Chapter Six

Small Comforts

(Tag to Aurora) spoilers

"John," Teyla's, concerned voice floated into Colonel Sheppard's ears Despite his somber mood it brought a small smile to his lips. He stopped and turned to see her practically running down the steps to meet him. She bumped into one of the new marines and he saw her mouth "sorry." The dick grunted and shoved past the Athosian without even acknowledging her apology. I'll make a point to find out his name. We apparently need to talk.

"You okay?"

"I am fine, just a little.." she seemed to struggle for the right words. "Out of sorts."

John found himself smiling again.

"Did I use the correct expression?"

"Yes, you got it dead on." She began nibbling on her bottom lip and her eyes narrowed in concentration. "It means you said it perfectly."

Dead on," she tested the words. Her face relaxed, " I shall remember that."

John grinned sheepishly, he had been teaching Teyla all sorts of Earth phrases and slang terms much to Rodney's dismay. He'd almost lost it when she had told McKay to "suck it up" during one of their missions. The scientist has given him a look that could melt ice. "So," he started as he watched her wipe her hands against the sides of her pants, leaving a wet streak on each side. He also noticed her hair was sticking up in places it didn't normally. How fast had she been running. "Did you like the champagne," he asked while raising an eyebrow at her disheveled appearance.

"Yes, it was quite…interesting. The bubbles kept tickling my nose though. And," she raised her still damp hands, " I spilled the remains of my glass on my out of Dr. Weir's office."

"Ahhh, I see," he replied, his tone clearly indicating the opposite.

" I was in a hurry. You left so abruptly after the toast, I was worried John," she finished quietly.

He smiled sadly at the concerned expression on her lovely face. "Walk with me."

She nodded, and fell into a comfortable pace beside him, her bare arm brushing against his jacket. As they walked, he led her around a corner and realized how quite it was, they were alone. The sound of their boots hitting the ground seemed to echo off the walls, each step reminding him off his silence. He knew what she wanted, to know what had happened on that ship. Teyla wanted to help. A part of him wanted to let her, but what if it had been his team. He shuddered, Would I have sacrificed all of us for a greater good. Ronan, Rodney…even Teyla.

He felt warm fingers entwining with his, blinking in surprise his eyes traveled down his arm until he found himself staring at his hand, linked with Teyla's. She's holding my hand.

She noticed him gawking," Is this….okay," her voice held a smidge of fear.

John met her eyes, and saw the worry there, "Yeah, I'm just a little surprised. You've never done that before." She began to pull away, he tightened his grip and pulled her close, "But I like it," he whispered into her ear.

She blushed, and ducked her head, "Well no one is around, and I do feel that this qualifies as taking things slow."

"Yeah, this is nice," he sighed contently as they resumed their stroll. He couldn't help but sneak glances at this strong, caring woman who for some reason, cared about him. Squeezing her warm fingers, he brought them up to his lips and gently kissed the top of her hand.

Teyla was beaming as he slid his arm around her waist, "It's funny," he started.

"What."

"Nothing," he looked into her eyes and realized they had stopped walking. His knuckles traced a path down the side of her face. "Thanks for being here Teyla."

Her face became dead serious as she clasped his wandering hand, and pressed it to her cheek. "I am always here John. Remember that."

"I will," he whispered to hide the tremors in his voice.

She nodded and they began walking toward one of the lifts. John couldn't help but smile, he felt like himself again. Maybe he hadn't spilled his guts to Teyla, maybe he hadn't been able to save the ship of Ancients,…..but they were alive. His grin widened , And she is holding my hand. Maybe this day wasn't so bad after all.

enjoy these so far, I'd love to know :)

nicole