The following morning Jennifer started to wake as the light crept round the edge of the curtains. Before opening her eyes she was content to lie motionless enjoying the warmth, which she assumed came from the invading wisps of sunlight. That was until she realised the heat seemed to be coming from underneath her.
She then noticed that her head was higher than it should have been and on something much firmer than a pillow and her hand was most definitely not resting on the bed.
Snapping her eyes open she realised she was draped over Ronon. Part of her wanted to leap away from the Satedan, whilst another wanted to stay put, comfortably nestling against him. She tried to tell herself that was because she didn't want to wake him, yet she felt herself flushing.
Deciding she had to move, she planned a slow retreat that wouldn't wake Ronon. The flaw in her plan was that Ronon was already awake and was feeling just as awkward as Jennifer. When he realised that Jennifer was awake he also felt a small slice of happiness by the fact Jennifer hadn't bolted. Despite enjoying the feeling of Jennifer lying on him Ronon knew they'd have to get up eventually and the longer they left it the more awkward it'd get so he said.
"Mornin'."
"You're awake?" Jennifer squealed as she tried to sit up, only to find herself trapped by Ronon's arm that was wrapped round her.
Realising where his hand was Ronon quickly released his hold and both of them scrambled to put some distance between them as they both mumbled apologies.
"You can use the bathroom first." Ronon offered as he went to the window. Relieved to have an excuse to get away, Jennifer started to walk towards the bathroom, only for a wave of dizziness to sweep across her, making her sway.
Noticing her unsteadiness Ronon strode to her side and offered her a supporting arm as he asked.
"You okay?"
"Yeah." Jennifer assured him feeling embarrassed. "Still trying to get use to walking on solid ground."
"You sure?" Ronon asked staring into Jennifer's eyes.
"I'm sure." Jennifer said, meeting his gaze, before loosing herself in his eyes.
"Good. We should get ready." Ronon stated, breaking the moment.
His sudden detachment confirming in Jennifer's mind that Ronon felt nothing for her.
-00-
When they finally made it downstairs Aben and Lesha were already waiting for them at a table.
"Good morning." Lesha smiled. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes thanks." Jennifer replied as she took a seat, closely followed by Ronon. As soon as they were settled Lesha offered them food and drink as Aben asked.
"So are you still intent on returning to the Ancestral gate?"
"Of course they are." Lesha chastised the skipper.
"I'm only asking as they would make a fine addition to my crew." Aben replied.
"But this is not their home."
"They might like it here."
"They might like to see their friends and family." Lesha countered as Jennifer and Ronon sat watching the bickering couple. That was until Lesha turned to them and said. "Forgive Aben, I sometimes wonder if he has been drinking the sea water rather than sailing on it." The comment causing Aben to roll his eyes before saying.
"I was asking as if you do wish to return I will make enquires about ships that may head that way."
"I'll come with you." Ronon said.
"I don't think that's a good idea." Aben replied. Immediately picking up on the flash of suspicion in Ronon's eyes he explained. "You are obviously an outsider. People will use that against you. Let me do some investigating and find those who can be trusted. Once I have a short list you can interrogate them until your heart is content."
Ronon was about to argue when he felt Jennifer's hand on his. As he looked down at her she said. "Aben's right. We don't even know what to ask for." Ronon continued to look at her before reluctantly saying.
"Okay."
"Excellent." Aben smiled. "Now if your time here is to be short I suggest you spend the day seeing all we have to offer. I'm sure Lesha can point you in the right direction. I'll return when I have news."
-00-
Once Aben had left the house Ronon and Jennifer chose to explore the area by themselves. Politely extracting themselves from Lesha they found themselves walking back towards the coast. Choosing a route that took them along a cliff they soon found themselves almost alone amongst the spectacular scenery.
Looking out, despite the clear skies, all they could see was an endless blue. Noticing Jennifer didn't seem like her normal self Ronon asked.
"You okay?"
"Yeah." Jennifer said quietly causing Ronon to take hold of her hand and turn her round asking. "What's wrong?"
"Noth-" Jennifer started until she saw the penetrating stare Ronon was giving her. "It's nothing really, just feeling homesick."
"This place reminds you of your home on Earth?" Ronon asked.
"No. It's the complete opposite. It's so different it highlights how far I'm away from home."
Ronon looked down at Jennifer unsure what to say only to be surprised by Jennifer suddenly apologising.
"Sorry. Here am I feeling sorry for myself complaining about being far from home, but at least I still have a home and family."
"Don't apologise for that." Ronon said firmly. "It's okay to miss your family."
Turning away from Ronon Jennifer walked closer to the cliff edge, but still maintaining a healthy distance from the edge. Looking out to sea she stood in silence as Ronon looked at Jennifer. Eventually Jennifer said what was really on her mind.
"They're not coming are they?"
"Sheppard will come." Ronon said. "He never leaves anyone behind."
"I didn't say he wasn't looking, I just don't think they'll find us."
"They find us. McKay will do something technical."
"No need to make technical sound like a dirty word." Jennifer grinned.
"Besides Aben is finding us a ship." Ronon said, ignoring the comment.
"Even if he finds one, how do we pay? We have nothing to bargain with." Jennifer said, vocalising something Ronon had already thought of. Instead of answering the question Ronon merely promised.
"I'll get you home."
A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing. Next chapter up tomorrow.