Disclaimer: I do not own Terra Nova, it's characters, setting etc. I just want to write fan-fiction including them.

A/N: Another Terra Nova fanfiction! These people just won't leave me alone! :P Got the season for Xmas and watched half that night and half the following Boxing Day. Been writing about them ever since. Hope you like. Please review!

Summary:

Rated T

Romance and Drama*

Main characters: Wash & Taylor

English

Stitches

Chapter Three

Epilogue

Washington moved her lips over to a patch of rougher skin. Coarse and weathered by old, unforgotten wars and fire fights lifetimes ago which was still imprinted in his mind. It had left behind scars in his mind just hidden as the ones on his body. She kissed the length of a raised scar, not fresh but not ancient unlike others. It ran for just under two inches under his collarbone, the flesh still raised and tender whenever it accidentally got brushed. Miles OTG with only a standard medical kit; and of course weapons. She hadn't had the necessary equipment to right the damage dealt to him all those many suns ago but she'd tried her best. She hadn't failed him. Kissing his neck, Alicia felt the vibrations from his chest as he cleared his throat and ran a hand through her long hair. "You could use that mouth for somethin' else, you know?" She felt his slight chuckle as he finished, also. Embracing her as she left go of his t-shirt collar and raised herself to kiss him on the mouth.

"You should get some sleep." Alicia grinned against his lips and curled up against him side, exhaling gently as he relaxed with her in his grasp. "Commander of Terra Nova should go back to, you know, Commanding tomorrow?" She ran her hands over his clothed torso.

"I know, I will. But it's hard; not even savage nykos could tear me away from you."

"A nice adaptation of an old earth metaphor, sir." Not even wild horses... She pulled the grey sheets around them as she lay her head over his heart. "And you should get some sleep."

"I know that too," he replied, sighing near silently. "But I don't like falling asleep before you. I watch you, I like to, knowing that you're breathing and alive while you're eyes are closed."

"Nathaniel, I'm not gonna die in my sleep and I actually am not freaked out." Alicia sprawled in their bed carefully as to not disturb his healing wound on his abdomen. "You've always been protective." She sighed.

"Always will." Taylor nodded but it went unseen his gaze travelled over her calm features: the very action close to impossible in the cloud filled dark night air.

The morning after, they and the now rewarded soldiers of Terra Nova united before the Command post. Their muscle and band of rebels whilst the the colony was under threat were given a celebratory feast. Now that the food stocks have been replenished: they were praised in their devotion to the colony and the determination they showed in getting it back after loosing it. Taylor even had the miners put aside a small amount of raw cut silver for medals. One of which would've been post humorously handed out to Lieutenant Washington if the Commander, himself hadn't been so persistent with his belief she was still alive. The stall holders had an extra day off as Terra nova righted its life with finding a way to deal with cold showers and momentary food, medicine and power shortages. But Taylor had pulled every stop in celebrating his loved ones' life. Instead of stalls – tables full of xiph kebabs, fresh fruit, vegetables, newly brewed alcohol and punch bowls full of fruit juice: for the younger pilgrims adorned the tables decorated with lavish pieces. All ready to be 'oohed', 'ahhed' and eaten by the colony's inhabitants.

He soon ended his speech, made of left over sentences and thanks from the earlier festival combined with reminders of recent events. With a quick thankful, friendly squeeze to Washington at his right, receiving her medal last Taylor then near enough ordered his friends to celebrate their lives continuing after hard times and to not think about saving any for himself. Wash and Taylor's affections would be seen as friendly, harmless – a leader and his Lieutenant ready to forget the past and enjoy the present.

Guz, Reilly, and Reynolds stayed on the walkway near the Command centre, complimenting the other as to their recent achievements. The pair heard their close trusted friends musing as to what foods they would indulge in first.

Washington and Taylor made their way to the open banquet, they sat next to the Shannon family during the duration of the on spur feast. He dropped hints as to the ambush on The Sixers being planned as they each took a turn in speaking whilst cutting open various hard-skinned fruits.

"It's been a week since the Phoenix Group involvement, days since I discharged you from my care. How are you getting on, Lieutenant?" Shannon asked, politely as she divided a fruit between herself and her youngest.

Washington nodded in reply and found herself carving the skin of a prickly yellow and green mottled fruit. "It's hard to see that. Everyone's so happy and I'm good, Doc."

"That's 'cos they trust us." Taylor joined.

"Hmm, well, seems they trust in us enough to know I found a Phoenix container near full of medical supplies." She handed the cut fruit to Zoe who ate it thankfully also careful not to eat to fast with her hands so she'd embarrass herself in front of the Commander.

"All the other stuff was supplies, like blankets and fuel which is always good to have around." Elizabeth smiled at her husband who pulled his arm around her.

"Always." Jim pressed a kiss into her hair.

The very action had Taylor's gut churning; it was always a welcome sight for pilgrims to show their love for one another. But with his new lover sat right next to him, tucking into fruit after fruit as if she had a bottomless stomach. He only wished he could share their romance for one another so openly as they feasted, celebrated with their allies. Taylor wished he would touch her, run his hand through her hair to steal food from her plate then to kiss her on the lips, tasting the sweet once lost fruit juice traces on her lips and tell her how much he loved her right out in the open.

"Whoops." Maddy Shannon joined the table, closely followed by her brother. "Almost missed all the good stuff." She left out a solo, awkward laugh and seated herself close to her family.

"Yeah, and the reason was because she was doing absolutely nothing with a certain soldier called Mark." Her brother teased, yet sat next to his female sibling.

"Uh!" She tutted and elbowed him in the ribs, earning a groan from him. "Whatever... not important." Maddy grimaced comically and looked across at Taylor and Alicia, apologetic before grabbing a couple fruit.

"Well, I'm just glad to be feasting with some true friends." Taylor gave a slight squeeze to Lieutenant Washington's knee and let his hand linger on her thigh as he received a smile from the family opposite him.

"It's no problem at all, Commander." Elizabeth Shannon lifted her close to full glass of Terra Nova brewed wine and held it up to be chinked with others' as she spoke. "To Commander Taylor." Her grin spread slightly as Taylor nodded, almost flustered at yet more thanks aimed at his very self.

The family and his Lieutenant toasted to his health before the younger Shannons falling about it fits of laughter at Taylor's attempts to brush of the toast by waving his hands and threatening to leave, faux embarrassed if they continue which he then added an 'Aw shucks,' that made Alicia join in with the mass burst of hysteria. "Ah, thanks ladies and gents. But I think it should have been made for Terra Nova in general." He nodded and raised his own drink, a more tasteful serving of fruit punch rather than the alcohol in case something arises which needs his attention.

Washington drank to his own toast after squeezing his wandering hand then pushing it away, concerned that people would see.

"So, Maddy Shannon, where is my soldier?" He smirked and drained his glass.

"Oh, um, on the table with all the others. I mean at the table – they're all sitting together." She smiled, having to deal with her being the one flustered. "Yeah, Josh, your friends, the gang you hang out with they're all sat together." Maddy continued. "Probably serving and drinking that moonshine." Her voice was low as she ended.

"So, what's this ambush being planned, Taylor?" Jim asked taking the spot light off his children.

"Ah, we're gonna move the balloons closer to their nest – the Sixers. So we can see what they're doing every minute. After we've surveyed them for so long, we'll turn the sonic cannons to their perimeter; just to disrupt their peace and make 'em think we're coming for them. I want more scouts on our fence in case they retaliate. But we'll send a couple of warning shots, as well as destroying their safe haven. Make them know that they're not as safe as they might think they are."

The feast ended just after the sun had reached its peak in the sky, it started heading downward as the feast's goers began heading home. The family with the newborn headed away first to put their baby to bed, with a handful of fruit to continue the celebration in their own company they had gone before thanking the commander. Soon after, more families, pilgrims and soldiers went back to their houses in search of shelter for the coming night. Also, if the likes of Reynolds had 'accidentally' revealed the Commander 's recent plan about Mira. Anyone who had over heard the details about it would surely by barricading their homes just in case.

With a heat felt goodbye, Taylor had left the Shannons as they were about to retire for the night themselves. Leaving the two Terra Nova operatives to put their plain into action concerning the rearranging of the sensory balloons – capable of detecting changes in weather, heat scoping and of course movement. Leaving the two Terra Nova operatives to put their plain into action concerning the rearranging of the sensory balloons – capable of detecting changes in weather, heat scoping and of course movement. The military personnel of the colony had all gathered in the centre awaiting then watching the positioning of the balloons. Quicker than half an hour, they had all been dismissed for the evening. Taylor insisted they go pick over the left overs of the feast or go over to Boylans' where the over party of the celebrations had drifted over to. Alicia had stayed behind.

The sun had seeming quickly set soon after.

Bathing Terra Nova in moon-lit near darkness and silence, now and then broken by the odd screech of a predator beyond the gates and a drunken burst of uproarious laughter emitting from Boylan's bar.

She doesn't hear his approaching footsteps, doesn't hear his questioning if she's alright. Washington has her eyes glued to the floor, her hip leant on one of the pillars holding up the Command post. Taylor had been watching her for some time. Her hand occasionally curled an escaping hair from her pony tail, she touched her comm for information about what the Sixers were doing every half hour.

Commander Taylor had eventually given her back her duties – which she was more than happy to get back seeing too soon as she was able; soon as Taylor felt sure enough she wouldn't pass out from exhaustion, pain or lack of rest. It had taken several days for him to let her back in her uniform, camouflage combats, waist and shoulder gun holsters.

His eyes took in her occasional roll of her shoulders, tensing and relaxing of her hands. Then, as if feeling his gaze, Washington coolly smiled ans strolled effortlessly over to him. Any previous stiffness in her bones and muscles were no more. She was happy, healthy and determined. "You okay, Sir?" Alicia smiled.

"Great. Full from that feast." he patted his stomach, thankful of the offerings everyone had contributed.

"Me too. It was nice for a bit of comfort and celebrating after all that."

"You okay?" Taylor cocked a grey brow and looked over her.

"Tired. Before you say it, it's not because I'm back at work. I'm normally feeling this kinda tired at the end of a busy week." She touched her fingers to his shoulder and forearm. "I'll be more than glad when the solar powered hot water is back to working again. I'm just in need of rest."

"Sure, we can do that." He smiled and began walking her over to their home. "Sure you won't tell me what you were thinking?" The Commander asked and looked her dead in the eye as he heard her feet stop.

"Sir?" She frowned.

"You were away with the fairies when I came up to you." He shook his head, still smiling at his lover.

"I'm fine, wondering when I could go get some sleep. Was thinking about sneaking out on asking for Mira's SITREP every few minutes."

"Give me a minute." Taylor closed his eyes and nodded. "I've got a way for us both to sneak away – I'll leave Guzman in charge and tell him to come calling instead of calling if the cameras show up something interesting." He turned to leave. "I'll be over in ten."

Washington nodded her response and watched him go before seeking out her home for the foreseeable future. So close to telling him.

When she woke, the conversation them from the night before rose to attention as she blinked away sleep from her eyes. Stretching each of her muscles, Alicia bumped into her lover ans home owner. He grumbled sleepily and moved to get back to sleep. With some words of comfort whispered into his ear and a gentle stroke of his cheek, chin and beard, Taylor relaxed beside her and soundlessly drifted into sleep again. Their relationship was something short of remarkable. She was in love, in bed with the colony's Commander after being shot and left for dead by both the enemy and her friends. He had found her, not given up on her and in the end saved her from being buried alive and getting killed. He was lying next to her, warming their bed and her skin as she stared, blankly at the ceiling of their shared home. Thoughts of their being together, the moment when she opened her eyes in the medical centre, their nights spent together – in all senses of the word and the simple conversations they took part in the day before. That's what she was thinking about when he had so rudely and handsomely interrupted her train of thought before they had ended the day a little earlier than normal.

"You're away with your winged friends again, Wash." He muttered and rubbed a hand over his tired features, shielding the sun partly off them as he lent up to kiss her.

She pulled away as he held her face.

"Wash?"

"I've been meaning to tell you, honest..." Alicia Washington trailed off, biting her lower lip.

Taylor sat up, worry ran through him as he narrowed his eyes over her serious expression.

"I think I'm pregnant, Nathaniel."

Hope you like this epilogue chapter. It's the last ever of this – and I mean it this time! :P *gives out Terra Nova wine and tissues* :D

DCIPHOENX

xxx