Celebration

Sheppard stood waiting, arms crossed.

"Everything is fine lass. I'd say you're more than ready to return to duty." Teyla smiled.

"Are you sure she's okay?"

Dr. Beckett rolled his eyes, "Stop clucking, Mother Hen. Your little chick is fine."

"She is a member of my team; I'm just a little concerned is all."

Beckett turned to Teyla, "If you wish, you can spend the whole night dancing away."

"Thank you Dr. Beckett."

"You're welcome lass."

She glanced at Sheppard. "Thanks Carson."

Beckett shook his head. "Relax John, she's fine."


Sheppard walked beside Teyla deep in thought. Things had moved fairly quickly in their relationship. Over the last month they had grown very close. Time spent together and apart helped to make the relationship stronger; the intimate moments as well. The idea of taking things slow physically had fallen off track. Technically Teyla was still a virgin, just a very experienced one.

Sheppard realized he'd just walked past his door and stopped.

He grabbed Teyla's hand, "Hey, where are you going?"

She turned, "I promised Dr. Weir that I would meet with her a couple of hours before the celebration."

"Will I see you before the party?"

"No. I will meet you there."

Sheppard kissed her. "See you later."

"See you later."

He watched Teyla walk to her room. During this past week he'd noticed her and Elizabeth having quiet conversations and making a trip or two to the mainland. He wondered what they were up to.


Everyone was in high spirits. The common area was filled with people. Atlantis personnel socialized with the many Athosians who had been flown in for the celebration. People were scattered throughout the room in small groups and couples. The hum of hundreds of voices mingled with low music and rose into the air.

Beckett and McKay stood just inside the doorway leading to the balcony. Sheppard sat outside on a lounge chair enjoying the remnants of the setting sun. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes; another peaceful night in Atlantis. He lifted his head. Was that McKay? He got up and walked inside the doorway. Rodney was bent over coughing, while Carson patted his back.

"Is he okay?"

Beckett held up a drink, "It went down the wrong pipe."

McKay struggled to speak and gestured towards the main door.

Sheppard took a quick glanced across the room at the doors. "Good grief McKay, it's only…." Teyla?

Sheppard did a double take. The woman in question stood with her back to him. She was talking to Elizabeth, Ford, and Halling. She wore a simple black wrap dress with short ruffled sleeves and a ruffled hem. Her hair was the right color, just curlier, she skin, her size, even the way she moved. It was Teyla. She was a little taller, but then she was wearing black Stilettos. Sheppard gave a low groan. That was so unfair. Teyla glanced at him from over her shoulder and smiled. She was beautiful, sexy, classic. Sheppard smiled back and sighed. So unfair.


Elizabeth smothered her smile. She'd seen Rodney's choking fit. She'd noticed it, because she'd caused it. When she walked into the room their eye contact had been almost instantaneous. Unfortunately for McKay, he'd been taking a drink. Poor Rodney, he still seemed to be having problems breathing. Maybe she should go and check on him? She decided that she would, later.
Teyla could feel his eyes on her. She always could. When she turned and smiled at John, she was surprise by strength of her emotions. She loved him with every fiber of her being. In some ways she always had, but now it was different. Everything about their relationship seemed to be ten times more; more powerful, more passionate, more intense. And tonight it would only get better.
McKay wheezed in what air he could. That was Elizabeth! But not the Elizabeth that he was used to seeing. Her hair was different, fuller and softer, her eyes seemed darker, and that dress. A deep red sheath dress that hugged her curves, but not too tightly. McKay gave her a once over. His brow knitted. Where those Stilettos? He sighed. She was gorgeous. McKay wondered. If he was nervous talking to the regular Elizabeth, how the hell was he supposed to talk to her??
"They look beautiful, don't they?" Sheppard and McKay nodded at Beckett, but didn't take their eyes off of the ladies headed their way. It was a slow progression. They weren't the only ones to notice how nice the two women looked. Teyla and Elizabeth were repeatedly stopped to greet, chat, and acknowledge compliments. Elizabeth made it there first.

"Gentlemen." Teyla caught up with her.

"Ladies," Beckett spoke on their behalf, "You two look very lovely this evening."

"Thank you." They chimed.

Sheppard looked at Teyla. "Would either of you like something to drink?"

Weir shook her head no, Teyla nodded, "Yes please." Sheppard placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her to the refreshment table.

Beckett turned to Elizabeth. "Can you keep an eye on him for me? I'd like to go and talk to Dr. Heightmeyer." She nodded and he left.

"How about some fresh air?" Elizabeth asked. At his nod she linked her arm through McKay's and led him out onto the balcony.

"Are you enjoying yourself tonight?"

He nodded again.

"Rodney, speak."

"Yes." He croaked.

"Good." She rested her arms against the rail and sighed.

Rodney struggled to gain control of his self. "I…uh," he swallowed, "I have a present for you."

She turned to him, "You do?"

"Yes." McKay pulled small gift wrapped box from his pocket and handed it to her. "It's just a little something, I hope you like it."

Elizabeth smiled, "Thank you Rodney."

"Wait until you open it before you thank me."

"Don't be silly." She tore off the wrapper and opened the box.

"Oh Rodney, it's beautiful." It was a delicate gold bracelet of moons, star, and tiny planets.

"It's to remind you of Atlantis, your home away from home."

Elizabeth caressed his check, "Thank you," and kissed him on the corner of his mouth.

For a moment they gazed into each others eyes.

"Eliza-."

"Hey," Ford leaned out of the doorway, "you two want cake?"

They turned to him with blank stares.

"Cake, you want any?"

"Yes please."

Ford went back inside.

Elizabeth turned to McKay, "Will you help me put it on?"

He took the bracelet, undid the clasp and wrapped it around her arm. Once done, he grasped her hand, and kissed her wrist where the charm rested. "May it bring you luck."


The party continued in full swing. Soon the hour of midnight arrived. Sheppard made a quick trip to his room. Once back in the common area he made eye contact with Teyla and nodded towards the balcony. A minute later he was outside, she followed in five.

"Did you wish to speak to me?"

Sheppard took her hand and pulled her to the more secluded area of the balcony. Teyla watched as he pulled a long flat box from under his shirt.

"I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and give you this."

"John, you didn't have to get me anything."

"But I did," he handed her the box, "now, open it." She did.

Her surprise was evident, her happiness came through tears.

"Now, I know the standard is to give jewelry, but considering what happened the last time I gave you a necklace, I felt it better to go this route.

Teyla ran her hands over the smooth blades, "They're beautiful." The two silver daggers shimmered in the moonlight. They were identical. The handles were carved with intricate detail and a glittering violet stone was embedded into each hilt. They were perfect. She closed the box and clutched it to her chest. She smiled even as a tear ran down her check. "Thank you."

Sheppard brushed the tear away, "You're welcome."

Teyla hugged him, her face buried in his neck.

"Baby, I didn't give you those to make you cry." He pulled her close. "Teyla? Teyla, look at me."

She kissed him instead.


Elizabeth walked out onto the balcony. She took a deep breath as she leaned against the rail, closing her eyes she exhaled. For a moment she stood there enjoying the cool breeze. She heard a sound to her left. When she tilted her head she could see the silhouette of a couple embracing in the corner. She left the balcony, giving them their privacy.
Elizabeth was listening to Beckett and McKay's discussion when she saw Teyla leaving the balcony, Major Sheppard close on her hills. They joined the group a few moments later and said there goodnights twenty minutes after that. Teyla said that she was tired and Sheppard offered to walk her to her room. Elizabeth watched as the couple left the common area. She smiled. Well, wonders never cease, especially on Atlantis.

Teyla walked into Sheppard's room. When she sat the black box on the table, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck. She turned into his embrace. The kiss was long, slow, and deep. When it ended, she grabbed his hand and led him to the bed. He sat. She leaned down and kissed him again. Teyla gazed into his eyes.

"John?"

He smiled, "Hhmm?"

She brushed her thumb across his bottom lip, "I want you to make love to me."

He froze. Did she say…? Sheppard tried to concentrate, but an adrenaline rush was overwhelming him.

"What did you sa-?"

"Now."

He could feel his heart pounding.

"Teyla, are you sure?"

She tugged on the small bow at her waist of her dress. Pulling the folds apart, she let the dress slip off her shoulders and fall to the floor.

"Yes."


McKay escorted Weir to her door. They stood for a moment in silence.

"Rodney?"

"Hhmm?"

"What were you going to say to me earlier? On the balcony."

McKay sighed. Why not? "I was going to tell you that I liked you."

She tilted her head, "I like you too."

McKay shook his head, "No. You don't understand. I really like you."

Elizabeth smiled. She cupped his face in her hands and kissed him. It was a nice kiss, deep, warm and gentle. Elizabeth pulled back and gazed into his eyes.

"I like you too, Rodney."

Minutes passed before McKay found his voice, he stood alone in the corridor, "Oh."