A/N Well this is the second to last chapter of the story. Have no fear, there is a sequel planned. I have already written the first chapter, so there will be little or no wait. Be sure to check out my Halloween fic, Definitely Treat! Much love, here is chapter 10!

? Space?

Dr. Weir, Dr. McKay, Dr. Beckett and Lt. Ford stood around the briefing room table. John had asked for them to arrive early, as he had an announcement to make.

"I bet they're getting married." Carson Beckett put his thoughts on the table.

"I have to agree." Rodney patted the arm of his chair in an indeterminable rhythm, keeping a beat known only to himself.

"I most definitely third that." This came from Lt. Ford, who was watching McKay with an irritated look on his face. He looked ready to rip one of his fingers out if that tapping didn't stop, but poor Rodney was oblivious.

Elisabeth didn't have time to voice her thoughts, because just as she opened her mouth to speak, the doors slid open. In walked an overly excited John Sheppard, followed by an equally gleeful Teyla E.

"We got married!" John practically shouted at the top of his voice. There seemed to be no end to his enthusiasm, and his announcement brought the stares of several technicians.

"Well, all I can say is-" Carson was cut off by John.

"I know you must think it is sudden, but I know this is right. We've already discussed this, and we're going to do this."

"As I was saying, it's about bloody time!" Carson was a bit indignant from being cut off, but it would pass.

"You are not angry with us?" Teyla met the stares of everyone in the room, but it seemed they held nothing but happiness for the two.

"Why would we be? All of us have been waiting for this announcement for a while now." John and Teyla both looked shocked. Had they been that obvious?

"Yes!" cried everyone present. 'Wow, we had been very obvious if they could do that,' thought John. 'Even my mom can't do that!'

"Well this calls for a celebration. Would you mind if I threw an engagement party?" Not too many people were aware, but Dr. Weir had one mean decorating streak.

"Um, he said married. I think you missed the engagement." Rodney decided to finally stop his tapping, much to Adien's relief.

"Well, according to Athosian tradition, if I propose and she accepts, the deal's done. We're married. I guess they never wanted to wait." The last comment earned him a jab in the ribs, followed by a sheepish grin. "It's true," he whispered.

"So it would be a congratulations party?" Elisabeth wasn't going to back off on the whole party idea, not now that she had so many ideas running through her head.

"I guess so. But you don't have to go to the trouble." John could tell he had already lost the battle.

"Nonsense. I just need a week to get the Athosians from the mainland so they can participate as well. They won't mind, will they?" Her last question was directed at Teyla.

"Traditionally, there is a 5 day feast. However, I am sure a small gathering will suffice."

Rodney could sense work sneaking up on him, slowly closing in on all free time he had allotted during the next week. He began looking frantically for an exit, but it was hopeless.

"Rodney, would you mind getting word to the Athosians? Tell them that we will begin sending Jumpers over within a day." McKay groaned inwardly, but didn't show it. If Liz could be happy, then he could be happy as well.

"Sure thing. Which pilots do you want to use?"

"I'd say let Ford, if he likes." Adien looked at his commanding officer, his face a mix of pride and confusion.

"Really?" It was a nice sentiment, coming from the man who wouldn't allow him to name any device.

"Sure. I taught you how to fly them. Besides, the planet is perfectly safe, no Wraith or other hostiles."

"Cool!" Adien thrust his fist in the air, then quickly sobered. "I mean, that's alright with me." Elisabeth began laughing, only to be followed by John himself.

"I think we have a new pilot."

? Space – One Week Later?

"So I just asked, and she said yes. We had known we liked each other for a while, so it was basically understood." John was patiently going through his seventh recount of how he and Teyla got together. "Ah, there she is now." John took the opportunity to make his escape.

"If I must tell one more person how you asked me, I will injure them." So Teyla was just as flustered as he.

"Same here, babe." He looked around the room. "What do ya say we blow this Popsicle stand?"

"I would much rather leave, if you don't mind." John chuckled quietly to himself.

"That's what I meant."

"Then let's go." Teyla grabbed his hand and made her way over to McKay.

"I think I'm leaving now." John pointed to the impatient Athosian clamped onto his wrist.

"Liz wont be to happy, but I guess you can go. However, if anyone's getting in trouble, it's not me." Being with Elisabeth over the past month had softened his harsh edge, taking away the snaky attitude that was once so Rodney. He still had his moments, but they were few and far between.

"Thanks, McKay. Maybe I'll let you fly the jumper next mission." He smiled a cheeky grin at the scientist, but was pulled away before he could hear the reply.

"I take you are really tired of this party, huh?" Teyla only smiled in return. 'I'm not sure I like that look.' She pulled him into one of the lifts, pressing a button. "Which floor are we going to?" Teyla merely stood in front of the button. "Are you going to answer me, or just keep smiling like you've lost it?"

"I believe I will keep smiling. You will have all the answers you need in a moment. Just trust me." Teyla pulled his hand as the doors opened.

"This is the floor the balcony is on."

"Yes." She walked through the doors, turning to see his reaction.

"Oh wow." She had pulled out the table that he had dragged up so many months before. On it was placed a small slice of the cake that Liz had made, covered in melted chocolate. There was also a small dinner, complete with a glass of water.

"Are you pleased?"

"Of course. But you didn't have to go to all the trouble."

"We have known each other for six months. On my planet, it is customary to celebrate time spent together." John nodded his head.

"We do that to. I really think this is great." He surveyed the area. "This explains why you wanted to leave so quickly."

"I had Dr. McKay help me. When he came back, I knew everything was ready."

"So that's why he let us go?"

"I believe so, yes."

"Well then, we should probably eat before it gets cold. You know how I hate cold food." John pulled out Teyla's chair, making sure she was seated before moving to his side of the small table. "Déjà vu."

"What does that mean?"

"It's something we say when certain events remind us of something we've already done, or at least think we've done." John poked at the food on his plate. "This isn't from earth, is it?" The item in question looked like a green version of corn, but it was hard to be sure.

"No. It is from the food stores we brought with us when we first came to the city. Is it not to your liking?"

"Oh, no, it's fine. I just have been on this special diet Carson made up. It's supposed to speed my recovery, but to tell ya the truth, I feel fine. Hope fully I can go back to real food soon." He placed a bite-sized portion of the green corn in his mouth, chewing slowly.

Teyla was watching him with interest, and John was reminded of the first time he gave her a chocolate bar. "This is really good. Much better than an MRE." She seemed to visibly relax. There hadn't been any doubt as to what he would say, if she could eat it, then so could he. Her next question, however, knocked his socks off.

"Do you believe Dr. Weir and Dr. McKay are contemplating children?"

? Space Case?

"So then he decided that the Wraith was going to be named Steve. And he tells me I can't name anything anymore." Adien was curled up in his bed, with Amanda tucked into the crook of his arm.

"Well, what name would you have chosen?'

"Probably Bob." At her questioning glance, he went on. "Bob just seemed like a more appropriate name for him. He looked like a 'Bob'."

"And because he looked like a 'Bob' it's automatically a better name than Steve?" Amanda had never understood his penchant for naming even the strangest objects, but had drawn the line at the tooth brush. She smiled at the memory.

? Flashback?

"I think I'm going to call it Charlie." Adien held his toothbrush out in front of Amanda's face, waving it slowly.

"Why in the world would you want to name a toothbrush?"

"Because, he's like a best friend. You don't want to leave in the morning without first consulting your toothbrush."

? End Flashback?

"What are you smiling at? Of course Bob is better than Steve."

"Not that. I was just remembering Charlie."

"Oh, the toothbrush. I still don't know why I couldn't name him." Adien propped himself up on one elbow.

"Because if you did, I would have to turn you over to Carson and his pills. It was quite an insane concept to begin with."

"I think it's cool. But I guess you are the boss." He leaned down and kissed her.

"When it comes to names, yes. I can completely understand why Major Sheppard took you off the naming committee." She smiled up at him. "And that's no fair trying to change the subject. You know I have to be on duty soon."

Adien groaned and rolled away. Of course he knew, but it didn't mean he had to like it. His time spent alone with Amanda had quickly become his favorite time, and he found himself making more and more of it. 'If only my parents could meet her.' He sincerely hoped they both lived through the impending wraith attack, because there was no way he wanted to go on alone. Not after knowing what there was on the other side of the fence.

"What are you thinking about?" He hadn't even noticed Amanda get up and grab her uniform.

"I was thinking how excited my parents would be to meet you." Well, it was part of the truth.

"I'm sure they will still get to. Now get your but up and get some clothes on. I don't want to hang out in that infirmary by myself."

"I thought Carson kicked me out?" he asked as he pulled a shirt over his head.

"Only if you break anything. Besides, he's just lonely. Seeing everyone pairing off in front of his eyes has made him an ornery old man." She picked up his shoes and tossed them to him. "Those things stink, Adien. Why don't you get them cleaned?"

"Because we haven't built a dry-cleaners yet. Unless you want to do it?" He wiggled his eyebrow, trying to get her to bite.

"I'll show you how, but I'm not going to do it for you. I still can't believe your mom never taught you how to wash your own shoes." She grabbed a pair of socks from the drawer. "You should put these on first, ya know. It would help with the smell, at least."

He looked down at his feet. Amanda was right. As usual, he had forgotten his socks, placing his shoes directly on his bare feet. "Yea, I know. But you are just too distracting over there, doing your own thing."

"Yes. I dress in my own room just to make you mess up. It's my secret hobby. Looks like I'll have to find a new way to pass my time." Her dry quip brought him to his feet.

"Not if I tackle you. Then you wont need a new hobby."

"And how is that supposed to alleviate my need of a stimulating activity?"

"I haven't a clue. It sounded good when I thought of it." Adien scratched his head.

"Oh boy. Is this the same mind that knows the names of almost every kind of rock known to earth?" Amanda sounded skeptical, but who could blame her?

"No, I left that one in Rodney's lab. Want me to go and get it?" He made for the door, knowing she would protest.

"Adien Ford, don't you dare open that door when I am only half dressed!" Yup, one fresh protest coming right up!

"Only half dressed? Then why am I leaving?" He came over to where she stood, pulling her close.

"You know, I hate it when you do that, and yet, I fall for it every time."

"And that's why I do it." He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead. "Come on now, get dressed. We can't have you working in this state!" Amanda just shook her head and pulled on her shirt. Sometimes, living with him was like having a small child.

"Come on, Mandy. You're going to be late."

"It's your fault. And don't call me Mandy, at least not while I'm on duty."

"Yes Ma'am." He saluted and proceeded to march quickly down the hall. 'Not this again,' she thought

"Adien, slow down." He continued to march down the hall, moving so quickly her legs could hardly keep up. Fine. If he wanted to play this game, then so be it.

She put on her best command voice, then shouted, "Lieutenant! Stand to!" He immediately came to a halt, standing perfectly still in the hall. Amanda had to stifle a laugh. She knew if she left him here, he wouldn't move, just to prove a point. "At ease."

Adien relaxed, his hands unclenching from his sides. "You were quick that time." It was true. The first time he had pulled that little stunt, he had gone for nearly half an hour before Major Sheppard showed her how to stop him.

"Show off," she grumbled under her breath.

"You know it, babe."

"Why in the world do you feel the need to do that? It's quite odd, ya know." Amanda walked into the infirmary and began reorganizing the folders left on the desk.

"I don't know, it's just fun. Haven't you ever wanted to go back to being a kid, have a little fun?"

"Well, sure, but real life keeps me here." She had moved on to the top drawer, stacking the files on top of the ones already present.

"Only if you let it." Adien plopped down on one of the beds, content to sit for the next few hours.

"I think we have to let it. With my job, if I'm off floating in la-la land, someone could die."

"It's the same for me. I don't act this way when I'm on duty."

"Yea, I guess you have a point there. But it's like you have two different personalities." Great, now he is a schizophrenic toddler? What else could happen?

"It's more like two different approaches to life, but the same personality. You should try it, it's fun."

"Not now." Amanda glanced nervously around the infirmary.

"No, I mean tonight. I dare you to."

"A dare?"

"Yes, a dare. Come on, it'll be fun." Adien was really looking forward to this opportunity.

"Alright, fine. But you'll have to show me how."

"With pleasure, my dear."

? Space?

A/N Wow, that got long. You got a little Amanda/Adien shippyness in there, along with a good-sized bite of Sheyla. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten Carson, but I do need your opinion. Here is the poll.

Should Carson get together with an OC, or should I save Perna from her death?

Please review, and all requests will be considered. I have an idea for either path, or I could combine the two and have him get with Perna, the have her die and another girl comfort him. Anyway, I'm awaiting the results, so keep the reviews coming!