Category: Het/Drama/Adult

Title: Duality

Sequel to Control

Pairing: Weir/Sheppard & Sheppard/Angela

Spoilers: All episodes up to and including The Hive

Disclaimer: I don't own what I don't create, please don't sue.

Rating: Mature – not meant for kids at all.

Warnings: Language, sexual situations, angst, romance

Summary: Elizabeth and Angela are in love with the same man…or are they?

DUALITY

Starring: Elizabeth Weir, John Sheppard, Angela Peterson (OC)

Co-starring: Ronon Dex, Carson Beckett, Rodney McKay, Teyla Emmagan

Special appearances: Major Lorne, Dr. Zelenka, Lt. Laura Cadman

1

Elizabeth wraps a towel around herself, breathing in the steam left over from the shower. She wipes a hand across the fogged over mirror. Her wet hair has already started to curl even as it drips onto her bare shoulders. Her mascara didn't come off in the shower so much as smear giving her two black eyes that remind her of Angela.

Three weeks ago, Angela had been at death's door, having been shot, taken prisoner by Kolya, beaten and drugged. She'd been rescued, and in turn rescued her rescuers it seems, but the moment she returned to the city, her life nearly ended. Carson managed to save her, thank God. And now, per doctor's orders, the woman is under constant supervised bed rest.

Supervised, because Angela 'ex-Jax' Peterson has difficulty when it comes to staying still or following doctor's orders. Elizabeth's gleaned from Ronon's rumblings that Angie hasn't been the most cooperative patient. She's tried on a couple occasions to sneak out of her quarters to do who-knows-what, but with cracked ribs and a serious concussion, she hasn't gotten very far.

She reminds everyone of a routinely injured John Sheppard.

John.

Now there's an interesting tangent not needing to be considered right now. Elizabeth can feel tears rising and she closes her eyes to fight them off. She and Angie came to an understanding about John. They both love him. They both want him. It took a while for Elizabeth to accept the situation for what it is, but in the end, she chose to go along with Angela's idea.

They'd share him.

It wasn't an easy decision to make. And she's not sure how to feel about it or what it says about her and her priorities. Not that it really matters. It seems John doesn't want to be shared. He's made his choice.

He's staying with Angela.

Not that Elizabeth can blame him. She's an amazing woman and even with the bruises and the scar on her temple, she's strikingly gorgeous. She's young, vibrant, and full of energy. And she makes John happy.

While the two were dating, they'd been kind enough not to flaunt it in Elizabeth's face, but she could see the changes in John nonetheless. He looks ten years younger when Angie's around him. He loses the hardness that he's earned over time in the military. He smiles and laughs easily, not the wry, sarcastic ones everyone is used to, but real laughter, real smiles filled with joy. It's amazing to see.

And it breaks Elizabeth's heart.

Why can't I give him that?

He loves her, she knows that. She felt it in the kiss. And she probably could have forced his hand, gotten him to choose her over Angela if she'd been willing to put her job, her love for Atlantis on the line. But she wasn't…isn't willing to sacrifice that for him. She simply can't and she told him as much.

Do I love this place…more than I love John?

Elizabeth opens her eyes, stares at them in the mirror. She hadn't been willing to broach that question, let alone answer it. She gave up everything to come here. Earth, Simon…hell, even her dog! She couldn't give it all up for one man. Even if that man is John Sheppard. Could she?

Maybe it'd be different if he wasn't her second in command, if he wasn't always going on dangerous missions, possibly never to be seen alive again. If Caldwell wasn't always there itching to take over the military command. You'd think the guy would be happy he's got a starship that kicks ass, but no, he's has to have the power, the control of a city like this. Yeesh!

These were the reasons Elizabeth finally agreed to the co-op with Angela. If everyone knows that John and Angela are together then no one would suspect that Elizabeth and John are also a couple, leaving her position and authority in place. But the ultimate decision wasn't really hers or Angie's to make. It had to be John's.

And he's obviously chosen to tend to Angie's needs…kiss her bruises.

It's been nearly two weeks since the proposal was made and by any normal male standards, Elizabeth would have expected to see him in her room a few hours later. Any man given the green light to sleep with two women, even if not at the same time, would jump at the chance…or so you'd think.

But not John Sheppard.

Elizabeth has only seen him during work hours. She's caught him watching her but then he looks away, unwilling to meet her gaze. He hasn't come to her office to chat and they haven't spent any time alone on their balcony.

She saw it happen. The change in him. By the time John returned from the rescue mission to save Angela, his feelings for the other woman had clearly deepened. She told Angela as much when visiting her in the infirmary, but the young woman refused to believe it. Elizabeth agreed to the deal, though, she never really thought anything would come of it.

Of course, she's held some small hope. A tiny part of her heart that hadn't been clobbered by that time. Unfortunately, she's nursed that spark since giving John the option, only to have reality slap her in the face.

She's been a fool.

Elizabeth dabs on some makeup remover and gently wipes the blackness from under her eyes. She gave this heartache to herself. She can't blame anyone else. It's been clear from the beginning. The way John hovers over Angela, watches her with those gorgeous eyes of his. He gets the cutest smile when her name is mentioned or she enters a room. Hell, the fact that he's willing to risk life and limb simply by being with her is telling. Given that Ronon is more than ready to take out anyone who'd do his adopted sister harm.

Not that Angela needs a hero. From the reports Elizabeth received after the mission on PXT-705, she's wondering if Angela should be her own off-world team. Well, maybe one or two people as back-up…who knows, she may want someone to chat with. As far as Ronon, Teyla and even Rodney are concerned: Angela can kick serious ass. And as far as John goes, Angela's perfect…scarily perfect.

Even Kolya liked her in his own crazy way!

Elizabeth's gut clenches and she grimaces at the pain. Holding onto the sides of the sink, she tries to will the cramp away. She should have known this would happen. Not because of the thought of Kolya, even though the memory of that man is enough to make her dry heave. No, this is different. This is the same feeling she got when John took it upon himself to destroy one of the hive ships over Atlantis.

He came back to her that time. She'd been so happy she hugged him for all the universe to see. And yet nothing had come afterward. She'd held back. He wanted to talk about it…he'd wanted more even then. But Elizabeth Weir could not let down her guard. She could not take the risk.

Her muscles twist and tighten, threatening to double her over. The pain in her gut is making its way into her chest, just as before. Her heart drums painfully behind her breast.

She's lost him.

For good this time.

Elizabeth drops her head, and screws her eyes shut, letting the tears fall silently, as all the other times.

"Elizabeth?"

Startled by the husky voice, she spins quickly, nearly losing her towel in the motion. Her hands instantly make a grab for it, but one side falls away and swings around to the front of her body. She loses her balance and her bare butt hits the cold sink basin. "John!"

She grasps most of the towel and succeeds in covering her front, but her sides and back are as naked as they can get. His wide eyes capture her bare flesh and she can practically feel the heat emanating from that stare. Her skin tingles with warmth.

John licks his lips then slowly lifts his gaze to meet hers. "Sorry." He turns and goes into her room. Elizabeth quickly wraps the towel around herself before following. She's afraid he's already left, but she finds him standing with his back to her, his arm stretched out behind him, her robe in his hand.

Elizabeth takes her robe and slips into it. "Thanks."

"Is it safe to turn around?" he asks.

She pulls the belt, cinching the robe tight around her. "Yes."

He turns then and she notices that he's wearing civvies: dark blue jeans and a white T-shirt. She's only seen him like this a couple of times. It always steals her breath. He's beautifully built and the T-shirt clings to his broad shoulders and tight muscular chest. The jeans are a treat too, not to tight, but as if they're made to show off every sculpted part of him. He's barefoot. She's never seen him barefoot before. He's got nice feet. Shaking off the thought, Elizabeth tries to look him in the eyes, but he's avoiding her. "John?"

He rubs a hand over his neck, glancing at her from under his brows before looking away again. "Sorry…just…didn't expect to--"

Elizabeth sits on the edge of her bed, rubbing the ends of her hair with the towel. "You came into my bathroom." She checks the clock on the bedside table. "At two in the morning."

John looks at the clock as well. "Oh…sorry, I didn't realize it was so..." He looks at her with worry. "Why are you still up?"

"Why are you?"

Another neck rub. He looks around her room. "Seems I'm always awake anymore." His brows wrinkle. "I keep finding myself wandering the halls," he says as if to himself.

He must be restless what with Angela not permitted any 'special company' for another several weeks, per Carson's orders. "Why are you here, John?"

His voice is soft, barely audible. And he won't meet her eyes. "You died and…" he looks down at the floor. "Atlantis was destroyed."

Elizabeth takes a deep breath before getting up and standing only an arm's length away from him. She understands the nightmares all too well. She's had them so often, sometimes she can't tell what's real and what's been made up in her mind. She wants to wrap her arms around him and let him know everything is all right. But she can't bring herself to close the distance. It hurts too much, being even this near him. "John," she starts softly.

He cuts her off with a shrug. "I couldn't do anything…" He looks up, his eyes dark and haunted. "I couldn't save you."

"It was just a bad dream."

He shakes his head. "Something's happened…something…" Turning he looks around a bit. "These aren't your same quarters."

Elizabeth feels her brows shoot up. "I upgraded when we got the ZPM. Like everyone else."

"But I still found you…" Again he seems to be talking to himself. His eyes look odd, dreamy almost.

Elizabeth studies him for a moment. Here she was thinking about him, sure he's decided not to pursue anything with her, and yet he's standing in her bedroom at two in the morning. That little spark of hope has her heart beating so hard and fast she's afraid he can hear it. Still, something's off with him. Maybe something happened between him and Angie. "Are you feeling all right?"

He lifts his gaze to meet hers. She can see the faintest shimmer of tears hovering before he drops his eyes again.

Her heart nearly stops cold. He's come to tell me in person that he's not interested in the plan. He's just uncomfortable.

Shaking his head, he rubs his neck again before taking a deep breath. "I wanted…needed to see you…talk--" he looks at her fully again, the hint of tears gone now, his eyes wide, dilated—just like that time on the stairs. "Have you been crying?"

Elizabeth swipes at her cheeks, wiping away the evidence. "No. Of course not."

"Yes you have," he whispers. He reaches out and cups her jaw, his thumb a feather brushing over her cheek. His skin's soft and warm and she involuntarily leans into his touch. "Because of me," he murmurs.

Elizabeth covers his hand with hers, closing her eyes and taking in the feel of his skin against hers. A moment is all she needs to make the decision. She can't let him go, not now. Opening her eyes, Elizabeth steps over, closing the distance between them. He doesn't pull away or even look away. She stares into those beautiful multi-colored eyes and feels herself falling away, falling into him.

Her hand travels from atop his and up his arm, over the soft dark hair, resting on the toned bicep. He tenses and her eyes shift back to his, seeing desire flicker in his gaze. Desire for her. And love. He's told her as much…but to see it in his eyes is the most amazing gift. Without further hesitation, she slides her other hand around his neck and pulls him toward her as she moves in, capturing his mouth in an eager kiss.

For a few moments, he's there with her, his lips gently moving with hers, a deep groan of need rumbling in his chest. Her arms slide around his neck and his wrap around her back, lifting her up to meet him, pulling her against his hard body. She brushes the tip of her tongue against his bottom lip, asking for entry.

And suddenly he's gone, pulling away from her, his hands dropping to her hips, separating them slightly. But she doesn't release her hold or step away. His gaze latches onto hers for a long moment. She can feel his breath on her lips and it spikes her desire to kiss him again. "Elizabeth, I have to tell you--"

She places a finger over his mouth to stop him. "John…let me have this one night…this one time to show you how much I love you." His eyes widen a fraction and he's about to say something, but she stops him again. "I'll respect your choice," she says softly. "And I'll never ask anything of you again."

"But--"

Elizabeth can feel the tears starting to rise again and the lump clogging her throat. She leans in as she presses her mouth to his ear. "Please don't make me beg," she whispers, barely containing a sob.

John turns to her then and his lips are on hers, tender but hungry. His arms engulf her, pulling her against his perfect, sculpted body. She can feel him responding to her, arousing her even more. Elizabeth whimpers when he deepens the kiss, bringing out the long reserved passion she's been trying so hard to ignore. She's wanted this man for so long, she can't remember a time when she didn't want his mouth on hers, his hands searching her body, teasing her flesh, the thrill of knowing him inside her.

Her robe drops to the floor and the only way she knows is because she can feel the heat of his hands on her bare back, his fingers climbing into her hair. He gently pulls her head back and attacks her throat, nibbling, sucking, licking his way down to her collarbone and beyond.

"You're so beautiful," he sighs as he plants kisses on the swell of her breasts. When he finally takes her into his mouth, her legs fail her. But John keeps her from dropping. And then she's swaying, steadily falling onto the bed as John guides her down with one strong arm supporting her around the waist. Even as he's laying her down, he continues the pleasurable torment on her breast, first one then the other, hardening the peaks with desire.

For him.

His arm slips from behind her back and in a flash his clothes are gone. He's driving her mad, kissing her all over as his hands explore her flesh. "I've wanted you for so long," he moans breathlessly. "Watched you." John looks down at her, his eyes wild with passion, his voice nothing more than a whisper. "God, I've loved you forever, Elizabeth. Forever."

She attacks his mouth again, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him on top of her. Sliding one hand down between them, she finds her prize ready, hot and hard. His breath catches then a thunderous groan escapes. She breaks the kiss as she tenderly rubs him. "Love me, John."

He grasps her hand and guides it out from between them. His lips devour hers for a long, breath-taking kiss. Then he leaves a heated trail over her jaw, down her neck where he nibbles at the pulsing vein before lapping at it with his tongue. Elizabeth groans, wanting him so badly it burns. She needs to feel him, surround him and take him in. But he's tormenting her with his mouth and tongue and his…ohhh…his hands are in places she's only dreamed of him touching.

She arches upward as he again attacks first one breast then the other. His teeth graze her tender skin ever so slightly before his hot tongue sends a shiver of pleasure up through the roots of her hair and down to her toes. Elizabeth raises her leg, wrapping it around his, pushing herself up against him. His moan sends another shiver through her body. "Please John," she whimpers.

He slides up her body, rubbing himself against her in the most tantalizing way, making her tremble. With hands planted on both sides of her head, John lifts his weight and stares down at her with those intense eyes. "I'm here for you, Elizabeth…only you. Always." And suddenly, magnificently, he's inside her.

Elizabeth gasps at the feel of him. More wonderful than she ever imagined. Then he's lowering himself onto her, not crushing, but making incredible full body contact. The soft hairs on his chest and belly caress her, sending ripples of pleasure everywhere. Her hands knead his back, his mouth suckles her shoulder. And they start to move.

It only takes a handful of long, slow thrusts for Elizabeth to reach the peak of pleasure and she gushes out his name as she falls over the edge. John's mouth captures hers again and his movements quicken, become more powerful, pushing her toward another explosion. He rolls over, holding her tight, maneuvering her on top of him. One hand digs into her hair as his lips find hers again, his tongue demanding acceptance. His other hand grasps her ass, squeezing and pulling as he continues to plunge inside of her. Though, now she's making the most of her superior position, pushing against him with all her might, forcing him deeper.

They cry out at the same time and Elizabeth collapses onto his chest, her body quaking with pleasure. She rests her head on his shoulder. They lay there, heart to heart. She can feel his beat slowing along with hers. Their mutual panting regulates into deeper breathing. His warm hands roam over her back, his fingers playing at her spine. "Elizabeth?"

"Hmm?"

"I have to tell you--"

She lifts up, placing that quieting finger over his lips again. "No. No talking." Then she kisses him, hungry, demanding. He responds by weaving both hands into her hair again and plunging his tongue into her mouth for her to feast upon. She wants all of him for as long as she can get him. Her hand glides between them again, tenderly grazing him, eliciting a heady moan from deep inside. Pulling out of the kiss, she trails her lips and tongue down his body as he did hers. She continues fondling him ever so gently, making his breath catch even as his temperature—and excitement—rises. "Eliz…aaa…beth!"

She glances up at him. "Shhh." Then attacks his nipples with the same fervor he showed her. John's not made of stone—well, except for a wonderful piece of him that instantly reacts to her ministrations—and he melts into the bed even as some of his muscles visibly tighten.

She grips him firmly and he hisses. "Yesss." His breathing quickens. She slowly glides her hand up and down, feeling him harden under her touch then she releases her grip after a few strokes. He groans at the loss. But she's not going to leave him wanting as she moves down his body, trailing kisses along the way. Skipping the main event, she plants her lips on the inside of his right knee, nipping at the skin a little before playing her tongue over and up his flesh. The hair on his legs tickles her cheeks and chin.

"Gawd, Liz!" he groans when her lips continue up his inner thigh but remain shy of the target zone. She teases the tender flesh for a moment longer before starting all over with the opposite leg. He's panting now, almost whimpering. When she finally surrounds him and plays her tongue over his tip, he goes completely still, sucking in air through clenched teeth.

Elizabeth hums as she goes on her taste test and he grows more excited, instinctively lifting his hips, pushing himself deeper into her mouth. After several moments, she pulls away, getting off the bed completely, leaving him groaning with need. "Sit up," she orders.

It's an effort for him to move, but he does as she says, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Elizabeth doesn't waste time playing with him anymore. She instantly plants her knees on either side of him and impales herself on his lap. John's rumbling groan matches hers. His arms encircle her again. His mouth finds her breasts and the spot in between. He holds her firmly as she rockets them toward oblivion.

Growing ever more excited as they move, John grips the back of her neck, tightens his hold around her waist and with a guttural moan, he's suddenly got her on her back again, knees near her shoulders and he's feverishly driving into her, grunting with every impatient stroke. He's hitting her in that spot, over and over until she finally succumbs to the intense build up of pleasure and - "JOHN!" her body shudders.

Several more powerful body blows and John howls out her name as he explodes deep inside her. He drops on top of Elizabeth, crushing her breasts to his chest, still holding her legs up, still pulsing inside her. She can feel him shaking and wraps her arms around him, kissing his cheek, bringing his face up so she can taste him again. "You're amazing," she pants, taking his bottom lip between hers.

John grins as he releases his hold on her legs, though he remains stationary between them. "And we're just getting started," he whispers with a wicked grin before deepening the kiss.

Elizabeth's eyes widen. Ohgod! What have I gotten myself into?