Author's Note: 499 words. Enjoy! ~lg

oOo

The following morning, Jennifer rose and dressed, feeling better than she had in days. She'd slept late, and the cough returned when she sat upright. Perhaps it was just as well, since she had no desire to do much beyond sit around. Even with sleeping great the night before, she knew she wasn't up to par.

Forcing herself to dress, Jennifer took her first dose of medication and headed for the mess hall. While she'd enjoyed sharing dinner with Evan, she also missed other people. The chatter of the mess hall made her smile, and she noticed someone waving. After filling her plate, she joined Coughlin, Reed, and Evan.

"She's back!" Coughlin said gleefully.

Jennifer smiled. "Barely. But I'm here."

Across the table, Evan simply smiled. Jennifer wondered what went through his mind but left him to his thoughts as both Coughlin and Reed filled her in on the last several days. By the time she finished eating, her energy had faded. Seeing how she drooped, Coughlin and Reed excused themselves, leaving her with Evan.

He narrowed his eyes. "I was going to suggest an outing, but I think you need a nap."

"I need to get back in shape."

"Which you won't do without adequate rest."

Jennifer reluctantly admitted he was right. Still, she couldn't let the subject drop. "What did you have in mind?"

He shrugged. "I was going to take a Jumper to the mainland. Do some exploring. Maybe get out and enjoy the sunshine for a bit."

"Sounds wonderful."

Evan pushed to his feet and moved to Jennifer's side. Bending down, he spoke directly into her ear. "Take a two hour nap, and you can come along."

She blinked, surprised at the effect his nearness had on her. This wasn't a hand on her back as she walked through the door. He made sure no one heard their conversation. This was for her ears alone. "Okay," she agreed before she thought.

Satisfied, Evan left her alone. Jennifer made her way back to her quarters, barely remembering to set an alarm before collapsing into bed. Two hours later, she rose, dressed, and met Evan in the Jumper bay. He loaded several small cases into the back of the Jumper.

Jennifer frowned. "What is that?"

"Equipment." He grinned. "Don't worry. I'm not going to make you do anything strenuous. In fact, Amanda threatened me with unimaginable horrors if I made you so much as cough."

Smiling, Jennifer settled into her seat. "That's good. I have a book and a blanket. That should keep me occupied for the day."

"I hope so," Evan muttered. He sounded so uncertain that she shot him a quick glance. He shrugged. "Just saying it might be a long flight."

Jennifer shook her head and allowed him to pilot the Jumper away from Atlantis. She was out of Atlantis and with Evan. Life didn't get much better.

~TBC