Title - The Game
Series - Stargate Atlantis
Pairing - Sheppard x McKay
Rating - PG
Warnings: OOCish, Angst, Spoilers for Season 2
Disclaimer - I don't own any of the Stargate characters or locations, and no money is made from amusing myself with fiction.
THE GAME
Lying back on his bed, Lt. Col. John Sheppard stared up at the ceiling feeling a bit put out.
The "game" was over, the units deactivated and the room sealed off - putting an end to two years of almost constant companionship.
It had been so easy to fall into a regular pattern at the beginning; both he and Rodney didn't want to lose an inch of whatever development they'd set themselves up for - so whenever they had free time, they played - never questioning that if one of them were there, the other would soon follow.
The game seemed a measure of their relationship in real life.
When he'd met Chaya on Proculus, the Geldarians had started to become cold and aloof, their trade requirements becoming more stringent and less willing to bend - a reaction to Rodney's near insane jealousy.
When the Duranda debacle occurred, he'd missed a game night for the first time since they started - but only one night. He showed up the next day at lunch, ignoring the hopeful blue eyes of his stress damaged friend, and started to build an army - a reaction to his desperate desire to be in control, and to push Rodney away from the line he was skirting so dangerously close to his heart.
After the first foray into military equipment, things had changed. Rodney, predictably, reacted and strengthened his defences - both in and out of the game; cutting off any deeper connections with John and his country.
Although they, after time, had finally gotten past the disaster, things had changed permanently - and the two countries never interacted in the same way again - the game still a reflection of their relationship followed suit.
Finding that Geldar was real had been a hefty blow to the system - and John, in the silence of his room away from any living being that could possibly ever over-hear him, was man enough to admit he'd been jealous of Rodney - the flags and adoration from the Geldarians had been damn cool.
But more than that, watching the war break out between the two countries, the direct result of their animosity, that had struck too close and finally shown him exactly what would happen if they continued down the route they were taking.
With a low sigh, John sat up and looked about the room. His eyes stopped on the chess set, sitting forlornly on the shelf. Standing, he made a decision, and picked up the board. He left to find Rodney so they could continue their game, and hopefully, one day - recover what they'd lost, and move on - stronger and closer than before.
