Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate Atlantis.

"I asked you here because I thought that it would give us a chance to talk…alone," Teyla said directly to the woman sitting across from her in the 'mess. "I realize that Ronon may come across rather abruptly, but it is his way. He is very protective of Rodney, even though he does not show it. Whereas Rodney's sarcasm acts as a defense mechanism, Ronon's abruptness serves the same purpose. I assure you, Lieutenant Cadman, although he does not show it, he is as worried as you and I. They have never been this late before."

"It's nice to know he cares," Cadman grumbled.

"Despite your harsh words, Lieutenant, I know that you care very deeply about each every person in this city…especially Dr. McKay…he probably more than anyone else. Possibly even more than you are aware of at this time. I assure you, Lieutenant, he will be fine," Teyla said patting her hand comfortingly.

"I'm not in love with him if that is what you think and why do you keep telling me that he will be fine if you are as worried as I am?" Cadman blustered.

"For the mere reason that you and I are worried for different things. You are worried for his life and I am worried for his health. You may not know Colonel Sheppard and Dr. McKay very well, so I will explain. Dr. McKay and Colonel Sheppard are men," Teyla began.

Cadman rolled her eyes and gave Teyla a 'no shit' look.

Teyla seemed nonplussed. She continued, "Men tend to express their feelings in odd ways. For example, Dr. McKay prefers sarcasm, Ronon acts in an abrupt manner, and Colonel Sheppard uses humor as a way to deflect feelings and emotional attachments. All of the men in this city behave in similar manners, thus they all have similar defense mechanisms. All except Dr. Beckett, who has an odd preoccupation with his mother…" Teyla trailed off. Something that was very odd for the Athosian. "What was I saying?"

"Carson has an odd preoccupation with his mother," Cadman smirked.

"Before that."

"Defense mechanisms."

"Oh, right," Teyla said remembering. "Surely you must have noticed."

"Noticed what?"

"Noticed Dr. Beckett's preoccupation with his mother. He talks about her all the time. You've dated him. Did you not find it odd?"

"Yeah," Cadman giggled.

"I believe he is what Colonel Sheppard and Dr. McKay call a 'mama's boy'"

Cadman laughed, "That's one way to describe him."

Teyla took a sip of her tea, "If you don't mind me asking, why did the two of you break up?"

"It wasn't working out," Cadman shrugged.

Teyla was clearly not satisfied.

"He's too nice," Cadman said. "He's sweet. I was always afraid that he was going to cry if I said something sarcastic."

"So you prefer men that have a sarcastic streak to them. Interesting."

"No. It's not interesting! It's sick! I want a guy who'll pick a fight with me just because he's bored. I want a guy who'll call me names and pull my hair just because he wants to. I want a guy who is passionate and smart and enjoys a good argument."

"And that is not Dr. Beckett?"

"No. Carson is sweet and caring and sensitive and kind and all wrong for me. How fucked up is that? He's like the perfect guy and after I go through all that trouble to be with him, I end realizing that I don't want to."

"And Dr. McKay is more suitable?"

"Rodney is passionate and funny and I'll never admit this to him, but he's brilliant."

"Dr. Beckett is also brilliant."

"I know, but it's different with Rodney. I can't explain it."

Teyla quirked an eyebrow.

"Now, hold on a minute there. I am not in love with him!"

"I never said that you were in love with him, Lieutenant. It is you who keeps denying it In fact, the subject of love never came up in our conversation. If you want to know what I think…"

"Do I have a choice?" Cadman cut Teyla off.

Teyla just smiled and continued, "I think that what is between you and Dr. McKay is more than merely being in love. The two of you belong together, like no one else I've ever met. I sincerely believe that. Most of your people believe that to be…I believe the correct word is sappy, but my people believe otherwise. My people believe that finding an other or the person who is to become one's other is a blessed thing and the few that do should honor it because not everyone is so lucky. Rodney is your other."

"We're not lovers."

"An other does not have to be a lover. An other can be a friend, a partner. Someone who understands you better than anything. It is someone…"

"Teyla, we've just received word that Colonel Sheppard and Dr. McKay will be arriving on Atlantis shortly," Elizabeth Weir said into Teyla's earpiece.

"Thank you, Dr. Weir," Teyla said graciously.

"We must go. They will be arriving on Atlantis shortly," Teyla informed Cadman.

Teyla and Laura discarded their trash and walked towards the gate room in silence.

"He will be fine, Lieutenant," Teyla said squeezing her shoulder comfortingly. "I am sure of it."

"I hope you're right," Cadman said softly.