A/N: warnings for foul language and sexual situations. Terra Nova is a family show, but this won't emulate that.

1. Paper Hearts

It was another lovely afternoon in Terra Nova, the land of promise and new beginnings. The sun offered its love on the lush forests and shining, clear waters, kissing rock, land and plant life alike. The lonely hiker adored the feel of sweat on her body and the way the warmth crept everywhere. She knew she'd come to heaven once she reached her destination: cool waters to swim in, privacy from prying eyes and questions, and just some time to think. Skye had been planning this retreat for awhile now, gathering what she needed and mapping everything in her head.

She'd come alone this time, needing a moment to herself. The double life she lead was wearing her down, and for once she didn't want to see or hear anything compromising, because then she'd would've been obligated to report it to Mira. No, today she just wanted to swim, sunbathe and enjoy this paradise her parents had brought her to.

She wasn't stupid though; she'd told Hunter where she was going and made him promise he'd tell Commander Taylor if she wasn't back by nightfall (Hunter never could say no to her). She had a knife with her and her quick wits, seeing how Skye was not the type to freeze in unexpected situations. Then again she also knew she'd get help from the Sixers if things turned bad; she was their golden girl after all. She'd also chosen her location well: the falls were familiar ground she'd treaded on dozens of times. Curiously, Skye found that a little excitement wouldn't hurt either, even if she'd meant this day to be a moment of relaxation.

Sweat dribbled down her hairline and glued her top over her back. She took a quick gulp from her water bottle before she continued walking, already hearing the sound of the falls in the distance. The mere thought of the cool water's embrace brought a smirk on her face. Adjusting her backpack she hopped over some larger rocks and quickly found her footing again. She was in prime condition, experienced in hiking and the territory so this trip had barely exhausted her. Skye might've considered asking Commander Taylor for military training, had her loyalties not been divided by her promise to Mira. It was like all she had were other obligations to fulfill, and none of them involved following her own heart's desire.

Noises resounded in the distance, probably just a howler or a distant predator. She knew this wasn't the territory of any of the more dangerous predators like nykoraptors or carnos, but it wasn't unusual for young males to wander a bit in search of prey. However, Skye found it quite unlikely she'd encounter anything she wasn't prepared for at this time of day. She'd chosen the Snakehead Falls because they were very secure from a military point of view: distant from the Sixer camp, hard to access by foot, basically just rocks and water with nothing to interest the wildlife.

Thirty minutes later she lowered her backpack upon reaching her destination. Skye leaned over the ledge a bit to look deep down into the swirling water below. Next she scanned the area and just listened for a moment, knowing she'd make a quick return if her gut instinct told her to. Nothing came up, it was serene and beautiful, which led her to the conclusion that it was safe to continue. She began removing articles of clothing, placing each inside her water proof backpack, until she was down to her bikini. She removed a little piece of jewellery last, something she'd been meaning to give to her mother any day now, and tucked it into her backpack with a kiss.

Then she jumped sans the usual screaming, unwilling to attract any spectators to her sanctuary. The freefall felt amazing, as gravity pulled her closer with force while her body felt as light as a feather. The experience always filled her with joy, this deep sense of fulfillment until she hit the water, and reality came back crashing. She went under quickly, nearly swallowing some water as she sank, but kept her wits. The sun hid after she was pulled into her stream that flowed through a narrow cavern, but she didn't mind the darkness. It was comforting to be forgotten and hidden. Usually too many eyes were upon her, dictating her worth and next action.

The water washed away the dirt, heat and sweat that had gathered all over her during the long hike. She swam to the surface and gasped for air hungrily, a satisfied smile on her lips. Her backpack floated next to her in a minute, prompting her to grab it. The water's embrace was simply put perfection after a hot day. She enjoyed its feel all over her, floating along the stream and holding onto her backpack until the waters became still.

The cavern ended and light came pouring in, blinding her. She found the bottom of the river with her feet and stood up to greet her friend, the sun. It responded with overwhelming ardor, countering the effects of the cool water. She sent the sun flying kisses with her fingers and waved, wading onwards in the water, until the river grew narrow and shallow. Her movement was silent; she was trapped in her own thoughts, already calling this the perfect day. Everything came to a halt when she realized there was a shirtless man by the rocks, making carvings of gold on them.

She wasn't alone.

Skye froze, realizing quickly that this was the only thing she had not prepared for. Terra Novans moved in groups, always in groups, and he did not look feral like the Sixers, so there was no guarantee of her safety. Her eyes sought for the backpack with panic, her brain commanding her to reach for the knife. Then she already discarded the thought, realizing he had a knife on his belt and a gun lying on the rocks a by his feet. She was outgunned and physically less imposing, so she really had nothing to threaten him with.

As she watched him, holding her breath, thinking for a way to emerge victorious in the face of this challenge, he continued to carve markings into the rocks almost oblivious to her presence, obviously deep in thought. Skye could make out shapes now. They appeared to be equations. This piqued her interest, killing the alarm in her brain somewhat. Brainy types were rarely fighters in her experience. Perhaps there was a chance to reason with him?

Skye allowed her eyes to explore, search for clues to his identity. Instead she realized she was scanning his tanned back and the scars there. He was fit and had some muscle. Messy curls kissed his sweaty neck, which made his dark hair even curlier. He appeared more than able to fight, yet the solution of talking was appearing more and more alluring. Skye knew she could be very persuasive when she wanted to.

Then he stopped to admire his work, took a step to turn around. She bit her lip not to let a whimper escape her lips, begged silently for more time. Time remained relentless, however, and her mystery man noticed her instantly, surprise taking form on his face. He had green eyes, handsome face and more scars on his front. She withdrew her earlier evaluation that this man was not feral enough to be a Sixer. She could see it now: he belonged in the woods, far from civilization.

Neither of them spoke at first, they simply stared at one another, each making evolutions on the target's threat level. Skye supposed she didn't seem that threatening: she was a cute girl in a bikini, wading in see-through waters. There was nowhere to hide a weapon except her backpack. However, she counted her charms as a weapon though he might not.

He shifted nervously and then moved closer to her, soft voice inquiring, "What are you doing here?"

Skye felt the tension release and smirked in relief, laughter bubbling inside her. "What does it look like?" she asked with a teasing voice, "I came here to sunbathe."

Surprisingly, he too smiled back at her, puzzled but amused. She faced him so fearlessly, no clue of his identity of plans, like they were just two people running into one another at a market, when it was glaringly obvious that they were from opposite sides. Lucas had been secluded quite long if a chance encounter with a Terra Novan could end without recognition like this. For a moment there he'd already feared the worst.

Skye focused on the carvings again, moving out of the water and over dry rocks. "What are you doing?" she asked, genuinely curious and excited at this strange acquaintance she'd just made. Some distance remained between them though, even if steps had been taken to reassure each of their peaceful intentions.

Lucas raised a brow at her question, unable to grasp her reaction to his presence. She spoke to him so naturally, no signs of fear or distrust in her demeanor. "Why aren't you afraid?" he asked, forgetting his calculations for a second, finding this distraction enough to hold his interest. Nowadays only few things could manage this feat.

Skye shrugged effortlessly, maintaining her easy-going smile. "I have no reason to assume you'd hurt me, do I?" she quipped and put her backpack on the rocks, closing in on him to get a closer look at his work. She hadn't seen him before at the camp, so maybe he'd been on his own awhile. Maybe he didn't know anything about her part in the struggle between the Sixers and Terra Nova?

Lucas tensed when Skye came up to him and began looking at the carvings, tracing them with her fingers, like an infant that wanted to touch everything to experience it. He quickly ignored his suspicions though, knowing he still had the upper hand. The girl couldn't do anything he didn't want her to, and he'd been in solitude for a long time, so why not enjoy her company for a bit?

"Are you a scientist?" Skye asked, having absorbed the sight of the carvings enough. They were beautiful in a strange way. His handwriting made for some peculiar art. She suspected this was all for practical reasons though: no computers in the jungle.

"I suppose I am," Lucas admitted, focusing on her slender neck and unblemished skin. Her frame was in perfect propositions and she stood by him so naturally. He didn't remember the last time he'd experienced arousal, yet the kind itch was familiar and closing in already. Perhaps she knew what she was doing to him; perhaps it was all her intention? A cynic lived inside him, always finding new suspicions. His senses told him that her smile was genuine though. Lucas was good at deception himself, so he trusted in his ability to spot a liar.

"Isn't it dangerous to wander outside Terra Nova alone?" Lucas asked, luring her into eye contact. Skye was overwhelmed by his eyes at close range: the green of spring grass was vivid. Shivers ran down her spine, excitement bubbled in her stomach. "I've done it before," Skye answered, like it was no big deal.

Then Lucas understood, feeling ridiculed that it had not crossed his mind earlier. "You're the spy," he realized, speaking his thoughts aloud. For some reason Skye didn't feel as uncomfortable hearing that as she usually did. Who would he even tell? "Yes," she admitted, "I have a deal with Mira."

He suddenly found no excuses to ask her to leave, nor did he want to. He wanted to watch her touch the carvings he'd engraved, to appreciate his hard work, to smile back at him. Why hadn't he realized how much he'd missed just talking to others? Was it because he so rarely found an intriguing person to communicate with? Was it because he knew this person had their reasons to backstab his father as well? No matter the reason, he wanted her to stay.

"I'm finished for now anyway," he continued, almost clumsy in his proposition, "Would you like stay with me?"

Skye felt her heart jump a bit, her thoughts became jumbled. His voice had such a strange effect on her, like a pleasant spell, mesmerizing. "Why not?"

Lucas led them to sit on the rocks near the gentle stream. He sunk his legs in the water, and Skye followed his example. Truth be told, she felt a bit safer with him around. Now she'd have less to worry if some animal tried to attack. Then again his presence brought worth new dangers, at least according to her instincts. Yet in this case she'd rather call them opportunities.

"So how long have you been out here alone?" The question came naturally; it flowed like conversation between old friends, surprising even Skye.

"I came on the second pilgrimage," Lucas revealed, forgetting for a moment that it might've been better not to allude too strongly to his identity. For some strange reason he felt compelled to trust her, an unspoken truce was here. "But I've been on my own for five years now," he then added, unwilling to consider his random encounters with Mira or her lackeys any kind of support.

"Wow, that's long. I'm from the fifth pilgrimage. I don't remember much from, you know, before, these days," Skye blabbered a bit, as that gentle storm inside grew stronger. She leaned back on her hands and paddled her feet in the water, while Lucas sat with his feet firmly against the side of the rock, leaning over his knees. He'd also emerged his feet under water, yet saw no reason to move them.

"I remember all too well…" Lucas almost got swept in his thoughts like he always did when he thought about life before. Somalia, his mother, his dreams – they all were topics he liked to avoid, because his self-control got harder and harder to maintain when he recalled those days.

Skye noticed the strain in his voice and leaned in to whisper, "We don't have to talk about that." For a second her shoulder touched his side, and then she leaned away again, making herself comfortable in her position by moving her wet hair on her back.

He made the mistake of looking at her when she did that: an innocent moment of physical contact lit a fire inside. He devoured her with his eyes, imprinting every detail in his memory, knowing he'd revisit this moment on another cold night. "Let's talk about you. What's your name?" he asked, realizing he'd rather not talk at all, just enjoy the silence.

"I'm Skye. Skye Tate," she responded, extending her hand for him to shake. "Lucas," he responded, wisely omitting his last name from this introduction. He gave her hand a firm shake and slid his thumb over her hand during it. He could see the effects of this gesture all over her: she was very receptive. A small hint of thirst flashed in her eyes, giving him a taste of things to come. She was unlike anyone he'd met before: adventurous, fearless, yet soft and feminine when needed.

Skye withdraw her hand from his, recognizing the way this stranger looked at her. Boys had given her that look many times before, but never a man and no one like Lucas. He had a presence to him: brilliance, arrogance, and confidence along with his comforting voice. She felt like she could tell him anything. There was a budding attraction between them, which would've normally made her nervous, but she was just curious this time, eager to experience.

"I'm hiding here actually," she revealed and laid her back on the rock, staring at the sky and the shifting clouds above. It was easier to talk when his handsome face didn't throw her mind in disarray. "It's not easy lying to everyone you know. Sometimes you just need to be yourself out in the open."

"And who are you really, Skye?" Lucas moved as well, turning to lie on his side beside her. This way he could see her while she talked, appreciate and record everything in his memory. The sight of her lying next to him proved to be quite enthralling. Again he felt the pull of need and lust.

"A traitor, obviously," she confessed bitterly. He could hear the hurt and shame in her voice, how they clutched her insides. "Someone, who lies to her friends and family, and takes walks in the middle nowhere to confess to strangers," she went on speedily, like her heart would burst from the weight she carried inside unless she spoke aloud. She'd even clenched one hand into a fist, nails digging into her hand palm as she squeezed it shut. Her sunshiny exterior had fallen, and he could see the real reason she was here now: the exhaustion in this tired young woman.

Lucas hesitated for a second, yet ignored his doubts and moved his hand on hers, caressing her fist. "You're a good person," he said softly, knowing she would not feel torn unless she was acting against her morals. He couldn't blame her, she was young. She had yet to see the treachery of his father, but he just might teach her.

Skye lost words when he touched her, desire awakening inside her, a sleeping dragon she'd forgotten while she'd played spy. Now it wanted her to fix this negligence. His hands were calloused from manual labor, hardened by his fight for survival. In fact Lucas looked weathered entirely, his chest covered in bruises and scars, the most alarming one on his neck. She wanted to reach and touch it, touch him all over and forget her predicament, her problems. It wasn't what good girls did, but she hadn't been good girl so far, now had she?

"How old are you?" she asked, frowning when her question made him stop that maddening motion with his thumb. It was as if Lucas needed a moment to count, to remember how long it'd been. His face betrayed his thoughts, verified her conclusion. "Twenty-five, twenty-six?" he suggested, not interested in the answer himself.

"And you?" For a lingering moment he suspected he might've miscalculated her age, and should've let his desires go if she was indeed too young. Skye corrected him though. "Old enough," she retorted, leaving no room for objections.

They lingered in contact for an extended moment, whilst fascination grew. Skye's heart was loud and fast, she feared he'd see it so clearly in the way her chest rose and fell with haste. He didn't notice though, he only saw her, piercing his armor.

Lucas inched closer, his hand sliding down from her fist and around her waist. Then he just leaned over her and pressed his lips against hers, drowning them both in sweet passion. Skye brought her hands to his neck, caressing it, holding onto him while her body arched in enjoyment. Her tongue moved between their lips, making him respond enthusiastically, as the kiss lasted longer than intended. She pulled him closer when their lips parted, inviting him on top of her.

It was lunacy, but by damn, it was better than anything in a long time. Skye felt everything else melt away, except him and his touch. She embraced this piece of heaven whole-heartedly and willingly.

He could feel her smile against his kisses, worried for a moment that his unshaven chin would scrape her beautiful skin. Her closeness expelled those thoughts though, as she pushed against him forcibly, her lips eliciting an excited gasp. There was no room for conscious thoughts after that anymore. His body was hijacked by the more basic parts of his brain. Even if he'd forgotten how people worked in society, how they related and talked, he couldn't forget this, it lived under his skin, untouchable.

She was perfection beneath his fingers. He pulled the top of her bikini open, she yanked at his cargo pants to get them off him. He helped her in her task, removing his underwear as well, before glancing at her and the bottom of the bikini that still covered her and motioning her to remove it with his finger. She complied happily. Skye didn't even mind her nakedness when they continued kissing fiercely. His hands found her breast, rubbing and caressing their way through, towards her belly.

When he entered her with his finger, she responded by biting his shoulder playfully. Lucas claimed eye contact, the pain humming in the back of his head, somewhere distant. He only felt her inviting warmth, that maddening tightness between her legs, and then suddenly her grip around his length. She smirked mischievously, moving her hand up and down, first slowly, then faster. He responded by moving another finger inside her, rubbing that sweet spot that sent waves across her body.

Her hips bucked against him, yearning for something rougher, while she gripped almost too tight, but just right. Motion became a blur, sensations heightened.

"Gently Skye," he urged her, his soft voice turning tense. "Not so fucking gently Lucas," she begged in return, writhing in pleasure.

He wanted those hips working their magic on him, yet reason argued against him. There was no protection, and he didn't want any complications from this charming moment of betrayal from his self-control.

He added a third finger inside her, listened to her panting, allowing it to guide him towards the right rhythm. He kissed her neck, touched her all over with his spare hand, unable to stop willingly. She bit his earlobe playfully, whispering hoarsely in his ear, "What're you waiting for? I want you."

Her voice only aroused him more; even when he pulled back a bit, his hand cupping her face. "We shouldn't," he argued, trying to be the responsible one when she pulled her hand away from him.

"Fuck that," Skye said harshly, inviting him to madness. And Lucas couldn't argue against this strange girl, who'd invaded his privacy and driven his brilliant mind asunder just with her presence.

He pulled his fingers from inside her, positioned himself on her. But it was Skye, who bucked her hips forward, joining them together. She continued to move underneath him, leaving him breathless in this dance. This had to be what going mad felt like, he thought with a smile, when she pushed him over and climbed on top of him. Skye ran her hands across his chest, touching each scar, while she rocked her hips in perfect motion.

It didn't take much longer for her to float after that. His pleasure remained unreached though, so she brushed away the ache of fulfillment and focused on him. Lucas put his hands around her face, pulling her closer to him, sinking his fingers in her hair. He kissed her again and again, hungry for the taste of her kiss. Waves of pleasure crushed against him, and he wondered about her and kismet. Like a dying man he'd lived in seclusion, only to stumble upon her one beautiful day, and fall in love.

She observed him, that look of utter happiness when she brought him to the edge and gently dropped him off. She then slowly moved off him, settling herself beside him, while he lay still. A smirk played her lips, satisfaction burned in her body, yet her curiosity wasn't quite yet sated. Who was he really? Why was he here alone, making his calculations in such a desolate place? Why did he have such an effect on her?

Just as she'd relaxed and evened her breathing back to normal, he suddenly rolled on top her again, dark eyes piercing hers. They were so full of excitement and life, inviting her to another world where you made your own path. She could tell he was no follower. Lucas did what he wanted, ignoring the objections. Skye wanted to be like that too: to have that courage.

At first Lucas looked like he was about to say something, perhaps a joke or a compliment, yet no sound escaped his lips. His hand stroked her cheek, gentle in its touch. "You're quite a siren Skye Tate," he finally said, teasing her a bit, once he relocated his voice.

"Me?" Skye feigned innocence and surprise, "I don't even know your last name."

This was true, of course. Perhaps it'd been deception to omit that little detail, but Lucas had to protect himself, even from danger as beautiful as her. Guilt pressed at his chest though, seeing the discreet way she asked him for more after she'd given him everything without complaint. Skye was an open book while he remained encrypted.

"Nothing good would come out of it," Lucas said, reality prickling at his insides. This was something impossible, no matter how good it felt. If there was a chance his identity could ruin everything, he was quite sure it would.

Skye absorbed his words, her smile growing fainter. "I see," she said, nearly losing her voice before she pushed him back, rose to a sitting position and began searching for her swimwear. The magic was gone, cold reality had struck in its place. She wasn't just betraying the colony to help her mother, but also sleeping with a Sixer!

Lucas couldn't help feeling like an asshole, even when his actions were completely justified in his mind. He saw the hurt bleed onto her face whilst she rose, trying to hide her disappointment in action. This sight was worse than anything he remembered in a long time, an instant punch in his gut. Skye pulled her bikini back on, feeling the need to clothe herself now that she'd made such a fool of herself. Shame burned her, but underneath it that attraction remained, growing roots already.

When she was done she turned back to him, finding him still quite naked and apparently bewildered. Skye couldn't help smiling at him. She picked up his underwear and threw it playfully on him, winking, "Perhaps it'd be better you get dressed too." Then she walked right past him to reach her backpack.

He followed her advice quickly, pacing after her once he'd pulled his underwear on. Skye had leaned over her backpack, clearly looking for something inside. Lucas tugged at her arm, getting her to straighten up before he pressed her against the rocky wall, kissing her again. She responded eagerly, thoughts of leaving and being ridiculed quickly slipping off her mind. It felt so insanely good to be in this man's arms, there were no words for it. It was crazy to act this way with someone you just met. Skye's mind was in disarray and his closeness didn't help, it only made things more confusing.

He parted their lips, pressing his forehead against hers. Skye swallowed loudly, feeling weak to her knees when he looked at her like that, so longingly. His green eyes were amazing close-up: they remained pure and intense, even when the rest of him relaxed in her presence.

"Please understand," Lucas said, brushing a loose strand of her hair behind her ear as he spoke, "My work is at a crucial point. I need to finish it, and no one can know I'm here."

Skye nodded, counter-arguments rising to the top of her head quickly. She wanted to be difficult, to demand answers, but something warned her against taking this action. Her heartbeat was loud again, it thundered in her ears.

"But you're not going to be here after today, are you?" she settled to ask instead, reading the answer from his face while he hesitated. Like she'd suspected, there was little chance they'd cross one another's paths again. This information paralyzed her for a moment.

Lucas pulled back enough to see her face clearly, witness the realization sink before he confirmed it. "No, I won't be back here. It's too dangerous," he explained, every word dictated by his sense, not his heart. Each word tugged at his heartstrings, riling him further. It wasn't fair.

Skye glanced at the carvings she'd admired jealously from her eye corner. They would remain here long after he was gone, a constant reminder of this day and these feelings. "I should go back," she mulled aloud, feeling his arms tighten around her a moment later. "Don't," Lucas begged, knowing letting her go would mean letting her go for good. He wanted to savor this as long as he could.

But Skye countered his plead with irritation, hurt all over her fine features, "Don't?" she stressed his words, anger starting to crack through her ardor, "You're not even willing to meet me half-way here, Lucas. I don't owe you anything."

Her voice gained a dangerous dimension then. He usually would've met such aggression with a taste of his own resolve, but with her he could only admire the strength she showed. No violent impulses climbed from the back of his spine, he didn't flare at her.

"No you don't," Lucas admitted humbly, watching intently at the way her chest rose quicker when she was irritated, "But I'm asking you for more anyway. I don't want this to end yet."

His sincerity scared her and him, but they both recognized this encounter as something time would etch into their memories as special, no matter what followed. There was a fragile connection here that wouldn't be cut even with distance or time.

Skye looked back at Lucas, his serene expression betraying nothing but the desire behind his request, and felt her irritation subdue bit by bit. It occurred to her that whatever mission Lucas was on had put him in these woods alone for the past five years, conditions she would've considered hell herself, and she was probably one of the few things outside his mission that brought him joy. She didn't pity him though; she knew it would've been futile. Lucas had chosen this freely, and she'd reminded him of what he'd missed because of that choice. She was a reminder of his humanity.

Her long silence ended with a sigh of defeat, and she lowered her gaze from his face, landing her hands on his chest. "You win," she surrendered, sending shivers of relief all across his body. "I'll stay a little while longer, but then I will leave, and it'll be unlikely for us to run into one another, which I suppose is golden if you're trying to stay hidden." Skye was rambling again, trying to vent her frustration in speech. Lucas listened to her willingly, each statement adding more weight on his chest, until her buried her in his arms again, silencing her. He clutched her in his arms, that overflowing feeling of love inside him again. He'd never felt this way, and feared he never would.

"I'll find you when my work is done," he whispered a promise, fully intent in keeping it. His lips brushed her ear, his stubble feeling so familiar against her cheek already. "What work?" Skye teased him, moving her own arms around him as well. No one had held her in a long time, and never like this, never like this.

Lucas smirked at her words, finding the humor in them. "Why I can't tell you that," he responded with a similar tone of voice, inhaling her scent to remember it as well.

"What can you tell me then?" Skye asked, bemused by his presence. "I want you," he confessed, his voice raunchy, deep. "I want you, no one but you," Lucas continued, kissing her neck and cheek and finally her lips. Skye didn't resist. She just went with the flow, that lovely feeling of falling.

TBC