I honestly don't know where this plot bunny came from so I'll blame it on today's rainy weather. :) I haven't read any post series fics yet so forgive if this has been done.
For timeline purposes this is an AU since I'm completely ignoring the episode 'Ghost in the machine'.

I'm putting a tissue warning on this.

Title: Not forgotten
Author: Cindy Ryan
Pairings: Weir/Sheppard friendship

It'd been twenty-four hours since Atlantis had splash landed in San Francisco bay. The city was running on a skeleton crew. Most of the staff being reassigned or on leave with their families.
Now with dawn approaching of the new day John Sheppard found himself in a familiar place
Elizabeth's balcony.

The balcony extending from the commander's office John had always thought of as Weir's. No matter who else had been leader of the exhibition. John had found Elizabeth here so many times.
It was her sanctuary.

Now Sheppard stood there alone so many years later. Watching as the sun rose behind the Golden Gate Bridge. He knew he should be sleeping.
He had at least a week full of debriefs ahead of him.
However John was still on Pegasus time and sleep was elusive.

"Always thought you'd be the one getting them home."John whispered to the wind.

"You did good, John."

Sheppard started at the familiar voice. He turned and found he wasn't alone on the balcony. A transparent figure of Elizabeth Weir moved towards him barely visible in the sun's rays.
John blinked and scrubbed a hand over his face. Looking again he found the ghostly form still there.

"I must be really sleep deprived."John muttered as he leaned back against the railing.

Weir smiled. "No you're not going crazy and no I didn't ascend. I'm real."

God he'd missed her. Elizabeth had become a close friend over the early years of Atlantis. They'd butted heads a few times but John a had always valued her opinion and friendship.
Atlantis had seemed empty without her.

"You got them home, John."Elizabeth continued as she reached Sheppard's side.

"Barely."Sheppard replied bitterly as he turned back to the sunrise.

Weir smiled. "It's the end result that counts."

"I didn't get you home."John stated his voice barely audible over the waves.

Elizabeth reached for John and her hand passed through his right shoulder She turned and looked at the bridge.

"This city was my home and I became a part of it so in a way you got me home, John."

Sheppard swallowed hard and took Elizabeth's hand in his. His hand went through hers.

"Hey."Rodney McKay greeted as he stepped onto the balcony. "Been looking for you everywhere. Something wrong with your com?"

John blinked looking from Rodney and back to where Elizabeth's ghostly form had been to find the space empty.
He felt a pang at that knowledge.

"Sorry didn't hear it."

McKay frowned in concern as he closed the space between them. "You okay?"

"Yeah, just couldn't sleep. What's up?"

"Radek and I came up with a project we want to start once we get back to Pegasus. Want to take a look?"

"Sure, why not. Whatever you two are working on might finally put me to sleep."Sheppard quipped as he followed McKay off the balcony.

"Funny, I'll have you know this is important."Rodney replied.

"I'm sure it is."

John looked back through the glass doors to the balcony and saw Elizabeth. She smiled at him before fading completely. Sheppard returned the smile knowing Elizabeth had found peace.

end