Author Notes: I'm not a scientist or doctor, so I won't go into detail of what happened to John. Plus I couldn't find anything on what I was looking for.
Thanks Liz for beta reading for me!
Pairing: John/Elizabeth; Ford/Teyla
Summary: They find out what happened to John.
Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate: Atlantis or its characters.
Rate: PG
Season: One
Category: Romance/Fluff
Spoilers: None
Connections: 8 Months- FebruaryCarson could not believe it when he heard those words out of Doctor David Anderson's mouth. He quickly dismissed it, getting ready for one more try to revive him. Just one more time John had come back from worse, he could come back from this. David Anderson looked with disbelief; this was why he shouldn't be a Chief Medial officer. He used his emotion to much; John Sheppard was dead plain and simple.
"We've got a heartbeat," a nurse yelled trying to hide both the glee and surprise.
"That's impossible," Anderson yelled angrily. "He's dead."
"Obviously not," Carson snapped. "Any good doctor knows you don't give up on a patient."
"Elizabeth," John mumbled. "Elizabeth."
"John," Carson muttered coming down to his ear. "Come on, John open your eyes."
"He was none responsive, Dr. Barrett. All you did was delay the inevitable," Anderson argued as Carson came to look him straight in the eye.
"Dr. Anderson, if you want we can have this conversation later," Carson told him harshly. "But right now I have a patent I need to attend to."
"Dr. Barrett, he's awake," a nurse exclaimed looking at him.
Carson ran towards him to see John looking at him. He could see him trying to open his mouth to say something but was unable to say anything right now. Carson watched him smile softly as he closed his eyes; his eyes went straight to the monitor to make sure nothing happened. But John was just asleep and he was alive, and right now that is all Carson cared about it.
Elizabeth felt her heart drop, she couldn't lose him now. They had just confessed their feelings for each other, they hadn't even figured out what that all meant yet. He never got to see or even hold Jonathon; she never got to really kiss him. There were so many things they hadn't done yet, he could not leave her. He promised not to ever leave her or Jonathon.
She could see the look in Rodney's eyes, the pain of losing his friend. Someone he had come to think of as his friend, besides Carson, maybe even his best friend. He could not look at her right now; it was enough for her to go to doctor's appointment by herself a few days ago. But to think she had finally lost him, he didn't know if she could handle that or even if she should have to. He watched her take off and all he could do was something he hadn't done in years--he Doctor Rodney McKay, prayed.
Carson walked out of the room leaning up against the wall. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, letting everything that had just happened wash over him. He could hear them moving around, he could hear Anderson mumbling to some nurse or maybe even a doctor about what happened today. But he would never agree with that man, because he saved John's life. And no matter how long he was a doctor, losing or almost losing a patient would always affect him. And in his opinion that is what made him a good doctor.
"Carson," Elizabeth greeted sadly. "Rodney told me John flat lined."
"He did, but I was able to get him back," Carson told her. "He also mumbled something then he opened his eyes."
"So, he's going to be okay?" Elizabeth asked hopeful.
"It's a little early to tell but I am optimistic," Carson admitted.
"Can I see him?" Elizabeth asked.
"I have to be honest, I don't know if he'll open his eyes again," Carson explained. "And I don't know what damage the hit on his head did. I'm still trying to figure out how a hit on the head caused cardiac arrest."
"He had a heart attack?" Elizabeth asked confused.
"I'm going to run some tests, plus I'll need to speak with Teyla, Rodney and Adian," Carson told her.
"Sure, you should call Rodney and tell him that John isn't dead," Elizabeth replied walking in.
Elizabeth walked into the infirmary; she knew everyone's eyes were on her. She put her hand on her stomach; it was as if Jonathon knew what was happening. Someone told her that he did, that he could feel what was going on, even in the womb. She knew he could feel what she was feeling right now and that was pure terror.
Getting to his bed, the nurse left him smiling up at her. He actually looked better if that was possible, his face wasn't so pale. His breathing was actually even and she could hear him mumbling something. She couldn't quite make it out, but she knew he was sleeping. Sitting down in the chair, she took his hand and for the first time in two weeks they felt warm. Her heart skipped a beat when he squeezed her hand and opened his eyes.
"Hi," John mumbled.
"Don't speak, you need to reserve your energy," Elizabeth told him. "Plus you need to sleep."
"I love you," John whispered before closing his eyes.
"I love you too," Elizabeth said against his forehead as she kissed it.
Carson watched them, first she took his hand, and then he watched her smile as he opened his eyes. He watched her caress his face, moving closer to him, moving her hair out of the way. He watched her say something just before kissing him on the forehead. He knew from watching this, John would be better soon and annoying him to let him go. And the sad thing was he was actually looking forward to it. He actually considered putting Anderson in here for awhile during that, but knowing him he'd let him go.
Going over the mission report for the fifth time he knew something was missing or he was missing something about John's medical history. John was a healthy man, who was in perfect shape who seemed to eat right and engage in exercise to keep fit. His family had no history of heart problems nor had he showed any sign of having any kind of heart problems. So, what caused him to have a heart attack after a hit on the head, unless they weren't connected? Was he over looking something or did he just not know all the facts? The only way to know was to ask his team mates, which he planned on doing today.
"You said the native gave you something to drink," Carson asked. "Do you know what it was?"
"Not to us," Rodney corrected him. "It was given to John because he was the leader."
"It was just purified water anyways," Teyla told him.
"Purified," Carson question.
"Yes, they cleanse it with herbs and a ritual," Teyla explained. "That water is only used for celebrations and greetings."
"I need a sample of what they gave him," Carson decided.
"Do you think they poisoned John?" Elizabeth asked.
"Not on purpose," Carson replied. "Teyla, do you remember anyone ever becoming sick after drinking it?"
"When I was a child my father became very sick when he drank it," Teyla admitted. "I didn't even think."
"It's not your fault, Teyla. You three have the go ahead to get a sample," Elizabeth said.
"What about Sgt. Bates?" Adian asked.
"I think it would be best if you guys went," Elizabeth told him. "They know you and you can explain the situation to them better."
Carson looked at the sample they brought back and found what he was looking for after several test. There was an herb in there; the herb mixed with the medication he was getting here was what caused his heart attack. Putting his head in hands he took a deep breath, he was partly responsible for John almost dying of a heart attack. Getting up he saw John sitting up in his bed reading a book, it was hard to believe that two days ago he almost died. And right now it was time to play doctor.
"You should be sleeping," Carson told him. "Not reading…what are you reading?"
"War and Peace," John sighed. "I figured we'd be here for awhile so, I brought a long book."
"Well, still you need rest," Carson argued.
"Have you found out what caused me to go into cardiac arrest?" John asked with a smile.
"I did," Carson said. "They have an herb, they use in the purified water, that mixed with the medication we were giving you caused your heart to stop."
"But I was dizzy after I drank it," John told him. "That's how I slipped and hit my head."
"It was a reaction to the herbs," Carson explained. "And it seems to be common."
"So, when can I leave," John asked hopeful.
"Not for at least a week," Carson told him. "Your heart stopped, John. I want to make sure you are perfectly healthy before I release you."
Carson smiled as he heard John groan, this was what he was waiting for. John couldn't get out of this bed even if he wanted to. The effects of the mixed drugs hadn't worn off yet; he could barely stand up. His legs were shaky and his head spun around so much he felt like passing out. But, he was alive and that was all that mattered to him at this point in time. He wanted to laugh at Carson smile but he couldn't, because he knew he was blaming himself. So he picked his book back up and finished the chapter he was on.
Lying back, his mind went back to his dream; he could still see Elizabeth standing in front of him in that white dress. With that smile that now lit up his world. He wanted to go into the light, he wanted to give up everything he had and just feel warm but he couldn't. All he thought about was Elizabeth and Jonathon, they needed him and he would not abandon them, he promised her he wouldn't. And he wouldn't—couldn't; not now, not ever. He was here to stay, at least until they find a way back to Earth.
"Hey," Elizabeth greeted.
"Shouldn't you be sleeping?" John asked giving her that look.
"Yea, we just wanted to see how you were doing," Elizabeth explain touching her stomach.
"Well, I am fine," John told her. "Now, go get some rest."
"I missed you," Elizabeth laughed. "I didn't know how much I've come to rely on you."
"Well, that's what I'm here for," John smiled. "You know when I was dying I saw you."
"You did?" Elizabeth mumbled.
"Yes, you were standing in front of me with your hand out to me," John explained. "It was like a choice I had to make, to come back to you or to leave you."
"I'm glad you came back," Elizabeth mumbled.
"Of course, I promised I'd watch over you and Jonathon," John replied. "He needs someone to help him until he gets back to earth to his father—to Simon."
Elizabeth Weir could not get to sleep; she had tried for the past three hours. After her conversation with John, the last part haunted her. They didn't know if they would ever get back to earth, or how long it would be. Jonathon would be without a father until then. He could be twelve or older when they get back. Should a little boy go that long without a father? Sometimes she found herself wishing that she wasn't pregnant, but then he kicked just like he did and the thought went away.
John was up and walking around in a few days and she couldn't be happier. But he still couldn't leave the infirmary; Carson wanted to make sure he was perfectly healthy. But once they got the herbs out of his system he made a full recovery fast. After a week, he was out of the infirmary but still not back on active duty. But all he cared was that he was out of the infirmary. He was free; but Carson had yet to tell him about Doctor Anderson, and no one else was to eager to inform him of that either.
"Hey," John greeted.
"Hey," Elizabeth smiled walking in to his quarters.
"Okay, you've been like this for a week now," John sighed. "One might think you weren't happy about me cheating death again."
"What?" Elizabeth exclaimed. "I was worried sick, John; I thought I'd lost you for good."
"I was kidding, Liz, you just seem tense and now I know I was right," John replied slightly scared.
"Jonathon can't go unknown years without a dad," Elizabeth began. "Then I realized he isn't going to. He has a dad, he has you."
"Liz, I'm not his father," John argued. "His father is Simon."
"Yes, Simon is his father but you will be his dad, you already are," Elizabeth laughed. "He knows you voice, your steps, he's chosen you and so have I."
"What are you saying?" John asked in a small voice.
"John, I am asking you to be his father," Elizabeth told him. "Your name and all, I want you in our lives."
"What like Jonathon Sheppard Jr.?" John joked.
"Yes," Elizabeth mumbled. "If you don't want it, I understand."
"I do," John told her. "You have no idea how much I want this, but is it right for me to take Simon's place?"
"You're not, don't ever think that's why I am asking you," Elizabeth yelled. "You are the man I love, and the man I want to raise my son with, that's why I am asking. You are a great man and will make a great father."
"I love you too," John told her before pulling her towards him for a kiss. "I'd be honored to be his father."
And in that moment it was decided, John and Elizabeth were going to be parents. Elizabeth smiled and pulled him back to her for one more kiss. John just laughed as he realized it; he was going to be a father. And she was right; only god knew when or if they would ever get back to earth. Jonathon deserved a father, and one day they would tell him the truth.
Lying on his couch, Elizabeth shut her eyes and welcomed the warmth that John gave her. She had missed this, she had missed him. When she thought she lost him, she thought she lost her whole world. She didn't know what she would do if she would have lost him that night. He told her about the dream and she didn't know what she would have done if he would have chosen the other side. She tried not to think about it, it was too depressing but she did think about it and she was glad he chose to live. She was glad he chose her and their son.
"Do we have a middle name?" John asked walking into her office.
"Excuse me?" Elizabeth asked looking up.
"Our son, does he have a middle name?" John asked. "Because I don't think he does."
"I was kind of waiting to give him one," Elizabeth explained.
"Waiting?" John questioned. "Waiting for what?"
"I haven't come across any names I like," Elizabeth confessed.
"Sweetheart, we have maybe a month to decide," John reminded her.
"And we'll come up with one," Elizabeth declared.
"Anyway... Tomorrow night, you and me, dinner at my place," John winked.
"What are you up to?" Elizabeth asked.
"Don't tell me you don't know what tomorrow is?" John asked surprised.
"My last day of work before you take over," Elizabeth sighed.
"Wrong—it's Valentines Day," John told her with a grin. "And I have a very special present for you."
John smiled like he did every time he realized she was wearing the bracelet he gave her for Christmas. Walking out of her office, he was going to enjoy his last two days of freedom. Because he would not be going back to his team like before he could be taking over leadership of Atlantis. And though he would never admit this to anyone not ever Elizabeth he was scared.
John smiled when he saw Rodney in his office and decided to bug him for awhile. He wouldn't be able to do it for a good four to five months so he needed to get it in. Besides he would need Rodney on his side when all the scientists were bugging him for approval on their crazy little experiments.
"McKay," John greeted.
"Well, if it isn't our father to be," Rodney joked. "What can I do for you Major?"
"Nothing, just thought I'd stop in and say hi," John told him.
"Is it possible to get someone else but Bates to lead us," Rodney asked.
"Unfortunately no," John admitted.
"Then can I be grounded?" Rodney asked in an almost pleading voice.
"No, because as you have reminded us on so many occasions, you are the genius scientist who knows everything about Atlantis and the ZPM," John smirked.
"True, but still, I don't know if I can handle four months of him," Rodney told him. "I can barely handle five minutes with him."
"You'll be fine, Rodney," John told him.
"So, how does it feel to know you are going to be a father?" Rodney asked.
"Great," John laughed.
"Okay, now try the truth," Rodney said pushing a stool towards him.
John looked at it and then back at Rodney, then shook his head slightly with a small laugh. Somehow, Rodney had become one his best friends and he knew he could get the truth from him. Rodney didn't beat around the bush, he told you how it was and he didn't hold back. And right now that was what he needed, because he couldn't get this feeling to go away.
"I am so excited, Rodney, but there is a part of me that feels I'm stealing Simon's place," John admitted. "Jonathon is Simon's son, and Liz is--was Simon's fiancée."
"You're not," Rodney laughed. "I met Simon, he was so against children."
"That's before Elizabeth actually got pregnant," John told him. "What about now?"
"Did Elizabeth ever tell you she thought she was pregnant once before?" Rodney asked him.
"No," John said with a small frown.
"I heard Simon in her office, he told her to either get rid of it or he would be gone," Rodney replied. "She found out she wasn't and Simon told her he wasn't serious, he was just shocked."
"But you don't think he was?" John asked.
"I saw him John, he was serious," Rodney said. "Jonathon needs a good father and from what I know and seen from you, he's got the best."
Elizabeth walked into John's quarters in one of the dresses that had been made for her. It was red, knee length with a flared out skirt and long sleeves. The place was pretty much dark except for a couple of candles that were around the room. And she now knew what his special package from the mainland was. Walking more into the room, she found two glasses on the table with food.
"Hey," John greeted softly.
"What is this?" Elizabeth asked grinning.
"This, Ms. Weir, is your Valentine's Day dinner," John said pulling out her chair.
"John, you did have to go through all this for me," Elizabeth told him hands on her hips.
"No, I didn't," John sighed. "But when are you going to learn that I like doing these kinds of things for you?"
"John, you have got to be the sweetest, most romantic man alive," Elizabeth laughed as she sat down.
"I'm nothing compared to my dad," John admitted. "He was away once on Valentine's Day but he still managed to get a dozen roses, her favorite candy and a bracelet to her with a note that made her smile for the rest of the night."
"Then I make a correction, the sweetest most romantic man on Atlantis," Elizabeth smirked.
"Agreed," John smiled leaning over to kiss her softly.
He placed the food on her plate; next to her was a tiny plate with something that looked similar to a piece of chocolate. Biting her bottom lip, she broke a piece off putting it into her mouth. It was rich, creamy and tasted similar to chocolate but she knew it wasn't it. But it could come a close second to it.
John watched with a smile on his face as she ate the Athosian Chocolate. She then went to the rest of the dinner that she knew John made himself. She could feel him watching her and she could already see the huge grin on his face. It was strange to her for someone to get such pleasure out of someone else's pleasure. John was a strange man to her and a puzzle she looked forward to figuring out. But she had this feeling that he was the kind of person you never figure out. But than again that was the kind of man she was always wanted.
John got up from his seat after finishing his meal. He had two more things planned for her tonight. Elizabeth smiled as she heard the soft hum of music. Rodney had mentioned how they had found several files of stuff that Ancients used. And it seemed that music was one of their favorite pass times. The song was soft slow and very soothing, she jumped slightly when she heard John's voice.
"May I have this dance?" John asked extending his hand.
Elizabeth never said a word to him, just accepted his extended hand, letting him lead her out to the middle of the room. The dance was no more then just swaying back and forth but she enjoyed it. It had been so long since she had danced with someone. Simon made her dinner, but that was only because he hated anyone's cooking but his or his mother's. She hadn't danced with him since before she got involved with the Stargate program. Resting her head on his shoulder, she closed her eyes, wishing for this moment to never end.
But like all good things, it had to come to and end. John pulled away from her, giving her his trademark smile when he saw the satisfaction in her eyes. Taking her hand, he led her to the couch where he motioned for her to sit. She could not believe it; he had something else for her. A romantic dinner with a delicious desert and dancing was not enough. No, John had to go that extra mile and get her a gift.
He gave her the box, how was she ever going to repay him for all this. Birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, Valentine's Gifts, add that on to all he's done for her during the pregnancy—god he should own her by now. Opening the box, she saw what looked like hair pins. Decorative hair pins, they were all different colors and sizes.
"You don't like them?" John asked.
"What? No, they're beautiful," Elizabeth told him. "But what made you get me hair pins?"
"You're always pushing your hair behind your ears," John explained. "So, I figured this would help with that."
"What would I do without you?" Elizabeth asked bringing him in for a kiss.
The time had come, the moment John had feared, the moment Elizabeth wanted to ignore, Maternity leave. It was less than a month to Jonathon's birth and Carson felt it was time. Even though Elizabeth swore she could go up to the day, Carson did not want to risk it. He knew the stress of the job and he did not want to risk Jonathon or Elizabeth's life by allowing her to stay on.
"John, are you listening me?" Elizabeth snipped. "This is very important."
"Sweetheart, I know where the files go," John told her amused. "If I have a question then I'll just ask."
"I don't like this," Elizabeth pouted. "I don't like not working..."
"Trust me, in like three or so weeks you won't be saying that," John laughed.
The first day for John wasn't that hard, the second had a challenge or two both nothing John couldn't handle. By the seventh day he was ready to scream, yell and pull out his hair. It was one thing to be a military commander; it was another to command the whole city. To deal with all the meetings, all the scientist requests, plus he had two new worlds wanting to trade with them.
Walking into his room, he fell on his couch not even noticing that Elizabeth was sitting at his table. She smiled at how cute he looked. He was so tired, hadn't had a day off in a week. So, since he took her job she was going to take his. Tomorrow was his day off and he was going to spend it with her. She smiled when she felt Jonathon kick; it was his way of telling her he liked that plan.
"John," Elizabeth whispered.
"Hmmm…yea baby," John mumbled.
"I have dinner," Elizabeth told him. "It's your favorite."
"Turkey sandwich," John grinned opening his eyes.
"Hard day," Elizabeth asked amused?
"You know very well how my day was," John stated.
"Well, they are nice people," Elizabeth smirked.
"You would think so, being a woman and all," John argued. "It took me ten minutes just to explain to those Amazon wannabes that you were still in charge but on Maternity leave. Then they'd only negotiate with me, when I told them it was my child. By the way, they wished us a hope for a strong healthy girl."
"I'm sorry, sweetie," Elizabeth laughed. "If I remembered they were coming today, I would have been there."
"That was only the morning," John told her. "I had to break up another fight between Bates and McKay."
"It'll get better," Elizabeth promised. "And tomorrow off, will help clear your head and prepare you for your second week."
John looked at her with a smile, leaning forward he kissed her gently. Elizabeth smiled against his lips, wishing that she could have seen John deal with those women. She didn't even like them; they were strong women yes but they had no compassion when it came to men. She and Teyla were the only ones they would let deal with them. So, that they even talked business with John was a sign he would do alright. Elizabeth had faith in him; she knew what kind of man he was and what kind of leader he could be if give the chance.
Next Part: Jonathon is born
A/N: And I am sorry for the scare, but I would never kill off John, he's my favorite Stargate character. But I hope you all liked this chapter.
