"You could have died." Apollo's words were blunt. "I didn't," Starbuck answered "You could have." "It's a risk we all take, every time we're out there.". "You could have died." "You keep saying that." "I know." "Do you have a point? Because if you do, I think I'm missing it." "You could have - " "Died. I know! For Sagan's sake, I know! Can't you say anything else? Everybody dies eventually. When it comes to warriors, it tends to be sooner rather than later, is all." "You're not everybody." "That's true." "I don't want you to die." "I don't particularly want me to die, either." "Can't you ever be serious?" "Why? I'd rather be frivolous. There's way too much seriousness going on around here." "This is a serious subject." "What is? Death? Like I just told you, everybody dies. It's not something any of us can escape." "You're not everybody. You're...." "I'm what? A warrior? Your wingmate? Your subordinate? Your friend? The person who is going to smack you if you don't tell me what you're trying to say pretty soon?" "You're my...." "I'm your *what*, Apollo?" "My love." "Your.... Your... Your WHAT?" "My love." "Frack." "I should leave." "No, you shouldn't." "Why not?" "For one thing, these are your quarters." "Oh. I forgot." "Do you want me to leave?" "No." "What do you want?" "I want you to stay." "For how long?" "How about forever?" "Are you sure?" "More sure than I've ever been about anything. But if it's not what you want...." "Hold up there, Pol. Give me a micron to process all this. It's not every day that a man's best friend confesses that he's in love with him." "All right." (Pause.) "Are you finished?" "Finished what?" "Processing." "Oh. Yes. Definitely finished." "You're smiling. I hope that's a good sign." "It is. Staying with you forever sounds very good to me." "Thank the Lords." "Apollo?" "Yes?" "Do you love me?" "More than anything." "Good. I love you, you know." "I do now." "Kiss me." END