disclaimer: I don't own Atlantis, but I want to :(
rating: K
A/N: written for the John/Teyla Beya site Elf Exchange. Just a tiny little fic with a companion piece.
Thanks: To Camy, for all her hard work in setting up the Elf Exchange and keeping the site going.
feedback: yes, please!
.
Precious Gifts
by kariesue
.
"Mama, you up yet?" the tiny sound penetrated Teyla's subconscious and pushed her toward wakefulness. Her lids slowly opened and she saw large brown eyes staring intently at her.
"Good morning, Torren," Teyla's sleepy voice greeted her son who seemed much more awake than she was.
"We dot you a pwesent," his excited tone matched the excitement in his eyes.
"A present?" Teyla questioned as she attempted to sit up in bed.
The little head bounced up and down. "For your birfday."
Teyla smiled in understanding. She reached down and scooped her child up onto the bed with her and wrapped him in her arms. "That is so sweet. I am sure I will love it."
"Got you a few actually," John called from the doorway as he carried a tray laden with goodies into the bedroom. "The first being breakfast in bed."
He placed the tray table around her legs and sat next to her on the mattress. He leaned over and gave her a kiss. "Happy Birthday, sweetie."
Teyla's smile widened as she took in the spread before her. Tea, toast, eggs, fruit and even a small vase with a flower in it.
"This is lovely, John. You should not have gone to all the trouble."
"It's no trouble at all for the woman who holds my heart," John whispered gruffly. Teyla always loved when he spoke like this. She could tell he wasn't comfortable with it but he always made valid attempts for which she was very grateful.
She picked up the steaming mug and inhaled the strong Athosian brew and smiled once again, knowing they had run out of this blend a few days ago. John must have called in a few favors to get some here for this morning. She took a sip then reached to nibble on the toast.
John plucked a few grape like pieces of fruit from the tray and popped them in his mouth while Torren bounced softly waiting for his mother to finish her breakfast so she could get to the good part; her presents. John had given him a stern warning earlier to give her time to eat and he was following orders. But John could see his control was dwindling as Teyla took her time with the meal, enjoying the early morning conversation with her family.
When her toast and eggs were done and she was just taking another sip of her tea, Torren finally grew impatient with waiting.
"Mama, you want your pwesents now?"
Teyla leaned down and kissed her son on the nose. "You and Daddy are all the presents I need."
"But we dot you more!" Torren announced enthusiastically and Teyla chuckled and nodded that she was ready.
Torren slid off the bed and ran out of the room. John removed her tray and his eyes crinkled with laughter as he said, "He worked really hard on this and he's very proud of himself."
"I will be appropriately awed," Teyla promised.
Torren came back in, slower this time, with a square box wrapped in flowery paper. He placed it gently on the bed then climbed up to sit near his Mom again. Teyla picked up the box and admired the wrapping then carefully removed the paper.
"I wonder what it is." Teyla speculated curiously and she could see Torren's eyes were about to pop out of his head. The box was finally opened and Teyla withdrew a hand painted mug with decorations most definitely done by a three year old.
"It is absolutely beautiful!" Teyla exclaimed. "Where did you ever find such a wonderfully decorated piece of pottery? It must have come from the artists on Denelia. They are some of the finest in this galaxy."
Torren's eyes couldn't get much bigger and he yelled, "No, Mama, I did it!"
Teyla put on her best surprised face as she enthused, "You painted this amazing picture. I did not realize I had a talented artist for a son. I love it, Torren. I will use it always and remember all your fine effort that you put in just for me. Thank you."
Torren beamed with pride and Teyla could see John grinning. Her heart flipped over a few times as she thought about how naturally John had taken over as Torren's father now that his biological father was no longer around. And Torren had easily accepted him as such. The love they had for each other was just as strong as any father and son and she could not be happier.
Now John's eyes showed excitement and he pulled out a small wrapped box from his pocket. He placed it in her lap and shrugged. "Just a little something I saw and had Dave send to me from Earth."
Teyla was now curious and opened the box. Inside was a small golden bracelet with several tiny jewels hanging from it. John picked it up and explained what they were.
"This is a charm bracelet. Each of these stones represents one of us. This stone here is my birth stone and these are for you and Torren. You can add more charms as special events happen if you want or you can just wear it with these three."
Teyla gazed at the three gems sparkling in the morning light and knew it was time for her little secret to come out.
"It is absolutely beautiful, John. I love the sentiment and the symbolism. But I am also relieved you can add to it."
She reached for her husband's hand and stared into his expressive eyes. "I was asleep when you returned from duty last night so was unable to share the news at that time. I saw Jennifer yesterday and she assures me we will need to add another charm to the bracelet in about eight months."
Teyla saw John's eyes go from puzzled to excited to filled with such love she was almost overwhelmed with it. He pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips gently against hers.
When he released her, he gave a smile that showed the happiness he felt.
"It's supposed to be your birthday today, Teyla, yet here you are giving me the most precious gift of all."
Teyla knew though, that the gift was not just for him. It was one to be shared by this loving family that was gathered here on the bed. And that was indeed most precious of all.
.
.