Author's Notes:- Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.
I don't actually remember writing this; I just stumbled across it and thought I should post it.
Enjoy
"Finally."
Rodney looked up guiltily to find Teyla standing in his doorway.
"I have been attempting to talk with you," she stated as she walked into his lab, "For the past two days and yet every time I seem to find you, you disappear."
"I've been very busy," Rodney replied hoping she'd take the hint and go away so he didn't have to face his own feelings of guilt.
"Of course," she replied not moving from her spot leaning against the counter, "Dr McKay, I have been trying to speak with you for several days, why are you avoiding me?"
At her direct question he flushed, "I…"
"Does this have anything to do with recent events?" she questioned, "I know you were convinced I was innocent the entire time, you stood up against Sergeant Bates for me."
"I searched your things," Rodney blurted, "I found the necklace. I'm sorry."
Teyla's forehead wrinkled in a slight frown before she laughed softly, "That is why you have been avoiding me?"
He turned away pretending to work again hoping she'd leave this time. But she didn't, she stayed watching him for several minutes as he grew more and more uncomfortable.
"What?" he demanded, "Alright, look I'll talk to Sheppard about taking me off the team. You're more important than I am."
She stared at him before starting to laugh trying to stop as he looked hurt.
"I am sorry Dr McKay," she managed to say, "But you are extremely important to the team," at his confused look she pulled over a chair.
"What are you doing?" Rodney asked confused.
"Having a conversation with you," Teyla replied sternly, "Now, you are just as important as any one of us. It is strange Dr McKay that no matter how much you say it you do not believe…what are the words Major Sheppard uses? Ah yes, your own press."
He grimaced at her.
"You tell everyone how incredibly brilliant you are," she continued, "Yet you do not seem to believe this deep within yourself."
"Teyla…"
"Dr McKay," she stopped him, "Yes you looked through my things at the request of Sergeant Bates however you were there when we captured the Wraith. You…yes you Dr McKay, walked into the alien darkness to save the rest of us and you fixed the Jumper so that we could get home. You are needed here."
Rodney stared at her, "You think that?"
"I know it," she replied with a smile, "Now, in my culture when one person violates another's personal belongings in such a way there is retribution."
Rodney looked at her a little worried, "What retribution?"
Teyla pursed her lips enjoying the look of worry on the Earth man's face, "For going through my possessions, I believe that walking into the alien darkness evens things on that score. As for avoiding me for the past day," she smiled, "Your actions on the Jumper removes that burden from you."
Rodney smiled relieved.
Teyla stood and inclined her head to him, "I shall see you tomorrow morning for our next mission."
As she left him alone Rodney smiled slightly to himself before returning back to work.