I have no explantions for this one- all I can say is that I blame Tielan. I'd have never considered this pairing without her influence.
(Obviously, Stargate Atlantis does NOT belong to me. Which sucks.)
He couldn't remember how the conversation started, but he remembered the look in her eyes as she spoke. That longing pulled at him.
It was lunch, and Rodney and Sheppard had once again been struggling to explain yet another strange Earth behavior. This time, it was the keeping of "pets" that completely boggled Ronon and Teyla. Neither one could imagine someone willing taking on the burden on a rambunctious animal that served no real purpose, at least as far as they could see. Apparently that triggered a "theory," and Rodney started in on the great debate between cats and dogs; Ronon frankly didn't see what was so "great" about it.
Into the cacophony, a quiet voice spoke, neatly silencing Rodney's diatribe. "It's not about survival; it's about companionship." Elizabeth took a sip from the mug in her hand, eyes seeming to look through the others at the table. It was rare for her to join in on the lunchtime debates, and for this reason, Ronon watched her closely, ignoring Rodney's exclamation that he'd forgotten she'd had a dog and how could she be such a traitor.
Elizabeth ignored the scientist as well, continuing to speak softly. "We keep dogs, pets really, so that no matter how our day has gone, we arrive home to someone who truly is excited to see us." Rodney finally fell silent, having caught the look on her face. "Even on our worst days, when we've failed utterly and just want to curl up and… disappear, there's someone there to crawl into our lap, with tail wagging, to lick our face, big brown eyes telling us that it's ok- someone still…" She paused, and then lifted her head to really look about the table. "That someone loves us. It's about companionship."
Ronon didn't know what he might have said then; a call came in, and the team rushed to gate for another emergency gate arrival. He didn't even know if any of the others would remember what she'd said, but it haunted him. Ronon pushed that moment to the back of his mind; it wouldn't do to be distracted while out on missions. Still, the memory surfaced that night, after Elizabeth's order for him to make Cavanaugh talk by any means necessary. She'd been steel at that moment- as resolute as he'd ever seen a commander on Sateda.
After, though, when Caldwell had been discovered, when the crisis had passed, Ronon had to wonder how strong she'd still be. He went looking, and found her, out on her balcony as he'd expected. He hadn't expected to find her curled up on the floor, shoulders quaking silently. She kept her face turned away. "Yes?"
He didn't speak, just took the few steps to her side, and sinks down. Then, following a compulsion he couldn't quite explain, he leaned forward and laid his head in her lap. She froze for only a moment, and then without saying a word, carefully wrapped her arms about his shoulders. He looked up at her, considering. "I don't have a tail."
Elizabeth laughed a little, through her tears. "I'd noticed." His dark browed eyes narrowed, considering, then he reached up to draw her face down to his. It wasn't what she'd expected, and she stiffened before relaxing into his embrace. For the moment, she felt it was enough, just enough to let her know that he was there.
Like it, hate it? Let me know!