Beep...
Disclaimer: All the characters, locations and aired plots belong to the creators of Stargate Atlantis. This plot is my own, but no profit is made from it. Thanks to the Stargate Atlantis production team for allowing us to play in their world.
Notes: This is one of those stories that came to me at an awkward time, and I had to get it down before I forgot it. This is the story I'm most proud of at the moment. I hope you enjoy it.
Beep...
The heart monitor's regular pulsing was the only sound. That quiet yet penetrating noise which seemed to count away every moment.
Beep...
Why had she waited so long? Why had she not grabbed him when they had first met, in that icy Ancient outpost? She could still picture his slightly bemused face as he sat on the Chair.
Beep...
Why did people always wait until it was too late to say the things that had had their moment long before? She could have had innumerable good times, together despite what people might have said. Why did she have to make herself such stupid rules?
Beep...
Why could she not say what she longed to say, even now? Why could she not form the words?
Beep...
His chest, such a comfortable place to lie her head. Why had she not discovered this before? His breathing, such a soothing sound, despite the slight catch when he exhaled.
Beep...
His warmth below her cheek. So normal, and yet, perhaps, a sign of the passion with which he handled life. The passion she ached to see turned towards her. The strength which kept him here now, for a time.
Beep...
His face. Rugged, a little, but handsomely so. His cheek, rough with stubble under her resting hand. She had seen him like this before, after so many restless nights, but only now she let herself make such an innocent, but intimate gesture.
Beep...
Under her palm, she felt his head move. Her eyes darted up. A weak smile graced his lips when his look met hers.
Beep...
How could he be so serene? He was leaving them. He was leaving her, without ever knowing the secret she held deep in her heart. How could he be so selfish he would to leave her alone?
Beep...
How could she have thought such a thing?
Beep...
His eyes, fixed on hers, so intense a gaze. In a silent second, his gaze conveyed a thousand words.
Beep...
Her heart leapt. He knew! He knew that feeling she thought locked away beyond all sight. He knew, and he shared it, with every gesture, every word, every thought.
Beep...
His voice, the sounds which had been so loud, so bright, now quiet beyond hearing. Her fingers felt the words, beyond understanding, yet so obvious he might have shouted.
Beep...
I love you.
Beep...
Beep...
His shirt, soft beneath her, was wet. Her face, once so calm, impassive, was damp. Her breath, halting, caught behind a lump that never would clear.
Beep...
His warmth, fading. His breath, slowing. His strength, failing.
Beep...
Her hand, entwined in his, denying the inevitable.
Beep...
Beep...
Beeeeeeeeeeeeee