Months later

John was on his way to his quarters after a long day. He decided to take a detour to 'Lena's place, just to say hi. He was exhausted, but he felt the need to see her. It wasn't anything he could explain, so he didn't try. He figured trying to analyze it would just complicate things and he liked things simple. So he just accepted it as a thing and headed to her quarters.

The door opened when he signaled. He stuck his head in and frowned. "'Lena?"

The bed moved. A mass of red curls appeared from under the blankets. "Don't come too close, John. I'm coming down with something."

John went over to the bed, despite her warnings and sat next to her. He gently brushed her hair out of her face and touched her forehead. "What's wrong? Should I get Doctor Keller or Cole?"

She shook her head. "I feel like I've been run over by a bus. Nauseous and tired. I think I can beat it if I just get some rest. You should beat feet out of here or you'll catch it too."

He smiled. "Wasn't it you who once told me that you're exposed seven to fourteen days before showing symptoms? If that's true, I've been exposed already at least seven days ago. Especially since we've seen each other every day this week and…well, you know…several times."

She couldn't help but smile at his euphemism for sex – "well, you know" – even after all these months together.

"But if you're feeling sick, I should go get the doc."

She shook her head. "No, I'll be okay and if I don't feel better in the morning, I'll go see Dr. Cole."

John nodded.

"I'm sure it's just exhaustion."

John took a deep breath, allowing himself to feel his own exhaustion. "Well, you're tired and I'm tired, so," he reached down and started to unlace his boots.

She glanced around him and frowned. "What are you doing?"

He shrugged. "I'm getting comfortable. I'm going to stay here tonight, just in case you need something in the middle of the night."

Helena smiled. "You can be so sweet when you want to be."

He raised his eyebrows and looked back at her as he pulled off his socks. "It's not so much wanting to be. I just can't help myself."

She chuckled and leaned back.



He stood and took off his over shirt and pants so that he was dressed in a t-shirt and boxer briefs. Then he pulled back her blankets and climbed into the bed with her. He pulled her into his arms and settled against the pillows and sighed.

She cuddled up to him and smiled. "This is nice."

He yawned. "Yes. It is. Now go to sleep."

She chuckled and closed her eyes.

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John woke, spooning with Helena. He pulled her closer despite not being able to feel the arm that was trapped under her and enjoyed the scent of her hair.

She sighed, touched his arm as it held her and snuggled back as if trying to get even closer.

"How are you feeling?"

She smiled. "Better. My stomach's still a little mushy, but I could stay here all day, regardless."

He chuckled. "Me, too, but duty calls."

She held his arm, though. "You can't wait just a little while?"

John kissed her head. "No, because I am going to walk you to the infirmary."

She pulled away and turned over to face him. "I told you that I'm feeling better."

"But your stomach is still 'mushy'."

She cuddled up to him and kissed his neck. "What could I do to convince you that I'm feeling better?"

He recognized where this was going and pushed her back. "By going to the infirmary and getting a clean bill of health."

Helena sighed deeply. "Okay, fine. You're missing out, though."

He smiled and kissed her nose. "I'll take a rain check."

"Deal."

Helena pulled the covers back and swung her feet out. When she stood, she sat back down.

He was out of the bed in a shot and next to her in an instance. "Are you okay?"

She nodded. "Relax, John. I just stood up too fast. I didn't eat yesterday because of the way I was feeling. I'll be fine if I get some food in me."

He frowned at her. "Get dressed. We're going now."

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When they arrived at the infirmary, Helena found Dr. Cole. Then she turned to John, pointedly, and said. "I'm here. Doctor Cole is here. She will take care of me. You can go to your work out with Ronon, now."

John frowned.

Doctor Cole smiled and nodded. "I won't let her walk out until she tells me what's wrong and we find out what's causing it, Colonel. Go."

Helena narrowed her eyes, good-naturedly, at him and said. "Get out, John. I'll let you know if there is anything to worry about."

Frowning, John nodded and walked out.

Cole smiled. "How sweet was that?"

Helena chuckled.

"So what's the problem?"