Chapter 2

Better Days Ahead

(Missing scene to "Runner") spoilers of course

It had been two confusing weeks in the life of Teyla Emmagen. Two weeks since she had been in John's arms, two weeks after admitting they had missed each other. She had thought things might be different now, she was wrong. Damn him. In two weeks the only way I can manage to get him alone is to be shot and tied up in a cave. Teyla began wriggling her wrist and hands. Their captor hadn't gotten her bindings nearly tight enough. With a little more work I will have us..

John's voice interrupted her concentration. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Getting my hand free," she answered

"Didn't feel that way," he teased

Despite the situation Teyla smiled. His little flirtation filled her with warmth and lifted a weight off her shoulders she hadn't even been aware was there. Maybe he has not been avoiding me these past weeks. He is probably just worried about Aiden, that is why he has seemed so awkward since that day. She continued to fiddle with the ropes but her body was suddenly very aware of John's proximity. His back touching hers, the way her hands brushed against his with each movement she made. Teyla had realized she was attracted to him from almost the first moment they met, but now it wasn't just his physical. When he hurt, so did she, this tragedy with Ford had made her all too aware. She thought about him constantly and wanted to be with him every moment. It wasn't just a simple crush. Oh shit, I am in love with John Sheppard. Snap out of it Teyla, now is not a good time to have an epiphany, she silently scolded herself.

"Teyla," John whispered sadly.

Her hands stopped moving, "Yes Colonel," she hoped the use of his title covered the affection that crept into her response.

"I'm not going to be able to reach him am I," it wasn't a question.

She forced herself to continue working her hands lose, "If anyone can reach him it's you. He trusts you more than any of us. Do not give up hope," she patted his hand gently and went to pull away. His warm fingers wrapped around her thumb and index finger.

He squeezed gently, "Thanks, you always know the right thing to say," then let go.

A small smile crept up to her lips, "Your welcome, I think I have almost got this, just a few more minutes," she said.

"I'm sorry," he blurted.

"For what," she asked.

"I haven't seen you much lately."

She raised and eyebrow, a habit she blamed on John. "But you have seen me, in briefings and…"

"You know what I mean," he interjected.

Teyla said nothing.

"I've just been… confused. I know I've been acting strange, there's just been so much on my mind. But when we get back I was hoping we could spend some time together…" he let the invitation hang in the air.

She let out the breath she hadn't even realized she'd been holding, " Well, she said trying to keep the eagerness out of her voice. "You certainly could use some more work on your lower blocks." Her hand slipped out of the rope, "I have got it," she said.

"Great, help me out and well be ready for Grizzly Adams when he returns."

Teyla cocked her head as he freed John from his binds. "Grizzly Adams."

He reached up and patted her cheek, "I'll explain it to you later."

"Is that a promise?" she asked while John shook his arms out and began scanning the cave.

"As long as you go easy on me." He pointed toward an area to the right of them near the entrance, "That will be a good place for an ambush."

She nodded and they took up position to wait for Ronan's inevitable return. John's eyes scanned the forest for any signs of movement. "You never gave me an answer," he whispered his gaze never wavering.

She simply smiled and studied the tree line. Things were certainly looking up. Maybe when we get back I can teach him a new move or two.

She felt John's shoulder brush against hers as he inched closer. Teyla squeezed his shoulder. Yes, definitely looking up.

Feeback is very appreciated

nicole