This was a challenge to myself to see if I could pair Keller with somebody besides Ronon or McKay and Sheppard without Weir and get it to work. Not sure if I succeeded

Title: Perturbo (Latin for trouble)
Author: Cindy Ryan
Pairings: Sheppard/Keller
Category: angst, romance
Spoilers: Trio, outcast
Summary: Rework of Trio….what if Rodney hadn't been strong enough?

Dr. Jennifer Keller double checked the small piece of paper in her right hand as she walked along an inside corridor of Atlantis. She'd never been to this part of the city before and with the rapidly setting sun she didn't want to get lost.

It was a Thursday, a rare day off for Atlantis's chief medical officer. Even rarer that her boyfriend was off at the same time. Jen smiled at the thought, even though boyfriend sounded so high school. Lover sounded too clandestine.

Jennifer glanced down at the carefully written directions and made a right turn almost missing it. At first she'd been wary about getting involved…..if discovered their would be career ramifications for them both. However, sometimes love is stronger than common sense.

Jen made one more right and than a left and found herself at a set of glass doors with dark blue trim. They were frosted so she couldn't see what was beyond other than the dim outline of a balcony

Jennifer slipped the piece of paper in the pocket of her skirt. She'd wish she'd had something more dressier to wear. She'd found the emerald green skirt and matching short sleeve shirt at a market on a recent off world trip. Jennifer had splurged knowing good fashion didn't come along every day.

Jennifer took a deep breath and pushed the door open. What lay before her stopped the young woman in her tracks.

A wide smile broke across her face as she stepped toward the balcony's single occupant. "Wow, when you meant dinner…..you meant dinner."

Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard returned her smile as he stepped around the small table. The table was simply set with a light rose colored table cloth with matching napkins. The dinnerware had a white surface with a similar pink trim. Two tall white candles made up the center piece while a few rose petals decorated either side of the table.

"Well, it's not often we get a night off."Sheppard stated with a soft smile as he closed the space between them. He'd exchanged his uniform for a pair of black dress pants, and a long sleeved dark blue shirt. Closest thing he'd had…..he'd left any suits back on earth not thinking there would be any need for them in the Pegasus galaxy.

"It's beautiful."Jennifer whispered as she looked around. The table was set in the middle of the balcony. Candles were set along the railing. The flames flickering against the setting sun making the setting breathtaking.

From somewhere soft music was playing though Jennifer couldn't pinpoint the source.

"I'm glad you like it."John murmured as he pulled her into an embrace. He'd been afraid he'd over done it. It'd been a long time since he'd set up a candle lit dinner.

Jen met his gaze. "I love it."She said as she kissed him. "Thank you."

"And don't worry."John stated quietly. "Nobody knows about this area. They only drained the water from this area six months ago. We've been a little busy to come back and see what's here."

"So how'd you find this place?"Jen asked.

"On a run…..thought it'd be perfect."

"You're full of surprises, John Sheppard."Jen replied with a grin.

John smiled back. "Didn't think I was a romantic, did you?"

Jen blushed slightly as memories of their nights together flooded in. "Oh, I knew. I just didn't think you knew."

"I'm a little rusty."John replied as he stepped back still holding one of her hands. "Will the lady grant me a dance?"

"I have to warn you."Jen stated as they moved to the right side of the balcony. "I have two left feet. I haven't danced since my cousin Andrea's wedding five years ago."

John chuckled as he drew her close. "You're in good company…..my two left feet will match yours."

Jen melted into his arms as the music switched to a romantic instrumental John laced their hands as he rested his chin on top of her head and closed his eyes.