STARGATE ATLANTIS

PRIMIS : THE HURTING

A/N 1: 'The Hurting' is a sequel to 'The Missing'. I realise that I never do much in the way of the 'comfort' side of things…so this opening chapter is all about rectifying that… it follows on straight after "The Missing" finished.

SGA SGA SGA

"Come in, Carson."

"Sorry, if you are busy, I can come back later?"

"No, no. It can wait. I gather you are here to fill me in about the prodigal Colonel? I trust he is doing well?"

It was the hesitation on Carson's part that made Richard Woolsey inwardly grimace. "He is okay, isn't he? I thought you said he was awake again?"

Carson held up his hand, before lowering himself down on the offered chair. "Aye, he's awake. His team are away to get some sleep – excluding Teyla, of course, who is – as I speak, curled up on the bed with him!"

Woolsey's eyebrow raised at that. Carson chuckled. "Quite asleep. And not to be moved away from him, it seems!"

"Yes. I can imagine. Torren?"

Carson just had to look at Woolsey, and they spoke together: "On the bed with him!" Woolsey smirked. "I hope Teyla is not put out by their obviously now very close relationship?"

"Nah. She will be glad that they have bonded so well. It's rather cute to think of how John would have looked after Torren all these months, and how Torren now regards him as his father."

"Indeed. I can imagine there are some tales to hear when he's up to it. But, I think you aren't here to tell me about anything domestic, Carson, or you wouldn't look so worried?" Woolsey, poured out a coffee for the doctor.

"Thank you… You can see through me then, Richard."

"You haven't found out what ails the Colonel?"

"Not exactly. But I do know it will kill him if I can't find the cure soon. His readings and blood work is not good."

Woolsey sat closer to the desk, resting his elbows on the surface. "That bad?"

"The best way I can describe it, is that it's like some sort of chemical warfare agent – and yet, it targets just one person – John! …and he has probably had it for a long time. Torren told us that his daddy some-times gets ill for no reason…and thank goodness for that wee lad, because John would never have told me that. When I asked John, he said that the people he lived with got sick at the same time and he had to care for them, although Torren and he didn't fall sick then. But they both got very sick later on, although their symptoms were different. John finally admitted that he does feel ill on and off, but not for a long time; just what happened to him when we found him three days ago."

"Something he used to eat on the planet?"

Carson shook his head. "Ruled out now." He brandished his tablet in the air. "All clear."

Woolsey sat back in his seat, and the two men were silent for a while as Woolsey read over the rest of Carson's report on John and Torren's health.

"It's strange that his arm is hurting so bad?"

"I know. So much so, he wanted to cut it off at one point, he told me. A bit aggressive, even for John, I would say!"

"You have down here there are signs of old wounds on his arm?"

Carson frowned. "One from when he was on the planet with us when they were pushed into the 'gate, and the other one from when he was on Amitiyaz. As you can read, he was missing for quite a while in the early days, and he presumed they placed him in a healing pod as he was injured. Somehow, the older of the wounds did not heal properly when he was returned to Torren, days later. He said it took weeks to heal and it bothered him for even longer than that."

"And incredibly itchy." Woolsey added.

"Yes. Odd doesn't even cover it. We are still checking some skin samples."

Woolsey sighed. "So, what do we do now?"

"We need to go back to both Amitiyaz and Chol … as John named it."

"Yes, Rodney rolled his eyes at that!"

Carson laughed. "I think he deserves to name it, don't you? We need to speak to his friends on Amitiyaz and then pick up some water and soil samples from both for a start; rule things out…and well, you know they want to try and rescue this Arla and Vari?"

"First thing, John said to me when he was coherent." Woolsey wiped his forehead. "I don't suppose I can say 'no'!"

"They saved his life, John tells me. He won't stop until they are rescued. I could do with looking at their blood work as well anyway."

"Do you think John is up for the mission to rescue them? He's been through a lot."

"No. Not immediately, but I don't think he will want the others to go without him, either. Give him two more days in bed, and IF he is better on the third, and is not in too much pain or sick, or has a relapse, then I'll release him back to active duty."

"And then I'll decide if this mission should go ahead."

Carson nodded. "Glad it's down to you, Richard." He mocked, knowing John's persuasive techniques.

"Are you managing his pain?"

"Yes. I managed to formulate a pain killer for him at last. Nothing else I had was touching it; even though, I see him wince occasionally, and he hugs his arm to his chest a lot of the time. I have to keep it bandaged so he doesn't scratch it constantly – it will be mitts soon if he doesn't stop ...just one thing that's odd."

"Oh? What's that?"

"I haven't mentioned it before, and more because I haven't finished testing it because these things take time – but his blood has traces of something in it I can only liken to wraith D.N.A."

"Interesting. Something that could be the cause of the reaction?"

"Could be. I haven't told him this yet."

"Yes, perhaps keep that to yourself until you know more. Even sit on that, Carson, for a while. Any mention – or even hint – that he could have some other 'critter' in him and it's likely to send him over the edge."

"I thought that too. Let's hope it's a dead end. I'll know tomorrow morning."

"Let's hope." Woolsey repeated, but now looked as haunted with the secret as was Carson. "So, what now?"

"I'll release him …them … to their quarters soon if he seems okay. I think they could all do with some privacy." Carson looked melancholy.

"What is it, Carson?"

"You should have seen how Torren lay on John's stomach when they were both fast asleep, his little arms wrapped around John's neck. John had both arms wrapped around his small body. It brought a lump to my throat, I tell you. Teyla looked up at me and she had tears in her eyes. Happy they were back, but sad at what they must have gone through as well. She has real worries for how Torren will have been affected by all this."

"John will have to follow procedure and speak to Jim…perhaps he is a psychologist for children too; I will ask him?"

"A good idea, Richard. Right…" He stood up and whacked his thighs. "…time to see if he's awake."

"Tell him I will speak to him tomorrow."

"Will do!"

Carson walked briskly towards the infirmary, but found he went slower as he neared the doors – suddenly not wanting to make too much noise and wake up the sleeping, reunited family. He sneaked in and made his way over to the curtained off area, pulling the material away gently. Teyla had moved Torren over to his own bed, he noticed, and they were both lying on it asleep, with her son hidden in a bunch of blankets they both had themselves wrapped in. Carson looked at John's readings on the several machines, and made some notes before aiming for the chair that sat between the two beds. He sat down and smiled at the sight of mother and child reunited.

"She needed her son back." John whispered.

"Ah." said Carson, turning his head to see John lying on his side and watching him. "Good idea!" Carson shifted to take his wrist, only to see John roll his eyes at him. "Humour me, I missed you."

That made John smile. "You've no idea how much I missed you too."

Seeing his eyes grow sad again, Carson squeezed his arm before putting it down. "Pretty hard time you had these last few months then, eh son?"

John nodded. "Lost a good friend. Young lad, like Lorne."

"How did he die?" Carson lightly pressed.

"Wraith. Saved my life."

Carson watched the expression appear he knew only so well on John. The one that hinted that this friend that was killed has been added to the killed ones John blamed himself about.

"I'm sorry, John. Want anything to drink?" John shook his head; just continued to watch the other bed.

Carson settled back in the chair and sat in silence for a few minutes just keeping him company, not wanting to press him too much, and basically just wanting to sit with him; glad he was back.

"Did I miss anything?" John asked eventually.

Carson leaned in. "No, John. Everything was about finding food…and searching for you. We followed the occasional lead from some people we met, but they were all dead ends. It caused havoc with our nerves I can tell you. Rodney and Ronon, each in their own way, blamed themselves for losing you…"

John groaned, deep in his throat. "I worried about that."

Carson sneaked a look over at Teyla but she was still fast asleep. "To be expected. Lorne will be glad you are back!"

John smirked. "Sure, he will. Rodney looks thin?"

"The lad worried himself to death about you. He missed you so much, and took it badly every time a search failed. I was really worried for his health."

John coughed and finally accepted some water. He licked his lips dry. "I'll speak to him soon. Ronon?"

Carson smiled again. "He genuinely was our rock, John. He made sure everybody was okay. He has earned some pretty good respect amongst everyone on Atlantis this last few months. He really stepped up when everybody needed that central figure...but, he obviously missed you too; we have run out of punch bags!"

John raised his eyebrows at that. "I like to hear that, Carson. I don't think most people really understand who or what he is."

"You did, though."

"Yeah. Well…and, Teyla?"

Carson wiped his hand down his face as if suddenly tired. "She was broken, John." He turned to check she wasn't awake, but she had not moved an inch. John had, though. He shifted on his bed and raised himself up further on his pillows, with Carson now helping. "Go on." John asked.

"She had lost her son…and you…in one day. To begin with she was all business; quite focused on following through to get you…"

"Yeah, why didn't you? No, it doesn't matter – don't answer that, I know there will be a good reason."

"…we tried, John. Teyla became focused on finding you both, but I will let her fill you in. I am tiring you out, and I am delighted to tell you that as soon as Teyla and Torren wake up, you can go to your quarters. Woolsey will speak to you tomorrow, but I want you both to have bed rest for the next two days and then we will see how you are."

"I have to go back."

"I know that. Woolsey knows that. Just … just let us look after you first."

John nodded and was silent. He took to watching Teyla and Torren again.

Carson moved to go, but sat back down again, drawing John's attention. "I'm sorry. I was going to wait until you were feeling better, but I have to know…what was it like looking after little Torren all this time?"

John opened his mouth, breathed and then smiled. "I'll not kid you, in the beginning I was terrified...worried sick. I had to feed him, clean him …most of all protect him." Then he was silent as he obviously relived some scenes in his mind. "But, in a strange way, it was a fabulous time with him. In captivity, with the wraith, it …it was hard, but on Chol, it was strangely…wonderful! I loved being with him. He is the most loveable and intelligent child."

Carson was amazed at how much information John actually shared with him. It was obvious he loved him very much and they had bonded well.

"…I became his father." John finished.

Carson felt like a proud father himself as he watched John's face break out into a smile when he watched Torren stir on the bed and point towards him. Teyla slept on, obviously having the best sleep in over a year.

"Daddy…!" Torren started to say.

Carson intercepted a crying match and quickly scooped him up from the bed before depositing him back on John's broad chest.

"Hey, sport." John said, smoothing down his hair.

"Mummy sleep still." Torren yawned.

"So she is. She'll be awake soon. Are you hungry?" John asked, making to get up.

"Stay where you are." Carson said, pressing the call button. "Allow us to look after you a wee bit more. I'll get you something to eat, Torren. And you, John?"

John nodded and then grinned further when Teyla also rose from the bed and laughed at the sight of John tickling Torren in his arms. Carson reversed out of the area to give them some peace, and whispered to one of his nurses to bring a full meal for everyone.

SGA SGA SGA

Carson stared at the latest results of John's blood tests in the morning and hoped they were wrong. Could the man not get a break?

He slowly smoothed his fingers back and forward on his forehead and squeezed his eyes shut for a moment before hooking a finger around his top lip, elbow on desk, contemplating his next move.

"That bad, huh!"

Carson jumped in his seat. "John, you gave me a fright."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you…it's just I'm going to need a clean bandage on this arm and I thought I'd come down early to see you. He held his bloodied bandage out for Carson to see.

Blood had slightly seeped through in many places up and down the bandage. Carson watched his face grimace periodically as he pulled it off. "What are we going to do with you? Can you not bloody well leave it alone for a minute?" He didn't know why he had just snapped at the Colonel; probably because he was so worried for him. But now he felt sorry for his outburst. "Sorry, John. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."

"It's, okay, Doc." John watched him take the final piece of material away, leaving the ruined skin bared to the air. The cool air was just the briefest of respites against the pain before the extreme itchiness kicked in again.

Carson stopped what he was doing and sat down on the chair opposite him. "John." He said, and then clammed up.

"It's okay, Carson. Just tell me what's wrong. I didn't come down here early just to get a bandage changed. I knew you were getting these results back this morning. Guess, I'd rather hear the results myself first before I tell the others."

When Carson remained silent, John leant back in his chair. "That bad, huh?"

"Are you sure you don't want Teyla here with you whilst I tell you the results?"

That really got John's attention. "Eh, no. Not now that I think it's more serious than I thought. Go, on…tell me." John had had an inkling something was not right with him. He had been too ill lately, ever since just before the Hive ship landed on Chol, and this last few days. Deep down he had thought there was something amiss; guess he had been correct.

"Well, son, there is no other way to say this; other than to tell you that the latest results show that…um,…John. Carson gripped his uninjured wrist. "These wraith. They have done a number on you, alright. You said that you were fitted with a tracker and that some chemical was also released into your body when the tracker was once pressed, and then you received the full load?"

John nodded, and just stared at him.

"John, it looks like it had infected you with something that was made entirely with you in mind – to um, mold into your make-up. In effect, to add to your D.N.A. Why?...I have no clue, but it's like your body rejected it from day one and it has been fighting it ever since. It's making you very ill. And I have no way of stopping it, John."

"My D.N.A.?"

Carson nodded, watching his eyes for what he was taking in. "D.N.A."

"Are you trying to tell me that the chemical, it's of…wraith…origin?"

Carson now felt physically sick. He did not want to tell his friend this. "Yes, John… in a way. And the reason we know this, and can finally make sense of the weird readings we were getting, is that Rodney finally found something in the Ancient database to help us diagnose you."

"Uh, huh. He did?"

"Yeah. He doesn't know the full story thought, John…not yet."

"And that is?" John asked suddenly playing with his soiled bandages.

"Some…wraith bastard…has played scientist with you, and has infected you with what the ancients were experimenting with…back in the day." Carson had to stop and take a drink of water.

John watched him fill a cup from a plastic jug full of water, drink the contents and then wipe his lips – anything but looking him in the face.

"Carson!" He exclaimed, getting more and more anxious by the minute.

"Oh, bloody hell, lad…the wraith must have found out somehow– must have known, that they were originally brought about by the Ancients, and that the idiot Ancients experimented on themselves to the point that they produced the wraith as we know them today." John's face was white, but other than that; unreadable, so Carson continued. "They must have been excited to find someone with Ancient blood. I think they must have meddled; thought if they could somehow make you…a wraith…then you could unlock some things for them. Side with them. Hell, I don't know what they wanted to do with you, John. – are you okay? Want me to continue?"

John simply nodded, head down in thought.

"It didn't work, though. Your body is rejecting whatever they concocted – and without their notes, I doubt I'll ever fully know."

"So, it's killing me?"

Carson swallowed. "It might kill you. Not today, not tomorrow, it might even be a few months. But, John." Carson realised he was still holding his wrist; and he hadn't even pulled it away yet, so he squeezed it hard once more. "Your body continues to fight it. It has a right hold of your D.N.A. and blood and its all-out war in your body. What brings it on worse and makes you very ill occasionally; I do not know – I wish I had some way of knowing. I only know that you cannot fight this indefinitely as I fear it will soon become dominant. Now I am working on reversing this, so you hold onto the hope that I make a breakthrough soon enough. I will not let you down on this, John."

"So…I really need to go back. Soon. Find out what they did to me, and if there is a way to reverse it." He said to more or less the floor, not looking up.

"Yes, but in a couple of days' time."

"What!"

"You need some more rest first. I will not be swayed on that time frame, so don't push it."

"It's not just me, Carson. Arla and Vari…

"…can wait a couple more days – and that's not an easy thing for me to say to you, trust me!"

John looked up and into Carson's eyes, but nodded, finally.

"The itching?"

Carson shrugged. "I suspect that's your body showing you the physical signs of this fight. An old wound that just will not heal and, if you like, you are showing an allergic reaction to whatever is in you."

"I have never had anything as annoying as this. I'd much rather be shot or stabbed!"

"I can give you more painkillers. Just be careful, though, we do not want you getting addicted to them."

"Okay." Said, John, and totally shocking Carson into silence for a moment, fully expecting him to refuse medications.

Carson patted his hand twice and got up to get an injector and vial. "Roll up your sleeve."

John quickly did and closed his eyes as Carson swiftly injected the contents into his arm, and then rubbed some cooling gel into the itchy, scratched mess that was his arm. He felt the coolness run into his veins and he mentally willed it to fight against whatever was happening inside his body.

He must have zoned out for a moment, because he next felt Carson's hand on his shoulder gently shaking him.

"…feeling okay?"

"Sorry. Um, yeah…sure. I need to go."

"Want me to tell every-one?"

John considered it and reluctantly nodded. "Sure. You'll be better at telling them than I will…oh, I will tell Teyla myself though."

"I wouldn't have expected anything else. You'd better tell her now though. Don't leave it too long. I'll have to inform Richard."

"He'll take me off duty."

"No. I'll convince him you are not compromised. That's all he was concerned about."

John brought his bottom lip into his mouth and sucked it. "What's going to happen to me, Carson?"

"I don't know, son. That's the honest answer."

"Good enough. Thanks for being honest with me. Just …bandage me up, Carson, and I'll tell Teyla."

"Will do." He pulled a kit towards him, but stilled suddenly. "I'm sorry, John. Really sorry."

"Don't be. You've helped me before. Pretty sure you'll help me again."

"Right." Carson said but grimaced anyway. He hoped he could be helped.

Silence became a solace for the two friends as both were tired out after their conversation.

Carson watched John walk out of the infirmary when they were done to find Teyla. He did not envy him that job. He now had the equally awful job of telling Richard and John's team, including, Lorne, of his findings. He was not looking forward to the fall out.

SGA SGA SGA

John felt like a caged animal. He had no-where to go. He felt trapped. He was in a huge floating city in space, and all he wanted was to find some water somewhere to jump into. Not going to happen any time soon.

Telling Teyla had been hard. Almost too much to bear. She had been playing happily with Torren, until he had stepped through the door and she saw his face. Quickly allowing Torren to play on his own with some toys, Teyla had taken John into her arms afterwards, setting her head on his chest, and they had remained like that; not speaking, until Torren demanded some more of his mother's attention. John felt the familiar stirrings of hurt that he didn't solely care for the small child anymore, but this time was pleased that he could go off on his own for a few minutes to digest the news. They would speak about it later when their son was asleep. 'Their son'. How wonderful that sounded to John's ears right then. He would need them both to see him through what was happening to him.

Eventually, ignoring as many personnel as he could, John found himself standing in the docking bay and admiring his favourite 'jumper. In there he could find the peace and quiet he needed to gather his thoughts - for a few minutes anyway.

He was right. Just as he was considering closing his eyes to stop thinking about his arm itching again, John heard a slight leather sounding squeaking noise. "Ronon?"

"You're getting good, Sheppard!"

"Your leather boots. They squeak."

Ronon looked at his feet and then back up to John with a smirk. "Impressive deduction. They will need more breaking in before I wear them in the field."

John snorted. "So, Teyla sent you to look for me?"

"No. Do I need a reason to look for you?"

John was contrite. "Nah, sorry…it's just...well, you know."

Ronon nodded. "John…I'm sorry. Carson told us what's happening to you. This must be tough to deal with."

"I hate the wraith."

Ronon did not need to answer. He just sat in the co-pilots chair along-side his friend and watched John scratch his arm. "You going to be okay?"

"Honestly. What else can I do? Until, Woolsey says we can go back to Chol, I'm in limbo."

"In two days' time he said. Then we will find your friends and grab any mad scientist we see."

John chuckled vaguely. "Yeah."

Ronon noticed his arm had another clean bandage on it and nodded towards it. "We will run out of these soon if you don't stop making your arm bleed."

John looked down at it. "Hurts and itches like mad."

"Leave it with me." Ronon said and made to get up. "Go see Teyla, she's wondering where you are, and Torren was starting to look upset."

"No need. We are here."

"Daddy!" Torren said and ran into John's outstretched arms. "Hey, sport. Miss me?" Torren nodded, wrapping his arms around John's neck. He looked up at Teyla. "Sorry, I just needed a minute alone to think."

"I knew that, but Torren was getting frantic. He cannot be without you for long, he gets worried." John kissed the top of the small child's head.

"I'll see you later." Ronon started to walk away, but swung back. "Hey, Torren. How about you spend some time with your old Uncle. I have a job I need you to help me with?"

For a moment it looked like he would refuse outright, but he seemed to sense that his parents needed time together, so he enthusiastically nodded his head and held up his arms for Ronon to pick him off of John's knee.

"Come on then, let's go." Ronon ran out of the 'jumper, with Torren screaming in excitement. "Well he won't sleep tonight." She laughed.

John sighed slightly then regretted it as Teyla came over to him and pulled him in against her chest. "Are you okay, John?"

John nodded without speaking. Then. "Glad I have you and Torren. I feel very fortunate."

Teyla kissed the top of his head and silently stroked his hair, then ran her hand down his cheek, feeling the beard on him.

"Sorry, it's been a while since I have shaved properly. It's been a while since I have had a real good bath. It's something I'll…."

John never finished his next supposed apology as he felt Teyla press the lightest and most emotive kiss on his lips that literally took any other thought from his mind. One hand continued to toy with his hair as she stood to his side, but the other hand cupped his cheek and brought his face round to meet hers and kiss him on the lips again before smiling and then kissing him on his eye lids that had closed in bliss; then his nose and then back to his lips again; this time with more urgency.

John started to speak, but Teyla put a finger to his mouth. "Shush, John. Say nothing else."

Her voice was a whisper that tickled his soul. He melted against her and wrapped his arms around her waist and returned the kiss with fervour. John pulled her onto his knee and deepened the kiss until they both started to moan with reawakened passion.

John slid his hands up her back and stroked her gently as they continued to kiss. His other hand followed the back one by skimming up her front and eventually under her top to feel her soft and warm breasts underneath. Teyla sucked in a breath.

John continued to massage them and then moved his lips to the base of her neck where he left feather like kisses that had Teyla writhing and wanting more. She turned slightly and moved her own hands over his body as she kissed him back.

John stood up suddenly and put his arms under her knees, carrying her over to one of the benches, before placing her gently on it.

Teyla couldn't help but giggle. "What if somebody comes in?" She laughed, her eyes shining the brightest he had seen since coming home.

"They won't." John said, as he pulled a crystal and closed the bulkhead; his grin meeting both ends of his face.

"Oh, crap, Teyla. I've dreamt for so long of making love to you again. Are you okay with this?"

"What do you think?" Teyla sexily replied, all the while removing her top and standing again for John to take off her skirt.

Her naked beauty almost undone John before he could really get going. He stood and admired her appreciatively for a very long second before Teyla could stand it no longer and moved to remove his own clothing.

They had obviously made love before; many times. But the next hour was one they would never forget for the beauty of what it meant to them being reunited again, and also mindful that John faced health challenges ahead. Teyla was so gentle and attentive to him, that at one point she felt her shoulder wet from the tears that were leaking from John's eyes. She decided to not ask him why he was slowly crying; she just kissed the tears away and resumed her appreciation of what they could do with each other to bring such contentment and happiness.

John felt himself relax in her hold, and let go some pent up emotions. The release, that Teyla allowed him to broach unexplained, was just what he needed. He felt like a man alive for the first time in over a year and he thanked Teyla by showing her just how special to him she was.

Later, both satiated, and tired, they helped each other dress. John looked at his arm. "Think I have found a cure for my aching arm." He laughed.

"I can help with that…anytime!" Teyla winked.

"You might have to!" He winked back. "Is it lunchtime?"

"Hungry?" Teyla laughed again.

"You are very naughty!" John took her hand as he replaced the crystal and the door swung open. "But I like it!"

They started to walk back to their quarters; but it took forever as marines and others alike, all wanted to ask after the health of their commanding officer. Eventually they reached their 'home' and Teyla noticed his tired and worried face start to appear again.

"I'll have no argument out of you. I want you to sleep, and I'll wake you in two hours to get some lunch."

"You are very bossy all of a sudden." John had his boots hauled off, and pushed under the covers. "But I like it!"

"You…" Teyla pushed him down against the pillows, before shuffling into a sitting position on top of the covers beside him, "…are going to sleep. Do you hear me?" She smiled.

"Yes, Ma'am."

John nestled himself down and, because he knew she was right, closed his eyes and actually did think that he would sleep.

Teyla remained sitting on the bed until she knew he was deeply asleep; occasionally stroking his face. As she leaned over to kiss the top of his head, the door chimed. She walked fast towards it and swiped it open to find a coy Carson. "Sorry, am I disturbing you both?"

"No. Come in. John has just nodded off."

Carson looked over to the bed. "I was just checking to see if he was okay…if you are both okay. But I am pleased to see he is sleeping; that's the best thing for him just now."

"Yes." Said Teyla, starting to go red, although she did not know why. "After his walk, he said he was, um…tired."

It was Carson's turn to shift about. "Good. Tell him to come to the infirmary later if he is wanting another shot for the pain."

"I will…and Carson, thank you."

"I only wish I could do more for him…but my staff and I are working around the clock to find a cure."

"John knows you are. As do I."

Carson started to back out of the room, his eyes flicking quickly over John's sleeping form. "Right then. I'll leave you to it."

Teyla smiled and hugged him briefly.

"Oh, and Teyla?"

She raised her head.

"It's lovely to have him and Torren back."

With that he walked out of the door.

Teyla closed the door behind him and made her way back to the bed and her sleeping lover.

She settled herself to lie down beside him on top of the bed, and even in sleep he wrapped his arms around her, muttering sweet words of love. It only took a few seconds, and Teyla was also asleep.

SGA SGA SGA

To be continued…..

A/N 2…I hope the lovely scenes between John and Teyla didn't seem too much like an 'M' rating – let me know if you think I should change it!