"Secrets and Challenges"

Disclaimer: I don't own Stargate Atlantis. I do own Dr. Stacey Grayson and the plot.

(A/N: This is my first shot at an Atlantis fic. So, be nice)

Ch. 1

(Atlantis 'Gate Room)

There was a low and busy hum around the Atlantis 'Gate. It was busy with people moving the huge, plastic crates out of the way. Dr. Stacey Grayson glanced around at the mass of people below her. On the balcony next to her, Dr. Weir was busily running around trying to direct people. The last crate was carried away.

"That's the last of the supplies," Grayson said to Weir.

"Thank you for helping me with that, Doctor," Weir said.

"Not a problem, Doctor," she smiled. "And it's Stacey."

"Very well. Then you can call me Elizabeth," Weir told her.

"Sounds good,"

The two shared a grin. Major Sheppard stepped up next to Weir.

"I see the finally moved all of those crates out of the way," he said.

"Very observant, Major," Stacey commented.

"Major Sheppard this is Dr. Grayson," Elizabeth introduced the two.

But, they didn't need introductions.

"Stacey?" Sheppard said.

"Hey, John," Grayson said. "It's been a while."

"Yeah, it's been a couple of years," he said.

"Two years, 4 moths, and 3 weeks," she grinned. "But, who's keeping track?"

"I'll leave you two to catch up. I have some things to check on," Weir said slowly, looking at them from one to the other.

"Let me know if you need anymore help with anything, Elizabeth," Grayson said.

"I will," Weir gave them a quick smile before leaving.

"You are such a suck up," Sheppard told her, with laughter in his voice.

She grinned up at him. "Better to be a suck up, then an . . ."

He lifted up his finger and cut her off. "Be nice, Dr. Grayson. There's no need for names and there's no telling when little Ethosian ears are around,"

"You're warning me not to use bad language," she laughed loudly. "Look, I gotta meet Dr. Beckett in a few minutes. Meet me in my quarters when the briefings are done and we'll catch up."

Stacey lightly kissed him on the mouth before walking away. Peter and McKay stood behind him. Sheppard turned in their direction. They raised their eyebrows in unison. McKay opened his mouth, but Sheppard stopped him.

"Don't even start, McKay," he told him.

Sheppard left. Peter and McKay looked and one another and snickered.

(Dr. Grayson's Quarter's)

Stacey and John had no time to catch up. They finally found some time afterwards. Major Sheppard stood at the outside of Stacey's quarters nervously. This was the first time John was nervous about anything that involved Stacey. Except, of course, the first time he asked her out. He thought of knocking. He then thought, what was the point? She wouldn't be able to hear the knock anyway. So, he decided to just call to her.

"Hey, Stacey. It's me. Can I come in?" he shouted.

"Actually, I would rather let you stay out there for a while," she called back.

Sheppard sighed heavily and put his hand over the glowing blue button on the side of the door. The door slid open smoothly and soundlessly. He folded his arms and gave her a scolding look.

"Come on. Get your hot ass in here," Grayson said, grinning.

Sheppard entered. Stacey got up from her bed and planted him a huge kiss. He wrapped his arms around her and pushed her closer to him. She roughly pushed him against the wall, still kissing him.

"You're in Heat, aren't you?" John asked when he came up for air.

"Uh-huh,"

"Okay, just checking,"

He continued to kiss her.

To be continued . . .