Missing you

Ronon Dex was hoping to meet up with Carter for another secret meeting, but she had unexpectedly been sent to Earth. Not sure how long she would be gone for, Ronon was getting anxious and wanted to meet with his colonel.

Ronon, Shep and Teyla returned from their mission after a grueling 3 day stay on what had to be the worst planet ever. Not only was it the hottest place they had ever been too, but the terrain was extremely rugged and hard going. Their objective was to search for any signs of a wraith base; they had received some intel from one of Teyla's old acquaintances and felt it was necessary to investigate further. They didn't discover anything, Ronon felt that the whole mission had been a waste of time, he wasn't in a good mood when he returned, and headed for his quarters.

He had spent forever in the shower, not only to get rid of the dust from his hair but to cool himself down. Staying off world wasn't his favorite pastime, since living on Atlantis, he had grown accustom to the home comforts he now received there. After living on the run for so many years he wasn't keen on the idea of staying away from his home anymore. Not to mention he was really looking forward to seeing Carter, he had missed her.

Making himself presentable, wearing what he thought to be Carters favorite shirt, he made his way to her office. A casual appearance would not cause any concern, and if there was anyone in there with her, he could use the excuse that he was looking for Shep. Almost skipping toward her office, as he approached, he noticed there were no lights on, it appeared empty.

"Hey buddy, you looking for Colonel Carter?" Shep surprised Ronon and he stuttered for a moment, damn! There goes his excuse! "er. Yeah, I was just gonna…"

"Gone to earth" Shep interrupted before Ronon finished "some major event at SG-1 and they needed her brains to work on the problem. Anything I can help you with?" Shep asked with a grin on his face. Ronon wasn't sure what that meant, he gave Shep a frown and a quizzical look as if waiting for him to suggest what he needed help with, he thought for a moment that maybe Shep had an idea about him and Carter.

"Nope, it can wait" Ronon answered, and turned to walk away.

Shep followed Ronon, "hey buddy! Wait up!"

"What"

"Fancy some training? We could do some sparring and you could beat the crap out of me?" Shep joked.

"Nah, maybe later" Ronon's reply was short and sharp. He made his way to his quarters, Shep still on his tail.

"Ronon, hey, buddy! What's wrong? You never turn down the opportunity to beat me up" he laughed, "you sick or something?"

Turning round to face Shep, Ronon didn't answer but shrugged his shoulders as if saying 'I don't know'.

"Talk to me buddy, whatever's eating you up, you can tell me, you know you can" Shep moved closer to Ronon as he spoke and put his hand on his shoulder for re-assurance.

"I can't, but I'm ok, trust me, I just need to be alone right now". Ronon returned the gesture of the shoulder tap, then followed through with a gentle slap to the face, "Don't worry, I'll beat the crap outta ya tomorrow" he smiled and left Shep alone in the corridor as he made his way to his quarters.

Shep knew Ronon still had some un-resolved issues going around in his mind from his time as a runner. It couldn't have been easy for him, being alone, not being able to connect with anyone for any length of time. Appreciating that some things take more time to heal than others do, he decided to leave his buddy to his thoughts. Knowing how Ronon still got lonely, missing Melena and still not hooked up with anyone else, maybe he was just feeling a bit lonely. He thought he would check in on him later though, just to make sure he was ok.

The day dragged by, Ronon hadn't moved from his bed all afternoon, he didn't feel like being with anyone, he knew that his absence would cause concern but he just felt it would be better if he stayed away. It was going to be a difficult wait; he hoped that at some point he might get to find out how long Carter was going to be away. He needed to ask someone without causing too much suspicion. Deciding to go for a walk to the control room, he thought he might be able to listen in on the gossip, see if he could pick something up from Amelia or Chuck. He started to make his way over there but bumped into Shep on the way, something he really wanted to avoid.

"Hey buddy! How ya feelin? any better?"

"um. Yeah, 'm good" Ronon put his head down as he answered, he didn't like keeping things from Shep, they were good friends, but at the end of the day he was his CO so he couldn't tell him what was really bothering him.

"Where ya headin'?"

"Um, nowhere, just thought I'd get out for a while" Ronon lied again. His lips where clenched tight together as he watched Shep's face to see if he bought it.

"Well, why don't you come to my quarters, I got some beer in the fridge and some popcorn, which I managed to steel from McKay. We could hang out for a while. What d'ya say huh buddy?" Ronon felt he wasn't going to be able to refuse, they often spent evenings at Shep's place. He decided to accept, maybe it would help him take his mind of Carter for while at least, and he could maybe casually ask about Carters absence and get some idea of when she would be returning to Atlantis.

"Sure, we could do that; besides, you know food always tastes better when it's stolen from McKay!"

Laughing together at the thought of Rodneys face when he discovers that his supply of food has been raided, they headed off to Sheps quarters. The two of them strolling along together joking and laughing hysterically was quite an amazing sight. Shep's impression of Rodney was quite accurate, Ronon's laughter could be hear the full length of the corridor.

Ronon didn't realize how much time had passed, both him and Shep managed to down quite a few beers between them and the conversation started getting round, as usual after a drinking session, to sex and women. Shep had confided in Ronon previously about how he would love to get Teyla into bed. Ronon didn't let out anything about his involvement with her; he didn't want to upset his buddy. So he continued listening and nodding in the right places when Shep asked if he thought she was hot. Whenever Ronon was asked whom he would like to bed, there was never anyone special, he didn't tell Shep about his crush on Carter but did mention one time that he thought Amelia might be fit.

"I know about you and the Colonel Ronon" Shep blurted out. Ronon nearly choked on the mouthful of beer he had just taken. "What?" he managed to cough out.

"I know that you and Carter have been seeing each other".

Ronon stayed quiet, he was shocked, he wasn't sure what to answer but decided there was no point in denying it further and thought he would fess up, "How do you know?"

"Hmmm, this is gonna be embarrassing" shep replied rubbing his chin. "I saw you together the night you decided to pay a visit to the canteen. Have to tell you; the next morning going for breakfast, I made sure I didn't pick THAT table!"

Ronon's mouth dropped open and he just stared at Shep for a moment. Within a few seconds, both of them burst out laughing as if they were 12 year old schoolboys who had just managed to get one over on the principal.

"Fuck Ronon, you two were hot! Carter was … wow! I would never have believed it if I hadn't seen it, didn't think anyone would ever get their hands on her, she must really have the hots for you buddy?"

Ronon grinned, "You either got it or you aint"

"Well, you got it! I suppose you two already discussed the 'issues' regarding her position and everything here on Atlantis" Shep quizzed.

"Yeah, we did. But I have to tell you buddy, its killing me, never thought I was gonna fall for her, just thought we would have some fun you know? It's getting kinda serious. Don't know whats next" Ronon confided.

"What about Carter? She said anything about 'feelings' to you?"

"She said she loves me, and… I love her too Shep"

"You kiddin' me? Don't tell me she fell for your sweet talking cos I aint buying that one!" Shep tried to make light of the situation, given Ronon was now looking quite serious. "okay buddy, I'm sorry, I can see this is obviously bothering you. I guess your missing her right? Leave it with me, tomorrow I'll go and find out what going on at SG-1. I'llbe better if I ask the questions so I'll fill y'in later" Shep slapped his buddy across the shoulders, his way of letting Ronon know everything would be ok.

Sitting at the breakfast table with McKay and Teyla, Ronon waited to hear from Shep about Carters arrival back on Atlantis. He sat and smiled whilst he listened to McKay complain to Teyla how his food stash didn't appear to be as full as he thought it should be. Teyla listened intently, occasionally glancing over to Ronon to watch him try to contain himself from bursting out laughing as McKay added that maybe someone had acquired an extra key to his locker and had pilfered one or two things. Ronon suddenly sat up straight, he could see Shep making his way over to their table, he made eye contact with him and waited for a sign that Carter would be back soon but Shep shook his head. Sitting down to eat he addressed the table.

"Looks like yours truly is going to have to man the fort for a couple more days" he commented, making sure to make eye contact with Ronon.

"Oh really?" McKay asked. "I take it Colonel Carter will not be returning presently," Teyla added. "Nope, she's gonna be there for another 3 days, at least". Shep knew this wasn't what Ronon wanted to hear. Ronon got up, "Gotta go, catch y'later" and left the canteen heading towards his quarters.

A whole week would pass without Ronon seeing Carter, he had barely lasted these past four days, how was he going to manage another three. Lying on his bed, he decided he needed something to occupy his mind. Training was always a good way to relieve the tension, but felt that his opponent today would be in for some serious damaged, given his current mood. Shep wanted to do some sparring yesterday so Ronon changed into some training clothes and made his way to the gym, hoping he might bump into Shep along the way.

End of Chapter one.