Series: Stargate Atlantis
Theme: Alternate Universe
Characters: Pairing John & Teyla; Main Cast
Rating/Warning: R/Language & Sexual situations.
Summary: Life goes on for Teyla, but she finds herself needing the loving support of her family more and more everyday.
A Delicate Condition
Over the next few weeks, Teyla stayed very busy. She buried herself in case after case, but after a while the long work days and restless nights began to take their toll. Teyla often thought of John and their night together. She'd told him the truth when she said that she'd have her memories and she visited them often. In celebration of her one year anniversary with CCW and her up coming birthday, Teyla decided to take a week of vacation. It was the Friday before her leave of absence was to begin that she received a call from her brother.
"Hey, what's going on?"
She smiled as his deep voice crackled through the line.
"Not much. Business is good. I've just been contracted to build a series of office buildings throughout the city. That should keep me busy for the next year or so. Other than that we finally finished the apartment complex downtown, so I have a little free time on my hands."
"Ro, that's wonderful! Have you called Mom and Dad to tell them yet?"
He sighed.
"That's kinda why I'm calling. I just got off the phone with Dad and he let it slip that they're making a surprise visit next week."
Teyla sat up.
"What?!"
"Yeah, they're coming down for your birthday. He didn't say exactly when or for how long."
She groaned.
"Noooo."
Teyla dropped her head against the back of the sofa.
"Sorry to be the bearer of bad news."
She sighed.
"At least I've been warned."
She could hear the laughter in his voice.
"I haven't seen you in nearly two weeks. What have you been up to?"
Ronon and Teyla continued their conversation for another thirty minutes before they ended the call. Teyla slumped down on the sofa and sighed. She should have known that with a family like hers there was no such thing as a vacation. She loved her parents, she did, but she just preferred them in small doses. They were welcome to visit any time and she couldn't wait to see them, but she knew, just like with every other visit, they would start to get on her nerves. It wasn't really her father, he was easy going and fun to talk to, but her mother's nagging.…. Teyla sighed. There was no helping it. They would be here in a few days and she needed to prepare.
Teyla spent Saturday morning cleaning her condo. Early Sunday morning she went grocery shopping and ran errands for the rest of the day. On Monday she rose to take a shower, but spent the rest of the day in bed. Mid-morning Tuesday, Ronald, Alia and Ronon Dex appeared on her doorstep. Teyla hugged her parents in greeting and frowned at her brother's knowing grin.
"Mom, Dad, what a wonderful surprise! It's a good thing I just cleaned this weekend."
Ronon carried their bags into the guest room, while they settled on the sofa. Teyla went in the kitchen to get them something to drink. When she returned to the living room, she looked at the striking couple and smiled.
Ronald Dex and Alia Emmagan had met and fell in love many years ago. At the time Ronald was a captain in the Air Force and Alia a cashier at the Base Exchange. Her father had often said that he was immediately drawn to her mother's exotic beauty, a gift from her Native American heritage. And her mother said the she had become enthralled with Ronald's beautiful skin, unwavering strength and commanding presence, something that he'd inherited from his African ancestors. They'd only been dating for a couple of months when her father received orders for a one year tour to Korea. Shortly after he left, Alia discovered she was pregnant and when Ronald returned home it was to his fiancée and daughter, Teyla. They quickly married and a couple of years later Ronon arrived.
Ronon came from the back room and nudged Teyla.
"You got anything to eat?"
They sat around chatting over lunch and well into the afternoon. Later that evening, at her father's suggestion, they went out for dinner and a movie. Wednesday was spent visiting with friends in the old neighborhood. Ronon also took them by his construction company so that they could see the layout of his new headquarters. On Thursday morning Teyla took her mother shopping, while her father and brother had lunch with Steven Caldwell. That evening they went out to dinner to celebrate Teyla's birthday. On the ride home they rode in peaceful silence. That is, until Teyla's mother began. Alia sighed and patted Teyla's hand.
"Sweetheart, when are you going to give me a grandbaby to spoil? You know, you're not getting any younger."
Teyla stared out of the back window and rolled her eyes.
"Mom, don't you think I should meet a man first. I mean, I'm okay with artificial insemination, but having to look through descriptions of sperm donors and-."
"Teyla!"
She looked around innocently.
"What?"
"I don't want to talk to you about sperm."
Teyla shrugged.
"Well you need it to have a baby."
Her eyes met Ronon's in the rearview mirror and they shared a laugh. Her mother threw up her hands.
"You two are horrible. I'll be fifty five before you know it and have yet to hold a grandbaby in my arms. You two should be ashamed for making your mother suffer."
"Well, Ronon's been dating his latest flame for a couple of months now, maybe they'll give you a grandbaby."
Ronon glared at Teyla and then glanced back at his mom from the driver's seat.
"Sorry, but she's not the one."
On Friday they visited some of the newer communities popping up in the area and did some more shopping. Saturday was spent in downtown Phoenix and at the casino. Sunday afternoon, following brunch, Teyla rode with Ronon to take their parents to the airport. They helped them check in their luggage and walked with them as far as security would allow. They said their goodbyes outside of the 'passenger only' checkpoint. Ronon and Teyla smiled and waved as their parents made their way through the line. She sagged against him and sighed.
"Oh, thank god that that's over."
Ronon cocked his hip, giving her a jolt.
"You're not the one that Mom was nagging to marry a girlfriend of two only months."
Teyla glared at him.
"Would you like for them to stay with you next time?"
"They're watching."
They both smiled and waved again. This time waiting until their parents disappeared in the crowd. Teyla turned back to Ronon.
"Well?"
"Well, what?"
"Do you want Mom and Dad to stay with you?"
He glanced down at her.
"Do you want a ride home?"
Teyla tried to pinch his inner arm, but he quickly moved away. Ronon sighed dramatically.
"Come on."
He anchored an arm around her neck and pulled her down the corridor.
By Wednesday the following week Teyla was nearly dead on her feet. Her lack of a vacation was beginning to show. Kate looked across the lunch table at her friend and frowned.
"Honey, you look like hell froze over. Maybe you should take the rest of the day off."
Teyla shook her head.
"I can't do that, not after just returning from vacation."
"Why not? It's what sick days are for and you're obviously not feeling to well."
Teyla sighed.
"I'm just tired, Katie."
"Tired my eye, you're exhausted and barely eating your food. You probably have one of those twenty four hour bugs. You should go to the doctor."
Teyla frowned.
"A doctor! Geez Katie, I'm not dying. I just need a vacation to recover from my vacation."
"Call it what you want, you shouldn't be at work."
"What I need, is to make it through to Friday. After that, I can spend the weekend in bed and arrive fresh on Monday morning."
Kate stared at her in exasperation and then shook her head.
"Whatever you say, champ."
Teyla made it through to Friday, but just barely so. It was the end of the day and she was in Elizabeth's office to discuss a new case. As they wrapped things up, Teyla stood to leave and was struck by a sudden wave of dizziness. When she recovered, Teyla was leaning against the desk and Elizabeth was beside her. She sighed as the world came back into focus.
"Here, sit back down."
Elizabeth helped her back into the chair and knelt on the floor to pick up her pad of paper and pen. She placed them on the table and glanced at Teyla.
"Can I get you anything; water, orange juice?"
"No, I'm fine. Thank you."
"Still feeling a little tired?"
Teyla nodded. Elizabeth frowned.
"Your vacation didn't help?"
Teyla smiled.
"My parents came to visit."
Elizabeht's brows rose.
"Ah. You know, now that you've mentioned it, Steven did say he had lunch with your father last week."
Teyla rose from the chair.
"I'm feeling better. I think it's time for me to head home."
Elizabeth walked with her to her desk.
"If you'd like, I can give you a ride home."
Teyla turned off her computer and gathered her sweater and purse.
"Thank you, but I'll be fine with a taxi."
They continued to the elevator.
"Teyla, I want you to rest this weekend and call me on Monday. If you need more time off just let me know."
Teyla nodded.
"Are you sure you don't want me to give you a ride home?"
She smiled.
"I'm fine, but thanks again."
They said goodbye and Teyla made her way to the ground floor. When she arrived in the lobby, her taxi was already waiting out front. Teyla lightly dosed on the way home. Once there, she took a shower, ate a bowl of cereal and climbed into the bed. When she awoke next, it was Saturday evening.
Teyla sat on the examination table and waited for the doctor to return with her results. She was practicing the vision test when he entered the room. Dr. Carson Beckett pulled up a stool and sat beside Teyla.
"Before we go over your results, I'd like to ask you a few questions. Now, don't panic love, everything is fine. I just need some additional information."
She nodded.
"How long would you say that you've been feeling tired?"
Teyla thought for a moment before she responded.
"A couple of months maybe."
"Okay and have you noticed any weight gain in that time?"
She shook her head.
"No."
Dr. Beckett made a few notes on her records.
"I have one last question. When was your last menstrual cycle?"
"October the…."
Teyla thought for a moment and then frowned. She couldn't remember.
"What about September?"
She thought back to that month as well and came up blank. Dr. Beckett arched a brow.
"August?"
Teyla reached for her purse and pulled out her personal planner. She had to flip back four months before she found a red star indicating the start of her period. She began to panic.
"I've been under a lot of stress at work; paperwork, deadlines, court dates. It's been pretty hectic. Maybe I-."
The doctor shook his head.
"I'm sure that all of those things have contributed to your fatigue, but the main cause is that you're pregnant. I'd say a little over three months."
He smiled.
"Congratulations."
Teyla's eyes grew wide.
"Three months pregnant?!"
He turned to a draw and pulled out some documents.
"Now, I have some pamphlets of information for you to read and I'm giving you a prescription for prenatal-vitamins. I also have the card for an obstetrician. Her name is Dr. Keller. You can stay with her if you like, or just make an appointment or two until you find a doctor that you prefer."
He glanced at Teyla's dazed expression and placed a sympathetic hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry lass, everything will work out. You'll see."
When Teyla returned home that Monday afternoon, she immediately called Elizabeth and asked for the rest of the week off. After eating a light lunch, she ran herself a bubble bath and climbed in for a soak. Teyla ran her hand over her belly. Dr. Beckett had said that because of her small frame, she would soon begin to show. She smiled. A baby. John's baby. Teyla thought back over the four months of his divorce. She remembered trying to avoid him, trying to keep him at arms length, but it hadn't worked. Teyla understood why John had mass appeal as an actor, because it wasn't an act at all. There were other parts to John, darker, deeper, but they were all part of the package and she had fallen for it hook, line and sinker. Teyla wondered where he was now and how he was doing. She wondered if he already had another woman in his life. Either way it didn't matter, he would have to be notified. She owed him that much. What he did after that would fall on his shoulders. She would like for her child to know its father and she felt that he would want to be involved, but if for some reason he chose not to, it wasn't necessary. She wasn't expecting anything from John and didn't need his support. She would raise this child in a home filled will love, family and friends. Father or no father.
Ronon and Teyla flew to Miami to visit their parents over the Thanksgiving holiday. It was during the visit that Teyla informed them of her pregnancy. Her parents seemed to take it all in stride, but Ronon had become angry. Teyla stood in her mother's kitchen watching her brother through the sliding glass doors. He lay out on a hammock in the backyard staring at the sky. Alia came to stand beside Teyla and smiled.
"You know, even when he was little, Ronon used to try to protect you from those he thought might cause you harm. I remember being called up to your school on numerous occasions because he had beaten up some boy, twice his size, for teasing you or saying something mean. He loves you Teyla and wants to see you happy, because he knows how much you deserve it."
She nudged her daughter with her shoulder.
"Go talk to your brother."
Teyla stepped outside and walked over to Ronon. She waited until he looked at her before she spoke.
"Help me."
Ronon put a foot down to keep the hammock from swaying, while Teyla leaned on one of his arms for support. They lay side by side staring at the cloudy blue sky.
"Do you think I'll make a good mother?"
"Yeah."
"Are you happy for me?"
"Yes."
"Then why are you so angry?"
He glanced at her and sighed.
"You know I wish you the best, for you and for this baby."
"But…"
"But it rubs me raw to think that some asshole used you and left you to take care of his responsibilities!"
"Ronon, it's not like that at all. No one used me. I'm a big girl. I knew what I was doing and I'm happy to live with the consequences. Besides, he doesn't even know. You've judged the man before you've even met him. "
He looked at her.
"Who is he?"
She shook her head.
"I can't say, not yet."
She smiled at him.
"Just try to be happy for me, okay?"
"I am!"
"Then show it."
Teyla watched as his mouth curved and his nostrils flared. He looked as it he was sniffing horse manure. She smirked.
"The frown was prettier."
"You're pregnant!"
Teyla glanced around the restaurant and shushed her friend.
"Keep your voice down."
Kate leaned across the table and gave her a hug.
"Congratulations."
Teyla smiled.
"Thank you."
Kate's brow knotted.
"Hhmm."
Teyla frowned.
"What?"
Kate shrugged.
"I just didn't realize these things were so common place."
"Pregnancy?"
"No, immaculate conception."
Teyla threw her napkin across the table and laughed.
"You're horrible."
"So, who's the father?"
"I can't say."
"Well Ms. Mysterious, do you think he'll want to be involved?"
Teyla shrugged.
"Well, if you need somebody to hold him down while you break his legs, you have my number."
Teyla grinned.
"Thank you, but Ronon has already volunteered."
Kate ginned.
"And how is my husband to be? Has he broken up with the slut yet?"
Teyla laughed.
"You don't even know that woman. How can you call her a slut?"
"I don't have to. Any woman that he dates that isn't me is a slut."
They both laughed.
"Have you talked to Elizabeth yet?"
Teyla nodded.
"This morning. I really didn't have much of a choice. I'm already starting to show."
Kate looked at Teyla's stomach, ignoring the slight curve of her belly.
"Where? The guy who's serving us is more pregnant than you!"
Teyla covered her mouth as the waiter returned. He collected their empty dishes and glared at Kate before he turned and walked away. They burst into laughter when he was out of hearing range. Kate pulled a face.
"It's a good thing we ate already or I would have had turkey surprise."
Teyla groaned, feeling queasy at just the thought.
Ronon trailed behind Teyla as she walked down the isle looking at the different vehicles. It had been six weeks since she announced her pregnancy and she still wouldn't say who the father was. Ronon was determined to get it out of her and then he was going to bust that son of a bitch's ass. He was going to find him. Come hail or high water. Nothing was going to keep him from making that punk suffer.
"Have you talked to him yet?"
Teyla turned and looked at him.
"Talked to whom?"
He nodded towards her stomach.
"The father."
She rolled her eyes and sighed. Not again. He was going to drive her crazy.
"No, I haven't."
"But you are going to tell him though?"
"Of course."
"Have you tried?"
Teyla's temper erupted.
"Of course I've tried! I've called and left messages with some irritating little man, whom I seriously doubt is bothering to pass them on or else I would have heard from him by now!"
"Have you tried recently to see if he answers the phone?"
She frowned.
"No!"
Ronon arched a brow.
"Do you want me to?"
Teyla looked to the sky in frustration and sighed.
"Ronon, I know you want to help and I appreciate that, but this is something I'm going to have to do on my own. You've got enough on your plate right now as it is. Owning and operating a construction company takes a lot of work. So, don't worry about me. I'm a big girl. I can handle it."
Ronon watched as she suddenly turned and walked away.
"Tey? Where are you going?"
Teyla kept walking, but yelled over her shoulder.
"I gotta go pee!"
Teyla was in the kitchen making sandwiches for lunch while Ronon lounged on the sofa watching a game. Teyla glanced across the room.
"Do you want lettuce and tomato?"
He grunted in the affirmative. When to game came to a commercial Ronon went to the restroom. Teyla was humming softly to herself when the door bell rang. She wiped her hands on the dish towel and went to answer the door. When she opened it, she froze.
"John!"
He smiled at her until his eyes dropped to her stomach. Then his expression changed from one of surprise to one of confusion.
"You're pregnant?!"
Teyla backed away as he stepped inside and closed the door.
"I've been trying to get in contact with you for weeks, but couldn't get through."
John was beginning to get angry.
"When?"
"Throughout the holidays."
He stared down at her.
"Do you remember who you spoke to?"
She sighed.
"I don't know, some rude man. His name sounded like Metcalf, Michaels, Ma-."
"McKay?"
She shrugged.
"That could be it. I'm not sure. I just know he was very condescending."
John sighed.
"It was Rodney. He's my agent."
"He's an asshole."
John smirked.
"Yeah, that too."
In Teyla's surprise at seeing John, she'd completely forgotten about Ronon.
"So, this is the father?"
She gasped.
"Ronon."
He glared at John.
"I've been wanting a piece of you for weeks."
"Ronon!"
Teyla blocked his path, as he charged towards John. She placed her hands on his chest and tried to push him back.
"Ronon no!"
He ignored her, his gazed focused on his prey.
"Did you think you could abuse my sister and then abandon her?"
Teyla hit him in the chest.
"Stop it!"
She panted.
"You're not helping!"
He glanced down at her.
"Please, let me handle this. I'll call you later."
His gazed returned to John.
"Touch her-."
"Ronon! Go!"
He growled.
"This isn't over."
Ronon slowly relaxed and Teyla sighed in relief. She tried to turn, but found John standing right behind her; he looked ready and willing to fight. After Ronon left, Teyla slumped against the back of the sofa. She looked at John and grinned.
"Your little brother, I presume."
She nodded, still trying to catch her breath. He walked over to Teyla and laid a hand on her stomach.
"How far along are you?"
"Nearly six months."
He stared in amazement.
"A baby."
John rested his forehead against hers.
"My baby."
She nodded.
"There hasn't been anyone else in over a year."
John looked at her.
"I believe you, it's just…….this is a bit of a surprise."
Teyla laughed.
"Try finding out that you're three months pregnant, now that's a surprise."
He grinned.
"I most definitely wasn't expecting this."
She arched a brow.
"And just what were you expecting?"
He captured her lips in a kiss.
"More of you."
Teyla looked at him.
"John, I don-."
He gently leaned into her.
"Don't worry, Teyla."
He gazed into her eyes.
"I'm not going anywhere."
John caressed the side of her cheek.
"I promise."
He gathered her in his arms and pulled her into another kiss. Teyla sighed as her body began to respond to his. John had been away for over five months, but he remembered; where to touch, how to tease and the things that drove her over the edge. It was as if he'd never left.
