How Jennifer Made the First Move

49 - What is Invisible to Others

"Yes!"

"No!"

"John, you must. This is a holiday celebrated by your people. As military commander, you are obliged to set an example by participating." Teyla had her arms crossed and a stubborn expression on her face. It was difficult to go against her at the best of times. It was even more so now.

"It's not really a holiday the way Christmas and Thanksgiving are and I don't have a problem participating. In fact, I think it will be lots of fun. It's the…nature of my participation that I'm objecting to." Sheppard knew he was going to give in but refused to make it an easy win for her. He too crossed his arms stubbornly. "I will not dress up as a clown!"

"As I understand it, the tradition is to wear a costume that you or others will find funny, frightening or both."

"Yeah. So?"

"So…you are afraid of clowns. It only makes sense that you should dress up as one. I would have the clothing and other accessories delivered to your quarters the day of the celebration so that it will not trouble you to have them in your presence until absolutely necessary."

"I'm not really…afraid of clowns. I just don't like them." His words sounded lame even to his own ears.

She could see the start of surrender in his eyes and it gave her a feeling of triumph. The task of getting him to agree to dress up for the costume party had been given to her by Rodney and Major Lorne. It was a matter of honor for her to succeed. She continued as if he hadn't spoken. "And so you will not feel alone, I will also dress up. Ronon has agreed to as well. I have already chosen a costume for him because he would not do so himself."

"Okay, I'll do it but not as a clown. Pick something else, anything else. And I'll choose a costume for you." He stuck his hand out and a deal was made.

"Agreed. The necessary items must be ordered from Earth within three days in order to arrive on the Daedalus in time for the celebration."

"Okay, just promise you won't make me look too stupid."

"John, do you honestly think I would do such a thing on purpose?"

He gave her a smile of embarrassment. "I guess not."

"I have an idea and look forward to your reaction to my choice."

"As do I."

*****

Rodney used a pocket knife to slit the tape sealing the sides of the package and lifted the lid. He pulled the costume pieces out and laid them on the bed. Included in the package was a gauze shirt, satin cape, studded belt and gloves, hat, mask and fencing sword. He'd have to add his own black pants and boots but that wasn't a problem.

He slipped the mask over his head, tied it then added the hat, cape and sword. Taking the sword in hand he lifted it in salut and hit himself on the leg. He limped around the room and hoped no one would challenge him the night of the party because he apparently didn't remember anything he'd learned in the few fencing lessons he'd been forced to take as teenager.

A sigh hissed out and he made a mental note to watch "The Mask of Zorro" again before the party.

*****

Jennifer opened the box that had come on the Daedalus and had just been delivered by Chuck. She stared at the contents. This wasn't the costume she'd ordered. This was almost as far as you could get from it.

Just for grins she took the pieces out of the box, held them up in front of her and looked in the mirror. She had to admit she looked sooo not like herself. But wasn't that the idea behind wearing a costume, that you looked like someone else?

With a smile she stripped off her uniform and donned the costume. It fit perfectly! Looking in the mirror she imagined herself with bright red lips and dark dramatic eye make-up and had to admit that the ensemble made her look sexy…and dangerous.

I don't know how this mix-up occurred but I like it. Wait until Rodney sees me in this!

*****

"Come out and let me see." Teyla stood next to Sheppard's bathroom door waiting for him to emerge. She purposely waited until it was almost too late to deliver the costume so he wouldn't be able to back out on his promise.

"No. I look…ridiculous." His voice was muffled by the closed door. She'd heard him changing a few minutes ago so she knew he was decently dressed but found the door locked when she tried it.

"I'm sure that's not true. Please come out. I promise not to laugh." No response. "John?"

"Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you."

The lock clicked and the door swung slowly open. Sheppard tentatively stepped out. He spread his arms out and turned in a circle. "See? What did I tell you? I look like an idiot."

Teyla's hand came up to cover her mouth before a laugh could escape. "You look…fine. I chose this costume because you have mentioned this…person on numerous occasions, usually when you perceive danger in the area. You refer to this instinct as your 'Spidey sense', do you not?"

"Well, yeah."

"And 'Spidey' is another name for," she indicated his skin-tight red and blue attire with a wave of her hand, "Spiderman, correct?"

"Yes, but this leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination." He had also kept her costume till the last minute so she couldn't change her mind. Giving in just as she knew he would, he went to his closet, pulled out a large box and handed it to her. "Here's yours. Why don't we meet in the Rec Room."

*****

Rodney purposely arrived late to the party so he could make a grand entrance. He checked that his mask and fake mustache were in place and adjusted the cape more comfortably on his shoulders. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his posture, shoulders back, chest up, back straight but not stiff.

He'd practiced smiling in the mirror and was able to make the expression appear confident and natural. He silently thanked Major Mendez for teaching him a few phrases in Spanish. Even so, he decided to speak as little as possible so it would be harder for the others to guess his identity and easier to stay "in character". There weren't that many Canadians on the base at the moment and there was only one other male. One wrong word and everyone would know it was him.

He took another deep breath then reached for the double doors. Pushing them open, he swept into the room, tossing his cape off his shoulders with a dramatic flourish. He came to a stop, hands on hips, waiting to be noticed.

And he was.

Much of the conversation stopped then started up again a few seconds later. Some in the crowd craned their necks trying to see who'd just come in then whispered their guess to the person or persons near them.

He scanned the crowd making eye contact, smiling and nodding in greeting, occasionally even giving a respectful two-finger salute. When a server passed near, he took a glass of red wine, grasping the stem below the small wide bowl. Lifting the glass, he examined the color, swirled the burgundy liquid watching the "legs" fall back down. He raised it to his nose, inhaled deeply then took a sip. After swirling it around his mouth, he swallowed.

He wandered around the room nodding and smiling. Eventually, his eyes came to rest on a woman who stared boldly back at him. She lowered her gaze to his lips then oh, so slowly brought her eyes back to his. He didn't have to guess who it was. He would always know when she was near even if he were deaf, dumb and blind. Besides, the blonde hair was a dead give-away.

The upper half of her face was covered by a black leather mask with dark red trim. Her sexy leather off the shoulder black bustier with red detail thrust her…assets up and out creating a deep cleft that made it difficult for him to keep his eyes on her face but he managed…just. The black frayed skirt, split to the thigh on one side, was fringed at the end, showing off her long toned legs and baring her midriff. A black cape was hooked around her neck with a silver chain. The incredible outfit was accessorized by gauntlets, a sword and, oh my, a whip! The boots she wore were simple yet sexy. They were black, came to just above her calf and had three-inch spiked heels. Her lips were red and moist, as if she'd just finished eating a ripe, juicy strawberry.

Finishing off the remainder of his wine, he handed the glass to someone and made his way over to her. Without speaking, he swept his hat off and bowed at the waist. She extended her hand and he grasped her fingers. Bending over her hand in a courtly manner, his eyes on hers, he said, "Encantado, señorita."

Very slowly, he removed her right gauntlet. Gently turning her hand over, he lightly scraped her palm with his teeth making her gasp, then curled her fingers closed over the spot. "Le rezo, guardo este como una memoria de mí…" he whispered for her only.

Without taking his eyes from hers, he replaced his hat, took two steps back, turned and strode away to be swallowed up by the crowd.

*****

Conversation stopped and Jennifer turned to see what the disturbance was. Framed in the light from the corridor stood a man dressed all in black: cape, mask, sword, the entire Zorro outfit. Oh, wow! Who is that? She thought in surprise as he worked his way around the room. It seemed like forever before he came to stand in front of her.

Just for a moment, he seemed familiar, but she lost her train of thought when he took her by the hand and did something devastatingly erotic to her palm making her bones turn to water. He uttered a few words in Spanish then, before she could regain her equilibrium, disappeared…just like Zorro.

Amelia, Amanda and Marie stepped up next to her. The four women watched the man in black walk away and heaved a collective sigh.

"Who was that?" Amanda asked.

"What did he say?" Amelia wanted to know.

"Is he single?" Marie inquired.

Jennifer put a hand to her heaving chest, heart beating wildly. "I don't know! But I think…I'm in love." The last word ended on a sigh.

*****

Rodney went out onto the patio, took off his hat and fanned himself with it. He could not believe what he'd just done to Jennifer in front of, well, everyone! What had possessed him to do it? It had to be the costume. He was possessed by the spirit of Antonio Banderas.

And his stomach hurt. No, wait. That was hunger. He put the hat on and went back inside.

*****

There he was again! The mysterious man in black was back. Jennifer headed toward the buffet table and casually sidled up to him. Unfortunately, she couldn't think of anything to say that wouldn't sound…idiotic, at least to her own ears, so she just watched him fill his plate with all manner of foods. There were a few exceptions, but they set off a signal in her brain causing her to look at him with new eyes.

Now that she wasn't walking around in a cloud of arousal she could zero in on those little nuances. If she hadn't been mindless with lust, she would have guessed his identity the minute he stepped in front of her.

His mannerisms, his walk, the way he sniffed some foods before deciding if he wanted to try them. She stepped closer and inhaled deeply, her eyes drifting closed. Oh, yeah! It was him! That knowledge turned her on again as if he'd reached out and feathered one of his incredibly talented fingers down her spine.

She tried to engage him in conversation hoping he would give himself away but he was unusually restrained. Unable to think of a way to draw him out she resigned herself to eating in silence because she planned on sitting with him no matter what.

But she needn't have worried. As they reached the end of the buffet table, he turned to her and said, "¿Por favor, coma conmigo?"

"Uh…"

"Excuse me. I don't mean to intrude but your companion has asked if you would do him the great honor of sharing this meal with him." Major Xavier Martinez, leader of SGA-12, told her with a smile.

"I would be delighted." She gave the man in black a smile and a slight bow. "Gracias, señor."

Major Martinez faded away as her escort extended his elbow and she hooked a hand through it. He led her to a table in the corner and held her chair. Beverages were ordered then he seated himself beside her with a casual flip of his cape.

*****

Sheppard was seated at a table with Teyla, Ronon, Amelia, Lorne and Marie. He'd finally stopped laughing at Ronon dressed as a huge white rabbit. Lorne and Marie were dressed as a Wraith and queen respectively and Amelia was a Musketeer.

Then there was Teyla. He'd finally convinced her that there'd been a massive mistake made and he was not responsible for her being dressed as a French maid. The costume he'd chosen for her had been Little Red Riding Hood complete with a stuffed wolf that she could keep on her bed. He had to admit that she looked so… Shaking his head he pushed the bottom half of his Spiderman mask up so he could eat and drink.

A few minutes later the lights dimmed and the music slowed down. Everyone but Teyla and he got up to dance and an awkward silence settled over them. "Uh, Teyla…"

"There is no need for you to apologize yet again, John. I believe you when you say you had nothing to do with this…costume."

"That's good to hear but I was going to ask if you wanted to dance."

She smiled and stood. He pulled his mask down, took her hand and they joined the others on the dance floor swaying gently to the beat. He took great care not to hold her too close though he wanted to more than anything.

*****

"Perdóneme, por favor." Rodney excused himself with a tip of his hat and weaved his way between the tables to the young man playing DJ in the far corner. He whispered his request and received an eager nod in response.

To deepen the mystery he would stay away from Jennifer until the time was right then appear out of the shadows, hand extended in supplication.

This would be a very special dance. He'd spent the last couple of weeks taking a refresher course in a particular dancing style he hoped would impress her. Tonight would be the big pay-off. Well, hopefully…

*****

Rodney finished off his glass of wine then moved confidently over to stand in front of Jennifer, taking his gloves off and tossing them on the table to get her attention. When she looked up, he smiled and extended his hand in silent request. She placed her hand in his and was led to the dance floor.

The song Rodney had requested, Asi se Baila el Tango, began to play.

Jennifer brought her hands to her throat and released the clasp on her cape allowing it to flutter to the floor in a dark pool. Ever vigilant, one of the wait staff crept forward and pulled it out of the way so no one would trip.

Rodney took off his hat and sailed it into the crowd. He unclasped his own cape, swirled it once around his head then flung it into the crowd as well.

As luck would have it, Sheppard caught the cape. He looked from the mass of dark fabric in his hands to the man standing across from Jennifer and just like that, he knew who it was. Way to go, McKay! He passed the word around and the dance floor was cleared of everyone but the physician and the physicist.

Rodney took her by the hand, spun her into his arms then leaned her back into a shallow dip. Once upright again, she moved to stand beside him, her right shoulder just touching his. His right hand went around her waist and hers went around his. Careful to keep eye contact, they made a one-quarter turn then she grasped his lapels and walked backward dragging him forward, his hands at his sides. They changed directions with Rodney now walking backwards dragging her forward.

He spun her once then she was back in his arms. Cheek to cheek, he led her into a promenade then kick, turn and promenade again. Their hands went to their hips, elbows out, never taking their eyes from each other as they circled right, kick, turn then circled left. He took her left hand in his, both their arms fully extended and spun her until they were back to back, arms above their heads.

They switched hands, her left in his right, and turned face to face with their free hands on the lower curve of their hips, their bodies barely touching. He lowered her hand to his shoulder, pulled her close then, taking several steps forward, he spun her out and back so fast she became giddy, her hair whirling like a cloud around her head. Her skirt swirled so high that every inch of both thighs could be seen.

He let go and turned away from her almost dismissively. She wrapped both arms around him from behind, resting her cheek on his back and trapping his arms at his sides as if begging him not to go. Her left leg came up around his hip and his hand came down to touch the bare skin of her thigh inside the slit of her skirt. She gasped at the feel of his skin on hers. He gasped too, causing the blood in her veins to boil. Her hands released him and she took several steps backward as he turned and stalked her like a jungle cat.

She stopped suddenly, dropped to one knee in front of him and looked up, begging, pleading, but for what she didn't know. He bent his knee then his right hand went round her waist as hers came around his neck and they slowly rose to standing. His right hand took hers as he spun her out and back twice in quick succession then pulled her very close, her hands on his chest, their eyes locked. He watched her eyes darken from their usual whiskey brown to the color of semi-sweet chocolate, the pupils so dilated they nearly obliterated the irises.

He spun her out and back once more but this time she ended with her back pressed to his chest. She turned in his arms, her right leg coming up to curve around his hip again. He could feel the spiked heel of her boot through his pants as it slowly slid down the back of his thigh.

He spun her out and back once last time, her back pressed against his chest, their arms above their heads. He leaned slightly forward and she dropped backward into his arms in a deep dip just as the music ended with a dramatic crash of drums, strings, brass and piano. They stayed just like that, breathing hard and eyes only for each other.

He pulled her upright to the sound of thunderous applause. They both bowed, first to the crowd then to each other. He kissed the knuckles of her left hand then the right, bowed again, gave her a jaunty salute and turned to leave. She grasped his hand, pulled him back to her, cupped his face and kissed him full on the lips. The applause continued, augmented by whistles and cheers. She took him by the hand and they exited through the patio door without a backward glance.

*****

Jennifer led a willing Rodney through the corridors of Atlantis until she came to the transport. They stepped inside and he reached up to touch the screen but she stopped him by pushing him up against the wall. They kissed each other eagerly, urgently. He kissed his way down her neck to that area just below the pulse in her throat then up the other side to nibble on her earlobe. She moaned, pulled his head up to look him in the eye and whispered, "¡Amo usted, Rodney!"

He hesitated a stunned moment then whispered back. "¡Le amo, también, Jennifer!"

"Let's get out of here."

"My place. It's closer." He touched the screen and a second later they were on the barracks level.

She dragged him out of the transport, down the corridor and into his quarters. The door closed just as she gave him a shove and he landed on his back on the bed. She straddled his hips, her hands on either side of his head. "I hope you don't have any plans for tomorrow because I'm not letting you out of my sight for quite a while. Doctor's orders."

"No, no plans. At least nothing I can't get out of." He interspersed his words with kisses, then rolled them so he was leaning over her, one hand coming up to undo the laces on the front of her bustier while she pulled his shirt from the waistband of his pants. "I have loved you…"

"…for some time? I know. I've loved you, well, it seems like forever." Her eyes were shining.

"Good. Now, where was I? Oh, yeah. Just about…here!"

"Oh, Rodney!"

*****

Chuck stood at the entrance to the Rec Room, one foot crossed over the other and his arms crossed. He was watching a spectacle of his own making unfold. Drama would not be the correct term for what he was witnessing. It was more like a comedy of Olympian proportions. He tried not to laugh but it was a losing battle. He and his cohorts were sure to get several chapters for the third book in their series just from this one event.

Books one and two of Starport: Elysia had made it to the New York Times Bestseller list, had been nominated for Nebula awards and had even been endorsed by none other than Oprah Winfrey during one of her book club segments.

They'd also gotten messages from their agent, George, informing them that the major book store chains and sci-fi conventions were clamoring for them to do public appearances and book signings. They couldn't take the time off from Atlantis so they'd had to decline all such invitations. Because of this, Charles "A.J." Paxton had a reputation for being a recluse, a man who saw no one except his agent and personal assistant, Henry Martin, who went to these events in their stead. Plus, they wanted to keep alive the myth that the author was one person instead of four.

Henry was a figurehead, a thirty-something former Marine once assigned to Atlantis, hired to be their contact with the outside world. He'd had to sign a confidentiality agreement similar to the one the SGC required and just a binding.

And he was doing a stellar job!

Chuck couldn't help it. A laugh bubbled out again. Amelia, Joe and Pax had hailed him as a genius when he told them what he'd done. It was a good thing that he was a computer genius or there would have been hell to pay if the senior staff had found out what he'd done.

A keystroke here, a deleted entry there and viola!

Instead of Tarzan, Ronon was now a 6-foot-4 bunny rabbit, 7-foot-2 if you included the ears. Think Harvey with a major attitude! He'd been angry at first but was now being a good sport about it. At the moment he was sitting with Amelia, one ankle resting on the other knee, his foot jiggling. Amelia was laughing at something he'd said.

Instead of Little Red Riding Hood, Teyla was dressed as a sexy French maid. He laughed again remembering Colonel Sheppard's reaction when he saw how angry she was thinking it had been his idea, especially after someone explained why it was so funny. She had eventually calmed down and gotten into the spirit of the costume, coming up with a passable accent with the assistance of Dr. Danielle Lambert of the Botany department. She'd even taught the Athosian a few words and phrases in French.

He was most proud of what he'd done regarding Dr. Keller. Instead of a bumble bee-how silly is that?-she was a very alluring female Zorro. That turned out better than any of the other changes he'd made. She and Dr. McKay had finally gotten together, if what he'd just seen on the dance floor was any indication, which had been his original objective.

He'd made other changes but those were his favorites.

Pushing off the wall he went to the buffet table, filled a plate then sat down next to Kelly Ryan, a petite blonde from the astrophysics department, who was sharing a table with Pax and Joe. She was dressed as Little Bo Peep. He was dressed as one of the Musketeers. Leaning down, he planted a quick kiss on her lips. "So…what did I miss?"

El Final

A/N 1: This story references events and/or situations from the stories "Chuck's Hobby" and "Surf City, Pegasus" and is a shameless plug by the author (moi!). If anyone has any questions or comments regarding the Tango scene, please feel free contact me by PM or email: toosweet4u_57 at yahoo dot com. As always, many thanks to Dr. Bud Urban and Atomdancerrr for their invaluable assistance during the Beta process.

Muchas gracias, mis amigos,

JJ

A/N 2: Because you have asked for it, here is the translation for what Rodney says to Jennifer when he kisses her palm: "I pray you, keep this as a memory of me..." I found my info on hand kissing at: http (colon) //members (dot) tripod (dot) com/~whitebard/handkiss (dot) htm and made my own...modifications. Tried it out on my BF and it went over like Leonard Nimoy at a Star Trek convention. Wink, wink!