Author's Note:

My absolute favorite Atlantis quote involves Sheppard, Ronon, and Rodney talking about their childhood toys. That was the inspiration for this story. It could stay a one-shot, or turn into more. Either way, I hope you enjoy it.

John Sheppard took a step back and surveyed his work. He had never designed a nursery before, but he hoped that his effort would make up for his inexperience.

"Looks pretty good to me," he said. He ran a hand over his short dark hair and glanced at Ronon Dex who towered behind him. The warrior grimaced.

"It looks like this junk shop that I once hid out in. Are you sure that Teyla wouldn't want something more . . . traditional?"

"Well maybe, Rambo, if you hadn't put a shot gun above the bed like some demented mobile then the room would be a little more welcoming." Rodney McKay's usual sarcastic tone caused Sheppard to roll his eyes.

"What's a mobile?" Ronon asked.

"It's a toy that parents hang above their baby's crib. It has figurines of fluffy bunnies and ducks and stuff hanging from it."

"Who would want that?" Ronon challenged.

"Oh, I don't know, any normal person," Rodney shot back.

"Will you two shut up?" Sheppard said. "It's time to call Teyla."

Rodney and Ronon shut up. Sheppard spoke into his headset.

"Teyla, you there?"

A crisp voice answered, "Yes, John, what is it?"

"We're having a bit of an emergency in your quarters. Could you come help out?"

"An emergency . . . in my quarters? I will be right there."

"Nice going, scaring her," Ronon said.

"Well, did you have a better idea?"

Ronon shrugged his muscled shoulders and his sidearm rose and fell.

Leave it to Ronon to carry a weapon while decorating a nursery, Sheppard thought. Actually, the warrior probably had several weapons on his person. He never seemed to be without at least a dozen knives.

After a few minutes of anxious waiting on the part of the three men, Teyla burst into the room.

"What is the emergency?" she asked, breathing heavily. Then she stopped and looked around the room. She took in the wooden crib, assorted stuffed animals, small toys, and stack of baby clothes. She grinned as she said, "What is all this?"

"Well we thought you could use some things for the baby when it arrives. So we asked around and pulled some strings and put this together," Sheppard explained.

Teyla walked to the crib and peered at the triple-barreled shot gun mounted on the wall.

"And this?" she asked.

Ronon shuffled his feet as he said, "It was my favorite toy as a child."

Teyla smiled at him.

"Oh yes, I remember. Somehow I cannot imagine you as a child without one. And the computer," she walked over to a small table that displayed a giant old-fashioned monitor. "This must be from Rodney."

"Not quite a Commodore 64," Rodney apologized. "But I did the best I could."

"Thank you, Rodney."

Teyla moved slowly around the room, examining everything. Sheppard was pleased to see that she seemed to be absorbing it all like a pleasant dream. Finally she stopped in front of a shelf and picked up a small object. She held the clear tube up to her eye and peered inside.

"It is beautiful," she said. "All the colors dancing in the light. The baby will love this."

Sheppard couldn't stop a huge grin from spreading across his face. It had been particularly hard to find that one special gift, but he'd been determined to. Her reaction made it all worth it.

"It's a kaleidoscope. I had one as a kid."

Teyla lowered the toy and smiled at Sheppard. This glowing look was the one he'd been waiting for. For a moment all he felt was a tingle shoot through his body. It wasn't an unexpected feeling, but it made him nervous nonetheless. He was treading on dangerous territory.

"It is all perfect," Teyla said. When she admired the whole room once more Sheppard seized the opportunity to take a deep breath and calm his pounding heart.

You've done a good thing for her, he thought. That's enough.

At that moment they were interrupted by Major Carter's voice on Sheppard's headset.

"John, I need you and your team in the control room immediately."

"We're on our way," Sheppard replied. "Let's go," he said to his team. Rodney rushed out, clearly happy to be out of what was, for him, an awkward situation. Ronon already had a hand on his gun. Sheppard gestured for Teyla to go ahead of him, and as she passed, she squeezed his arm.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"You're welcome."