"So you're telling me you have never had Turkey before?"
Teyla laughed, "No I must admit. I have not."
John couldn't rid his face of his baffled look, even though he knew he probably looked like a deer stuck in headlights. "Never, you know that has to be a sin."
"Why is it so important to eat this particular animal tomorrow? Is the turkey a spiritual icon on your planet?'
The question was innocent enough, but John felt his jaw drop. Sometimes he forgot how different their cultures were, she looked like she was from Earth and at times even acted like it. But she wasn't, and right now it showed. And god help him, it was absolutely adorable. "No," he stifled a grin. "The turkey is most definitely not….spiritual."
She tilted her head sideways and studied him closely. "Then why is it so important, is it revered for some trait. Perhaps intelligence," she tried.
"No, but it sure does taste yummy," he couldn't stop the smile anymore.
"I do not see why this is so funny," he brow furrowed in annoyance. "It is not fair that you should expect me to know the intricacies of your customs Colonel."
She was getting ticked but he still couldn't stop, now he was giggling. "Teyla it's not you," he panted in between fits of laughter. "It's just," he took a few deep, calming breaths and managed to suppress the vivid images that kept popping into his mind. Turkeys being worshiped, turkeys graduating from college wearing little robes and caps, he was being immature, but he never said he was a diplomat.
"Let me try to explain," he held out his hands in a silent apology. She nodded and listened quietly as he tried to explain about the journey to the New World, Pilgrims, and of course the eating of Turkey's. God I suck at this. My high school history teacher would be so proud. He shook his head and threw his arms into the air. "Awww, screw this. Teyla forget everything I just told you. This is all you need to know: Thanksgiving is about spending time relaxing, eating, and being with those you love."
Her befuddled expression melted away, "I understand. That sounds wonderful. So the fact that Dr. Weir was unable to procure this animal should not have you so upset. You can eat something else and still have all those things you mentioned, can you not?"
He never would understand how she always knew just what to say. But he was, as always, beyond grateful for it. "Yeah, you're absolutely right," he clasped her warm hand in between his, "So will you spend tomorrow night celebrating Thanksgiving with me?"
"Of course, it sounds fun. Even without your much desired Turkey."
He smiled. Who really cared what you ate anyway, he was going to be with someone he loved. And that was all that mattered.
end
please read and review feedback is loved and welcomed.