Thanks for the reviews (especially Ashkash – I think you reviewed me four or five times LOL.) and letting me know about ShepWeir in Siege Part 3. I'm amazed at how many hits I got for this, over 2000! (Stats are definitely a good feature eh?) Glad people are taking an interest.
Espiritu: Thanks and I saw the pictures, so cute!
elemental-sparky: Thanks for the review and hopefully August will fly by!
Chapter 9
Elizabeth yawned as she finished typing up a report and began skimming through it to fix any mistakes. The control room was almost empty apart from the nightshift technicians and security and the only light coming from her office was from the computer screen. Suddenly a shadow flickered across her desk and Elizabeth looked up to Carson Beckett glaring at her.
"Not now Carson." She groaned and returned her focus to the screen. Still sensing the doctor's presence she muttered, "I'm almost finished."
"No, yir finished now lass." The Scot said sternly and even walked around behind her chair. He hated trying to intimidate or annoy anyone (other than Rodney McKay) but some people just needed a push. "Come on, off tae bed."
Elizabeth growled. "I'm only spell checking Dr Beckett. I'm nearly finished-"
"Well it looks like you've missed a couple unless Americans spell technology with an 'ie' at the end and don't use commas." Carson said with a hint of amusement in his voice pointing to the mistakes at the very beginning of the document.
Weir was silent for a minute narrowing her eyes and swallowing a nasty retort. All she wanted to do was go to sleep or even just relax for a couple of hours but the workload on her desk was still huge. "Carson-"
"You either leave now or I will relieve you of command in front of Colonel Caldwell!"
Elizabeth hardly ever heard the medic this angry or frustrated and knew he was just looking out for her. Sighing she slowly stood up grimacing at the pain in her back and made her way to the door with Carson following. What she didn't notice was Carson touching his earpiece twice before he left the office.
Much to Elizabeth's annoyance the doctor had insisted on following her to her room just in case she 'deviated fae her objective'. Once the door was opened she stepped in the room and turned to face him.
"Now I want you tae rest for at least 6 hours. 8 if you can manage it. That clear?"
Elizabeth almost laughed at his motherly tone and nodded portraying an innocent expression. "Yes doctor." When he nodded, satisfied at her answer, he said good night and turned to walk away. As Elizabeth closed the door she missed seeing his face split into a knowing smile.
Once in the room Elizabeth stood for a few minutes feeling too exhausted to do anything. Pondering her next move she noticed a small post it up on the bathroom door. Moving closer she couldn't identify the writer but saw that it said, "Come in and relax."
Frowning Elizabeth gently opened the door and gasped when she saw the Ancient bathroom lit with the Athosian's equivalent to candles and a full bath that looked steaming hot. There was a lovely aroma floating around the room and Elizabeth immediately began stripping of her clothes desperate to get in the water. As soon as she was in a small contented sigh escaped her and there she remained for a whole 45 minutes with no interruptions.
Feeling the water go lukewarm Elizabeth decided that now she could definitely sleep and pulled herself out of the tub. As she dried herself she wondered who had set this little surprise up and immediately assumed it was Carson, after all he had been adamant about her getting some rest. Changing into her pajamas and sliding into bed her mind wandered to John Sheppard and she lay there wondering how he was. She knew that medically speaking he was fine (she had read the report) but she still hadn't seen him since that day she left him in the infirmary. She had been too busy to see or even speak to him. Elizabeth now suspected that he was angry with her for being so distant.
Pushing all these miserable thoughts from her mind Elizabeth closed her eyes and immediately fell into a deep slumber.
Elizabeth's tired mind seemed to register that it was morning and pulled her from a blissful dream involving John and a beautiful cabin. Opening her eyes she squinted in the sunlight that streamed through her window and thought about her dream. Smiling she recalled the cabin being the one her and Simon had visited years ago in Vermont but felt no guilt at dreaming of John instead of her old lover. That was in another lifetime, another galaxy.
Stretching across the bed she sat up and ran a hand through her messy hair. The sleep had done her good and she already felt ready for the day ahead. Glancing at the clock beside her bed she saw she had done better than 6 hours and had managed 7 and half. Carson would be proud she thought and began getting ready.
Half an hour later she was ready and grabbed her jacket before opening the door. As she did she let out a small gasp when she saw John Sheppard standing with a tray in his hands. Locking eyes for a moment Elizabeth knew he wasn't angry with her and that he had arranged everything last night.
"Morning." He said quietly his eyes twinkling. "Did you get some sleep?"
Finding her voice Elizabeth replied. "Uh, yeah. A lot, thanks." Her eyes darted to the tray and she looked back up with a raised eyebrow.
"Thought you might be hungry seeing as you missed dinner last night." John said lifting the tray a bit higher.
Elizabeth smiled gratefully realizing just how hungry she was and nodded. "Starving. I didn't realize Atlantis provided room service."
John shrugged. "Thought it would be a nice extra to have in this place. Didn't you get the memo?" His stomach did a somersault as she laughed.
Grinning at each other Elizabeth stood back and let him into her room. He placed the tray on her desk and turned to face her. Both stood unsure of what to say next. Finally Elizabeth broke the silence.
"I'm sorry I haven't been to visit. I've…been busy." Even to her it sounded like a lame excuse despite it being the truth.
"I've heard." John said softly letting her know he understood. Picking up the mug of coffee he handed it to her. "The doc's not happy though."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes whilst accepting the coffee. "Thanks. This week's just busier than normal. Once this negotiation is out of the way it'll be better." She sat down on the edge of the bed as John handed her a plate. "Are you going to start spoon feeding me in a minute?" She joked and John gave her a sheepish smile.
"Sorry. I just…I'm sorry I haven't visited you. I could have done some extra paper work to help out but-"
"I scared you away." Elizabeth confirmed with an understanding nod. When John nodded the guilt Elizabeth felt intensified and she sighed placing the plate and cup on the desk again. Sitting back down she stayed silent for a minute and John began to wonder if she had fallen asleep again.
Here it comes, the big apology. Don't mess this up Shep! He thought and took a deep breath.
"About what I did…I'm sorry. I've not got a hero complex and I don't hate life…I just-"
Elizabeth's lips on his caused John to forget his coherent thinking and after a few seconds of shock began to kiss her back. As one of his hands slid around her waist pulling her closer on the bed the other moved behind her neck. Elizabeth's hands appeared to be enjoying the stubble covering his cheeks and the feel of his hair. After what seemed like hours they pulled apart both slightly dazed by what both had considered to be a perfect kiss.
"Um…as I was saying-" John stuttered unsure of what to do now but Elizabeth placed a finger on his lips. He immediately fell silent and stared into her eyes.
"It's okay." She almost whispered. "You did it because you cared about me. I was just so scared of losing you-" Her voice began to crack and she cleared her throat. Placing her hand again on his cheek she pressed on. "What you did was amazing and the fact that you did it for me…I feel privileged."
John's mouth fell open slightly surprised at her speech and thought over what she had said again. He felt the need to correct her on just one thing.
Taking both her hands in his John took another deep breath. "Elizabeth I don't care for you." At first her eyes widened and she looked puzzled, even hurt so he hurriedly continued. "I meant what I said - I love you."
As she processed this information John's heartbeat began racing afraid of her response at such strong words. Seeing the tears begin to fall from her eyes he wiped them away with his thumbs and smiled at her. When she grinned back and giggled he knew everything was okay now.
Pulling her forward John initiated the next kiss this time not holding back any of the desire he felt for her. Just as things were really heating up John radio buzzed to life and as Elizabeth pulled away he groaned.
"Colonel? Did everything go okay? Did it work?"
Elizabeth bit back a laugh as John rolled his eyes upon hearing Carson Beckett's voice.
"Yeah doc. In fact it was going very well. " He said through gritted teeth feeling his face flush.
"Good good. Wiz just checking-"
"Carson, thanks for last night." Elizabeth said positive the doctor had not realized she was still with John.
"Oh Christ! Yir still together!" He cried clearly embarrassed. "Sorry! I did nae mean tae…eh, have fun!" And with that final message John's radio went dead again.
Elizabeth burst out laughing and grabbed his hand while John shook his head. "Next time I'll threaten him with a big needle!"
"I'm sure you will!" She said and before he could respond she kissed him again.
A/N: Thanks again for all the reviews and I hoped you enjoyed it!