I WISH

JOHN

I wish I had the nerve to tell her. I wish I had the nerve to touch her. Just the slightest little touch of her arm, her shoulder, her neck as I lean over her, that's all I'll allow myself. Technically speaking, she is my commander, really. Mind you, I never had a commander who could make me go dizzy just by smiling at me.

I wish I could always make her smile. I wish I never had to see the look in her eyes as I left to die. I wish I could have one perfect moment with her.

I wish it hadn't been Phoebus who kissed me.

I wish that this second, leaning on the balcony, watching the wind blowing her hair, watching her turn and smile at me, would last forever.

ELIZABETH

I really, really wish I could forget kissing him. In fact, I really wish the entire situation hadn't happened.

Although I did like the feeling of being the strong one, not having to be protected all the time. That was different. Maybe I should learn how to shoot and fight.

Maybe I should get John to teach me.

It's so peaceful here, on our balcony. I could almost wish it was like this all the time. But I'd get bored, and so would he. We both need our challenge, a daily struggle against something, just to prove we're alive.

But I wish I knew, every time he left, that he'd come back again. That I'd never feel that cold heavy stone in my stomach again, the one I feel whenever he's missing, or worse, presumed dead.

And I wish I had the courage just to turn around and kiss him. Now I know what it feels like. That his lips are warm and giving, and his body lean and lithe beneath my own. That he can be gentle and passionate and strong all at once. That he makes me tingle, makes me warm and shake and shiver all at once.

Because I know that was what I was feeling, not Phoebus. I wish he'd kiss me again.

RODNEY

I really, really she hadn't shot me. In fact, I really really wish the entire thing had never happened! How many times have I told them? Don't mess with bizarre alien artifacts. No good can come of them. But oh no, they just charge ahead anyway, doing whatever they want, ignoring my good advice, then relying on me to get them out of it.

Look at them, out on that balcony, grinning at each other. She never takes me out onto that balcony. I bet they're talking about that kiss. Typical Sheppard. Even when he's possessed, he gets the girl.

I wish I'd been possessed. It'd be worth it, to be kissed. To be kissed by Elizabeth. Because, if I'm brutally honest – and I always am – I want to be kissed by Elizabeth. And I doubt it'll ever happen.

I wish. I wish with all my heart and soul and body and mind she'd invite me onto the balcony, smile at me like that.

Just once. I'd be happy with just once.

But my wishes never come true.