Stay with me
Chapter 9
From his vantage point, the man watched as Elizabeth conversed quietly with the Major. His eyes were drinking in every detail of her, but they had no recognition in them as Elizabeth told him basic details of Sheppard's life. Her eyes were filled with understanding, and what was it? He knew. It was love. The man wrinkled his nose, staring at them from the shadows of the infirmary, waiting for his chance. Elizabeth finally turned away, walking from the immediate room to get Sheppard a glass of water. The darkened figure took this opportunity to leap from the shadows, as John Sheppard jumped in fright. The figure used his finger in a quiet gesture, before several other figures crept from the shadows behind him. He made a gesture with his hands as the other figures quickly darted around the room, as the leading figure made his way to John Sheppard's bedside. Pulling something from his pocket, he whispered something in Sheppard's ear, before handing the object in question to the very confused patient.
It was only then as the sound of Elizabeth's returning footsteps reached their ears, that the lights were flicked off and everyone jumped into hiding. Sheppard laid down, the object he had been given now hidden under his blankets as Elizabeth returned to her seat beside him. It was quick movements that he reached out, despite her surprised gasp, and flicked the object on her head. The lights were switched on, and giving her the fright of her lifetime, Rodney McKay leapt from his hiding place, closely followed by the others that had joined them, each yelling in sequence 'SURPRISE'. Elizabeth looked confused for a minute, feeling the paper birthday hat that had been shoved on her head by the Major, looking around in surprise.
She smiled, before looking back at John, who although could not remember his own name let alone someone's birthday, leaned forward, kissed her innocently on the cheek and said a quick 'happy birthday' as people crowded around with various food. She smiled, and looked genuinely happy as Ford and Teyla cranked up the party-ness, more and more people drifting in from various parts of Atlantis, some even laden with gifts that made been made in the mainland. John was shoved into a wheel chair and wheeled around to meet several people he once knew, finally getting so confused about names and places people kept talking about, he wheeled himself onto the adjacent balcony, watching the sea in the late evening that it was, the sun giving the sky and surrounding clouds a red tint.
There was a warm breeze drifting in, and John stared at the sight before him before he felt a voice whisper into his ear.
"Is everything clearer now? Do you see why we put you through what we did?"
John looked down, unbeknownst to anyone else as white light shone behind his eyes. He looked beside him, where a familiar, ghostly figure was standing, watching him. He smiled.
"Yes. Everything is clearer then it was before." The figure nodded.
"The one thing that you needed to look-for, was the one thing you couldn't see. You feared it, and avoided it with all costs. We needed to show it to you. It completes you. It makes you human. If you were without it, if you continued to hide from it, to avoid it, you would be no better then the enemies that lie in wait for you. Now you have something to hold onto."
John nodded slightly.
"Still, there had to be an easier way. I mean, come on!"
The voice laughed, before the figure faded from sight. John sighed.
"Thanks mom."
Smiling once more at the view in front of him, John climbed to his feet. Pushing the wheel chair away, he moved into the room amid astonished stares of those around him. A path was made as people who saw his determined stared fell silent and in front of him, he could see Elizabeth Weir's back. She had not seen him, but as McKay, Ford and Teyla who were talking to her fell silent, each watching him, Elizabeth turned around, her mouth dropping open watching him approach.
"John?" She asked, as he stopped in front of her, watching her face. "What's wrong?" He smiled and looked down, breaking their eye contact and took her hand, before looking back into her eyes.
"Elizabeth Weir," He said, as her other hand rested on her heart and her eyes looked hopeful, "I love you."
And he kissed her. So shocked was she, and the people around them, that when he pulled away, staring once more into her eyes, she could only stare.
She looked unsure, no doubt wondering if his memory had returned, so taking her hands, both of them, in his, he smiled.
"I always loved you." He whispered, and making the connection, the people around them began to cheer.
With a grudging attitude, Rodney pulled out a mars bar from his pocket and handed to Ford with a glare, who in turn was grinning widely. John looked at them.
"What did you do?" He asked, wrapping his arm around a still shocked Elizabeth. Ford grinned, glancing once at the candy bar before handing it to John.
"Good to have you back sir." He said with a grin, turning and retreating from the room. Rodney nodded, muttering something about 'the bet was unfair' as he left, until finally, it was only John and Elizabeth left.
"H-How?" Was all Elizabeth could ask, as John wrapped her arm over his shoulder and took the other one in his hand, moving to a slow dance even though there was no music.
John smiled,
"I had a nice talk with an old friend, who pointed out that life can be way to short."
Elizabeth shook her head and smiled.
"Your amazing you know that?"
He shook his head.
"Never doubted it, Lizzie."
She raised her hand threateningly.
"You call me that again and I'll make sure you lose your memory permanently."
"Liz?" He asked, eyebrows raised, "Eliza? Beth?"
Elizabeth shook her head but didn't respond, instead resting her head on John Sheppard's chest.
"Simon,
I'm sorry you have to hear this way. I didn't want to tell you through a letter, but once again it is the only way I can make contact. I know last time in the video I told you to move on without me. And I stand by that decision. I'm sorry. I really hope you have moved on for your own sake, because, no matter what, I'll always care about you. I wanted you to know I met someone. He's someone here in Atlantis, someone who's been what I've been through, who I love and loves me in return. We've been married now for three months, or as married as you can be where we are. I wanted to tell you in person, to tell you I'm sorry for everything I've put you through, but I can't return for reasons out of my control. I hope one day you will forgive me,
Elizabeth
Sheppard."