Disclaimer: SGA isn't mine. And I'm not sure if I want to claim the rights to this random little story or not…but I can't really blame it on anyone else… so, yep, (raises hand) it's mine.

Spoilers: For 'The Eye'.

A/N: Well, this is a short piece that is quite bizarre. Not very worthwhile or sensible or… In fact, it's pointless and damn odd! My apologies.


Stargate: Atlantis

Knock, Knock

(or The Ode To My Shower)

by

Starzangel


The hot water fell down onto his bare flesh, the heat soaking in deep and relaxing his knotted muscles. It felt good, so very good. The stress and strain of the last twenty-four hours were slowly washing out of him, carried away and whirled down the drain with the water. His mind gradually put down the rushing thoughts it was carrying and the rhythmic pounding in his temples started to fade.

Koyla…

Shot…

Gone…

Atlantis saved…

Elizabeth alive…

Storm passed…

John Sheppard had initially recoiled at the idea of being subjected to yet more water. A grimace on his face shadowed with fatigue, he'd finally pulled off his damp clothing and stepped under the rain from the showerhead. However, he was soon grateful to the steaming cascade as it began to work its magic.

It took away the chill and grime, then pressed in to soothe the aches. He shut his tired eyes, turning to let the water massage his sore shoulder. At first, pain lined his forehead and clenched his jaw, but gradually the warmth worked its way in and encouraged the pulled muscles to loosen up, until he could move it smoothly in gentle circles.

Ford had been disappointed to discover Atlantis wasn't fitted with sonic showers ala Star Trek, which Stackhouse had been telling him about. But Sheppard disagreed – he couldn't see sound waves aiding him as well as the water was doing now.

Half an hour had passed before John almost reluctantly pushed the crystal to shut off the water. Stepping out of the shower, he grabbed a grey towel and wrapped it around his waist. He scrubbed at his short, dark hair with a second towel and wandered out into his bedroom.

Without warning his door slid open and Teyla came in.

Startled, he grabbed at the towel around his waist, fearing it would take this as an opportune moment to fall around his ankles.

Teyla had the decency to look shocked herself.

"I-I am sorry," she stammered. "I rang the chime, but no one answered. After everything that has happened recently, I…I felt the need to…check everything was alright."

"I was in the shower," Sheppard explained, needlessly.

"As I can now clearly see." A hint of pink coloured the Athosian's cheeks.

They both just stood there, awkwardly.

"So," Sheppard eventually said, remaining motionless for fear of the towel shifting. "Did you want something? Other than to check I'm still alive."

"I…yes." Teyla regained her composure slightly. "I came to thank you, Major. Without your skill and cunning, the City of the Ancestors would now be in the hands of the Genii."

John's awkwardness increased under her praise, but he tried to shrug it off. "Yes, that would have been rather unfortunate."

"Indeed."

"But - "

The door suddenly swished open again and the major glared incredulously at Halling as he entered.

"Don't people knock on Athos?.!"

"I heard Teyla's voice," Halling explained. "We were both coming to offer our thanks, but I was held up."

"I see." Sheppard put a grin on his face. "Well, thank you, both of you, for your thanks. Now, if you don't mind…"

"Of course." Teyla snapped into action, taking Halling's arm and steering himout of the room. "Sorry."

John shook his head in disbelief, as he went over to the door and pushed the crystal to lock it. He would have to remember to always do that in the future.

Fin