Fic: Dovetail

[sgasesa_admin]

Title: Dovetail
Author: karenbear
Recipient: wicked_socks
Pairing: McKay/Sheppard, Sheppard/OFC
Rating: PG-13 at most
Category: First time story with a little humour, some drama, a touch of romance, and a dash of angst.
Summary: Rodney finds it hard when John starts having girl trouble.

"You rat bastard!" Rodney could almost feel the sharp sting of the slap that he heard next as he hurried down the corridor outside his lab.

He got to the door when he felt the rush of air as Sofia Hernandez stormed passed him, back rigid, fists clenched tight by her side, long dark hair flowing behind her as if desperately trying to keep up. She got five steps in front of him when she stopped in her tracks and turned around slowly.

"You!" At that point Rodney knew exactly what it meant when people talked about looks that could kill. He thought he'd given a few of those looks in his life, to the idiots he was always forced to work with, but they were the ocular equivalent of sticking your tongue out at someone compared to the lethal glare he was receiving from the woman in front of him.

She took one step forward, her knuckles turning even more white, and Rodney took an involuntary step backwards to match, his instincts telling him to run.

Just as suddenly she let out a grunt of frustration, whirled back around and stomped off down the corridor towards the transporter.

Rodney forced his heart, which had taken up temporary residence in his throat, back down into his chest and walked into his lab.

"What the hell was that?" Rodney asked. He could see John rubbing at his left cheek, a red raw patch developing. He would swear he could almost make out the shape of a hand in the redness.

"I'm not 100 per cent sure, but I think we just broke up."

"Oh." That stopped Rodney cold. He hated any situation where he didn't know what to say. "Uh… I'm sorry?"

"Yeah, you really sound it." John stopped rubbing his cheek, and slumped down on the stool at the workstation he was standing beside.

"Well forgive me for thinking that you were a terrible match in the first place." Rodney reached out and tentatively poked at the swollen redness of John's face.

"Ow!" John slapped Rodney's hand away. "And you've always done such a wonderful job of hiding that fact, especially from her."

Rodney waved a dismissive hand in the direction Sofia had taken. "Well what does it matter now, she dumped you."

"Thanks McKay, real nice," John said, as he leaned forward and started sullenly stabbing at the laptop in front of him.

"What you thought you had in common with one of Carson's Evil Mistresses of the Dark One, I will never understand."

"They're called nurses, Rodney."

"Semantics." Rodney shooed John's hands away from the laptop keyboard, and closed it down.

John sighed. "This is the reason why they save the dull needles just for you when they need to draw blood, you know.

"They don't do that!" Rodney stopped a second to consider. "Do they?" John just cocked his head to the side, crossed his arms, and shrugged in a 'don't ask me' kind of gesture. Rodney decided to ignore him.

"So… are you going to be okay? Do you need to cry or anything?"

"What?" John sat up straight and stared at Rodney in disgust. "No!"

Rodney indicated to the door behind him. "Or do you need me to leave the room? I would hate to prevent you from expressing yourself because of some ridiculous military macho code."

John just rolled his eyes. "I think I'll be fine, but thanks for the thought."

Rodney shrugged at what he thought was a perfectly reasonable question. "Any time. So what is the procedure for a time like this?" he clapped his hands and rubbed them together. "Do we need to go and get drunk?"

"The procedure?"

"You know, whatever it is that guys are supposed to do to help their friends get over the women who dump them?"

"For a start it would really help if you stopped using that word." John stood up off the stool, put his hand on Rodney's shoulder and moved him towards the door. "But how about we start by going to get an early lunch. I don't know about you, but 11.30 in the morning is a little early for me to start drinking."

Rodney started walking in the direction John was guiding him. "Huh, I suppose Elizabeth wouldn't be too happy about it either."

"I would think."

"Okay, so lunch it is. Oh, hang on," Rodney stopped and turned back to point at the boxes of forgotten artefacts at the other end of the room. "We haven't done anything with the Ancient devices you were going to help me with. That's why we're here in the first place."

"I just got d-." John stopped, sighed, and started again. "I just broke up with my girlfriend, Rodney. You're going to make me work?"

"But they've been sitting there for weeks!" John raised his eyebrows at him, "Oh fine!" Rodney put his hands up in defeat. "You know I wouldn't put it past you to orchestrate a break up with you psycho girlfriend just so you could get out of helping me here." Rodney walked out of the lab, rolling his eyes at the playful smirk on John's face.

"Would I do that to you?"

***

John picked up the bookmark lying beside him on the bed and shoved it between the pages of his book as he heard the chimes of his door. "Come in."

"Hey." Rodney stepped into John's quarters carrying a bottle of the Athosian spirit Halling made and gave away on special occasions. Given that Halling considered every day without a Wraith attack a special occasion, there were few personnel on Atlantis at this point without at least a couple of bottles stashed away somewhere.

"Hey?" John swung his legs over so he was sitting on the edge of his bed looking up at Rodney, who was rocking back and forth on his heels, clutching onto the bottle for dear life, the very picture of discomfort. When he couldn't take it any longer, John coughed. "Did you come here just to say hey and stand around, or can I help you with something?"

"Oh, right." Rodney stepped forward and handed the bottle to John. "I thought maybe this was a more appropriate time to try that getting drunk thing."

John took the bottle from Rodney's hands, and cradled it in his. He looked down at the carefully crafted bottle, the bubbles and various imperfections in the glass giving at an attractive individuality. Unfortunately, just the sight of the bottle's content brought back the sense memory of the last time John tried to drink any of it. He tried not to gag. "Well hey, Rodney, that's real… nice of you, but, well…" The grimace was involuntary, but Rodney couldn't help but notice.

"This stuff tastes like gasoline, doesn't it?"

John looked up apologetically.

"And we both have that early staff meeting tomorrow."

"Yeah, we do."

"This wasn't a very good idea, was it?" Rodney sighed.

"It's the thought that counts?"

"Bad thought."

"Thanks anyway." John shrugged and put the bottle down on his nightstand.

"I just didn't want you missing out."

"Missing out?"

"On the post break-up rituals. I mean you're the military leader around here, so it's not like you can just hang out and get drunk with the Marines."

"Probably not a good idea, no."

"And since you're having girl trouble, I don't know how sympathetic Teyla or Elizabeth would be."

John nodded along. "Yeah, you need to be around testosterone at a time like this."

"Exactly! And Carson is Scottish, so…" Rodney paused, obviously not quite sure where his line of thought was headed.

John couldn't help the laugh despite his mood. "I'm pretty sure they have break-ups in Scotland, Rodney."

Rodney shrugged. "With Ronon off world with Lt. Wilson's team, that leaves me."

"What are you, my consolation prize?"

"Well, no, it's just…"

John took pity on Rodney and cut him off. "It's okay, I appreciate the thought, Rodney. I guess you could stay for a while. I'm getting nowhere with War and Peace tonight."

John scooched over on the bed, making room for Rodney to sit down beside him. Rodney tentatively walked over, and started smoothing out the covers on the bed, brushing the sheets flat, making a seat for himself. He sat down carefully, shoulders hunched forward, hands clasped in his lap. He sighed. "So…"

"So."

"So, why'd you guys break up, anyway?" Rodney blurted.

John leaned back a little, resting on his arms stretched out behind him, trying his best to make his nonchalance look effortless. "I thought you were here to take my mind off Sofia?"

"It's healthy to talk things out." John could tell when Rodney was quoting.

"Been seeing more of Heightmeyer lately?"

"We're talking about your mental health issues here, not mine." Rodney turned round slightly, lifting his leg so he was resting his knee on the bed, now facing John.

"I don't know, Rodney." John leaned forward again, sighing and rubbing his face with his hands. "It was just one of those things."

"Oh, very specific. There had to be a reason for it."

"Lots of little reasons. It just didn't work out. Can we not talk about it, please?"

"All right, no need to get touchy," Rodney huffed, turning back to face the front, dropping his head. "You have your eye on anyone else?" he asked softly.

"Excuse me?"

"There was a very attractive anthropologist who arrived with the Daedelus last week. With any luck she won't have been here long enough to hear about your reputation yet."

"McKay, I've only been single for…" The full implications of what Rodney had just said suddenly sank in. John's suspicions were confirmed as he looked over at a now wide eyed Rodney. "Reputation? What reputation? I have a reputation?"

"No, no, of course not. Why, what have you heard?" The back peddling was audible.

"McKay!"

Rodney stood and paced a couple of steps in front of him, turned round, and paced back again, his hands waving in agitation, apparently unable to look at John. "People ask me things, what am I supposed to say? You know I'm a terrible liar."

John stood in Rodney's path, forcing Rodney to face him. "I'm not Kirk!"

"I never said you were." Rodney winced at the obvious lie, and the incredulous look John gave him. "Only once or twice."

John sighed, taking some satisfaction in the fact that at least Rodney had the decency to look embarrassed. "You know what, I feel a lot better now, but I'm thinking an early night might do me some good."

"Oh, right, good then," Rodney nodded, looking relieved. "That's good. I'm glad I could help."

John put his hand on Rodney's elbow and started to move him towards the door. "Yeah, this has been really… helpful."

The door opened at John's mental urging, and Rodney stepped out into the corridor. He paused for a second and turned back to face John. He opened and closed his mouth a couple of times, sighing, obviously trying to find the right words to say.

"You know… if there is anything you need…"

John let himself smile a little, his exasperation at Rodney quickly fading. "Yeah, Rodney, I know."

"Okay." Rodney nodded once, seemingly satisfied, as if he'd finally been given the chance to say what he'd wanted to say. "I'll see you at the meeting tomorrow then?"

"See you tomorrow."

***

"So unless anyone has anything else, I think we're done here." Elizabeth quickly looked around the table to see if anyone had anything else to add. "All right, meeting adjourned. Thank you, everyone."

Everyone gathered up their various pads and laptops and piled out of the meeting room. John dodged past Dr. Zelenka and Dr. Beckett, and fell into step beside Rodney, who was trying to juggle his laptop in one hand and the coffee and powerbar in the other.

"So McKay, you have any plans for the rest of the morning?"

Rodney let out a derogatory snort as he finally managed to settle his laptop under his left arm, switching his powerbar to his left hand, allowing him to take a long drink out of the coffee mug in his right. "Well, it's such a nice day I was thinking of mixing up a batch of margaritas, and setting up a sun lounger on the east pier, work on my tan a little. Of course I have plans! It's called work, you may have heard of it." Rodney stopped suddenly, Dr. Zelenka almost running into the back of him. Rodney stepped back, tapping his foot, impatiently indicating for Radek and Carson to pass before turning a suspicious eye on John. "Why?"

"Jumper three still hasn't been properly tested after the repairs from Lt. Reynold's training session. Wanna test it with me?" John grinned.

"Oh no, no way are you getting me to test another Jumper!" Rodney instantly started walking again, practically running down the command centre stairs. "The last time I did that there were fatalities." He stopped suddenly again, quickly turning to prod John, who had been chasing down the stairs after him, in the chest, oblivious to the coffee on the verge of spilling all over John and the floor as it sloshed around in his cup. "I nearly died!"

"You think I would put you in that kind of danger again? The Jumper is fine, it just needs someone to sign off on the repairs. Radek swears it's in perfect working order," John said, pointing in the direction Radek had gone.

Rodney snorted again. "Yeah, where have I heard that one before?"

"Come on, McKay, be a man. Besides, I really think it'll help me with the whole Sofia thing. You did say anything I needed…"

"Throw that back in my face, why don't you!" Rodney's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Oh fine! Fine, I'll test the Jumper with you." Rodney turned and rushed off in his original direction, shouting back at John, "But if I die, I am so going to kill you."

John's face was in danger of splitting with his grin as he called after Rodney. "Get your gear and meet me in the Jumper Bay in twenty minutes."

***

John made a show of checking the time on his watch as Rodney finally entered the Jumper Bay, laden down with various cases of equipment. "You do know what twenty minutes is, don't you? It's the one before twenty-one but after nineteen."

"Yes, yes, sorry I'm late," Rodney said as he shoved a couple of cases into John's hands to take up the ramp into the Puddlejumper, "I did have plans this morning before you emotionally blackmailed me into this cigar tube of death, you know. I had to make sure things were covered in the lab first."

John placed his cases on the floor beside Rodney and took his seat. "Well, sit your ass down and lets get going already."

Rodney made sure his equipment was stored securely in the rear compartment, then took his seat up front next to John. "Go then, I'm not stopping you."

John rolled his eyes at Rodney, but couldn't help a little smile at the look of trepidation Rodney was trying to hide as John took the Jumper up and out through the roof of the Bay. He picked a direction at random, and let himself enjoy the familiar feeling of peace as the Jumper glided smoothly between the blue of the ocean and the sky.

"Now this is what I'm talking about. Who needs women when you have the wide open sky, a ship that responds to your thoughts, and a turkey sandwich."

Rodney's anxious look was immediately replaced by one of hunger. "You brought a turkey sandwich?"

"Don't worry, I packed one for you too."

Rodney quickly looked around the cockpit. "Well?" he said with an impatient gimme motion.

"You had breakfast just before the meeting, and a powerbar less than thirty minutes ago!" John said as handed over his pack.

Rodney grabbed it and started rifling though. "I get hungry when I'm nervous," he said defensively, letting out a triumphant "Ah ha!" as he found the sandwich, unwrapped it, and took the first satisfying bite.

"There's nothing to be nervous about, McKay, see, the ship is flying perfectly."

"Why don't you let me be the judge of that,. Rodney said around a mouth full of turkey, as he moved to the back of the ship. He pulled down the control panel he needed, and alternated between holding the sandwich in his hand while he chewed, and leaving it in his mouth so he could take some readings.

Eventually scientific curiosity took precedence over hunger, and Rodney left the second half of his sandwich on the bench while he poked around in the control panel. The companionable silence was interrupted only by the odd beep of equipment, and the odd questioning grunt from Rodney as he tested the repairs done on the Jumper. "Huh!"

"What, is something wrong?" John craned his neck round to look at Rodney examining the readings on his datapad.

"No." Rodney punched a couple of commands into the pad and turned it round so John could see the Jumper performance level graph generated by his readings. "I think Radek actually managed to fix this thing."

John tried not to look smug. "Told you."

"Hmmmm." Rodney stowed away his equipment, picked up the last half of his sandwich and joined John in the cockpit. He had his head down, picking at the bits of lettuce that were poking out the edges of the bread. "So have you seen Sofia since the fight?"

John sighed. "I saw her in the mess this morning. She did a pretty good job of not looking in my direction."

"So there's no chance of you guys getting back together then?"

"I doubt it. She's pretty mad at me."

Rodney looked over at John, who was studiously examining some wind speed readings on the HUD. "Do you think you'd want to if she forgave you?"

"I don't know." The HUD disappeared, and John fidgeted in his seat. "It's… complicated."

"Because there's still that anthropologist I told you about."

"Can you not set me up when I'm trying to enjoy my morning. Remember, wide open sky? Psychic ship? Turkey?"

"Right. Sorry." Rodney finally stopped picking at his sandwich and took another big bite. "This is really good turkey," he said, a little bit of mayo stuck on his chin.

John look over at Rodney and didn't even bother to suppress his smile. "It is, isn't it?"

***

"Hey, watch it, you're about to sit on the popcorn!" John jerked up from where he was bent over searching down the side of the couch cushions, to see the bowl of popcorn located right where his ass was about to be.

John picked up the bowl and flopped down on the couch next to Rodney. "Sorry. I was looking for the disc, I can't find it."

"Great, you almost flatten the food, and now there's no movie." Rodney folded his arms. "What a wonderful evening of entertainment you've invited me to."

John flicked his head left and right, looking on every free surface of the room. "I had it just before you arrived, I know I did." He looked over at Rodney and realised. "Rodney, can you stand up a second?"

"What?"

"Just get up off your ass!"

Rodney sighed and stood up. "Fine! What?" He looked back behind him and his eyes caught on the glint of light shining off the disc located on the couch right where he'd been sitting. "Oh." He picked it up and sat back down again. "Sorry." He examined the front of the disc, but there was no writing on it. "So what are we watching anyway?"

"What do you think?" John grinned around the mouthful of popcorn he'd just stuffed in his face.

"Oh no, not again! This is turning into the Doug Flutie tape all over again. How many times did you make me watch that damn thing?"

"Hey, we're in the Pegasus Galaxy here. Until Blockbuster open up a branch on the mainland we're stuck with what we have. And that means my awesome Doug Flutie tape-" John held up his left index finger to silence Rodney before he could interrupt with the sarcastic comment he knew was coming, "-and this."

"I don't even like Johnny Cash," Rodney grimaced.

"Sure you do! Everyone loves the man in black."

"The things I do for the sake of our friendship."

"Yes, Rodney, you're a very good friend, and I don't deserve you." John patted Rodney on the shoulder and offered him the bowl of popcorn.

Rodney delved his hand into the bowl, trying to grab the biggest fistful he could manage in one go. "Damn right you don't."

"Just put the disc in already. Ronon and Teyla will be here any minute."

"It's your disc!"

"Yeah, but you're closer, and you're already holding it. Besides, my hands are full," John said, clutching the bowl of popcorn close to his chest.

"Have you always been this lazy and I haven't noticed, or is this a recent development?"

"No, I've always been this lazy."

Rodney stood up and put the disc into the laptop, adjusting the projector hooked into it so that the picture was straight on the blank white wall in from of them, and pressed pause. "There, it's in," he said as he slumped back down in his seat. "Where the hell are Teyla and Ronon so we can get this night over with and I can go back to doing something productive with my time?"

"I'm sorry, Dr. McKay, are we late?" John and Rodney simultaneously looked over to the door where Telya was standing, Ronon looming right behind her.

"Nope, you guys are right on time," John said with a welcoming smile, nudging Rodney in the side with his elbow. "Aren't they, Rodney?"

"Yes, yes, perfect timing, whatever. Come on in."

"Ignore him, he's just grumpy because he has no taste in music."

"I have excellent taste in music. You have terrible taste in movies."

Telya sat down to the right of John, on the last seat of the couch, and Ronon took the chair right beside it. "Are we watching that one with the guy who sings at the prison again?" Ronon asked, looking up at the frozen image projected on the wall.

"Again." Rodney prodded John in the arm. "See!"

Ronon folded his arms and relaxed back into his chair, legs stretch out in front of him, crossed at the ankles. "Good, I like that one."

"Ha! That's two against one, and Teyla hasn't seen it yet, so that makes three. Guess you're outvoted McKay."

Telya sat up a little straighter in her seat so she could look round at Rodney. "If Dr. McKay truly does not wish to watch this one, perhaps we should choose something we would all enjoy?"

"No, it's fine." Rodney sat up a little straighter himself, trying to look a little less like he was sulking. "It's not as if these evenings are really about the movies anyway. Just hit play and let's get this over with."

John stood up and leaned forward to select play on the laptop screen. The projection came to life and the movie began. He sat back down and leaned a little to his side so he could whisper, "Thanks, Rodney. I appreciate it."

"Oh, shut up and pass me the popcorn."

***

"Oof!" Sofia Hernandez collided into John as they both turned the same corner at the same time in opposite directions, Sofia's small pile of paper folders scattering to the floor. "Oh, John, I'm sorry. I guess I wasn't watching where I was going."

"Sofia! Uh, no problem." They both bent down together to collect up the files, John handing her the last few stray pieces of paper as they stood back up.

They both stood there in uncomfortable silence, each allowing a tight, thin smile whenever they managed to make eye contact. "So. John. I haven't spoken to you in a while. How are you doing?"

"You mean you haven't been speaking to me in a while."

"I'm trying to be nice here, don't be an ass. Besides, can you blame me?"

John shrugged. "I guess not."

After another few seconds of silence, Sofia raised her eyebrows and waved her hand encouragingly. "And?"

"And?"

"How are you doing?" She softly slapped John on the arm with her files. "Geez, make it harder why don't you?" she laughed nervously.

"Oh!" John winced. "Sorry. I'm fine, I guess."

"Good. That's good," she nodded. "I'm glad to see those voodoo dolls I made didn't actually work. I'm mad at you but I guess I don't really want to do you any permanent harm."

The deadpan look on Sofia's face made John a little nervous. "Voodoo dolls?"

"Don't ask."

"Yeah, I'm sensing it would probably be better if I didn't." John couldn't figure out what to do with his hands, switching them from his hips to his pockets, shuffling his feet, unsure what he was supposed to say. "So you're still mad at me?"

"Yup! I just no longer feel the need to see you dead. I'm viewing it as progress."

"Sounds like a good way to go. Hope you stick with it."

Sofia couldn't keep the dry, deadpan look any longer and let out a soft, breathy laugh. John felt a little weight lift as he returned her smile.

"I hear you've been spending a lot of time with Dr. McKay."

"Yeah, well, you know…" John ducked his head at first, before looking Sofia in the eye. "He's my best friend."

"Yeah, I know." Sofia said, maintaining the eye contact for a few second before slapping him on the arm again. "It's good for you though. You always were too much of a loner, even when we were going out. You should spend more time with people. And I'm sure Dr. McKay does in a pinch."

"Hey!"

"Sorry," she said, looking anything but.

"He's my best friend," he said again, this time with a little more emphasis

"I know," she said, keeping the eye contact for even longer this time, her smile a little more sad. She took a deep breath and took a small step backward breaking the connection. She hugged the files close to her chest. "I miss you sometimes, you know?"

"Yeah?"

"Against my better judgement," she said playfully, before letting her expression turn a little more serious. "I don't forgive you, John, but I think I'm ready to stop being so angry with you. I just wanted you to know that."

John raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Good. That's good, right?"

Sofia nodded. "Yeah, I think that's good." She gave one more decisive nod before walking forward a few steps continuing on in the direction she was headed.

John stopped her going past with a gentle touch to her arm, so she turned around to face him, their positions now reversed. "Uh, you wanted me to know? Didn't you bump into me by accident?"

Sofia's smile grew large and bright. "Right, of course, by accident. Sure." She reached out and took John's hand from her arm and held it for a few second. "Maybe I'll see you around sometime?" She dropped John's hand and started walking backwards.

John couldn't help looking and feeling a little bemused as she spun back round and walked off down the corridor. "Sure. See you around."

***

"So I was talking to Louise, and I think she might be open to you asking her out." Rodney placed his tray on the table and sat down in the chair opposite John.

John ignored the expectant look on Rodney's face. "Hello, Rodney, why don't you join me?"

"Yes, yes, hello. So what do you think?"

"I think it's great." John picked up his fork and took a bite of almost-tuna chewing it thoughtfully. "Who the hell is Louise?"

"Dr. Stewart? The new anthropologist who transferred over a few weeks ago?" Rodney rolled his eyes. "I told you about her, do you never listen to a word I say?" Rodney picked up his knife and fork and began cutting his fish into bite-sized pieces.

"Her again. Rodney, what are you, my pimp? Will you stop trying to set me up and just let me enjoy being single again for a while? I'm another whole 15 pages into War and Peace. I'm way ahead of schedule."

Rodney snorted. "You're pathetic, you know that?"

"Well, I always have preferred the company of my peers."

"Funny." Rodney said, his mouth full, systematically working his way through the carefully cut bites of food.

"Thanks." John smiled, starting to eat his food again. "Did I tell you I bumped into Sofia the other day?"

Rodney paused, his fork midway to his mouth. "Oh?"

John didn't notice, still concentrating on his food. "Yeah, she's still mad at me, but it sounds like she's stopped planning my death so I'm taking it as a positive sign."

"Uh huh? That's good." Rodney lowered his fork and laid it down on his plate.

"We might even be able to salvage a friendship out of this. That'll be a first for me. I've never been able to stay friends with an ex before." John paused a second to stare thoughtfully at nothing. "I don't know why." He shrugged and started eating again.

Rodney scraped his chair back away from the table and stood up. "Hey, you know, I just remembered… something in my lab. I need to… see something in my lab. It's urgent. I should go."

John pointed to Rodney's plate with his fork. "You haven't finished your food."

"I'll get something later. I really should see to this." Rodney indicated behind him, his gaze anywhere but on John.

"Okay then. I'll see you later?"

"Yeah, later," Rodney said over his shoulder as he stumbled down the mess steps, nearly tripping over the back leg of Dr. Zelenka's chair as he passed. Radek reached out to steady his friend before he fell face first on the floor. While Rodney was twisted round, arms outstretched trying to balance himself, Radek caught the brief moment of eye contact between Rodney and John, before Rodney brushed away his hands and rushed out the mess.

John watched Rodney's back disappear through the door. "Bye then."

***

John was getting concerned. He'd seen Rodney plenty of times that day after their weird lunch, but it was always quick flashes of the back of his head, or part of a leg, before Rodney was gone in the opposite direction.

It was late evening, and John was ready to call it a day, when he saw the whole of Rodney's back walking briskly down the corridor of their personal quarters.

"Rodney!"

Rodney sped up. "Colonel. I'm very busy, can I help you with something?"

John jogged forward until he was beside Rodney, needing to keep his stride long just to keep up. "Yeah, you can tell me why you've been avoiding me all day, and you can tell me what happened to you earlier?"

"Earlier?"

"Yeah, you remember at lunch when you actually went against years of personal habit by bolting out of the mess with food still left on your plate. What happened?"

"Nothing happened." Rodney reached the door of his quarters, and stopped, standing in front of the door trying to look as unwelcoming as possible. "I just remembered a thing I had to see to in the lab."

"A thing? What thing specifically?"

"Just a thing. It doesn't matter."

"It doesn't matter, huh? Does this thing have anything to do with the fact that you took off as soon as I started talking about Sofia again?"

"What!" Rodney blustered. "Of course not, why would that have any effect on me? I had a thing, that was all."

"Uh huh, " John was unconvinced, and stepped forward into Rodney's personal space, hands on hips.

"What! Stop staring at me, you're making me nervous."

John quickly looked both ways up and down the corridor, grabbed onto Rodney's arm, and walked through the door he'd just thought open, dragging Rodney behind him. "Get in here."

"Will you stop manhandling me." Rodney brushed off John's hand. "I bruise easily, you know."

"Spill, McKay!"

"Hello, am I on mute? There is nothing to spill."

John stepped forward a little, crowding Rodney again. He planted his feet firmly, his legs spread a little apart, his arms folded in front of his chest. "Not buying it."

"Look… I just. I just don't think…" Rodney struggled.

"For crying out loud, McKay, what?"

"You shouldn't get back with Sofia, all right!" Rodney did his best to look defiant, chin jutting out, head held high.

"What? Who said anything about getting back together? I was talking about being friends."

"Yeah, right. Like you're capable of being friends with someone you've slept with."

"Just because I haven't before doesn't mean I can't. Despite the fighting, I happen to like Sofia. When she's not sending me death glares she's actually fun to be around."

"Oh, and I'm not."

"Did I say that?" John dropped his hands to his side, itching to reach out and shake the truth out of his friend. "Rodney…" Rodney sidestepped around John to escape his pleading look. He walked over to his dresser and started randomly fussing in one of his drawers. "What is your problem with Sofia, anyway? Why do you hate her so much?" John's tone was lighter and questioning.

"I don't hate her." Rodney said without turning round. "Not really. I just don't think she's right for you."

"But this anthropologist you've been trying to force on me is?"

"I don't know, " he shrugged. "Probably not."

"Rodney, you've been trying to set us up since ten hours after Sofia broke up with me."

Rodney stopped fussing, but didn't say anything.

"This is going against all my instincts as a guy, but I'm not leaving until you talk to me."

Rodney shoved the drawer shut. "She's got long dark hair and big breasts. What more do you need to know?"

"Oh, thanks. Credit me with a little more depth than that."

"She was good cover." It was said so softly John could barely hear what Rodney said.

"What?"

"I got used to you being with someone. Sofia and I have never exactly gotten along, but I just got used to you being… off the market. It helped."

"I don't understand." John's heart was suddenly pounding, and his hands were clammy.

Rodney finally turned around, looking miserable and desperate in equal measure. "Yes, you do."

"Rodney."

"Hey, you asked, don't blame me."

"Rodney…" John took a step forward.

"Just don't, okay." Rodney held up his hands to stop John from coming any further forward. "I was just trying to find someone who looked like your type. Pretty much every woman on this base thinks you're some kind of catch, so I didn't think it would be hard. Didn't realise you would make it so damn difficult for me."

"Then why object to me getting back with Sofia?"

"I don't know." Rodney walked over to his bedside table and picked up the framed photo of him with his cat. He turned it over in his hands a few times, not really looking at it. "Because I… because I don't really want you to be with anyone. But trying to set you up was good cover, you know?"

"Rodney…"

"Stop saying my name!" Rodney slammed the frame down, a small crack appearing in the corner. He looked over at a startled John, who was opening and closing his mouth, goldfish-like, at a loss for words.

"I wanted you to reject her, okay? I wanted you to stand there and tell me that you didn't want her, or any of the other women on Atlantis. I wanted you to stand there and tell me that you wanted me." He walked over to John and pressed his hand against John's chest giving him a shove backwards. "Are you happy now?" Another shove. "Have you humiliated me enough now?"

Rodney stepped back again and started on a wandering path around the room, talking with his hands. "I knew this would happen. You and Sofia have all these problems, and all of a sudden I'm your best buddy again. Fly a Jumper with me, Rodney; have lunch with me, Rodney; fly a damn kite with me, Rodney?"

"When did I ever ask you to fly a kite?"

Rodney stopped long enough to shoot a glare at John. "Shut up, I'm ranting here."

"You made me get used to your company again. I got used to hanging out with you all the time and seeing your stupid hair, and your stupid smirk, whenever I wanted. I wasn't going to let this happen again. But you had to go and be difficult. You had to go and be choosy. I mean, do you have a personal objection to anthropologists?" He spun round and stared scornfully at John. "Did one run over your dog as a kid or something?"

"I thought you didn't really want to set me up with her?"

He waved dismissively and started pacing again. "Still ranting here."

"Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt," John said.

"I just…" Rodney stopped cold. "Damn! You made me lose my place."

"Can I say something now?"

Rodney turned back to face him, hands clasped behind his back. "If you must."

John took three long purposeful strides until he was standing right in front of Rodney. The other man leaned back a little in surprise, about to take a step backwards to compensate, but John stopped him by reaching out and cradling the side of Rodney's face with his right hand, his thumb brushing over Rodney's cheek. "Wha-" was all that Rodney managed to get out before John closed his eyes, leant forward, and gently brushed his lips over Rodney's. Tentatively, side to side to start, before gaining more confidence to press forward and kiss him more deeply. They both parted their lips at the same time, tilting their heads, quickly getting in sync with each other's movements. John felt the shy touch of Rodney's tongue on his and moaned at the intensity of sensation that pierced though him, down his spine from his head to his toes, as he sank into the kiss.

They eventually parted, both a little red-faced and breathless, but smiling. John moved his hand from Rodney's cheek, to the back of his neck, to play with the stray strands of hair at the nape. "You're an idiot."

"Well, at the moment I'm very confused, so I'm almost inclined to agree with you," Rodney said looking up at John's face with an expression of awe and shocked wonder.

"Why do you think Sofia and I broke up in the first place?"

"How am I supposed to know, you wouldn't tell me."

"You! She hated all the times I chose to spend time with you over her."

"She was jealous of me?" Rodney asked.

"Yeah. And she had reason to be," John said, a little softer, suddenly shy at the revelation.

"I had no idea," Rodney said, shaking his head slightly.

John smiled. "I noticed."

John reached down and took hold of Rodney's hands, joining them together behind his back, so they were connected in an embrace, chest to chest. He took gentle hold of Rodney's face between his hands, and moved in for another kiss. Then another, and another. Each one gaining in intensity, warmth blossoming between them wherever they were connected.

"What does this mean?" Rodney asked, an unfamiliar uncertainty in his voice.

"I have a competition going on with Lorne to see who can pick up the biggest Geek." John laughed at Rodney's 'you're not funny' look. "What do you think it means?"

"I don't know, I'm an idiot, remember. You're sure you want this?"

John paused for a second, so tempted by the lie. "No." Rodney's face immediately shut down, the hope fading away to nothing. "In fact, right now I'm terrified I've just ruined the best friendship I've ever had."

"Oh," Rodney tried to step back but John wouldn't let go. He took hold of Rodney's elbows, stopping him from backing away.

"I also know that at this moment I want to keep doing this." John gently coaxed Rodney to put his arms round him again. John brushed a few strands of hair away from Rodney's forehead, and kissed his temple. He continued down the side of Rodney's face, leaving a trail of kisses across his cheek, and behind his ear.

Rodney hands slowly relaxed from where they were clenched in tension behind John's back, until they were smoothing up and down the material of John's t-shirt, kneading at the muscles of John's shoulders. "This is good," he said, eyelids fluttering closed, head tilting to the side. "I like this."

"Can I stay here tonight?" John whispered in Rodney's ear as he kissed down the side of his neck

Rodney dipped his hands under the hem of John's t-shirt, fingers dancing over John's warm skin. "Oh god, yes!"

***

John stared up at the ceiling of Rodney's quarters. He was lying on his back on Rodney's bed, Rodney curled up beside him. This was all at once the best, and the worst he'd ever felt in his life. A few minutes ago he'd been feeling relaxed and satiated, but that was fading fast, being replaced by an ever growing tightness in his chest. Rodney was already snuffling into his pillow, fidgeting slightly, half asleep, but John's eyes were wide open.

"Don't forget, helping me 'n the lab tomorrow," Rodney said sleepily, finally getting comfortable on his stomach, hugging his pillow.

"I won't forget. Go back to sleep, Rodney," John said, already hearing the change in Rodney's breathing as consciousness faded.

"Rodney?" John whispered. There was no answer. "Are you asleep now?" A soft breathy snore was the only reply.

John took a deep breath, rubbing his face with his hands. Decision made, he carefully pulled back the covers and swung his legs round so he was sitting on the edge of the bed. He cringed at every squeak, and every movement of the bed as he gingerly stood up and placed the covers back, making sure Rodney was covered and warm.

He found his boxers and socks right beside him by the bed and quickly put them back on. He hopped round the room, pulling up his last sock, picking up the various stray pieces of his clothing from the floor where they'd fallen earlier as they'd stumbled towards the bed, stripping on the way.

John pulled his t-shit down over his head, finally dressed. He picked up the pad and pen Rodney kept on his nightstand to note down any middle-of-the-night brilliance, and paused. What did you write at times like these? He quickly scribbled the first thing that came to mind, and delicately tore the page from the rest of the pad, leaving the paper on the pillow beside Rodney.

Rodney,
I'm sorry, I had to go.
John

He put the pad and pen back on the nightstand and took one last look at Rodney, face soft and unworried in sleep, before turning around and walking out the door.

John headed to the end of the corridor, and took the stairs two at a time to reach the level above. He passed two quarters to his left, and three to his right before he got to the door he was looking for.

He rang the chimes, and after a few seconds heard a shuffling sound getting closer until the doors opened in front of him.

"John?"

"Sofia, can I come in?"

***
ooo0O0ooo
***

John stood at the edge of the table in the mess hall currently occupied by Rodney and Radek. "Hey guys. Mind if I join you?" he asked them both, but looked at Rodney.

Rodney didn't answer or look up from his food, so Radek took pity on John and answered instead. "Please, Colonel, sit," he said, indicating the seat beside him. John smiled gratefully and sat down.

"So you're both scientists. Any theories about what the mystery breakfast gloop is this morning?" John picked up a spoonful of the stuff and let it slop off back into the bowl, a few flecks spattering on his tray.

Radek studied his own bowl. "I have yet to determine whether it is oatmeal or chocolate pudding. It has the oddest property of looking like neither and yet tasting like both. I am almost impressed."

"I like it," Rodney said, hunched over his bowl, shovelling another spoonful into his mouth.

"You would." John filled another spoonful, but couldn't bring himself to actually taste it. He handed the bowl over to Rodney, who was just finishing the last bite of his own.

Rodney shrugged at the offer, and took the bowl out of John's hands, moving his now empty bowl aside. "So, Colonel, how are you this morning?" he asked, looking up at John for the fist time since he sat down.

"I'm fine, Rodney, thank you for asking." John folded his arms on the table, leaning forward a little in an exaggerated show of interest. "How are you?"

"How's Sofia?" Rodney asked a little forcefully.

John sighed, and leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest instead. "Why would I know that?"

"Well, considering what happened last night…"

"Can we not talk about that here?"

"I was just asking."

"Well, don't, okay?"

"John!" Sofia called from the other end of the mess behind Rodney. She started walking in their direction.

"Speak of the devil," Rodney stage-whispered.

Sofia reached the table and stood behind the chair next to Rodney. "Hello, John. Hello, Dr. Zelenka." She smiled brightly at the two men opposite her. "McKay," she said down at Rodney, leaving all the warmth out of her voice.

Rodney flung his spoon back on his tray, and sat back in his seat, arms folded in front in a mirror image of John's current pose. "Shouldn't you be off sticking needles in things?"

"I can think of one or two things I'd like to stick needles in, as a matter of fact, yes."

"What is it, Sofia?" John interrupted

"You left these at my place," she said, pulling John's sweat bands out of her pocket and handing them over the table. "I thought you might need them if you were planning on going for a run this morning."

"He's going to be in my lab later this morning, helping me, actually," Rodney said.

"Fine!" Sofia said with a thin lipped smile and undisguised irritation. "Maybe I could meet up with you later and we could go for a run together? We haven't done that in a while."

"Maybe, we'll see," John replied, keeping his eyes on Rodney.

Sofia leant down, trying to catch John's attention. "I'll see you later then, John?"

She finally caught John's eye and he looked up with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Sure, bye," he said, looking immediately back across at Rodney, who was looking back down at the table, playing with his food. Sofia sighed and walked passed the table towards the mess hall door. John could feel her gaze burning into the back of his skull as she passed, but he didn't turn around.

Radek squirmed a little in his seat, not entirely sure of the current dynamic he was watching here. "Perhaps we should go to the lab now, Rodney. Start to set up the equipment?"

"Fine." Rodney left the spoon in the half-empty bowl and shoved the tray to the centre of the table. "Now, you, don't forget," he pointed to John accusingly as he stood up from the table. "We've been putting this off long enough."

"Don't worry, Rodney, I'll be there."

***

"How did I know I would find you still here?"

John turned round on his stool sitting at one of the lab workspaces where he had been idly tapping away at one of the laptops, wishing for the hundredth time that someone had thought to bring a copy of Tetris with them to Atlantis. Sofia was leaning against the doorway, arms folded, the same look of irritation on her face that she'd had at breakfast. "I bet you were a genius at hide and seek as a kid."

"You should see me now. I can find Waldo just like that!" She clicked her fingers and stepped forward into the room. "I thought maybe we could eat lunch together? We haven't done that in a while."

"Sorry, Elizabeth called Rodney away earlier, but he should be back any minute and I promised I'd stay to help him turn on a few things." He thumbed behind him to the other end of the lab where Dr. Zelenka was preoccupied, forehead furrowed, digging through a couple of storage boxes of the expedition's various finds. Sofia sighed, but continued forward determinedly, trying for a smile.

"You could help me turn on a few things…" She cringed. "Oh man, that was really cheesy, wasn't it? Maybe we should both pretend I just said something a lot more sexy and sophisticated than that."

John couldn't help but laugh. "I don't know, cheesy can be good sometimes."

"Yeah?" she asked with a genuine shy smile. "I'll have to remember that."

There was an awkward silence. John hated awkward silences. He knew Sofia was waiting for him to say something, he just didn't know what.

"So… you really can't get out of this with Dr. McKay, huh? This stuff has been sitting here for ten thousand years; it couldn't wait a few more hours?"

"Probably not. You know Rodney. Besides, I promised him ages ago that I'd help him with this; I don't want to put him off again," John said.

"You're a good guy, John Sheppard, you know that?"

John snorted. "Yeah, I'm a real prince."

"You are to me."

"I thought you weren't going to forgive me?" Now it was John's turn to cringe. He really didn't want to get into this now. Not when Rodney would be there any minute.

"That was before. You pissed me off, John, what did you expect me to say? Besides, it's not like I haven't seen you since the fight." Sofia placed her hands on her hips, and shifted her weight a little, breathing in deep like she was doing her best to show off her curves. "Maybe I'm ready to forgive you now. You must have noticed me trying to make an effort?"

She sighed at John's blank look.

"Fine, let me make it clearer," she said, stepping a little closer, further into his personal space. "I want to be done with this fight already and for us to make up properly." John could smell her perfume, sweet and fruity, filling his mind with the memories of so many nights together, laughing as they explored the newness of each other's bodies. He wished he was standing so he could back away.

"It was really more of a screaming match than a fight. Rodney was in hearing distance, so I'm pretty sure he could back me up on that."

"Okay, so we were loud about it. Doesn't mean this is irreparable."

"I don't know, Sofia-"

Sofia apparently decided it was now or never. She stepped right into the space between John's legs, carded one hand through his hair, and ran the other up his thigh. She didn't give him time to react before she brought their mouths together. She ran her tongue along his lips, and moaned as they parted to let her in. She shivered when she felt the tentative touch of his hands on her hips bringing her closer, deepening the kiss. Emboldened, she moved her hand further up his thigh to cup his crotch through his pants.

***

Radek knew they'd completely forgotten he was there. He'd done his best to appear invisible, not wanting to get in the middle of another uncomfortable situation like the one at breakfast. He regretted that maybe he had been a little too successful.

He silently closed the lid to the storage box he'd been sorting, and hugged the walls as he headed for the door. He let out a soft sigh as he escaped from the lab undetected.

He walked down the corridor away from the lab, thinking that this might be a good time to get a snack from the mess, when he heard a familiar grumbling up ahead.

Radek turned the corner to see Rodney headed in his direction, just following his feet, completely oblivious to his surroundings, examining the information on his datapad. "Rodney!"

Rodney looked up, confused. "Radek, what are you doing out here? You do know the lab is in this direction, right?" he said, pointing forward, already walking past Radek, back to working on his datapad, tapping in corrections. "You'd think after over two years here you'd be able to find your way around better."

Radek tried to think fast, knowing that the addition of Rodney to the lab could only lead to an unstable reaction. He quickly moved back to block Rodney's path. "Uh, perhaps today is not such a good day for this, yes?"

"What are you talking about?" Rodney sidestepped him and continued forward.

Again, Radek blocked Rodney's way. "The Chair could do with some work too, don't you think?

"No!" Rodney stopped and lowered the pad to his side. "Radek, what are you…" Rodney slumped his shoulders and sighed. "Oh, I get it. He bailed, didn't he? That's just typical. Mr. Unreliable strikes again. Mr. I Can Fly a Jumper In A Straight Line So I'm Too Cool To-"

"No, no, the Colonel is there." Radek mentally kicked himself.

"Oh." Rodney stopped his rant short. "Well, okay. Then what are we standing around here for?" Rodney clapped Radek on the shoulder and smiled. "Lets get this thing started, shall we?" Rodney indicated for Radek to move on down the corridor.

"I really think that this is not a good time for this, Rodney."

Rodney dropped his head and groaned. "Elizabeth has already delayed me enough today, Radek, I don't need you acting all weird and…" Rodney waved his hand, searching for the right word. "European." Rodney tucked the datapad under his arm and walked decisively on down the corridor towards his lab.

"Rodney…" Radek called after him.

"Fine! You know what, if you really don't want to do this, here," Rodney strode back up to Radek and shoved the datapad into his hands. "Take that and see if you can make heads or tales of Simpson's calculations. I suspect she's trying to rewrite the laws of physics to fit her new pet theories. And while normally I'd applaud the audacity, at the moment I just don't have the time."

"But-"

"Go on, shoo!" Rodney flicked his hands at Radek. "I'm sure the Colonel and I will manage to struggle along without you." He did a little backwards wave as he turned round and hurried on towards his lab.

Radek sighed. "Zatratit!"

***

John felt Sofia's hand creep up his leg, moving closer to certain sensitive areas. The first finger brush over his groin and the haze that had descended over him a few seconds ago snapped away, and he pushed Sofia back and stood up. "Don't." He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Don't do that."

"Since when have you not been up for a makeout session?" Sofia's eyes narrowed in confusion, her cheeks flushed, and her lipstick a little smeared.

"Things are different now."

"Oh, come on, John. We're good together, you know that. We have fun, don't we?" She reached out for him, but he backed away, moving the stool he'd just been sitting on so that it was in front of him.

"Yeah, we had fun, but-"

"But nothing. Seriously, what else do you need? I certainly wouldn't have you stuck in here for hours on end at my scientific whim!" Sofia lifted her arm in a sweeping motion round the room.

"It's not like that. This is important work to Rodney. We're talking about the defence of Atlantis here."

"Yes, and I'm sure there is a Wraith killing machine somewhere in this pile of junk just waiting to be turned on."

"You don't know that there isn't."

"Come on, John. You really want to be stuck here all afternoon, being ignored while Dr. McKay and Dr. Zelenka dribble geek juice all over the Ancient tech you turn on?"

John broke eye contact.

"Oh my god you do, don't you?" Sofia said. "You really would prefer to be here with him that with me having fun."

"You assume this isn't fun."

"It isn't to normal people."

John stood a little straighter, meeting her gaze with an indignant, "Hey!"

"This is about to turn into the same old fight all over again, isn't it?" she asked, resigned.

"You're the one who keeps starting this fight; I was fine with things the way they were."

"No, you weren't, John," Sofia said, desperation apparent in her voice. "You've been pushing me aside for weeks! Yesterday when you went off with Major Lorne's team was just the icing on a very large cake. It was our four month anniversary, John. I made plans."

"They needed me."

"You mean he needed you," Sofia said. "And don't even try to pretend you don't know who I mean," she interrupted before he could question her.

"Lorne and his team aren't as used to Rodney's… ways, as I am," John struggled to explain. "I had to make sure someone was there watching his back. I was needed."

Sofia raised her hands in frustration. "For god sake, he was on Umbreya as a glorified handyman. You really think that bunch of puritans were really a danger to him?" she said, choosing a random direction to her left to point at.

"It's happened before."

"And therefore every group of people we meet through the gate are out to get us."

"Potentially, yes." John gritted his teeth. "Sofia, I'm the military leader of this expedition. The sooner you understand that I have responsibilities that don't include you the better off we'll be."

"I understand perfectly well, John. You mean your responsibilities to him."

"Why do you have to keep bringing Rodney into this? Do you have any idea how uncomfortable you made him last night, fighting with me about this right in front of him in the locker room after the mission? You embarrassed him. And me."

"I don't fucking care! He's at the root of everything going on between us, John."

"You're exaggerating."

"No, John, I'm not," she said, shaking her head. "I've tried to ignore it, I've tried to convince myself I was seeing things, but I can't do this anymore."

"There's nothing to see."

"You're obsessed with him."

"Obsessed? He's my best friend, maybe, but-"

"You'll spend every free minute you have with him."

"Because you keep getting mad and won't talk to me."

"Because you keep putting McKay first!"

John cradled his head in his hands. "We're going round in circles."

Sofia let out a deep shaking breath, trying to find the courage to say what had to be said. "You're in love with him."

"What!" John's eyes went wide, he could hear the blood rushing through his ears. "Sofia…"

"Deny it, John. Stand there, look me in the eye and deny it."

John felt his throat close over. He could feel his pulse throbbing in his fingertips, and a sheen of perspiration starting to bead over his forehead. The silence was deafening and getting louder by the second.

"You rat bastard!"

Rodney could almost feel the sharp sting of the slap that he heard next, as he hurried down the corridor outside his lab.

***
ooo0O0ooo
***

Rodney opened the door to his quarters, head down, not really looking where he was going, so he almost ran headlong into John, who was pacing right outside. "John!"

"Rodney!" John stopped mid-pace, looking like a deer caught in headlights.

Rodney quickly glanced up and down the corridor to make sure no-one was there. "What are you doing here?"

"You got my note." John said, spotting the folded piece of paper clutched in Rodney's hand.

Rodney's hand clenched a little tighter. "Yes. It was very succinct, but I got the message." Rodney brushed past John. "Excuse me."

"No, Rodney, wait." John brushed Rodney's arm with an outstreched hand as he passed.

"What for, Colonel?" Rodney asked, without turning round.

"Because I'm asking you to."

Rodney took a few deep breaths, but eventually turned around, eyebrows raised expectantly.

John started and stopped and few times, opening his mouth to speak, but quickly closing it again, sighing each time.

"I'm waiting!"

"I'm thinking, can you just give me a minute here?" John said; Rodney rolled his eyes. "Look, Rodney, I'm sorry."

"It took you a whole minute to come up with that? Very original."

"Rodney…" John pleaded.

"Okay, fine, you're forgiven. Can I go now?" Rodney's voice was hard and cold.

"I don't believe you."

"How very astute of you."

"I went to see Sofia last night."

Rodney's face flashed hurt before setting in a stony grimace, jaw clenched and tense. "I'm going now." He spun on his heels and started marching down the corridor.

"No, wait, wait, it wasn't like that." John ran to catch up, getting in front of Rodney to stop him getting any further away. "I went to her for advice."

Rodney tried to dodge past him a couple of times, left then right, but John was determined to not let Rodney escape. "You went to see your ex-girlfriend, in the middle of the night, right after we'd had sex for the first time… for advice?"

"Well, when you say it like that of course it's going to sound bad," John tried to joke, Rodney didn't look amused. "Okay, I screwed up, I get that. But I… I freaked."

"Oh, charming. Sex with me makes you freak out. What a compliment."

"Sex with my best friend? Yeah, I freaked. You're the one who said it: I've never been capable of staying friends with someone I've slept with. I didn't want us to lose… this," he said, indicating between the two of them. "I went to Sofia for some advice."

"Your ex-girlfriend. The woman who hates me."

"She doesn't hate you. And as the only other person on this plane of existence within a few billion light years that I've slept with, she was the only person I could talk to."

"Talk to about what exactly?"

"How not to screw this up!"

"Leaving me in the middle of the night with only a note for company might not have been the best start."

"Funny, I'm kind of getting that now." John looked contrite. "I don't get how you're not freaked."

"Well, forgive me if sex with the man I've been in love with for two years means a little more to me than that."

"What?" John said, feeling his eyes go wide, matching the look he was seeing on Rodney's face.

"What! Nothing. What?" Rodney blurted, on the verge of hyperventilating.

"Rodney?" John lifted his hand towards Rodney, but dropped it again when Rodney took a small step back, starting to fidget with the note he was still holding in his right hand.

"So what did Dear Abby advise you, then?" Rodney asked quickly, grasping at verbal straws.

John ducked his head a little, trying to get Rodney to look at him. "Well, to start with, I'm not allowed to wake her in the middle of the night again."

Rodney snorted. "Anything not completely obvious?"

"I'm not allowed to leave in the middle of the night again without saying something first."

"Again, anything other than the obvious?"

"I should open up a bit more."

"Or at all might be good." Rodney gently kicked at the toe of John's boot.

John took a deep breath before what he had to say next. "And that if I leave you on our four month anniversary to go off world with Maj. Lorne's team, that she's going to beat me to a pulp on your behalf."

"Oh." Rodney finally looked up at John's face. "You expect us to have a four month anniversary?" he said.

John smiled at the hint of hope that was back in Rodney's voice. "Since neither of us are girls I don't really expect us to celebrate it, but yeah, I was hoping." John kicked back at the toe of Rodney's boot.

"Oh." Rodney tried to keep his face straight, but couldn't help the shy smile that kept breaking through.

"She also said I should do this more often." John quickly glanced over Rodney's shoulder, and then back over his own, before cupping Rodney's face with both hands. He leaned in close, pausing for a second to bathe in the look of joyous optimism in Rodney's eyes, before bringing their lips together in a sweet sensuous kiss.

John broke contact, moving his head back but leaving his hands in place. Rodney instinctively moved his head forward for a second, lips first, seeking further contact before coming back to himself. "I suppose I could put up with that." He nodded weakly.

"And about that opening up thing," John said.

"Yeah?"

John brought their heads together again, cheek to cheek so he could whisper in Rodney's ear. "I might be kinda crazy about you too."

Rodney's smile was full of warmth and relief. He pulled back to look John in the eye, bringing himself to his full height, head high, smug self-confidence returned. "It's only to be expected really."

"Do you have anywhere to be right now?"

"I was going to do some work on the boxes of Ancient technology that are still sitting in the lab," said Rodney, already stepping backwards in the direction of his quarters, John in step right in front of him.

"Can it wait?" John asked with a predatory gleam in his eye.

They reached Rodney's door, and John backed Rodney into it, wrapping his arms around Rodney's back and sinking into a bone-melting, toe-curling kiss. "Wait, you're not just trying to get out of helping in the lab again, are you?" Rodney asked, coming up for air.

John smirked, raising one eyebrow. He placed his palm in the middle of Rodney's chest, thought the door open, and gave him a quick shove into his room. "Would I do that to you?"

***