Author: Porthos1013
Pairing: McWeir
Category: General/Romance
Rating: K
Spoilers: Letters from Pegasus
Author's notes: This is a companion piece to I See You (which I wrote first) and is Rodney's POV on Elizabeth. I had this idea in my head when I wrote I See You, but Introspective!Rodney is kinda hard to write, so I shied away at first. The lovely people at weirmckayship at yahoo groups, however, gave I See You such warm reviews, that I felt confident enough to tackle this. Therefore, I dedicate this to all of them, and especially those that have sent reviews for my fic. Thanks guys!
oOo
I hear you, Elizabeth. I listen.
I know that seems an odd sentiment, coming from Motormouth McKay, as the Major has so affectionately dubbed me. You never waste your words, though, do you? Not that I do, either. Impatient people just don't realize that everything I have to say is fascinating. Imagine, Ford, telling me I'd wasted an hour of his valuable time watching my tape. What would he have been doing otherwise, looking for doohickeys to name? Really, the nerve of…Wait, what was I saying?
Ah yes, words. You are, after all, a woman who believes in the power of words. Your voice is normally so calm and gentle, honest and open. You put everyone at ease around you, and you want them to trust you, as any good leader would. You are not, however, afraid of taking control when it's a necessity. I remember the first time I heard you use your authoritative voice in Antarctica, when a new airman whistled at you, not realizing who you were. You certainly showed him who was boss…literally and figuratively. And if I'm being totally honest, it was kinda…well…hot. But I digress.
Of course, I'm sure everyone on Atlantis is, by now, acquainted with these two voices. But let me remind you, I listen, and I have a keen ear. I've picked up on all the little nuances. I hear the slight waver in your voice when you're anxious, betraying your confident image. You usually get that when you're making tough decisions, and you want to project strength. I hear the hitch that gets caught in your throat when you're sad or scared, like when someone comes home hurt from a mission. I hear the soft lilt when you're teasing me or making lighthearted jokes. That one's my favorite.
I hear so much more. I hear your footsteps as you pace the halls, each one heavy with the weight of responsibility. I hear the crinkling of the powerbar wrappers you so desperately try to hide when I pop by your office unexpectedly. I hear your soft sighs when you're thinking of Simon, and I don't hear you humming to yourself, for which I'm thankful. After all, as Colonel Carter once told me, new boyfriends are always hum-worthy.
I just hope you know, Elizabeth, that I hear you. And I'll always be here, if you need me, to listen.