Beta: Thanks to Dawn for the wonderful beta.

The Unknown

John wasn't fond of cats, especially since he was bitten by Ms. Dorset's black cat at the mere age of seven.

"She's harmless, John." Rodney said reassuringly.

Carson walked toward him, cradling Einstein whilst rubbing her ear.

John took a few steps back. "Maybe next time," he replied, raising his hands.

"All you've got to do is stroke her or rub her stomach. Einstein loves having her stomach rubbed. Don't you?" he said, rubbing her stomach. "Yes, you do." He added, being rewarded by a soft meow. "See?" He crocked his head in John's direction.

"Trust you to name your cat after Einstein."

A smirk broke out on John's lips. Einstein jumped out of Carson's grasp and walked toward John.

John froze as the cat purred, rubbing her head against his leg.

"She's not humping you."

John took a few steps back, "I wasn't thinking that," he growled.

"Sure you weren't," Rodney teased. "And you know, if you'd like to see a perfect example of an animal humping a person, watch CSI: New York-the dog episode, where one of the dogs started humping Aiden. Poor kid. She didn't know what had hit her. My point, John, is this-Einstein's just being friendly…."

Carson laughed, John darkened.

"All she wants is for you to rub her stomach or behind her ear. Just touch her and it'll be over, okay?"

John's throat dried up; he closed his eyes, his hand began trembling as he went for Einstein, he touched her fur and then quickly pulled his hand back.

"What was that?" Rodney asked as he walked toward John and Einstein.
He grabbed hold of John's hand. "This is how you do it," he said reassuringly as he began to stroke Einstein's fur with John's hand. "See?" He glanced at the paled man. "There's really nothing to it."

John smiled weakly, his stomach churned as he mumbled, "Suppose," before he made his way toward the kitchen to wash his hands.

"Do you think he'll ever get over his phobia?"

Rodney shook his head. "I'd say it's more of a dislike than a phobia."

Carson smiled faintly. "Slowly but surely," he said softly. "Especially if he wants the full package. I mean you, me, and Einstein equals full package."

Rodney watched as Einstein ran toward into the hallway-no doubt towards the kitchen.

"And I don't mind waiting. Do you?"

Rodney's eyes flickered toward the Scotsman. "Nope."