A/N: Set at the end of Season 2. Don't own, sadly.
I never realized how sexy having a secret relationship could be. My partner wants to keep this secret for fear that it would damage his reputation. People already know he's a genius as well as egotistical and a right arse at times, so I don't know what he's worried about, but I'll humor him.
It started when we were still on earth. Somehow we forged a connection that hasn't lessened. In fact, it's grown in strength. I love the man he's become in all the obstacles that we have to face on a daily basis. He's become the man I know he could be.
We do disagree on points, make no mistake about that. He continues to call what I do voodoo, but I know its in jest, so I take it for what it is. I know that he respects what I do. How can he not when my work has given him the ability to do his work and has saved his life on numerous occasions.
That's another thing. I hate it when he gets injured. If it were up to me, he would never leave this city so I could keep him safe. Although he has proved quite adept in getting injured while still in Atlantis, so I don't know if that is the best thing. And I do enjoy the time when he is off world and not pestering me in my office five times a day to fix his paper cuts and scratches. I guess this is for the best. He is a needed member of a team, something that I know at times he doesn't feel worthy of. John and I have talked about this many times and agreed, for the sake of our sanity, that we would never tell him how useful he actually is to the team and how much John appreciates what he does. He may already know, but as long as we don't say it aloud, he won't become too unruly.
One thing I don't appreciate about this secret relationship is his attempt at flirting with other members of the expedition. He is horrible at it, but not because he doesn't know how to flirt, but because he feels guilty and doesn't know how to act around them in fear that they might find out. Any time he goes out on one of his dates, I lock myself in my lab and don't come out until the next morning. I think Elizabeth has noticed this and might even know about Rodney and I, but we'll never say anything and she has probably noticed our discreetness.
It was really hard to keep away from him when I knew he needed me during the whole 'Cadman's-in-my-body' experience. It was during that time that Rodney realized how much I mean to him. Everyone, besides Laura, thinks that it was Laura who grabbed me and kissed me, when it was really Rodney. He later told me that he had a talk with her after the whole date disaster and settled some things. I put up with the teasing since it meant that they hadn't figured out our secret yet.
But like all secrets, they are eventually revealed. After Rodney blew up a solar system, excuse me, five sixths of a solar system; he needed someone more than ever. He of course turned to me. It was during the ensuing week, when he was being more affectionate in public than normal, which, for the record, I don't mind, that people started to take notice that we were more than friends. John confronted me point blank about it. After I confirmed his suspicions, he got this look on his face and told me that he was glad neither of us was American and that we could do whatever the hell we wanted in this aspect. The rest of Atlantis was behind us as well and Rodney actually became more respected at work, go figure.
It's been months since then and I am now wondering where Rodney is. They left on their crazy mission with the Wraith and we haven't heard from them since. This time, when he gets back, I am chaining him down and he will never leave this city again. At least if he gets hurt here I can take care of him. If he gets hurt out there, I can't be there for him. And that hurts more than lying to people about our love.