Title: HAVEN

Author: Lacenire

Part:2

Rating: M

Characters: Ronon/ Amirah (OC)

Archiving: Yes

Warnings: None

Spoilers: None

Disclaimers: I do not own Ronon or any characters from
Stargate Atlantis

Next day at the Cafeteria………

"Aha! I see you are doing your second favorite thing"

Colonel Sheppard said, approaching Ronon and eyeing the heaped plate in front of him. There was no reply. Sheppard realized that the food had also not been touched.

"Or not?" Shep said, puzzled.

After observing the gusto with which Ronon normally ate, Shep didn't think he could sit with food in front of him and not eat it.

"What's up big guy?" he asked, pulling out the chair across from Ronon and sitting down.

"You feeling alright?" he slapped Ronon across the shoulder, hoping to snap him out of his reverie.

Finally, those intense green eyes focused on him and he had Ronon's attention.

"What's the matter? Why are you staring off into space like that?"

"I had a very strange experience last night and it continues to haunt me. Tell me Sheppard, why would a woman grow angry at a man for staring at her with appreciation?"

"Oh-oh! Some woman's angry at YOU? Impossible! Ever since you got here all the women have been practically fainting whenever you enter a room! There isn't a woman on Atlantis that would be annoyed at you for staring. What did you say to her?"

"I never got a chance to say anything, because she stalked out of the gym after looking at me with murder in her eyes. Setitans value strength of character and honour. Our women are just as active in the military as the men. When I saw her last night, I was reminded of Setitan women. She was defending herself against and attack by what seemed to be two males. I thought to assist her, even though I could see she was holding her own in the fight. It turned out that the attackers were in fact images generated by the machinery you call computers. Sheppard, I have to meet that woman again. I know I can win her over!"

"Ronon, there are over two hundred people on Atlantis and not all of them live in the central buildings. The fact that you met her in one to gyms is a good indication that she might actually be living close to the exploration and research teams, but honestly Ronon, a woman who hates being stared at could be anyone, including one of the homosexual contingent members."

"Homosexual?"

"Didn't you have people on Setita who were attracted of others of the same sex?"

"Oh, I understand, but I don't think the woman was homosexual, something happened to make her behave the way she did. I have to find her Sheppard, she and I belong together."

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Amirah looked up from the algal culture she had been examining under the stereomicroscope and made a few notes on her clipboard. They had done their best to simulate the environmental conditions that the M.A.L.P had recorded on Setita and this culture seemed to be growing the best under those conditions.

"Are they ready my dear?", Professor Kenny asked as he came bustling in.

"This one's the best, it's showing a 90 growth rate" Amirah answered.

"Excellent! I can tell Dr Weir to organize a field testing trip to Setita ASAP. Ronon should be very pleased with our progress."

"Ronon?" Amirah asked, puzzled.

"Oh yes, that's right, you haven't met our resident Setitan. We thought he was the last, but it turns out there are at least 300 refugees living on other planets. Well you'll get to meet him tomorrow morning, since I'm leaving the presentation to you. Have fun preparing!" With that parting shot, Prof Kenny happily strode into the next lab.

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Dr Amirah Kenwah sat at the side of the podium organizing her notes and surreptitiously looking at the people filing into the Conference Room. She had met most of them, Dr Weir, Colonel Sheppard, Dr McKay. One by one they took their seats. As she was about to stand, a final person entered and stood staring at her. AGAIN.

Ronon could not believe his eyes. There she was, riffling through some papers. He couldn't help it he stared, taking in her perfect skin and intelligent eyes, her full lips were softly parted as if she was breathless. Ronon longed to cross the distance between them and sample those lips, drinking in their nectar. Her curly hair was not plaited like last time, but instead seemed to be arranged in plait-like twists that remained interlocked due to the very wooly texture of her hair. Dear Gods! He thought, she's even more beautiful than he remembered.

Amirah remained frozen at his appearance, she remembered him all too well. How could she forget this man who haunted her dreams, making her awaken with racing heart; breathlessly drenched in sweat, and a throbbing ache of desire between her legs. His heated looks that night six weeks ago had awakened a desire in her that she had thought would never reemerge after the attack. Seeing him now, as he entered the room, she fought the surge of desire that was somehow still competing with the disgust and fear she felt for all men. All manner of thoughts raced through her mind:

He's so tall, so big

How can I be attracted to that powerful, dangerous giant?

He could break me in half with one hand. I'd never be able to tell him no.

"Hey Ronon, have a seat, don't you want to hear how the techno geeks plan to restore Setita?" Sheppard called out.

That was all Amirah needed to break the paralyzing eye contact and she resolutely decided not to look at him again. She now realized he was the Setitan everyone was talking about. No wonder. He was as magnificent as she remembered.

As he watched her turn away, Ronon tried not to be angry at Sheppard for breaking the spell. He had seen the desire in her eyes and he felt encouraged. Maybe she had been looking for him, just as he had been searching for her? No, he remembered the anger and just now he had seen it again. Strangely, he had seen fear as well in her eyes as she looked at him. Why? He wondered, he'd never hurt her, and would kill anyone who did.

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One hour later and the presentation was over, and all questions were answered. Ronon had kept silent throughout, instinctively knowing that his presence made Amirah uncomfortable. Amirah. He had a name for this woman who had stolen his heart. He was amazed at how smart she was, and how easily she was able to match wits with McKay. He was well assured that Setita's ecology would recover and his people would soon be able to return to their planet.

"How about some sparring?" Sheppard asked as he got up to leave, thinking Ronon would do the same.

"Not today Shep, I have to talk to someone." Ronon replied.

Sheppard was amazed, fighting was Ronon's favorite past time, he never turned down the opportunity to kick someone's butt. Suddenly he remembered the time when Ronon had refused his second favorite past time 玅 eating. Sheppard looked across at Dr Kenwah and back at Ronon who sat staring at her as she jerkily packed away her notes, aware of the scrutiny.

"Is THAT her?"

"Yes." Ronon replied

"Sheesh, you sure know how to pick um, none of the men on Atlantis have been able to crack that nut, and believe me we've tried!"

Ronon turned and stared at Shep with hard eyes, "'We've tried'?"

"Settle down big guy, don't get your panties all in a bunch!" Sheppard said placatingly,

"Of course I've spoken to her, but she's too cold, definitely not my type, but good luck to you."

With that and a slap to Ronon's back, he strode out of the Conference Room leaving Amirah and Ronon alone.

Amirah was fully aware of the intensity of his gaze and was fighting hard to remain in control of her movements. Bolting for the door was not an option.

"I searched for you everywhere, but couldn't find you. Now, just when I had decided that I had imagined our encounter, I suddenly find you here."

He had spoken softly enough to be heard, but not loud enough to startle her. He knew she had heard him, yet she said nothing.

Ronon rose from his seat and walked around the table towards her. He was well aware of how intimidating his height and physical presence were and had wanted to remain seated and draw her out. Unfortunately, she had ignored him, and so, he was forced to make her fully aware of his presence and virility.

Amirah had been trying hard to complete her task and escape the room, but her hands were shaking so much, the papers and pens kept slipping out of them. She heard him rise from his chair and felt rather than heard him approach her.

"Look at me." He said softly, caressingly

Amirah did not look up but felt her insides melt and a shiver ran down her back.

How could she be turned on by a man's voice! She thought, and continued to pretend not to hear him.

Large hands covered hers to still her fumbling.

His action was unexpected, and Amirah reacted reflexively. She jerked away and slammed her open palm into his face, a task made easier by his bending over to grasp her hands.

"Good Grief!" she cried shocked and horrified by her actions.

She watched as a red mark spread over his cheek, and yet he made no move against her.

"I'm so sorry, so sorry." she cried, breaking away from the hurt look in his beautiful eyes. She gathered up her briefcase and ran out the door.

Ronon was shocked, clearly Earth women were very different from Setitan women.

Why had she reacted so violently to my touch?

She seemed to shock even herself, she obviously did not want to hit me, and yet she had.

How do I handle this situation?

I want her, and I feel certain she wants me, and yet I seem to scare her. I have to speak to someone about this. I've given up so much these past seven years, I'M NOT GIVING UP THIS WOMAN!

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Ronon stood outside Teyla's room and pushed the call button, he hadn't noticed on his very first visit to her room.

"Enter." She called out, and the door slid open.

"Ronon, welcome my friend, you look troubled?"

"Teyla, I did not know who else I could trust to give me a straight answer."

"Sit, what is it my friend, how may I be of assistance?" Teyla said, leading Ronon to the cushions scattered around the room.

"I've met a woman….."

"I've met a woman, who stirs my blood like no other. I know she feels the same about me, yet every time I approach her, she's either angry or terrified. What could cause this Teyla? What can I do?"

Ronon was clearly disturbed, and Teyla thought carefully before answering his plea.

"My friend, I can't imagine any woman being angry at you or terrified of you for any length of time. True you are an imposing figure, but I know you are gentle inside. Have you tried speaking to her to find out what the problem is?"

"Teyla I would love to, but she keeps giving me murderous looks and running off at the first opportunity!" Ronon replied, hands in the air and clearly exasperated.

"Well, I can see why your so confused. Hmm……..I can only think that she has had a bad experience that still haunts her. If that is the case, you will need to move very slowly my friend, very slowly."