Matter of Interpretation
Ronon slowly opened the infirmary door. Although it was night already, she was there, sitting on a bed and reading some medicine book. He wasn't sure if he was welcome but didn't hesitate. She didn't notice him, he smiled. He watched her for a while; the hair falling into her face, the concentrated expression she had every time she tried to understand something difficult.
„Hey, doc, still awake?" He said, letting her know he was there. She twitched, but relaxed when she realized it was him.
„Yeah, I need to find some information," she frowned. Ronon knew that expression too. She was still upset about what happened to Rodney McKay and she was blaming herself.
„You saved him," he said. „Why can't you accept it?"
Jennifer sighed. „At first, it was my fault. I should have recognized the symptoms much earlier. He was so different. He was... nice."
Ronon smirked. „That could be a clue," he said.
„I know," she smiled slightly. She put the book aside and looked back at him. „Why are you here?"
„I was worried about you. And I wanted to know if we are ok." She looked a bit embarassed, staring at the floor.
„We are," she nodded finally. „I think I should apologize. I really didn't want to be so harsh. And I am sorry that I didn't trust you."
„You have no reason to apologize," he said. „It must have sounded weird." She didn't look persuaded but he anticipated it. There was probably something else that was still bothering her. He sat on the opposite bed.
„What's going on?" he asked softly. Jennifer glanced at him.
„Rodney," she admitted after a moment.
„He is alright. Do I really have to repeat it?"
„No, that's something else. He probably misinterpreted something. I took him for a drink a long time ago, I told you that. He invited me for a dinner cause he supposed we were dating."
„And what? You refused him. He will come to terms with it."
„Actually I didn't," she said. „I didn't say anything. He was sick, dying even. What should I have done? But that's not the problem."
Ronon was looking at her, waiting. She felt obviously uncomfortable, but wanted to share that with him. He wasn't sure why; he never understood why women have the need to talk so much, especially women from the Earth. But it was important for her and that was reason enough to listen.
„He said he loves me," she said quietly. „It was on the tape. He wasn't quite himself when he was saying it but..."
„You feel guilty," Ronon added. „But you have no reason for that. You didn't do anything to make him think you feel the same way."
„I hope he doesn't remember that," she sighed.
Ronon smiled. „You know, you should tell him one day."
„Yeah, I know. It's just not so easy. That's Rodney we are talking about."
„He will take it, he is a grown man." He grinned at her. „Or we could fight."
Jennifer raised her eyebrows. „Really? I am not sure whom I would prefer to win. I think I would root for Rodney."
„Funny," Ronon said. Jennifer laughed. He was glad he could see her smile again. When he had a challenging day, he knew that her smile would always cheer him up.
„Did you eat anything?" he asked but already knew the answer. She didn't care of herself when she was working. „Come on, we can have a late dinner. There should be no one in the dining room right now."
He got up and took her hand. She smiled at him warmly and he leaned to kiss her. Although she pulled back after a moment, he was still gazing at her. She was so beautiful and she was his.
„Ok, maybe I could change my mind," she giggled. Without further hesitation she followed him out of the room.
The End
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Thanks Blen for beating this fic. Reviews welcome, please :)