Becoming Connor Davids
Chapter 50 : Concupiscent
Author's Notes :
- This begins right after chapter 49.
- I do not own Jameson.
- John and Connor dance to You and Me by Lifehouse
- Eric and Ben refer to the movie Good Will Hunting. Eric has previously stated it was his favorite movie.
- Jaffa cakes are real and delicious. In fact I really want some. Right now.
- Edited content is on my listed homepage.
IMPORTANT : I apologize for not posting this sooner. BCD is coming to an end and has about 2.5 (2 chapters and an interlude) left before its completion.
My awesome BETA : JackD
"I think Eric's having an affair."
John choked on his beer and turned to face Rodney. "What?!"
"I said I think Eric's having an affair."
John eyed the three empty beer bottles next to Rodney on the pier they were sitting on. "Are you drunk?"
"What? No! Please, Sheppard I lived in Russia. I drank three beers with breakfast."
"But you think Johns is sleeping around on you?" John asked skeptically.
"Yes."
"I don't think it can be called an affair if you aren't married." John observed.
"That's so not the point, Sheppard."
John took another swig of his beer and swallowed, "What is the point?"
"That he's having sex with someone else!"
"You're being stupid, Rodney. The kid is head over heels for you, I don't even know why you would think that."
"He's twenty-three! When I was twenty-three I would have had sex with a tree if I could! And since he's not having any with me, he must be getting it somewhere else!"
John frowned, "You aren't having sex?"
"Not so much as a blow-job since he got back from your stupid training thing on the mainland."
"Ah."
"What?" Rodney faced him. "What do you know that I don't?"
"How to fly an F-22 fighter jet," John answered easily. He finished off his beer and set it aside. It was the only one he would be drinking tonight, mainly because he had serious plans of getting laid again today. He and Connor had gone to dinner with Rodney and while John would have liked nothing more than to follow his husband back to their quarters, Rodney had been looking a little put out and Connor had poked John in the thigh, tilted his chin at the astrophysicist and then promptly left them alone. John had always been able to take a hint.
"I'm serious, Sheppard!"
"So am I."
"John." Rodney ground out.
"Rodney, he's only been back like twelve hours."
"So?! I bet you got laid!"
John tried to look innocent. "That's not the point. I'm married."
"I think there's something going on."
"Rodney--"
"Even before he left we only had sex twice that whole week!"
"I don't think he's sleeping around on you, Rodney. Have you tried talking to him?"
Rodney scoffed, "You want me to talk to him? About sex?"
"Yes."
"Of course you would say yes. I'm sure you and Davids just sit around talking about it all the time," Rodney said sarcastically.
"Well--"
"Shut up, Sheppard."
"Just talk to him, Rodney." John put the empty bottles back into the six-pack carrier. "Are we finished being high school girls?"
"Yes." Rodney grumbled. "And I bet I could fly a stupid jet if I had to."
When Rodney got back to his quarters there was no sign of Eric. Of course the only sign of Eric would have been Eric himself since the younger man didn't leave things in Rodney's room for fear of being caught. Rodney sighed and felt a stab of loneliness hit his chest.
There was an ache there; an ache that said Eric was going to leave him.
Sheppard may not have believed Eric would leave him, but Rodney had a list of reasons why someone wouldn't want to stay with him. He had several ex-girlfriends to thank for the list.
Rodney took a shower, slipped into clean boxers and then slid under the sheets. They were cold and Rodney thought that was somehow fitting.
Something woke him up and Rodney opened his eyes a bit to see the bathroom light on. He reached a hand out and there was a warm spot under the blankets. A moment later the light switched off and a body slid into bed next to his.
"Eric?"
"Yeah."
"What time did you get in?" Rodney asked quietly.
"Around two. I'm sorry I'm so late, Rodney."
Eric shifted and Rodney found himself with an armful of Marine. The younger man rested his head on Rodney's chest and wrapped an arm around his stomach.
"Eric?"
"Yeah?" The other man asked sleepily.
"Are you--do you… do you want to break up?"
The body next to him froze. "What?"
"It's just--"
"You want to break up with me?" Eric asked brokenly. He broke away from Rodney and sat up, the sheets pooling in his lap. Rodney heard Eric's breath hitch and then a small sniffle and he knew that Eric was crying.
"Eric." Rodney said hesitantly. He reached a hand out to touch Eric's bare back. "I don't want to break up with you. I thought you wanted to break up with me."
"What? Why would you think that?"
"You've been staying in your own quarters more and more, I barely see you--what am I supposed to think?"
"That I'm busy, Rodney, not that I want to break up with you. I love you. I can't believe you would think that."
The room was pitch black and Rodney couldn't see Eric's expression and his tone of voice wasn't giving much away. Rodney was starting to feel a little guilty that he brought it up. Eric lay back down, next to Rodney, on the bed. A hand reached for his and Rodney let Eric lock their fingers together.
"I'm not going anywhere, Rodney." Eric said softly. "I promise."
Rodney swallowed and decided it was now or never. "Is there… someone else?" He finished in a whisper.
There was a pause and then, "I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry, Rodney. I barely have time for the boyfriend I do have and you think there's someone else? There's never been anyone else," Eric said quietly. "It's always been you."
"Eric… I'm sorry. It's just… I've always been the busy one, the one to come home late and forget things like nine-month anniversaries… I guess I'm learning what it feels like to be on the other side of that."
"Fuck." Pause. Rodney could hear Eric's steady breathing. "Rodney I don't--I don't even know what day of the week it is, much less the date. I'm sorry."
"It's okay."
"It's not, it's really not. It's not--I mean, I'm just so busy. I'm barely keeping up with my classes and I've got OT on top of that… I was never expecting to be in a relationship when I decided to go down this path."
"Can I… is there anything I can do to help?" Rodney asked cautiously.
"Just be here." Eric said softly. "Just be here, Rodney."
"Let's go skate."
John watched as Connor finished writing something in a notebook before turning to face him with an amused look.
"Skate?"
"Skateboard." John elaborated. "You have a board in our room but I've never seen you use it… please tell me you know how to use it."
Connor laughed softly. "I know how to use it. I just haven't too much since coming to Atlantis."
"So let's go skate. I'll get my board, you get your board… there's a perfect pier on the west side of the city that has a couple railings…covering from the rain…"
"Some of us are working, John." Connor said with a smile.
"So?" John walked over to Connor until he was standing right behind him. He leaned down and rested his chin on Connor's shoulder and ran a hand down the front of Connor's chest. "Please?"
"And this can't wait for another time?" Connor asked, but John could tell his husband was caving.
"What other time? We're meeting with my team tomorrow night and then we're baking a birthday cake… and then the next day it's Christmas…"
"And all those days after Christmas just don't count?" The younger man asked, amused.
John slipped his hand into the top of Connor's pants, barely grazing the elastic of the younger man's boxers. "Nope."
"John."
"Hmm?" John asked, pressing a kiss to the side of Connor's neck.
"Your hand is in my trousers."
"I know."
Connor sighed. "One hour."
"Really?" John asked with a grin.
"If you promise not to stick your hand down my trousers while I'm working again." Connor countered.
John sighed and pulled his hand back. "Alright."
Connor shook his head at John and smiled before closing his books. He stood up and John watched as his husband took in the two skateboards John had propped by the door. The younger man rolled his eyes and followed John out the door.
"John." Connor said with a soft laugh. "It's hard to dress with you there."
His husband was plastered to Connor's bare back, arms wrapped around his stomach from behind and John's mouth was leaving wet kisses all over Connor's shoulder.
"That's the point." John said between kisses.
"So you'd rather I showed up naked?"
"I'd rather you stayed here naked." John countered.
Connor blushed as one of John's hands worked its way down to more sensitive areas. "I already told them I'd go." Cam had invited him and Daniel to dinner in his quarters. Connor was also sure that there would be a lot of alcohol in his foreseeable future.
"Blow them off." John whispered. "And I'll blow you."
"You'll do that anyways." Connor answered with a moan.
John paused. "That's true." He turned Connor around and slid to his knees.
[Edited Content]
John sighed Connor's name happily and a second later he came, all over Connor's hand and his hip, but Connor didn't really care at all. There was an expression of pure bliss on John's face and Connor wondered how John could be so happy when Connor felt like crying.
Connor turned on his side to face John and hid his face in the older man's neck. John settled a hand on his back and rubbed it up and down his skin.
"I hate seeing you so unhappy." John murmured.
Connor shook his head. "I'm not, I--you make me so happy, John. I want to give you more."
"We both know why you're not ready." John said softly. "And it's okay, Connor, it really is. I understand, and you give me so much. You make me incredibly happy just as you are."
"Yeah." Connor sighed. "I love you, John."
John tilted Connor's head up and gave him a kiss. "I love you, too."
"Take a shower with me?" Connor asked shyly.
"Of course." John paused. "How late are you?"
Connor coughed. "An hour early."
John's eyes narrowed, but Connor knew he wasn't really mad. "You totally lied to me."
Connor giggled. "Yup."
John sighed dramatically. "What ever did I do?"
"I knew you wanted to…" Connor trailed off and looked between their bodies. "So I allotted time for that."
John pinched Connor's bicep. "You tricked me."
"Yup."
"And you're not even sorry about it."
"Nope."
John smiled. "Me neither." He pressed his lips to Connor's again.
"Merry Christmas Eve."
Connor opened his eyes and met John's before the other man pressed a soft kiss to his lips. It was close mouthed and barely made contact but it brought a smile to Connor's face anyways. John was leaning over him with one hand braced on Connor's other side, looking down at the younger man.
"Merry Christmas Eve, John." Connor replied with a soft smile.
"I want presents." John declared.
Connor laughed and rolled out from underneath his husband. "You have to wait one more day." He said over his shoulder as he walked to the bathroom.
John got up to follow him in but Connor gave the older man a look and a raised eyebrow and John detoured to where the electric water kettle was. Connor stepped into the restroom and shut the door behind him. He glanced at the shower and wondered how easy it would be to talk John into taking one with him. He figured it would be pretty easy.
Connor quickly used the toilet, washed his hands, brushed his teeth, and scrubbed his face. His hair was a mess and he ran a brush through it a couple of times. It was starting to get really long again, but John made a noise of protest every time Connor even hinted at cutting it. So he let it be. For now.
"You better not be thinking about taking a shower without me!" John called in to him.
Connor smiled to himself and thought the door open. John was pouring water into two mugs and stopped to look at Connor standing in the doorway in just his boxers. He instinctively curled his arms around his stomach to try and cover himself up more. John smiled fondly and tossed him a nearby sweatshirt. Connor slid the piece of clothing on over his head and walked over to John.
He wrapped his arms around John's waist from the side as John poured some milk into one of the mugs. He put a little sugar into both and then let them sit on the table. His hands covered Connor's and John leaned his head to the side to it would rest on the younger man's. Connor sighed happily.
"No Ronon today?" John asked.
"Nah. I told him I was taking the week off."
"And he let you get away with that?"
Connor blushed. "I might have implied that there were, uh… better uses for his time."
John coughed and lifted his head to face Connor. "You told Ronon to have sex with Keller instead of going running with you?"
The linguist felt his face flush a deeper red. "Well, not exactly like that…"
John laughed. "That's awesome." He pressed a kiss to the top of Connor's head.
Connor ducked his head with a smile. John leaned down to grab both of their mugs and Connor let go so that John could carry them back to their chair. John set them down and then sat down and pulled Connor down sideways on top of him.
"So since this is a holiday and all…" John began. He picked up one of Connor's hands and started playing with it. "And most people are off duty…"
"Yes…?" Connor prompted.
"I was wondering what the chances were of me talking you into a blow job in my office." John finished.
Connor blinked. "You want me to… in your office?"
"No, no!" John said hastily. "I'd blow you. You'd just have to sit there."
"What if Evan walks in?" Connor asked with a frown.
"I can lock the door."
"Or Colonel Carter?"
"I'm not sure she even knows I have an office." John answered, rubbing a thumb across the back of Connor's hand.
Connor thought about it for a second. "I, uh, kinda thought that if you wanted to… do something like that… it would be on one of the jumpers."
John's eyes practically bugged out of his head. "You'd let me do that on one of the jumpers?" John's voice got a little high towards the end of the question and he swallowed thickly.
Connor shrugged. "At least someone couldn't walk in on us."
"You're serious." John said, it was more of a question then a statement.
"About someone walking in on us?" Connor asked, wrinkling his forehead. "I would prefer that doesn't happen--"
John shook his head. "I mean about sex in a jumper."
"Oh. Uh. Yes?" Connor answered nervously.
"Jesus." John swore. He glanced at Connor and then said, "Sorry."
Connor nodded in acknowledgement. John had been trying to cut down on the number of religious words he used to swear with. Connor definitely appreciated it.
"We could still… in your office… if you want." Connor offered.
John blinked. "Yes. Fuck, Con. I never thought you'd be this… adventurous."
Connor blushed and buried his face in John's shoulder. "Me neither."
John slid a hand up Connor's leg into his boxers, resting it ridiculously high on the scientist's thigh. "Let's just spend the day having sex all over the city."
Connor wasn't sure how much fun that would be, but John seemed really into the idea. Connor wasn't as into sex as John was, but he was definitely into John and John was into this. "Not all over." Connor paused. "Right, John?"
"The shower… my office… a jumper… maybe we can hit your lab too." John said with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
"You're going to be drinking a lot of water." Connor cautioned.
John grinned. "It's so worth it."
[Edited Content]
"I love you." Rodney said fiercely. "Don't forget that."
"I won't." Eric answered quietly. "I promise."
John's team was having a Christmas Eve party in the same room that John and Connor had had their reception in. It would be his team plus significant others.
"It's been a busy year." John murmured to Connor.
"Hm?" The younger man was tying his Converse shoes and had paused to look up at John.
"It's been a busy year." John repeated. He crouched down and tied Connor's other shoe for him. "But a good one."
Connor smiled at him and John finished with the shoe and leaned forward to steal a soft kiss from the other man. Connor gently rested his hand against the side of John's face, cupping it in his palm. Connor's wedding ring was on his finger and John could feel it against his skin.
"Wear your ring tonight." He murmured and turned his head to kiss Connor's palm. "Please."
"Of course." Connor answered quietly. He didn't ask John to wear his and with a bitter pang John realized that Connor wouldn't either. There was a chance, no matter how small, that John would be called away in an emergency. He didn't have time to stop and think about things like his wedding ring. Connor's Athosian bonding bracelet was clearly visible and John's was a thing bump under his wristband.
"A chuisle mo chroí." John said softly.
"Yes." Connor breathed with a smile. "Tá grá agam duit, Seán."
John crooked a smile at the Irish version of his name. It was weird, but John liked it. When Connor was speaking Irish it rolled off the tongue much better then 'John' did. Connor said it was because the Irish alphabet didn't have a 'j'.
"But what about Jameson?"
Connor looked confused. "Jameson?"
"The whiskey?" John clarified. "That has a 'j' and it seems pretty Irish to me."
"Jameson was started in 1780 by John Jameson… a Scot."
"And there's a 'j' in the Scottish language?"
"No." Connor answered with a shake of his head.
"Then where did all the j's come from?"
Connor looked at John and squinted a little. John was getting the feeling that he was missing something.
"J is sort of… one of the wonders of the world. It just developed overtime. It wasn't in ancient Latin, Hebrew, Greek or Arabic. The letter is only about 500 years old. Irish has been around much longer then that."
"Wait, what? Really? 500 years?"
"Yeah. Most speculate it came about in medieval times."
"Wow."
Connor nodded. "It's pretty incredible, huh?"
John smiled and leaned over his husband. "You're pretty incredible."
"John?"
"Hmm?" John snapped out of the memory.
Connor was looking at him with a small frown. "What are you thinking about?"
John smiled. "The letter 'j'." He stood up and pulled Connor to his feet. "Want a sweatshirt?"
"Yes, please."
John walked over and grabbed one of Connor's hoodies from a drawer. He met his husband at the door and followed him out of their quarters. They were both wearing jeans and Connor had on a black t-shirt of John's while John had on a black button up shirt. Connor pulled on his sweatshirt while they waited for the transporter to arrive. John tugged on the bottom of it, pulling it down in the back for the younger man. Connor gave him a smile and stepped into the lift.
A few minutes later they were walking into the room that John's team would be taking over for the night. They were the first ones there and John had a sneaking suspicion that Connor planned it that way. There were still couches and tables left over from their reception and John kissed Connor's cheek, and wrapped his arms around his partner.
"An bhfuil tu damhsa liom?" John asked softly. [Would you like to dance with me?] He turned Connor around and hook his arms around the smaller man's body, his hands rested on Connor's lower backside, almost hanging there. Connor slowly hooked his arms around John's neck before leaning forward and turning his head to the side to rest it on John's chest. "Some music?" John asked. A moment later a guitar began strumming and John rested his head on top of Connor's and closed his eyes. "Isn't this song about a girl?" John asked quietly, swaying with Connor to the music.
"It's about love." Connor answered softly. "His is just with a girl."
"Good point." John whispered.
And it's you and me and all of the people,
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you
"Mmm. John." Connor sighed contentedly.
"Connor." John answered in the same manner. "Fear céile."
"Husband." Connor echoed softly in English.
The song ended and a new song began, it was a little less suitable for slow dancing; John recognized it from one of Connor's playlists. They broke apart slowly and John leaned down, capturing Connor's lips in his. He pulled Connor's top lip into his mouth, sucking on it lightly and one of Connor's hands slid up into John's hair. John slipped his tongue out and into Connor's mouth, meeting Connor's in the process. The younger man tasted like toothpaste and a flavor that was uniquely Connor. John's hands flattened against Connor's back and slid down into the younger man's back pockets where John gently pulled Connor closer to him. Connor broke apart for some air and John leaned his head down to Connor's neck.
"Didn't you…" Connor took a few breaths. "Didn't you get enough earlier?"
"Never." John answered breathlessly.
"People are going to… guh… John…" The scientist's words trailed off and he rolled his head to the side so John could have better access to his neck.
John kissed his way back up to Connor's mouth and covered it with his own. John was about two seconds away from dropping to his knees when the lights flashed in warning. Connor froze and before John could even blink, his husband was two feet away from him, smoothing his clothing down and furiously blushing. John stepped over to him and ran a hand through Connor's hair. "Sorry." He whispered.
Connor nodded and offered him a small smile as the door swished open. John didn't look over; he just kept looking at his husband.
"Do I look…" Connor's question tailed off.
"You look perfect." John told him, tucking a piece of Connor's hair behind his ear.
Connor nodded again, swallowed and then turned to see who had come in. John looked over Connor's shoulder to see Ronon and Keller standing near the doorway. Ronon was smirking at them as though he knew what they'd just been doing. Keller was looking at them in poorly hid curiosity. She hadn't known about him and Connor for very long and she definitely hadn't seen them together as a couple.
Before anyone could say anything, the doors opened again and Teyla and Lorne entered. It was weird to see everyone so casually dressed. Lorne had on a t-shirt and jeans, Keller had on a semi-casual dress that John thought she looked pretty fantastic in. Teyla was wearing a skirt and a tank top like shirt that laced up the front.
They all kind of stared at each other for a moment before John smirked and grabbed Connor's hand, leading him over to one of the couches.
Lorne and Teyla had shown up with food and Ronon and Keller had shown up with drinks. Rodney and Johns were supposed to be coming with dessert. Earlier that day, between the jumper and the couch, John and Connor had brought plates, napkins, cups and silverware. They had also maneuvered in another couch to go with the three currently in the room. The cutlery and stuff was all set out on the low table in the middle of the couches and everyone followed John's lead and placed their bounties on the low table.
Connor let out a soft noise of displeasure that John was sure he was the only one to hear. He glanced at the food--pizza. John turned to Connor and quietly asked him if he wanted John to get him something else to eat.
Connor shook his head. "I'm fine."
"I know you had pizza last night." John said softly.
"It's okay." Connor answered quietly. "I'm not very hungry anyways."
John gave him a disapproving look but didn't say anything. They both sat down on one of the free couches. Ronon and Keller took the one to their left and Lorne and Teyla took the one to their right, leaving the one across from them for Rodney and Johns.
Keller started passing out the plates while Teyla handed out silverware. John passed cups over to Lorne who opened a couple bottles of soda. Connor passed around napkins and there was just a flurry of motion as everyone moved at once. Drinks were poured, food was served and they began to eat, while waiting for Rodney and Johns to show up. John pegged them as twenty minutes late. Connor had been more optimistic and said fifteen.
Seventeen minutes after everyone else had shown up, Rodney and Johns walked through the door. Rodney had his arms crossed and Johns was pushing him from behind with one arm. Keller's eyes widened and John mentally cursed. He turned and met Connor's gaze at the same time, they had both forgotten that Keller didn't know about Rodney and Johns.
Ronon caught John's eye and gave him a slight nod. John relaxed and leaned over to Connor. "It's okay."
"Sure?"
"She won't say anything."
Connor cast a wary look towards Keller and then shrugged. When John looked back up, Rodney and Johns had both frozen and were glancing nervously towards Keller. Rodney turned back to Eric and said something in a low voice. Johns nodded, offered a small wave towards Connor and then pulled Rodney back out of the room. No one said anything and everything seemed to stand still until Rodney came back in, by himself.
John frowned and then Connor stood up and was out the door before John could call him back. Rodney sat down like nothing had happened and proceeded to get some pizza. Lorne poured him a drink and passed it over. John spent the next five minutes glancing between the door and Rodney. Teyla had drawn Rodney into conversation, about what, John couldn't fathom, and everyone else was just sitting there. Keller was shifting awkwardly with a guilty expression on her face.
John was about to go after his husband when Connor re-entered the room. John stood up and met him before he could reach the couch. He gently led Connor across the room.
"What's up?" John asked quietly.
"He's going to go hang out with Ben and Jim." Connor answered softly.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. He's okay, John."
John noted the honesty in Connor's voice and couldn't help but believe him. "Okay."
"Is Rodney okay?"
"Seems okay, but you know Rodney." John answered softly.
"Yeah." Connor sighed. "I can't believe I didn't think about this."
"Me neither." John answered wryly and ran a hand through his hair. He glanced back at the group; they were all studiously not looking at them, so John pulled Connor into a hug. "It won't always be like this."
"I know." Connor whispered into his ear. "I'm sorry it's like this for you."
John nodded. "Me too."
John liked to watch Connor bake. He'd only really seen the linguist do it once before but he had liked it then and he liked it now. He pretty much liked watching Connor do anything. When the linguist baked, though, there were smudges of flour on the black shirt of John's that he wore and a lighthearted laugh that accompanied said smudges. He was playful and John could easily imagine a much younger Connor doing this very same thing with his mother.
The scientist expertly measured everything out and then pushed it into John's hands with an innocent grin and an aura of happiness. John would mix it in and then Connor would roll his eyes and grab the bowl from John and do it himself. John was sure that nobody was as bad at stirring as he pretended to be. But Connor humored him and they both knew it.
Together they carefully poured the batter into the prepared cake pan and John opened the oven while Connor slid the pan in. Then they started on the frosting. This year it would be a butter cream frosting to go with a vanilla cake. John was impatiently waiting to eat it.
They worked together well and John was once again struck with how well they complimented each other. Their movements were synchronized and John had a hard time remembering that they'd only been married for two months and Connor had only been in his life for a year and a half.
"Mmm." John said, wrapping his arms around the younger man from behind. He bent down and nuzzled Connor's neck and Connor tilted his head to the side to give John better access. Connor dipped his finger into the bowl and held it up in front of John's face. John leaned forward and poked his tongue out to taste it. He licked a little bit and let the flavor roll over his tongue before leaning forward and wrapping his lips around Connor's finger, swirling his tongue through the icing and cleaning it all off.
John grinned as Connor blushed and pulled his finger back. "Too sweet?"
"Just right." John answered. He kissed Connor's cheek and pushed his hands under Connor's shirt. "Just like you."
Connor laughed softly and kept folding his frosting. "I think someone hit you with the concupiscent stick."
"The what stick?"
"It means 'eagerly desirous'." Connor informed him. He held up another frosting dipped finger. John sucked it into his mouth and swirled his tongue about. After licking off all the frosting, he reluctantly let Connor have it back.
John thought for a moment. "Did you just call me horny?" The linguist turned a bright red and John knew he had guessed right. John grinned, "That's probably pretty accurate."
"Honestly, John… all we've done today has been… um…" Connor drifted off and bit his lip.
"You didn't like it?" John asked seriously.
Connor shook his head. "I don't mind."
Except that John was currently getting the feeling that Connor did mind and he hadn't really liked it and now John felt like the worst husband in the world for not noticing sooner. His hand fell out from under Connor's shirt and even though Connor made a soft noise of protest, John didn't put it back. He stepped away from the younger man and leaned back up against the counter next to Connor. Then just braced his hands on the edge and hoisted himself up so he could be able to face the other man while he stirred. "Connor…"
"Hmm?" His partner answered without looking away from his frosting.
"Can you look at me for a second?" John asked softly. Connor's blue eyes met John's, they were unconcerned and curious. John reached a hand down and tilted Connor's chin up. "I thought we talked about this."
Connor scrunched his forehead in confusion. "Talked about what?"
"This altruistic streak you have." John answered.
"I don't have an altruistic streak." Connor denied with a soft shake of his head.
John sighed. "You have one a mile long, Con."
"No, I d--"
"Yes." John said, cutting him off. He finished gently, "You do. But it's one of the many things I love about you--except in this case."
"What case?"
"Us making love."
"John, I…" Connor bit his lip again and tried to look away but John kept his hand firmly underneath Connor's chin.
"C'mere." John reached his free hand out and Connor abandoned his frosting and moved to stand between John's legs and John's hand fell from under his face. In their new position, John was a few inches taller then he normally was and Connor's head came up to the middle of John's chest. "We're going to keep talking about this for as long as it takes, Con."
"I really don't mind, John." Connor said weakly.
John sighed. "Then we're going to keep talking about this until you sound more convincing."
Connor swallowed and said in a stronger voice. "I don't mind, John." He paused and suddenly seemed very young to John. "I really don't. I like doing that stuff with you. I'm sorry if it seems like I-I don't."
John ran a hand through Connor's hair and down the side of his face. "What do you like about it?" John asked softly.
"Being close to you." Connor answered immediately.
"What else?"
Connor frowned and his eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"What else do you like about us making love?" John asked gently.
Connor blinked as if suddenly realizing that there was more to it then that. John hoped that's not what his expression meant. "I like being able to touch you."
"What else?" John repeated.
"Um… I like that you trust me enough to let me… be on top." Connor answered with a blush.
"What else?" John questioned softly. He wrapped Connor's hair around his fingers.
"John… why do you keep asking me 'what else'?" Connor whispered.
"Because… everything you said relates to the emotional side of sex, Con." John told him quietly, tugging on a piece of hair. "You didn't say 'I like touching you' you said you liked being able to touch me. You didn't say 'I like topping' you said you liked that I trusted you enough to let you. Those are all good things, but there's more then that."
"There doesn't have to be." Connor countered quietly. "There doesn't have to be, John. Some people have sex just for the physical release, what's wrong with liking the emotional release? I think you're beautiful, John, but I fell in love with you first and your body second. I like making love with you, not just your body. I don't like treating you as--as a means to an end, even if you let me. I love making you happy, that makes me happy. So if sex makes you happy, then it makes me happy. Maybe that makes me… it makes me different, but I don't care. I'm perfectly capable of saying 'no', John--you know that. But I don't want to because I like it. You're not making me do anything I don't want to do."
He reached a hand up and settled it over John's heart. Connor smiled up at John and it was beautiful and honest and John felt a large swell of emotion for his husband--thankfulness mixed with love mixed with acceptance.
"Are you sure?" John whispered. His throat was tight with emotion.
"Positive." Connor promised.
"And you'll tell me if that ever stops being enough?"
The younger man nodded. "Yes."
"Do you…" John swallowed. "Do you feel like I treat you as a means to an end?"
Connor shook his head emphatically. "Never."
"Never?"
"Never." Connor repeated firmly. He reached up with the hand not on John's chest and wrapped his fingers around the hand in his hair. "John? I want you to know that it's okay if you do sometimes. We--we think about sex differently. It's not that one of us is wrong and one of us is right, it's just different."
"I like being close with you too." John whispered. "I like that you trust me enough to let me be with you."
"I know." Connor said softly. "I do, John. But I want you to know that I understand our differences and that I'm alright with you needing just a physical release sometimes. I think sometimes I need one too, it's just less often then you--and that's okay." He smiled softly. "You're my husband, John… my body is yours, I share it with you willingly. No matter what we do physically, I know that you love me and that makes all the difference."
"You're so fucking perfect." John whispered with a smile. "You're way too good for me, Con. God, when did you get so smart?" He asked with a small shake of his head.
Connor quirked a smile. "I think somewhere around the age of six."
John laughed quietly before sobering back up. "You're really okay with this?"
"Yes. I'm very okay with it."
"I love you so much." John said fiercely. "I just… sometimes it's crazy how much I love you."
"I know the feeling." Connor answered softly. "I love you, too."
John smiled and then remembered, "My body is yours too, Con. So if you ever feel like jumping me… you don't even have to ask."
Connor rolled his eyes. "I'll try and remember that."
John grinned. "See that you do."
Eric was wide awake. He was facing the wall with Rodney curled up behind him. His boyfriend had an arm thrown over his waist and was pressed against Eric's back. The older man had fallen asleep a couple of hours ago, but Eric couldn't. He never slept on Christmas Eve. He hadn't for as long as he could remember. It was simple really, Eric didn't like Christmas.
He sighed and shifted a little and the arm around his waist tightened. Eric suddenly felt trapped and carefully maneuvered himself out from under Rodney's arm. He slid down the bed and stood up. He pulled on some pants and a sweatshirt, slipping his feet into his boots. Eric glanced at Rodney and then left the older man's quarters.
It took four minutes to walk to Ben's quarters and when Eric ran his hand over the door sensor, the doors opened and Ben stood on the other side with a small smile and a yawn.
"I was wondering when you'd show up." He said, letting Eric step into his room.
"Sorry I'm so late." Eric said softly.
"You know I don't care, so cut it out." Ben said warmly.
Eric took a seat on Ben's bed and Ben offered him a mug of hot chocolate that he'd had waiting for Eric. Ben carried a second mug over and stretched on the bed next to Eric, leaning against the wall. This had become a tradition of theirs, starting the first year they were on Atlantis, although back then they'd been drinking tea and not hot chocolate.
Eric blew across the top of his mug. They sat there in silence drinking.
"So…" Ben said, breaking the silence. "Who is he?"
"I…" Eric was going to say that he didn't know what Ben was talking about, but that would be a lie and Eric respected his team leader way to much to lie to him.
"Eric." Ben said gently. "I've known you were gay since the time you spent half an hour explaining the difference between turquoise and teal to Jace." Eric felt a small pang of hurt in his heart at the mention of their dead teammate. "I don't care and I'm not going to tell anyone, you know that. You're my fuckin' family, kid. No one comes before family."
Eric couldn't swallow past the lump in his throat. Ben had said that before--that Eric was family--but it always got to Eric. "'m not a kid. You're only five years older then me."
Ben sighed. "Feels like so many more." He paused. "So are you going to tell me or am I going to have to guess?"
Eric groaned. "What happened to 'don't ask, don't tell'? Because you're asking."
Ben cuffed him on the back of the head. "Shut up. You're damn right I'm asking, and you're telling. Now spill."
Sigh. "Rodney McKay."
Ben gaped. "No shit?"
"Yeah." Eric nodded and sipped his drink. He sighed again and leaned backwards against the wall. "I'm so completely gone on him, Ben. It's ridiculous."
"He makes you smile." Ben said gently. "He makes you smile and he makes you happy, Eric. You're so different now and you don't even know it. And it's a good kind of different, kid."
"I'm so scared he's going to leave me." Eric whispered. "The funny thing is that he's just as scared that I'm going to leave him. We're such a pair."
"These things take time."
"Yeah. I just--I have no idea what I'm doing." Eric admitted. "I never know if I'm saying the right thing or doing the right thing… it's so exhausting. And Rodney… Rodney is hard to keep up with. His brain just never stops working and I constantly feel like I'm playing catch up. He's so smart… I never have any idea what he's doing with me, what he sees in me."
"He's sees what everyone else sees, Eric. A smart, handsome young man who cares about the people around him."
"He's sees my scars." Eric whispered. "And he doesn't care."
"I told you the right person wouldn't."
"I know. I didn't believe you."
Ben laughed softly. "I know." There was a slight pause and then, "He's a lot older then you."
Eric nodded. "Yeah. Sixteen years."
"Jesus. He could have a kid your age."
"He said that too." Eric finished off the last of his hot chocolate and set the mug aside. "Sometimes I miss him."
"Jace?" Ben asked softly, following Eric's gaze to a photo of their old team. "Me too."
"He always knew the right words to say."
"Yeah. He really did."
"Do you think he'd like Rodney?" Eric asked softly.
Ben let out a soft laugh. "I don't think any scientist likes McKay." He looked at Eric. "But I think he would have liked the way McKay gets you to smile, the way he got you to laugh. Jace always worried about you."
"I know. I wish he hadn't."
"We all worry about you." Ben reached out and squeezed Eric's hand. "McKay's not the only one who's seen your scars."
Eric swallowed and looked at Ben. "You've never asked about them."
"You've never offered." Ben countered quietly.
"My dad used to beat the shit out of me." Eric said flatly, looking away. "He's in jail now."
When Ben didn't say anything, Eric looked over at his friend. Two tears were silently making their way down Ben's cheeks. The older man looked away, wiping at his eyes. "Shit. I'm sorry."
"Don't be."
Ben took a deep breath and when he looked back at Eric, the tears were gone. "It wasn't your fault you know."
The lump was back in his throat. "I know."
"Eric… Is this why you like that fucking movie?" Ben asked softly.
Eric nodded. "Jace gave it to me one day. He said there was a scene in it that I needed to watch, that I needed to know was true."
"Did he know?"
"I never told him." Eric said. "But I always thought that he knew."
"He always was the most perceptive one on the team."
"Yeah. So I went back to my quarters and put the movie in and I got to that scene and I knew that was what he was talking about. That it wasn't my fault. Jace made sure I knew that. Connor does too. And so does… so does Rodney."
"For a while I thought maybe you and Connor…"
Eric shook his head with a small smile. "Nah. He's got his own guy."
"So what are you going to do tomorrow?" Ben asked softly. "Have you talked to him?"
"No." Eric said with a shake of his head. "Rodney likes Christmas, he pretends he doesn't but… he does."
"You smile every time you talk about him."
"I do?" Eric asked surprised.
"Yeah."
"Damn." Eric made a mental note to be more aware of that. "I--I just don't know what to tell him."
"Maybe you can try something new." Ben suggested gently. "Something that includes him."
"I don't want to ruin his holiday." Eric murmured.
"Then don't spend it alone."
"Ben…"
"Eric, just give him a chance to reach you. Give him a chance to be there. I think he'll understand."
Eric smiled wryly. "You're giving Jace a run for his money in the advice department."
"I try."
"Thank you." Eric whispered. He stood up and Ben followed him to the door. "Thank you for everything, Ben."
Ben leaned in and gave Eric a tight hug. "I love you, kid. And it wasn't ever your fault."
Eric felt tears well up in his eyes. "I love you too, old man. And I know."
Ronon pulled some pants on to answer the door. Jennifer was still sleeping so he tried to be quiet. He snagged a cookie on his way. Jennifer had insisted on leaving a plate of cookies and a glass of milk out. Ronon wasn't quite sure why, but he had enjoyed the milk and loved the cookies.
He opened his door and found Irish on the other side holding a plate with two slices of cake with a candle in each one.
"Merry Christmas, Ronon." Irish offered with a smile.
"Merry Christmas." Ronon returned. "What's that?"
"John and I baked a cake last night, for Jesus' birthday. I brought a couple pieces for you and Dr. Keller."
"Why is there a candle in it?" Ronon asked, accepted the plate.
"On earth we put candles in our birthday cakes and the light them. Traditionally you think of a wish, something you want to come true and then blow it out."
Ronon looked at the candle and then back up at Irish. "Should we light it?"
Irish shrugged. "If you want to. I don't think Jesus would mind."
Ronon nodded. "Thanks."
"Sure." Irish paused. "We'll see you at the party?"
Ronon grinned. He loved Earth parties. So much food. So much alcohol. "Yeah."
"Great. Well, I guess I'll see you then."
"Yeah."
Irish left and Ronon caught Sheppard's eye as the door across from Ronon opened. Sheppard grinned and offered a small wave before the door shut behind the linguist. Ronon closed his door and carried the cake over to his desk. He thought about eating it but decided to wait for Jennifer. He grabbed another cookies instead.
"Hey, Doc." Evan greeted with a yawn.
"Merry Christmas, Evan."
"Merry Christmas… is that cake?" Evan asked, looking at the plate in his friend's hands.
"Yup. John and I made it last night for Jesus' birthday. I thought I would bring you and Teyla a piece."
Evan grinned and accepted the plate. "Thanks. This looks delicious."
Connor blushed lightly. "Thank you."
"You guys are going to the party, right?"
Connor nodded. "Yup. I probably won't stay very long, but John will be there all night."
"Not your scene?" Evan asked sympathetically.
"Yeah."
"Hey, what'd your Secret Santa give you?" Evan asked curiously.
"Socks."
"Socks?"
Connor rolled his eyes. "Socks with the Canadian flag on them."
Evan laughed. "Well I guess that narrows it down."
"It was definitely Dr. McKay. There was a note with them that said they were not to be worn while shagging Americans."
"Well that was nice of him." Evan said with a laugh.
"Yeah. What'd you get?"
"A book on archeology."
"A book?" Connor asked with interest.
"I'll drop it off at your lab tomorrow."
Connor smiled. "Thanks."
"I figure someone might as well get something out of it."
"I'll let you know if it's any good."
"Awesome." Evan grinned. "Well, thanks for the cake."
"My pleasure." Connor replied happily. "See you later."
David Parrish groaned as his door chimed again. He threw an arm over his face and prayed for whomever it was to leave. Well, maybe. It depended on who it was. After a few minutes it became clear that his visitor was staying until David opened his door so he trudged across the room in his boxers and ran a hand through his scruffy hair. He had one shoulder leaning against the wall by the door when it opened, propping him up.
David blinked. "Doc?"
"Hey, David." Connor greeted shyly. "I, uh, brought you some cake."
"Cake?" David moved his gaze down to look at the slice of desert on the plate being held out to him. "It's like nine in the morning."
Connor blushed a little. "I made it last night for, um, Jesus' birthday."
David took the small plate along with the knife, fork and candle that went with it. "What kind is it?"
"Vanilla."
David nodded and looked back up at his friend. "Don't you ever sleep, Doc?"
Connor laughed. "More than my partner cares for."
The botanist laughed with him. "So things are going well with you and the missus? Still not fighting?"
"Yup, very well. I'll have to tell him you called him that."
"As long as he doesn't come back to kick my ass." David answered with a grin.
"Nah, he's pretty tame."
Jake arrived back from the gym in time to see Connor standing outside his door holding something in his hand.
"Connor!" He called down the hallway. The linguist turned and a smile broke out across his face when he saw Jake there. "You haven't been standing there long, have you?" Jake asked as he approached.
"Nope. Just a minute or so."
"I've been at the gym." Jake explained, apologetically. "Want to come in for a minute?" He stepped in front of his door and it opened for him. They still weren't quite sure how the doors knew who was who, but it was working so far, so not a lot of research was going into it. Jake figured that Connor might have an explanation for him, but it was too early to care. "So, what's up?"
"I brought you some cake." Connor offered, holding the plate out.
"Looks delicious. Did you make this?" Jake asked, accepting the cake.
"Yeah. For, um, Jesus' birthday."
"That's completely awesome, Doc. Thanks for thinking of me."
Connor nodded. "You're welcome."
Jake set the cake down on his desk before turning back to face the linguist. "So I have a… date with Sarah in an hour."
Connor smiled excitedly. "So you like her?"
"She's awesome. Where did you find her?" Jake asked. Sarah Thomas was a Flight Lieutenant with the RAF, a year younger than Jake, and extremely hot.
The linguist shrugged. "We both like tea."
"'We both like tea'? That's all you're going to tell me?"
"Yup. She's really nice. I think you two will be grand together."
"I hope so." Jake murmured. "I hope so."
Connor found Tim, Ben and Jim in the same place: the mess hall. And unfortunately they weren't alone; they were at a large table with several other members of the military. So after peeking into the large room, he carefully backed out of it and let Atlantis open the doors to each of their quarters. Connor had felt bad about that, but he left a note with the cake and Atlantis didn't seem to have any qualms about letting him in. When he finished he went back to his and John's room. He still had two more pieces of cake to deliver.
When he got there, John was eating more cake. He'd already eaten two pieces before Connor left to deliver slices to his friends. John didn't even look guilty as Connor came in and rolled his eyes.
"You're going to get fat." Connor murmured. He sat down in John's lap with his back to John's chest and John's arms came around him, one hand holding a fork, the other holding a plate.
"You'll still love me if I'm fat, right?" John asked, over his shoulder. He sectioned off another piece of cake with his fork and held it up.
Connor intercepted it with his mouth, stealing the bite. He chewed it and then swallowed. "I don't know. It depends."
"It depends?"
"On how hot you'd still look." Connor answered with a grin.
"I'd be the hottest fat person there was."
"Yeah?"
"Oh yeah." John answered. "Besides, I have a feeling that Ronon will make me work this off tomorrow."
"You'll be lucky if he waits until tomorrow."
John stuck another piece of cake in his mouth. "You're probably right about that."
"Should I take Rodney and Eric their pieces now?"
The older man looked at his watch. "It's nine thirty in the morning on their day off."
"… so is that a 'no'?"
John laughed. "Yeah. Snuggle with me for a little while."
Connor blinked. "Did you say 'snuggle'?"
"Uh…" John coughed and dug his fork into the cake again. "Nope."
"Uh-huh."
"I'm a man and men don't say things like that."
"Uh-huh." Connor repeated, doubtfully.
"So how else did your cake deliveries go?" John asked, clearly changing the subject.
"Fine. I had to leave Jim, Ben and Tim's in their rooms because they were all in the mess hall eating breakfast with other Marines."
"How'd you get into their rooms?" John asked. He held up a piece of cake in front of Connor and the linguist shook his head. John stuck it in his mouth instead.
"Um… I'm not sure. The doors just… opened." Connor answered innocently.
"I'm sure they did."
Connor grinned. "David called you 'the missus'."
John choked on the cake in his mouth. "He what?"
"He asked how things were going with the missus." Connor clarified.
"Lorne needs to reign his team in better." John grumbled. "I hope you set him straight."
"I told him things were well."
"Connor!"
"Yes?"
"Ugh."
"It's not like he knows it's you." Connor pointed out.
"It's the principle of the thing." John argued.
"Mmm-hmm." Connor slid off of John's lap. "I'm going to take some cake to Rodney and Eric." He picked up the two pieces he had cut for them and stared at John.
John sighed but stood up. "Let's go."
"You gotta start working off that cake."
"I'm hurt." John said. "I really am. You only want me for my body."
Connor laughed. "At the rate you're going… you better hope that's not the case."
"Tell whoever it is to go away." Rodney mumbled into Eric's shoulder.
"Go away." Eric said to the door.
The door chimed again.
"I don't think they heard you."
"Can't you turn the sound off?"
"If I get up." Rodney shifted and gripped Eric tighter, pulling the taller body towards him. "I don't want to get up. No coffee."
Eric shook Rodney's arm. "You've gotta answer the door."
"You're closer."
"But it's your room. It could be anyone."
Rodney snorted. "Please. Only Sheppard, Teyla and sometimes Ronon come here. Oh and Zelenka. And Carter. And--"
"Rodney."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm getting up." Rodney rolled slowly over Eric and stumbled towards the door.
"You could at least put some boxers on!" Eric called after him.
"Too early." Rodney mumbled. He leaned on the door controls until the door slid open. Davids face turned a bright red and he stepped backwards to hide behind Sheppard.
"Jesus, Rodney. You couldn't have put some pants on?" John asked, not amused.
Rodney peered at them through barely open eyes. "It's early."
"It's almost ten."
"It's my day off. What do you want, John?" Rodney asked through a yawn.
Two arms emerged on either side of Sheppard from behind him. Each held a plate and a piece of cake.
"Connor wanted to bring you some cake."
"There's no lemon in it." Connor added in a slightly muffled voice.
"It looks really white to be chocolate." Rodney observed sleepily.
"That's because it's not chocolate, McKay."
Rodney focused on the cake. "Huh. So it's not."
"Do you want it or not?" Sheppard asked impatiently.
"We want it!" Eric called from the bed. Rodney tried to glare at him, but it probably didn't work well with his eyes mostly closed.
"Fine, fine. Leave the cake." The hands pushed the cake closer to Rodney and Rodney managed to grab both plates. "Anything else?"
"Connor wanted to talk to Eric."
"He's sleeping."
"He just yelled." John pointed out.
"Come back in a few hours."
"Just have him knock me up when he's ready." Connor said.
Rodney must have been really asleep because that didn't make any sense at all. "Got it."
"Thanks!" Connor offered.
"Anything else?" Rodney asked again.
"I think you've traumatized my husband." John said.
"Ha-ha, Sheppard." Rodney said in a deadpan. "That will teach you to let me sleep."
"We were just trying to bring you cake, Rodney."
"At ten in the morning."
"It's really good cake."
Rodney looked at John and then let the door slide close.
"You're welcome!" Sheppard shouted from the other side.
Rodney looked down at the cake in his hands and then shuffled back over to the bed. "Do you want cake?"
"Now?" Eric asked sleepily.
"Yeah."
"No, just leave it on the bedside table."
Rodney deposited the plates there and then slid back into bed. "Sleeeep." Eric curled up into him and Rodney tangled their bodies together. "Love you."
"Love you too." Eric mumbled into his chest.
"Whatcha doin?" John asked, peering down at Connor's laptop.
"Putting together my presentation for the conference."
"Didn't you already do that?"
"I wrote what I'm going to say, I'm adding some photos to emphasize points."
"Ah." John's head hovered next to Connor's as he leaned over to look at the screen. "Are you nervous?"
"Yes, of course." Connor answered.
John pressed a kiss into Connor's hair. "Don't be. You'll be great."
Connor shook his head lightly. "Go play with Ronon."
"Are you kicking me out? On Christmas?"
"I just need fifteen minutes, John."
"But you've been doing this for an hour."
"It's been seven minutes."
John blinked. "Really? I could have sworn it's been an hour."
"Let me finish this and then you can open your presents." Connor replied without looking away from the screen.
"Fifteen minutes?"
"Fifteen minutes."
"Okay."
John left Connor to his work and went to retrieve their small collection of presents. There were three for John from Connor and two from John to Connor. John hoped Connor liked them. They had agreed not to spend more then fifty dollars on each other and John had taken that agreement seriously.
There was also a present from Evan and Teyla to them both, one from Ronon and Keller to them both, and one from Rodney and Eric to them both. John wondered when he and Connor had merged and become one person. Or maybe his friends had just gotten cheaper. Connor's team and Lorne's team had both gotten the linguist something and Mitchell and Jackson both had dropped something off for the younger man.
John set the presents down on the small table in their room and then set about making tea. He made raspberry for them both and it smelled wonderful as it started to brew. Two arms wormed around John as he poured some milk into one mug and a head leaned against his shoulders.
"Mmm." Connor sighed. "You smell good."
John smiled and turned around in Connor's arms. "Yeah?"
"Oh yeah."
John tilted his head down and Connor's angled up so their lips could meet. It was a soft, sweet kiss and John wanted it to last forever. When they broke apart, John pulled Connor into a tight hug and closed his eyes, memorizing the feel of his husband for the thousandth time.
"Promise to stay with me forever." John breathed.
"Haven't I already?" Connor asked softly but his grip tightened around John. "I promise, John. Forever."
"Forever." John echoed. "With me forever."
"Yes." Connor whispered.
"A year ago, Con… did you think it would be like this?"
He felt his partner shake his head. "No."
"I loved you." John said. "I loved you even then."
"I know. I always knew how you felt, John."
John pulled back a little so he could look at Connor's face. "I love you so much. God, the words sound so… small. Like they can't fully explain what I mean. I… I wish I were better with words so I could tell you everything I feel."
Connor smiled shyly at him, a hint of a blush on his pale face. "You tell me everyday, John--with words and with actions. Don't feel like it's not enough, because I know you love me."
John smiled. "Okay."
"Okay." Connor repeated. He slowly broke away from John. "Presents?"
John didn't really care about presents anymore. He had Connor and that was all he had ever really wanted.
When Rodney woke a second time he was alone. He strained his ears to see if he could hear the shower, but there wasn't any noise, nothing but the sound of his own breathing.
"Eric?" He called softly. His words were met with silence. Rodney blinked and pushed the blankets off of him. He sat up on the side of the bed and his feet rested on the cold floor. He looked over at the clock on the bedside table, in between two pieces of cake. It was almost noon. Rodney yawned and glanced at the clock once more and this time a piece of paper caught his eye. Rodney reached over to pick it up.
Rodney,
I probably should have told you this before, but I wasn't sure how. I don't celebrate Christmas, or any other yuletide holiday. I prefer to spend the holiday alone. I know how much you like Christmas (don't try to deny it) so I thought I'd spend the day in my quarters so I don't bring down your holiday.
I got you something. It's not much. I hope you like it. It's from a book I read and since then I've thought the idea was nice.
All my love,
Eric
Rodney read the note through four times before he looked at the bedside table again. There was a small box hiding behind the clock. Rodney picked it up and lifted the lid up. Nestled on a bed of tissue paper was a small round ornament with a picture of Rodney and Eric that read 'Our First Christmas - 2008'. It was perfect and Rodney loved it. He loved that it said 'first' as though there would be more. He loved that he was the person Eric shared this idea with.
Rodney held the note in one hand and the ornament in the other. He carefully replaced the gift and set the note on top of the box. The astrophysicist stood up and dressed quickly. He left his quarters and didn't stop moving until he reached Eric's room. He didn't stop and 'ring' the door chime, he let himself in.
Eric was sitting on his bed, back propped up against the wall, glasses perched on his nose with a book in hand. He looked up, startled, at Rodney's entrance.
"Rodney?" He asked in confusion. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to tell you how stupid you're being!" Rodney answered, hands waving in front of his face. "I might like Christmas, but I love you, you moron! Or did that escape your notice!? You don't like the holiday, so what?! I can't believe you think I'd rather spend it surrounded by idiots at some stupid party then with you! Don't be an idiot, Eric."
There was a blank look on Eric's face before a smile slowly crept over it. "You really have a talent for insulting people and complimenting them at the same time."
Rodney snorted. "Only and idiot would think being called an idiot is a compliment."
Eric shook his head fondly and set his book aside. "I love you too, Rodney."
"Then let's go. I'm not staying on your lump ridden mattress. It looks like some mattress fairy puked and that's what you ended up with."
"You could have been a poet, Rodney."
"Yeah, yeah. Can we move a little faster please? My back hurts just looking at that thing."
"Con? How many of those things are you going to eat?"
"Um… all of them?"
"Tonight?"
"Probably."
"Now who's going to get fat?"
"You bought them for me!"
"I didn't think you liked them so much."
"They're delicious. Everyone likes them this much, John."
"I don't like them that much."
"More for me."
"So you really like them?"
"… no I just eat them because you bought them for me."
"That I would believe."
"Yes, I really like them."
"I bought them because the name was just too funny."
"What's funny about Jaffa cakes?"
"… Jaffa?"
"It's a city in Israel. And an orange. The orange is named after the city where it comes from and the biscuits are named after the orange."
"C'mon, Con. You can't see the humor in a Jaffa cake?"
"Stop saying it like that. It's not jeh-fah it's jahff-ah."
"I don't know why I even try."
"Try what?"
Sigh. "Nothing. You're getting crumbs in bed."
"So?"
"You're lucky I like you."
"Very."
"Connor?"
"Yeah?"
"Nollaig Shona Dhuit." [Merry Christmas.]
"Nollaig Mhaith Chugat, John." [A good Christmas to you.]
"No Seán?"
"Tá mo chroí istigh ionat, Seán." [My heart is within you.]
"Tá grá agam duit, Connor."
"Your Irish is really improving."
"I know all the important phrases. And you're getting crumbs on my side of the bed now."
"Did you learn 'póg mo thóin'?" [Kiss my ass.]
"Are you finished with your Jaffa cakes?"
"Almost. Why?"
"I wanna póg your thóin."
"That was horrible."
"But you still love me."
"Heaven knows why."
