~Chapter one: As a Matter of fact~

"Ok, you have to admit, the boy with the blue jacket WAS funny." Suzanne leant against the glass case lightly, ensuring she wouldn't damage it with her clumsiness.

Ahkmenrah folded his arms in front of him and actually pouted in defiance.

"He was a know it all."

Suzanne actually tried to control the amusement that was spiralling within her, and threatening to let out an undignified snort at the way he looked like a put out puppy.

"Is it because he called you out on one little piece of information that you were not quite sure about because it happened AFTER your initial rein and they did not teach you at Cambridge or any of the other universities you went to?"

Ahkmenrah could see the small twitch of her lips and the glint in her eye and walked toward her, a teasing smile on his face.

"And what exactly are you trying to say?"

Suzanne took a step sideways and managed to avoid him, walking around to the other side of the case, trying to keep the giggles under wraps.

"Nothing, merely that the young man was right and...you were wrong," she saw him flinch at the slight insult and made a show to look a little apologetic, "it happens to the best of us. There's nothing to be ashamed of. Maybe you're just getting old."

Ahkmenrah stopped and just gave her a curious look.

"I'm well over a couple of thousand years old," he tilted his head questioning her approach, "I think I'm old enough."

Suzanne couldn't resist hitting the last nail in her coffin.

"Well, maybe your old age is affecting your memory. Maybe you truly are just not as bright as you used to be."

Ahkmenrah was slightly shocked at her bluntness. And then he heard her snort. And all hell broke loose.

Suzanne squealed and ran around the case to escape Ahkmenrah' hands, but he quickly spun and caught her as she made to escape. One arm held her waist firmly as the other begin to move along her sensitive sides.

"That'll teach you!" Ahkmenrah yelled triumphantly as he tickled her until he could hear her gasping for breath between laughs.

"No! I can't-Ahk, ok, ok, I'm sorry!" She shouted between laughs and deep breaths and was rewarded as the hand stopped tickling her. She felt herself turned around in his arms and quickly held onto him as she caught her breath and gathered her energy.

"That's cheating." She gently thumped his shoulder with her fist, pouting playfully at him when he looked down at her innocently.

"I have no idea what you mean," his grip grew firmer on her as he stared into her eyes, "there are various other ways I could have gotten you to apologise."

Suzanne' eyes flickered down to his parted lips and then back up to look at his eyes, which darkened with interest.

He lowered his lips down to hers and she sighed contently as he nipped at her lower lip.

The wonderful feeling in her chest started again as his tongue teased it's way into her mouth and his hands rubbed up and down her back lovingly.

It was only when his hand slipped down to the top of her skirt did she remember where they were.

She pulled away blushing and placed a small gap between their bodies.

"Careful, you know what Dr. McPhee will say," she changed her voice and done what she thought was a very good impersonation of Dr. McPhee, "now, now you two, not on duty, people to take care of. You can do that on your own time. I should get rid of you both."

Ahkmenrah laughed and Suzanne was pleased she could do that right.

"He is rather a bit tedious sometimes," he stepped forward but only placed his hands in hers, "other times he is right. With your permission, I'd like to come by tonight."

Suzanne bit her lip and looked away, Ahkmenrah getting an unsteady feeling.

"It's just that...well...Tess and Larry are out of town."

He didn't interrupt her but could not see the problem.

"I know that we have...well...you know," she waved her hand about and looked like she was fighting with her embarrassment at being so open, "have been together. And we tried again, but, it's just...difficult."

Ahkmenrah was trying to see where she was going, but in truth, he was not sure.

"Suzanne, I would never pressure you into having intercourse with me," he noticed her nose crinkle at the word and tried not too laugh, instead took a breath and a steady hand to cup her cheek, "I know it was painful for you, both times, but I promise you, I would not do anything without your expressed consent or willingness."

Suzanne nodded and tried to calm herself down.

"I know, I know, I'm saying," she took a gulp as she collected her nerves, "I just...If it's ok, to wait a bit longer before we try again. The last time Larry and Tess came home unexpectedly and I really, really do not want that again."

"I agree with you on that," he cupped her face in both hands and looked seriously into her eyes, "I will wait for you as long as it takes. I'm not here with you now because I wish to consummate with you. I'm here because I care for you."

Suzanne allowed him to place a gentle kiss in the centre of her forehead and felt his lips trace over her face.

"As long as you give me permission to kiss you," he punctuated each sentence with a kiss against her closed eye, her cheek and even her nose, "permission to hold you and permission to be with you, I'm content."

His arms went around her again and pulled her in.

She was happy at this moment, but not content that they had yet to sort out that area of their relationship and it was due to her problems.