Chapter One: A friend in need

Dr. Rodney Mckay sat in his office, staring blankly at his computer screen. He couldn't believe it, Teyla was pregnant. He saw how upset John was at hearing that news and was saddened by that thought. No, he was very disturbed. How can it be? Atlantis was a dangerous place to raise a child, not to mention that she's been on several equally dangerous missions that could've put her and her unborn child in jeopardy. His stomach growled, reminding him that he hasn't had the chance to eat yet.

So he decided to get up and headed to the mess hall. On his way to the mess hall, he ran into Teyla. He stopped in his track and watched her. Teyla was outside on the balcony and was watching the sun set. She seemed so lost that Rodney wanted to hold her and distract her. He shook his head and decided that what she needed now, was a friend and if John wasn't going to be that friend, then he will step up to that plate.

He approached Teyla from behind very carefully trying not to startle her and touched her shoulder, "Teyla?"

Teyla turned around and looked at Rodney. His face had a mask of concern, "Yes Dr. Mckay, is there something you wanted?"

Rodney cleared his voice, "Actually, I was going to ask you if you wanted something….um something from the mess hall? I was hungry and wanted to ask if you wanted to join me. Well, now that you are pregnant and you need to…"

Teyla cut him off, "Thank you Rodney.", as she smiled at him. Rodney was startled, "Hey, you called me by my first name!"

Teyla shook her head and clasped her hand to his arm and turned him around so that the two of them were going towards the mess hall.

Several days later, John stormed into Rodney's office and shouted, "Why are you hanging around with Teyla!"

Rodney peered up from his work and tapped something on his keyboard before he actually turned his full attention to Sheppard, "Why not? Teyla is a little lonely right now and you're not helping the situation any by being all glowering like. So I stepped up to the plate…and offered her my support. That is what you should've done in the first place."

John looked like he was going to blow a fuse but he snarled at Rodney and stormed out of the office. Rodney looked worried and his fingers went up to his radio by his ear, "Teyla I think we need to talk."

"Rodney, what's the matter?" asked a concerned Teyla as she glided into his office. Rodney smiled, still couldn't believe that she could make an entrance like that after being called like that.

"Sheppard was here awhile ago and I mean awhile ago. He's really upset. Teyla, may I ask you a question?" muttered Rodney as he got up from his chair.

Teyla looked at Rodney before she nodded. Rodney heaved a sigh before he said something, "Who's the father?"

Teyla felt like her stomach got kicked in by that question and upon Rodney seeing her face blanched like that he went into apologetic mode but was stopped when Teyla put her hand up to his lips, "His name was Kannan, but I have reason to believe that he is dead. I don't feel his presence anymore and I feel heavy with that burden of that knowledge. It is a constant reminder that we as a people that are targeted by the Wraith will be forced to lose people we care about. I know that I'm going to end up raising my child alone and I'm forced to wonder what will happen to my child if something should happen to me."

Rodney took her hand from his lips and held it, "Teyla, I'm sorry that…um….you lost the father of the baby but you have to know, I have nothing but respect and admiration for you. Being pregnant doesn't change the fact on how I feel about you….err….how I…"

Teyla was stunned for a moment, "Rodney?"

"Teyla, I guess what I'm trying to say is that; I care about you very much. You will make a great mother and that you're not alone in this prospect. You have me, which is to help you through this difficult time. I've been reading up on pregnancy and birthing but never mind that now. I know it's a long way off but I want to let you know, that if there's anything you need, anything at all, let me know!" rambled Rodney.

Teyla was dumbfounded but inside; her heart was melting at what Rodney was trying to tell her. She couldn't help it but she got a bit misty eyed and immediately went to hug him. After Rodney felt Teyla's arms around him his hands were hovering by her side but he didn't quite know where or what to do with it. He just sighed and put his hands on her back not wanting to inadvertently touch her in the wrong place. The back was a much better safe place! After what seemed like minutes, Teyla leaned away from him, and smiled.

"Rodney, you have no idea how that made me feel! Thank you so much!" Teyla smiled to him.

Rodney felt like he made the world a better place with hardly doing anything. He just nodded mutely and motioned towards his computer and to the general area that Teyla just nodded, "I will leave you to your work but before I go, I wanted to ask you something, I have an appointment with Dr. Keller a few days from now, I would greatly appreciate your presence with me."

"Um…sure I can do that Teyla, just make sure you let me know what time and all that. I'll be there!" agreed Rodney.

Teyla nodded her thanks and again glided out of his office leaving a stunned Rodney with his mouth gaping a bit. He shook himself out of it and smiled to himself as he headed back to his work station. He tapped something on his computer and typed in a reminder for him to be there for Teyla's appointment with Dr. Keller. He grimaced a little suddenly realizing that it will require him to be in Sick bay, a place he literally hates being around.

"The things I promised to! I should've thought more into it! Way to go Rodney, how clever I am!" scolded Rodney to himself.