~ 15 ~
Okay, it took me three whole dates to figure the man out, but now I've got his number pegged.
Date number one went amazingly well, in my opinion. We learned tons about each other, plus, ohmygod, we have so much in common it's funky. I may not have been on the whole John-n-me bandwagon from the get go—except for the fleshy parts because we so rock in that area—but now I'm convinced some higher goddess has blessed me with this man. It just seems too perfect.
Don't jinx it!
Right. Forgot who I am for a moment.
Anyway, date number two went off without a hitch. John's surprise double-daters also made a cameo, but this time they left right after the movie. I think it had something to do with Ronon needing to beat something up right away. He did seem a little upset about all the aliens in that movie compared to the single one in the first. And when Ripley came out in the walker to kick the queen's butt in the end, he actually said: "Yes!"
Which he learned from me, thank you very much. And probably from watching Friends, but mostly me. It was so funny to hear him say it though, John actually had to cover my mouth because he instinctively knew I'd burst out laughing. I got him good though. I tickled his palm with the tip of my tongue. That's probably why later he got away from me as quickly as possible. I'm all for the 'date' thing, but this abstinence policy is beyond frustrating.
Teyla, of course, went with Ronon leaving John and me alone…all alone…but in a public place where anyone could walk in at any given moment. As soon as our chaperones were gone, John made a bee-line for the far end of the sofa, put his feet up and the only thing we touched was shoes, though even that seemed terribly sexy to me after all this time of not doing anything else. Damn, I miss his hands…I miss his everything!
I want the man naked like now.
Two nights ago, date number three was just the two of us. We had dinner in the mess as usual then went for a romantic walk around the city just holding hands and chatting about silly things, like what kinds of cheers I did during my two-year tenure as a high school cheerleader. Or if it's possible to do a 360 degree flip with a helicopter like I saw in a movie once. John says no by the way; something about not enough thrust.
A couple of hours later we ended up at my door. I made all kinds of openings and invitations, this being the 'third date' and all those rules back on Earth. But the man refused to go along. Since when did he become the master of restraint? He kissed me and I let him have it. I know he wanted to come in as much as I wanted him to, and yet…he left.
Two days I've been thinking about that kiss! Two days I've been going out of my mind wanting him…but no… He had to go off-world on some mission to get all dirty and sweaty and…he looks so hot covered in dirt!
Well, like I said, I figured the man out. I know what I have to do to get what I want. I have to make plans. Good plans. Special plans. Something he cannot say 'no' to. So I called in reinforcements. It's the only way to go with these sorts of situations.
Laura couldn't believe it when I asked her for help. She nearly fainted when I told her exactly what I needed.
Teyla couldn't stop smiling at me that knowing smile she has. I didn't want to offend her in any way with my colloquial Earth language, but Laura didn't have a problem telling the Athosian woman exactly what I was up to. "She wants to have sex tomorrow night."
At first, I think Teyla was a bit thrown, possibly thinking I meant it to be with her. But then understanding flashed in her eyes. "With Col. Sheppard."
"Of course with John," I said, glancing back at Laura.
"The problem is," Laura started. "He's being…uncooperative. So Jax here needs to give him some incentive."
Teyla's smile widened. "You wish to mold him to your will."
I nodded, but said, "We use the term 'seduce'. But I like the way you think."
Her brows arched considerably. "This will take some planning."
Laura and I exchanged glances. "Exactly."
Teyla can be a single minded machine sometimes. I like that about her. I wonder if Ronon does. "Teyla?"
"Yes, Jax."
"Has there been any…molding between you and Tarzan?"
Her mouth couldn't decide whether to smile or be stern. "Jax, he does not like that name. You know it only makes him mad."
I glanced and smirked at Laura, then turned back to Teyla. "Do you have a secret name for him yet?" In her usual manner of deflecting questions that could be potentially embarrassing, Teyla tilted her head and raised her brows, but said nothing. So I persisted. "C'mon. Is his will yours?"
This got me a piercing stare of 'mind your own business or I'll kill you with my pinky finger' so I waved a hand and told her 'never mind'. Laura nudged my arm and when I looked at her, she winked and nodded, giving me the impression she was mentally saying: oh yeah, they've done it…a lot. Which made me giggle.
A moment later, we were back on task. My task. Teyla is nothing if not forgiving. She had some ideas about one area while Laura called in the big guns…meaning she went to get help from Dr. Beckett. I, however, had the hardest job of all.
I pretty much dragged myself to my room at the end of the day and almost collapsed onto my bed in defeat. I couldn't believe I failed. Both Teyla and Laura caught up with me during my travels throughout the city and told me everything was in place. I almost pulled out my hair when I had to confess I didn't live up to my end of the deal.
Laura wrapped an arm around my shoulders, gave me a big squeeze and guaranteed me I'd persevere…I still had until tomorrow night to find exactly what I needed. I should not give up hope.
Surprisingly enough, as I stumbled into my room…I found what I'd been searching for all day lying neatly on my bed.
There was a note lying on top of it too. 'Best of luck' it said in fancy handwriting. I spun around, knowing no one was in my quarters, but I was so dumbfounded that someone…some woman had managed to get in here and left me such a beautiful gift, my jaw was practically dragging on the floor.
I raced to Laura's quarters and dragged her back to mine to show her and she literally squealed with delight. "Ommigod this is perfect!"
Neither of us could discern the writer of the note, however, leaving us wondering who my benefactor could be. I have a sneaking suspicion, but it's too weird to contemplate right now.
So here I am, waiting for my date to make his appearance. Teyla and Dr. Beckett were quite clever in their efforts to keep him from me all day while Laura helped me get ready. I'm even wearing make-up, thank you very much.
There's a click in my ear and Laura's voice comes in loud and clear. "Operation willpower overload is a go," she whispers with a chuckle.
"Copy that." I smile and take off the headset, hiding it inside the vase of wildflowers set on the table. I quickly strike a match and light the candles. Then I wait.
It's not long before his shadow looms in the doorway.
~ 15.5 ~
Laura's leading him down a corridor toward the South pier. She's barely spoken since they left the transporter, except to tell him to stop fidgeting.
He's been searching for Jax all day, only to be headed off by someone in the process. It took a while, but realization finally hit him between the eyes when Lt. Cadman showed up at his quarters dangling a burgundy tie in her hand. "Courtesy of Carson."
John looked her over quizzically. "You do have a white dress shirt, correct?" She asked as if knowing the answer already. He nodded and she said, "Good. Black slacks and a jacket to match?"
"Yes…why?"
She cocked her head slightly. "I'm just curious…what made you bring that to the Pegasus Galaxy?"
He shrugged. "I brought all my clothes when we came back from Earth. Why pay for storage?"
She nodded in understanding, but there was a new smile tugging at her lips. A sly smile she couldn't seem to hide. John watched her for several moments. "What's going on?"
She held up a hand. "Please, sir, no questions. Would it be possible for you to follow my orders for a short time tonight?"
John narrowed his gaze on her. Obviously she and Jax were up to something. "Just this once, Lieutenant."
"No rank tonight, sir. Call me Laura. I'll be your host."
"Okaaaay." He raised a brow.
She glanced at her watch. "Could you be ready to leave in forty-five minutes?"
"Leave? And go where?"
She smiled politely. "You have a seven o'clock dinner reservation, sir. Trust me. You don't want to be late."
John glanced at his bedside clock. Forty-five minutes would make it six o'clock, which means it could possibly take an hour to get to his destination.
And that's exactly how long it took them to walk to the South pier. Laura remained in the lead, forcing him to take the walk slow so as not to get 'mussed up' as she said. "Mr. Sheppard," she said with a twinkle in her eyes. "You have a strong heart, am I correct in my assumption?"
John's brows creased. "Yeah…as far as I know."
She smiled broadly. "Good." Then she started walking again. "You're gonna need it."
Dinner reservations on the South pier…needing a strong heart? What are you up to Jax?
Unfortunately, Laura was quiet the rest of the way, until she made him put the tie on ten minutes ago. He feels like he's choking. He's never liked ties. He keeps pulling on the knot, trying to loosen it up, but then it gets messy and she stops to straighten it in for him. She holds out her hand. "Relinquish your headset, please, sir."
John's not sure that's a good idea. "I have to be-"
Laura grins. "Should an emergency occur, we have protocol in place to retrieve you in a puddle jumper."
His brows shoot up. "Really."
Her smile widens. "Dr. Beckett is on stand-by should the need arise."
"Carson, huh?" John shrugs then hands over his headset. "So it's a conspiracy."
She doesn't say anything, but her eyes shimmer with amusement. A few yards from the door that leads to the actual pier, Laura holds up a hand to stop him in his tracks then turns her back on him as she clicks her headset and says something he can't quite make out. After a second, she faces him and nods once then motions to the door. "You're on your own now, sir." John takes a few steps towards the door when: "And, Mr. Sheppard?"
John turns. "Yeah?"
"Remember to breathe." Then she grins mischievously and starts walking back the way they came.
What? What the hell's that supposed to mean? John shakes his head then goes to the door. It slides open at his arrival and the minute he looks up, his heart nearly stops.
He doesn't notice the sky full of stars or the music floating through the air because he's suddenly light-headed. He might even pass-out from shock. Remember to breathe. Yeah, John…that's some good advice.
Standing not ten feet from him is the most beautiful woman he's ever set sight on. Her dark curls are piled high onto her head, leaving long spirals about her face and neck and she's wearing a form-fitting Mandarin dress or Cheongsam…he hasn't seen the like since his time in Bejing. It's nearly the color of his borrowed tie though with a floral design as well. Not that he knows a lot about dresses…but he does know what he likes. And John has always been fond of those form-fitting silks best found in China. He looks her over head to toe. Head to high-heeled shoes!
He looks back up, catching her gaze. And she smiles.
God, she's smiling. He didn't think she could torture him more but that smile…he just might have that heart-attack after all. He has to will his feet to move. It takes a moment but he's finally able to get some motion and he makes his way to her side. In those heels, she's nearly as tall as him. They're practically standing eye-to-eye. He's shaking his head at her. "You look… amazing," he gushes. Her smile widens if that's at all possible.
Jax links her arm through his and leads him to a candlelit table. The two place settings are covered with silver lids—he has no idea where she got those—and there's even a tablecloth on the thing. He's finding it hard to process the whole scene, but mostly because he can't take his eyes off his date. John hurries to her side of the table to pull her chair out for her. "Thank you," she says softly.
He sits across from her. "You've been busy," he says, grinning so much he's sure his face will freeze that way.
She smiles softly this time, raising one brow suggestively. "I had an important goal." She picks up a pink jar and pours their drinks.
John recognizes the aroma of the Athosian wine. He shakes his head again, trying to keep his eyes from bugging out. "If it was to take my breath away…you succeeded."
She grins again, demurely dropping her eyes from his for a brief moment before catching his gaze again. "Okay…I had several goals."
John's not so sure he can handle another one of her shocks, but he's all for trying. She removes the cover from his plate, revealing dinner. He can't suppress the gleeful chuckle. "Turkey sandwiches!"
She nods side-to-side, revealing her own sandwich. "Couldn't get pizza…sorry."
There are small packets of chips and the sandwiches are still cold. How'd she manage that? He mentally nods, puddle jumper. "This is perfect."
They eat and drink, talking as they do about all the things they have in common and finding out what they don't. John's not surprised to learn Jax isn't a football fan or ever intends to be. She is surprised to find out he's secretly into ice skating. John learns that Jax knows how to ride a motorcycle and he has a difficult time getting the image of her in some sleek leather outfit out of his head. John tells her how he managed to get sucked into coming to Atlantis, minus the parts about Elizabeth. And then she tells him about the first time she saw him at the SGC and her opinion of how everyone reacted to his presence. The way she describes him actually makes him blush.
After they're done eating, she reaches across the table and takes his hand. "Dance with me?"
It takes him a moment to actually hear the music that has been playing the whole time. He's been so intoxicated by her and their conversation, he almost forgot they were outside. Once he gets her in his arms the evening feels complete. They stare into each other eyes as they move, his left hand pressed into her lower back, her right on his shoulder, their opposites gently clasped together. "Wow," she chuckles. "You're good."
She giggles as John dips her dramatically. "I have my moments." As he has her bent backward, he grazes a kiss against her neck, catching a whiff of her perfume. When he pulls her back up, they're eyes lock again. He's almost ready to kiss her, but decides to spin her away, making her laugh again, at least until her heel gets caught and she nearly stumbles. John catches her in an instant and her arms go about his neck.
"That's the only thing high-heels are good for," she says with a smirk.
"What's that?"
Jax tilts her head. "The rescue factor." And then she's kissing him.
He's been a good boy for far too long and she seems to be agreeing with him a hundred percent until she suddenly pulls out of the kiss, leaving him hungry for more. "Isn't it a beautiful night?" She asks looking up at the sky. John doesn't notice. All he can see is her. But she's pulling away from him, and there's a cool emptiness where her warm body once resided.
He sees her shiver slightly and immediately takes off his jacket and drapes it around her shoulders. "Suppose we should go," she says softly.
John motions to the door with a tilt of his head. "Nice night for a stroll."
Jax pours the remaining wine into their glasses then sits and takes off her shoes.
"What are you doing?"
When she gets up, she's dangling the shoes straps from her fingers. She hands him his glass then picks up hers. "It's a long walk back. I'm not so eager to break my leg," she grins. "That's not one of my goals."
John frowns. "How are we supposed to hold hands if yours are full?"
With a sly half-grin, she drops the shoes onto the chair then takes his free hand. "I have to come back to clean up anyway."
So they sip their wine as they walk hand in hand back to the city. John stops her every once in a while to taste her lips. They stand there, making-out for what seems like hours, simply enjoying each other.
She's leading them to her quarters, and John has a suspicion about one of her goals. It's about time! He's been trying so hard to get her to make the first move. The last three dates have been so frustrating. Even though this all was his idea and he enjoys the 'wooing part' he didn't want to be the aggressor again. Finally she picked up on that.
Once they reach her quarters, Jax kisses him quickly on the cheek then slips her hand from his and takes his empty wine glass. "Goodnight," she says softly.
John's jaw drops. What? Wait a minute…what was all this tonight if not…what the hell was all this?
It's payback! She's getting me back for that kiss the other night. Has to be. She's trying to kill me.
"Are you all right?" She asks, watching him carefully.
He's sure his disappointment is written in bold letters on his forehead. "I'm good. This has been…"
"Fantabulous?" She grins, sticking the tip of her tongue between her teeth.
Oh, yeah, she is trying to kill me. "Exactly."
Jax waves her hand over the crystal and the door slides open. "Oh…shoot. I forgot to clean up," she says with a pout and sets the wine glasses on the desk next to the door. She turns to him with a full blown grin, removes his jacket from her shoulders and sets it over the desk chair.
John's jaw drops for probably the hundredth time tonight. Her quarters have been re-arranged and lusciously decorated with colorful, silky materials hanging from the ceiling around the bed. Flickering candlelight plays over the walls and he can smell the faint aroma of vanilla that makes his mouth water. Soft sensual music floats on the air. "Wow," he sighs, looking down at Jax with wonder. "You're a girl!"
She smiles slyly at him. "Sometimes." Then she's pulling him into the room by his tie. The door slides closed behind him and he reaches back, ordering the lock to engage. Just before guiding his lips onto hers, she adds in a husky voice, "Sometimes I'm older."
John's beyond relieved, he didn't know how he was going to make it to his room without spontaneously combusting from the fire she lit tonight. Now he doesn't have to worry about it. Seems Jax has no problem being in the driver's seat and he has no problem enjoying it.
He rests his hands on her hips, urging her body closer in line with his. She smiles against his lips. Slowly, her fingers work at undoing the tie, taking all the time in the world, actually.
Then she starts in on his shirt buttons one by one, all the while plaguing him with soft, sumptuous kisses only occasionally darting the tip of her tongue into his mouth or against his sensitive lips, teasing him.
His hands have desires of their own, roaming over the silky sheath that's keeping her perfect warm skin away from his touch. He only has access to her bare arms and neck. He runs his fingers up her arms, ticklingly light, trying to elicit a shiver before cupping her face and pulling her in for a deeper kiss.
But as he tries to encourage more, she shrugs away. She locks her eyes on his and smiles, running her tongue over her bottom lip. She doesn't say anything, she doesn't have to. The way she's looking at him, tells him all he needs to know. She's going at her own pace and he has no choice but to follow along and suffer through each excruciatingly pleasurable second.
His shirt's totally unbuttoned and she tugs it free of his pants then gently pushes it off his shoulders. He's wearing a T-shirt underneath and he grips at it to tear it off but her hands on his arms stop him. Then she lifts the T-shirt up, driving her hands underneath it, caressing his chest and stomach with her flat palms, her fingers spread wide. John's heartbeat kicks up a notch as his breathing begins to stagger.
As she lifts the front of his T-shirt, she brings her mouth to his stomach and up chest, grazing him with feather-light kisses.
"J..ax…" he sighs, feeling all his muscles begin to tighten.
She looks up at him with a smile in her eyes then places a finger over his lips to quiet him. A moment later her mouth dances over him again, tongue tangoing with a nipple. John nearly loses it then…but he keeps remembering what Lt. Cadman said. Remember to breathe.
Well, as good advice as that was a couple hours ago…not as easy to accomplish right now.
Jax's hands work the T-shirt up higher until she lets him strip it off over his head. Then she pulls his mouth down upon hers again. Her warm hands attack his chest once more only to descend at a leisurely pace to the edge of his trousers. Her fingers work on his belt and ever so slowly pull it free from his waist. Jax holds it out to the side and lets it drop.
With her hands on his waist, she turns him then backs him up until his legs bump the bed. Then with a gentle push against his chest, he drops onto the mattress. "Are you trying to seduce me, Jax?" he asks with a smirk.
She grins, again poking the tip of her tongue between her teeth. She sits on his lap, pressing her hands against his shoulders so that he lies back onto the bed and she's hovering over him. "There is no try," she chuckles softly. Then she's kissing him, her fingers digging into his shoulders before gliding over his exposed skin again. Her mouth travels from his lips over his jaw, down his neck, teeth nipping at his skin, tongue burning a hot trail towards his stomach.
Self-control…self-control…make it my motto for…gawd what's she…
He lifts his head in time to see her grin wickedly at him. She's got his zipper trapped between her teeth and she's pulling it down.
That has to be the hottest thing I've ever seen!
But then she's gone. She's taking off his shoes and tossing them toward the door where they hit with a dull thud.
She's straddling his waist, her dress riding up over her knees and his hands instantly go to the found flesh. But as he tries to skim higher, she bats at his hands to stop him. Jax settles onto him, pressing herself into his trapped hardness and he groans deeply at the contact. Death by seduction…catchy title. Probably be on my headstone.
She's staring at him with utter amusement and determination. Her hands go to her hair and she pulls out two slim sticks, the motion instantly releases her curls and they fall about her shoulders. She's a goddess, it's the only explanation. She has complete power over him. He's helpless to resist her.
Jax folds herself over the top of him, rubbing the silky dress against his chest as her hands find his hair and her mouth covers his again. John wraps his arms around her, pulling her closer. His hands dive into her luscious curls. Within a moment, he's rolling them over and trapping her beneath his weight even against her murmured protest. He just wants to feel her, hold her and kiss her for as long as he can.
She gives in for the moment. But as soon as John's hands start to roam over her, she pushes him off and slips out from under him. John crashes face first into the bed with a frustrated groan. Jax takes a deep breath and straightens the skirt of her dress. "That was interesting," she sighs, touching up her lips a little.
"Here lies Lt. Col. John Sheppard. Killed by a tease." He growls, rolling himself over onto his back. "They will investigate, you know."
She has her back to him and glances over her shoulder, flashing that wicked grin. "You're not dead yet." Then he hears the faint sound of a zipper and that gets him to sit up. She's deliberately easing down the fastener on the side of her dress, slowly exposing only a glimpse of flesh beneath and his breath catches.
A knock on the door startles them both and Jax jumps. Her eyes widen as her brows wrinkle. "So sorry to disturb you, young miss," a heavily accented man says through the door.
Jax turns to him. "I thought these rooms were sound proof," she whispers. John shrugs and raises his brows. So did he.
She clears her throat. "How can I help you, Dr. Zelenka?"
"Can you speak up…I can't hear…"
Jax leans into the door. "How can I help you?"
"So sorry, Jax. Is Dr. McKay. He needs you on PXT-705…saying translation is finished."
"Can't he wait until tomorrow?" John asks quietly.
Jax replays the question through the door and Zelenka replies: "Unfortunately, is tomorrow there. Planet is twelve hours different."
She turns to John, her brows wrinkle with frustration. Eager to fulfill her goal, he offers: "I doubt a couple hours would matter."
But then Zelenka adds something that lands Jax's forehead right into the door. "Dr. McKay wishes you remember…you promised to go when he called."
She motions for John to unlock the door then to go into the bathroom. Everyone seems to know they're dating, but they don't want to show anyone…everything. She takes a deep breath and zips up her dress to John ultimate dissatisfaction. He grabs both his shirts and hides in the bathroom before she opens the door to Zelenka. John peers around the corner.
"He had to remind me I promised," she growls at the Czech.
"I am forever sorry," Zelenka shakes his head, pulling off his glasses and cleaning them quickly. "For you as well, Colonel."
John sighs as he returns to the bedroom. He only had a chance to pull on his T-shirt, but who cares anyway. He drops heavily onto the bed. "This sucks!"
Jax tosses him an 'I'm sorry' and adds: "It's only a few hours, I'm sure."
"Actually." Zelenka holds up a hand. He looks terribly embarrassed by the whole situation. "Dr. McKay said you to pack for a couple days."
"Days?" Jax and John echo together.
"Seems excavation crew found something…more. And though more needs uncovering, Dr. McKay does not want to wait for your return." Zelenka returns his glasses to his face, mumbles another apology then rushes away as if he's afraid one or both of them might try to kill the messenger.
Jax grumbles about scientists and their discoveries. She pulls out her duffle and tosses in some clothes. John comes up behind her, wraps his arms around her waist and hugs her from behind, gently kissing her neck. The tension in her body melts away as his lips connect with her skin, but just as quickly, she regains her composure and growls. "I had to promise."
John chuckles, trailing kisses behind her ear. "It's not written in stone."
Then she spins around to face him. Her lips attack his hungrily for several moments, but she breaks away and stares into his eyes. He can see her passion but also a glimmer of something more. "I keep my word, John. It's all I have." Then she starts packing again.
As his heartbeat starts to slow, though the tension in his body is beyond repair, John nods his understanding. "I'm going to kill McKay." With a grunt, Jax pulls a piece of paper from the desk and hands it to him. He unfolds the sheet. "What's this?"
"Ways I've already thought of…and discounted."
John hangs his head as he laughs.