Author's Note: Thanks to PurpleYin, SnkNJak, Margaret (I so agree!) and Teyla Sheppard for reviewing. :) The reviews really made my day; I'm glad you like this. As a "warning" I guess, to any people anti-Sheyla, this chapter is really, really Sheyla-centered. Anyway, I hope you continue to enjoy. Please review!
Spoilers: Little reference to "Home" I guess; not much else.
Disclaimer/Distribution: See the first chapter.

Major John Sheppard stood off to the side as the as the Athosians and the expedition members mingled for what was quite possibly the last time. John kept himself in stony silence, not trusting his emotions enough to step into the poignant meeting. There were so many feelings running through his head that he couldn't keep up. On one level, there was the obvious sadness. He didn't want to leave anyone on Atlantis, nor the mainland. Especially not her: how could he just…leave her? Beneath the masked sadness, a sheet of anger withheld. How did the leaders of Earth dare claim that they knew what was best for Atlantis? They knew nothing about what had happened. Whose stupid decision was this?

"Why do you stand alone?" he didn't have to turn to know that the soft inquiry came from Teyla Emmagan, but he did. She was so beautiful—and she didn't recognize it. He could stare at her for hours on end and not feel the slightest hint of boredom. The grace in which she carried herself, the spark of energy in her eyes—everything about her marveled him.

"I don't like goodbyes," John replied simply. Teyla nodded and they watched the grief-filled goodbyes between the people around them in silence.

"Why is it that no one wishes to return to Earth?" Teyla asked suddenly, gazing at John with curiosity in her eyes. "What I have seen of Earth is a beautiful place. Should you not be eager to return to your home world?"

It was the same question that John had asked himself numerous times. Why was it that they were reluctant to leave Atlantis? The answer had come to him steadily. Atlantis was their home—more a home to them than Earth was. They had laid down their lives not for Earth—but for Atlantis. Being on Atlantis had changed them all. "Atlantis has become our home," John said, unable to meet Teyla's stare, "and…" he paused before continuing, "it's the people that make a place home, not where you were born."

"Do you not have any loved ones to return to?" Teyla questioned. It was a quality he liked about her—he didn't have to wade through the pointless sugar-coating that other people put on their words. Teyla said what was on her mind.

"No," he said shortly, finally finding the courage to look at her. "My loved ones are here, not on Earth," his eyes displayed the meaning his lips wouldn't let escape from his mouth. He had grown to love nearly everyone and everything on Atlantis. He loved the geeky scientists who let out squeals that rivaled those of schoolgirls when something new was found, he loved Ford and his goofiness, he loved Elizabeth for her strength and character and hell, he even loved McKay for his McKay-ness. But most of all…he loved Teyla. "Teyla…" he said finally. "What would you say if I stayed here?"

Teyla frowned. "That is against the law of your people, is it not?" she questioned carefully, no emotion passing through the mask she'd pulled across her face.

"I don't care," John replied, his voice thick, "Elizabeth can make up some excuse that I'm not there. I can't just…leave."

"John," she said, placing her delicate hand on his shoulder. "Atlantis is only a location. It does not contain people's souls."

"I'm not talking about leaving Atlantis," John replied, "I'm talking about leaving you." There. It was out there, wide in the open for anyone to dissect. "I love you, Teyla," he whispered. Through all of the things they had been through, he had never once said those words. These seven days that they had—now down to five—were and would be the time to say things that had never been said before. And now, John had said his part.

"Do not be rash…" Teyla murmured softly, looking at the ground.

"I'm not," John insisted.

"Your people…they need you…" she continued, still refusing to make eye contact with him.

"Teyla," John grasped her shoulders firmly and looked down at her. "They'll get through it. I…I need to know how…" he swallowed tightly, his eyes pleading, "…you feel about me."

"John…" Teyla squirmed in his grasp. 'He has to return home with his people. His people need him; it is where he belongs,' the overbearing thoughts ran through her head. 'If I tell him…if I tell him he'll stay. How can I do that? I cannot keep him from his world for which he has so longed to see once more, just as I cannot leave here. Perhaps it is for the best if I just…'

"One word, Teyla," John said earnestly, not allowing her to escape his grasp just yet, "Do you feel the same way about me or not?"

"I…" Teyla stopped, looking away. Her eyes fell on the other Athosians and she felt the heavy burden of her duty fall upon her shoulders once more. She couldn't leave and John—he had to go. Wouldn't it be for the best if there was nothing for him to regret? "No," Teyla whispered finally, feeling the blood rush through her body as the lie fell from her lips. She could feel the significant loosening of John's grip and blinked rapidly. 'It's for the best…' she repeated to herself.

John swallowed; feeling like someone had just punched him in the stomach. He had been so sure… "Look me in the eye," he whispered, his voice hoarse, "and tell me."

Teyla looked up, battling the sheer screen of tears that pulled over her eyes. "It…it would never work," she said softly.

"Elizabeth would let me stay, I know she would," John persisted. "She would understand. I want to stay," he looked her in the eyes, "I have nothing for me on Earth. Everything I want, everything I need…is here."

Teyla glanced away for a moment, too consumed with emotion to reply immediately. "I can't make you stay here," she told him, "and if I say yes you will."

"It's my decision to make, isn't it?" John pressed, and Teyla continued looking away, knowing that if she looked at him her eyes would betray what she was struggling to keep inside. "Isn't it?"

"Sir, everyone is on board and waiting," Lieutenant Ford approached John. He had done what he could to give him more time to speak to Teyla, but they had to leave now.

"All right, I'll be there in a second," John replied, never once letting his eyes stray from Teyla's face. Ford nodded and turned, heading for the jumper. Teyla sighed and met John's eyes.

"You must go," she told him, clasping her hands tightly together.

"Teyla…" John pleaded with her, but she stepped back.

"I am sorry John," Teyla stepped back once more. 'I can't do this to him…' Lieutenant Ford appeared behind John, reluctant to leave but knowing they had to hurry back.

"Yes or no, Teyla?" John asked, knowing it came down to this moment.

"I…" Teyla looked into his eyes and swallowed tightly. "No," she said firmly. It took all of her strength to remain calm and stand upright as John's eyes clouded over.

"Sir, we really have to get going," Ford said uncertainly, feeling like he'd intruded on a private matter. John nodded. He started to say goodbye to Teyla, but his tongue fumbled over the words. In the end, he turned and strode down the jumper, his words unspoken, his head down and his heart numbed. Ford glanced at Sheppard before looking back at Teyla and nodding. "I'll see ya," Ford said, his throat closing. He couldn't find the strength to say goodbye, but he knew he'd never see her again.

"Goodbye, Lieutenant Ford," Teyla said. Her eyes had glassed over and she was pursing her lips to keep her cries silent. Aiden hugged her quickly.

"Good luck, Teyla," he said, nodding to her before walking toward the jumper. Teyla watched in lonely silence as he climbed aboard the jumper. A few moments later, the Ancient ship lifted into the air and started its journey back to the city. Alone, Teyla wrapped her arms around her waist and let the salty tears run their course down her face.