Hero

Spoilers: The Siege

Author's note: I guessed John's birth date…I'm not quite sure of it. So don't blame me please if it's wrong.

Time heals all wounds. That's bull. And I should know. I've watched Elizabeth Weir recluse into herself since after the Genaii captured her. She hardly ever leaves her office anymore. Just to sleep and eat. And hardly anyone is allowed in there. Except Grodin, Rodney and me. Aiden tried confronting her about her emotions a while ago. She screamed and kicked him out. Next time I saw him he was in the infirmary, a black eye standing out on his face.

I sigh as I walk through the open door. She doesn't look up, but I know she knows I'm here.

She sighs and looks up at me, a cold distant look in her eyes that I hate seeing.

"What do you want John?"

I sit down in an empty chair.

"I want you to come with me for a walk, that's what."

She shakes her head negatively.

"I don't have time John. I have to finish these reports and-"

I put my hand over hers, and she stops and looks up at me almost fearfully.

"Come with me." I insist, "It will do you some good, I promise."

She shakes her head again, but with less conviction this time, and she lets me help her out of the chair.

As we walk out of her office, I notice people are gaping at Elizabeth in shock. She shuffles along awkwardly under all the scrutiny, and by the time we get to the empty East Pier corridor, we both know nearly everyone in Atlantis will already know about her leaving the office.

We walk past the door to my favorite balcony, and I stop her at the door to the East Pier Gardens.

It's just a little courtyard, filled with grass and trees, but it's beautiful. The door slides open to reveal the tranquil scene and Elizabeth backs away, her eyes full of fear.

"N-No I-I can't John!" I sigh and outstretch me hand.

"It's time Elizabeth." I lead her inside. We can hear the sea perfectly, but still Elizabeth trembles in fear. I lead her to a familiar tree, as we both stare at its trunk. This was the place where we first kissed.

I turn away from it and wrap my arms around her waist.

"I love you Elizabeth." I murmur, as her hands grab the sleeves of my shirt desperately. She cries onto my shoulder.

I pull her away slightly and look lovingly into her tearful eyes.

"It's time to let me go Elizabeth." I whispered. She shakes her head desperately, her hands clinging to my shirt.

I nod softly and rub her hands, loosening them and finally pulling them off.

Cupping her cheeks with my hands, I kiss her softly before pulling away.

She covers her eyes with her hands as I slowly pull away from her. Realizing what was happening, she cries louder, trying to grab at me. But it's too late. I've faded and gone from her life.

Ford walks through the door, as he has every morning that he has been on Atlantis, flowers in his hands.

When he sees Elizabeth, his mouth opens in shock and he rushes forward. Seeing her distress, he pulls her into his arms while she cries, and as she finally stops, she wipes her red, puffy eyes, and understanding, Ford hands her the flowers. She looks the trunk again before lying to flowers at the base.

He helps her to her feet, and he walks her through the door, but not before she has taken one more long final glance.

John Sheppard

1968-2005

Died a hero.

May Atlantis live

In his memory.

Fin