Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Stargate: Atlantis or its wonderful characters. I'm only playing in their world for a bit.
Author's Note: The first two chapters of this story will seem rather familiar to many of you. I originally posted them as one-shots in my "Snippets and Snapshots." They have since been removed and grouped here as they are all connected. This first one follows after "Truth or Dare" and began this trilogy. Neither this one, nor the second chapter, have been changed. I hope you enjoy the story now that it's complete. ~lg
oOo
The evening had finally arrived. Teyla smiled at her reflection in the mirror, admiring the dress she'd bought. John's world continually amazed her. While she had once visited in his dreams, she'd never physically set foot on Earth until the super-Hive, as John called it, went to Earth. Then, she'd been amazed. His dreams had only showed her a small portion of the planet.
Now, however, was not the time to think about the hallucination she had shared with Colonel John Sheppard all those years ago. Of course, he'd only been a major, then. So much had happened. Teyla looked over at her son, a year old and sleeping happily in his bed. Her short time with Kanaan had given her the best thing that ever happened to her. In the end, however, Kanaan chose to stay in the Pegasus galaxy while Teyla joined the Atlantis Expedition in their mission to save Earth.
Tonight, Torren would remain with Cassandra Frasier, a young woman also from another world. Teyla smiled as Cassie, as she preferred to be called, settled next to the crib with school books and stacks of paper. She trusted John to keep her son safe, and he'd chosen a wonderful sitter. With one final glance in the mirror, Teyla excused herself and headed for the southern pier.
This reception, held in honor of all Atlantis's personnel, celebrated the recent promotions of Colonel Sheppard and Lieutenant Colonel Lorne. Teyla and John had spoken about this night for weeks, spending time in the sparring room late in the evening when no one was around. The feud that had started between John and Lorne had culminated in something more wonderful than either of the men had suspected. Dr. Keller wore a ring on her left hand, something Teyla had been told indicated her commitment to marry Lorne. And Teyla wore this fantastic black dress.
On the pier, the lights from Atlantis blended with the distant lights from San Francisco. The Golden Gate bridge glowed beautifully, forming a backdrop that would distract anyone. Lorne and Jennifer already danced with each other, swaying in time to the music provided by an orchestra comprised of SGC personnel. With Atlantis cloaked, those in San Francisco knew nothing of the celebration.
Heads turned when Teyla appeared, mostly those who had come from the SGC or the Pentagon. Teyla smiled as she moved through the crowd of Air Force officers in their dress blues. She searched for only one face, finding him chatting with Generals Landry and O'Neill. He hadn't seen this dress, with its side slit that climbed almost to her hip, non-existent back, and low neckline. Nor had he seen the beautiful diamond and ruby drop earrings and matching necklace she'd found at a place called Tiffany's. She had tied her hair into a bun at the back of her head and added a bright red flower, just like she'd seen in the movies. And the expression on John's face when he caught sight of her warmed her to the core.
Teyla moved with her natural grace, not trying to appear anything she wasn't. She'd dressed this way for him, and him alone. He walked to her and stood two feet away, staring. "Wow."
She smiled. "It is appropriate?"
"Oh, yeah!" He reached out and tucked her hand into his elbow, guiding her back to his small circle as he did so. "General Landry, General O'Neill, you remember Teyla Emmagan?"
"Of course." Landry nodded to her since John had her right hand captured in his arm. "We owe you a debt of gratitude, Ms. Emmagan."
Teyla waved the compliment away. "It was nothing more than what your people have done for the Pegasus galaxy over the last five years."
"Yes, well. . . ." O'Neill glanced at John. "We'd better be going."
Teyla smiled again as the two generals joined the crowd of uniforms that had admired her when she first appeared. John tugged her to one side of the pier, pointing out the sites she'd seen many times since Atlantis landed in the Pacific Ocean. Tonight, however, they seemed incredibly amazing and intimate.
The small band played through several songs as they stood on the edge of the pier and chatted. Teyla watched Jennifer and Lorne laugh, accept hugs and handshakes, and sneak a few quick kisses under the stars. She wished to do the same with John, but he had a fierce look on his face. She leaned toward him. "What is it?"
His face cleared. "Nothing. Just thinking." The music changed, and his hazel eyes lit up. "Hear that?"
"Yes." Teyla fought with a wave of nervousness. "It is what we have practiced."
"Yeah." John watched as Jennifer and Lorne settled at a table, leaving the dance floor open. "Should we?"
"Perhaps we should wait." Teyla held back, unsure why she suddenly felt so nervous.
John blinked at her, and she understood his confusion. When facing down an army of Wraith drones, she was fearless. Now, in the midst of all these important people from Earth, she nearly trembled at the thought of performing for them. John, however, wouldn't let the matter drop. "Teyla, I won't force you to do this. But do you see anyone else dancing to this music?"
"No." She touched his arm. "John, this is a formal occasion. One that celebrates your promotion."
He grinned. "I've always been known as a rebel."
She saw something in his eyes, something that told her to take the risk. Straightening, she returned the grin. "Perhaps you are right. Why not?"
John's grin widened, and he led her to the center of the dance floor. Then, after counting out several bars of the song, he led her in the tango they had practiced late at night. Around them, conversation stopped as they lost themselves in the music. Teyla ignored the stunned faces and knew the time had come. Their love had remained hidden for too long, and it demanded to be acknowledged.
Finally as the music came to a flourishing end, John tossed Teyla in the air, and she landed at his feet just as they'd practiced in the sparring room. For a second, no one breathed. Teyla stared up at John, wondering if he would end this just as he'd done every time they'd practiced. Slowly, she stood, pulling the foot she'd extended behind her across the ground as a few brave souls began to clap. John stared at her, a fierce expression on his face. Then, without breaking eye contact, he pulled her close and kissed her just as she'd hoped he would.
The few claps turned to applause, but Teyla heard none of it. Finally, after five years, too many Wraith, and a couple of trips from one galaxy to another, John Sheppard had acknowledged his true place in her life. Teyla returned the kiss and slipped her arms around his neck, finally allowing herself to dream of a ring similar to Jennifer's and a home at this man's side for the remainder of their days.