Timeline: Duet

Beta: Thanks to Sheila for the beta.

Guilt

Scene: Balcony

"Glad to see you're back to normal."

Cadman wore a smirk as she spun around, "And just what is 'normal'?"

Weir walked toward her, her smile-soft as she replied, "Touché."

Cadman gazed at her. "It's a relief to be back in my own body. To be able to breathe for myself, think for myself…"

"To kiss Carson for yourself." The words were out of her mouth, before she could stop herself.

Cadman was flabbergasted as she struggled to find the right words-not that there weren't any. Weir felt the heat rush toward her face. "I-I'm s-sorry, I-I wasn't-"

Cadman decided to save the older woman further embarrassment. "That was more McKay's doing than mine. Although, I don't think Sheppard'll be too happy." A full-open smirk blossomed on her lips, which was quickly replaced by horror at her slip up-her mistake.

"Laura?" Weir's voice was soft. "Are you okay?"

Cadman ducked her head in reply. Weir placed her hand over the younger woman's in comfort. "I already know."

Cadman's eyes widened as she raised her head. "A-and you're not going to report them?"

Weir laughed weakly. "No. Why should I? The military…and no offense, but if you ask me, the American military's guidelines are absurd. It's ludicrous for the government to enforce such rules. Of course, it's even more ludicrous for people in this day-and-age, to believe that gays are here merely for the purpose of conversion. Lord, help anyone who finds themselves locked with a queer!"

Cadman gazed at her searchingly. Weir noted this. "What? You didn't think someone like me could show compassion towards gays? Now, I know I've been illustrated as 'The ice queen'-"

"Understatement of the century, huh?" Cadman teased.

Weir arched an eyebrow in response. "Cute, real cute."

Cadman couldn't help the rush of heat toward her face, her expression however, enigmatic. "So, you're not an ice queen?"

Weir's smile widened as she leant in closer to the slighter shorter woman. "Maybe," she murmured, warm breath drifting over Laura's face, "you could always find out."

Cadman's smile matched her enigmatic expression, "And, how could I do that?"

Green eyes twinkled deviously. "I find integration works best," she whispered, as her lips brushed against Cadman's.

"Really?" Cadman replied, kissing the older woman back.

"Really. You could always come by my quarters tonight." Weir replied, before pulling the younger woman close, deepening the kissing and exploring her mouth.