Chapter Twelve
It had been two days since Rodney's idea had turned out to be a success. People were beginning to return to their roles within the city after two days of relaxation which involved finishing the remains the Valentine's Ball champagne and generally spending two days in a constant stream of party. Days which had continued the stream of good news, with Teyla and Ronon announcing their intention to marry. John was genuinely delighted for them and had been assigned the role that was equivalent to best man in Athosian proceedings. He only wished his own life could be as simple.
So far, John and Elizabeth hadn't been able to find a moment to speak to one another about what the future held for them and, in part, they had been avoiding each other. When they spoke, the conversation would need to address the nature of the relationship that existed between them and John wasn't overly hopeful that the result would be that they could be nothing more than friends. Although, he would rather be friends than suffer the alternative that had been facing them.
John's role as the leader of Atlantis had come to an end though and he knew he was going to have to face Elizabeth. She was on the balcony, leaning over the rails when he found her. As the door slid open, she turned and smiled at him before looking back out onto the ocean. He walked over to her and handed her the final report for the outbreak of illness.
'I officially return the leadership of Atlantis to your safe hands. Can't say I'm disappointed.' He said.
'What makes you say that?' Elizabeth asked with a smile.
'Too much paperwork. Not to mention, my moment in the spotlight was rather over-shadowed by a deathly illness.'
'You did a great job, John. If you ever need a reference, you know where I am.' She said with a cheeky smile.
'I was kinda hoping to stick around actually.'
'Good.' Elizabeth said.
John watched with a half-smile as Elizabeth flicked through the report. Sensing him looking at her she looked up and studied him for several seconds.
'What?'
'Nothing.' He said.
'I spoke to Colonel Caldwell this morning.' She said.
'And?'
'I explained to him, as diplomatically as possible, that I don't think it would be a good idea me to have a relationship with him; mainly because I'm not attracted to him.' She said, watching for John's reaction.
'I'm sure he'll be fine.' John said dismissively.
'I hope so.' Elizabeth said with a smile.
'Anything else you wanted to discuss?' John asked nonchalantly.
'Actually yes. Although I suppose you already knew that. Obviously, in the last week, things have changed between us and I meant everything I said.' Elizabeth said.
'Why do I sense a 'but'?' John said.
'John, the IOA would never accept us being a couple – they're already jumping on every mistake I make – this would be the final nail in the coffin. I can't put us both in that position. I'm sorry.' She said, putting her hand over his.
'Yeah, me too.' He said, squeezing her hand.
They both looked out over the ocean together for several minutes, their hands remaining entwined. John suddenly looked at their hands then directly at Elizabeth. She turned to face him.
'Say, hypothetically, that the IOA or anybody for that matter somehow didn't get informed if we did – hypothetically – start a relationship, would that be a problem?' John said with a pout.
'Just what are you suggesting Colonel?'
'Completely hypothetical.' He said, mysteriously.
'If that were the case, hypothetically, would you like to meet me in my quarters in ten minutes?' She said with a seductive raise of the eyebrow.
He quickly kissed her passionately on the lips, 'Make it mine – they're nearer.'
With a final kiss, he left the balcony. Elizabeth checked her watch, and then smoothed her hair, excitedly looking forward to the next chapter in her life.
A/N: This is it! I hope everybody liked it and got the happy ending they wanted. Please read and review.
