Chapter 10: Closer
.oOo.
Not sure what Michael would like, Gwen debated over what movie to bring him. Skipping lunch with him, she had kept working. All in order so she could free up her evening and would have the time to pick one out, run it to him and maybe talk with him for a little while before heading off to bed early for a change.
Even though yesterday's dinner then walk had went well, she wasn't about to offer watching the movie with him. She liked him – a lot. That much she could no longer deny but Gwen wasn't sure if she wanted it to go anywhere.
I really don't have the time. She stressed to herself, And Michael? He doesn't even know who he is exactly.
And then there were the warnings from the senior staff about post traumatic shock, among other things. She didn't think it was wise to think beyond friendship when his mental stability was in question. Lastly there was what Ronan had all said and didn't.
"Action or a comedy?" She mumbled allowed staring hard at the two DVD's. There really wasn't that many to choose from. But then again this was not exactly a typical rental store. It was a bookcase filled with disks of movies and another of music that everyone decided to compile and share with others. With books filling four other cases, it was more of an informal library than anything.
Giving a shrug she asked herself, "Why not both?" To borrow them she filled out the required electronic form upon the provided data pad with a smile. Deciding Michael could use all of the choices he could get. Even if which movie to try first was just one and a simple one at that.
Taking Ronan's warning seriously Gwen decided aloud, "This is just a casual friendly visit, nothing more." And to help cement it she tried not to look at her reflection. Not wanting to primp in the least while on her way to Michael's room.
But as the day had passed her pony tail had loosened from hanging high upon the back of her head to the bass of her skull. The rest of its length now spilled over her shoulder. Frowning at what she saw, Gwen tightened her hair back to its morning all business location. And as she continued to walk, she tucked any strands softening her prominent cheek bones behind her ears. Hoping it would make her appearance more severe than sensual as she arrived and spotted the guards. Before she could even ask, they stepped aside and nodded her through.
Swallowing, she gave the glass door a knock. At no reaction she gave the door another knock and this time he looked up. She waved him over and Michael looking slightly puzzled rose, walked to the door finally opened it.
"Ah... Hi," was all Gwen could say.
His smile was big at seeing her. And Gwen felt herself relaxing. But he blinked in a confused expression and asked, "Why did you do that?"
The question threw her off. But then she remembered days ago he hadn't known what a lemon among many other things was. Recovering she didn't want to go into question and answer mode at least not yet. Casually instead she asked, "Isn't it the polite thing to do?"
Working the custom out for himself, Michael concluded. "Then, I guess you're the only one who is around here. Everyone else just comes in," he stated simply, backed up and led the way.
Although it wasn't stated she took his action as an invitation and stepped inside. Before he could ask, she donated the reason for her visit. "Here," Gwen handed the movies over. "I brought you these to pass the time." As he studied them she looked about his room. Spotting the laptop she pointed and added, "You can play them on this."
"I'm not in the mood right now to learn more things. But thank you."
"Learn? No that's not what they are for. Well-not usually." She took them from him and headed for his computer. "Remember, I mentioned movies last night? You just watch them. Here, let me set one up for you. Oh, which one would you like to watch first?"
He gave both of them a careful look then pointed to one with a shrug. As she turned the computer on he wondered, "But why?"
"The same reason we listen to music or watch a sunset. It's for fun and entertainment." She explained and opened the case, pulled the disk carefully out then loaded it into the computer. As the menu popped up she added pointing to his desk's chair. "Better get comfortable. Most movies last well over an hour."
Sitting down he asked, "So this is usually an individual activity?"
"It can or a group one but let me tell you about theaters later, okay?"
.oOo.
Michael gave a small thoughtful nod. When she was about to start the movie up he noticed she was still standing. "So won't you be joining me?"
Gwen looked down at him a little startled. He didn't miss her internal debate. By the way she glanced to the door then her watch, all the while biting her lower lip. But Michael was relieved, by the shy smile she gave and the offer, "I guess... I could stay for just one, if you would like?"
Even though she had offered, Michael could still sense her reluctance. About what, he didn't know. But more than just being lonely, he wanted her to stay. "Maybe it would be for the best," he suggested, "Just in case I have any questions."
He noticed some of the muscles in her body relax as she nodded, "Yeah you're right." Picking up his lap top she looked around and mumbled. "Now where can we both sit?"
Michael pointed automatically to what was closest and suggested, "The bed?"
"Ah," Gwen stepped away from it. "No, we'll both need to be close to the screen."
"Well that's what I meant," Michael got up and added. "We could both sit on it."
Taking another step away from it, Gwen spotted the white sofa. "How about there?" She nodded and headed towards it. "It'll be more comfortable."
Michael without argument sat down next to her on the sofa. Gwen balanced the laptop on her legs. Noticing how close they were she glanced to the desk chair Michael had just been sitting in.
Not missing the look Gwen gave it, Michael realized what she was probably thinking. He also didn't care for it. She wanted to put the computer on the seat so they could sit farther apart and for some reason he liked being in close proximity to her. In the hopes of distracting her from adjusting it he asked, "So what exactly is a movie again?"
"It's kind of like songs. They tell a story. Only instead of with just words and music it incorporates a visual quality as well." She was about to move but he stopped her by gently resting his hand upon her arm.
"May we begin now?"
Giving the chair one last look she gave up with, "Sure help me hold it."
Casually, Michael put his left arm along the back of the sofa behind her. Comfortable, he moved and held the computer with his right hand, adjusting it, so half was resting on each of their laps. As the previews for other movies started up, Gwen explained what they were. Michael nodded absently eyes riveted to the explosions upon the screen.
.oOo.
Gwen was rather happy he had decided on seeing the action movie first. Thinking if he didn't grasp some of the concepts of the plot he could at least enjoy the visual aspects of it. Great pyrotechnics were always a bonus. It seemed the enjoyment from staring into a fire hadn't diminished as the centuries had passed.
After the previews were over with she stopped it and turned to him to ask, "Any questions yet?"
"No," he grinned at the frozen screen and clicked play back on.
As the movie started with a lion's roar Gwen added quickly, "Well if you do have one, we can pause it."
Michael didn't answer her except for making a small noise of agreement. Never seeing this particular one either, Gwen too was soon lost in it as well. They were half way through the movie when it slowed down for a romantic moment. Gwen jumped when Michael whispered, "What are they doing?"
"Ah," she drew the word out. Her mind going blank, she glanced away from the screen to the keys and felt her face grow hot. The last thing she expected tonight was to give an explanation on the birds and the bees to Michael.
Then again she also expected this movie would be all shooting up the bad guys, blood, guts, excessive cursing and a chase scene or two. Good stuff. Zero romance so nothing like this would come up. At least she consoled herself that she had found a mush free comedy but a fat lot of good that was doing her now.
When she didn't say anything and Michael didn't press, she risked a look. His head was cocked to the side. Watching the scene play out he finally realized aloud, "Oh it leads to mating." Then turning to her, he observed. "You are uncomfortable by this, why?"
Gwen wanted to get up. Get away from him but was rooted to the sofa by half of the computer in her lap. Blinking rapidly she lied, "No I'm not." Seeing through it and partially understanding her odd behavior, he gave a slow smile. While she cleared her throat, she tried to further deny by insisting, "No... I was wondering why you asked about... Mating? What an odd way to put it."
Michael shook his head and paused the movie. "No not that." Pointing to the screen he asked, "I want to know about this. Why do they do that? What's it called?"
Embarrassed she glanced from him to the screen and back again. "Um... That position is called mis-"
"No... Not that look," He ordered and drew a circle with is finger around the actress and actor's faces.
"What, kissing?"
"Yes! Why do they do that?"
Gwen could only think, Good god what did the wraith do to him? Before she stammered, "Well... Ah, like mating it feels good for starters."
Staring at her hard Michael wondered aloud. "Then why are you uncomfortable with the idea of it with me when at the same time you are interested by it?"
The blood drained from her face as her eyes became wide. "I..." This time it didn't come out breathy but strained. Dazed she quickly tried to wrap things up. Closing the computer she started, "Michael it's getting late and I need to get up early tomorrow." Putting it down on the floor she finished, "How about we talk about this at lunch? That is if I can get away from work." Giving his left hand a nervous but hopefully reassuring pat she was about to rise.
He didn't say anything, only clasped her right hand. Softly, he squeezed it in a silent plea. And too late she realized touching him had been the crowning cherry to a number of other bad ideas, all which started when she decided to get him some good old entertainment.
The warmth of his hand shot up her arm and into her chest as her heart somehow managed to hammer harder. But as soon as he had captured her, his grip loosened. Just enough, so that she could free herself and flee if she wanted to.
When she didn't, Michael with a glance at the cameras, moved. Assuming a casual position, he managed to obscure the view of at least one of them. Although he still held her hand they were now a little farther apart. And to those who watched they appeared to be only talking. Somehow she managed to sit even straighter at what he did next.
"Don't move," he grinned while turning her hand palm up. Remembering where the other camera was located, Gwen realized her back was already blocking it. At least in a way that nobody but them could see what their hands were doing.
"Michael..." she warned but it fell on deaf ears. Even less effective, since it was halfhearted. Her worries started to dissolve, when he only studied her right hand. That was until he started to talk about it.
"Rather good sized." Finding a few stubborn calluses he added, "durable too."
"Oh, how you shower me with complements." Gwen made no effort to hide the sarcasm in her voice, "If only I knew you had a thing for hands, I would have done my nails."
When Gwen tried to pull away, he was quicker. Holding her firmly and refusing to let go. Squinting at her, Michael stated, "You're teasing me again."
"So I am and so are you."
"I was not." As he worked her reluctant fingers apart once again Michael explained, "You use them. I like that they are strong."
"Between taking care of goats, to tearing apart broken electronics to fix them while growing up, yeah they'll become that." Gwen muttered, "Big and strong."
Realizing she wished they were not. He paid her a real complement but with a smirk. "Look they're not as big and strong as mine. See?" He pressed their palms together to demonstrate.
When she only glared, Michael gave a short laugh. Then enjoyed how her eyes grew wide before he looked down. With finger tips, he had started to trace the faint blue of veins on the underside of her wrist. "It's soft here," he whispered. Then cautiously he began to follow the life line to the center of her palm. Stopping there, giving it feathery strokes with his thumb. When he looked back up, to stare deeply into her eyes, he didn't stop. "And here..."
A shiver ran though her at his velvety tone and what he was doing. Gwen licked her lips and felt her skin all over tighten in goose flesh. Not sure what to do, she looked away.
Moving carefully, mindful again of the cameras he cupped her chin. With his left hand he gently moved her face back to his. Letting it go he brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers, before moving to hold the side of her jaw. He felt the muscles there work and tighten nervously. Stroking her moist lips with the pad of his thumb he asked, "Does this feel good?"
She said nothing only nodded shyly.
Leaning forward he gently demanded, "I want you to show me."
Even with curiosity evident in his eyes, Gwen asked voice almost cracking, "Show you what?"
His lips parted just the slightest bit. His eyes dropped pointedly to her lips. Drawing closer, carefully as the fingers of his right hand weaved with hers. He could feel her pulse as well as his own quicken. The alien sensations for Michael, although enjoyable, were almost too intense. He needed a moment and to pass it, the tip of his nose brush against hers. With short quick breaths, he took in the pleasant citrus tang smell of her breath deeply.
"Mmm... Lemons," Michael commented tenderly.
.oOo.
In the surveillance room nearby, Sergeant Andrew Cole turned away from watching his commanding officer, Lieutenant Coronal John Sheppard and blinked. But that was after the double take he made at the screens which had been his turn to keep an eye on.
All of them had taken turns, ten minutes each, to glance over the different angles displayed on the screens. Honestly, he had become rather distracted by the jokes, his co-worker and John had gotten into to pass the time.
Gaping at the screens now, Andrew tried to figure out how he missed the warning signs. When had the two started holding hands and moving closer to one another? Not even a minute ago it appeared that Michael and Gwen had just decided to stop watching the movie. He noted Gwen had set the laptop aside and they looked to be just talking. Yet now they looked about to do something else involving moving their lips.
Unable to find the words all Andrew could get out was an, "Ah... Sir?" But it was enough, John seeing his reaction looked at the screens and cursed.
At first John had balked when the two had sat down upon the sofa together. And when Michael had put his arm behind Gwen, John had gotten to his feet. Yet he hesitated, not wanting to break things up unless he was certain it was needed. And when the two only seemed to be interested in watching the movie, John decided to not intervene.
He will certainly have to now! Andrew mentally winced and scrambled after John as he charged out of the room.
.oOo.
"Lemonade," Gwen gently corrected and felt a soft breezes from his breaths tease her lips. Head spinning she could not yet bridge the final gap. With her left hand she tenderly stroked the side of Michael's right temple. He took in a sharp intake of air. But he did not move. Wanting her instead to take the next and final step. She did not show him but she also did not pull away.
"I want..." Michael had started but the rest was unnecessary. The feel of her lips upon his said everything they could not. Millimeter by millimeter she had closed in till the barest brush and press was given. And he wondered how something so gentle could hurt so much.
Gwen felt rather then heard the noise Michael made. Blood pounded louder against her eardrums. As lips parted, he started to cautiously rub hers back and just when she thought their kiss would deepen he reared away from her.
Stunned and a little hurt Gwen blurted, "What's wrong?"
The door swung open, with more force than necessary. John entered and to put it mildly, with a not so happy look on his face. "Gwen," he addressed but didn't look at her. Instead his eyes bore into Michael and the apology fell flat, "Sorry to barge in. But Michael has an early start on training with Teyla tomorrow."
Neither Michael nor Gwen bought the urgent reason to interrupt for an instant. But it was Michael who voiced a sour opinion of it. "Oh, I doubt you are sorry. This is bull-"
Not liking the tension growing between the two men, Gwen gave Michael's hand an urgent squeeze. Cutting him off before he could finish. Trying to calm him she reminded softly, "Choices."
Absorbing the one word Michael bit back the new one he had just learned among a few others via the movie. Feeling her thumb soothing the back of his hand, he took a deep breath and he settled to just glower at John.
Although her face felt like it was on fire, Gwen turned to John and managed to state calmly and respectfully, "I was not awareof this, thank you for letting me know now, Sir."
It took John awhile to get the double meaning. What Gwen and Michael had just done was never covered by Elizabeth's rules. Looking uncertain he settled on, "Well now you do. Shall we?"
Disappointment bloomed in her as she turned back to Michael. An upset look from him confirmed what they both suddenly knew. They had crossed an unforeseen line and at least she knew, deep down John and the others were not about to let them cross it again, not any time soon.
"Yes Sir," she answered softly. To set an example for Michael's sake she stayed unruffled on the outside. Even though on the inside, she really wanted to give John a piece of her mind. Michael squeezed her hand, not wanting to let go. She numbly gave it a pat with her other and said, "I have to get up early too. So, I'll see you later." When she felt him reluctantly loosen his fingers, she finally got up and he let go.
Chapter End Notes:
As far as I know Sergeant Cole had no known first name but I felt he deserved one and he looked like an Andrew to me. ;)