Ends and Means, Chapter 4
The jumper skims over the water and Dr. Elizabeth Weir is sitting forward in her seat, enjoying every second. The craft is flying low, only a few yards over the water. Major John Sheppard knows he's showing off a little, but he likes seeing the look of pure joy on Elizabeth's face.
"You know where we're going, right?"
He turns to her with a look of mock indignation.
"Of course I do."
"I was just noticing that we don't seem to heading towards the mainland."
"That's good, 'cuz we're not going to the mainland."
"Really?!"
He smiles at her surprise.
"Really. Now relax. I know what I'm doing."
Elizabeth hesitates for the briefest moment before relaxing against her seat.
"Okay."
John sees that this isn't Dr. Weir, Leader of the Atlantis Expedition, whose massive responsibilities require her to question every decision. This is just Elizabeth, who is willing put her complete trust in him. He can't help but find that a little daunting.
"So what's in the bag?"
She motions towards the large duffel sitting between them.
"That, my dear, is part of the surprise."
"Really?"
"Really."
He laughs a little at her excitement. She sounds like an excited teenager. This is definitely not the Elizabeth Weir that she usually lets people see.
"Tell me what's in the bag."
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
"Pretty please?"
"I said no."
"Just tell me one thing in the bag."
"No! Were you like this during Christmas too?"
"Oh yeah. Used to drive my parents nuts."
That makes John laugh. He can just picture a little Elizabeth with pigtails, pestering her parents until they give in just to get a moment of peace.
"I usually got to open at least one present on Christmas Eve."
"Oh, I don't doubt that."
"I bet you used to drive your mom crazy by always finding your presents before Christmas."
"How do you know that?"
"Am I right?"
"Every Christmas and birthday." He chuckles at the memory. "Mom used to always hand me my present with this smug look on her face, thinking that she had gotten me this time. Then I would 'guess' what it was and she'd come this close to strangling me."
"Your poor mother." Elizabeth laughs. "You must have been an adorable kid."
"What?" He gives her a crooked smile. "You don't think I'm adorable now?"
Elizabeth blushes, then tries to change the subject. He lets her, but decides that he's going to try and make her blush like that at least once a day.
"I could order you to tell me what's in the bag."
"Nope. That won't work. I'm the pilot of this jumper and that means I'm in charge."
"That's not fair."
"Who said I was going to be fair? Actually..." He reaches into his pocket, pulls out a bandana, and hands it to her. "You need to put this on."
"You're serious?"
"Yup."
She shoots him one more suspicious look before putting the bandana over her eyes.
"No peeking!"
"I can't see anything, I promise."
He reaches over and tweaks her nose. She tries to swat at his hand and misses.
"Hey!"
"Just checking."
He looks out over the water and sees their destination coming into view. It's a small island - significantly smaller than the landmass the Athosians now called home. It had taken him two nights of flying to find it. But if Elizabeth's reaction is anywhere close to what he's hoping for, the sleepless nights will be well worth it.
She feels him slow the jumper for landing and straightens in her seat.
"Are we there?"
"Almost."
Sheppard makes the final approach and lands the jumper lightly in the grass. He gets up out of his seat as the rear hatch starts to open. He helps Elizabeth stand, liking the excuse of the blindfold to keep an arm wrapped tightly around her waist. They walk out the back of the jumper and he looks around to make sure the island is what he imagined it would be in the daylight. Satisfied with what he sees, he walks her over to his pre-chosen spot.
"Can I take the blindfold off?"
"Not quite yet."
John stands behind Elizabeth, making sure she's facing the way he wants. He wraps his left arm around her again as he leans forward to rest his cheek next to hers.
"Ready?"
"Ready."
He reaches up with his right hand and uncovers her eyes.