A/N: I love the feedback, if I can, I reply to every message. Keep the encouragement coming and I'll keep the story coming.

John brushed some of the soot from his jacket after he stepped through the gate. He was a mess and he realized it. He wasn't sure how he felt. Something about the way Teyla would not leave him behind left him wondering.

There was no doubt in his mind that she was attractive, he knew he wasn't alone in that sentiment. But there was something special about the way she talked to him, and the way he talked to her in return. He remembered feeling the need to do something when the wraith were tormenting her nightmares.

In retrospect, it was likely he shouldn't have told Doctor Heightmeyer, but he knew Teyla had discovered something important from it. He couldn't help but replay the events in the holding cell. Teyla hard collapsed in pain and he'd charged into the cell, firing his pistol without thinking.

He directly violated the Geneva Convention in that moment, but he didn't care. He wanted to hurt the wraith, for hurting Teyla. He'd turned and caught her gaze for only a second as he'd left the cell. Her expression had been mixed with concern and relief; he wasn't sure what to make of that.

He walked down the path silently, following just behind his team. Aiden still carried the woman in his arms. Teyla was silent, focusing straight ahead. He'd have to ask her about it later.

John stood off to the side with the rest of his team as Carson gave the woman a quick medical checkup. Carson went through his usual routine, breathing, taking blood samples. Luckily only a few marines were still in the infirmary tent. The rest had been moved out once they'd been patched up.

Carson walked over to them. "She's got a lot of dust and ash in her lungs. I'm hoping that will clear up just by her coughing. She doesn't have any broken bones but I think she's in a state of shock. You four should probably report to Weir and then get some rest."

John nodded and turned to his team. "If you guys want to catch some shut eye, I'll report to Weir."

McKay and Aiden nodded, and walked out of the tent. Teyla hesitated, her eyes darting towards McKay and Aiden, to the woman, and back to John.

He tilted his head and looked her in the eyes. "You okay Teyla?"

She seemed to consider his question. "I will go with you." She said, not really replying to his question.

John stepped outside the tent. "That's not what I asked." He said softly.

Teyla sighed then looked at him, her expression carefully neutral. "When the building was coming down, I couldn't leave you?"

"I would've done the same for you." He continued walking towards the command tent.

"But there is more." Teyla insisted. "I wouldn't leave you behind… no matter the odds."

John nodded, acknowledging what she said. "I don't think I could've done any different in your position."

Teyla seemed confused as to what to say next. But there wasn't any time to continue the conversation; they were at the command tent. John motioned for her to step inside, and then stepped into the tent himself.

Elizabeth was sitting alone in the corner behind what looked like her desk. She had a cup of coffee in her hand. He walked over to stand on the opposite side of the desk. He took in one look at her. She looked tired, as if the caffeine was the only thing keeping her awake.

"You okay?" He asked.

Elizabeth shook her head. "I'm sorry. I'm just tired."

"You should try to get some sleep." He suggested. "Bates can hold the fort for a few hours."

"He's on a mission." She leaned on her desk. "I going to assume you didn't find a suitable planet."

"No." John replied, glancing at Teyla next to him. "I wouldn't have survived if Teyla hadn't risked her life to get me out of a burning building."

"We rescued a young woman." Teyla finished. "She was trapped. Doctor Beckett is examining her."

"I'll have to check with him later." Elizabeth said. "In the meantime, get some rest. Let's hope one of the other teams finds a suitable site."
John nodded. "Okay." He stepped out of the tent and walked with Teyla down the tents. "Do you want to talk about what happened some more?"

Teyla once again hesitated, seeming to debate weather or not she wanted to talk about it.

John pulled her off to the side. "What's wrong Teyla? Since we got back from the mission you've had something on your mind, what is it?"

Teyla fidgeted. "I have something I have to tell you."

John nodded, letting her get ready to say what she had to do.

This only seemed to agitate her more. "John… what I have to tell you…" She sighed. "What I am trying to say is that… you matter to me… I can't lose you… ever." She shook her head; it hadn't come out like she'd wanted it.

John relaxed and took her hands into his own. Teyla glanced away, not meeting his eyes. He gently drew her head forward so she was looking at him again. He let actions speak for words and kissed her.

To his own shock, she deepened the kiss, drawing him in. She desperately wanted him. He pulled himself back, much to his own amazement. He dropped his P90 and used both hands to draw her back into the kiss.

After what seemed like an eternity they pulled stepped back staring intently at each other. John was the first to crack a smile. "Is that what you were trying to tell me?"

Teyla blushed, turning a slightly reddish color.

John couldn't help but grin stupidly. "It's okay Teyla, I love you." He said. "I've been afraid to say this before now, because at anytime I could be judged from Earth. Now it doesn't matter, I love you Teyla."

If it was possible, Teyla turned even redder, but relief seemed to pour off of her in waves. "I love you too John."

He placed his hand in hers and together they walked down to their tent. The world could end today or tomorrow, but they'd be together, and that was all that mattered.

XXX

As soon as they entered their team's tent, Aiden turned to McKay. "Pay up!" He said, thrusting a hand forward.

"Couldn't you have waited a day?" McKay begged. "I now have to give up my last chocolate bar."

"What's this?" John asked sarcastically, not releasing Teyla's hand. He knew exactly what Ford was talking about.

McKay reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a Hershey's chocolate bar. "Fine, remember it's the last one we have in this galaxy."

Aiden greedily took the chocolate bar and began to eat it. He purposely chewed loudly and obnoxiously until John threw him a death glare. Aiden then silently finished the chocolate bar and grinned like child.

"What is so amusing Aiden?" Teyla asked, clearing missing the entire context of the grin.

Aiden gulped down the last of the chocolate bar. "Uhhh... I'm sure Major Sheppard would like to explain it." Aiden couldn't hide the snicker he directed at Rodney.

"Yes Major." Teyla turned to him. "Please explain."

"It's John." He corrected her with a wink. "Apparently, Aiden has been betting with McKay on when this would happen."
"When what would happen?" Teyla was genuinely confused.
"Oh please, get a room you two." Rodney quipped from back on his cot.

"When I'd finally admit my feelings for you." John finished quickly. Almost too quickly, he realized as Teyla's hand snapped away from his.

"You are uncomfortable." She said and quickly darted out of the tent.

John threw Aiden and Rodney a death glare, then ran out after her. He had to catch up to her, had to explain it to her. He had to tell her that he wasn't uncomfortable, he was just annoyed with Rodney and Aiden.

She was only a few steps away. He quickly caught up to her. "Teyla wait." He said, desperately trying to get her to stop and listen to him.

"It is okay Major." Teyla said, emphasizing the word Major. "There is nothing to be ashamed about."

"No, there is. I didn't mean what I said to come out that way. I said 'I love you' and I mean it." He noticed that all around him, scientists had stopped to watch the exchange. He mentally cursed but stood his ground, there was no going back now. He didn't take his gaze from her.

Teyla glanced around, noticing the attention they were drawing and pawned off a smile. He caught a subtle motion from her that point to where the puddle jumper was hidden in a cave. He then saw her quick mouth the words 'puddle jumper'. He allowed himself to brief and then turned back towards the tent.

He didn't stop at his tent, but quickly started jogging for the cave. He was absolutely determined to talk to Teyla. He had to, he meant what he said. Nothing mattered except her in that moment and time.

He reached the jumper to find it empty and deserted. He climbed into the pilot's seat and sat down. He gazed out the front window, which looked down onto the base. It was beautiful view, if the circumstances weren't factored in.

He spotted Teyla as she climbed the hill. She stopped just beyond the entrance to the cave and looked back on the base. He felt his heart jump into his throat as she almost stepped back down the hill. He ran from the pilot's seat, out of the jumper, and down to her.

"Teyla wait." He said, tripping over a rock embedded in the ground. He lost his footing and fell crashing down the small hill, rolling end over end until he finally came to a painful stop on his stomach.

"John." Teyla screamed, sliding down the rock slope after him.

He groaned as she rolled him over on his back. It hurt, but as he opened his eyes he quickly forgot the pain. The look of horror on her face as she knelt over him convinced him of everything that needed to be said.

He cracked a smile. "I'm anything but graceful."

Teyla shook her head at the joke, but a smile formed on her lips.

John sat up and groaned again, his P90 had dug into his ribs painfully. He unclipped the weapon from his vest and took another risk. He placed both his hands on her arms and pulled her into a gentle embrace.

He quickly withdrew as he felt her stiffen. "Did I do something wrong?" He asked, his voice quiet.

"No." Teyla shook her head. "Why did you become embarrassed when I asked you explain what happened?"

He took a deep breath. "I'm not perfect, sometimes I say things and they come out wrong." He gazed directly into her eyes. "I was getting annoyed with McKay and I just wanted to end that conversation then, I didn't think you needed to see the betting that was taking place. To be honest, I'm not sure I like it."

"You said that you meant it?"

"I love you with all my heart Teyla." He said.

That was when he heard the squeal of wraith darts in the sky.