Holiday Bananza Series
By: Vana Telcontar
Disclaimer: I do not own SGA, the idea for masquerade balls, or Halloween. ... But I wish I did!!!
Rating: PG- rated for slight language
Pairings: Staring McWeir, Sheyla, hinting at Carson/OC
Warnings!: Very cliché! For those who can't stand such things- such as Jack -cheesy grin- "For all we know you could be her evil twin. But then we'd be dealing with clichés and you know how I feel about those." -Looks from Samantha to Sam- "No, actually you know how I... feel... about those...." -Voice slowly trails off-- I suggest you turn back now. Lol Otherwise, you should be safe!
Future Info: This will be the first installment in a series of one-shot holiday fics. They aren't necessarily connected to the other holiday fanfictions unless something stated refers back to an earlier date. Happy holidays!
I know, this is a very cliché story but I couldn't help it. It's my first ever challenge fic, too, people!! As always, I blame it on John....
------------------------------
"A what?"
Rodney just stared at Liz as she smiled patiently at him. He had come to her office after being paged and the reason had completely bowled him over.
"A Halloween masquerarde. Major Sheppard thought that it could boost morale."
"Oh, I just bet he did. Well, I don't celebrate Halloween so I don't think I'll be caught there, thanks."
"Come on, Rodney! It'll be fun," she insisted. "In fact, I order that you attend. Masks won't be removed till midnight and you won't have to say who you are. Actually, you're banned from doing so. Besides, if you absolutely wanted, you could leave just before the demasking. But you have to go." She fixed him with a serious look that showed she expected no argument.
But this was Rodney. He sighed in exasperation. "But-"
"No buts, Rodney McKay! You're going. It's tomorrow night, Teyla is providing the masks, I'll pick up your little bundle myself and drop it off at your place tonight."
Rodney looked definitely put-out. "Bundle?"
"It includes the costume as well. There's a William Shakespeare-ish theme." He made a disgusted noise and she pretended not to notice. "I asked her to wrap them all so they look alike, that way no one has a chance to see a mask or costume before the party and, in turn, know who it is. Half the fun is guessing, you know!" Liz grinned brightly.
"Is that all?" Rodney asked acerbically.
"Yes, it is. You can go now."
"Thank you," he said sarcastically, standing and quickly exiting. Great; now he was going to get stuck at a social gathering. Just great.
------
Stepping into the large room and backing into the shadows, Rodney looked around at the throngs of people, all masked as was ordered.
The room was decorated in traditional orange and black, though where they had gotten them from beat the hell out of Rodney. Thick, draping cloth bands replaced streamers and added to the effect of an Old English masquerade. It didn't help that everyone there was dressed like nobility, with the occasional "servant" garb, though they mingled with the nobility easily. Rodney was jealous as to why he had to dress in this ridiculous green velvet monstrosity while they got to wear comfortable pants- "breeches", Teyla had said- and loose cotton shirts.
Because, to be honest, the pantyhose was really uncomfortable.
Finally deciding to make his presence known, he stepped into the light and headed over to the snack tables. As he got a drink, he looked for people he knew. Major Sheppard and Teyla were easy to tell as they and someone who appeared to be Lt. Ford chatted easily. John could be told from his messily gelled hair- he was one of the few scores of people in servant costumes- since he didn't have a hat, and Teyla from her hair. Rodney had to admit, however, that Teyla did look very nice in her red velvet ballgown. The V-neck and low cut outfit fit her well.
Rodney's eyes scoped the rest of the people, picking Carson out as he chatted up an equally richly dressed pale-skinned brunette. At least Rodney wasn't the only person he knew forced to wear this ridiculous outfit- Carson's was a deep blue, a striking contrast to the woman's royal purple off-shoulder gown-, though Carson had abandoned his hat somewhere.
"Enjoying the party?" A female voice asked from behind him.
He turned and was momentarily stunned by the image of darkness standing there. The beautiful woman had reddish-brown hair that curled every which way and ended just above her bare shoulders to frame her mask-covered face.
"Uh, not really. I'm not much of a socialist," he said, sipping his drink and glancing back out at the party-goers.
"Ah. Don't worry, it will all be over before you know it."
"What? Like Dr. Beckett's shots? 'Just a little longer....'"
The woman laughed and picked up a cup of punch for herself, her black sleeves sliding back slightly. "Good point. But I've noticed boring if elegant affairs like these tend to end rather quickly with good company." She grinned up at him. "You seem as likely a candidate as any. Mind if I stick with you for the night?"
Hell no! He thought, but smiled as charmingly as he could. "Of course not. I'd feel better with someone to talk to myself."
"Wonderful," she took a sip of her drink as Rodney attempted to keep his cool.
------
Liz had come to the party, nervous in her outfit as she rarely wore clothes like this. Oh true, she had had to wear such things to formal events, but nothing so elegant- or low-cut- as what she was wearing now. She was still trying to figure out how Teyla had gotten such beautiful garments on such short notice.
Although the mask hid her identity, she was worried how people would judge her despite it and almost shrank from the large crowd. However, using extreme will-power, she forced herself to stand erect and confidently walk through the people, smiling and giving greetings to those she passed.
She let out a breath as she reached the refreshments table.
Take a breath, cool down, she told herself, looking around at all the people. One nearby person in particular caught her eye, however, and she couldn't help but feel drawn to him.
He was dressed in a stunning shade of deep green velvet that fit his stature nicely- despite the fact he was wearing tights; that was rather humorous most of the time-, but seemed quite uncomfortable as he glanced around, absently fiddling with his drink. Still, she couldn't help but take in his entire form, admiring him as she stepped over.
"Enjoying the party?"
He jumped slightly at the sudden addressing, and turned as if he hadn't expected it to be him she was speaking to. He stared at her for a moment, which made her cheeks flush under the mask in embarassment. Did she look too terrible?
"Uh, not really. I'm not much of a socialist," he said in a nervous tone, taking a sip of his drink immediately after. Liz couldn't help but smile at him.
15 minutes, then 30, then a full hour passed as they chatted about their time at Atlantis and a few personal things back home they missed. Liz really enjoyed his company, but politely excused herself.
"I just need to go freshen up. I'll be right back."
The man nodded and smiled, though he shifted nervously as if he thought it was a sign she wasn't returning.
To reassure him, she gently squeezed his hand and smiled before turning and sliding off through the crowd, greeting people in passing on her way to the bathrooms.
------
Rodney stared after the woman, then let out a sigh of relief. In truth, he had been worried that the freshening up bit had just been a line so she could get away from him. Then she had squeezed his hand and his fears had allieviated themselves instantly, the smile making his stomach flip over. She really was very beautiful.
Realizing that even if she was coming back he had some time to spare, he made his way through the throngs of people and over to where Major Sheppard was obviously elaborating on some story to make people laugh.
John grinned as Rodney came over, recognizing the man immediately from his stance as he stopped. "Dr. McKay! Good to see you join us. Lovely outfit."
Rodney looked annoyed behind his mask, and John could feel it raidating out, which only made him grin more. "Thank you, Major Sheppard. Not all of us can get out of things as easily as you can."
John grinned and held up his hands as if to acknowledge he had been bested and turned fully to McKay as Teyla and Ford went off to get drinks. "So, how are you enjoying the social affair?"
"It's.. not as bad as I expected," Rodney admitted, playing with the glass in his hand. "I have the pleasure of being in the company of a lovely woman, albeit that I do not know her name on account of these masks."
"Ah, but that works both ways. At least people don't know who you are, and therefore you won't be embarassed until the masking. And you'll probably escape before then."
Rodney cleared his throat and glanced at the clock. "I, uh, I promised her I'd stay. And I'm not one to break my promise."
"Often," John teased, grinning. "So, do you have any idea as to who this mystery woman is?"
Rodney bounced slightly, as he always did when he held still for too long- honestly, the man must have ADD with things he doesn't really care about- , and thought on all the women he knew- a very short list.
"No, no idea at all. But she's... incredible. Smart, nicely curved, has a great sense of humor...."
"Oh, does she have yours too?" John offered, and could see in his mind the look Rodney was giving him from behind the mask.
"Ha ha, very funny, Major." Teyla and Aiden made their way back over, Carson and the mystery brunette in tow. "As a matter of fact, whoever she turns out to be, may just be my version of the perfect woman."
John whistled lowly. "She must be pretty good then. I don't know many men who would admit to that."
Rodney smiled oddly, gazing across the crowd as he absently replied, "She is."
John turned his eyes in Rodney's direction and noticed the woman Rodney was gazing at immediately. She was the only woman in that direction- the only one in the whole party- who was wearing black, and therefore stood out.
Rodney looked her over again as she insecurely looked around, hugging her arms as she paused at the refreshment table. Rodney made a quiet growling noise in the back of his throat.
"If you'll excuse me, Major Sheppard, I really have to get back to that goddess in black. Have a nice night."
John stared as Rodney went back over to Dr. Weir- who, he noted, instantly looked relieved that Rodney had arrived- and couldn't help the grin that lit up his face. Oh boy, when McKay figured it out.... Was John ever going to have fun with him tomorrow. Still... the two seemed to be getting on well as McKay's grin was met with one of Liz's own. John's smile turned thoughtful, but wicked.
Something wicked this way comes? Meet something interesting this way comes.
------
After having left Major Sheppard, Rodney and the woman had settled into conversation with little hesitation, gladly picking up where they had left off, subtle flirting underlying their every word. Rodney smiled at the woman, offers in their very stances, and glanced at the clock that was installed on the wall. Only 15 more minutes to go.
"Relieved it's almost over?" She asked, grinning.
"A little. Though I have to say I'm sorry that we couldn't spend any more time together."
"Well, I'm sure we'll see each other around. I get the feeling that you won't be a hard person to find once the masks are off."
Rodney grinned back. "True." He looked at the clock. 12 minutes. He cleared his throat. "Nervous?"
Her hesitant smile said it all, and made him feel a bit better about it himself.
------
Liz swallowed and looked at the clock. 8 minutes. Oh Lord, would the torture never cease?
She glanced at the mystery man, who wasn't showing any signs of being nervous past his constant glancing at the clock. If he hadn't said anything, she probably would have assumed he was just tired of chatting and wanted to leave.
6 minutes, she thought to herself, glancing at the clock anxiously.
------
5... 4... 3... 2... 1.... Rodney looked up as the brightly grinning John stood on the table, obviously tickled silly over something.
"All right everyone, masks off!" He called, almost giddily, and everyone complied.
Rodney turned to the woman and swallowed hard. This wasn't going to end well....
"Together?" She suggested, voice cracking slightly.
He nodded, not trusting his own voice, and reached up, removing his mask as she did hers.
------
The two stared at each other.
"Rodney?"
"Elizabeth?"
They blinked, gaping. "You mean we...." Rodney started, then lost the train of thought. She was even more beautiful with the mask off.
"Oh, this was unexpected," she whispered, swallowing hard and looking down, studying her feet as the party continued on around them, unaware of the sudden shock of embarassment the two were facing. She smiled nervously. "Least now I know that you came."
"Uh, yeah," Rodney agreed, still grasping for coherent thought.
Then again, he thought, I really shouldn't be so surprised. Only Liz could be that socially graceful and still have insecurities about being beautiful.
He smiled at her, just as nervous. "So... how bout them Dolphins?"
Liz laughed, breaking the tension and considerably relaxing Rodney. He had taken a jump that she would understand the reference to The Birdcage, but knowing more about her sense of humor now, it was a risk he felt was safe to take.
Liz grinned brightly at him. "I don't suppose you dance? I've been wanting to ask all night but wasn't sure that perfect strangers would agree to such a thing, party or no."
Rodney seemed to consider it a moment. "Hmm...." Her smile faded slightly before he met her eyes and smiled. "Well, Miss Perfect Stranger, I must say I accept." He held out a hand which she took with a relieved grin, and they headed out to the dance floor.
------
Rodney and Liz filtered out with the last of the party-goers, having stayed till the very last moment.
"We'll have a clean-up in the morning," Liz said, yawning. "But I don't want to ruin these fabulous clothes."
"Of course not," Rodney agreed, and Liz yawned again, sparking a yawn in him as well. (A/N: I just yawned because of that!! Lol)
Liz smiled as they headed slowly down the darkened, mostly empty hallways. "I uh, I had a good time tonight."
"Yeah, me too, me too," he quickly agreed, then they fell into silence again. Now that the night was over they were at a loss for words.
"Uh, Elizabeth-"
"Yes?" She replied quickly and stopped, looking up at him as they reached their crossroads.
"Do you..." He paused, took a deep breath, then asked, "Do you want to maybe grab lunch sometime?"
She grinned at him. "I uh, I'd like that a lot."
"Uh, right, good, good. Well, good night then," he said, nodding.
Still grinning, she inclined her head. "Good night."
"Night," he said in normal tones as he watched her walk off, then turned and headed back for his own rooms. He didn't know what had possessed him to ask her that, but spending time with the person he was closest to on the base wasn't exactly a bad thing.
He hurried towards his room now that Liz was gone, not wanting to spend a second longer than he had to in the dark hallways.
Plus, that pair of pantyhose was really staring to get very uncomfortable.
------------------------------
A/N: How about that? Lol I did a Halloween fic! Didn't turn out too badly, if I do say so myself. Look forward to a Christmas one, but probably not a Thanksgiving one unless I get some serious inspiration between then and now. So, leave a review please, and let me know what you think!
I know, the random Shakespearean quote edit was annoying, but I felt like referring something vaguely Halloween to this. Lol Deal.
Flames will be used to roast Kolya.
Ta, everyone! And a Happy Halloween to you all!!!
- V.