Tauron, but one was dressing up on Hallows Eve and going door to door in the town. If you were lucky you received some candy or a treat or you had to do a trick.” Bill’s eyes twinkled at her.
Laura’s voice lowered, “Oh and do you have a trick for me Bill?”
“Of course, first the trick and then the treat, but it works better without these boxers.” He declared as he stripped them off.
“I’ve learned all about you Tauron boys and your tricks.” She jumped up to make her escape. Bill pursued her and caught her at the rack. He tickled her until she was giggling and breathless and both were sure their laughter woke the whole ship that night.
**********
For Laura it had been a joy to share all of Bill's celebrations, made up or real. So far it had only been the two of them and Bill cherished every moment alone, but tonight he had something a little different in mind. Laura had fought tooth and nail for five years, had given up all of herself to save their fleet and their people needed to remember that.
He was a little concerned that she might be too tired, but the thought of helping out her people still burned as brightly as it had on that first day she raised her hand and spoke the words, “I, Laura Roslin.”
He almost burst with pride as she settled behind the table in the mess hall to serve. She was a little apprehensive, but once the first patrons came to her and chatted with her, she relaxed. She whispered to him that she had remembered visiting Aerilon and their harvest celebration. This reminded her of that trip so long ago.
The simple contact with the everyday people gave her strength and returned her sense of purpose. It reconnected her to all she had fought for those years and all she had given up.
Thank you.
It was words she needed to hear. To know that all her struggles had not been in vain. That she was loved and valued by the fleet and would be remembered as such.
Once the last patron had gone, they made their way back up to their quarters. They were soon snuggled in the rack holding each other.
Laura looked deeply into Bill’s eyes, a small smile on her face. “What are you thankful for Bill?”
He kissed her softly. “You and our family and our fleet.”
“So am I.” She said and hugged him tightly.
They slept soundly after the long evening’s work.
It felt good.
**********
It was early. Laura was making her way back from the head. She’d left Bill in the rack, but he had now somehow disappeared. The quarters weren’t that big.
Where was he?
In place of her companion on her pillow was a small package. She opened it. It was a small silver charm with an A and an R engraved on it. On the other side was a little Omega sign with the bottom filled in.
Laura knew what that meant in Tauron culture.
“Do you like it?” Bill’s familiar husk came from the other side of the quarters.
“It’s lovely.” Laura exclaimed, her eyes brimming with tears.
He took the small charm from her and clipped it around her silver bracelet. It fit perfectly. Chief had done a wonderful job.
“But Bill I have nothing for you.”
“Well in the traditional Aquarion Noel festival people did exchange gifts.” He thought for a moment, then leaned down and kissed her. When he finally broke away, he chuckled and said, “That’s a pretty good gift.”
“Well, there’s more where that came from Admiral.” Laura said slyly.
“Just what I was hoping for, Madame President, but I have to get to the CIC and you have a few more meetings scheduled.”
“True.” She nodded and watched Bill open the hatch, but he looked back at her and gave her his usual wink and smile. She could still feel his lips against hers as she started to get ready for her day.
**********
Laura was finishing her last meeting of the week saying good day to the last of the fleet’s new political hopefuls. She sighed when she was finally alone. Her reprieve didn’t last long as there was a knock at the hatch.
She opened it to see two marine guards. Her heart clenched for a moment until the private held out a small gold envelope with the Admiral’s writing on it. Her heart turned to fluttering as she opened it and read the card.
“Dear Madame President, please join me for a Colonial Day celebration at Joe’s bar. I have included a gift and would be honoured if you’d wear it. Bill.”
Laura looked up and took a box from the other guard.
“We’re to accompany you ma’am.”
Laura nodded and invited both men into the quarters then changed into the dress Bill had sent.
When she was as ready as she would ever be, she followed the guards to Joe’s. It was late and the ship’s hallways were empty.
As she entered the bar, there was a small band playing in the corner. She recognized the tune they were playing as one of her favourites. Her eyes were drawn to the familiar figure in standing at a small table.
He looked dashing in his dress greys; his blue eyes sparkling with delight at seeing her smile back at him. His gaze swept over her as he admired the dress he’d found or picked out from someone. It was a lovely shade of green.
He held out his arm as he had done long ago and she hooked her own around it as he led her to the dance floor. This time though he held her close to him leaving not a whisper of space between his body and hers.
“Madame President, good evening,” Bill whispered in her ear.
She hummed in response squeezing him to her as hard as she could. Her words were caught in her throat and tears were welling in her eyes over the shear happiness rushing through her body.
Laura smiled up at him and finally found the old familiar words, “I thought you hated these things.”
Bill chuckled. “It’s Colonial Day, where else would I be. I’m a patriot.”
“You certainly are.” Laura pressed her hand over Bill’s heart, smoothing out the soft grey fabric. “My patriot.”
They swayed to the music hardly moving from the spot where they had started. Laura recognized every old song she loved. Bill had picked all her favourites. The man continued to baffle her after all these years.
“We’re still standing.”
“Yes, we are.”
Bill chuckled and led her around the dance floor.
Still a patriot, still a dancer, but now he was also her friend, soul mate, and the love of her life.
They danced late into the night, holding each other and just enjoying their time together. Then they slowly made their way back to their quarters where they undressed and got ready for bed.
Laura was exhausted from the long week of meetings and Bill’s celebrations, so they held each other and drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.
Tonight that was more than enough.
**********
If they were in their cabin, the morning sun would be rising over the mountains bathing them in light as it shone through the easterly windows. As it was they could only imagine that kind of morning, but in place of that, they were snuggled together warmly and would make their own kind of light.
Bill had successfully crammed in a year’s worth of holidays and festivities into the week. Laura had enjoyed every one as much as Bill had enjoyed planning and fulfilling them for her.
But there was one more.
Laura felt his warm breath in her ear. “Happy New Year,” he said as he softly kissed her cheek, neck and then shoulder.
She was warm and content with Bill spooned behind her. He pressed against her and she hummed as she felt his morning desire wanting to be satisfied. She pushed back and wiggled her behind against him.
He chuckled and squeezed her closer.
“It’s not New Year’s,” she said playfully. Honestly she couldn’t remember when the New Year was or when she had last celebrated it. It seemed like a lifetime ago in Caprica City.
She hummed as she felt his talented fingers caress her hip and slip around to her front.
“Yes it is and we need to celebrate.” Bill’s hand swept lower making Laura forget anything and everything as he slipped his fingers into her panties and stroked her bare skin.
Laura moaned softly and put her head back against him, feeling his solid chest at her back as his fingers made her weak and strong at the same time.
Bill touched her, feeling and plying her body to give what they both wanted. She wriggled against him as one finger did most of the work. It amazed her it took so little contact for him to make her come undone even with her advancing illness.
She put her hand on top of his and pressed him deeper to enjoy the fullness of his hand caressing her. While she could have let him continue to satisfy her, this morning she wanted to be part of him. So she turned toward him slipping her leg over his and fitting them together like two pieces of the same puzzle.
“Yes,” she moaned as she shifted onto her back letting him move between her legs.
He took control then, easing himself into her as gently as possible. He stroked her again, his thumb pressing on the bundle of nerves that would take her over the passionate cliff where there was no pain, no cancer, only pleasure.
Only Bill and Laura.
He moved his hips slowly as he continued to touch her and watched as she closed her eyes tight and stroked her breasts; her fingers lightly squeezing each one. His control starting to fail his mouth quickly took one in and several flicks of his tongue sealed the deal.
Laura bit her lip and moaned in the back of her throat as she climaxed. It was slow and easy, but perfectly satisfying. He felt her lean against him.
Bill relaxed and felt the blood rush through his body expelling his passion and love into Laura with one sweet final thrust.
She settled on top of him, skin on skin, as it should be. He held her tight as they drifted to sleep.
“Bill,” she whispered.
“Laura,” he answered.
Their bodies and souls were entwined in this lifetime, as they would be in the next and the next. They both knew that all this would happen again, maybe on a different ship, maybe playing different roles, maybe sharing local celebrations or walking on a far away, distant shore but they would always be together.
author: redrockcan
words: 3420 (give or take)
rating: M or MA (I never know these things)
A/N: This started as a short fic (LOL) and just grew and grew. I would have liked to spend maybe another month editing it, but alas today is my day. My initial idea was Bill fulfilling a year of celebrations in a week. I pretty much finished writing this and am posting and running away to eat and drink!! Anyway, I hope you enjoy and happy new year to all!!
This was the first day of a long week of meetings. Laura was learning that Lee liked to hear himself talk; he’ll make a perfect politician, she thought. They were discussing the state of the government and the steps needed to elect new members across the fleet. The loss of so many of the Quorum was devastating. She’d disagreed with many of them over the years, but knew the fleet couldn’t easily replace the wealth of knowledge and experience lost with all those lives.
Laura shook her head and sighed as she finally made it home and closed the hatch. As her eyes adjusted to the dim quarters; she smiled as she saw candles burning on a table set for two.
She’d realized early on that William Adama was a hopeless romantic. Even in the darkest days when she’d pushed him away, he had still believed. She shuddered at the memory. It was still a wonder that he’d not given up on her all together.
She heard movement behind her and turned to see Bill, not in his usual duty blues or even her favourite dress greys, but a sexy black suit and tie. He looked so dashing; her heart melted.
“Welcome home,” he said as he moved toward her. He took her bag and placed it on his desk. She watched him as he moved effortlessly back to her and pulled out her chair.
He looked good and he smelled delicious. His spicy cologne made her want him more than her body might allow, but it wouldn’t deter her from trying before the night was through. She’d take what she could get and these days Bill complied on any level she could handle.
She settled into her place at the table and Bill pushed her seat in. He leaned over and kissed her cheek softly giving her goose bumps. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Laura.”
She giggled and looked at him as he took his seat across from her. She narrowed her eyes, “What are you up to Admiral?”
“We’re celebrating and today is Valentine’s Day, a day of love and romance. It’s an old Picon tradition.”
Why Bill was dragging up old traditions from lost Colonies she didn’t quite understand and was about to bring up nuked Earth, mutiny, cancer and the all-around general bad state of things when the hatch opened. In came a young private with a small red flower. He was Jaffee’s replacement. Laura’s smile was bittersweet as he came up to her and handed her the flower.
“Madame President.” His young voice cracked as he spoke.
“Thank you private,” Laura said softly, putting the lovely bloom to her nose. It was like nature’s splendour captured in a small perfect package. She had no idea where Bill had found it and didn’t really care although it was vaguely familiar. “It’s beautiful Bill.”
Bill smiled at her from across the table. “It’s nothing compared to you.”
Laura would have laughed at anyone else saying it, but she knew Bill meant every word.
The young private proceeded to serve them dinner such as it was and they made idle conversation for a change. They laughed and conversed about books and old movies they remembered. They told tales about growing up and what they’d had as a first pet; simple facts that they had never had time to share with each other.
After dinner was done, they curled up on the couch. Laura slipped in beside Bill and he cradled her against him, his arm holding her safe and close. It had become one of their favourite spots. Laura felt warm and loved as he read a chapter from their latest novel. She could listen to his comforting, soul healing voice for days. There wouldn’t be any other activities tonight as sleep was quickly advancing upon her.
She put her head back against his shoulder and whispered softly in the darkness, “Happy Valentine’s Day Bill.”
He brushed his lips on her cheek as she drifted off to sleep. “You too Laura.”
**********
A second day of meetings had come and gone. Lee had worked with several ships to choose some prospective candidates. Lee had done the legwork, leaving Laura to handle any needed paperwork. With every day that passed Laura was seeing more and more potential from him. Her mind was beginning to ease that he would be there for the fleet when she could no longer run the government.
She made her way back home that night, the thought of the previous night’s Valentine’s celebration on her mind.
Tonight when she arrived there were candles set up on her prayer stand.
What was her Admiral up to now?
They were placed on a small bit of beautiful gold silk with the ceremonial matches close by. Beside the candles was her tattered and burned book of Pythia. Her emotions were mixed as she stood and looked at them.
Suddenly she felt Bill beside her. “Join me,” he said and held out his hand as he guided her toward the prayer stand.
Laura hesitated, but the look in his eyes was so inviting, she came and knelt with him.
He took up the book and opened to a passage. His deep, husking prayer was like a meditation. It permeated the dark quarters and slipped into every dark crack and crevice filling them with light including Laura’s heart.
He’d chosen an old Gemenon prayer that was normally spoken at Easter; the celebration of rebirth and renewal.
Bill knew how important Laura’s faith had been to her as she survived the last few years. He wanted her to take it back, even if it was tattered and seemingly less relevant. They had survived, defying all the odds against them and they were still here. That they’d found each other amongst all the death and destruction was miracle enough.
Laura lit the candles one by one. Bill looked over at her bathed in candle light, reciting the words of love and acceptance from hundreds of years ago. They were the words of a cylon, but that didn’t matter.
Bill had learned that faith was love and to him love was Laura. They were inseparable.
Laura leaned into Bill and took a deep breath. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. “I love you Bill.”
He smiled back at her and whispered, “I love you too Laura.”
He put his arm around her and held her to him as they finished the sacred words.
Bill’s prayers had been answered many times as had Laura’s.
They wouldn’t ask for more.
They were together today and that was all that mattered.
**********
After a third long day of meetings with fleet members, Laura had settled on the couch with her book. It was getting more and more difficult to read with her failing eyes, but she tried the best she could. Sometimes she just skimmed over the pages and savoured the feel of the leather bound volume and the sound of the crisp pages turning.
Really she was missing Bill beside her to read the latest chapter. He was late which was unlike him or he was planning some other strange and wonderful evening for her.
She was drifting off when there was a knock at the hatch. She sighed and got up wondering who it could be. Memories of the recent mutiny still fresh in her mind; she walked slowly to the steel door.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
“Who’s there?” She questioned since the hour was late.
“Trick of treat,” was the words from the other side. It was Bill.
She raised an eyebrow and opened the hatch.
What was he up to now?
Laura couldn’t help but admire the sight as Bill stood outside the door dressed in his flight suit. She wasn’t sure what it was, but seeing him in it did certain things to her as it always had.
“Sir, I think you are lost.” She said seriously.
“No ma’am, I’m in the right place. Aren’t you going to invite me in?” He started to unzip the suit. She saw the top of his scar and realized there was a good possibility that he was wearing nothing underneath.
“It’s awfully late for a visit.” Her eyes darted down to his exposed skin as she licked her lips. Laura raised an eyebrow and looked down the hallway.
“Are you sure you don’t wanna see my trick… or treat?”
“Get in here.” Laura grabbed him and pulled him into the quarters pushing the hatch closed and flicking the lock.
Bill chuckled and Laura giggled as they collapsed on the couch. She had undone his suit to find a pair of bright red boxers with tiny vipers on them. She had no idea what that was supposed to symbolize, other than make her giddy.
Bill sighed when he was free from the suit. “That’s better, it was starting to chafe.”
Laura nearly split her side laughing. Bill held her and let her laughter seep into him. He cherished every smile.
“What tradition is this supposed to be?” She asked looking at him intently, her laughter finally subsiding.
“We didn’t have many celebratory traditions on Tauron, but one was dressing up on Hallows Eve and going door to door in the town. If you were lucky you received some candy or a treat or you had to do a trick.” Bill’s eyes twinkled at her.
Laura’s voice lowered, “Oh and do you have a trick for me Bill?”
“Of course, first the trick and then the treat, but it works better without these boxers.” He declared as he stripped them off.
“I’ve learned all about you Tauron boys and your tricks.” She jumped up to make her escape. Bill pursued her and caught her at the rack. He tickled her until she was giggling and breathless and both were sure their laughter woke the whole ship that night.
**********
For Laura it had been a joy to share all of Bill's celebrations, made up or real. So far it had only been the two of them and Bill cherished every moment alone, but tonight he had something a little different in mind. Laura had fought tooth and nail for five years, had given up all of herself to save their fleet and their people needed to remember that.
He was a little concerned that she might be too tired, but the thought of helping out her people still burned as brightly as it had on that first day she raised her hand and spoke the words, “I, Laura Roslin.”
He almost burst with pride as she settled behind the table in the mess hall to serve. She was a little apprehensive, but once the first patrons came to her and chatted with her, she relaxed. She whispered to him that she had remembered visiting Aerilon and their harvest celebration. This reminded her of that trip so long ago.
The simple contact with the everyday people gave her strength and returned her sense of purpose. It reconnected her to all she had fought for those years and all she had given up.
Thank you.
It was words she needed to hear. To know that all her struggles had not been in vain. That she was loved and valued by the fleet and would be remembered as such.
Once the last patron had gone, they made their way back up to their quarters. They were soon snuggled in the rack holding each other.
Laura looked deeply into Bill’s eyes, a small smile on her face. “What are you thankful for Bill?”
He kissed her softly. “You and our family and our fleet.”
“So am I.” She said and hugged him tightly.
They slept soundly after the long evening’s work.
It felt good.
**********
It was early. Laura was making her way back from the head. She’d left Bill in the rack, but he had now somehow disappeared. The quarters weren’t that big.
Where was he?
In place of her companion on her pillow was a small package. She opened it. It was a small silver charm with an A and an R engraved on it. On the other side was a little Omega sign with the bottom filled in.
Laura knew what that meant in Tauron culture.
“Do you like it?” Bill’s familiar husk came from the other side of the quarters.
“It’s lovely.” Laura exclaimed, her eyes brimming with tears.
He took the small charm from her and clipped it around her silver bracelet. It fit perfectly. Chief had done a wonderful job.
“But Bill I have nothing for you.”
“Well in the traditional Aquarion Noel festival people did exchange gifts.” He thought for a moment, then leaned down and kissed her. When he finally broke away, he chuckled and said, “That’s a pretty good gift.”
“Well, there’s more where that came from Admiral.” Laura said slyly.
“Just what I was hoping for, Madame President, but I have to get to the CIC and you have a few more meetings scheduled.”
“True.” She nodded and watched Bill open the hatch, but he looked back at her and gave her his usual wink and smile. She could still feel his lips against hers as she started to get ready for her day.
**********
Laura was finishing her last meeting of the week saying good day to the last of the fleet’s new political hopefuls. She sighed when she was finally alone. Her reprieve didn’t last long as there was a knock at the hatch.
She opened it to see two marine guards. Her heart clenched for a moment until the private held out a small gold envelope with the Admiral’s writing on it. Her heart turned to fluttering as she opened it and read the card.
“Dear Madame President, please join me for a Colonial Day celebration at Joe’s bar. I have included a gift and would be honoured if you’d wear it. Bill.”
Laura looked up and took a box from the other guard.
“We’re to accompany you ma’am.”
Laura nodded and invited both men into the quarters then changed into the dress Bill had sent.
When she was as ready as she would ever be, she followed the guards to Joe’s. It was late and the ship’s hallways were empty.
As she entered the bar, there was a small band playing in the corner. She recognized the tune they were playing as one of her favourites. Her eyes were drawn to the familiar figure in standing at a small table.
He looked dashing in his dress greys; his blue eyes sparkling with delight at seeing her smile back at him. His gaze swept over her as he admired the dress he’d found or picked out from someone. It was a lovely shade of green.
He held out his arm as he had done long ago and she hooked her own around it as he led her to the dance floor. This time though he held her close to him leaving not a whisper of space between his body and hers.
“Madame President, good evening,” Bill whispered in her ear.
She hummed in response squeezing him to her as hard as she could. Her words were caught in her throat and tears were welling in her eyes over the shear happiness rushing through her body.
Laura smiled up at him and finally found the old familiar words, “I thought you hated these things.”
Bill chuckled. “It’s Colonial Day, where else would I be. I’m a patriot.”
“You certainly are.” Laura pressed her hand over Bill’s heart, smoothing out the soft grey fabric. “My patriot.”
They swayed to the music hardly moving from the spot where they had started. Laura recognized every old song she loved. Bill had picked all her favourites. The man continued to baffle her after all these years.
“We’re still standing.”
“Yes, we are.”
Bill chuckled and led her around the dance floor.
Still a patriot, still a dancer, but now he was also her friend, soul mate, and the love of her life.
They danced late into the night, holding each other and just enjoying their time together. Then they slowly made their way back to their quarters where they undressed and got ready for bed.
Laura was exhausted from the long week of meetings and Bill’s celebrations, so they held each other and drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.
Tonight that was more than enough.
**********
If they were in their cabin, the morning sun would be rising over the mountains bathing them in light as it shone through the easterly windows. As it was they could only imagine that kind of morning, but in place of that, they were snuggled together warmly and would make their own kind of light.
Bill had successfully crammed in a year’s worth of holidays and festivities into the week. Laura had enjoyed every one as much as Bill had enjoyed planning and fulfilling them for her.
But there was one more.
Laura felt his warm breath in her ear. “Happy New Year,” he said as he softly kissed her cheek, neck and then shoulder.
She was warm and content with Bill spooned behind her. He pressed against her and she hummed as she felt his morning desire wanting to be satisfied. She pushed back and wiggled her behind against him.
He chuckled and squeezed her closer.
“It’s not New Year’s,” she said playfully. Honestly she couldn’t remember when the New Year was or when she had last celebrated it. It seemed like a lifetime ago in Caprica City.
She hummed as she felt his talented fingers caress her hip and slip around to her front.
“Yes it is and we need to celebrate.” Bill’s hand swept lower making Laura forget anything and everything as he slipped his fingers into her panties and stroked her bare skin.
Laura moaned softly and put her head back against him, feeling his solid chest at her back as his fingers made her weak and strong at the same time.
Bill touched her, feeling and plying her body to give what they both wanted. She wriggled against him as one finger did most of the work. It amazed her it took so little contact for him to make her come undone even with her advancing illness.
She put her hand on top of his and pressed him deeper to enjoy the fullness of his hand caressing her. While she could have let him continue to satisfy her, this morning she wanted to be part of him. So she turned toward him slipping her leg over his and fitting them together like two pieces of the same puzzle.
“Yes,” she moaned as she shifted onto her back letting him move between her legs.
He took control then, easing himself into her as gently as possible. He stroked her again, his thumb pressing on the bundle of nerves that would take her over the passionate cliff where there was no pain, no cancer, only pleasure.
Only Bill and Laura.
He moved his hips slowly as he continued to touch her and watched as she closed her eyes tight and stroked her breasts; her fingers lightly squeezing each one. His control starting to fail his mouth quickly took one in and several flicks of his tongue sealed the deal.
Laura bit her lip and moaned in the back of her throat as she climaxed. It was slow and easy, but perfectly satisfying. He felt her lean against him.
Bill relaxed and felt the blood rush through his body expelling his passion and love into Laura with one sweet final thrust.
She settled on top of him, skin on skin, as it should be. He held her tight as they drifted to sleep.
“Bill,” she whispered.
“Laura,” he answered.
Their bodies and souls were entwined in this lifetime, as they would be in the next and the next. They both knew that all this would happen again, maybe on a different ship, maybe playing different roles, maybe sharing local celebrations or walking on a far away, distant shore but they would always be together.