The Grudge
Part 2
Author: Mac
Disclaimers in Part 1


"Your attack on Major Sheppard was unnecessary, Kavanaugh!" Elizabeth growled as he pulled her through the city. He stopped and glared at her. "No more than you putting the lives of everyone on Atlantis at risk! I think your feelings for Major Sheppard got in the way of your judgement. That is unacceptable."

What the hell, she thought. Her feelings for Sheppard? The man was arrogant and self-centered. He was the most gorgeous man she'd ever seen. She was falling for him and Kavanaugh had to point it out for her!

She was angrier at him than she was before. "How dare you presume to know how I feel?" she asked. Before he could respond, she kicked him in the groin and grabbed the gun before he could drop it, or use it on her. "Now," she said with a grin, holding the gun on him. "How do YOU feel?"

"Dr. Weir!"

She glanced over her shoulder to see Sergeant Bates and his team rushing towards her. "Sergeant, good to see you."

"I see you have everything under control, Ma'am." He watched as Kavanaugh writhed in pain. Yep, he knew exactly what had taken place here. "Stotler, let's get him down to the brig."

"Yes, Sir!"

As Kavanaugh was led away, Elizabeth sighed in relief, handing the gun to Bates. She was utterly exhausted and her head was killing her. "Ma'am, would you like me to escort you to the infirmary? That bump looks rather nasty."

She smiled warily. "Yes, please. I'd appreciate it. How's Major Sheppard?"

"I'm not certain," Bates replied. "Dr. Beckett and Teyla went to check on him and my team and I came looking for you."

"I see. Thank you, Sergeant."

"Anytime, Ma'am."

Elizabeth's thoughts went back to what Kavanaugh had said, 'I think your feelings for Major Sheppard got in the way of your judgement!'

She couldn't help her feelings any more than she could breath. She swore to herself it wouldn't happen, it couldn't happen. Yet... The intensity of his eyes, his smile, his hair, how he's always there for her when she wasn't sure she was doing the right thing.

He would have been her sounding board if he hadn't been stuck in the damn wormhole. And she knew he would have agreed with her. No one gets left behind. He's said it a dozen times. The way he said it always affected her. It never mattered for one minute that he could be killed, as long as he tried his hardest.

No, Elizabeth couldn't help her feelings. Besides, you can't help who you fall in love with.


John woke up in pain. His head hurt, his chest hurt. "Ugh," he moaned. Dr Beckett was next to him in a flash. "Major, it's good to have you awake."

"Doesn't feel that good."

Dr. Beckett smiled. "I'd imagine not. You've been unconscious for three hours."

John's heart skipped a beat. "Elizabeth!" He cried. He then clutched his chest in pain. John felt surprisingly strong arms laying him back down on the bed. "Let me go!"

"Major, you need to calm down or I'm going to have you sedated. Dr. Weir is fine!" As soon as he had calmed himself, Dr. Beckett spoke up again. "She's currently speaking with Sergeant Bates. They're trying to decide what to do with Kavanaugh."

John nodded in understanding. "Doc, I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry about, son. I know you didn't intentionally overexert yourself. Frankly, I don't know what I would have done in your position. Everybody knows how much of a chicken I am."

"I wouldn't say that," John replied. "I would, however, suggest something to help me with this pounding headache."

"That I can do!"

John's thoughts moved back to Elizabeth Weir. He was so relieved that she was still with them. He didn't think he had ever felt more relieved in his life. No one had ever made him feel the way she did.

"You can't help who you fall in love with," he muttered to himself before drifting off to sleep.

Dr. Beckett smiled at his patient. "No you can't, son."


Elizabeth headed to the infirmary to check on John. She still had no idea what to do with Kavanaugh, but she didn't want to talk about him anymore. She was tired of listening to his incessant wailing.

She found Dr. Beckett at his desk and popped in to inquire about the Major's condition. "Good evening, Doctor," she said.

He stood up. "Dr. Weir, evening. I take you've come to check on Major Sheppard." At her nod, he continued. "He's doing quite well. He's breathing has improved and his cracked ribs are just about done mending. I think he'd like some company right now as he's threatening to leave my infirmary."

"I'll make sure that he doesn't, Doctor."

"I appreciate that. You may go in and see him now."

Elizabeth stifled a laugh as she watched John toss wet pieces of tissue up on the ceiling. She cleared her throat. "Excuse me, Major. Are you busy? I could come back..."

He stopped midthrow and looked very much like a kid who's hand was caught in the cookie jar. "Dr. Weir!" He shook his head. "No, no, come on in. I could use the company. Doc won't let me leave yet. I'm bored."

"So I see," she replied, glancing at the pile of unused tissues on his lap.

John watched in amusement as she gingerly swept the tissues off the chair she was about to sit in. "How are things going with Kavanaugh?" he asked. He saw the look on her face and knew immediately that she wanted to forget about him for awhile. "So... Did you get to watch the movie I brought?"

"What? Lord of the Rings? I finally finished the first movie last night. I've spent a week on it. You didn't tell me it was nearly three hours long!"

He grinned. "You didn't ask. What did you think of it?"

"It was amazing. I don't suppose you brought the books with you? I could do with escaping into another world every night before I go to bed."

"That's funny."

Elizabeth laughed. "Shut up."

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, there was no one else in Atlantis. The pair reached an understanding. They both knew nothing could happen. At least, not yet, John thought to himself. That didn't mean he couldn't gaze at her every chance he got.

"John," she said, taking his hand in hers. "I want you to know that you mean the world to me. I truly believe Atlantis would be lost without you. I know I would be. Your council has been the one thing I seek out with every thought and every decision I make. And I finally understand why you disobeyed those orders so long ago."

"Thanks. I really appreciate the opportunity you've given. I have to admit, at first I didn't believe you could do all this. That is, until I saw you lay it in on Colonel Sumner. The expression on his face was enough for me to quell any doubts. You're an amazing woman, Elizabeth. I never thought I'd meet anyone like you. And I am very grateful."

Elizabeth nodded with smile and leaned back in her chair. "Thank you. Now why don't you get some rest, I'm sure the doctor is anxious for you to. We'll deal with Kavanaugh as soon as you're out of here."

"Yes, Ma'am!"