FIC: Wordplay
Title: Wordplay
Author: chiarahhue
Rating: PG-13
Pairings: John/Elizabeth, various friendships
Summary: Some holiday fluff with a bit of denial and a dash of RST
Beta: yappichick
Author’s Note: My contribution to the 2010 Sparky Santa Fic Exchange. Written for the lovely quiet_jay. I admit that I have no idea where everyone lives - just pretend along with me.
Kathryn Weir smiled happily as she finished setting the dining room table. The past week had been almost too good to believe - for the first time in years, Elizabeth had been home for Christmas.
When her daughter had first called to say she would be in town on a research project, Kathryn had hoped for a lunch date or at best, dinner together. But Elizabeth surprised her with a request to come and stay with her while she visited a nearby university. Even more surprising, she asked if she could bring a male friend to stay as well.
Kathryn had learned long ago that when it came to her daughter’s work and personal life if it wasn’t classified, it was private. Even to this day, she never knew what had caused the breakup with Simon. But a mother’s hope springs eternal and Kathryn couldn’t help but speculate about the friend her daughter was bringing home with her.
The friend turned out to be a handsome Scottish doctor named Carson Beckett who was also in town doing research. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long to discern that the two worked together and were best friends but nothing more. It was a small disappointment but Kathryn was nothing if not pragmatic and she didn’t let it diminish the joy of having such delightful company in her home.
“The table looks beautiful and dinner smells wonderful,” Elizabeth said as she came to stand beside her and slip an arm around her shoulders. “Thanks for letting me invite Steven and Jenna over tonight. It reminds me of those times I came home during Christmas break with my friends from college and you cooked all day for us.”
“I enjoyed it - especially when your friends were foreign students!” She slipped her arm around Elizabeth’s waist and gave her an affectionate squeeze. “And not because I was a linguistics professor - I just loved meeting your friends because they were always so interesting.”
Kathryn reached up with her other hand and fondly tucked a wayward curl behind Elizabeth’s ear. “I see that you’re growing your hair out and letting it curl,” she remarked. “In the past, whenever you’ve been away for any length of time, you always kept your hair short. ‘Less trouble’, you used to say.”
“Mmm.” Elizabeth shrugged noncommittally, but Kathryn’s sharp eyes caught a faint blush on her daughter’s cheeks as she self-consciously pulled her hair back. “That reminds me, I really should keep it up while we’re cooking.”
“I think I might have some hair pins around,” Kathryn offered. “Let me go look.”
“That won’t be necessary, mom,” Elizabeth said, waving her off as she fished a pair of hair combs out of her back pocket and secured her hair with practiced ease. She caught the surprised look on her mother’s face but before she could say anything the phone rang and Kathryn hurried off to answer it.
Elizabeth let out a resigned sigh. How is it that I can deal with the Wraith and the IOA but my own mother can unsettle me with a simple observation? Not that there was anything to it, she told herself firmly as she walked into the kitchen. After all, what difference does make if I choose to grow my hair out? Besides, it was Teyla’s suggestion to not cut it and wear it longer in the Athosian style. Although she had to admit, it didn’t hurt that there had been a pleasant amount of compliments - especially when she started keeping it back with a pair of hair combs John had brought back for her from M-540.
She stopped to look out the kitchen window and idly touched one of the intricately carved combs in her hair, wondering what he was doing on Atlantis. General O’Neill had offered him a few days of holiday leave but John had declined, saying that he hadn’t spent Christmas with family since his divorce and didn’t see any reason to break that tradition.
A sound in the doorway caught her ear and she looked over her shoulder to find her mother watching her. “Is everything all right, dear?”
“Of course! I was just watching the snow fall.” She nodded at the window. “We don’t get any snow in… um…”
“That mysterious place, of which you cannot speak,” Kathryn finished dramatically, arching an eyebrow in amusement.
“Uh, yeah, something like that.” Elizabeth gave her a grateful look. “I wish I could tell you more, but…” she shrugged her shoulders in apology.
“I understand,” Kathryn waved a hand dismissively and started fussing over the array of pies cooling on the kitchen table.
“Really?” Elizabeth blinked in disbelief.
Kathryn peered into the oven and motioned Elizabeth over. “Sweetheart, could you help me turn this turkey around so it will brown evenly?”
The two women worked together to move the heavy pan around to Kathryn’s satisfaction. As she straightened, she gave Elizabeth a pointed look. “Now, saying that I understand doesn’t mean I don’t worry. This current assignment of yours…” her voice wavered and she reached out to touch her daughter’s hand. “Somehow it feels different than the others - more dangerous.”
She shook her head as Elizabeth tried to protest. “I know you’re doing something very important and one day I hope to know about it.” She sighed and tilted her head as she looked up into her daughters face. “But in the meantime, I don’t want to waste time asking about things that I know you can’t answer.” She reached up to stroke her cheek affectionately. “I just want to enjoy this time with you while you’re here.”
“Oh mom,” Elizabeth leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Now I feel badly that I invited so many people over.”
“Nonsense!” Kathryn started bustling around the kitchen. “You’re never too old to bring your friends home.” She perked up as she suddenly remembered something. “By the way, that phone call was from Carson. He wanted to let us know he’d made it to the airport.”
“I wish he would’ve let me drive.” Elizabeth shook her head. “The snow is bad enough but he’s used to driving on the other side of the road!”
“Perhaps he’ll let one of the other men drive back.”
“What other men?”
“Oh, that was also why Carson was calling. He said he knew it was last minute, but he wanted to know if he could bring two more colleagues tonight and of course I told him they would be welcome.”
Elizabeth frowned slightly, trying to figure out who would be flying in from Washington with Caldwell and his daughter.
“Are you sure Carson said men? Maybe Steven’s ex-wife is coming with him.”
Kathryn shuddered delicately. ”Lord, I hope not! That woman has the subtly of a charging rhino!”
“Mom! Now be nice if she comes - after all, she’s Jenna’s mother and Jenna is my goddaughter.”
“I don’t think we’ll have to worry, dear. I’m quite sure Carson referred to the other two as his ‘mates’”.
“I’m sorry mom. I didn’t mean for this little dinner party to turn into a big ordeal.”
“As I told Carson, at this point, two more places at the table won’t make any difference at all.” Her mother started piling pans into the sink. “This morning I couldn’t decide what to make so I just pulled out my recipe box and started making everything!”
Elizabeth laughed as she looked at all the side dishes lined up on the counter. “I can see there will be plenty of food. I just hope there will be time for Carson to talk to Jenna - it was the main reason for this dinner.”
“It will be nice to see her again,” Kathryn nodded. “I think the last time she was here, she was still in college.”
“Well, now she’s out of med school and looking for some experience in xenobio…ah, I mean, genetics.” Elizabeth darted a glance at her mother and breathed a sigh of relief to see her rinsing a large skillet in the sink.
“What was that?” Kathryn turned off the faucet. “Out of med school, you say?” She pursed her lips at Elizabeth’s nod. “It seems like only yesterday she was running around our backyard chasing Sedge. And what about Steven - did he ever remarry after his divorce?”
“Steven? Remarry?” Elizabeth repeated in confusion. Then seeing the speculative look in her mother’s eyes, she added adamantly, “Steven is a good friend. Period.”
“But you invited him tonight!”
“Well, of course! Besides the fact that he’s Jenna’s father, he and Carson are good friends.” At her mother’s surprised look, Elizabeth nodded, “I know, an odd pair, right? But when those two get together, they gossip like a pair of old hens!”
“I’m sure that’s more to Carson’s credit than anything else,” Kathryn said generously. “I don’t think I’ve ever met a more charming gentleman.”
“And I’m glad to see Steven have a friend like Carson,” Elizabeth added as she began putting together a huge salad. “When you’re in command it’s difficult to find someone you can share your problems with.”
“How about you, Elizabeth? Is there anyone like that for you?” Kathryn watched as her daughter hesitated and then began chopping a cucumber with a bit more enthusiasm than necessary.
“Well, I talk to Carson sometimes and Steven whenever he drops by, and I think I’ve mentioned Teyla - she and I have a lot in common.”
Kathryn wiped her hands on her apron. “And John?” she prompted. “You said he’s your military commander. Or are you still opposed to ‘sleeping with the enemy’ as it were,” she teased.
“What?” Elizabeth squeaked, looking up so quickly she almost cut her finger.
“I was just joking, dear! I know your long-standing aversion to compromising with the military. You and Steven had some rather heated arguments over the years, if I recall.”
“Oh.” Elizabeth could feel her face flush hotly and knew by her mother’s piercing gaze that it was not going unnoticed. “Well.” She cleared her throat. “The current situation is…um, different. The civilian and military contingent is not quite as…er, diametrically opposed as…um…”
But before Elizabeth could stumble her way to coherency, a sound outside caused both women to look out the kitchen window. Simultaneously, their eyes widened in alarm at the sight of an SUV skidding down the snowy road to the house.
“Elizabeth…what kind of vehicle do you think your friends are driving?”
“I don’t know. Carson said he’d rent a car to go to the airport but maybe with two more people to pick up he decided…oh no!”
Both women gasped as the SUV fishtailed, spun a doughnut in the road and then slid sideways until it came to a stop in the driveway, sending a spray of powdery snow into the air.
There was a moment of silence and then the driver’s door flew open. A tall lanky figure jumped out and let out a triumphant whoop. Then the rest of the passengers tumbled out in varying stages of disgruntlement and relief.
Even from a distance, the spiky hair and infectious laugh were unmistakable and Elizabeth found herself grinning as she rushed to the side door and waved energetically at them.
“This way - there’s a mudroom where you can drop off your boots and coats!”
The small group waved back and trudged quickly to the open door. Laughter and calls of “Hi Elizabeth!” mingled with the undertones of Rodney’s ever present complaining and Caldwell’s grumbling.
“Is everyone all right?” Kathryn called out over the chaotic chattering in the small mudroom as everyone shook off their coats and toed out of their snowy boots.
“Barely! No thanks to this idiot who thinks that being a freakin’ pilot with an ATA gene means he can drive in a goddam snowstorm! If I had been killed I would’ve been irreplaceable!”
“Yes, dammed fool stunt Sheppard.”
“Dad! His good driving kept us from landing in a ditch! And both of you - watch your language, we’re at Mrs. Weir’s home not a military base!”
“Oh. Sorry.”
“My apologies, Kathryn.”
“That’s all right Steven. Come here and let me give you a hug.”
As everyone scuffled into the hallway in their stocking feet, they paused to watch in amusement as Caldwell dutifully ducked his head and let himself be kissed on both cheeks.
“It’s always good to see you, Kathryn.” Stepping aside, he ushered a tall slender young woman forward. “You remember my daughter, Jenna?”
“I understand you’re a doctor now!” Kathryn smiled and shook her head. “How time flies.”
“I think dad feels the same way,” Jenna answered with a grin.
Carson nudged Rodney toward her. “And this is Rodney McKay, one of the mates I mentioned.”
“Nice to meet you, Rodney.” Kathryn extended her hand. “Are you also visiting family in the area?”
“I was at my sister’s earlier today,” Rodney shook her hand awkwardly. “But I don’t eat with them.”
At Kathryn’s confused look, Carson leaned in. “Vegetarians,” he explained succinctly.
“I see,” she nodded solemnly but gave Carson a wink. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I made a turkey and a ham.”
“I thought I smelled ham!” Rodney declared enthusiastically. “When do we eat? I’m starving!”
“Carson, dear, why don’t you show everyone to the dining room and then come back to help me in the kitchen.” Turning to Elizabeth, she looked sharply from her daughter to the dark-haired man at her side. Despite his casual sweater and the wild hair, there was the same sense of military bearing about him that Steven displayed. And she got the feeling that his stance - a little behind Elizabeth and to her right - was as natural to him as breathing.
“John Sheppard, I presume?”
John smiled warmly and stepped forward, offering his hand. “Yes, ma’am. And thank you for letting Carson bring us at the last minute.”
“When it comes to meeting my daughter’s friends, the pleasure is always mine.” Kathryn took his hand in both of hers. “Especially, since I’ve heard so much about you from Elizabeth.”
“Really?” John tilted his head in surprise.
“Yes. Although she somehow failed to mention how exceedingly good-looking you are,” Kathryn added pointedly, arching an eyebrow at her daughter.
“Mom!”
John looked over at Elizabeth and gave her a cocky grin. “Your mother is a very perceptive woman.”
“You don’t know the half of it, young man.” Hooking her hand into John’s elbow, Kathryn escorted him into the kitchen. “Now, Carson is going to carve the turkey so you can be in charge of the ham.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“And you can stop calling me ma’am - I’m not that old.”
“It was merely a sign of respect, Mrs. Weir.”
“And do you address my daughter as ma’am?”
“Only when I’m in the doghouse.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “Which is more often than not.”
“You wound me.” He gave her his best puppy dog face.
“Oh, this one is trouble,” Kathryn arched her eyebrow. “Now get to work.” She pointed at the counter where the ham sat on a carving board, then picked up a large bowl of mashed potatoes and hurried out to the dining room.
“Now I see where you got it,” John grinned at Elizabeth.
“What?”
“That eyebrow thing.” He tipped his head toward the doorway. “She does it too.”
Elizabeth chuckled as she piled freshly baked rolls into a basket. “That in combination with The Death Ray Glare could stop my brother and me in our tracks.”
“You’ve got that down too,” John added. “It’s the only thing that can shut McKay up mid-rant.”
“Aye, and keep you in line, son.” Carson winked at Elizabeth as he passed her. “Now, step aside and let these surgeon’s hands at that turkey!”
Elizabeth watched in amusement as the two men bantered and bickered over their carving prowess.
“So what brings you and Rodney in?” Elizabeth asked as she carefully arranged the ham and turkey slices on a platter while the two men continued to carve.
“Rodney has an emergency meeting with Carter and the scientists at SG HQ tomorrow.” John glanced over his shoulder to make sure Elizabeth’s mother hadn’t come back into the kitchen. “It seems there might be a breakthrough on recharging the ZPMs.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Sam had mentioned as much to me a few days ago. I didn’t realize she was going to call Rodney in on it.”
John grimaced. “She didn’t.”
“Aye,” Carson shook his head. “Rodney being Rodney heard about it and invited himself.”
“And you?” Elizabeth’s gaze slid over John’s profile, lingering along his strong jaw line. With his head bent in concentration over the ham, she couldn’t help but notice that his hair seemed to be particularly defiant today and she suddenly had the oddest inclination to reach out and try to smooth it down
“Oh, things were dead quiet. Nothing Lorne couldn’t handle.” John shrugged as he set down the carving knife and washed his hands. “So I figured it was as good a time as any to come in and go over a couple of things with General O’Neill.”
He snuck a look at Elizabeth, as she lined up the last slices of ham and turkey. Her hair seemed softer today and he found himself wanting to get close enough to see if she was still using that lemony shampoo that drove McKay crazy.
“Eh, dead quiet? Really?” Carson interjected. “I’d heard from Lorne that Chuck was plastering mistletoe all over the place.”
“Dammed annoying kid,” John muttered.
“Hehehe - so you got caught, didya lad?”
Elizabeth paused in the doorway, platter in hand and raised an eyebrow. “Who was it? Or should I be asking in the plural?”
“I only know about the Olafson twins,” Carson offered innocently.
John scowled and jabbed his finger in the doctor’s direction. “Those two nurses of yours need to be muzzled!”
Carson smirked. The two Swedes were stunners by any definition of the word. So the fact that John had rabbited off to Earth to avoid their attentions only confirmed his theory that the colonel’s visit was less about seeing O’Neill and more about being with Elizabeth. Not that he’d admit it, the thick-headed dolt.
“Okay, you two,” Elizabeth said sternly. “That’s enough. Let’s get the rest of the food out there before Rodney throws a tantrum.”
“Yes, ma’am,” both men chorused, grabbing the rest of the side dishes. They followed close behind, entering the dining room to a round of applause.
“Finally, the meat!” Rodney groused. “If I’d wanted to eat just vegetables, I would’ve stayed at my sister’s house.”
“McKay, shut up.” John set down the side dishes he was carrying and smacked the back of his friend’s head as he passed by.
“Ow! Elizabeth, make him stop!” He opened his mouth but snapped it shut as Elizabeth fixed him with a glare. “Okay, shutting up here.”
There was a flurry of dishes being passed around and then the conversations settled down as everyone started eating. On one side of the table Carson and Jenna were deep in conversation, Caldwell listening in with obvious pride as his daughter held her own in what appeared to be a rather technical discussion.
On the other side, Rodney was happily eating, seated next to John. And despite John’s teasing, it was clear to Kathryn that he looked after him - passing Rodney dishes or putting a roll on his plate at the same time he served himself.
But what was most fascinating to Kathryn was the smooth way in which John and Elizabeth served each other while they seamlessly carried on separate conversations with others at the table. Their silent language was subtle but once Kathryn knew what to look for, it was as clear as day.
A tilt of the head Want some? was answered with a slight purse of the lips No or a tiny lift of the chin Yes And it also didn’t escape Kathryn’s sharp eyes, that twice John put a large spoonful of something on Elizabeth’s plate with a you should eat more look.
Glancing around the table, Kathryn found it curious that no one else seemed to notice John and Elizabeth’s behavior. It was as if their closeness were so commonplace as to seem normal to their friends.
It wasn’t long before dinner was over and when Kathryn tried to rise she was firmly voted down. While Carson and Caldwell started clearing the table, Jenna made coffee and John and Elizabeth brought in the pies.
“Elizabeth made the chocolate cream pie,” Kathryn volunteered.
“Mom made the pumpkin and apple,” Elizabeth added.
“And I’ll take a piece of each!” Rodney said with a satisfied grin as everyone laughed.
Elizabeth began cutting and plating the desserts as Jenna walked around the table with the coffee pot. From her vantage point at the head of the table, Kathryn caught John pouring cream into Elizabeth’s cup before passing the creamer to Rodney.
“He does that all the time,” an amused voice with a Scottish lilt noted.
“Interesting.” Kathryn pursed her lips thoughtfully. As uncharitable as it might be, she couldn’t help but recall that despite the number of years Simon and Elizabeth had been together, Simon had never remembered that she preferred coffee to tea - much less that she took it with cream and no sugar.
Carson chuckled, his voice low. “By the way, the last time they were on a diplomatic mission together, when Elizabeth turned to introduce John to the tribal leader, she couldn’t decide whether to use his title or not and she tartled!
“That’s unusual…after all her years in the diplomatic arena!”
“Mom, I feel my ears burning,” Elizabeth said warningly. “What are you two whispering about over there?”
“Oh, Carson was just telling me about your tartling.”
“What?” Caldwell looked from one to the other. “Or maybe I shouldn’t ask - tartling sounds rather rude.”
“It’s a Scottish word,” Carson bristled.
Kathryn smiled. “One of those oddly specific words that is untranslatable in English.”
Elizabeth leaned over to John. “One of my mother’s doctorates is in evolutionary linguistics - she’s fascinated by the origin of words and language.”
“This isn’t just about the words, though,” Kathryn interjected. “The concepts are universal. It’s just that in some instances, other languages have the right word and there’s no comparable one in English. Like the word, schadenfreude.”
“Or tartle,” Carson added smugly.
“So what exactly is it and when did I do it?” Elizabeth sat back and took a sip of her coffee.
Carson grinned. “When you were introducing John to the tribal leader on that last diplomatic mission.”
Elizabeth frowned slightly in confusion and looked to her mother.
“Tartle is when you hesitate in introducing someone you know because you suddenly forgot their name,” Kathryn explained.
Caldwell chuckled. “I’ve done that! I just never knew there was a word for it!”
“Well you can’t expect that a language as new as what you Americans speak would have all the words necessary!” Carson huffed.
“Very true, Carson,” Elizabeth admitted with a smile. “I remember when I was in Indonesia, they used the word ‘jayus’ to describe a joke so unfunny and so poorly told that it made you laugh.”
Carson and John exchanged a look and then shouted, “Chuck!” at the same time.
“Then there’s mamihlapinatapei.” Kathryn watched in amusement as Elizabeth’s brow furrowed as she tried to pronounce it. “I learned it when I was doing research with the Tierra del Fuego.”
“Assuming one can pronounce it, what does it mean, mom?”
“They explained it as ‘the wordless, yet meaningful look shared by two people who both desire to initiate something but are both reluctant to start’”.
There was a second of complete silence in the room as Elizabeth froze, her coffee cup midway to her mouth. She didn’t need to look around to know all eyes at the table were on her. And John.
“There are English words for that,” Rodney piped up. He looked over at Carson. “Don’t you say that Elizabeth and Sheppard are always having eye se…Hey! Ow!” He squealed as a half-eaten dinner roll hit him square in the forehead at the same time John smacked the back of his head. “Watch it you guys! There’s an important brain in here!”
“And with that, I believe it’s time to go,” Carson said, rising to his feet. “I know you all have planes to catch tonight.”
“Yes, McKay and I are expected at headquarters at 0800 tomorrow,” John said, nudging Rodney as he pushed his chair back to stand.
“My mom is expecting me there too,” Jenna commented as she rose. Seeing John’s quizzical look she added, “She’s General Wellbourne.”
John whistled. At SG she was known as the Iron Fist in the Iron Glove. He slanted a glance over at Caldwell who was glowering at him. Well, that explained a hell of a lot.
Elizabeth followed everyone back to the mudroom, making sure they all got their coats and boots sorted out. She smiled as John shuffled over to her, zipping up his coat as the others filed out.
“Thanks. I think this was one of the best holidays I’ve had in a long time.”
“Well, don’t forget, we still have New Year’s Eve to celebrate when Carson and I get back.” She reached up to tie his scarf and tuck it into his coat. “I think Teyla and Lorne are organizing it this year.”
“Thank god,” John said with heartfelt relief. “I couldn’t take another Chuck party.”
“Not feeling the mistletoe, hm?” she teased. “By the way, I recall at one time you thought the Olafson twins were - what were your words - super hot?”
John rolled his eyes. “Maybe from a distance but up close, they’re just super annoying.” As they shared a smile, John’s eyes went to the combs in Elizabeth’s hair. He was always oddly pleased whenever she wore them. Hesitantly, he reached out to touch one. “If you like, I’ll pick up another pair for you next time I’m off-world,” he offered shyly.
Elizabeth smiled. “That would be nice,” she murmured. Her eyes fluttered shut as she felt him gently smooth his hand over her hair, catching a curl and winding it around his finger.
“See you soon,” he said softly, his eyes drifting slowly over her face to her mouth. He watched her lips quirk up as someone (Rodney!) honked the SUV’s horn. “I guess I better go now.”
“Yes, you’d best not keep them waiting.” Elizabeth nodded but just as he started to turn away, she grabbed his scarf and pulled him toward her for a kiss. Then just as suddenly, she broke away before he could kiss her back and started pushing him toward the door.
“Elizabeth - wait! What was that about?”
“Insurance,” she smirked. “To make sure anything super hot stays super annoying until I get back.”
“Yes ma’am!” He snapped a salute and with a cocky grin, turned and jogged out toward the SUV.
As she watched the vehicle take off down the snowy road, she could feel her mother come up behind her.
“So that’s why you’re growing your hair long.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Cafuné.”
Her mother sighed happily. “Indeed.”
The End
A/N: Cafuné: Brazilian Portuguese - “The act of tenderly running one’s fingers through someone’s hair.”
Author: chiarahhue
Rating: PG-13
Pairings: John/Elizabeth, various friendships
Summary: Some holiday fluff with a bit of denial and a dash of RST
Beta: yappichick
Author’s Note: My contribution to the 2010 Sparky Santa Fic Exchange. Written for the lovely quiet_jay. I admit that I have no idea where everyone lives - just pretend along with me.
Kathryn Weir smiled happily as she finished setting the dining room table. The past week had been almost too good to believe - for the first time in years, Elizabeth had been home for Christmas.
When her daughter had first called to say she would be in town on a research project, Kathryn had hoped for a lunch date or at best, dinner together. But Elizabeth surprised her with a request to come and stay with her while she visited a nearby university. Even more surprising, she asked if she could bring a male friend to stay as well.
Kathryn had learned long ago that when it came to her daughter’s work and personal life if it wasn’t classified, it was private. Even to this day, she never knew what had caused the breakup with Simon. But a mother’s hope springs eternal and Kathryn couldn’t help but speculate about the friend her daughter was bringing home with her.
The friend turned out to be a handsome Scottish doctor named Carson Beckett who was also in town doing research. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long to discern that the two worked together and were best friends but nothing more. It was a small disappointment but Kathryn was nothing if not pragmatic and she didn’t let it diminish the joy of having such delightful company in her home.
“The table looks beautiful and dinner smells wonderful,” Elizabeth said as she came to stand beside her and slip an arm around her shoulders. “Thanks for letting me invite Steven and Jenna over tonight. It reminds me of those times I came home during Christmas break with my friends from college and you cooked all day for us.”
“I enjoyed it - especially when your friends were foreign students!” She slipped her arm around Elizabeth’s waist and gave her an affectionate squeeze. “And not because I was a linguistics professor - I just loved meeting your friends because they were always so interesting.”
Kathryn reached up with her other hand and fondly tucked a wayward curl behind Elizabeth’s ear. “I see that you’re growing your hair out and letting it curl,” she remarked. “In the past, whenever you’ve been away for any length of time, you always kept your hair short. ‘Less trouble’, you used to say.”
“Mmm.” Elizabeth shrugged noncommittally, but Kathryn’s sharp eyes caught a faint blush on her daughter’s cheeks as she self-consciously pulled her hair back. “That reminds me, I really should keep it up while we’re cooking.”
“I think I might have some hair pins around,” Kathryn offered. “Let me go look.”
“That won’t be necessary, mom,” Elizabeth said, waving her off as she fished a pair of hair combs out of her back pocket and secured her hair with practiced ease. She caught the surprised look on her mother’s face but before she could say anything the phone rang and Kathryn hurried off to answer it.
Elizabeth let out a resigned sigh. How is it that I can deal with the Wraith and the IOA but my own mother can unsettle me with a simple observation? Not that there was anything to it, she told herself firmly as she walked into the kitchen. After all, what difference does make if I choose to grow my hair out? Besides, it was Teyla’s suggestion to not cut it and wear it longer in the Athosian style. Although she had to admit, it didn’t hurt that there had been a pleasant amount of compliments - especially when she started keeping it back with a pair of hair combs John had brought back for her from M-540.
She stopped to look out the kitchen window and idly touched one of the intricately carved combs in her hair, wondering what he was doing on Atlantis. General O’Neill had offered him a few days of holiday leave but John had declined, saying that he hadn’t spent Christmas with family since his divorce and didn’t see any reason to break that tradition.
A sound in the doorway caught her ear and she looked over her shoulder to find her mother watching her. “Is everything all right, dear?”
“Of course! I was just watching the snow fall.” She nodded at the window. “We don’t get any snow in… um…”
“That mysterious place, of which you cannot speak,” Kathryn finished dramatically, arching an eyebrow in amusement.
“Uh, yeah, something like that.” Elizabeth gave her a grateful look. “I wish I could tell you more, but…” she shrugged her shoulders in apology.
“I understand,” Kathryn waved a hand dismissively and started fussing over the array of pies cooling on the kitchen table.
“Really?” Elizabeth blinked in disbelief.
Kathryn peered into the oven and motioned Elizabeth over. “Sweetheart, could you help me turn this turkey around so it will brown evenly?”
The two women worked together to move the heavy pan around to Kathryn’s satisfaction. As she straightened, she gave Elizabeth a pointed look. “Now, saying that I understand doesn’t mean I don’t worry. This current assignment of yours…” her voice wavered and she reached out to touch her daughter’s hand. “Somehow it feels different than the others - more dangerous.”
She shook her head as Elizabeth tried to protest. “I know you’re doing something very important and one day I hope to know about it.” She sighed and tilted her head as she looked up into her daughters face. “But in the meantime, I don’t want to waste time asking about things that I know you can’t answer.” She reached up to stroke her cheek affectionately. “I just want to enjoy this time with you while you’re here.”
“Oh mom,” Elizabeth leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Now I feel badly that I invited so many people over.”
“Nonsense!” Kathryn started bustling around the kitchen. “You’re never too old to bring your friends home.” She perked up as she suddenly remembered something. “By the way, that phone call was from Carson. He wanted to let us know he’d made it to the airport.”
“I wish he would’ve let me drive.” Elizabeth shook her head. “The snow is bad enough but he’s used to driving on the other side of the road!”
“Perhaps he’ll let one of the other men drive back.”
“What other men?”
“Oh, that was also why Carson was calling. He said he knew it was last minute, but he wanted to know if he could bring two more colleagues tonight and of course I told him they would be welcome.”
Elizabeth frowned slightly, trying to figure out who would be flying in from Washington with Caldwell and his daughter.
“Are you sure Carson said men? Maybe Steven’s ex-wife is coming with him.”
Kathryn shuddered delicately. ”Lord, I hope not! That woman has the subtly of a charging rhino!”
“Mom! Now be nice if she comes - after all, she’s Jenna’s mother and Jenna is my goddaughter.”
“I don’t think we’ll have to worry, dear. I’m quite sure Carson referred to the other two as his ‘mates’”.
“I’m sorry mom. I didn’t mean for this little dinner party to turn into a big ordeal.”
“As I told Carson, at this point, two more places at the table won’t make any difference at all.” Her mother started piling pans into the sink. “This morning I couldn’t decide what to make so I just pulled out my recipe box and started making everything!”
Elizabeth laughed as she looked at all the side dishes lined up on the counter. “I can see there will be plenty of food. I just hope there will be time for Carson to talk to Jenna - it was the main reason for this dinner.”
“It will be nice to see her again,” Kathryn nodded. “I think the last time she was here, she was still in college.”
“Well, now she’s out of med school and looking for some experience in xenobio…ah, I mean, genetics.” Elizabeth darted a glance at her mother and breathed a sigh of relief to see her rinsing a large skillet in the sink.
“What was that?” Kathryn turned off the faucet. “Out of med school, you say?” She pursed her lips at Elizabeth’s nod. “It seems like only yesterday she was running around our backyard chasing Sedge. And what about Steven - did he ever remarry after his divorce?”
“Steven? Remarry?” Elizabeth repeated in confusion. Then seeing the speculative look in her mother’s eyes, she added adamantly, “Steven is a good friend. Period.”
“But you invited him tonight!”
“Well, of course! Besides the fact that he’s Jenna’s father, he and Carson are good friends.” At her mother’s surprised look, Elizabeth nodded, “I know, an odd pair, right? But when those two get together, they gossip like a pair of old hens!”
“I’m sure that’s more to Carson’s credit than anything else,” Kathryn said generously. “I don’t think I’ve ever met a more charming gentleman.”
“And I’m glad to see Steven have a friend like Carson,” Elizabeth added as she began putting together a huge salad. “When you’re in command it’s difficult to find someone you can share your problems with.”
“How about you, Elizabeth? Is there anyone like that for you?” Kathryn watched as her daughter hesitated and then began chopping a cucumber with a bit more enthusiasm than necessary.
“Well, I talk to Carson sometimes and Steven whenever he drops by, and I think I’ve mentioned Teyla - she and I have a lot in common.”
Kathryn wiped her hands on her apron. “And John?” she prompted. “You said he’s your military commander. Or are you still opposed to ‘sleeping with the enemy’ as it were,” she teased.
“What?” Elizabeth squeaked, looking up so quickly she almost cut her finger.
“I was just joking, dear! I know your long-standing aversion to compromising with the military. You and Steven had some rather heated arguments over the years, if I recall.”
“Oh.” Elizabeth could feel her face flush hotly and knew by her mother’s piercing gaze that it was not going unnoticed. “Well.” She cleared her throat. “The current situation is…um, different. The civilian and military contingent is not quite as…er, diametrically opposed as…um…”
But before Elizabeth could stumble her way to coherency, a sound outside caused both women to look out the kitchen window. Simultaneously, their eyes widened in alarm at the sight of an SUV skidding down the snowy road to the house.
“Elizabeth…what kind of vehicle do you think your friends are driving?”
“I don’t know. Carson said he’d rent a car to go to the airport but maybe with two more people to pick up he decided…oh no!”
Both women gasped as the SUV fishtailed, spun a doughnut in the road and then slid sideways until it came to a stop in the driveway, sending a spray of powdery snow into the air.
There was a moment of silence and then the driver’s door flew open. A tall lanky figure jumped out and let out a triumphant whoop. Then the rest of the passengers tumbled out in varying stages of disgruntlement and relief.
Even from a distance, the spiky hair and infectious laugh were unmistakable and Elizabeth found herself grinning as she rushed to the side door and waved energetically at them.
“This way - there’s a mudroom where you can drop off your boots and coats!”
The small group waved back and trudged quickly to the open door. Laughter and calls of “Hi Elizabeth!” mingled with the undertones of Rodney’s ever present complaining and Caldwell’s grumbling.
“Is everyone all right?” Kathryn called out over the chaotic chattering in the small mudroom as everyone shook off their coats and toed out of their snowy boots.
“Barely! No thanks to this idiot who thinks that being a freakin’ pilot with an ATA gene means he can drive in a goddam snowstorm! If I had been killed I would’ve been irreplaceable!”
“Yes, dammed fool stunt Sheppard.”
“Dad! His good driving kept us from landing in a ditch! And both of you - watch your language, we’re at Mrs. Weir’s home not a military base!”
“Oh. Sorry.”
“My apologies, Kathryn.”
“That’s all right Steven. Come here and let me give you a hug.”
As everyone scuffled into the hallway in their stocking feet, they paused to watch in amusement as Caldwell dutifully ducked his head and let himself be kissed on both cheeks.
“It’s always good to see you, Kathryn.” Stepping aside, he ushered a tall slender young woman forward. “You remember my daughter, Jenna?”
“I understand you’re a doctor now!” Kathryn smiled and shook her head. “How time flies.”
“I think dad feels the same way,” Jenna answered with a grin.
Carson nudged Rodney toward her. “And this is Rodney McKay, one of the mates I mentioned.”
“Nice to meet you, Rodney.” Kathryn extended her hand. “Are you also visiting family in the area?”
“I was at my sister’s earlier today,” Rodney shook her hand awkwardly. “But I don’t eat with them.”
At Kathryn’s confused look, Carson leaned in. “Vegetarians,” he explained succinctly.
“I see,” she nodded solemnly but gave Carson a wink. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I made a turkey and a ham.”
“I thought I smelled ham!” Rodney declared enthusiastically. “When do we eat? I’m starving!”
“Carson, dear, why don’t you show everyone to the dining room and then come back to help me in the kitchen.” Turning to Elizabeth, she looked sharply from her daughter to the dark-haired man at her side. Despite his casual sweater and the wild hair, there was the same sense of military bearing about him that Steven displayed. And she got the feeling that his stance - a little behind Elizabeth and to her right - was as natural to him as breathing.
“John Sheppard, I presume?”
John smiled warmly and stepped forward, offering his hand. “Yes, ma’am. And thank you for letting Carson bring us at the last minute.”
“When it comes to meeting my daughter’s friends, the pleasure is always mine.” Kathryn took his hand in both of hers. “Especially, since I’ve heard so much about you from Elizabeth.”
“Really?” John tilted his head in surprise.
“Yes. Although she somehow failed to mention how exceedingly good-looking you are,” Kathryn added pointedly, arching an eyebrow at her daughter.
“Mom!”
John looked over at Elizabeth and gave her a cocky grin. “Your mother is a very perceptive woman.”
“You don’t know the half of it, young man.” Hooking her hand into John’s elbow, Kathryn escorted him into the kitchen. “Now, Carson is going to carve the turkey so you can be in charge of the ham.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“And you can stop calling me ma’am - I’m not that old.”
“It was merely a sign of respect, Mrs. Weir.”
“And do you address my daughter as ma’am?”
“Only when I’m in the doghouse.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “Which is more often than not.”
“You wound me.” He gave her his best puppy dog face.
“Oh, this one is trouble,” Kathryn arched her eyebrow. “Now get to work.” She pointed at the counter where the ham sat on a carving board, then picked up a large bowl of mashed potatoes and hurried out to the dining room.
“Now I see where you got it,” John grinned at Elizabeth.
“What?”
“That eyebrow thing.” He tipped his head toward the doorway. “She does it too.”
Elizabeth chuckled as she piled freshly baked rolls into a basket. “That in combination with The Death Ray Glare could stop my brother and me in our tracks.”
“You’ve got that down too,” John added. “It’s the only thing that can shut McKay up mid-rant.”
“Aye, and keep you in line, son.” Carson winked at Elizabeth as he passed her. “Now, step aside and let these surgeon’s hands at that turkey!”
Elizabeth watched in amusement as the two men bantered and bickered over their carving prowess.
“So what brings you and Rodney in?” Elizabeth asked as she carefully arranged the ham and turkey slices on a platter while the two men continued to carve.
“Rodney has an emergency meeting with Carter and the scientists at SG HQ tomorrow.” John glanced over his shoulder to make sure Elizabeth’s mother hadn’t come back into the kitchen. “It seems there might be a breakthrough on recharging the ZPMs.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Sam had mentioned as much to me a few days ago. I didn’t realize she was going to call Rodney in on it.”
John grimaced. “She didn’t.”
“Aye,” Carson shook his head. “Rodney being Rodney heard about it and invited himself.”
“And you?” Elizabeth’s gaze slid over John’s profile, lingering along his strong jaw line. With his head bent in concentration over the ham, she couldn’t help but notice that his hair seemed to be particularly defiant today and she suddenly had the oddest inclination to reach out and try to smooth it down
“Oh, things were dead quiet. Nothing Lorne couldn’t handle.” John shrugged as he set down the carving knife and washed his hands. “So I figured it was as good a time as any to come in and go over a couple of things with General O’Neill.”
He snuck a look at Elizabeth, as she lined up the last slices of ham and turkey. Her hair seemed softer today and he found himself wanting to get close enough to see if she was still using that lemony shampoo that drove McKay crazy.
“Eh, dead quiet? Really?” Carson interjected. “I’d heard from Lorne that Chuck was plastering mistletoe all over the place.”
“Dammed annoying kid,” John muttered.
“Hehehe - so you got caught, didya lad?”
Elizabeth paused in the doorway, platter in hand and raised an eyebrow. “Who was it? Or should I be asking in the plural?”
“I only know about the Olafson twins,” Carson offered innocently.
John scowled and jabbed his finger in the doctor’s direction. “Those two nurses of yours need to be muzzled!”
Carson smirked. The two Swedes were stunners by any definition of the word. So the fact that John had rabbited off to Earth to avoid their attentions only confirmed his theory that the colonel’s visit was less about seeing O’Neill and more about being with Elizabeth. Not that he’d admit it, the thick-headed dolt.
“Okay, you two,” Elizabeth said sternly. “That’s enough. Let’s get the rest of the food out there before Rodney throws a tantrum.”
“Yes, ma’am,” both men chorused, grabbing the rest of the side dishes. They followed close behind, entering the dining room to a round of applause.
“Finally, the meat!” Rodney groused. “If I’d wanted to eat just vegetables, I would’ve stayed at my sister’s house.”
“McKay, shut up.” John set down the side dishes he was carrying and smacked the back of his friend’s head as he passed by.
“Ow! Elizabeth, make him stop!” He opened his mouth but snapped it shut as Elizabeth fixed him with a glare. “Okay, shutting up here.”
There was a flurry of dishes being passed around and then the conversations settled down as everyone started eating. On one side of the table Carson and Jenna were deep in conversation, Caldwell listening in with obvious pride as his daughter held her own in what appeared to be a rather technical discussion.
On the other side, Rodney was happily eating, seated next to John. And despite John’s teasing, it was clear to Kathryn that he looked after him - passing Rodney dishes or putting a roll on his plate at the same time he served himself.
But what was most fascinating to Kathryn was the smooth way in which John and Elizabeth served each other while they seamlessly carried on separate conversations with others at the table. Their silent language was subtle but once Kathryn knew what to look for, it was as clear as day.
A tilt of the head Want some? was answered with a slight purse of the lips No or a tiny lift of the chin Yes And it also didn’t escape Kathryn’s sharp eyes, that twice John put a large spoonful of something on Elizabeth’s plate with a you should eat more look.
Glancing around the table, Kathryn found it curious that no one else seemed to notice John and Elizabeth’s behavior. It was as if their closeness were so commonplace as to seem normal to their friends.
It wasn’t long before dinner was over and when Kathryn tried to rise she was firmly voted down. While Carson and Caldwell started clearing the table, Jenna made coffee and John and Elizabeth brought in the pies.
“Elizabeth made the chocolate cream pie,” Kathryn volunteered.
“Mom made the pumpkin and apple,” Elizabeth added.
“And I’ll take a piece of each!” Rodney said with a satisfied grin as everyone laughed.
Elizabeth began cutting and plating the desserts as Jenna walked around the table with the coffee pot. From her vantage point at the head of the table, Kathryn caught John pouring cream into Elizabeth’s cup before passing the creamer to Rodney.
“He does that all the time,” an amused voice with a Scottish lilt noted.
“Interesting.” Kathryn pursed her lips thoughtfully. As uncharitable as it might be, she couldn’t help but recall that despite the number of years Simon and Elizabeth had been together, Simon had never remembered that she preferred coffee to tea - much less that she took it with cream and no sugar.
Carson chuckled, his voice low. “By the way, the last time they were on a diplomatic mission together, when Elizabeth turned to introduce John to the tribal leader, she couldn’t decide whether to use his title or not and she tartled!
“That’s unusual…after all her years in the diplomatic arena!”
“Mom, I feel my ears burning,” Elizabeth said warningly. “What are you two whispering about over there?”
“Oh, Carson was just telling me about your tartling.”
“What?” Caldwell looked from one to the other. “Or maybe I shouldn’t ask - tartling sounds rather rude.”
“It’s a Scottish word,” Carson bristled.
Kathryn smiled. “One of those oddly specific words that is untranslatable in English.”
Elizabeth leaned over to John. “One of my mother’s doctorates is in evolutionary linguistics - she’s fascinated by the origin of words and language.”
“This isn’t just about the words, though,” Kathryn interjected. “The concepts are universal. It’s just that in some instances, other languages have the right word and there’s no comparable one in English. Like the word, schadenfreude.”
“Or tartle,” Carson added smugly.
“So what exactly is it and when did I do it?” Elizabeth sat back and took a sip of her coffee.
Carson grinned. “When you were introducing John to the tribal leader on that last diplomatic mission.”
Elizabeth frowned slightly in confusion and looked to her mother.
“Tartle is when you hesitate in introducing someone you know because you suddenly forgot their name,” Kathryn explained.
Caldwell chuckled. “I’ve done that! I just never knew there was a word for it!”
“Well you can’t expect that a language as new as what you Americans speak would have all the words necessary!” Carson huffed.
“Very true, Carson,” Elizabeth admitted with a smile. “I remember when I was in Indonesia, they used the word ‘jayus’ to describe a joke so unfunny and so poorly told that it made you laugh.”
Carson and John exchanged a look and then shouted, “Chuck!” at the same time.
“Then there’s mamihlapinatapei.” Kathryn watched in amusement as Elizabeth’s brow furrowed as she tried to pronounce it. “I learned it when I was doing research with the Tierra del Fuego.”
“Assuming one can pronounce it, what does it mean, mom?”
“They explained it as ‘the wordless, yet meaningful look shared by two people who both desire to initiate something but are both reluctant to start’”.
There was a second of complete silence in the room as Elizabeth froze, her coffee cup midway to her mouth. She didn’t need to look around to know all eyes at the table were on her. And John.
“There are English words for that,” Rodney piped up. He looked over at Carson. “Don’t you say that Elizabeth and Sheppard are always having eye se…Hey! Ow!” He squealed as a half-eaten dinner roll hit him square in the forehead at the same time John smacked the back of his head. “Watch it you guys! There’s an important brain in here!”
“And with that, I believe it’s time to go,” Carson said, rising to his feet. “I know you all have planes to catch tonight.”
“Yes, McKay and I are expected at headquarters at 0800 tomorrow,” John said, nudging Rodney as he pushed his chair back to stand.
“My mom is expecting me there too,” Jenna commented as she rose. Seeing John’s quizzical look she added, “She’s General Wellbourne.”
John whistled. At SG she was known as the Iron Fist in the Iron Glove. He slanted a glance over at Caldwell who was glowering at him. Well, that explained a hell of a lot.
Elizabeth followed everyone back to the mudroom, making sure they all got their coats and boots sorted out. She smiled as John shuffled over to her, zipping up his coat as the others filed out.
“Thanks. I think this was one of the best holidays I’ve had in a long time.”
“Well, don’t forget, we still have New Year’s Eve to celebrate when Carson and I get back.” She reached up to tie his scarf and tuck it into his coat. “I think Teyla and Lorne are organizing it this year.”
“Thank god,” John said with heartfelt relief. “I couldn’t take another Chuck party.”
“Not feeling the mistletoe, hm?” she teased. “By the way, I recall at one time you thought the Olafson twins were - what were your words - super hot?”
John rolled his eyes. “Maybe from a distance but up close, they’re just super annoying.” As they shared a smile, John’s eyes went to the combs in Elizabeth’s hair. He was always oddly pleased whenever she wore them. Hesitantly, he reached out to touch one. “If you like, I’ll pick up another pair for you next time I’m off-world,” he offered shyly.
Elizabeth smiled. “That would be nice,” she murmured. Her eyes fluttered shut as she felt him gently smooth his hand over her hair, catching a curl and winding it around his finger.
“See you soon,” he said softly, his eyes drifting slowly over her face to her mouth. He watched her lips quirk up as someone (Rodney!) honked the SUV’s horn. “I guess I better go now.”
“Yes, you’d best not keep them waiting.” Elizabeth nodded but just as he started to turn away, she grabbed his scarf and pulled him toward her for a kiss. Then just as suddenly, she broke away before he could kiss her back and started pushing him toward the door.
“Elizabeth - wait! What was that about?”
“Insurance,” she smirked. “To make sure anything super hot stays super annoying until I get back.”
“Yes ma’am!” He snapped a salute and with a cocky grin, turned and jogged out toward the SUV.
As she watched the vehicle take off down the snowy road, she could feel her mother come up behind her.
“So that’s why you’re growing your hair long.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Cafuné.”
Her mother sighed happily. “Indeed.”
The End
A/N: Cafuné: Brazilian Portuguese - “The act of tenderly running one’s fingers through someone’s hair.”