Series: Stargate Atlantis
Theme: Alternate Universe
Characters: Pairing John & Teyla; Main Cast
Rating/Warning: R/Language & Sexual situations.
Summary: Teyla Emmagan has a plan; two years of work as a paralegal at CCW Law offices and then she'll be ready to open her own ballet school. But Teyla soon learns that life is never simple and that love can change even the best laid plans.
A Personal Matter
Teyla fumbled with the clock, before finally shutting off the alarm. She let out a long sigh, willing her body to move and then threw back the covers and rose from the bed. She made her way down the hall to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water. Placing her empty cup in the sink, she stepped out onto her private patio and began her yoga stretches.
Teyla gazed out at the desert landscape as her body flowed from one pose to another. She'd missed this; the quiet beauty of the desert, surrounded by mountainous terrain. She'd grown up in Phoenix, Arizona, but pursued a bachelor's in law at NYU. Teyla had just landed an internship at a prestigious law firm, when she realized she would prefer a career in dance. It hadn't been easy, but the support of her parents, her brother and skills as a paralegal to fall back on, she'd made due. And after ten years of cramped apartments, a string of unsteady gigs and the occasional hit Broadway show in the hustle and bustle of New York City, the wide open spaces of the desert seemed like heaven. She'd only been back for six months and knew that with time she'd once again take its beauty for granted as she did in her childhood. But for now, she reveled in its glory.
Teyla glanced at her watch as she entered the lobby of the law offices of Caldwell, Carter and Weir. She'd been working with the firm for five months now. It wasn't a permanent job, or at least that's what she told herself, just something to pay the bills until she opened up her own dance school. The job had actually come to her by chance. Her brother, Ronon, had run into and old Air Force buddy of their father's, Steven Caldwell. He'd inquired about the family, Ronon mentioned the she was coming back to Phoenix and before the day had ended, Teyla was faxing a copy of her resume to the firm.
Teyla stored her things in her desk and went to put her lunch in the refrigerator. As she made her way to the break room, Teyla noticed that the office seemed to be abuzz with excitement. She was closing the refrigerator door, when Kate Heightmeyer entered the room and made a beeline for the coffeemaker. Teyla smiled.
"Morning Katie."
"Good Morning."
"Do you know what's going on out there? Everyone seems to be in a tizzy."
Kate stirred in her sugar and cream and leaned against the counter.
"You haven't heard?"
"Obviously not."
Kate looked surprised.
"The firm is going to handle the divorce."
Teyla frowned.
"What divorce?"
Kate tapped her plastic spoon against the edge of her mug and tossed it into the trash.
"The Divorce. Of John and Chaya Sheppard."
Teyla's brows rose when she recognized the name.
"John Sheppard, the actor?"
Kate nodded.
"Elizabeth is handling the case, but hasn't picked her team yet. The rumor circulating is that he'll be here this afternoon."
Teyla smiled when the other woman sighed.
"Don't worry Katie, I'm sure he'll stop by your desk to ask for directions to the restroom or something."
Kate smirked.
"Ha ha, very funny. With my luck I won't see him at all."
She stumped her foot.
"Why can't I work directly for Elizabeth?!"
"Because you busted your butt to get your position under Sam."
Kate sighed.
"True, they're all excellent at what they do; Caldwell is an iron fist, Carter the brains and Weir the diplomat, but I do prefer Sam's style."
She glanced at her watch.
"Duty calls. Lunch at eleven?"
Teyla nodded.
"It's a date."
She'd been sitting at her desk for only a few minutes, when Elizabeth asked to see Teyla in her office. She knocked on the door, which stood open, and pocked her head inside. Elizabeth glanced up from her computer and waved her in.
"Please have a seat."
As Teyla did so, she turned to face her fully and crossed her hands on her desk.
"I'm sure you've already heard that I've landed the Sheppard divorce case."
Teyla nodded and she continued.
"I think you realize that this will be one of the largest cases that we've handled so far. And that it's very important that we put our best foot forward. I'll need assistants who can remain focused, professional and be very discreet. Even with there own co-workers."
Teyla agreed.
"I am looking for two assistants for my team, one that can work one on one with me and Mr. Sheppard, and one to assist strictly with the paper work. Now, Steven has mentioned to me that you've worked on Broadway and have experience working with celebrities."
Teyla nodded.
"Yes, that is true."
"Good because I want you on my team."
Teyla smiled.
"Thank you."
Elizabeth giggled.
"Don't thank me yet. I see a lot of long hours and late nights ahead of us. I also still need to pick a second assistant. Would you have any suggestions?"
"I've heard that Radek Zelenka is very good."
Elizabeth scribbled down his name.
"Okay, I'll consider him. Now, Sheppard will be here at two. So, meet me here in an hour and we'll go over everything in detail. You two will have a bit of catching up to do before he arrives."
Teyla was waiting in the lobby, when John Sheppard walked through the front door. She recognized him instantly; the infamous hair, the charming smile that melted hearts around the world and of course those beautifully expressive eyes. He was alone, which surprised her. She was used to celebrities that traveled with some sort of an entourage. Teyla intercepted him before he made it to the reception desk.
"Mr. Sheppard, I'm Teyla Emmagan, I'll be working with you and Elizabeth Weir on your case."
They shook hands.
"Mrs. Weir sends her apologies. She would have met you herself, but was delayed by an important call."
John smiled.
"That's fine. I'm a little early anyway."
Teyla smiled.
"Good, I this way please."
She led him to the elevators and up to the fourth floor conference room. Teyla had just offered John refreshment, which he declined, when Elizabeth walked in. Once they all settled around the table, they immediately got down to business.
"His Kind of Woman or Untamed Desires?"
Teyla turned to find John Sheppard peering over her shoulder. He watched as several emotions played across her face; recognition, surprise and embarrassment. Teyla blushed.
"Mr. Sheppard, hi. What are you doing here?"
"My hotel's not too far away so I swung by to kill some time. And it's John by the way."
She glanced around the store and noticed a few people staring.
"Is it safe for you to be out in public like this?"
He grinned.
"Don't worry. If things get out of hand, I know how to make a quick exit."
John glanced down at the books in her hand.
"Planning a little light reading?"
She bit her lip.
"Just something to kill the time."
He nodded as Teyla returned the books to the shelf.
"I thought you were supposed to be in New York this week."
"That was two weeks ago and we've finished filming ahead of schedule. I came back to look at some real estate."
She arched a brow.
"You're considering moving to Phoenix?"
He sighed.
"Yup. I've been here before for a couple of movies and really like the area. It's close to L.A., but not too close, giving me a bit more privacy. I think it has a lot of potential."
She grinned.
"You're talking to a native so you'll get no argument from me. I think this place is the best in the world."
John laughed.
"That's the general impression that I get from everyone around here."
Teyla glanced at her watch.
"Well, it's getting late. I'd better go."
He grinned.
"A hot date?"
She held up her cell phone.
"A call for a taxi, dinner from the food court and I should make it home in time for CSI."
He frowned.
"You're not driving?"
She hung her head in mock shame.
"No. I'm supposed to get a car. Actually, I should have one already, but after ten years of taxis and subways, I seem to be dragging my feet."
John shook his head.
"Come on, I'll give you a ride home."
He cut her off before she could protest.
"I insist. I mean it."
Together they walked to the food court of the mall. Teyla went to order her dinner, while John chatted with fans and sighed autographs. She waited for him to finish and followed him out to his car. John held the door open for her and then slipped into the driver's seat. Teyla glanced around the interior of the Jaguar convertible and smiled.
"Nice car."
"Thanks, but it's a rental."
She gave directions and within fifteen minutes she was home. John slipped into a parking spot, while she dug for her keys, and came around to assist her.
"Thank you for the ride, I appreciate it."
He smiled.
"You're welcome, but I have one favor to ask."
Her brows rose in question.
"And that is?"
"Get a car, soon."
Teyla smiled.
"I'll try. Good night Mr. Sheppard."
He frowned.
"Good night John."
"G'night Teyla."
He waited until she made it safely into her apartment, before climbing into the car and driving away.
Teyla waited for the elevator and pulled out her cell phone to make a call.
"Let me guess? You're calling for a taxi?"
She grinned.
"Hello Mr. Sheppard."
John rolled his eyes.
"I've been periodically talking to you on the phone for what….. over three months now. And I've visited this place only god knows how many times. You'd think my name would be rolling off your tongue by now."
Teyla titled her head.
"I'm sorry, it's just a habit. I always refer to clients by their last names as a sign of respect."
He smiled.
"Well thank you, that's very nice, but it's past seven and you're off the clock. So, work with me now."
He pointed two finders at his mouth.
"J…J.Joh John. John."
Teyla shook her head in exasperation.
"Good night, Mr. Sheppard."
She smiled as the bell sounded and entered the elevator. John followed her inside and leaned against the back wall.
"Man, you're mean."
Teyla laughed.
"I am not."
"Are too."
"Am not."
"Yes you are. Look, I'll prove it. I'm going to ask you something very nice, very innocent and I bet you'll say no."
She glanced over her shoulder.
"Ask me what?"
John folded his arms.
"Would you like to go out to dinner with me?"
Teyla faced forward and shook her head.
"I can't."
He sighed.
"Told ya, meanie."
"It's not that I wouldn't like too, it's just that I shouldn't. You're a client of Elizabeth's. How would it look if someone from the firm saw us together?"
They exited the elevator once it reached the ground floor. Teyla continued through the lobby and didn't stop until she exited the building.
"They would say: Aw, how nice of Teyla to spend a little time with that lonely gentleman. Such a shame, his wife leaving him like that. That poor, poor man."
She smirked at his sad face and puppy dog eyes.
"I believe it goes a little more like: Oh my god, I can't believe she did that. It's so unprofessional. You're fired."
John's brow knotted.
"Fired, is that what you're worried about? Look, I'll go upstairs and run the whole thing by Elizabeth. That way there's no confusion."
He turned to go back inside the building, but Teyla grabbed his arm.
"John no."
He faced her and grinned.
"So now it's John."
"Are you trying to get me canned?"
He frowned.
"Of course not, I'd just like your company for dinner and to see you home safely. That's it. I swear."
He watched her as she considered her options.
"You don't have other plans do you? A date or something?"
Teyla considered lying, but didn't bother.
"No, I was going to snuggle up on the sofa with some Chinese and watch old movies."
"Wasn't there a P.F. Chang's not too far from where you live?"
She nodded.
"Yes."
"We could go there and I would take you home right after dinner. As simple as pie."
John smiled. He could see that she was beginning to waiver. Teyla eyed him suspiciously. She was tired from long days at work all week, but the thought of dinner at one of her favorite restaurants and not having to wait for a cab perked her up a bit. The only problem was that John was a client. A famous client. And the likelihood of running into a co-worker was……well it wasn't that great because most of them lived in Scottsdale and she didn't, but it was still possible. She glanced and John and bit her lip.
"If I do this…"
His smile grew.
"..you have to promise not to tell anyone."
"Done."
She sighed.
"Okay."
Teyla sat back and relaxed in the passenger's seat. The soft music on the radio and the low hum of the Jaguar's engine as John merged onto the highway traffic, made her a bit drowsy. She studied his profile as he shifted gears and sent the car speeding down the freeway. He'd been right earlier. About her calling him by his last name, but then he was different from the average client. Caldwell, Carter, and Weir often represented wealthy or semi –famous clients and after the initial day of counsel they usually preferred to discuss there cases via phone or mail and often requested that the lawyers come to them. There were many times were Teyla never met the client until their day in court. On those type cases, it was easier not to cross the line between client and friend. John Sheppard was different. He was one of the most famous actors in the world, but he did everything in his power to protect his privacy. He didn't walk around with a group of people handling his affairs. And he didn't expect to be treated differently because of his occupation. He was handsome, kind, friendly, humble and made a point of being deeply involved in the proceedings of his divorce. Elizabeth sang his praises all day and Teyla could easily understand why, there was a lot to like about him. And seeing that, Teyla had made a point of keeping her distance.
They pulled into the restaurant's parking lot. John assisted Teyla from the car and escorted her through the doors. He was instantly recognized and quickly seated in a slightly more secluded area. After the waiter left with their orders, he turned to her and smiled.
"Better than take out?"
She returned his smile.
"Yes, I haven't been here in a while, so this is very nice. Thank you for inviting me."
"You don't have to thank me. I promise you, it was a purely selfish act."
Teyla laughed.
"Well in that case, never mind. Are you still looking at real estate in the area?"
"Yes, but I think I may need to find another realtor. One was recommended to me by a friend, but this guy keeps showing me all of these sprawling mansions and that's not what I'm looking for. I have one in California. It was what Chaya wanted and I've never really cared for it. I do want something big, but big enough for just me."
"Steven and Elizabeth just bought a new house a little over a year ago. It's beautiful and big. I could mention it to her, if you like. I'm sure she still has her realtor's information."
John agreed.
"I'd appreciate it."
"Then I will."
He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.
"You're a Phoenix native. Do you have any areas to recommend settling down in?"
She shook her head.
"I've been gone for a very long time and so much around here has changed. I'm not as familiar with the area as I used to be."
"You've mentioned that before, ten years in New York City. You worked at a law firm there as well?"
"No, I danced."
His brows rose in surprise.
"You're a dancer? No wonder you have such nice legs."
Teyla laughed to cover her blush.
"What!"
He shook his head.
"It's a guy thing. So, tell me about New York. What type of dance do you do? Why did you leave?"
She waited until after the waiter served their meals to begin.
"I had just received my bachelors and landed an internship with Hammond, Landry and O'Neill, but I decided to pursue a career in dance instead."
John looked surprised.
"You turned down an internship with HLO!?! I know people who would murder just to get in the front door. That had to be a hard decision."
Teyla grinned.
"At the time the decision wasn't so hard, but telling my family was another story. I was lucky. By chance, I went to an audition for the Nutcracker with a friend. She was nervous and said that having someone with her would help. It did. They hired us both, but at the time I wasn't seriously thinking of pursuing a career in dance. If it wasn't for my brother, I'd probably be at HLO right now. He encouraged me to take a chance. If it didn't work, I still had my degree and could always fall back on that."
John sat back in his chair.
"Wow, you've lived a charmed life; NYU Law, HLO, the Nutcracker and now Caldwell, Carter and Weir? That's amazing."
Teyla smirked.
"Look who's talking about charmed lives?"
John shrugged off her comment.
"You've succeeded at everything you you've ever tried, I haven't."
Her face fell.
"Gee, I don't know? Ten million dollars a movie, name in lights, being world famous, I don't think that qualifies as a failure. Besides, I wouldn't really call what I've done success. It's true that there were a lot of people worse off than I was, but I still wish I could have done more."
"Did you work steadily?"
"Most of the time."
"What did you do when you weren't dancing?"
"I worked as a paralegal."
"So, whether it was dance or law, you had a steady job?"
She nodded.
"Yes."
He eyed her.
"In my book, that's called success. So anyway, why did you quit ballet and return home?"
Teyla took a sip of wine before answering.
"After ten years of continually looking for gigs, I decided that I'd had enough. I think in the back of my mind, I always knew that I would return home and open my own ballet school. I've been saving for it a long time and in two years I'll have reached my goal. And then, that will be it."
She looked up to find John staring at her with a strange expression on his face.
"What?"
He shrugged.
"I think you're amazing. Has anyone ever told you that?"
Teyla blushed, shook her head and changed the subject.
"So, tell me something about you. I read somewhere that you have a degree in literature, do you write any?"
John smiled knowingly, but didn't push the issue.
"Yes I write, but haven't shown any of my work. I also hope to one day direct and produce as well."
Teyla smiled, slightly relieved.
The evening grew late and they soon finished their meals. After leaving the restaurant, John drove Teyla home. He got out of the car and walked around the other side and opened the door. She thanked him as he closed the door and leaned against it.
"Thank you again for the ride home and for the wonderful dinner."
John grinned.
"My pleasure."
"Well, good night."
"Good night."
John glared at the three people who sat across the conference table; his soon to be ex-wife Chaya and her lawyers, Steve and Robert Wraith. They were out of their minds. There was no way in hell he was giving that slut twenty million dollars. He listened as Elizabeth reminded them that the prenuptial agreement, signed by both parties, stated that in the event the marriage was dissolved, Chaya Sar- Sheppard would receive a sum of five million dollars and sole ownership of the mansion in California. But they were demanding more, she was demanding more; the house and the twenty million. He'd had enough. It was time to lay all the cards on the table. John cut off Chaya's lawyer in the middle of his speech.
"Excuse me Bob, but I don't need to hear anymore. What I need is for Chaya to sign on the dotted line, so that I can get on with my life. Or….this can get very ugly."
Both lawyers glanced at Chaya and the turned back to John.
"What are you talking about?"
John gave a mirthless grin.
"A man by the name of Acastus Kolya."
He looked at Chaya.
"You do remember him don't you or were there so many others that you can't keep count?"
Elizabeth and Teyla shared a look behind John's back. He continued.
"I know about Kolya and I know about the baby that you got rid of. But in an effort to show some respect for this sham of a marriage, I held my peace. Now, you're more then welcome to what's set in the terms of the prenup, but if you want to go to court we can do that too. I'll just call Kolya, who also knows about the baby, though neither one of us are one hundred percent sure who's the father and we can all go to court. He's more than willing to testify and I have copies of the bill from the abortion clinic. I guess you were running low on cash that day, because you charged it to our joint account."
Chaya jumped up from her seat and began screaming. Her lawyers tried to get her under control, but it was no use.
"That's a lie! That's a lie! There was no affair and no abortion. You're making this up to make me look bad, you bastard!"
John grinned, but his eyes were hard, angry.
"That's wonderful. I'm a lying bastard and you're a cheating bitch. Ha! A match made in heaven."
Chaya lunged across the table, but her lawyers pulled her back. They escorted her from the room and Elizabeth followed them out. John rose from the table and went to the window. Teyla sighed. She was horrified by what she'd just learned and felt horrible for John. He was such a nice person and deserved so much more. She rose from the table and walked to his side.
"Mr. Sheppard."
He continued to stare off into space, lost deep in thought. She titled her head.
"John. John?"
He still didn't respond, so she placed a hand on his shoulder. He turned to look at her.
"Can a get you anything? Water? A snack?"
Teyla bit her lip.
"A hitman?"
John laughed.
"Let me get back to you on the hitman, but other then that I'm fine. Thank you."
Teyla stood there for a moment, unsure if she should say anything, but her heart wouldn't let her be still. She gazed into his eyes, noting their sadness.
"I'm sorry."
He let out a long sigh.
"So am I. Thank you."
Elizabeth breezed back into the room, closing the door behind her.
"Well, it appears that once they got Chaya to calm down, she agreed to the terms of the prenup. We should get the paperwork from them tomorrow and a few weeks from now, you'll be a free man."
John bowed his head and let out another sigh. Elizabeth came and sat on the edge of the table.
"Why didn't you tell me all of those things before? We probably could have cut the time in half with that information."
John curved his lips.
"She was my wife and there was a time when I really loved her and I think she loved me. Even though the marriage didn't work, that time to me is sacred. I didn't want a media circus, I just wanted out, but I refused to let her make a fool out of me anymore. And I think today, she realized that."
It was early evening when Teyla walked out of the supermarket. She had three grocery bags in one hand and four in the other.
"You have got to be kidding me?"
She looked up at John and smiled.
"Hello."
He crossed his arms and frowned.
"Where's your car?"
She shrugged.
"At the dealer…….waiting for me to come and find it."
He shook his head in exasperation.
"Give me those."
John reached for her bags, but she held on.
"I can walk, it's not far."
"You live two and a half blocks away and in this heat your food will go bad before you make it down the first one."
"Not if I hurry."
He smirked and took her bags.
"Come on."
"Weren't you on your way in the store?"
"I can come back later."
"No, we can put my things in the trunk and you can go back now. Making a second trip to the store is a waste of gas."
He turned to stare at her.
"What do you care about the price of gas? You don't even have a car!"
Teyla watched as he placed her things in the trunk and shut it.
"That's beside the point. You go and get your things now, or I walk home."
John rolled his eyes.
"Fine, come on."
She followed him as he made his way back to the store. John headed straight for the travel size items in the personal care isle.
"Congratulations, by the way. It's been what…..twenty-four hours?"
He nodded.
"Yeah, something like that."
She titled her head.
"So, how does it feel to be a free man?"
"Depressing, relieving, exciting…"
He turned and looked at her.
"…..it feels pretty good."
John continued to another isle and stopped in front of a selection of condoms. He studied the different options. Teyla did as well.
"Oooohhh, try the Trojan Mint Tingle Condoms, I have a friend that loves them. She says that you can really feel the….."
She looked up to find John staring at her with a weird expression on his face. Teyla cleared her throat and then grinned.
"Sorry."
He shook his head.
"Don't apologize. It's just that I don't think I've ever had a conversation like this before. I rarely take women condom shopping. Now, what were you saying about the Mint Tingle?"
Teyla blushed.
"My friend said…… well, she said they were…….nice."
"Do they come with spermicidal lubricant?"
She shrugged.
"I'm not sure."
John grabbed a pack and threw them in the basket and headed for the counter.
"What are you still doing in town? I'd thought you'd be in L.A. celebrating like there's no tomorrow. You deserve a little fun right now. By the way, what did you do to celebrate?"
"Nothing."
Teyla walked with him back out to the car and turned to look at him after he opened the car's passenger door.
"Nothing? You have to do something. What are you doing tonight?"
"Grabbing a little fast food and going back to the hotel."
She frowned.
"No dinner, no clubbing, no movie, no nothing?"
He smirked.
"Nothing."
Teyla slipped into the passenger's seat and he closed the door. When he climbed in the other side and turned the ignition she looked at him.
"You're welcome to come to my place for dinner."
John turned to her in surprise.
"I thought you were all up in arms about client - employee relations?"
She grinned.
"Well, your divorce has been finalized and you no longer require the services of Caldwell, Carter and Weir. So, technically you are a former client."
He stared at her.
"Are you sure?"
She nodded.
"Yes."
John followed Teyla into her condo and placed the bags on the kitchen counter. He looked around the spacious apartment as she unpacked the groceries.
"This is nice."
Teyla smiled.
"Thank you. Do you like lasagna?"
He nodded and glanced down the hall.
"Yes. How many bedrooms?"
She pulled out a bottle of wine.
"Three bedrooms, two bath. You're welcome to take a look, but if you see a mess please excuse it, I wasn't expecting company."
"Deal."
Teyla had put everything away and was starting dinner when he returned.
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
She smiled.
"You can set the table. By the way, would you like something to drink; water, juice, tea, soda, wine?"
"Beer?"
"Is Heineken okay?"
John grinned.
"Of course."
"One Heineken, coming up."
He'd set out the napkins, plates, glasses and silverware by the time Teyla handed him a mug of beer. John stared down at the chilled mug in surprise.
"Okay, what gives?"
Her brow knotted.
"I'm sorry."
"You're a nice person, beautiful, financially secure, successful, and a good cook by the smell of what's coming out of that kitchen. Not to mention you keep beer in the fridge and chilled mugs. Why aren't you married?"
Teyla laughed.
"I guess I've always been so focused on my career and family, that I put everything else second. And I have a very big and angry little brother who likes to intimidate every guy that I date."
John leaned against the counter and she cut up vegetables for a salad.
"But you do want to get married?"
"Yes and have children."
"When?"
She shrugged.
"Soon I hope, but if the right man doesn't come along then there are other options. What about you? What are you going to do now?"
"I'm off to Europe next week to shoot a new movie, but after that I'm taking a break. Find a house, settle in and get myself ready for my next gig."
They talked of many things over the next few hours; television, movies, theater, Broadway, literature and music. Teyla served salad, garlic bread, lasagna, and mixed vegetables for dinner and strawberry cream cheese cake for dessert. Afterwards they cleaned off the dinning room table and kitchen area. John placed the dry towel and the handle of the refrigerator and glanced at his watch. He whistled.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was so late."
She glanced up at the clock on the microwave which said eleven thirty and grinned.
"That's okay, I don't have work tomorrow, but you do have to catch a flight in the morning."
"I'll be fine, but I better go."
Teyla walked him to the door and they stood facing each other.
"It was nice meeting you John Sheppard. You're a nice guy. I wish you luck."
John grinned.
"Thank you for that and for tonight. And good luck with your ballet school. I hope you find that right guy, you deserve him."
Teyla smiled.
"Thank you."
"But I need you to promise me something and I won't take no for an answer."
She knotted her brow.
"And what is that?"
"That you'll go buy a car."
Teyla laughed.
"I'll try, I promise."
John huffed.
"You said that a couple of months ago."
John grinned and then his face grew serious.
"It was a pleasure to know you. Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
John leaned forward and gently brushed his lips against hers. He was surprised by the strong jolt of desire that traveled down his spine and settled in his groin. He stepped back and looked at Teyla, who seemed just as surprised as he and captured her chin in his hand. He kissed her again, this time applying a bit more pressure and she responded in kind. John nibbled at the corner of her mouth until she opened for him. He slipped his tongue inside the warm silky contours of her mouth and moaned in pleasure. John slipped his arms around Teyla's waist and turned her so that her back pressed against the door. He deepened the kiss further; sending her tongue on a merry chase that entangled it with his own. John's hands lazily explored the contours of her body. They started at the swell of her hips and continued around to cup the roundness of her behind. From there they traveled up her sides and stopped to measure the ripeness of her breast before giving them a gentle squeeze. John ended the kiss and trailed his lips down the side of her neck. Teyla panted for breath, but titled her head giving him better access to her neck and shoulder. She could feel the press of his leg between her thighs and the material of her dress rising to her hips. She sighed.
"John."
He gazed at her and captured her lips in another kiss. John rested his head against hers and breathed deeply, trying to regain his self control. His lips brushed against her ear.
"Let me know now, before it's too late. Do you want this?"
Teyla dropped her head to his shoulder.
"I don't know."
John captured her earlobe between his lips and began to gently suck. She moaned as sparks of pleasure gathered in her stomach and dropped between her thighs.
"Yes."
John looked at her.
"Are you sure?"
She nodded.
"Yes."
Teyla cupped his face and pulled him into another kiss and then helped him out of his shirt. John kicked off his shoes and untied the knot behind her neck that held her sundress in place. When it fell to her waist, he eased the dress over he hips and pushed it to the floor. Her underwear soon followed. He paused for a moment as Teyla unzipped his pants and eased her hand inside. John dropped his head against hers and groaned. She pushed his pants and boxers down together and he kicked them aside. John kissed Teyla and sent his hands on a more thorough exploration of her body. He made a point of memorizing every line, every curve, every swell and every valley of her beautiful form. John could feel his desire building and ensured that Teyla's did as well. He stroked the center of her heat until she nearly burst into flame. John lifted Teyla, wrapping her legs around his waist and thrust deeply. He pinned her to the door and adjusted his grip on her hips, before pulling back to the hilt and thrusting deeply again. Teyla moaned as John rocked her against the door. Waves of desire filled her with each thrust and shivers of pleasure traveled down her spine from each stroke of his tongue. It was only a matter of minutes before she succumbed to the white flame that engulfed her and cried out in release. John's followed seconds later. Teyla was glad for his support when he stood her on her feet. She feared her wobbly legs wouldn't support her. John kissed her and smiled.
"Sorry about that. It's been a while, but don't worry I'll make it up to you."
Her brow knotted.
"Make it up to me?"
"Yeah."
He lifted her into his arms.
"We're not through just yet."
Teyla spent the next few hours in a haze of passion. There were moments when she couldn't tell where her body ended and John's began. He dominated, possessed and claimed; controlling her body at will and not just physically, but vocally as well. It wasn't until the wee hours of the mourning that he left her bed and slipped into the shower. Teyla put on her night gown as John dressed and then walked him to the door. He gazed at her for a few minutes before he spoke.
"Teyla, I-."
She held a finger to his lips.
"Don't. Tonight was ours and that's all. You have a lot to deal with right now. I have my own issues. Someday, I would like to see you again, but if that never happens…."
She shrugged.
"…that's okay."
She smiled.
"I'll have memories."
John kissed her. She was right that he shouldn't make promises to her that he wasn't sure he could keep, but he made a promise to himself. That this wouldn't be the last time that they saw each other. He glanced down at Teyla and caressed her face.
"Goodbye."
She smiled.
"Goodbye."
John kissed Teyla one last time and she watched as he walked down the sidewalk and slipped into his car. She waited until he drove off into the night before closing the door. Teyla rested her head against the wall, closed her eyes and sighed.