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DEFINING MOMENTS

by kariesue

A/N: These little snippets have dialogue from the show with added scenes that would have been pivotal moments for redefining John and Teyla's relationship. I will write more as time allows. I am starting with Season One, although am not doing every episode, just a select few.

These were written for the LJ J/T Beya Secret Elf Exchange.

Disclaimer: Atlantis is not mine I am sad to say. Parts of this story are from the show and belong to the writers and producers. I just added my two cents by showing what should have happened. Italics are directly from the episodes.

Rating: K + for now

Thanks: To Sagey as always, just because. To Camy who actually got me to write something short.

feedback: always welcomed and appreciated.

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'Hide and Seek'

This episode was written by Robert C. Cooper

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John caught up with Teyla as she said good night to the Athosian children. "Uh, listen, Teyla."

Teyla turned and flashed him a smile. She was impressed with how good he was with children. His stories were a bit strange but then she knew very little about his world. She would like to know more.

"Don't tell McKay what I said about the hockey not being a real man's sport cause it's a Canadian thing they're a little touchy about."

John looked at her hoping she would agree. Although he really just liked looking at her.

Teyla tilted her head and raised one eyebrow. "I am interested in hearing more about this um … football you say you like so much."

John smiled and pointed to her. "I can do one better. Come here." He pointed his thumb behind him and walked quickly away. Teyla decided she should follow him. Truthfully after his loyalty in rescuing her and assisting her people in escaping the Wraith, she thought she would follow him anywhere.

She caught up with him outside the small room that had been assigned to him for temporary quarters and saw him reach inside his bag and pull out a slim object. He turned around and grabbed her hand and led her back to the area near the control room. It was a large room that had been set aside with a few couches and a large screen on one wall.

Teyla watched as John set up one of their machines they called a computer and inserted the thin, flat object into one of the compartments. She was still astounded at the technology that these people had. She knew the Ancestors had possessed such knowledge but these people were not the Ancestors, although some of them were most certainly descendents as they were able to control many parts of the city.

John Sheppard was one such person. And that intrigued her. He intrigued her and not just because he was a descendent of the Ancestors. He was different from many of the military men and women who had come to this place. She could not quite put a name to what it was that made him so different but whatever it was, she enjoyed it very much.

John pulled Teyla to sit next to him on the couch while he started up the football game that he had brought with him. He loved this one and Doug Flutie had done an amazing job. He started describing the game to Teyla and loved how she gave him her rapt attention. She even asked questions and made comments as the game warmed up and she really began understanding the rules.

After the first quarter she was leaning in closer to him. He wasn't sure if it was because she wanted to be close to ask questions and hear his explanations or if she really liked being close to him. He decided to test out the waters. He leaned in closer and as he pointed out a rule of the game, he placed his hand on top of hers and gave a little squeeze. She gave him one of her beautiful smiles and squeezed his hand back. But neither one let go of the other's hand. He took that as a good sign.

They were sitting pretty close and he was just thinking he would try an arm around her shoulder or at least the back of the couch when he heard footsteps outside the door and looked up to see McKay and then Ford traipsing in with a large bowl of popcorn in his hands.

He immediately moved a bit back from Teyla and released her hand as Ford plopped himself on the chair across from John. McKay scowled as the popcorn was passed around. He still had his personal shield on and couldn't actually get any food into his mouth. John let out a sigh as he realized his little intimate moment with Teyla was at an end.

They finished watching the game and Elizabeth had even come to pout that she hadn't been invited. Well, she was his boss and she didn't even like football anyway. Why would he invite her? And he had been trying to earn points with Teyla and teach her a little something about Earth culture. Even though they had been interrupted he was still happy to see she had shown so much interest.

When the game was over, John lingered a few minutes after Ford and McKay had left, hoping maybe Teyla would linger as well. Luck was with him, she did.

John looked through the window to see who might be watching and when he saw that it was really only McKay who seemed eager to get him to help with some Ancient technology, he sighed.

"I guess I've got to go help Dr. McKay or he'll start having one of his little hissy fits and guilt me into it by saying he's dying."

"I understand, Major," Teyla answered. "I should probably retire so I am able to be up early to assist in any way I can tomorrow. I appreciate that you showed me this sport that you enjoy so much. It was very interesting. I would like to continue to learn more about your world if you would care to share the information with me."

McKay had turned away and was speaking to Peter Grodin so John reached for Teyla's hand and quickly said, "I'd love to teach you more but maybe next time we can do it in my quarters where we won't be interrupted by popcorn salesmen."

Teyla's eyes twinkled. "But I very much enjoyed the popcorn as well. I do agree though that it would be easier for me to focus on what you are telling me without other distractions."

John's grin grew and he could tell by the look on her face that she might have the same thoughts as him.

"I'll look forward to next time then, Teyla," John promised her and dropped her hand as McKay started yelling for him again.

Teyla threw him a sassy look and replied, "As do I, Major."

John knew that when they got together next time, the first thing he'd do is insist she call him 'John'.

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