Author: Porthos
Summary: A series of miscommunications leads to some confusing developments.
Spoilers: Up through The Gift.
Author's notes: I got the idea for this from conversations on GW about what would make McKay and Weir admit their feelings for each other. I wanted a way for them to admit their feelings without actually thinking they're admitting them…or something. :D

I'd also like to thank Cali (aaobuttons) for being a superb beta, and for putting up with my terrible grammar much better than my English teachers ever did! ;)

oOo

Part 1: Mixed Signals

I had to admit, today was shaping up to be a pretty good day. Despite the sense of doom and gloom that accompanied the impending Wraith attack, the crew seemed to be in relatively high spirits. Teyla had even invited me on one of our regular walks. If nothing else, it provided a welcome distraction from my usual mid-afternoon mound of paperwork. "I'm very grateful you came to see me today, Teyla, but didn't you and Major Sheppard have a training session planned for this afternoon?"

"We did," Teyla nodded, "but it was postponed when Lt. Ford mentioned a problem with the communication devices. I believe he said something about only getting bits and pieces of the incoming messages. He and Major Sheppard are going through them right now to determine which devices are in working order for our mission tomorrow."

"Nice to see he's taking such an initiative," I said. "It wouldn't do for your team to be off world and get your signals crossed." At Teyla's frown, I knew she needed an explanation for that particular phrase. I was concentrating on finding one when I nearly bumped into Rodney and Dr. Heightmeyer rounding a corner.

Rodney's eyes went wide. "Elizabeth!" he let out in a high pitched voice.

"Rodney," I said, my voice teasing. "You don't act happy to see me."

"No, I mean I am, it's just that…Aren't you supposed to be…Why are you in the medical wing?"

"I could be asking you the same question." Try as I might, I couldn't hide my smile at his stunned expression. Rodney only got this flustered when he thought he was caught and about to get in trouble. I silently wondered whose powerbars he'd been swiping. Given our location, I'd suspect it was Carson's. That reminds me, I should probably double-check my own stash when I get back to my office. Rodney has been lurking around there a lot lately…

At Rodney's embarrassed look, I decided to let him off the hook. "Teyla and I were just going for a walk," I answered his earlier question.

Teyla nodded in agreement, and smiled. "Dr. McKay, Dr. Heightmeyer, it is good to see you both."

"How are you feeling, Teyla?" Dr. Heightmeyer smiled softly.

"I am sleeping well, thank you."

"Kate and I just happened to bump into each other," Rodney cast a quick glance to Dr. Heightmeyer, which she returned. "We were each on our way to the mess hall, uh, separately, for lunch. We saw each other and just decided, uh, off the cuff, to go together," he finished, still slightly nervous.

"Well, don't let us interrupt. I'd hate to have to come between you and the mess hall at lunch-time."

Rodney must have been distracted. It took him a minute before he caught on. "Hey!" he said defensively, "Fine, laugh if you must, but hypoglycemic shock is just another of the numerous perils I deal with daily, in an alien city that we know nearly nothing about, and if anything should happen to me then who will you get to run this city? Hmm?"

I raised my eyebrows at him. "Funny," I said, "I thought that was my job." After Rodney had opened, then shut, his mouth a few times, I decided to shoo him along. "Get something sweet, Rodney. I think your blood sugar's low."

With a half mumbled, "Good good," Rodney shuffled off. I glanced over my shoulder, and I noticed Dr. Heightmeyer had placed her hand reassuringly on Rodney's shoulder, and seemed to be whispering something to him.

Turning back to Teyla, I mustered as much objectivity as I could and remarked, "Rodney and Dr. Heightmeyer certainly seem to have gotten close."

Without breaking stride, Teyla replied, "I would suspect they have become close since they began seeing each other."

I came to a dead stop. Teyla turned to face me, a concerned look on her face. "Wait," I said, "Rodney is seeing Dr. Heightmeyer?"

Teyla's eyes widened in realization. "You did not know," she stated. "I am sorry, I had assumed since you are his close friend he would have told you."

"No." I only somewhat successfully hid the hurt in my voice. "No. He didn't."

"Then I have betrayed a confidence." Teyla bowed her head. "I am deeply ashamed. I must seek Dr. McKay's forgiveness." Raising her head, she said, "Please excuse me, Dr. Weir."

Before she could rush off after Rodney, I managed to stop her. "Actually, Teyla, I would like to speak to him first, if that's okay." I tried to sound as reassuring as I could, under the circumstances. "We actually have rules about this sort of thing," I offered by way of explanation.

Teyla seemed to consider this, finally deciding it was acceptable. "Then I will go to my quarters to contemplate my apology. You will let me know when it is I may speak with him?" she asked. At my nod, she turned to go.

As she walked away, I decided to return to my office and think about what I would say to Rodney. No wonder he was acting so strangely before, he knew about the no fraternization rule as it stands in Atlantis. Of course, I suppose I could turn a blind eye, as I had in other clandestine romances on Atlantis. I cast another glance at Teyla's retreating form. But I somehow didn't think I could in this case.

As a diplomat, I must always evaluate the motives that lie behind every action. It's a practice I rarely use on myself, however. If I was being honest with myself, I would have realized that I was acting out of jealousy. I'd been aware of my feelings for the snarky scientist for quite some time, but I had put them aside. I figured they could be dealt with later, when we were all safely settled into Atlantis, and the threat of the Wraith was behind us. And of course, there had been Simon to consider. But I suppose I had put off my feelings for too long, and Rodney had gotten tired of waiting for me, if he had ever been waiting at all. So if I was being honest, my decision to enforce the no fraternization rule was motivated out of envy and regret for a lost opportunity. But I decided not to be honest with myself, and instead chose to believe that I made the decision based on my role as leader of Atlantis, and my duty to uphold the rules of Earth.

oOo
Author's notes: Okay, parts 2 and 3 are on their way, but in the meantime let me know what you think about this. :)