Short but new. :)

Title: Family and Home
Author: Cindy Ryan
Pairings: Sheppard/Keller
Notes and summary: see part one

An early morning jog didn't have the same affect it usually did for John. He stopped on the south pier to catch his breath.
The sun had just crested the horizon causing color to splash everywhere. He could feel the city start to hum to life.

John leaned against the railing and stared out at the waves. He had to leave on a mission at eight and that was the last thing in the world he wanted to do right now.
Not with everything a mess.

He'd tried to talk to Jen after her announcement but she'd retreated to Teyla's.

Not for the first time John cursed the IOA for putting them in this position. He'd sent another video message to O'Neill before he left on his run. John knew O'Neill had a lot of pull when it came to the SGC but the IOA was a different animal.

The sunlight bounced off John's wedding ring drawing his attention. He swallowed hard…..he'd promised Jen happiness and forever………

Until they'd become involved John had never put much thought into fate. Lately though it definitely seemed like something was working against them.
Not giving them a chance.

John wasn't sure if he could face going back to empty quarters day after day. Not being able to watch Melanie grow up….
Not holding Jen every night….

John sighed…..since Jen had left he'd thought about turning in his resignation more than once. He knew the IOA he knew they'd come up with another way to keep him on Atlantis……Atlantis was too important to them…..

Footsteps from the left caused John to look away from the waves. Lorne wearing gray sweats and running shoes slowed to a stop next to him.

"Thought I was the only one up this early."Evan greeted with a smile. "You eaten yet?"

John shook his head as he turned to face Lorne. "Jen hasn't talked to you, has she?"

Evan frowned with concern. "No, I got back late last night….what's going on?"

"She's going home."John replied quietly his voice barely audible above the waves.

Evan was sure he hadn't heard right. "What?"

"IOA backed us into a corner."John explained as he ran a hand through his wind blown hair. "They approved Melanie's adoption but only if Jen takes her back to Earth."

"Unbelievable."Evan replied with a shake of his head. "You're married….it's not like…."

"They think it'll compromise my command decisions if she and the baby remain here."

"They have no clue about what it's like out here."Evan muttered before meeting his C.O.'s troubled gaze. "I'll talk to them."

John smiled briefly but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Appreciate it….but do me a favor?"

"Name it."

"Talk to my wife…..maybe she'll listen to you."John stated as he looked back at the ocean."They gave us three days to make a decision but she's not taking it….not letting me fight it…..she's scared……"

"I'll do what I can."Evan promised. "Do you know where she is?"

"Teyla's."Sheppard replied just as his com beeped.

"McKay to Sheppard."

"Go ahead."

"Jackson got back to me on the language we found in the cave….going back and forth we've been able to translate some of it."

John exchanged a glance with Lorne. "Anything on Melanie?"

"No mention of her yet but we may have found the Janus connection."

"On my way. Sheppard out."

*********

Jennifer flashed Teyla a grateful look as the Athosian pressed a mug of hot tea into the young doctor's hands.

"Thank you."

"It is no trouble."Teyla acknowledged with a sad smile. "I just wish I could do more."

"You've helped more than you realize by just listening."Jennifer replied as her gaze drifted back to the smaller room where the children still slept. She and Teyla had moved out to the balcony once the sun had risen.

"I have a mission in a few hours but you may stay as long as you need."

"Thank you."Jennifer whispered as she stood and leaned against the doorway that separated the balcony from the main room.

"Are you hungry?"

Jennifer shook her head. "No….I'll watch them if you want to grab something."

Teyla placed a supportive hand on her friend's arm. "I will return shortly."

Jennifer nodded as Teyla moved through her quarters to the main door. She activated it and both women were surprised to see Evan Lorne standing in the hall.

"Major."Teyla greeted warmly. "A pleasant surprise."

Evan nodded his blue eyes tracking back to his best friend. "I'm sorry I would've used the com but I was close by thought I might convince the Doc here to eat something."

Jennifer could tell from the tone of her friend's voice that he knew about her leaving. She could see the worry and concern in his eyes. She appreciated it but the last thing she wanted was to reopen the wound…..everything was still fresh from John….she didn't have the energy to go through it again.

"Thanks, Evan, but I'm not hungry."

Jennifer didn't miss the worried glance that was exchanged between Teyla and Evan as Teyla stepped out into the hall.

Teyla looked back at Jennifer as Evan moved into the room. "Jennifer, I will be back shortly."

"Okay."Jennifer acknowledged as her friend left leaving her and Evan alone.

Evan folded his arms across his chest as he studied Jen. He didn't like at all the red rimmed and puffy eyes or how pale she was.

"Why are you giving up so easily?"

Jennifer shook her head as she retreated to the balcony. "Nothing about this is easy, Evan. Nothing."