First Quarter Can Be Hades By Kamikaze Rating: PG-13 Warning: Violence, mild derogatory term. Summary: When big brother's away, the kids will play. ;) Disclaimer: Battlestar Galactica owned by Glen A Larson; 'Don't Walk Away' owned by Rick Springfield. Note: Where did Athena get her information when she was talking to Cassie and Sheba about Starbuck and Ortega? The quote was, "If it wasn't gambling it was women." (Or something to that effect) <><><><><><><> It was the first day of the new Academy yahren. Old friends were reunited, new students were looking lost, and older students were trying to ignore their freshmen siblings. Athena walked the campus without a problem; she'd visited her brother enough times to know where she was going. She was so busy reading her schedule that she walked right into him. "Athena! You're gonna cause an accident," Boomer exclaimed as he grabbed her arms to steady her. She looked up. "Oh, sorry, Boom Boom. Aren't you in Apollo's class?" He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I arrived too late for the first transport. Any messages?" Athena huffed. "Tell my big brother I resent him not being here my first quarter, and he'll hear about it when he gets back." Boomer grinned and continued on his way to the transport pad. Athena heeded his words, and sat on the grass. She was just pulling her textbook from her pack when a shadow cast over her. She looked up as Starbuck crouched beside her. "Aren't you supposed to be away?" she asked. He frowned. "Athena, I'm hurt." She shook her head at him, and he smiled. "Actually I went last yahren, I figured you'd like a familiar face to be around." Athena reached up and stroked his face, before pressing her hand against it and shoving him backwards. "Sometimes I wonder if this planet's big enough for your ego." Starbuck laughed and kissed her cheek. "Ah, you know you love me." "Are all seniors so sure of themselves?" Athena sniped. Starbuck's comeback was lost when people began screaming as a hovermobile sped down the roads. He rolled his eyes. "I better go rescue him, before security has him banned for another semester." He took off at a dead run and waited for the vehicle to get to him. As it passed, Starbuck leapt into the air and landed in the passenger seat of the convertible. "Alright, kid. Pull over." The driver looked over and slammed on the brakes. "Hey, SB! Like the new mobe?" Starbuck glanced at the eager to please, enthusiastic youngster. "Zac, do I even want to know what happened to the old one?" Zac looked at the floor, knowing he was in trouble. "Does this mean you won't introduce me to the senior girls?" Starbuck laughed at his prodigy. "Hey, I said I would. And I got the best place to start." ><><>< Athena signed for her meal and looked out over the vast commissary. It wasn't that she was shy, she just preferred to sit with people who were alone. That way she didn't feel like she was intruding. She noticed the commotion in the corner, and the cause of it. If her little brother wasn't careful, he'd have Starbuck's reputation before his first day. "You don't really want to go over there, do you?" a male voice inquired from beside her. Athena looked up into a pair of bright blue eyes. She decided this guy, who was as tall as Apollo, had to be a senior. "Oh, why not?" He smiled at her. "Those guys already have too many women hanging off every word. Besides, you'd break my heart." He balanced his tray on one hand, and offered the other. "Ortega." She shook his hand and smiled. "Athena. Where should I sit?" Ortega took her tray from her. "With me, of course." ><><>< "Well, you girls should be impressed," Starbuck stressed. "Not only is Zac gonna be a great Viper pilot, but he's a fantastic musician." Bree's eyes widened. "Really? You write your own stuff?" "Yeah. Mostly love songs," Zac replied, definitely enjoying the attention. Count on his brother's best friend to know the most beautiful girls. Contrary to what Starbuck told him about appearing to pay attention, Zac couldn't help his eyes from wandering. Especially when his gaze fell on his sister, deep in an enjoyable conversation with a guy. Starbuck was beaming at the attention Zac was getting. After all, he taught the kid everything he knows. Everyday he had to remind himself that this young man wasn't his own brother. Since Apollo had taken him home for break two yahren ago, he had been adopted by the family. He looked up and frowned when he saw Zac's attention was elsewhere. He surreptitiously kicked the boy's ankle to get him back. Zac glared at his friend, as the girls giggled at his startled jump. He leaned over. "Thanks a lot," he growled. Nodding his head in the direction he asked, "Who's that talking to Athena?" Starbuck followed his gaze and felt his blood boil. Putting on his most charming smile, he turned back to the group. "If you'll excuse me . . . I trust I can leave Zac in your capable hands." Mica leered at the boy in question. "Oh, don't worry, Starbuck. We won't bite, unless he asks us to." ><><>< Athena laughed. "You're kidding? They tried to pull you from the program for that?" Ortega laughed at his own joke. "Seriously. They even gave away my landing stall. I got it back of course, after my father threatened to take his money out of their funding, and delete the various scholarships he paid out." Athena's eyes widened. "I didn't realize one man had so much influence on the Academy." Ortega nodded. "Oh, more than you know." He took her hand and looked into her blue eyes. "But I won't bore you with my family wealth." "Why not?" Starbuck asked as he came up behind him. "I'm surprised you haven't shown her your cubits book yet." Athena glared at the newcomer. Why did he have to embarrass her in front of this handsome senior? Ortega rolled his eyes. "What I'd like to know is how you could tear yourself away from those girls? Is the kid showing you up?" Starbuck walked around to Athena's side and smiled at her. "I'm here to escort Athena to her class." He took her hand and helped her up. "Ready, Love?" Ortega jumped up and grabbed Starbuck's arm. "Funny. I don't remember her saying she'd go with you." Starbuck let go of Athena's hand and shoved Ortega. Every sound in the commissary ceased as all eyes fell on the two seniors. Sensing the impending fight, Athena tugged on her friend's arm. "Come on, Starbuck, or I'll be late." ><><>< When they got outside Athena turned to him. "I can't believe you! The first person I meet, and you have to embarrass me." Starbuck tried to touch her arm, but she evaded him. "I'm sorry, The. You just don't want to get mixed up with that guy. He's bad news." Athena rolled her eyes. "Starbuck, Apollo can't tell me what to do, why should you? What's the story between you two, anyway?" "What do you mean?" he asked, defensively. "Oh, nothing," she replied, sarcastically. "I just expected someone to whip out a measuring stick." Starbuck frowned. "He's always ready to prove how much better he is. You shouldn't hang out with him, you'll only get hurt." ><><>< What did Starbuck know anyway? Just because they didn't get along didn't mean Ortega was a bad guy. 'And what was that about bad news? He's not exactly a goody-goody himself.' "Athena!" the professor called for what appeared not to be the first time. Her head snapped up. "Yes, sir?" He shook his head. "What's the answer?" She could hear snickers from her classmates as she glanced at the main screen. "I don't know, sir." "I believe Apollo was able to answer this question a few yahren ago," the professor said, doing nothing to hide his disappointment. "I'm not my brother, sir," Athena stated, matter-of-factly. "Obviously," the professor replied, and the snickers increased. ><><>< Athena was glad the day was over. If her professors hadn't had Apollo they'd at least heard of him. Level school had been rough enough, here she would have to work harder to prove she was just as good. She was walking through the far landing lot when she noticed a hovermobile slow and match her speed beside her. Looking over she smiled. "Need a lift somewhere?" Ortega asked from behind the wheel. "I'm just going over to the Java house," she replied, not really wanting to deter him. "Hop in. I'll buy you one." Ortega grinned as she complied. "Looks like you had a rough first." "Do you have an older brother?" "Ah," he nodded, "the shadow of Apollo. Don't feel bad. I've gotta live up to my father. If I don't score perfect on everything, he hears about it . . . Then I hear about it." Athena laughed as Ortega imitated his father's tirade. She didn't care what anyone said, she liked this guy. 'Starbuck would never understand a problem like this,' she thought, hating herself for the truth of it. ><><>< A secton later Ortega's hovermobile pulled up outside the Commander's house. He killed the engine and turned to his passenger. "Did you have fun tonight?" Athena smiled. "Yeah." "You sound surprised," he replied as he wrapped his arms around her. She laughed. "It's just that Starbuck warned me about you. Said you were bad news." Ortega made a mental note and kissed her. When he came up for air he smiled. "Do you think I'm bad news?" Athena turned to exit the vehicle, and turned back. "The jury's still out," she joked. ><><>< Zac bounded down the stairs, and skidded to a halt. "I'm starving!" he declared, before she closed the door. "Hi to you too, baby brother," Athena remarked. "Mom and Dad leave already?" Zac nodded, his boundless energy present in the slight motion. "Yeah, and they didn't leave me anything. A kid could starve in this house." Athena shook her head. "You already said you were. Why didn't you make something?" Zac rolled his eyes. "Come on, The. You know I'm not allowed. Don't you remember?" She nodded, remembering how the blaze unit surrounded their house. "Okay, let's get you something before you pass out." ><><>< Starbuck walked through the nearly deserted campus. He liked it at night; it was quiet. He needed to think. He knew Athena had started seeing Ortega, and he had to find a way to break them up. He also knew that Ortega's only interest in her was that he thought Starbuck liked her. Starbuck wasn't about to deny that fact. He groaned as he heard someone behind him call, "Orfie!!" Starbuck turned around, already knowing who it was. Only one person deigned to call him that anymore. "What do you want, Ortega?" "You're bad mouthing me to Athena," he exclaimed and his fist met the other's jaw. Starbuck reeled, recovered, and lunged for him. They battered each other as punch after punch was thrown. Ortega launched and they rolled across the ground. Starbuck had an idea and ceased his attack. Ortega landed one final blow, and knocked his nemesis out. ><><>< Bree had closed the Java house, and was glad of it. She always hated the first week of a new yahren. All the new students who expected their orders immediately, and it would be at least half quarter before she was able to match all the faces to their orders. She walked through the campus on the way back to the dorm, already dreaming of the less than comfortable mattress. She was walking down Scholar Road when she heard the moaning. At first she thought it was a couple and was going to pass, but she spotted the lone figure on the grass. She ran over, and immediately recognized him. "Starbuck?" He groaned as she pushed the hair out of his eyes, and gasped at the blood and bruises. "Come on, I'll take you to Life Center." "No!" he exclaimed, harshly. "I need to get to Athena." ><><>< Zac was in the middle of a dream, about making out with the girls at the Academy, when the urgent knocking woke him. "I'm coming!" he called as he lumbered down the stairs. He opened the door and his eyes widened. "SB! What happened to you?" Starbuck leaned against Bree. "Is Athena here?" "Bree, sit him down," Athena ordered from the stairs. "Starbuck, answer the question." He leaned back against the longseat and smiled inwardly. "Ortega jumped me." Athena's eyes narrowed, suspiciously. "Are you sure it was him?" Zac's head jerked towards his sister. "The." Starbuck shook his head. "No, Zac, it's alright. I didn't expect her to believe me." Athena's heart tugged at the accusation. "Why would he do this?" "Does it matter?" Bree demanded, angered by her friend's response. Athena's heart broke as Starbuck replied, "Because he found out that I warned you about him." ><><>< It was the first day of the following secton when Ortega came up behind Athena. "Hey, beautiful." She turned to him, thoughts of Starbuck's words dancing in her head. "What happened to you?" she asked when she saw his black eye. Ortega shrugged off her concern. "Got in a fight a couple of nights ago." "Starbuck?" Athena asked, already knowing the answer. Ortega's anger mounted at what the boray must have told her. "Yeah. Did he come crying to you? What did he say?" Athena was taken aback by the abrasive tone. "I'd like to hear it from you." Ortega sat her down on a nearby bench. "I came back from our date, and I guess he found out I'd been out with you. He told me he knew someone had told me about his warning to you. I thought we were just going to argue, but he attacked." Athena's head was spinning. The only conflict was who threw the first punch, but that was enough. She wanted to believe Ortega, because Starbuck was a renowned con artist, but he was also her friend and had never lied to her. 'I wish Apollo was here,' she thought, but quickly dismissed it as he would immediately take his best friend's side. ><><>< A sectar had gone by, and Athena had done her best to avoid both seniors. She had heard from Bree that the pair had been in more than a few fights, and was beginning to wonder if they'd end up killing each other. It had been hard at first to avoid Starbuck as Zac refused to stop hanging out with him. "Just because you're having problems with him," the teen had stated, "doesn't mean I have to." Athena groaned as she left her class and saw Ortega waiting for her in the corridor. He was still wearing the signs of the latest brawl, and that was the last thing she needed to see. He smiled as he came over and took her pack. "I'm starting to feel that you're trying to ignore me." Athena sighed. "I've been busy with my studies. I need time to think; sort things out." Ortega nodded. "Well, there's a party this secton, and I'd like to take you." 'It's too soon,' Athena thought. "I'm sorry. I have a test next secton, and I really don't understand it." Ortega wasn't going to be brushed off. "Well, I'll tutor you, and we can still go." She had to think fast. "I already have a tutor. Can we go to the next one?" Ortega grinned. "Sure, Love. At least I know you're not mad at me." ><><>< Starbuck walked up to the Commander's house, still not sure why he was here. Zac had contacted him and asked that he come over when Athena was in class. As he knocked on the door, Starbuck wondered why his young friend was making this a covert op. Zac opened the door, and quickly ushered him inside. Starbuck noticed the recording the boy was clutching in his fist. "New song, Zac?" The young man stared at the object in his hand. "Starbuck, do you like my sister? I mean, really like her?" Starbuck's eyes widened. She had been all he thought about for the past month. Would he ever see her again? It had seemed a billion nights when he'd lie awake in the dorm, just wishing she would burst into the room and his waiting arms. "Yes, Zac. I . . . I really care about her." Zac's sigh of relief could have been heard all the way to Gemini. "Do you want her back?" Lords, how Starbuck wanted her. "Yes. Zac, why all the questions?" The boy handed him the recording. "I want you to give this to Athena. I wrote it especially for you. It tells her all the things you don't seem to be able to." Starbuck's argument was cut short when Athena walked in. The pair looked guilty of something, and she didn't really want to know what. Zac glanced hurriedly at the chronometer on the wall. "Lords, is that the time," he stated, lamely. "I've got a date." Athena glanced at Starbuck and made her way to the stairs. "You can see yourself out." Starbuck took hold of her hand as she passed. "Athena, please. We need to talk." She turned back. "Starbuck, I have to study." He ignored her words, and dragged her into the living area. Sitting her down on the longseat, he placed the recording into the player. "I just want you to listen to something first," he said and sat beside her. "I know what you're doing You don't want to put the hurt on someone You've been trying to convince yourself You're better off if you just turn and run But I'm gonna hold on tight I've got a feeling You'll only happen once to me And no one, not even you Is ever gonna make you wrong for me Don't walk away Or are you looking for a price to pay Is that your master plan Don't walk away I'll do everything to make you stay I've got to make a stand Don't walk away I'm not afraid Don't walk away I don't know where you're going But I know what you've got on your mind And I think your fear is showing You don't leave things like fear behind And I hate to be the one To break it to you that We're only human after all I can mend a broken wing I'll give you everything I have Don't walk away Or are you looking for a price to pay Is that your master plan Don't walk away I'll do everything to make you stay I've got to make a stand Don't walk away I'm not afraid Don't walk away You used to be the one Who used to be so strong What happened to your rationale Your heart is on the line It happens all the time Don't walk away Or are you looking for a price to pay Is that your master plan Don't walk away I'll do everything to make you stay I've got to make a stand Don't walk away I'm not afraid Don't walk away . . ." When the song finished, Starbuck could feel the tears in his eyes. He quickly wiped them away and glanced at Athena. The tears were streaming down her face as she stared straight ahead. He tentatively reached out and touched her shoulder. "Oh, Starbuck," Athena mumbled as she fell into his arms. Leaning her head on his shoulder, she cried. 'Thank you, Zac,' Starbuck thought as he held her. "Hey, you're not supposed to be sad." Athena chuckled. "I'm not. I'm just sorry I've hurt you. I had no idea how you felt." Starbuck cupped her face in his hands, and swallowed his fear. "I love you, Athena." She closed her eyes and allowed him to capture her lips. The kiss was deep and tender, nothing like the possessiveness of Ortega. When Starbuck puled away, he gently lay her down beside him. Athena rested her head on his shoulder, and her hand over his heart. "How long have you felt this way?" Starbuck thought back to when he knew he fell in love with her. "Remember a couple of yahren ago when Apollo's appendix ruptured?" Athena lifted her head and looked into his blue eyes. ""Hades, I was a nervous wreck that day." Her voice filled with emotion as the memories came. "You took me out to the hovermobile, and lay with me in the backseat. Like we are now, and just held me. I kept thinking how I'd beat the pogees out of you, if you tried anything." Starbuck laughed. "Believe me, I thought about it." Athena laughed and slapped his chest. Wrapping her arms around him, she kissed him. "I love you too, Starbuck." ><><>< Three nights later, Athena walked into the party on Starbuck's arm. It wasn't until she got in the door that she wondered if this was the same party Ortega had invited her to. Lords, she hoped not, it was the last thing she needed. This was one of many parties to mark the end of the first quarter. No more studies, professors or tests. No one cared tonight that the next quarter started in a secton. Starbuck felt like he could fly tonight without a Viper. Originally he had planned to attend every one of the parties, a different girl for each one. But after what happened the other evening, he quickly canceled all those dates. He hoped he hadn't disappointed the ladies too much, but this was the one he cared about. Starbuck's spirits fell slightly when he saw Ortega glaring at him from across the room. He smiled inwardly as a plan formed. Guiding Athena just inside the door of the next room, he kissed her. "Wait here, Love, and I'll get you a drink." Athena kissed him back and smiled. "Hurry back." "Won't be a micron," he replied as he went back out. Starbuck didn't have to wait long as Ortega shoved him. The taller man eyed him. "What do you think you're doing, Orfie?" Athena heard Ortega's voice, and wondered who he was talking to. As she poked her head out, she saw the two seniors staring each other down. She wanted to pull Starbuck away, but something stopped her. Ortega slowly circled Starbuck as a small group of spectators formed. "Stealin' my woman, Orfie," he accused. Starbuck just stood and watched him. "You know, there was a time when just calling me that would land you on the floor." Athena wished he would flatten the boray when she realized what the hateful name meant. There was no doubt in her mind that Starbuck had been telling the truth about that first fight. 'So, this is what he was warning me about. Why doesn't he just punch him?' she wondered. "Go ahead, Starbuck. Show me how tough you are," Ortega goaded as he shoved him from behind. Starbuck tried to control himself as he kept his balance. "What's your interest in Athena, anyway?" Ortega laughed, maliciously. "That sweet kid? Nothing." He got into his nemesis' face. "I just wanted in her pants before you." Starbuck glanced over and saw the tears in Athena's eyes. He hated himself for doing it this way, but she had to find out. "But you didn't, did you? She saw you for what you really are." Athena saw Starbuck hit the carpet, and the hesitance in his eyes as he looked into hers. "Kill the frakking son of a female daggit!" she cried. Starbuck tackled Ortega, and they went down swinging. Not a centon later, Starbuck stood up. He pointed menacingly at the prone figure. "Now, everyone knows what you're like." ><><>< The couple sat on the longseat in the Commander's living area, Athena tending to her love's injuries. Starbuck flinched away. "Frak!" She couldn't suppress a giggle. "Oh, stop being a baby. If you wouldn't fight, I wouldn't have to do this." "I seem to remember you telling me to," he sniped. Taking hold of her hands, he looked into her blue eyes. "The, I'm sorry. I wish you didn't have to find out like that." Athena rubbed her thumbs across his hands. "Starbuck, it's alright. I'm just glad I did find out. And that I have you to hold me when I cry about it." Starbuck pulled her into his arms and held her close. After a few centons he lifted her head. "Is that all I am to you? A tissue? A teddy bear?" Athena laughed at his mock injured look. "Of course not. You're also a pillow, slave for carrying my bags and coats, object of most of my tirades, and occasional punching bag." "Oh yeah," Starbuck cried, and landed her on her back against the cushions. They were both in a fit of giggles as a tickle fight erupted. They lay panting after a moment, gazing into each other's eyes. Limbs entwined as their lips met. They were so engrossed in one another that neither noticed the door. They jumped apart when they heard a pack hit the floor. Two pairs of blue eyes looked up in horror as they both exclaimed, "Apollo!!" THE END