Another ficlet for Teyla/Rodney (established relationship)for the Live Journal Community "letter love", for the letter V...
She laughs out loud as she catches him with Jinto and his friends, trying in vain to shirk their attention. He hears her and delivers a sour look, though she suspects that it is less genuine than he would like. Jinto catches the exchange between them, and tugs at Rodney's sleeve to whisper into his ear. Teyla has no idea what has been said, but she wonders whether this is the first time that she has seen Rodney blush.
"Dr. McKay is a good man." She hadn't realised that Halling was standing next to her, watching the same scene with interest.
"Yes...he is." She averts her eyes when his intentions dawn on her. When she looks up at him a moment later, the slight curve of his lips assures her that the conversation isn't going to be as difficult as she had anticipated. "How did you know?"
"The way he looks at you. The way you look at him. The fact that he less...trying than before. He is happy, that much is obvious to anyone. And you are happy. That is obvious to me." They stand together in amicable silence as they watch Rodney relax and interact with his companions with increasing ease. Judging by the serene smile that graces his face in between his speeches, she suspects that he is talking about either science or food.
Halling had been surprised at her choice at first, expecting Teyla to choose a warrior like herself. As they approach, he sees the change in Rodney's demeanour and understands her decision. For while Rodney McKay may not be a leader or a soldier, it is clear that he is a man who puts his heart and soul into all that he does. Teyla reaches for his hand as he arrives at her side, which he gladly surrenders. She brushes his fingers with his lips, and Halling can almost see Rodney's brain at work as he derives the meaning of the gesture. The ecstatic smile on Jinto's face confirms that he too has reached the same conclusion. Halling nods his farewell as they take their leave, Teyla leading Rodney slowly and deliberately into her hut.
"So...now that everyone here knows about us, I guess we can be as loud as we like, right?"
She smirks. "In all the time that I have known you Rodney, I suspect that I have never heard you show restraint."
He wraps his arms around her and brushes his lips against the lobe of her ear before whispering, "On the contrary. You have never heard me unrestrained."