Author: atlantis child (Command Dynamics), innocent choir girl
Title: Lost
Chapter: 2 – "Personal Grief"
Summary: The Wraith return to Atlantis again. Spoilers for all seasons one and two.
Genres: Angst, Drama,Mystery & Suspense, Missing Scene
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Abuse, Character Death, Torture, Violence

Author's Note: I apologize now for any errors I may make… I tried to make sure the things I were iffy on were really gonna work with a friend, so hopefully anything I may have messed up isn't too bad! If it is, then I'll just say it's my own insanity version ;)

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Personnel had been summoned back to Atlantis. Beckett had identified the skeletal remains through DNA. And Sheppard wasn't sure whether or not to be relieved that none of them were Elizabeth. At least she didn't suffer? Or was she? He'd rather think she had been taken aboard one of the ships that had broken up and was in the ocean. That she hadn't suffered.

"Colonel…?" Carson called for about the sixth time. His face was fully of worry and concern. "John," he finally said placing his hand on the other man's shoulder. He was surprised he hadn't gone to his quarters or had some kind of a breakdown. Military training was the only thing Carson could think of to explain it. It was unnatural and he blamed the military. The man was like a walking time bomb.

"Caldwell's reported them all as killed in action," he said quietly.

He sighed sadly, "I know. Teyla wants to return. Caldwell wanted me to check with you. Without Elizabeth…you're in charge…"

John let his head drop and his eyes close. It was Elizabeth's expedition, he thought. There had been a reason she had been put in charge. "Tell her she can return."

Doctor Beckett nodded before patting Sheppard's shoulder.

"Warn her first," Sheppard added as an after thought.

"Aye, I will," he said before leaving him.

He had ended up on the balcony he'd often talked to Elizabeth on. It was like their place. A neutral ground.

i "John, remember the storm?" Elizabeth asked leaning against the railing, her hands together against her abdomen. She was just watching him.

He smiled at her, "Like I could forget."

"I never thanked you—"

"You don't need to," John interrupted.

"Yes, I do."

"Do you really think I'd let Koyla take you? Damn the Genii. I would have done…something to kill everyone by now if you had been lost."

She smiled, "I doubt that."

"I don't think I could I could get off with my adorable boyish looks in this galaxy," he told her trying to act serious.

Elizabeth couldn't help, but laugh at that. "Adorable boyish looks, huh? And he told you that?"

"You did," he said and a grin appeared when a confused look crossed her face. "Just now. Plus…it's common knowledge."

Shaking her head in amusement, she spoke again, "You are impossible, John."

"You always say that. Perhaps I should start becoming offended."

"I only say it because it's true," Elizabeth told him.

"True? That I'm adorable?" he teased walking closer.

"I think you just like hearing yourself," she told him laughing a bit.

John reached out and placed two fingers under her chin. He lifted it so he could see her face and her beautiful green eyes. He loved those eyes. How they sparkled with excitement when they found something new about Atlantis. He just smiled at her and moved his face so his lips were only inches from hers, their eyes still looked. John smiled more when he felt one of her hands on the side of his face. "Are you hitting on me, Doctor Weir?"

"John—"

But before she could say anything, he leaned in and brushed her lips with his. The moment felt right…and when it was right…it was right. Finally, he broke the kiss for air. Her eyes were closed, but slowly opened. Brushing some of her dark curls from her face he whispered, "I've been waiting to do that…for a long time."

Elizabeth smiled and blushed slightly. She had been wanting to as well, but with all of her over-thinking and over-analyzing, she had talked herself out of even considering a romantic relationship with Major John Sheppard. But with that kiss, he had banished all the thoughts and analysis away.

"How about dinner later?" he asked still staring at her.

She nodded. "That would be wonderful."

"You need to do that more," he commented.

A curious look came over her, "What?"

"Smile."

That comment made her smile brightly in response, "I smile," she told him.

Softly, he kissed her lips lightly, "Not enough."

TBC