A/N: Now that I have my week off away from classes (although it doesn't come unoccupied with homework) I found some time to write this chapter. And thank you for all the reviews!

Chapter 3: Beginner's luck.

They clashed back and forth, both working up a sweat as each went for a hit only to be blocked by the other. John watched them intently, as if studying their moves, some of which he can't do himself. Suddenly one had the other locked in a head lock, thus ending their intense battle.

"That was… interesting." He said, trying to sound superior as Teyla released Elizabeth.

"Try to not be too intimidated, John." She said, giving him one of her mini smirks. He looked at her unconvinced as she walked over Teyla.

"Beginner's luck."

"Oh yes, I am positive that that is the case, Colonel." Teyla said amused by John's embarrassment that, despite the fact that she lost, Elizabeth so happens to be just a good of a fighter as he was; maybe even better.

"Hear that, Liz'beth? Teyla believes me." He told her, using his puppy dog eyes.

She shook her head and was just about to put away her fighting sticks when Teyla stopped her. "How about we settle this by a friendly duel?" she suggested.

And one that would not include me becoming caught in between this… 'Lovers' quarrel. She thought to herself, sighing inwardly.

"Oh, well… I don't know…"

"Come on John, it is going to be just a friendly duel after all." Elizabeth said, mischievously, moving towards him in her offence form. "Besides you aren't scared, right?" She teased him.

"No, but if you insist..." He said, picking up his own sticks. "Just don't expect me to…" And before he knew it, he was on the floor. Teyla stiffened a laugh, hearing the smack down on the mat as she motioned towards the door.

"Not going to watch?"

"No, I am afraid not. Ronon and I are going to head out into the mainland." She stated happily.

"Hm… well, wouldn't want to keep Ronon waiting. I'll let you know how this turns out." Elizabeth smiled at her friend and mentor, thanking her for the hour lesson as she walked out. She turned around and was surprised to see a wooden stick approaching her. But she responded quickly and smacked it out of the way, attempting to hit his leg. John did just the same, except managing to slap one of the sticks hard enough against her side. She cringed but still went after him, returning the favor by give him a good blow to his stomach.

They continued to give and receive blows from each other (along with the occasional close body contact situations) until Elizabeth yelped as she felt herself fall back onto the mat, John following her down, ending up on top of her, both breathless. "Still don't think it was beginner's luck?" he asked smiling.

"I have my doubts." She said, smiling back as he helped her up but instead they both fell backwards, tumbling down on top of each other again.

"You know, I could get used to this." He said sarcastically, both starting to laugh.

The laughter began to die down slowly until there was nothing but a soft chuckle coming from Elizabeth. Their faces were inches away from each other, neither not sure whether to take that move forward or back, afraid to break their current bond. "You know," she said, brushing her lips lightly against his, not wanting to miss another chance. "I think I could get used to this too."

And instead of her going down, his lips came up to meet hers, softly and lovingly; nothing too passionate and yet, not the least bit uncaring, definitely more than a friendly little kiss. Their lips locked for nothing more than a few seconds before breaking apart, slowly and almost unsurely, both longing for the warmth now missing upon their lips.

John licked his lips and she bit hers back as she rolled over next to him, staring at the ceiling for a few minutes, just laying there.

"So it's a tie then." She stated, breaking the silence.

"No, I'm pretty sure that I won." He said smirking, knowing that it'd catch her attention.

"Is that so? Well, who's the one that was pinned on the mat for more than 3 seconds?"

"Who was the one pinned down first?"

"Ahah, but not for 3 seconds, the rules clearly state that…"

"Liz'beth, you know no one likes a sore looser." He said turning to her.

"Yes, John no one likes a sore looser." She said chuckling. They both finally got up, fingers entwined as they walked away with their little debate continuing though most of the afternoon.

TBC

A/N: I hope this didn't seem too of the wall but I have a bit ofan explanation in another fic I'm writing on Johnny's little niece's party. Can't say a lot because I may give it away. wink

Please review! And again, ideas are much appreciated!