My first songfic, be as gentle or harsh as you want.

Disclaimer: I don't own Stargate Atlantis or Final Fantasy cos if I did, I'd be very, very rich and wouldn't write fanfiction.

A thousand words

I know that you're hiding things
Using gentle words to shelter me
Your words were like a dream
But dreams could never fool me
Not that easily

The soft music echoed around Elizabeth Weir's room and in her ears. She'd never really thought about the words before.

Until now.

I acted so distant then
Didn't say goodbye before you left
But I was listening
You fight your battles far from me
Far too easily

The words suddenly seemed so real. She hadn't said goodbye to him and shed nearly lost him. She felt tears begin to well up.

Save your tears 'cos I'll come back
I could hear that you whispered
As you walked through that door

As if someone was listening, the door slid open. Looking up, Elizabeth found herself staring into his eyes.

But still I swore
To hide the pain
When I turned back the pages

Standing, Elizabeth turned away from him. She couldn't face him. He'd nearly gotten himself killed to save them all. It had been a suicide mission. It had been a miracle that the Daedalus had appeared in time to save him.

What if I'd cried my eyes out
And begged you not to depart

"Why?"

"To save you."

But now I'm not afraid
To say what's in my heart

Elizabeth faced him again. The tears rolled down her face. It seemed so stupid.

"I love you."

She spoke so softly, but it was like everything had been lifted. He smiled. Moving forward, he took her in his arms and kissed her. Suddenly, those three little words felt insignificant.

Though a thousand words
Have never been spoken
They'll fly to you
Crossing over the time
And distance holding you
Suspended on silver wings

Elizabeth looked up at him and saw in his eyes all the fear and anger and hurt he felt. So many people had died. So many had been taken by the Wraith. Ford had run from Atlantis. Ford, his teammate and friend.

And a thousand words
One thousand confessions
Will cradle you
Making all of the pain you feel
Seem far way
They'll hold you forever

"Well," she smiled. "I'm here. I'm safe. I'm not going anywhere."

He smiled sadly.

"Thank you."

Pulling her in, he kissed her again.

The dream isn't over yet
Though I often say, I can't forget
I still relive that day
You've been there with me all the way

She'd never now truly know how much she meant to him. Not in the years that they were together. Through Wraith attacks, kidnaps, injuries, everything, they stayed together. As long as they had each other, nothing else mattered. But then the expedition was militarised. Elizabeth was removed form command. She was re-assigned. He still remembered that first moment, even as she left for Earth without him.

I still hear you say
Wait for me I'll write you letters
I could see how you stand
With your eyes to the floor

Six years passed. They heard nothing from each other.

But still I swore
To hide the doubt
When I turned back the pages

Elizabeth began to think he was dead, but told no one. He though she'd moved on, but told no one.

Anger might have been the answer
What if I'd hung my head
And said that I couldn't wait

He needed her. He didn't want to have to sit around just thinking about her.

But now I'm strong enough
To know it's not too late

So, he stepped through the Gate. He went back to Earth to find her. To be with her.

'Cos a thousand words
Call out through the ages
They'll fly to you
Even though we can't see
I know they're reaching you
Suspended on silver wings

Elizabeth had written so many letters to him, but never sent them anywhere. She'd even begun to drive to the SGC, but changed her mind. She didn't want to go there and be told the worst. She didn't want to have to accept that he was really dead. But she still loved him.

Oh a thousand words
A thousand embraces
Will cradle you
Making all of your weary days
Seem far away

Hearing a knock at the door, she threw away the latest attempt. Opening the door, Elizabeth's heart froze. There he was, right in front of her.

"Elizabeth."

Again, tears fell from her eyes at the sight of him. With a smile, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her fiercely. She was still here.

Oh a thousand words
Have never been spoken
They'll fly to you
They'll carry you home
And back into my arms
Suspended on silver wings

"You're back."

"Yep. And I'm not going anywhere. Not without you. I love you Elizabeth."

And a thousand words
Call out through the ages
They'll cradle you
Turning all of the lonely years
Into only days
They'll hold you forever