disclaimer: They are not mine, I want them, though :(

rating and warnings: M for steam and violence

A/N: This is the next sequel that follows 'Revelations and Expectations', 'Ramifications and Repercussions', and 'Recriminations and Obligations'.

If you have not read those stories then this could be confusing in spots. The first half of this is filled with lots of fluff but it does not stay that way. Be warned!

Thanks: As always to my faithful cheerleader Sagey, who gives me mountains of support and motivation. And to Puerta, who Beta'd this and is always there to be my sounding board.

Feedback: is always loved, appreciated and responded to. Reviews feed my muse and she is always hungry. Don't let her starve, please! She'll wither away and then there'll be no more stories. Boo hoo!

***The story is finished. I'll try to post a chapter a day as I do final edits.***

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Recreation and Vindication

By kariesue

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He looked around the small hunting cabin and checked his supplies. His knives were sharpened and ready. The guns had been cleaned and loaded and appropriately placed around the room. He walked over to the sturdy wooden chair and tugged on the handcuffs that had been attached to the sides and legs. The knots were nice and tight in the rope that wound around the bed posts, too.

Now he just needed the final touch; Sheppard. And it wouldn't be good torture unless he had his freak of an alien lover along too; to keep him company of course.

A sadistic laugh escaped his mouth as he thought of what he wanted to do and how he finally had the perfect opportunity to do it. He couldn't believe that fate had brought this all together. Well, fate and his excellent organizational skills.

Now all he had to do was wait. The wedding of McKay and Keller was in two weeks and Sheppard was bound to be there. He laughed at his little play on words as he eyed the handcuffs again, since he knew Sheppard would be bound right here as well. And he'd make sure he didn't leave here; alive that is.

The evil smirk that had been playing around his lips lately widened at the thought. Yes, everything would be absolutely perfect.

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xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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"Daddy," the little voice woke John Sheppard from his sleep and John managed to pry one eye open a slit. "Is it time a go yet?"

John got the other eye open and focused as best he could on the young boy standing right next to the bed he had only crawled into a few hours ago. He usually didn't mind Torren waking up so early as he was a very early riser himself. But Rodney had insisted he help him with some Ancient tech before he left for his vacation and he hadn't let John leave the lab until almost three.

He looked at his watch and saw that it was barely past five. TJ usually slept for at least another hour but John knew he was very excited that they were going to Earth today for a two week vacation. They would be staying at the cottage his Dad had left him in Bar Harbor, Maine for about a week and a half then they were heading back to Dave and Julia's for a few days. They'd be leaving TJ with them so he and Teyla could go to McKay and Keller's wedding in Chippewa Falls.

They weren't actually leaving until noon today but John knew TJ couldn't tell time yet and he was a bit impatient when he wanted to go somewhere. And he had been looking forward to this trip for a while.

John groaned and started to rise but Teyla placed her hand on his arm and stopped him. "I will get up with him, John," she offered. "You have barely been asleep for two hours. Try to get a bit more rest as we have a very busy day ahead and you will need your strength."

"I'm fine, Teyla," John insisted knowing Teyla didn't like to get up this early, especially now that she was five months pregnant. She needed her rest, too.

Teyla managed to get out of bed before he did and she leveled a gaze at him that showed him she meant business. She moved around to his side of the bed and leaned over him to kiss his lips.

"Sleep," she ordered firmly. "Everything is all packed and ready to go. There is nothing you need to do right now. I will feed Torren and go through my list one more time just to assure myself we are not missing anything."

"I really don't mind, Teyla," John tried to assure her but the yawn that crept across his face gave away his true feelings. Teyla gave a smug smile and took her son's hand and led him away to the kitchen leaving John already half asleep again.

"What would you like for breakfast?" Teyla asked the boy as she gazed around the kitchen that she had completely cleaned the day before.

When the expected word "pantates" made its way out of his mouth, Teyla sighed. She truly did not wish to dirty any of the dishes or pans as cleaning them would take time and she preferred to use what time she had to assure herself they were all ready to go.

Teyla got a tiny smile on her face and suggested, "Perhaps we should eat in the mess hall this morning as their pancakes are far better than mine."

"Daddy's pantates are really good!" Torren offered his own suggestion back.

"Yes," Teyla admitted wryly, "But Daddy is very tired right now and needs some more sleep. Uncle Rodney kept him up late working last night. Go get dressed in the outfit I left on your chair for today and we will go get breakfast. Perhaps we could bring something back for Daddy."

Torren nodded and started for his room but stopped in the doorway and turned around with a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. "Daddy really want a donut."

Teyla just chuckled and pointed to his room. She headed back to her own and quickly dressed in the comfortable outfit she had chosen for herself. They would be leaving at noon, spending twelve hours on the Midway station then taking a flight as well as a drive to where the cottage was located. John had told her it would be a very long journey from start to finish.

She glanced down at her sleeping husband one last time before she checked on her son, wishing to be snuggled up next to him in bed instead of wandering through the city at this early hour. She pressed another kiss to his beautifully shaped lips in lieu of that snuggling and John's hand reached out and snagged hers to keep her there an extra second.

"Maybe you should let Rodney get TJ some breakfast since he's the one who kept me up all night. Then you can join me back here."

Teyla gave John another quick kiss then moved away reluctantly. "That would be lovely but you know Rodney still feels quite uncomfortable being with Torren by himself. And would he himself not be sleeping right now also, as you should be?"

"Rodney doesn't actually sleep," John mumbled as he pulled the covers up a bit more. Teyla watched and saw that John had fallen asleep again and left the room with a soft chuckle.

Torren was ready and they proceeded to the mess hall. Teyla knew coming here was a trade-off. She didn't need to cook or clean up and the food was far better than anything she could make but their quarters were not located near this central area and it took a bit longer to get here.

A short while later Teyla headed for the closest table loaded down with both her tray and Torren's. He still had not proven effective in carrying his own tray when it had anything on it. He had a habit of tipping it sideways and spilling just about everything.

She got him settled, cut up his pancakes into bite sized pieces and poured syrup on them then sat back to sip at her own steaming cup of tea. It was not the Athosian blend that she preferred but it would have to do for now.

As she nibbled on a few pieces of fruit she saw Jennifer and Rodney enter and go through the line. They soon joined them and Teyla chuckled when she compared the large amount on Rodney's tray with the much more reasonable amount on Jennifer's.

Rodney looked around as he shoved his first forkful in his mouth and mumbled around his food. "Hey, where's Sheppard? I wanted him to help me with just one more thing before you guys leave today."

"Daddy's sleeping," Torren chimed in and Teyla tried to look patiently at her friend.

"You kept him busy until only a few hours ago and he needs his rest if we are to travel to Earth today. I do not know how you are still awake after the long hours you put in last night as well."

Rodney lifted his coffee cup to his lips and smirked. "You just need enough of this stuff and it'll get you through anything."

Jennifer just rolled her eyes and looked at Torren and Teyla. "Are you guys all set for your trip?"

Torren's eyes lit up and he took the fork out of his mouth long enough to answer, "Yup, Daddy says we goin' to a beach and goin' in a water."

"Remember he also told you the water there will be much colder than you are used to on the Mainland." Teyla then looked at Jennifer and asked, "Are you ready to depart as well?"

Jennifer raised her eyes like she was thinking about the question and her mouth twisted sideways. "I think so. But most of the stuff I'm really worried about is the stuff I have to do once I get home. I know the wedding's not for another two weeks but I am so thankful Mr. Woolsey is giving me all this time. Two weeks before the wedding then another week and a half for the honeymoon. That's very generous."

"He can afford to be generous," Rodney mumbled through his food. "Carson's coming for the next two weeks and then when he's at the wedding, Dr. Lam said she'd come and pay a visit. I really think she just wanted to come to Atlantis and this is a good excuse."

"Well, I'm just glad it all worked out and I can take all this time. Of course I've pulled enough double and triple shifts since I've been here, I certainly think I deserve it."

"John feels the same way even though we are only taking two weeks. But even when he is off duty, he is still required to perform service in many areas."

Teyla looked pointedly at Rodney. "Like last night when he was helping in one of the science labs until quite late."

Rodney made a face but didn't comment. They continued to finish their meal and when Teyla and Torren were about to leave, Rodney tilted his chin up and said, "Ooh, could you ask Sheppard to come and see me some time this morning? I just need one teeny tiny thing more for him to do before you leave."

Teyla took a deep breath before she responded. "No, Rodney. I need him more than you do. And you had him until just a few hours ago. He will not be here for the next two weeks and so you should get used to it. Let us go, Torren. Hopefully your Daddy is still getting some rest."

"But, but …" Rodney stammered after them and Jennifer glared at him and said, "There are a bunch of things I need you to do before I go. Maybe you might think about helping me with them."

Teyla chuckled wondering if Jennifer would indeed get Rodney to do something other than his science experiments and research. Teyla grabbed a few pastries for John and they left the mess hall.

When they got back to their quarters, John had already gotten up and was in the shower, much to Teyla's dismay. She had been hoping he would get a good deal more rest. She shouldn't have been surprised though. John Sheppard was not one for lying around when there was work to be done. She truly hoped he could rest and relax during this time away. He had promised he would and she planned on holding him to it stringently.

The bathroom door was open a crack and so she shooed Torren inside to brush his teeth. It was not uncommon for them to do this as they only had the one bathroom. She walked in behind him and helped him put the right amount of toothpaste on his brush and then made sure he got all the areas cleaned.

When he was done, John was just finishing up and Teyla sighed. She had been so occupied helping Torren with his teeth that she had been unable to gaze at her husband's figure through the glass. She would heartily admit she did so enjoy looking at him.

Torren escaped from the bathroom with Teyla instructing him to fill his backpack with any last minute toys he wanted to bring and Teyla lingered inside the steam filled room. She picked up a towel and held it out when John opened the shower door.

Teyla's eyebrow rose when he reached a dripping arm out and her hand kept the towel just slightly out of his grasp. When he realized what she was doing he chuckled and his mouth turned up in a grin.

"Are you gonna give that to me or should I just stand here and air dry?"

Teyla's eyes roamed over his slick skin and her mouth turned up to match his. "I have just cleaned the entire apartment and I would hate to see something become dirty. Perhaps you should just stay there until the water has all evaporated."

"Well, the way you're looking at me, Teyla," John drawled, "the heat seems to be rising in here so I'm thinking it may not be long before the water's all gone anyway."

Teyla's eyes moved to just below John's waist and commented, "The heat is not the only thing that seems to be rising."

John gave a shuddering breath and pulled Teyla close, her clothes absorbing some of the moisture that was still clinging to his skin. His lips attached themselves to hers and his hands wrapped around her expanding waist.

Teyla's hands explored his damp chest and was about to move her hand south when they both heard Torren talking to himself right outside the door. They broke apart and John grabbed the towel and quickly wrapped it around his waist.

He leaned down for another swift kiss and scolded, "You're a bad influence on me, you know that, don't you?"

Then he winked at her and crossed the hall to their bedroom.

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xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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"Are you sure you don't have two seconds to give me a hand in the lab?" Rodney whined as he walked alongside John to the gate room.

John was carrying his large duffel that had a bunch of TJ and Teyla's stuff in it too and Torren's smaller bag. Teyla had her own bag plus the backpack filled with Torren's toys. TJ was holding tight to his comfort quilt and skipping along ahead of the group.

The child turned around one more time and urged, "Tum on. We need a go a Earth."

John flashed his crooked smile at the scientist and said, "You heard the boy. We need to go to Earth."

Rodney actually threw a sour look at Torren's back and John lifted his hand to slap him on the side of the head with a "Hey!"

Rodney looked appropriately chagrined and muttered, "Sorry. I just really need you for one tiny little thing."

"You said Carson was coming for the next few weeks, right?" John checked. "Get him to help you."

Rodney's eyes widened and he chirped, "Ooh, you're right. I can get him to help."

"Rodney," Jenifer warned as they took the last few steps to the gate platform, "Carson will be busy in the infirmary so don't bother him too much."

Rodney paused at her words but shot back, "Yeah, but with Colonel Catastrophe here gone, he probably won't even have anything to do in there."

Jennifer grinned and conceded, "You could be right."

"Hey," John objected, "I haven't been injured in like … four months. Not since the whole Sora and Shiana incident."

He saw Teyla shudder and threw her a concerned look. She had just found out she was pregnant when they had been captured by the women and he knew he'd had more than a few bad moments thinking the torture they had endured could have hurt or killed the baby. He took a deep breath and touched Teyla's elbow in unspoken support. They were going on vacation and wouldn't have to worry about anything like that for the next two weeks.

Ronon appeared on the platform at the same time that Woolsey came down the stairs to see them off.

"Get some rest, Sheppard," Ronon suggested. "You look like crap."

John threw a glare at Rodney and growled, "Maybe if I actually got some sleep at night and wasn't hanging around playing lab rat all the time, I might look better."

Rodney snorted and threw a look back. "Doubtful."

Ronon began saying goodbye to Teyla and TJ as Jennifer started on her list of things Rodney needed to do before he left for Earth in just under two weeks. Woolsey had made it all the way down the stairs and moved toward the group.

"Colonel," Woolsey began, "I hope you and the family have a wonderful time on vacation. Make sure you relax and get refreshed and return revitalized."

"Thank you, Sir, we plan on it. Rodney, take it easy on Zalenka while I'm not here to corral you in. Ronon, keep him in check okay and make sure he shows up for his wedding on time."

"Oh, like I wouldn't …" Rodney started to object but the many eyes on him reminding him how often he got caught up in his work made him stop his tirade.

Ronon merely grunted, "I'll make sure."

John looked up and yelled, "Chuck, dial it up."

He then moved his gaze to Teyla and TJ to make sure they were all set. Jennifer had her bags as well so when the event horizon settled in the Stargate he said, "Okay, Pal, you ready?"

TJ, in his usual reticence, moved closer to John and lifted his hands to be picked up. John sighed but knew the child didn't like to actually walk through on his own. He shifted his duffle onto his shoulder and curled his arm around the boy's waist to settle him on his hip. TJ seemed to relax a bit.

"Now I weady, Daddy. Tum on, Mama, we goin' a Earth."

Teyla stood next to her husband as Jennifer gave Rodney a swift kiss and walked through. As they began taking the few steps to get them through, Teyla gave a sigh also, knowing this vacation had been a long time in coming but was desperately needed after all that had gone on in the last year and a half. She was looking forward to it immensely.

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xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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