This is a Christmas gift for all my readers, especially for my beya and SGA friends Amy, Em, Camy, Kari, Kris, Sandy, L and J.

As a surprise, no Beta, so let me know what needs to be fixed.

The first Christmas

"Major," Teyla called, hurrying after the man she had been searching for the past thirty minutes. When he didn't react she called again. "Major Sheppard!"

John smiled when he heard her call his name. He quickly turned around and watched her catching up to him. "Hey, is everything alright?" he asked as soon as she reached him.

"Yes," she answered, nodding once and taking a deep breath. "However, I was wondering if you could tell me about this Christmas everyone seems so excited about."

John couldn't help chuckle. "Yeah, I can do that. You want to walk with me?"

Teyla smiled back at him, her eyes sparkling. "Yes."

"Okay, uhm, where should I start?" he mused after a moment. He started to frown in concentration. "Okay it's kind of complicated. Christmas used to be a religious celebration. I think Elisabeth explained about Religion to you, right?"

"Yes, I am aware that there are more than one form of belief on your world. And Dr. Weir already explained the religious purposes of the celebration. I would however like to hear from you how it's celebrated as she told me that there are many different ways to celebrate. I already talked to Dr. Liang and Beckett as well as Dr. Stein. "

Though innocent enough the question seemed kind of personal and he couldn't help the walls that shot up to keep her out. He looked at her, taking in her hopeful face. He felt the wall crack and couldn't help panic. He took a deep breath. This was Teyla and though he knew they would never be more than friends he couldn't help the flare of hope in his heart that maybe one day, they could be more. He quickly pushed his feeling aside, but accepted the crack that widened.

"Okay, I'll try." He smiled softly. "Would be easier to show you, but since we're still cut off. Telling you has to do."

Teyla nodded her smile even brighter than before.

John took a deep breath thinking about her question once more. His face flushed slightly with the myriad of feelings that accompanied his memories.

"Christmas starts on December 24th with a big party in the evening. Everybody gathers for that and you invite your friends and family." Teyla could see his smile and wondered what celebration he remembered. "And then in the night Santa comes and brings the gifts."

"Santa?" Teyla asked startled. "Gifts?"

John chuckled. "Yeah that's the best part of Christmas. When I was lit …," he broke of and Teyla could see him chew on his lower lip. She waited patiently. After a moment he sighed. "It's tradition to gather under the Christmas tree on the 25th, right after getting up and exchange gifts." he redirected. "Children are made to believe that Santa Claus brings them the gifts and places them under the tree. He is an old man and lives at the north pole."

Teyla chuckled. "A Tree? Your people have strange traditions."

John couldn't help chuckle too.

"Yeah," John agreed. "My mum used to make waffles and after opening the presents we would have breakfast."

"It sounds very nice," Teyla observed, not having missed the catch in his voice, she was surprised he had finished the sentence.

"It's great," John agreed. Though Teyla could tell that he was not as enthusiastic as before. Once again Teyla wondered about the man beside her. "I hope that I can show you one day how it's really celebrated," he added into her distraction.

"I am certain that you will."

…

"Wow, Teyla this' amazing," John said walking into the decorated mess hall. The room was mainly lit by candles. Fir tree greens were strategically placed on the tables and walls.

"I am glad you approve. We felt that after all your people have done for us. This was the least we could do. I cannot imagine to be separated from my people on an important day as this."

John smirked but didn't answer. They walked further into the room and over to the table Elisabeth, Rodney, Carson as well as Halling and Jinto already occupied.

"Hey," John greeted pulling one of the chairs out. Teyla looked at him confused. "You did all the work," he added as way of explanation. Teyla inclined her head and sat down.

"Kirk," Rodney mumbled earning a glare from Elisabeth and Carson.

"I'm just being a gentleman," John shot in return. "Something you'll never be."

"Hey," Rodney started to protest.

"Gentlemen," Elisabeth cut him of glaring at both men. She stood up. The chatter in the room died. "Teyla, Halling and all the others, I want to thank you in the name of everyone. You did outstanding work in preparation and I am glad so many of you managed to come. I know the past year has been challenging. But this shows how much we have grown as allies." She rose her glas. "To a promising future."

"Hear, hear," everyone in the room joined in.

John and Teyla exchange a glance, before turning back to the renewed conversation at the table.

...

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