It’s against the regs to hug a junior officer unless you mean it. The words echoed in Apollo’s mind all the way back to Galactica.

Later, he found Starbuck sitting alone, his ambrosia untouched, staring out a viewport.

“Not your usual evening routine.” Apollo sat down.

“Too much to think about. I’m going to bed.”

Apollo went along. They talked of nothings.

At Starbuck’s quarters, Apollo moved closer. “I did mean it.” Starbuck turned around, confused. Light dawned when Apollo added, “I mean this too,” and kissed him.

“You want to come in?” Starbuck gave a shy smile. “Or stay?”