Guys... I am overwhelmed by your lovely reviews. Thank you all so much. And you know I´d like to see more of those, so keep ´em coming.

So, here´s another chapter for you because you are just so nice.

Enjoy!

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It had been a few weeks since the refugees had found a new home in Atlantis. The two little girls were still staying at the infirmary, and Carson gladly kept them there.

As the time passed, they weren´t that dependent on Sheppard and Elizabeth anymore, allowing his staff to take care of them as well. But never with the others did they smile like with Elizabeth and John.

The girls were the first John came to see after returning from the off world, and he often found Elizabeth with them.

"Hey there." He smiled at the three of them as he walked into the infirmary.

Elizabeth looked up from the floor where she sat on the blanket with the two girls. "Welcome back." She said, her green eyes darkening a little at the sight of him still in full combat gear.

Cora had stopped what she had been doing and held her arms up, waiting for him to lift her into his arms. "Hey sweetie." He kissed the soft cheek of the older girl and Cora´s hands wrapped around his neck. "Missed me?"

"We all... they both did." Elizabeth stood up, hoping he would have not noticed her slip.

He did notice, but let it pass.

Lily pushed herself up too, her little steps still hesitating as she made her way slowly toward John who kneeled down to greet her as well, Cora still in his arms.

They had both slipped into their role as the parents so naturally that they had never even thought about it. The alien refugees didn´t care about the girls, no one had asked for them, and the people in Atlantis had started to think of the girls as their own.

The crew of Daedalus had been contacted and they were bringing clothes and toys for the two orphans, the big battle ship loaded with things for the two little children.

"Have you eaten?" John asked.

"No." She shook her head and reached to take Lily from the floor.

It wasn´t unusual for the four of them eat together in the mess hall. The chefs had started to prepare special meals for the girls, and the people sitting around the tables, smiled at the sight that reminded so much a real family they didn´t have in Atlantis. Of course there were children running around every now and then, some Athosians were still living in the city and the rest of them were regular guests. And the children of new alien refugees were playing on the hallways as well. But Cora and Lily were like the children of their own. A glint of hope that there was a future for mankind in Pegasus galaxy.

"I hope you don´t teach her to eat that garbage you call food, Sheppard." McKay stopped next to their table, grinning at Cora who sat on John´s lap.

"As soon as we get back to Earth again she can feel the sweet taste of a hamburger. And a real turkey sandwich." John nodded proudly and gave the girl another forkful of smashed potatoes.

"You really are not going to be teaching them any bad habits of yours, colonel. There are so many other things for them to see and learn there." Elizabeth said without looking up as she helped Lily eat.

McKay smiled to himself. After Lily and Cora had come into their lives, they had started to act like a real family without noticing. They had become a mother and father to the girls.

"I´m with Elizabeth." Rodney smiled and earned a glare from John. "God help them, and us all, if they start copying you."

"Really, McKay, I saw a delicious looking lemon pie you would love. Shall I get you a piece?"

"Fine, I´m going." Rodney said and then leaned to speak to Cora. "When we get back to Earth, uncle Rodney is buying you a cute little puppy to drive your daddy here crazy. One of those cute puppies that grows big and messy."

"Go away." Sheppard sighed and covered Cora´s ears from other promises the scientist could make.

"Going." McKay grinned and disappeared with his tray. "Didn´t even flinch when I called him daddy." He said quietly to himself as he headed back to his lab.

Later that night, when the girls were tucked under the blankets and John had gently guided her back into her office, they sat close to each other on the couch, like they had done so many nights before.

"Are you tired?" He asked, his hand moving in to her neck, massaging the tight muscles lazily.

"A little." She admitted, a yawn escaping from her, making him chuckle.

"You should go to sleep." He said softly, his fingers still caressing her neck.

"I will." She replied, the movement of his hand lulling her slowly asleep.

He chuckled and pulled his hand away. "Come on." He stood up and offered her his hand to pull her to stand.

They were standing close, almost touching, his hand still holding hers, his warm breathing caressing her face. She leaned slightly to him and his other hand came to her hip to keep her close.

"John." She whispered, never taking her eyes away from his.

"Doctor Weir?" Came a voice from the doorway and she pulled away from him, finding Doctor Zelenka standing by the door, his eyes staring the papers in his hand.

"Radek." She greeted the scientist and only now he looked up, pushing his glasses up on his nose.

"Colonel Sheppard." The other man noticed surprised and John turned to look at him.

"Zelenka."

"Did I interrupt something?" He asked, sensing that he had.

John glanced at Elizabeth before turning his attention back to Radek. "No, I was just leaving." His hand brushed against hers before he left, turning to look at her at the door. "Don´t stay up too late." He told her softly.

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Now, now, do not hate Zelenka for interrupting the moment. He´s too funny in the show to be hated.

More to come, if you liked this.