Even as time went by Sheppard did not kill the Wraith he called so affectionately Todd, but rather ended up being again angry with himself. Maybe he should not be this severe, after all had it been a sneeze, but then, in his position, the tiniest failure could kill him or one of his men; especially when they were on a planet with a good guarded Wraith laboratory and warriors searching for them.
Well, that was the reason why he was happy about his green friend being there, because the Wraith had once again saved his life. He had to admit he could think of better places to sit than up in a tree, but at least had he not been caught by one of the Wraith soldiers down there on the ground.
He had learnt one thing from situations like these; he liked to have Todd around. Actually, though, the Wraith had just come with them, because he wanted to settle old scores or something like that. And now Sheppard could settle some old scores with Todd himself, because when else does one sit on a Wraith? Okay, granted, this was his second time that he was on top of Todd, but the first time in the snow storm he did not really take into account.
So, even though he was used to strange situations, odd positions and weird Wraiths, he just could not work Todd out. And that had to change, because he did not want to believe that he imagined everything. Determined he leaned forwards, his hands resting on the other one's shoulders and his feet entangled with the Wraith's legs, "Why do you always help me?"
It was true; Todd acted really a bit queer, just starting with the fact that he was far too often far too close than to perceive it as normal. He did not have anything against it, what he would never ever admit, but he wondered for some time what the Wraith got from it; he just had to find it out.
This time for example, Todd had pulled him up into that tree when he had sensed the drones Sheppard had attracted with his sneeze. The Wraith had just put his arms around him and then scooped him up, before he jumped up onto a branch so that he landed straight on top of him.
What confused him, however, was the fact that Todd had not pushed him away as soon as possible. The previous incidents Sheppard had justified by telling himself the Wraith just saved him to save his own ass.
After all, when he had held him over water or kept him warm Todd had released him the moment his team had come. And after half of the ceiling of that old temple had collapsed he had broken off their little cuddle session himself in order to get a look on the Wraith's wounds.
Todd stared up at him, the shadows dancing on his pale skin and his eyes beginning to glow in the twilight, "I do not know what you are talking about." Sheppard sighed, "I do not want to complain, I just want to understand. And I do not know what all of this is about, but it is not just about surviving."
He needed those answers, he had been racking his brain long enough, but he knew from experience that one could not make a Wraith talk. He had to hope for and confide in the pity of his green friend, but while Todd tilted his head to the side and watched him, the minutes ticked unstoppably away and then, finally, he broke his silence.
"This is about family, Sheppard", the Wraith raised his hand and slowly moved it to his chest. He felt the light pressure just above his heart that made it beat faster and he closed his eyes to calm down. Damn, the Wraith did not tell him everything, this was not about being brothers, either, but it had to be enough.
He felt Todd sit up a little bit and then the other's breath on his face. The next moment the Wraith leant his forehead against Sheppard's and when he opened his eyes again he looked directly into the yellow ones. Had Todd's look always been this piercing?
He slid his hand down from his green fellow's shoulder and moved it to the Wraith's chest, copying his posture. Now it was Todd who closed his eyes and obviously he also kind of purred, because Sheppard could feel the vibrations under his palm.
He pressed the Wraith back down and rested his head on Todd's chest, listening to the humming sound and the steady heartbeat. When the Wraith did not complain, but instead embraced him, he let his hands run through the others hair, twirling it around his fingers.
First he incidentally stroke Todd's cheek, before he traced the dark lines of the star buck shaped tattoo around the Wraith's eye. Lying like this, Todd looked strangely peaceful, but Sheppard knew that he was well aware of his surroundings, still paying attention to the Wraith on the ground and probably also to him.
He knew that they had to wait until they were not searched for anymore, before they could even think about getting down from this tree and the Wraith were a patient race so that could take some time. Still, he did not want to fall asleep, although Todd was really comfortable to lie on, so instead he passed his time studying his pillow.
Without exaggerating, he had to admit that the Wraith was beautiful. He had always been fascinated by the Wraith, and, honestly, Todd looked good, even by human standards. This was not just about the other one's body, although that granted him a big bonus, but about the whole appearance. The always visible black mark around his eye, his penetrating look, his stern yet soft voice, the white wild mane, the strong but gentle hands and his demeanor.
The Wraith was tall and had broad shoulders, but he moved with the grace of an experienced hunter, proving his age. And although he was more scientist than warrior he was an impressing leader that could achieve a goal fighting, as well as by diplomacy. Sheppard was not ashamed of admiring Todd for who he was, despite what he was.
He respected the Wraith, he even liked him, and what was more: he felt secure. Sheppard loved his job, he loved the people on Atlantis and he did not regret coming to the Pegasus Galaxy. Simply put, he had had his ups and downs and in the end he had always something he could hold onto, despite everything that had threatened them.
But, after all, he was only human and he could only take so much. He wanted to be free from all the worries about his people for just a second and he wanted to rest. Todd gave him this opportunity; since the imprisonment at the Genii's he was already past his own breaking point.
"Why did you change your mind back then?" He asked quietly. He was not sure whether the Wraith had heard him, or not, because for a long time he did not show the slightest inclination to answer, but maybe this was a too personal question. Then Todd opened his eyes, "Why do you always have to question my behavior, John Sheppard?"
It spoke for itself that the other one obviously knew what he was talking about and it was a good question, but he had asked his first. He blinked up at the Wraith, "Well, maybe because I have no such telepathic abilities like your kin." Todd grumbled and fell silent again, before he sighed after some long minutes, "To tell the truth, I have no idea. And before you ask, Sheppard, neither do I know why I gave you the Gift of Life."
He already wanted to complain that this did not help him, but then he realized that he would not be able to accept any other explanation, if it was not the truth. Maybe and despite the Wraith's age, this was something new for both of them. So he only nodded, "You know, I just wanted to say that I am grateful."
Todd frowned, "Of course you are; you are alive." Sheppard could not help but laugh out loud, probably again attracting a whole bunch of Wraith soldiers, but he really could not care less. Yes, this was definitely new for both of them. How he hated things concerning feelings.
