Chapter 3

Sparring

(Missing Scene to Duet) spoilers

Who would have thought, that being 10 minutes late could ruin the rest of my day." John thought as he marched down the hallway leading away from the training room.

" You were late," Teyla's words kept running through his mind. So that gives her the right to just blow me off for that….behemoth. " Ten minutes," he mumbled rounding the corner to mess hall. The scent of food flooded his nostrils and he grabbed a tray and began filling it with pasta. Even the promise of a good meal couldn't keep Teyla from consuming his every thought. John made his way to an empty table and sat down. He rested his face against his hand and sighed. Sheppard picked up his fork and pushed his pasta back and forth on his plate. Okay, so I was a total jerk and I overreacted. Now she's so pissed at me, I'll be lucky if she speaks to me ever again. He cringed inwardly at the thought of losing her. Memories of minutes before consumed him.

10 minutes earlier

"You need to be more careful what you say to him."

Teyla stared at him, offering no response.

"Dammit Teyla, what the hell were you doing with him!"

She turned, eyes blazing, "What was I doing. You seem to enjoy his company Colonel. Why is it you can spend so much time with Ronan, but I can't share a mere ten minutes with him," she challenged.

"Don't get me started on ten minutes. I'm a few minutes late and you forget all about me. I mean really, could you have been more obvious with him," he spat.

She blinked in confusion, then her face contorted with rage. "What is that supposed to mean," she growled.

Present time

Damn was I an idiot. Didn't even apologize, I just ran from the room like a first year cadet who got yelled at by his CO. John shoved his tray away, just the site of it made him nauseas. I need some fresh air." Halfway out of the room he saw Teyla standing in the doorway still clothed in her workout attire. I didn't know someone could be so furious and stunning at the same time. John suddenly became very aware of the dozens of other officers in the room. He jogged across the area stopping only inches from Teyla. She opened her mouth and John pressed his fingers to her lips silencing her. He shook his head, eyes pleading. She allowed him to guide to an empty office across the hall much to his relief.

The door had barely had time to close before, "How dare you say those things to me and then just leave. Am I that easily dismissed by you Colonel."

She was screaming at him and all he could think of was how full her lips looked, and how nice that outfit accentuated her curves. If she's that hot dressed..

"Are you even listening to me? I thought you liked Ronan."

Crap. " I do, look, will you just let me explain," he tried.

She glared at him but remained silent.

Good job John. Now what. Lie, or be honest for once. " Oh hell," closing his eyes he said all the things he been hiding, even from himself.

"What do you want me to say - that I was jealous. Fine, I was…. I mean you two were…hell," he said running his hands threw his hair. "Okay, I'm an idiot, I just got a little crazy in there. That was going to be our time together, and you were in there with him. A man who is stronger, faster, and a better fighter than me. Then when he pinned you to the ground like that… I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you. So how was I supposed to feel…" his voice trailed off as he met Teyla's gaze.

Her honey brown eyes were filled with moisture and she was smiling.

"Say something, will ya?"

Her smile became seductive and she walked over and kissed him gently on the cheek "Shall we continue sparring now," she purred into his ear.

John was left standing with his mouth half open, as she turned and started down the hall without saying another word.

Teyla paused and turned halfway down the corridor, "Coming."

John smiled and started after her. As they traveled in comfortable silence to the training room something his father had told him tickled the back of mind. "John, when it comes to women there's more than one way to spar."

His sparring partner nudged him with her hip and gave him that "come get me baby" smile again.

Oh yeah, dad was right about that one. I have a feeling the next few weeks are going to be most interesting, he mused as he returned the gesture.

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nicole