A/N I finally know where this story is going. Wow. I'm probably going to wrap this up within 3 or 4 more chapters, but Teyla may have other ideas. Who knows? There will most definitely be a sequel, and I'm actually starting on it soon. I have chapter maps in my brain for the next few chapters, so basically there will be daily updates. Well, that's enough chatter. Here is chapter 8.

? Space?

John opened one eye slowly. His right arm was numb, and his neck was aching again. Where the hell was that button Carson gave him? He found it, right where he left it. After pushing it, his neck began to feel better. 'That still doesn't explain the arm,' he told himself quietly. He opened his other eye and was greeted by a shock of reddish-brown hair. Teyla. She had obviously stayed the whole night. So that's why his arm was asleep. John lifted his left arm and slung it across her shoulders, spooning himself against her back. Teyla mumbled something incoherent and snuggled into his embrace. This he could get used to.

John had almost fallen asleep again when he was disturbed by giggling at the door. "Are you sure we won't get caught? Carson can get his hands on some pretty big needles." That was Ford's voice.

"He leaves at around 0200. There's no reason for him to be here this late. Now lets go before we set off a security alarm." What in the hell was Ford doing sneaking into the infirmary with a girl at this hour?

"Just because you have to have ice cream doesn't mean I need to get caught. Why don't you get it yourself?"

"Because you ate all of mine, that's why. All I wanted you to do was watch it." There was that girl again. Her voice sounded familiar, like one of the nurses.

"I told you I was sorry, Amanda. Can't we just leave it at that?" Amanda. She was the night duty nurse who had checked on him a few hours ago.

"No. It was chocolate ice cream. No self respecting girl is just going to let that slide." She was right. Adien might want to learn that if he ever wanted to keep a girl around.

John had finally had enough of their bickering. "Just grab the damn ice cream and go."

"Sir? I didn't know you were awake." Ford sounded pretty apologetic. Served him right.

"I wasn't."

"Oh, sorry about that." A smirk came over his face. "Did you sleep well?"

"That's insubordination and you know it." A snort came from the direction of the young nurse. "And yes."

"If you feel the need to talk, then I will move back to my own bed." Now Teyla was up.

"I'm shutting up." John pulled her closer, if that was possible.

"Yea, we're just going to go now." Ford turned and made for the door.

Amanda grabbed his sleeve. "Not until I get my ice cream."

"Damn woman," he muttered under his breath.

"I heard that," she called from across the room. Adien tossed a pillow, hitting her right in the bum. "Hey!" Her squeal of protest brought a groan from Teyla.

"Sorry babe," whispered John. "Doesn't look like we're going to sleep anytime soon."

Teyla rolled over until she was facing him. "It is alright." She pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

"Alright you two, we're leaving." Teyla giggled and tucked her head into John's chest. Ford grabbed Amanda by the hand and pulled her out of the infirmary.

"You planned that, didn't you?"

"Of course."

"You just want to be alone with me." John grinned widely. He was one lucky guy.

Teyla feigned indignation. "Why would I do such a thing, Major?"

"I really don't care. I'm just glad you do." He touched both of her cheeks with his thumbs, bringing her face to his own. Teyla was the first to break off.

"I wish to visit the mainland." John stared at her for a moment, then burst out laughing. "I am serious."

"And you're bringing this up now? Not one for pillow talk, are you." Teyla looked hurt at his comment. "I'm sorry. It jus seemed an odd time to bring that up. Why do you want to go?"

"It has been far to long. Back on our home world, I was never separated from my people for more than a few hours. It is still something I am struggling to adapt to."

"I'll get Weir to get you a pilot and a jumper." John softly stroked her cheek. "It must be hard, being away so much."

"I would prefer to go with you. Dr. Beckett had mentioned the possibility of releasing you tomorrow."

"Today."

"What?"

"You mean today. It's early morning already." John busied himself with a piece of lint on the sheet. "Besides, I don't think I will be cleared to fly for a few more days. Why don't you go without me?" He secretly hoped she would wait for him, but he wasn't a necessary part of this trip.

"I would rather wait until you are well. I believe Jinto would like to see you." 'Yes!' screamed the little voice in his head.

"If you want."

"Look who I found wandering the halls!" Ford shoved a half-asleep Rodney through the door.

"Stop pushing," he grumbled. Amanda followed Adien through the door and sat on Teyla's empty bed.

"Sorry we woke you. I just wanted to replace my ice cream." Rodney visibly perked up at those two words.

"Ice cream? I didn't know we had any. Where is it?" Amanda pointed at Dr. Beckett's freezer. He shuffled over and grabbed a tub.

"McKay, what the hell is on your feet?" John looked at the astrophysicist's feet. They were covered in bright orange slippers, which were adorned with small red fuzz balls.

"What? My mom made them!" Rodney defended his slippers. They were quite warm and got the job done, even if they looked a bit odd.

Teyla sat up in bed, pulling a blanket over her shoulders as she went. "Could you hand me a strawberry ice cream?" McKay, who was closest to the freezer, went over and opened the door.

"We've only got chocolate and Rocky Road. No strawberry."

"Then I will take a Rocky Road." Rodney grabbed the ice cream, along with a few spoons he found in a drawer.

"Help." Everyone present looked at John, who was trying to sit up, but failing miserably. Teyla grabbed his arm and pulled him upright, using her shoulder to support him. She reached out and took the ice cream and a spoon from Rodney, who turned and went over to the other bed. He wasn't fast enough to avoid John, however, because he felt his spoon slipping from his grasp.

"That's mine," he whined, knowing it would be no use. John had already grabbed a large bite of Teyla's Rocky Road and stuffed it in his mouth.

"Don't you think the doc will be mad when he sees half his ice cream gone?" Ford pointed his spoon towards the freezer.

"That's the stash he leaves for the nurses. Word is that he's got a bigger one somewhere else." Amanda leaned on Adien's shoulder. She may have only known the man for a few hours, but was quickly growing to like him.

Rodney stood over near the door, watching the other four argue about good places to hide ice cream. It sure was going to be a long night.

? Space?

A/N Well, that was loads of fun to write. I'm going to sleep now, cause it's like 5 am here. Please review; nothing makes my day like a good note in my email!

Peace, Love, and Everything Feline,

Furlings are Cats