Disclaimer..dont own anything SGA...just making use of the characters...
In response to ladygris challenge for a New Year Resolution fic...499 words to the story...
The Promise Gift
"Because of the uncertainty of life, especially having to contend with the Wraithe, we have a certain custom amongst our people. When a young man decides that he has found the woman he wants to spend his life with, for whatever time they may have, he gives the woman a promise gift. It has to be something she can carry or wear on her person. He leaves the gift, with his name, by the entryway of her home.
The woman decides wether she wants to be with him and within two days she will either have it on display for her man to see or she will return it to the entryway of his home and nothing more is said. This promise gift is special in that it tells the woman that there is someone waiting for her. That while breath lives in his body the man will one day, when the right time for joining comes, ask her to move her belongings into his home and they will become one.
It tells her that amidst the dangers of everyday life there is something to look forward to and it gives him a good strong reason to fight with all he has to build whatever future he can with what time he has. It is a promise to not let outside forces such as the Wraithe, diminish whatever joy that can be found in life. "
John remembers Halling telling him of the promise gift years ago. It is what he needs to help in his New Year resolution to fix his biggest regret. Since their return to the Pegasus Galaxy there was a lot to contend with. A new Wraithe Queen on top of the everyday dangers that plague their lives! So really, nothing new, just the same old stuff.
But one thing had definitely changed. Teyla and Kanaan had ended their relationship. Kanaan was now living with their people, sharing Torren back and forth between them. And the hope that had died a quick death when she had told him she was carrying another mans child had started to live within his heart once more.
Knowing himself as well as he did though, he knew it would all be for nothing if he didn't make his feelings clear this time around. So remembering about the Promise Gift was his first step to fulfilling his New Year resolution. The next step was making sure the hallway was clear as he placed his gift by her door. Two days waiting was going to be agony for him, but for now it was late and time for sleep.
He was nervous but trying not to show it as he met his team for breakfast the next morning. But on seeing her, a smile lit his face and joy filled his heart. He didn't have to wait for two days because she was wearing the jewelled ferris wheel brooch pinned to her top for all to see. For him to see!
The end..