Title: Which You Think You Cannot Do

Author: atlantis child (Command Dynamics), innocent choir girl When Elizabeth Weir doesn't answer any of her calls and doesn't show up in her office, Atlantis' security is about to start a search team out to find her. But John Sheppard finds her first, and what he finds shocks him.

Genres: Alternate Universe, Angst, Drama, Hurt/Comfort

Warnings: Abuse, Rape, Torture, Violence

Rating: M

Chapter: 14 "Happiness"

Author's Notes:

Elizabeth stared out at the sea. It was one of the things she missed most about Atlantis. The waves crashing back and forth around Atlantis' structure, which brought that salty air up to her as she inhaled. It was simply spectacular and she remembered exactly why she hadn't wanted to leave Atlantis in the first place to go to Earth for the trial. Atlantis was her home…it had been for some time… Stretching out her arms across the balcony railing, she took a step back to stretch out her back before laying her head on one of her arms as she let her eyes close so she could just listen to the ocean.

The sound of the door open behind her alerted her to the fact that she was no longer alone. "I'm fine, John," she said without moving or opening her eyes. She knew who it was; she didn't need to move to look. They had really synced up since the trial. They had a silent special bond, almost like a psychic link…it was odd, but Elizabeth loved it… It was a comfort in an untellable way.

"I know you are," he said with a smirk as he approached her. "Are you hugging the city and telling her you missed her?"

She smiled brightly and opened her eyes before straightening and turning towards him, "Maybe…"

John watched her as he crossed his arms across his chest. "You know, Kate is still giving me funny looks…" He leaned against the railing watching her; she was so different on Atlantis…happy… "We gonna talk…about…ya know…" John started trying to figure out how to finish his rambling sentence.

"The kiss?" Elizabeth brought up, red rushing to her cheeks as she dropped her head as her smile widened and she tried to push the blushing away from her cheeks.

Her reaction made him smile; she seemed so happy and carefree about it. "Yeah…" Reaching out, he lifted her face with his hand so he could see her. "I didn't want to push you…"

"You didn't," Elizabeth spoke gently as she reached up and took his hand. She moved it from her chin, but kept a firm hold on it in between them. "I chose to kiss you back, John…well, briefly…before we were interrupted."

"Rudely interrupted," he added.

She smiled brightly at his comment. "It could have been worse…Kate will keep that secret…I'm sure of that."

"Where were we?" he asked closing in on her.

Giggling a bit, she moved out of the way, "Now John… I never said I wanted to be kissed again…" Elizabeth enjoyed her time with John, and teasing him made her smile all the more. "John Sheppard, we've been on Atlantis for no more than an hour and you're already hitting on me?"

"Should I come back in a couple hours and pick up then?" he teased.

Seriousness started to come over her as she took a step towards John and then wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head against his chest. He felt strong and warm to her as she closed her eyes. She wanted to have a relationship with John, but she wasn't ready yet… But not being ready was a hard place to be…it hurt her heart to think of the look on his face when she told him and how she would feel at the look. "I'm not ready yet," she whispered.

Letting his hand run through her hair, he leaned down and kissed the top of her head before responding, "I know." John did know, and he knew not to push…but that didn't mean he wasn't going to be interested in her. He knew if he went too far that she'd say something and push him away. "Just know," he said before moving away from her and lifting her face so he could look into her green eyes, "That I will be here for you."

The look that she had expected to be there was no where to be found, instead she found understanding, caring, and love in his face and eyes. His eyes alone told her everything she needed to know. "Thank you."

"I will always be here for you, Elizabeth…no matter what."

She gave him a gentle smile, "I know…."

John smirked, "Good. Now, how about we get some dinner? We could even hide out, so that you don't have to listen to Rodney's rantings about how the scientific stuff he's been wanting to harass you about since we left."

"As nice as that sounds…I think I'd like to spend dinner in the mess hall… I've missed being here…including the people…"

"Even Rodney?" John asked with a slightly pained look.

A bright smile lightened her face, "Even Rodney. Admit it, John. You've missed everyone, too."

"Do I have to?"

Giggling, she shook her head before grabbing his arm and heading away from the balcony. "You don't have to tell him…but I know you've missed him."

John gave in, "Fine…I'll admit…I've missed blaming stuff on him…" He gave her a wicked smile as they entered and headed for the mess hall. He was relieved to have things back to normal. Happiness was something that he was afraid that she had lost. He was glad to see that he was wrong…and that happiness still lived for them all in Atlantis.

The End