Chapter Twelve

"Score and End Game"

seaQuest

Katie Hitchcock waited impatiently in the Docking Bay for the Launch from Kenzie-West to arrive. They had retrieved Zellar's Transport from the Trench, and under Ace Hamilton's supervision from his Med-Bay bed . . . a repair crew had been sent to Atlantis, to pump her dry and clean up. Katie shifted uneasily from foot to foot, glancing behind her at the Med-Team . . . and assembled personnel. Then she turned to the Docking Hatch as she heard . . . the pressure seals come it contact with the launch. The hatch opened, Ford and O'Neill were the first ones through, and they were carrying a cold storage unit. Ford threw he a smile and a nod at Katie, as he moved past with O'Neill. Marina, Talbot, and Buchanan, then Cindy, Jake and Lucas followed them. Finally, came Bridger supporting Kristin, with Levin bringing up the rear. He signaled to the Med-Team, and they brought a stretcher forward. Bridger gently helped Kristin onto it.

"Kris . . . we're home. Rest now." Nathan whispered to her, as his lips brushed her forehead. Kristin gave him a weak smile. Then Bridger backed away, and allowed Levin and the Med-Team to take her to Med-Bay. Katie chose that moment, to step forward.

"Captain- Welcome home." Katie greeted Nathan.

"Thank you, Commander, it's good to be here. Do you have quarters prepared for our guests? I'm sure they'd like to rest and get cleaned up." Nathan responded.

"Of course . . . Captain." Hitchcock acknowledged signaling a crewman, who came forward to escort the visitors to quarters.

"Is there something else, Commander?" Bridger asked, noting Katie's uneasiness, as he watched the others depart.

"Yes Captain . . . it's about Zellar, we found him. He's dead, along with the man who was piloting the Transport." Katie said finally.

"I see," Bridger murmured. Then he looked Katie straight in the eye. "How-"

"When the transport imploded, Zellar had already gotten to his cryo-chamber but it didn't do him any good. He probably even, didn't feel anything." Katie informed Bridger.

"Too bad-" Bridger muttered, then, "Is he onboard?"

"Yes sir, Cargo Bay 4. The UEO is sending a Launch for him, they'll be here in about 2 hours."

"Great, the sooner the better. Thank you . . . Commander."

"Yes sir, and also, Secretary-General Noyce would like you to contact him as soon as possible." Katie added.

"Figures-" Bridger mutter under his breath. "Alright, have the bridge send an uplink to my quarters in about 45 minutes." Bridger ordered, nodded to Katie and left Sea-deck. Outside the hatch he paused, looking down the corridor toward Med-Bay, where they had taken Kristin. Realizing . . . he wasn't needed there at the moment, turned on his heel and proceeded to his quarters.

A few minutes after . . . Bridger's departure. Jonathan Ford reentered Sea-deck, and found Katie sitting on the edge of the Moonpool.

"Hello . . . Jonathan . . ." Katie greeted Ford as he sat down beside her.

"Hi Katie, is there a problem?" Ford asked, seeing the sadness in Katie's green-eyes.

"Jonathan, Zellar's dead, what if this anti-toxin stuff doesn't work? What if . . . Kristin, " Katie trailed off.

"She'll make it, Katie. She has to for the Captain. I don't think he could stand, losing her now." Ford told her putting an arm around her shoulders. Katie nodded and they waited for word.

In Med-Bay . . . Joshua Levin was shaking his head at Kristin's vital sign readout. Since leaving Kenzie-West, her condition had rapidly deteriorated. Looking down at her, Levin could clearly see the effects of the toxin working. They didn't have much time . . . if they didn't act soon; it would be too late. Levin looked up at Marina Andross' approach.

"Joshua, shouldn't we run some tests on this serum, before we . . ." Andross began, handing him a syringe and the vial of serum.

"I'd love to, Marina . . . but I'm afraid there's no time." Levin told her, as he loaded the serum into the syringe, and prepared to inject Kristin with it. Marina rolled up the sleeve of the jersey that Kristin still wore. They hadn't even taken the time to change her clothes. Levin put the needle against Kristin's arm . . . and hesitated.

"Joshua . . . " Kristin's voice came to his ears, it was so low he had to bend close to hear. her. "Do it Joshua, please. Without it I have no life but with it maybe . . . there's a chance, please." she begged him. Looking into Kristin's sad brown eyes, so pleading . . . Joshua covered her hand with his, squeezing it. Then, brought the needle to Kristin's arm again, and injected the serum directly into the bloodstream. Kristin gave Levin the barest of a nod and smile, then slowly sighed and closed her eyes. All there was left to do was wait.

In his quarters, Nathan Bridger pulled on a robe as he came out of the bathroom, after a shower. He noticed . . . Kristin's canvas bag still on his bed. Her makeup bag, still sat on the bathroom sink, her brush lay on the table next to the forgotten breakfast tray. He could still . . . smell her perfume in the room. His hand strayed to the Comm-link, he pulled it back. No . . . he told himself, if anything . . . happens good or bad. Levin knew to contact him immediately. It could still be hours before they knew anything . . . one way or another. Bridger sighed and sat down at the table, he suddenly felt very tired. He eyelids had just begun to droop, when the Vid-link call sounded. Bridger looked up and saw the UEO insignia . . . fade into the familiar features of Bill Noyce.

"Hello Nathan, You've had quite a adventure . . . I hear."

"Bill, yes, one I would not like to repeat." Bridger answered, a sad smile playing on his lips.

"I understand. We'll have Zellar's body out of there soon." Noyce hesitated, as if not knowing quite what to say next . . . finally he asked. "So Nathan, how's Kristin?"

"Still waiting for word, Bill. We still may lose her." Bridger replied. Noyce could hear such sadness in his old friend's voice.

"I'm sorry, Nathan. I won't take up anymore of your time. For the next thirty-six hours . . . you and the seaQuest. are officially off-duty. Make good use of the time. And Nathan, please . . . let me know, what . . . well you know."

"Yeah Bill, thanks-" Bridger closed the Vid-link. He got up and went to his bunk, picked up Kristin's bag and carried it to the table. Then he gathered up all her things and put them in the bag, zipped it and placed it on the floor near the door. Then, he called the bridge, and informed Ford about the 36 hour off-duty, imposed by Noyce . . . and to make sure everyone took advantage, and got some sleep . . . leaving one Bridge officer on-duty . . . at all times. Bridger closed the Comm-link and stretched out on the bed. It wasn't long before he was asleep.

Ben Krieg stepped into the mess hall and stopped dead at what he saw- Cindy Mackenzie was wrapped in Jack Talbot's arms. He felt an almost irrational pang of jealousy but slapped it down, turning quickly to leave; Talbot's voice stepped him.

"Lt. Krieg-"

Krieg cringed a little as he did an about face and found himself nose to nose with Talbot.

"I just wanted to thank you."

"Thank, me-" Krieg muttered.

"Yeah, for what you did for Jake . . . and Russ." Talbot answered as he held out his hand.

"I just did what I had to do." Krieg returned, finally taking the other man's hand.

"I think it was more than that but have it your way."

"Yeah, well, maybe, I just couldn't let that scum Zellar hurt any more people." Krieg looked up to meet cool gray eyes, "Jake's a great kid. He helped me a lot over there. You should be proud of him."

"I am, Lt. I am. Thanks again." Talbot responded with a nod and then turned quickly away. Leaving Krieg, again alone . . . or maybe not- he thought as he noted Cindy still sitting at the table. After a brief hesitation, he sauntered over.

"Excuse me, is this seat taken?" Krieg asked, gallantly. When he received no answered and he saw her tear stained face, the swagger dissolved and he dropped into the chair opposite. "Hey, your mom's going to be okay. She's tough."

"I know," Cindy whispered as she brushed her fingers over her cheeks, to wipe away the evidence of her tears. "But I've never seen her so . . . I don't know, helpless, I guess."

"Hey, one thing I no sure, Kristin Westphalen will never be 'helpless'. She's strong as long as she has something . . . someone to live for she'll fight tooth and nail to stay alive. Hell, even I may not agree with Kristin on most things, but I've come to respect her tenacity. She'll drive you crazy and you'll be glad to go."

"That's my mom, she'll argue over the littlest things but if you were in trouble, she wouldn't hesitate to help."

Yeah, I know that." Krieg agreed solemnly. "Look, why don't I walk you to guest quarters. You need some sleep." He offered, standing up. Cindy looked torn for a moment, but exhaustion won out and knowing she would be no help to her mother this way. Accepting Krieg's proffered hand, she allowed herself to be escorted from the mess hall.

On Sea-deck, eight hours after returning from Kenzie-West, Lucas Wolenczak and Jake Talbot were leaning on the edge of the Moonpool, watching Darwin frolic. After a few moments, Darwin swam up to them.

"Lucas- Lucas play . . ." Darwin's voice came over the Vo-corder.

"Hey . . . Darwin boy. Not today, okay. I'd like you to meet Jake. Jake meet Darwin." Lucas introduced the two.

"Hello . . . Darwin-" Jake said hesitantly in awe.

"Jake . . . play. Jake, Kristin cub." Darwin said, giving them a fishy grin. Lucas was aghast that Darwin had figured out Jake's connection to Kristin, so quickly.

"Darwin, how do you know that? Did someone say something to you?" Lucas demanded.

"No . . . Darwin see. Jake have Kristin . . . eyes."

"He's a smart one." said a voice from behind, the boys. They turned and saw Jack Talbot standing there.

"Dad- How's Mom? Can I see her . . . please?" Jake pleaded going to his father and pulling on his shirtsleeve.

"Jake, she's sleeping. She won't even know you're there." Talbot told him but seeing the look in Jake's brown eyes, that were so much like Kristin's, Talbot relented. "Oh okay . . . we'll go see her but only for a few minutes . . . okay."

"Okay, Dad, great." Jake said as he hugged his father, and the two headed for Med-Bay. Lucas watched them leave, a pang of envy shot through him. Why couldn't he . . . have that kind of relationship with his own father? Lucas pushed away the thought, and after saying good-bye to Darwin, went to see the only real father . . . he had.

Nathan, help me-

Please . . . I need you-" Kristin cried out.

Nathan reached out to her-

But she was gone . . .

Bridger awoke with a start. It was only a dream, he thought, Thank God. He sat up and rubbed eyes, glancing at his watch. He had been sleeping for 7 hours. He swung his feet off the bunk, hitting the Comm-link to the Bridge. Bridger surprised when Ford answered.

"Commander, aren't you supposed to be off-duty?" Bridger asked him.

"Ah- Yes sir, I was . . . but the UEO Launch was late in arriving. It just pulled away . . . with the bodies Zellar, Price and Miller on board." Ford reported.

"I see . . . does that mean that Atlantis is up and running? Since, you managed to retrieve Miller." Bridger prompted.

"Yes sir."

"Very good . . . Commander. Any word from Med-Bay."

"No sir . . . nothing yet."

"Alright, Jonathan, Thank you. Bridger out." As Bridger closed the link, there was a knock on the door, he called out. "Come in."

"Captain . . ." Lucas began as he entered. "Sorry to bother you . . ."

"It's alright, Lucas. Sit down." Bridger replied indicating a chair across from him.

"Captain . . . I just wanted to say that, I'm sorry for disobeying Commander Ford and going to Atlantis." Lucas explained, watching Bridger's face for a reaction. "I know . . . it was wrong but I just couldn't stand by and NOT do something to help the Doc." he finished.

"It's alright, Lucas, I understand. You did the wrong thing but for the right reasons. People have done worse . . . for less. What about Lt. Krieg, what's his excuse?" Bridger ventured.

"It's not Ben's fault, I kind of coerced him into taking me with him." Lucas defended.

"I see, well, in light of what happened. I'll forget about this; but if either of you ever . . . pull a stunt like that again, I'll-" Bridger threatened.

"Yes sir, I get it. I'll make sure, Ben gets it too." Lucas promised. Nathan nodded and held out is hand. Lucas took it with a grin.

"Okay, let me get dressed and then I'd like you to help me with something. After that we'll both go check on Kristin." Bridger said ruffling the boy's hair as he past headed for the bathroom.

Upon entering Med-Bay, Bridger was almost smashed flat . . . again . . . by Manilow Crocker.

"Chief, if you don't stop doing that, I'm going to have you court-martialed." Bridger threatened, a smile playing on his lips.

"Sorry Cap, I was just coming to get . . . ya . . . the Doc." Crocker apologized. He was about to explain when Cindy Mackenzie, came up to them.

"Captain, there's someone who wants to see you." Cindy said, taking Bridger by the arm, her face betraying nothing as she led him to a private room, filled with people. Crocker and Lucas followed silently. Seeing the Captain enter, the thong parted to reveal . . . Kristin, sitting up in bed. Her eyes bright and a soft smile spread across her face at the sight of Nathan. Bridger just stared; his feet refused to move, until someone gave him a shove. Bridger shot a look over his shoulder at Crocker, who stood there one arm in a sling and the other behind his back, with angelic look on his face, as he watched Bridger stumble forward to stand at the end of the bed. Dropping the Kristin's bag on the floor beside the bed, Nathan tried to speak but nothing came out. Then he felt a tug on his arm, looking down he met the brown orbs of Jake Talbot.

"See . . . Captain, you were right. She's going to be okay." Jake told him excitedly. Bridger ruffled his hair, as he looked around at the others in the room. Cindy, Ace, Talbot and Marina Andross stood together on one side . . . all the other Atlantis people had returned to the station. Bridger's gaze shifted to what looked like . . . the entire bridge crew including Jonathan Ford, on the other side. Pulling on his best Captain's face as Bridger addressed his crew.

"Commander, you didn't waste anytime getting here. Is there anyone . . . left on the Bridge?" Bridger demanded of Ford.

"Captain, we were just-" Ford began. Katie jumped in.

"Going . . . Captain," Katie told him. Then she turned to Kristin. "It's good to have to back, Kristin." Katie hugged her, and was followed by Crocker, Krieg, Ortiz, O'Neill, Shan, Lucas and finally Ford, who saluted Bridger as he past. Then Nathan watched as Ace Hamilton limped up to Kristin.

"Hey Russ . . . you're lookin' good. Keep it that way, okay." Ace told her.

"Don't worry, Ace, I will. Please take care of everyone for me." Kristin said to him.

"You bet, Russ." Ace acknowledged giving her a hug and left with Marina Andross.

Bridger stepped back to lean against the wall by the door as he observed Jack Talbot come to Kristin's bedside, and take her hand.

"Russ, are you sure? I mean . . . Jake can . . ." Talbot started.

"Yes . . . Jack, I'm sure. I have a tour here to finish. Then, I will meet you, Jake and Cindy at UEO Headquarters, three weeks from today." Kristin told Talbot, he nodded then leaned over and kissed her cheek. Talbot stopped in front of Bridger and extended his hand.

"It's been a pleasure, Captain. Take good care of the lady over there, she's got a lot of people who love her." Talbot told Nathan.

"I will, Commander, and good luck." Bridger replied, taking Talbot's hand in a firm grip. Upon his departure only Jake, Cindy, and Nathan in the room with Kristin.

"Take care, Mom. I love you." Cindy said, as she hugged and kissed Kristin. Then leaning close to whisper to Kristin. "Don't let this one get away," she said, giving Bridger a wink. Nathan raised an eyebrow at this.

"I will . . . Cinny, I love you." Kristin told her, ignoring Cindy's last statement. Then Cindy backed away to make room for Jake. Jake climbed up on the bed, beside Kristin. "Jake, would you promise me something?" Kristin asked taking her son in her arms.

"Sure Mom, anything." Jake replied, wiggling in as close as he could get.

"Promise me, you'll always remember. I never stopped loving you. Even when I thought . . . I lost you. I still loved you. You will always be with me in my heart. Always-"

"Yes Momma, I promise. I love you . . . too. I'll take care of Dad, Cindy and Ace for you too."

"That would be wonderful, darling. Now remember . . . be good and I'll see you soon." Kristin hugged him tightly and kissed the top of his head . . . then finally released him.

"Bye, Mom, Captain-" Jake said as Cindy led him out the door. Cindy paused briefly to hug Bridger good-bye and make sure, he'd promise to take care of her Mother, which of course, Nathan did. Then Bridger had to watch as Levin took Kristin's vitals . . . nodding with approval he left seaQuest's Captain and Chief Scientist alone, closing the door behind him.

Bridger leaned against the door . . . arms folded across his chest as his gaze slowly roved over Kristin. Apparently, someone had the same idea as he; in bringing her some of her own things. Most likely, it was Cindy, for Kristin wore a white linen, nightshirt . . . that brought out the golden shade of her skin. Much better as Kristin said then one of those, damn Med-Bay tunics. Bridger was particularly fond of the white ribbon, tied in her hair . . . it somehow made her look so carefree and innocent. Finally, brought his gaze to Kristin's face and met her questioning . . . sable-brown eyes. They said nothing to each other as he smoothly moved forward never taking his gaze from hers.

When Bridger reached the side of the bed, he sat down next to her. He tenderly brushed away, the slow tear that had started its journey down her cheek. Then he gathered Kristin into his arms; her tears merged with his as he gently rocked her.

"I thought, I was going to lose you before I even had you . . ." Nathan whispered his voice full of the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. Kristin nodded and pulled back slightly from him.

"I know, I was beginning to worry myself, toward the end. Nathan, I'm so sorry . . ." Kristin sighed. Bridger looked at her dumbfounded.

"Sorry? For what?" Nathan asked, holding her at arms length as he continued. "For being a victim, a pawn in someone's demented bid at revenge. Kristin, that's certainly not your fault."

"But Nathan it is. If I hadn't tried to gain my OWN revenge against Zellar for my brother's death and my father's disgrace. And then tried . . . to protect everyone on Atlantis . . . with fruitless gestures of foolish heroism. Maybe those two young men would still be alive . . ." Kristin said her voice breaking as she tried to explain.

"And many others would be dead." Nathan told her matter-of-factly. "Kristin, you know that Zellar doesn't care who he kills as long as it gets him what he wants. Please . . . don't blame yourself for doing, what you thought was right. You may have gone about it the wrong way but you helped save millions. You made your brother's death mean something." Nathan continued taking her by the shoulders, forcing her to look at him. "Kristin, don't you ever be sorry for surviving Zellar's rampage and bringing the rest of us with you. I think, Zellar finally understands, what the phrase 'Like a lioness, protecting her cubs' means." Nathan said with touch of admiration in his voice as he watched the tortured look on Kristin's face slowly turn to one of understanding and acceptance as she nodded. "Now there's just one other thing- If you ever . . . pull something like this on the next tour, I'll-" Nathan said shaking a finger at her. Then he paused, as he saw Kristin's face fall, as she looked away from him. "Kristin, what-"

"Nathan, I-" Kristin began, turning her face back to him, she leaned back against the pillows and absently wrung her hands. Finally, she took a deep breath and continued. "There won't be a next tour . . . for me anyway. I'm in not returning to the seaQuest. I need to spend time with Jake and Cindy. I can't do that, if . . . I'm here." Kristin paused, searching Nathan's face for a reaction. She saw only a blank stare, as she hurried on. "Nathan, it's not that I wouldn't love to be here with you. To continue to explore our feelings. But-"

"But you need time. Kristin, I understand. I never wanted to push you into anything." Nathan told her. "Know you need time to get to know your children again. Especially . . . Jake." Nathan said as he stood and began to pace. "Kris, if it seemed like I was pushing you . . . I'm sorry. That's that last thing I wanted."

"Nathan, please . . . I never felt pushed." Kristin paused as she tried to put her feelings into words. The words that came seemed inadequate as she continued. "Nathan, through this whole ordeal . . . you gave me what I most needed. To know that you were there for me, whatever the outcome. For that, I am forever grateful. What's happened between us is right. I know that in my heart. I think it's because . . . we became friends first and we've gotten used to having each other to talk to. I really believe the emotions . . . we've expressed in the forty-eight hours days are the natural progression of our friendship. Nathan Bridger, you gave me, your hope and your love . . . unconditionally. Whether it was in a touch . . . in a look . . . or in the words of a sonnet and a song, It's a love, that I hope, I'm worthy of." Kristin paused again as she felt Bridger's gaze on her. "Your love gave me the strength to fight . . . against the odds to stay by your side. That alone is enough to make me . . . love you. But-" Kristin raised her eyes then, and met indigo pools, for a moment she was drowning. Nathan stepped closer, holding her gaze as he again sat down on the bed beside her. He then, took her hands in his and holding them tightly, he spoke.

"But perhaps, Kristin, perhaps we both need time to learn how to love. And yes, maybe your ordeal pushed to the surface, feelings that were there between us but not quite ready to be expressed." Nathan told Kristin, softly. Kristin only nodded. "So, why don't we take things back a little. Maybe, a real first date, would be a good place to start. How about joining me for dinner?"

"Sounds wonderful, just tell me when and where." Kristin answered, a smile coming to her lips.

"Well . . . we have a day off coming up-"

"Yes . . . I know, the day the World Power Project comes on line."

"Uh huh . . . so what do you say we have dinner in my quarters at 2100hrs."

"You're on, Captain-" Kristin replied as the smile reached her eyes, making them twinkle mischievously as she said. "Then we'll let whatever happens happen."

"Exactly-" Nathan responded, with a smile that matched hers. "Now before I leave you, so you can get your rest. I think we need to listen to something again." Kristin gave him a quizzical look as he let go of her hands and got off the bed. He picked her bag from the floor and placed it on the room's small dresser. Kristin watched as he opened it . . . then her eyes grow wide as he pulled out a CD player. Placing it beside her on the nightstand. Then he went to the light switch beside the door and dimmed the lights in the room. The lights of the life-support monitor beside the bed were casting soft shadows about the room. "Okay . . . now move over." Nathan told her as he climbed into the bed beside her.

"Nathan, what on earth are you doing?" Kristin asked, she was totally confused. "This is what you mean by starting over?

"No . . . we'll start over tomorrow. Tonight, I want to give you a taste of things to come. If it's alright with you . . . that is." Nathan said as he saw the questions in her eyes.

"Of course, it's alright, Nathan." Kristin said softly as she allowed herself to be drawn into Nathan's strong arms. She rested her head on his shoulder and laid her hand on his chest, where she could feel the rhythmical beat of his heart. Kristin was coming to realize that this was where she wanted to be and where she belonged. Nathan then, reached over and pushed the play button on the CD Player. As the soft strains of music began Kristin recognized their song. "Nathan, that's-"

"I knew from the very first . . .

That I looked into your eyes . . .

You were someone who'd been through-

A few too many good-byes . . .

No doubt about it . . ."

"Yep, I had Lucas find a copy for me. Now listen to how right the words are. Feel them. What they're saying comes from my heart to yours." Nathan said as he looked down into her face, running a finger along her cheekbone, feeling the dampness of tears.

"Darlin', now you safe in my arms . . .

You've found your future at last-.

All of those years . . . and those tears, are a part of the past.

So believe . . . what I'm telling you . . ."

"Oh Nathan, I-" Kristin began, tears choking off the words.

"Shhh . . . listen . . ." Nathan told her wiping away the tears as the words of the song spoke of his soul . . .

"From this day on . . . your gonna be loved perfectly-

From this day on . . . your gonna be loved, the way you deserve to be-

All your fears can be gone . . .

From this day on . . ."

As the song continued, Nathan felt Kristin snuggle in closer to him. He tightened his hold on her in kind. Nathan gazed down at her bowed head . . . the blinking lights of the support monitor playing softly off the golden-reddish highlights in her hair.

"I'll be here beside you-

From this day on . . .

Darlin' please trust what we've got,

and where it's all leading too . . .

Your in good hands, gonna cleanse in about cherishing you-

And I'm just getting started . . .

From this day on . . . your gonna be loved perfectly, so perfectly, baby-

From this day on . . . your gonna be loved the way you deserve to be . . .

All your fears can be gone . . .

From this day on . . ."

Kristin raised her head and allowed her eyes to take in the firm line of Nathan's jaw. Her hand moved from his chest to his shoulder then neck to trance . . . that line from chin to cheek . . . then tenderly raking her fingers through his hair . . . before coming to rest on the back of his neck.

"I'll be here beside you From this day on . . . you'd better believe . . .

From this day on . . . We'll always be together . . .

From this day on . . . Girl . . . You've got yourself a lover and a friend . . .

We'll be good lovers and friends . . .

You're looking at forever . . .

Here's where our dream begins . . . and I promise . . .

It's never gonna end . . .

No . . . no . . . no . . . no . . .

Nathan smiled down at Kristin as she brought her gaze up to meet his eyes. He lifted her other hand from his chest holding it turning it over and gently tracing the lines on the palm before lifting it to his lips placing a tender kiss on the inside of her wrist. Nathan felt the quiver of anticipation that moved over her as he slowly with a feathery touch ran his hand up her arm to her shoulder and down her back.

"Exploring . . ." Kristin said gently.

"I like study the map . . . before traveling to new places." Nathan whispered huskily.

"I can understand that you wouldn't want to get lost halfway there." Kristin replied, as the hand Nathan had released traveled slowly over his ribcage and chest coming to join the other behind his neck. Nathan brushed auburn tress off her temple the bruise there was nearly faded only, a faint bluish-hue could be seen he brushed his lips across it.

"From this day on . . .

Your gonna be loved the way you deserve to be . . .

All your fears can be gone . . .

From this day on . . . Baby . . .

I'm gonna be right here beside you . . .

From this day on . . ."

Kristin meet Nathan's eyes again . . . her face was inches from his as the last line of the song faded . . . their lips meet and the world was forgotten. Sacrificed to a higher power in a collision of hearts . . .

End