After The Lost Tribe. Now that Jennifer has made the choice, she becomes more overt in her affection for Rodney. After spending a pleasant evening amongst friends, Jennifer bets Rodney that if he had a girl in his bed, he'd be unable to resist temptation. Rodney swears that he would have the utmost discretion.

A/N: This is my first fanfic, no beta, all mistakes are my own. MGM owns everything Stargate. Please let me know what you think E

John, Talya, Rodney, and Jennifer were all having a drink and a laugh together on the balcony that had become a favourite haunt of the senior personnel to unwind after a long week. The sun was setting across the ocean and they were all in good spirits.

John had noticed that both Rodney and Ronon were interested in the good doctor, how they would sneak looks, have little smiles on their faces, and would stop at nothing to help her out as much as possible. He also noticed after the last mission that Ronon had become even more silent than usual, and Dr. Keller wasn't hiding the increased attention she was paying to Dr. McKay. John thought it was the perfect opportunity to make them squirm.

"So, boys, have you got any hot dates lined up for the next day off?"

"I was hoping to ask a special someone out, I just haven't had the time" Rodney tempered, sneaking a glance at Jennifer. The look wasn't lost by John or Ronon.

John chuckled. "You're never going to get a woman with that sort of attitude!"

"Well with all the crises around here that you expect me to save you from!"

"There are a fair number of crises I have to fix too, but that hasn't stopped me."

"Of course Kirk doesn't have ANY problems! All you have to do is smile at a woman and..." Rodney's cheeks grew pink, "...you know the rest".

Both Tayla and Jennifer snickered at Rodney's outburst, Ronon grinned.

"Oh, yes, this is all very amusing isn't it?!" Rodney soured at being laughed at. "I bet he's tried it with both of you!".

Tayla smiled her diplomatic smile, "Major Shepherd has been nothing, but a good friend."

"Eww, Rodney! He's like a brother!" Jennifer swatted his arm.

"I bet Rodney wouldn't know what to do with a woman. He clearly had no clue with the plant lady!" Ronon challenged.

"Low blow, caveman. I'll have you know that I've had many girlfriends and lovers. I just didn't want to move too fast with Katie, she is very delicate." Rodney explained, shaking his head and frowning.

Shepherd began to feel uncomfortable and silence reigned the table. Jennifer thought this would be a good opportunity to rescue Rodney from his embarrassment. She stood, "I'm going to head in for the night. Rodney, can you help me find my way back? I'm still not used to this wing of Atlantis."

Rodney looked like he was going to decline, and Shepherd kicked him under the table. "Ow! What did you do that for!?"

Shepherd looked at him dumbfounded and facepalmed. Sniggering started 'round the table again.

Jennifer grasped Rodney's arm and asked sweetly, "Please Rodney, can you please help me?"

"Oh!" Rodney exclaimed a little loudly. He tried again with less enthusiasm "Yes, sure. Let's go." he said, getting up.

Jennifer and Rodney walked down the long corridors towards the nearest transporter in companionable silence.

"So you really don't know how to get back from the balcony? Y'know, I could lend you a scanner with a programmed route for you to follow, it would be no problem."

"Ah, actually, I was saving you from their teasing Rodney. I could see you were getting embarrassed, and I don't like seeing you unhappy." Jennifer said this as she linked arms with him."

"Oh. Well. Thanks, Jennifer." Rodney turned and smiled at her slightly. "I can handle John and Ronon. It's always in good fun, no harm done." Rodney said with false bravado.

"Yeah, well, I wasn't doing it for you. It was for me. It was painful to watch." Jennifer said matter-of-factly.

"Great. Thanks for that."

They lapsed back to silence as they reached the transporter and teleported back to the main crew quarters.

They continued to walk together, both their quarters being in the same direction.

"So, Rodney, is Ronon right about your lack of experience?", she asked him, teasingly.

Rodney scoffed, "Ronon is completely wrong! I've had many, more than satisfied lovers over the years!" he said, getting defensive.

"They particularly liked this thing I do with my..." he started to say, gesturing towards his mouth.

"Phew, Rodney, you know at least how to turn up the heat," Jennifer said, fanning her reddening cheeks.

"Oh, Jennifer, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable!" said Rodney, looking a little forlorn.

"I think I should go -"

Rodney went to turn away to go to his room another way, but Jennifer grabbed his arm gently and stepped closer.

"I don't feel uncomfortable Rodney."

He thought for a second, looked down into her eyes that were shining and all she could say was "Oh".

"Hey, if you really are that experienced, maybe I should bet that you couldn't resist touching me if I were in your bed".

"Oh, come on, experience, and being a gentleman have nothing to do with each other!"

"So, this should be an easy bet for you then," Jennifer said, looking at his lips and getting even closer.

Rodney swallowed and licked his lips.

"If you didn't want me to, then, yes, I would keep my hands to myself."

"Hmmm. You really think that once you're close to sleep or asleep, that you wouldn't lower your inhibitions and snuggle up to me?"

"I'm really offended that you don't believe me, Jennifer. I would never touch you without permission. I have too much respect for women."

"Fear you mean", Jennifer mumbled under her breath.

"What was that?! You better not be making fun of me."

Jennifer smirked and stopped walking, pulling Rodney to a stop as well.

"Rodney, I bet you won't be able to not touch me if we sleep in the same bed together."

Rodney opened his mouth like a goldfish, his cheeks flushing. He clenched his hands into fists and slowly unclenched them, releasing the breath he didn't realise he held. He cleared his throat, "OK, when are we doing this?" Rodney said, trying to sound casual.

Jennifer smirked again. "I'll let you know." She leaned in, kissed him on the cheek, and hurried off to her room. "Good night Rodney!"

Rodney touched where Jennifer kissed him, watching her retreating down the hallway. "A good night indeed."