Dragonlots aka Dana Bell
Chapter 10 – Lustre of Mid-day
Bob gave a snarl of displeasure as Rodney tied a blue ribbon around the cat's neck. "Sorry, boy, but you have to get dressed up, too." The feline pawed at the offending decoration and immediately rolled on the floor trying to dislodge it.
"Now stop that!" He managed to grab his cat and tossed Bob into a carrier one of the flyboys had found tucked in a back corner of the Deadalus. "Now you be good while I finish dressing."
Hurriedly Rodney ducked into the shower. The hot water felt good and he bathed quickly. Unfortunately, he was running behind.
"Hey, McKay!" John shouted from the other room. Sheppard must have let himself in.
"Damn." He toweled himself dry and tossed on a bathrobe. "I'll be out in a minute."
"You don't want to be late!"
"Of course not!" he shouted back. "Flyboys," he muttered fondly. He fumbled for his comb, ran it through his hair, and looked at his face in the mirror. "What am I doing?"
"Did you drown in there?"
Rodney stomped out and glared at Sheppard. "We had a minor problem in the lab,"
"Which you of course were the only who could fix it." John grinned knowingly.
"That's my job." McKay grabbed his clothes and went back in the bathroom. He hadn't had his navy suit on for a long time. At least it still fit and he stood back trying to get a better look.
"And they say women are vain." John stood in the doorway.
"Ever heard of privacy?"
"Sure. Couple of times."
"If you wouldn't mind." McKay made a shooing motion with his hand.
"Okay." John backed off.
After a couple more minutes of checking his hair and putting on his shoes, Rodney came out. "Well, how do I look?"
"You look fine. Besides, from the stories I've heard, most couples don't remember the ceremony anyway."
"Oh, that's good to know," he replied sarcastically.
John winked. "Just wait until your wedding night."
McKay felt his face grow hot. "That's quite enough."
John chuckled. "I promised Katie I'd have you 'at the church' on time."
With a glance at the clock, Rodney nodded. "Guess we'd better hurry." He grabbed the carrier with his almost grown cat and trudged out.
Once they arrived at the Deadalus, McKay was tickled to see almost everyone currently living in Atlantis, including the several hundred refugees they'd taken in, were crowded as close to the ship as they could and spilling out over the east dock.
"Good turn out," John observed as he ushered Rodney inside.
McKay glanced around touched by the simple decorations his friends had managed to find to make the ship's hold as festive as possible. A few colorful strips of cloth hung from the ceiling, boxes had been piled up and draped with what looked like a gold bedspread as a backdrop, and there were even a few flowers scattered around.
"Looks nice," he muttered.
"We did our best," John said. He brushed at a bit of lint on his dress uniform.
Caldwell strolled in, taking his place before the makeshift backdrop. McKay felt almost intimidated by all the fancy uniforms.
John leaned close. "You look fine. Relax, McKay."
"Easy for you to say," he squeaked. "You're not the one getting married." Rodney suddenly remembered he was still holding the carrier. "Sorry, Bob." He opened the metal door and released the cat. Bob yowled, flicked his tail, and promptly sat down and began grooming.
"Sure that thing should be out of your room?" John eyed the cat suspiciously.
"Bob will be fine. I wanted him to be here. He's going to be part of the family."
Clyde darted inside and made a beeline for cat. "Sorry, I'm late."
"That's okay. Just make sure Bob doesn't wander off."
"I'll take good care of him," the teen promised as he scooped Bob up and found a spot to sit where he could see, but be out of the way.
McKay smiled smugly. "I have it all covered."
"If you say so."
Many close friends gathered in the room, causing the small space to rise in temperature. Rodney tugged at his collar nervously. Ronon wandered in and took a spot near Sheppard. At least the Satedan had put on nice clothes instead of his usual leathers. McKay relaxed slightly, glad he asked the two to be his best men.
"Relax," John told him.
"I am relaxed. It's just hot in here."
Finally, someone put on some classical music, and the volume of conversation went up in the room. After several very long minutes, the number started for the bridesmaids to enter. Teyla stood there in a beautiful long green dress, her hair swept up, and delicate earrings graced her ears.
McKay heard John's deep intake of air, and he half turned to look curiously at his friend. With a knowing look, Rodney turned back to pay attention as Elizabeth also entered, wearing a simple dark blue suit. The two women gracefully walked up the aisle and took their places.
There was a pause and then the Bridal march started. All eyes turned to the doorway where Katie stood, radiant in her best dress, the deep purple hue giving highlights to her eyes, cheeks and hair. She glided down the aisle until she stood next to Rodney. The couple joined hands and for the life of him, McKay couldn't remember much after that except saying "I do" and kissing his bride.
"Everyone," Caldwell boomed. "May I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Rodney McKay."
Their friends clapped and the pair walked down the aisle together, out of the ship and onto the dock. What followed was a large reception, where they mingled freely, receiving best wishes and enduring toast after toast. McKay managed to sneak away for a few minutes and noticed Teyla and John in a more private spot talking together. He even saw Mike Branton trying to get Elizabeth's attention. She pointedly ignored him and Rodney wondered what that was all about.
He rejoined his bride as she threw a bouquet of flowers. He didn't see who caught them. Clyde came up to him and gave him Bob. The cat had finally managed to loose the ribbon. Katie stroked the feline's head and the two of them, with Bob hanging over McKay's shoulder, slipped away to his quarters.
Once the door was closed, and locked for good measure, Rodney put the cat down. "You're home now." Bob urped at him and trotted into the bathroom. He'd probably leave a smelly mess for McKay to clean up later.
Rodney took his bride into his arms. "I love you, Katie."
"I love you, Rodney."
"Even with all you know about me?"
"Especially for what I know about you." She put her head on his shoulder.
He held her tight. "You have no idea how blessed I feel right now."
"Isn't God wonderful." She sighed contentedly.
"Yes." He kissed the top of her head. "You sure you don't mind living here? We can always find other quarters."
"Rodney," she pulled back slightly to stare up at him. "We've discussed this and it's settled."
"Okay. Can't blame a guy for trying."
She giggled. "I think Teyla said something about leaving some food for us."
McKay glanced around. His table was set and there were several covered dishes. "When did she do this?"
"I think her friend Ninette helped."
"We'll have to remember to thank them both."
He took his wife's hand and led her to the table. "Dinner?"
"I'm starved. I was too nervous to eat." Katie sat down and waited until Rodney was seated.
"Me, too," he confessed. He reached across and took her hand. "Lord," he prayed. "Thank you for this day and for my new wife. And thank you for all our friends who were there to help us celebrate. Amen." Rodney didn't say for however long they had left. He figured God already knew that.
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"You look beautiful," John complimented as he and Teyla walked around the back of the Deadalus.
"It is not often I get to wear this dress." Her hands ran along the soft fabric. "It was a gift." Momentarily her face shadowed.
He took her hand. "I hope it doesn't come with bad memories."
"It does not." She smiled at him. "I only wish they could have been here today."
"We all have absent friends we wish were here." He didn't need to name them because he figured Teyla understood.
They shared a quiet moment before he gently pulled her to him. He slipped an arm around her a little surprised she didn't resist.
She sighed contentedly. "I have longed for this."
"You should have told me." He whispered in her ear. "You have to be point blank."
Her face turned red. "I - am not used to such directness."
"Could've fooled me."
"I have been praying. I wanted this to be right."
"Know what you mean." Every since that day in the gym, he'd been asking God for the right time to approach her and praying she felt the same way about him. "We could've made this a double wedding."
"And steal such a blessed ceremony from Rodney and Katie?"
"What was I thinking?" He grinned. Lightly he ran his finger along her cheek. "You really are beautiful."
"Do you always talk so much?"
"You know me."
"That is what I mean."
"Like a man of action do you?" he teased.
"You have always been so."
"That's true." Before he had time to really think about it, he kissed her. He felt Teyla relax in his embrace and marveled it had taken him so long to realize they cared about each other.
"Everyone is still gathered," she began.
"I think we'll wait for a bit."
"You are unsure of how you feel about me?" Teyla didn't sound upset. At least he hoped not.
"It isn't that. I just want to make sure this is right with God first, before we plunge into a relationship He never intended."
She nodded. "You are right."
"Damn right." He laughed. "Come on. We'd better get back before someone starts a rumor about us." John placed her arm through his, squeezing her hand briefly.
"If they have not already."
John snapped his fingers. "How would we ever live with such stories."
She smiled and they rejoined the crowd.
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Mike Branton looked very sharp in his black suite, setting off his dark hair, beard and eyes. Elizabeth pointedly glanced away, not wanting him to see her watching him. She hadn't forgotten the lunch they'd shared together, nor his sudden kiss that filled her with longings she wanted to forget.
"Hello, Elizabeth," he huskily murmured as he came to stand beside her.
"Mike," she cordially responded.
"Great wedding."
"Yes, it was."
"Dr. McKay is a lucky man."
"Rodney and Katie have waited almost a year. They wanted to make sure it was God's will they marry."
"Evidently it was since today they did."
Music started in the background, echoing over the dock. Several chose a partner and began dancing.
"Elizabeth, would you like to dance?" Mike offered his arm.
"I really shouldn't."
"Oh, come on. Live a little." He smiled rakishly. "Since we only have a few years left, I doubt God would begrudge us one little dance."
"Well," she hesitated before taking his offered arm. "I'm a bit out of practice. I haven't danced for a long time."
"Nor have I." Mike chuckled. "I'll try not to step on your feet." He took her to the center of the group and formally took her in his arms, like his dance instructor had taught him. The music was a simple waltz and his feet, of their own accord, remembered what to do. When it stopped, everyone clapped. "Don't suppose I could convince you to dance with me again."
"I think I should give someone else a chance."
"If you insist." He walked her back to the sidelines, but stayed close.
She glanced at him. "I think I told you where I stand."
"Can't blame a guy for trying. I like you. A lot."
Elizabeth crossed her arms suddenly uncomfortable. "I have a policy,"
"Tell me," his tone serious. "In light of the time we live in, does it really matter that much?"
"I," she had no answer to his question. Yet, she hated to admit to herself that maybe he had a point. "I'll pray about it."
"Don't take too long, Elizabeth," he warned. "I'd really like the chance to get to know you better."
"I think we're relatively safe here," she said without thinking.
"I wouldn't count on it. God is bigger than the universe."
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John inclined his head toward the dancing and Teyla smiled her agreement. Luckily it was a slow dance so he had an excuse to hold her close again.
"Is this customary?" she inquired.
"For this type of dance, yes."
"Our dances are more traditional allowing everyone to join in."
"You'll have to tell me about them."
"Or I could show you. We have them to celebrate the harvest."
"Is that soon?"
"Very."
"Needed an excuse to visit the mainland."
"You never need an excuse to fly a jumper."
He chuckled. "You know me well."
"I have had lots of practice."
"Tell me," he figured he had nothing to lose by asking. "What did you really think of me when we first met?"
"That you were a man I could trust."
"Really?"
"Really. Otherwise, I would not have shown you the cave and the drawings."
Uneasily John looked up at the sky. He'd checked before he'd gone to get Rodney to make sure no Wraith cruisers were on the deep space scan. For now, there didn't seem to be any close by.
"Is something wrong?"
"No. Just hard for me to relax with all the reports we're getting about the Wraith from all the refugees."
"I have seen cullings, but none as vicious as they have been recently."
"Makes me wonder what happened to cause them to go from sparing a few survivors, to leaving none."
"Unfortunate we can not ask them."
"Not unless we want to be the midnight special."
She tilted her head. "You are making some sort of joke."
"A very bad one."
The music stopped. They clapped and moved to a spot close to the Deadalus.
"Look," Teyla pointed to Dr. Weir. "I believe Elizabeth has a new friend."
John didn't see it that way. "Looks like she's actually trying to avoid the guy."
"Should we render assistance?"
"Naw. She needs to loosen up and have some fun. Maybe a boyfriend would be good for her."
"Maybe I could suggest that to her."
"Carefully, if I were you. She might not be open to the idea."
"I think she will not mind." At his look, she added. "It is a woman thing."
"Oh. A woman thing."
"John." She slapped at his arm.
"How about we dance again?"
"I would love to."
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"Now that's interesting," Mike commented.
"What is?" Weir tried to follow where he was looking.
"Teyla and John."
She saw the pair then, laughing and dancing together.
"One would almost think they're a couple."
"Teyla and John?" She shook her head. "Somehow I don't think so."
"Why? Because they're both on your best team?"
"Because it would be unethical and could cause John to make a bad decision."
"Hmmm. If you say so. Sure you don't want to dance again?"
"How many times do I have to tell you no?"
"A hundred. A thousand. A million."
"You're certainly persistent."
"I told you. I like you."
"And when did you become a Christian?" She waited for his answer.
"Just a few days ago, thanks to Katie."
"And you're still impulsive."
"The way God made me." His hand rested on her arm. "Come on, Elizabeth, give yourself a chance at life."
"As you said, we only have a few years."
"So, don't you want to enjoy your life?"
She cast a surprised look at him. There was no way he could know what those words meant to her, unless God had told him. "I'm responsible for everyone here."
"No," he corrected. "God is responsible for everyone here. He just placed you in the position of leadership. He never meant for you to cut yourself off and not have a relationship if you wanted one."
"You're making an awful lot of presumptions."
"Maybe I'm speaking the truth from God's heart. Something I think you needed to hear or else I wouldn't have said it."
Could he be right? "If you'll excuse me." She pulled her arm away and wandered over to speak to Caldwell. She noticed Mike watched her with a sad expression and a part of her wanted to go back and be with him. Still, she had her principles and they were in place for good reason.
Or am I making a mistake, God? She prayed silently, not really certain she wanted an honest answer.