Fic: Coupling (John/Rodney NC-17)
Title: Coupling
Author: Sandy
Fandom: Stargate: Atlantis
Rating: NC17
Pairing: John/Rodney
Word Count: 4,648
Warnings: M/M Slash
Spoilers: Through 2.4 Duet, AU from there
Feedback: Is lusted after and adored
Summary: "You know, for a smart guy you're pretty stupid sometimes."
Disclaimer: As much as I would love to own John & Rodney, alas I do not. I only make them have sex.
Sequel to: The Cave and Wet 'n Wild
Prompt: #67, "Writer's Choice: Coupling"
My John/Rodney Table
A/N My third entry for the smut_69 community.
~~~
coupling:
1) Something that joins two things
2) A joining together or linking of two persons or things
3) An act of sexual intercourse
It was the shaking of his hands that reminded Rodney that it had been many hours since he last ate.
"Radek, you have any PowerBars left?" he called over to his fellow scientist.
"No, you ate the last one when you got here. If we hurry, though, there should still be food left at the mess hall."
Rodney hesitated. He was hungry, and if he didn't eat something soon, he wasn't going to be able to concentrate on his work, not to mention the whole passing out thing, but at least he was relatively safe here in his lab. Sheppard only came to the labs when it was absolutely necessary, and since there was no current crisis brewing, Rodney knew that Sheppard would stay away. The mess hall, though, was common ground. Still, it was late, and the odds were that the Colonel had already eaten and was off doing whatever it was he did when he wasn't leading his team off world or risking his life in melodramatic heroics.
With a sigh, Rodney saved his work and stood up. "All right. Let's go get some dinner. I think I heard something about mystery meatloaf."
Radek made a bit of a face, but followed his friend out of the lab.
The dining area was only about a quarter full when they got there, but as luck would have it, among those late diners was one Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard. He'd finished eating and was sitting draped over his chair with his left arm slung over the back in a come-fuck-me pose while his right hand was wrapped around his coffee mug. He sat across from Ronon, and his white teeth flashed as he grinned at something Ronon said. Rodney felt a lump form in the bottom of his stomach, and he lost his appetite. He was just about to turn away and flee the cafeteria when Radek said, "Come, Rodney, we must hurry. It looks like they're getting ready to clean out the pans."
Rodney hesitated as Zelenka quickly walked across the room to the serving line, not sure whether he wanted to stay or go. The decision was taken from him when he broke into a cold sweat. With a sigh he followed his colleague. Making a fool of himself by passing out would be the perfect ending to this day. He could add humiliation to heartbreak and just make it the best day ever.
He piled his tray full of food both Earth produced and alien and led the way to a table as far from Sheppard and Ronon as he could get. He barely listened when Radek launched into a description of the detailed examination he was making of the captured Wraith dart. The Czech stopped mid-sentence and asked, "Rodney, are you not feeling well?"
Rodney frowned. "I'm fine. Why?"
"Because I have shared many meals with you over the past year, and never have I seen you pick at your food as you are now. Is something wrong?"
Rodney scowled at the concern in the other man's voice and began shoveling food into his mouth. "I'm fine," he snapped around a mouthful of instant mashed potatoes. "See? I'm eating."
Radek shook his head. "You have not been acting yourself at all since you came to the lab this afternoon."
"Don't be ridiculous," Rodney growled, forcing himself to eat at his usual rapid-fire pace. "I'm the same as always. You listen to too much opera."
Radek scowled back. "What does opera have to do..." His voice trailed off. Rodney looked up from his plate to see the other scientist staring toward the door with a besotted look on his face. Rodney followed his gaze to see Elizabeth walk into the room. He rolled his eyes. Well, that was all Atlantis needed, its two top scientists mooning over people they couldn't have. He knew he could continue doing his usual stellar job even with a broken heart, but he would have to keep an eye on Zelenka to make sure he didn't start composing sonnets on his lap top when he was supposed to be working on power equations.
Rodney watched as Elizabeth walked across the room to sit at Sheppard's table. John smiled his slow, flirty smile at her, and the food in Rodney's stomach turned to lead. Pushing away his tray, he stood up and said, "I need to get back to work." With rapid steps, he fled.
He headed down the hallway determinedly pushing away the images in his mind of John with Elizabeth and the intimate smiles they'd shared; smiles that looked too knowing. But pushing away images of John and Elizabeth only led to thoughts of John with Ronon and John's provocative pose. Were they lovers too? Rodney wondered who else John had been intimate with. Teyla? Ford? He was obviously just another notch on Sheppard's headboard. By the time he got to the transporter, his head was pounding so badly he could hardly see. Instead of going to his lab, he pushed the panel that would take him to the infirmary. Perhaps Carson or one of his minions could give him something for his headache. There was no way he could work with this pain.
When he got to the infirmary, a nurse listened to his request, nodded, and went off to fetch the medication for him. As he waited, he slumped in a chair with his head in his hands.
"Rodney, what are you doing here?"
Rodney looked up to see Carson Beckett walking toward him.
"I have a headache."
"Well, I keep telling you to take breaks from your work. If you won't listen to your doctor you can expect to get these tension headaches."
"Yes, thank you," Rodney sneered. "The next time the Wraith are heading this way, I'll just tell Elizabeth, 'I'm sorry. I can't work any more today. My doctor says I need to take a break now.'"
Carson rolled his eyes. "That's not what I meant. If you would just... Oh, thank you, love." This last was said to the returning nurse who held a small paper cup containing two pills in her hand. She smiled at Carson when he took the cup from her and left. He handed it to Rodney and walked over to the water dispenser. Pouring a small cup of water he returned to Rodney and handed it to him.
"Now take your pills and get a good night's rest. If you still have the headache in the morning, come back to see me."
"I'll be fine," Rodney snapped. Tipping back the cup with the pills, he tossed them into his mouth and then washed them down with the water. Crumpling up the cups, he tossed them into the trash, then stood and headed for the door without another word to the doctor.
"I meant what I said about taking breaks from your work, Rodney," Carson's voice followed after him. "You should find some activity you enjoy that will relieve your tension."
Rodney winced at his words. He'd found an activity he enjoyed and someone he enjoyed doing that activity with. And as a tension reliever, well, he could honestly say that for a while there today, he'd been pretty much tension free. But it'd only been a one-time thing; he realized that as soon as John had dismissed him with a casual 'see you later'. And besides, Rodney told himself determinedly, he had too much pride to just be one of several lovers that the Colonel cycled through.
He returned to his lab and sat at his computer. He determinedly pushed thoughts of headaches and tension and John Sheppard out of his mind, and after a bit he was lost in his work. His only interruption was when Radek returned to the lab.
"Oh, you're here."
"Where else would I be?" Rodney asked, not looking up from his computer.
"I thought you were sick, you left so quickly."
"I'm fine." Rodney said impatiently. "Now, if you're finished discussing my non-existent health issues, do you think we could get some work done tonight?"
Radek threw up his hands. "Fine. I am sorry if I was concerned. I will work and not talk. Happy?"
"Yes, thank you." Rodney said emphatically and turned back to his computer. For the next couple of hours, the only sounds heard in the room was the clack of computer keys and muttering as one or the other of them talked to himself. At last, Radek stood up and closed down his computer.
"It is late. I'm going to bed."
"Yeah, whatever."
"You should go to bed too. You are even more cranky than usual. You apparently need a good night's sleep."
"And apparently you need to personally inspect the sewage system in the morning to make sure none of the sewers are clogged."
Radek stormed out of the lab leaving behind a trail of muttered Czech curses. As soon as the door closed, Rodney rested his elbows on the table in front of him and began to massage his temples. His headache had returned and his shoulder muscles burned from sitting hunched over his computer for so long. It'd been a very long day, beginning with the off-world mission that led to sex in a cave which led to more sex in his shower which had led absolutely nowhere. He was so tired he could hardly think straight, and yet the thought of returning to his quarters was unbearable. He was so absorbed in his misery that he didn't hear the lab door whoosh open.
"Looks like someone needs his bed."
Rodney's head snapped up and he turned to stare at John leaning casually in the doorway, arms folded across his chest, ankles crossed.
"Ow," Rodney whined and rubbed at the back of his neck when the tight muscles protested at the too rapid movement.
John straightened up and moved toward Rodney. Before Rodney knew what he was going to do, he brushed Rodney's hand away and replaced it with his own.
"Here, let me," he said as his fingers dug into the tense muscles. Rodney attempted to pull away, but strong hands held him in place. "Relax, Rodney," John said softly.
Rodney sat stiffly as Sheppard massaged, his head pounding with every beat of his heart.
"Jesus, Rodney, would you relax?" Sheppard demanded as he hit a particularly sensitive spot. Rodney cried out, and Sheppard's hands started rubbing more lightly. "I think this would be better if we went back to your quarters," he said. "You could take off your shirt and I could give you a good rubdown."
Rodney jerked away and stood up, backing away from Sheppard. "Thank you, but I'm fine."
John's eyebrows raised in patent disbelief. "Rodney, those shoulder muscles are so tight I could bounce a quarter off them."
"I said I'm fine," Rodney snapped. "Now, if you don't mind, I have a lot of work to do."
"You know what they say about all work and no play, don't you?" John teased.
"I may be a dull boy, Colonel, but I'm a busy dull boy. Now if you don't mind, I have-"
"Work to do," John completed the sentence. "Come on, Rodney," he said in his most persuasive voice. "You always have work to do. It's time to relax a little bit." He took a step forward, giving Rodney a seductive smile. "I know how to make you relax."
Rodney swallowed, so very tempted, but he wasn't interested in, wasn't capable of, sharing Sheppard with the rest of Atlantis. Using offense as defense, he sneered, "What's the matter, Colonel? All your other conquests too busy tonight?"
John stared at him in confusion. "What?"
Rodney crossed arms over his chest protectively and said, "While I'm sure I should be flattered that you've added me to your list, I'm really not interested in being one of a crowd, so I'll bid you goodnight."
John continued to stare silently at him and then abruptly turned on his heel and headed for the door. Just as the door opened he stopped, swung back around and snarled, "You know, sometimes I just want to strangle you."
Rodney's eyes widened nervously at Sheppard's tone. John opened his mouth to speak again when two patrolling Marines stopped, noting the anger on their commanding officer's face. "Everything all right here, sir?" one of them asked.
John nodded. "It's fine. McKay and I are just having a little discussion."
The two men smirked a bit and moved on.
John turned his attention back to Rodney. "Turn off your stuff and come with me," he ordered. When Rodney didn't move, he snapped, "Now, McKay!"
Rodney swallowed and did as he was bid. There were very few people that Rodney allowed to order him about. Elizabeth was one because he respected her and had accepted that she'd be in charge here in Atlantis. And Sheppard was another because, well, he was Sheppard. When he was finished, he reluctantly walked over to where the Colonel was waiting at the door. John didn't acknowledge his presence, just walked out of the room as if expecting Rodney to follow obediently. Rodney followed.
Sheppard led him to the nearest transporter. They entered silently and John hit the panel for the area near Rodney's quarters. Rodney was beginning to get a feeling of déjà vu when they walked down the hall and John waited until Rodney has palmed open his door. They entered Rodney's bedroom, but this time John didn't jump him. Instead he walked a little further into the room and turned to face Rodney, his arms folded over his chest and a scowl on his face.
"Just what kind of a jerk do you think I am, McKay?" Sheppard asked in a tight, angry voice.
"What?" Rodney asked with a bit of a crack in his voice. "I-I don't...think you're a jerk."
"No? Not a jerk, huh? Just a satyr who'll screw anyone that's willing?"
Rodney stared at him helplessly. He always found himself tongue-tied in the face of Sheppard's anger."
"I don't know why I'm surprised by this," John muttered, running his hand through his hair as his anger deflated. "You always have had a low opinion of me."
"What?" Rodney exclaimed in surprise. "I do not have a low opinion of you!"
"Then what was that in your lab, Rodney?" John asked a flash of hurt showing in his eyes. "Why would you think you're just one on a long list?"
"I don't know," Rodney answered in frustration. "Because of the way you smile at Elizabeth? Because of the way you flirt with Ronon? Because I don't know if you really want me?"
John stared at him for a second and then strode up to him. "And just what part of..." He grabbed Rodney's face in his two hands and lowered his mouth to Rodney's in a fierce open-mouthed kiss. Unable to resist, Rodney's mouth opened in response and John's tongue plunged in. Rodney wrapped his arms around John's shoulders and held him tightly as the other man kissed him senseless. When John at last drew his mouth away he pressed his forehead to Rodney's and said, "What part of that leaves any room for doubt that I want you?"
"The part of it where I'm not sure what you want," Rodney whispered, almost overwhelmed with the touch and feel and scent of John.
John pulled back and looked at him is disbelief. "You're kidding."
He swallowed. "When you left this afternoon, I thought that was it. I mean the way that you said 'see you later' just seemed like that was it."
John brushed his thumb over Rodney's cheek. "You know, for a smart guy you're pretty stupid sometimes."
"You may not have noticed, Colonel," Rodney said in exasperation, "but I'm not at my best in these sorts of situations."
John leaned forward to brush another kiss against Rodney's lips. Pulling back once again he grinned and said, "Then let me make it easy for you, genius. For reasons that continue to baffle me, I like you. A lot. And today, well, things I've been trying to keep repressed got unrepressed."
"Oh," Rodney said in surprise.
"There isn't anyone else, Rodney. I've been very careful not to get involved with anyone. But then there was that damned moaning cave, and there was you, and all my resolve just melted away. I want you, pain in the ass that you are sometimes," John said, his smile taking away the sting of his words. "And since you seemed to want me too, I decided to take a chance. I thought maybe we could, you know, get together." He suddenly looked unsure of himself, a look so unusual that it took Rodney aback somewhat. "Unless you don't want to?"
Rodney finally got it. Breaking into a smile, he grabbed Sheppard by his arms and dragged him in for a kiss. John stiffened for a second in surprise and then entered wholeheartedly into the kiss. Rodney pushed and John backed up until his legs hit the bed and he fell backward. Rodney fell on top of him, and then slid off to the side still kissing John, hot, needy kisses that left them both breathless. Reaching down he tugged up John's shirt, pushed it up and over John's head and flung it across the room.
John laughed and said, "So, I guess this means you want to?" Rodney lifted his head up from where he was mouthing the tender skin across John's collarbone and gave him a 'you're an idiot' glare and went back to sucking and licking John's skin. John tried to pull up Rodney's shirt, but Rodney pushed his hands away, not wanting to break contact yet. The hair on John's chest tickled his face as he moved down John's body, and Rodney pressed into it, brushing the coarse hair against his cheek and breathing deeply. It had been many hours since they showered, and the freshly washed smell was gone. John smelled of sweat and gun oil and traces of Aqua Velva, but mostly he smelled of John, his own unique scent that made Rodney want to taste him everywhere, lick every inch. "God, you smell good," he moaned and ran his hand down John's side, feeling the warm skin and tight muscles. His mouth located a nipple and he drew it in, sucking and flicking his tongue over the peak as it hardened in his mouth. John moaned in response and lifted his hips.
"Touch me," he begged, and Rodney was helpless to resist the command. Lifting his head from John's chest, he levered himself up and began to work at the fastenings of John's trousers. His hands were shaking but he managed to get the button undone and the zipper pulled down. Spreading the pants open, he lowered his head and once again breathed deeply. The warm skin gave off a musky scent that went straight to Rodney's cock, and he mouthed John's erection through the thin cotton of his boxers. John gasped in pleasure and bucked, shoving his cock into Rodney's face. Rodney slipped his hand inside the boxers through the gap and captured John's hard length.
"Jesus, Rodney," John breathed, thrusting and twisting in Rodney's hand. Rodney sat up and pulled away. He ignored John's protest and pushed his way down the bed until he came to John's feet. He worked as quickly as he could at removing John's boots and socks. Taking hold of the waistband of John's pants, he pulled both trousers and boxers down and off. When he was finished, he stopped and stared. John was lying on his bed, naked and hard and spread invitingly. Rodney had to close his eyes to regain control. He opened his eyes again when he felt a callused hand caress his face.
"Hey, you okay?" John asked in concern, sitting up.
Rodney smiled and turned his face into John's palm biting gently before flicking out his tongue to capture a tiny taste.
"Just trying not to come," he answered.
"Yeah?" John smiled. "I think I like the sound of that. That I can make you come so easily."
Rodney snorted and slipped his hand around John's neck, pulling his head to him for a kiss. When he broke away he said, "I'm sure your macho man image has just been enhanced, but if you don't mind, I'd actually like to be, oh, I don't know, say naked before I come?"
John kissed him again and then slid his hands down Rodney's side to the hem of his shirt. "So, what do you say we get you naked then?" he said and began to tug the shirt up Rodney's body.
"Yeah, okay," Rodney said a little breathlessly and lifted his arms so John could pull it over his head. The shirt sailed across the room to join John's discarded shirt and then John was kissing him again, their tongues sliding together while he worked at undoing Rodney's pants. They broke apart just long enough to finish undressing him. When he was finally naked, John sighed and said, "Oh, yeah," and pushed Rodney back on the bed and crawled on top of him.
The feel of John's solid body pressing down on him nearly tipped Rodney over the edge once again. He wrapped his arms around John's back and kissed him with hot, sloppy, open-mouth kisses that left them gasping for breath. John moved his mouth to Rodney's neck, nuzzling, licking and sucking until Rodney was writhing under him, making small sounds of desperation, and grasping John's back holding him tightly against him as he rubbed his cock into John's firm belly.
Just as Rodney thought he was going to go mad with frustration and need, John lifted his head and said, "I can't wait any longer," and moved his body until their cocks touched. Rodney gasped and then whimpered when John began to move, slowly at first, each stroke sending bolts of pleasure up Rodney's spine. John increased the speed a bit more and then a little more until the room was filled with the sounds of the squeak of the bed, the slap of their bodies, and their harsh breathing. Rodney was close but unable to achieve orgasm, and he slipped his hand between them to grasp both cocks in a strong grip. John gasped and groaned out, "Yeah, yeah, just like that," and began thrusting harder, faster, until at last Rodney arched and cried out, his come slicking their stomachs and his hand. John was pounding against Rodney now, the lubricant of Rodney's ejaculate making it easier for him to slip through Rodney's still tightly gripping hand. A cry, a shudder, and then Rodney could feel the pulses as John came, long and hard and hot, the semen coating Rodney's hand.
John collapsed on top of Rodney, and Rodney pulled his hand out from between them, wrapping his arms around John's back and relaxing in the feel of his lover's weight on top of him. After a bit though, John slid to the side and onto his back, nearly falling off the narrow bed. Rodney caught him before he tumbled onto the floor, and said, "Easy, Colonel. I don't want to have to call Beckett in for a post-coital injury." His voice took on a falsetto and he mimicked, "Help, he's fallen and he can't get up."
"You're a regular comedian, McKay," John said as he pushed Rodney over a little bit. "And if you didn't hog the bed, I wouldn't be falling out of it."
At last they got settled, arms wrapped around each other, legs entwined, and relaxed to enjoy the afterglow. Rodney was tired and he really wanted to go to sleep now, but he had several problems. First, he was sticky and he wanted to clean up. Second, he was cold and he wanted to get under the covers. And third, Colonel Sheppard didn't seem inclined to move and Rodney wasn't sure he could escape from the embrace John held him in. He really wasn't sure he wanted to break free of the embrace, but problems one and two were being joined with problem number four, which was a need to use the facilities.
He became aware than John's breathing was evening out, and he knew he had to bite the bullet. Giving John a little shake he said, "John, hey, wake up. You can't go to sleep here."
John's eyes blinked open and he looked at him through half-closed eyes. "Why?"
"Are you looking to get sent back to Earth to face a court-martial for sexual misconduct, Colonel? If you don't mind, I'd rather you didn't since it looks like I'm finally going to start having regular sex, and I'd like you to actually be here for the sex. And to that end, I don't think that spending the night in my room is conducive to you not getting court-martialed."
John yawned and didn't look the least bit concerned. But he pushed himself away from Rodney and left the bed, heading for the bathroom. Rodney couldn't help but feel disappointed, but he knew that it was better if John left now. After a few minutes he heard the tap turn off and then the bathroom door opened and John came out looking adorably mussed and sinfully beautiful. Rodney stood up and went to him as if John was a Siren and Rodney was some poor fool caught by his song. He cupped the side of John's face and leaned in to kiss him. John kissed him back enthusiastically. When Rodney pulled back, he said, "Don't leave until I come back."
John just smiled and kissed him again and then smacked him on the bare ass as Rodney started to walk away. Rodney glared at him although in truth he hadn't minded the swat in the least. He quickly finished in the bathroom and walked out the door only to stop in surprise. John was curled up in his bed under the covers and obviously more than half asleep.
Rodney walked over to the bed and sat down, shaking John's shoulder. "Hey, I thought you were leaving."
Once again, Rodney got the sleepy-eyed look that did strange things to his insides. "You want me to leave?"
"No, I really don't. But I don't want us to get caught either."
"'ts okay, Rodney," John slurred. "I set the alarm on my watch. I can stay here for a few more hours." He pulled his arm out from under the covers and tugged at Rodney's hand. "Come to bed."
Rodney didn't have to be told twice. Turning out the light, he slid under the covers. It was strange cuddling naked with another man on the narrow cot, but Rodney was pretty sure that it wouldn't take much for him to get used to this. After all, that's what couples did, and Rodney guessed they were a couple now. That thought brought all his insecurities roaring back to life. What if they weren't actually a couple; just friends with benefits?
Unable to stand not knowing their exact status, Rodney turned around to face John and shook him awake.
"What?" John said grumpily.
"Are we a couple now?"
John's eyelids barely opened, but his lips curled into a small smile. "Yeah, sure, but I'm not taking you dancing."
Rodney huffed and turned back around, settling back into the warmth of John's body. Within minutes he was drifting off to the sound of John's even breathing and the weight of John's arm draped over his body.
"You probably can't dance anyway," he murmured just before sleep claimed him.
The End
Author: Sandy
Fandom: Stargate: Atlantis
Rating: NC17
Pairing: John/Rodney
Word Count: 4,648
Warnings: M/M Slash
Spoilers: Through 2.4 Duet, AU from there
Feedback: Is lusted after and adored
Summary: "You know, for a smart guy you're pretty stupid sometimes."
Disclaimer: As much as I would love to own John & Rodney, alas I do not. I only make them have sex.
Sequel to: The Cave and Wet 'n Wild
Prompt: #67, "Writer's Choice: Coupling"
My John/Rodney Table
A/N My third entry for the smut_69 community.
~~~
coupling:
1) Something that joins two things
2) A joining together or linking of two persons or things
3) An act of sexual intercourse
It was the shaking of his hands that reminded Rodney that it had been many hours since he last ate.
"Radek, you have any PowerBars left?" he called over to his fellow scientist.
"No, you ate the last one when you got here. If we hurry, though, there should still be food left at the mess hall."
Rodney hesitated. He was hungry, and if he didn't eat something soon, he wasn't going to be able to concentrate on his work, not to mention the whole passing out thing, but at least he was relatively safe here in his lab. Sheppard only came to the labs when it was absolutely necessary, and since there was no current crisis brewing, Rodney knew that Sheppard would stay away. The mess hall, though, was common ground. Still, it was late, and the odds were that the Colonel had already eaten and was off doing whatever it was he did when he wasn't leading his team off world or risking his life in melodramatic heroics.
With a sigh, Rodney saved his work and stood up. "All right. Let's go get some dinner. I think I heard something about mystery meatloaf."
Radek made a bit of a face, but followed his friend out of the lab.
The dining area was only about a quarter full when they got there, but as luck would have it, among those late diners was one Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard. He'd finished eating and was sitting draped over his chair with his left arm slung over the back in a come-fuck-me pose while his right hand was wrapped around his coffee mug. He sat across from Ronon, and his white teeth flashed as he grinned at something Ronon said. Rodney felt a lump form in the bottom of his stomach, and he lost his appetite. He was just about to turn away and flee the cafeteria when Radek said, "Come, Rodney, we must hurry. It looks like they're getting ready to clean out the pans."
Rodney hesitated as Zelenka quickly walked across the room to the serving line, not sure whether he wanted to stay or go. The decision was taken from him when he broke into a cold sweat. With a sigh he followed his colleague. Making a fool of himself by passing out would be the perfect ending to this day. He could add humiliation to heartbreak and just make it the best day ever.
He piled his tray full of food both Earth produced and alien and led the way to a table as far from Sheppard and Ronon as he could get. He barely listened when Radek launched into a description of the detailed examination he was making of the captured Wraith dart. The Czech stopped mid-sentence and asked, "Rodney, are you not feeling well?"
Rodney frowned. "I'm fine. Why?"
"Because I have shared many meals with you over the past year, and never have I seen you pick at your food as you are now. Is something wrong?"
Rodney scowled at the concern in the other man's voice and began shoveling food into his mouth. "I'm fine," he snapped around a mouthful of instant mashed potatoes. "See? I'm eating."
Radek shook his head. "You have not been acting yourself at all since you came to the lab this afternoon."
"Don't be ridiculous," Rodney growled, forcing himself to eat at his usual rapid-fire pace. "I'm the same as always. You listen to too much opera."
Radek scowled back. "What does opera have to do..." His voice trailed off. Rodney looked up from his plate to see the other scientist staring toward the door with a besotted look on his face. Rodney followed his gaze to see Elizabeth walk into the room. He rolled his eyes. Well, that was all Atlantis needed, its two top scientists mooning over people they couldn't have. He knew he could continue doing his usual stellar job even with a broken heart, but he would have to keep an eye on Zelenka to make sure he didn't start composing sonnets on his lap top when he was supposed to be working on power equations.
Rodney watched as Elizabeth walked across the room to sit at Sheppard's table. John smiled his slow, flirty smile at her, and the food in Rodney's stomach turned to lead. Pushing away his tray, he stood up and said, "I need to get back to work." With rapid steps, he fled.
He headed down the hallway determinedly pushing away the images in his mind of John with Elizabeth and the intimate smiles they'd shared; smiles that looked too knowing. But pushing away images of John and Elizabeth only led to thoughts of John with Ronon and John's provocative pose. Were they lovers too? Rodney wondered who else John had been intimate with. Teyla? Ford? He was obviously just another notch on Sheppard's headboard. By the time he got to the transporter, his head was pounding so badly he could hardly see. Instead of going to his lab, he pushed the panel that would take him to the infirmary. Perhaps Carson or one of his minions could give him something for his headache. There was no way he could work with this pain.
When he got to the infirmary, a nurse listened to his request, nodded, and went off to fetch the medication for him. As he waited, he slumped in a chair with his head in his hands.
"Rodney, what are you doing here?"
Rodney looked up to see Carson Beckett walking toward him.
"I have a headache."
"Well, I keep telling you to take breaks from your work. If you won't listen to your doctor you can expect to get these tension headaches."
"Yes, thank you," Rodney sneered. "The next time the Wraith are heading this way, I'll just tell Elizabeth, 'I'm sorry. I can't work any more today. My doctor says I need to take a break now.'"
Carson rolled his eyes. "That's not what I meant. If you would just... Oh, thank you, love." This last was said to the returning nurse who held a small paper cup containing two pills in her hand. She smiled at Carson when he took the cup from her and left. He handed it to Rodney and walked over to the water dispenser. Pouring a small cup of water he returned to Rodney and handed it to him.
"Now take your pills and get a good night's rest. If you still have the headache in the morning, come back to see me."
"I'll be fine," Rodney snapped. Tipping back the cup with the pills, he tossed them into his mouth and then washed them down with the water. Crumpling up the cups, he tossed them into the trash, then stood and headed for the door without another word to the doctor.
"I meant what I said about taking breaks from your work, Rodney," Carson's voice followed after him. "You should find some activity you enjoy that will relieve your tension."
Rodney winced at his words. He'd found an activity he enjoyed and someone he enjoyed doing that activity with. And as a tension reliever, well, he could honestly say that for a while there today, he'd been pretty much tension free. But it'd only been a one-time thing; he realized that as soon as John had dismissed him with a casual 'see you later'. And besides, Rodney told himself determinedly, he had too much pride to just be one of several lovers that the Colonel cycled through.
He returned to his lab and sat at his computer. He determinedly pushed thoughts of headaches and tension and John Sheppard out of his mind, and after a bit he was lost in his work. His only interruption was when Radek returned to the lab.
"Oh, you're here."
"Where else would I be?" Rodney asked, not looking up from his computer.
"I thought you were sick, you left so quickly."
"I'm fine." Rodney said impatiently. "Now, if you're finished discussing my non-existent health issues, do you think we could get some work done tonight?"
Radek threw up his hands. "Fine. I am sorry if I was concerned. I will work and not talk. Happy?"
"Yes, thank you." Rodney said emphatically and turned back to his computer. For the next couple of hours, the only sounds heard in the room was the clack of computer keys and muttering as one or the other of them talked to himself. At last, Radek stood up and closed down his computer.
"It is late. I'm going to bed."
"Yeah, whatever."
"You should go to bed too. You are even more cranky than usual. You apparently need a good night's sleep."
"And apparently you need to personally inspect the sewage system in the morning to make sure none of the sewers are clogged."
Radek stormed out of the lab leaving behind a trail of muttered Czech curses. As soon as the door closed, Rodney rested his elbows on the table in front of him and began to massage his temples. His headache had returned and his shoulder muscles burned from sitting hunched over his computer for so long. It'd been a very long day, beginning with the off-world mission that led to sex in a cave which led to more sex in his shower which had led absolutely nowhere. He was so tired he could hardly think straight, and yet the thought of returning to his quarters was unbearable. He was so absorbed in his misery that he didn't hear the lab door whoosh open.
"Looks like someone needs his bed."
Rodney's head snapped up and he turned to stare at John leaning casually in the doorway, arms folded across his chest, ankles crossed.
"Ow," Rodney whined and rubbed at the back of his neck when the tight muscles protested at the too rapid movement.
John straightened up and moved toward Rodney. Before Rodney knew what he was going to do, he brushed Rodney's hand away and replaced it with his own.
"Here, let me," he said as his fingers dug into the tense muscles. Rodney attempted to pull away, but strong hands held him in place. "Relax, Rodney," John said softly.
Rodney sat stiffly as Sheppard massaged, his head pounding with every beat of his heart.
"Jesus, Rodney, would you relax?" Sheppard demanded as he hit a particularly sensitive spot. Rodney cried out, and Sheppard's hands started rubbing more lightly. "I think this would be better if we went back to your quarters," he said. "You could take off your shirt and I could give you a good rubdown."
Rodney jerked away and stood up, backing away from Sheppard. "Thank you, but I'm fine."
John's eyebrows raised in patent disbelief. "Rodney, those shoulder muscles are so tight I could bounce a quarter off them."
"I said I'm fine," Rodney snapped. "Now, if you don't mind, I have a lot of work to do."
"You know what they say about all work and no play, don't you?" John teased.
"I may be a dull boy, Colonel, but I'm a busy dull boy. Now if you don't mind, I have-"
"Work to do," John completed the sentence. "Come on, Rodney," he said in his most persuasive voice. "You always have work to do. It's time to relax a little bit." He took a step forward, giving Rodney a seductive smile. "I know how to make you relax."
Rodney swallowed, so very tempted, but he wasn't interested in, wasn't capable of, sharing Sheppard with the rest of Atlantis. Using offense as defense, he sneered, "What's the matter, Colonel? All your other conquests too busy tonight?"
John stared at him in confusion. "What?"
Rodney crossed arms over his chest protectively and said, "While I'm sure I should be flattered that you've added me to your list, I'm really not interested in being one of a crowd, so I'll bid you goodnight."
John continued to stare silently at him and then abruptly turned on his heel and headed for the door. Just as the door opened he stopped, swung back around and snarled, "You know, sometimes I just want to strangle you."
Rodney's eyes widened nervously at Sheppard's tone. John opened his mouth to speak again when two patrolling Marines stopped, noting the anger on their commanding officer's face. "Everything all right here, sir?" one of them asked.
John nodded. "It's fine. McKay and I are just having a little discussion."
The two men smirked a bit and moved on.
John turned his attention back to Rodney. "Turn off your stuff and come with me," he ordered. When Rodney didn't move, he snapped, "Now, McKay!"
Rodney swallowed and did as he was bid. There were very few people that Rodney allowed to order him about. Elizabeth was one because he respected her and had accepted that she'd be in charge here in Atlantis. And Sheppard was another because, well, he was Sheppard. When he was finished, he reluctantly walked over to where the Colonel was waiting at the door. John didn't acknowledge his presence, just walked out of the room as if expecting Rodney to follow obediently. Rodney followed.
Sheppard led him to the nearest transporter. They entered silently and John hit the panel for the area near Rodney's quarters. Rodney was beginning to get a feeling of déjà vu when they walked down the hall and John waited until Rodney has palmed open his door. They entered Rodney's bedroom, but this time John didn't jump him. Instead he walked a little further into the room and turned to face Rodney, his arms folded over his chest and a scowl on his face.
"Just what kind of a jerk do you think I am, McKay?" Sheppard asked in a tight, angry voice.
"What?" Rodney asked with a bit of a crack in his voice. "I-I don't...think you're a jerk."
"No? Not a jerk, huh? Just a satyr who'll screw anyone that's willing?"
Rodney stared at him helplessly. He always found himself tongue-tied in the face of Sheppard's anger."
"I don't know why I'm surprised by this," John muttered, running his hand through his hair as his anger deflated. "You always have had a low opinion of me."
"What?" Rodney exclaimed in surprise. "I do not have a low opinion of you!"
"Then what was that in your lab, Rodney?" John asked a flash of hurt showing in his eyes. "Why would you think you're just one on a long list?"
"I don't know," Rodney answered in frustration. "Because of the way you smile at Elizabeth? Because of the way you flirt with Ronon? Because I don't know if you really want me?"
John stared at him for a second and then strode up to him. "And just what part of..." He grabbed Rodney's face in his two hands and lowered his mouth to Rodney's in a fierce open-mouthed kiss. Unable to resist, Rodney's mouth opened in response and John's tongue plunged in. Rodney wrapped his arms around John's shoulders and held him tightly as the other man kissed him senseless. When John at last drew his mouth away he pressed his forehead to Rodney's and said, "What part of that leaves any room for doubt that I want you?"
"The part of it where I'm not sure what you want," Rodney whispered, almost overwhelmed with the touch and feel and scent of John.
John pulled back and looked at him is disbelief. "You're kidding."
He swallowed. "When you left this afternoon, I thought that was it. I mean the way that you said 'see you later' just seemed like that was it."
John brushed his thumb over Rodney's cheek. "You know, for a smart guy you're pretty stupid sometimes."
"You may not have noticed, Colonel," Rodney said in exasperation, "but I'm not at my best in these sorts of situations."
John leaned forward to brush another kiss against Rodney's lips. Pulling back once again he grinned and said, "Then let me make it easy for you, genius. For reasons that continue to baffle me, I like you. A lot. And today, well, things I've been trying to keep repressed got unrepressed."
"Oh," Rodney said in surprise.
"There isn't anyone else, Rodney. I've been very careful not to get involved with anyone. But then there was that damned moaning cave, and there was you, and all my resolve just melted away. I want you, pain in the ass that you are sometimes," John said, his smile taking away the sting of his words. "And since you seemed to want me too, I decided to take a chance. I thought maybe we could, you know, get together." He suddenly looked unsure of himself, a look so unusual that it took Rodney aback somewhat. "Unless you don't want to?"
Rodney finally got it. Breaking into a smile, he grabbed Sheppard by his arms and dragged him in for a kiss. John stiffened for a second in surprise and then entered wholeheartedly into the kiss. Rodney pushed and John backed up until his legs hit the bed and he fell backward. Rodney fell on top of him, and then slid off to the side still kissing John, hot, needy kisses that left them both breathless. Reaching down he tugged up John's shirt, pushed it up and over John's head and flung it across the room.
John laughed and said, "So, I guess this means you want to?" Rodney lifted his head up from where he was mouthing the tender skin across John's collarbone and gave him a 'you're an idiot' glare and went back to sucking and licking John's skin. John tried to pull up Rodney's shirt, but Rodney pushed his hands away, not wanting to break contact yet. The hair on John's chest tickled his face as he moved down John's body, and Rodney pressed into it, brushing the coarse hair against his cheek and breathing deeply. It had been many hours since they showered, and the freshly washed smell was gone. John smelled of sweat and gun oil and traces of Aqua Velva, but mostly he smelled of John, his own unique scent that made Rodney want to taste him everywhere, lick every inch. "God, you smell good," he moaned and ran his hand down John's side, feeling the warm skin and tight muscles. His mouth located a nipple and he drew it in, sucking and flicking his tongue over the peak as it hardened in his mouth. John moaned in response and lifted his hips.
"Touch me," he begged, and Rodney was helpless to resist the command. Lifting his head from John's chest, he levered himself up and began to work at the fastenings of John's trousers. His hands were shaking but he managed to get the button undone and the zipper pulled down. Spreading the pants open, he lowered his head and once again breathed deeply. The warm skin gave off a musky scent that went straight to Rodney's cock, and he mouthed John's erection through the thin cotton of his boxers. John gasped in pleasure and bucked, shoving his cock into Rodney's face. Rodney slipped his hand inside the boxers through the gap and captured John's hard length.
"Jesus, Rodney," John breathed, thrusting and twisting in Rodney's hand. Rodney sat up and pulled away. He ignored John's protest and pushed his way down the bed until he came to John's feet. He worked as quickly as he could at removing John's boots and socks. Taking hold of the waistband of John's pants, he pulled both trousers and boxers down and off. When he was finished, he stopped and stared. John was lying on his bed, naked and hard and spread invitingly. Rodney had to close his eyes to regain control. He opened his eyes again when he felt a callused hand caress his face.
"Hey, you okay?" John asked in concern, sitting up.
Rodney smiled and turned his face into John's palm biting gently before flicking out his tongue to capture a tiny taste.
"Just trying not to come," he answered.
"Yeah?" John smiled. "I think I like the sound of that. That I can make you come so easily."
Rodney snorted and slipped his hand around John's neck, pulling his head to him for a kiss. When he broke away he said, "I'm sure your macho man image has just been enhanced, but if you don't mind, I'd actually like to be, oh, I don't know, say naked before I come?"
John kissed him again and then slid his hands down Rodney's side to the hem of his shirt. "So, what do you say we get you naked then?" he said and began to tug the shirt up Rodney's body.
"Yeah, okay," Rodney said a little breathlessly and lifted his arms so John could pull it over his head. The shirt sailed across the room to join John's discarded shirt and then John was kissing him again, their tongues sliding together while he worked at undoing Rodney's pants. They broke apart just long enough to finish undressing him. When he was finally naked, John sighed and said, "Oh, yeah," and pushed Rodney back on the bed and crawled on top of him.
The feel of John's solid body pressing down on him nearly tipped Rodney over the edge once again. He wrapped his arms around John's back and kissed him with hot, sloppy, open-mouth kisses that left them gasping for breath. John moved his mouth to Rodney's neck, nuzzling, licking and sucking until Rodney was writhing under him, making small sounds of desperation, and grasping John's back holding him tightly against him as he rubbed his cock into John's firm belly.
Just as Rodney thought he was going to go mad with frustration and need, John lifted his head and said, "I can't wait any longer," and moved his body until their cocks touched. Rodney gasped and then whimpered when John began to move, slowly at first, each stroke sending bolts of pleasure up Rodney's spine. John increased the speed a bit more and then a little more until the room was filled with the sounds of the squeak of the bed, the slap of their bodies, and their harsh breathing. Rodney was close but unable to achieve orgasm, and he slipped his hand between them to grasp both cocks in a strong grip. John gasped and groaned out, "Yeah, yeah, just like that," and began thrusting harder, faster, until at last Rodney arched and cried out, his come slicking their stomachs and his hand. John was pounding against Rodney now, the lubricant of Rodney's ejaculate making it easier for him to slip through Rodney's still tightly gripping hand. A cry, a shudder, and then Rodney could feel the pulses as John came, long and hard and hot, the semen coating Rodney's hand.
John collapsed on top of Rodney, and Rodney pulled his hand out from between them, wrapping his arms around John's back and relaxing in the feel of his lover's weight on top of him. After a bit though, John slid to the side and onto his back, nearly falling off the narrow bed. Rodney caught him before he tumbled onto the floor, and said, "Easy, Colonel. I don't want to have to call Beckett in for a post-coital injury." His voice took on a falsetto and he mimicked, "Help, he's fallen and he can't get up."
"You're a regular comedian, McKay," John said as he pushed Rodney over a little bit. "And if you didn't hog the bed, I wouldn't be falling out of it."
At last they got settled, arms wrapped around each other, legs entwined, and relaxed to enjoy the afterglow. Rodney was tired and he really wanted to go to sleep now, but he had several problems. First, he was sticky and he wanted to clean up. Second, he was cold and he wanted to get under the covers. And third, Colonel Sheppard didn't seem inclined to move and Rodney wasn't sure he could escape from the embrace John held him in. He really wasn't sure he wanted to break free of the embrace, but problems one and two were being joined with problem number four, which was a need to use the facilities.
He became aware than John's breathing was evening out, and he knew he had to bite the bullet. Giving John a little shake he said, "John, hey, wake up. You can't go to sleep here."
John's eyes blinked open and he looked at him through half-closed eyes. "Why?"
"Are you looking to get sent back to Earth to face a court-martial for sexual misconduct, Colonel? If you don't mind, I'd rather you didn't since it looks like I'm finally going to start having regular sex, and I'd like you to actually be here for the sex. And to that end, I don't think that spending the night in my room is conducive to you not getting court-martialed."
John yawned and didn't look the least bit concerned. But he pushed himself away from Rodney and left the bed, heading for the bathroom. Rodney couldn't help but feel disappointed, but he knew that it was better if John left now. After a few minutes he heard the tap turn off and then the bathroom door opened and John came out looking adorably mussed and sinfully beautiful. Rodney stood up and went to him as if John was a Siren and Rodney was some poor fool caught by his song. He cupped the side of John's face and leaned in to kiss him. John kissed him back enthusiastically. When Rodney pulled back, he said, "Don't leave until I come back."
John just smiled and kissed him again and then smacked him on the bare ass as Rodney started to walk away. Rodney glared at him although in truth he hadn't minded the swat in the least. He quickly finished in the bathroom and walked out the door only to stop in surprise. John was curled up in his bed under the covers and obviously more than half asleep.
Rodney walked over to the bed and sat down, shaking John's shoulder. "Hey, I thought you were leaving."
Once again, Rodney got the sleepy-eyed look that did strange things to his insides. "You want me to leave?"
"No, I really don't. But I don't want us to get caught either."
"'ts okay, Rodney," John slurred. "I set the alarm on my watch. I can stay here for a few more hours." He pulled his arm out from under the covers and tugged at Rodney's hand. "Come to bed."
Rodney didn't have to be told twice. Turning out the light, he slid under the covers. It was strange cuddling naked with another man on the narrow cot, but Rodney was pretty sure that it wouldn't take much for him to get used to this. After all, that's what couples did, and Rodney guessed they were a couple now. That thought brought all his insecurities roaring back to life. What if they weren't actually a couple; just friends with benefits?
Unable to stand not knowing their exact status, Rodney turned around to face John and shook him awake.
"What?" John said grumpily.
"Are we a couple now?"
John's eyelids barely opened, but his lips curled into a small smile. "Yeah, sure, but I'm not taking you dancing."
Rodney huffed and turned back around, settling back into the warmth of John's body. Within minutes he was drifting off to the sound of John's even breathing and the weight of John's arm draped over his body.
"You probably can't dance anyway," he murmured just before sleep claimed him.
The End