'Do you really believe that he's going to live?' Wilem didn't bother trying to hide the sneer on his face or the disbelief in his tone. His hands flicked casually in the direction of McKay as if he were nothing.

Sheppard looked up from his kneeling position on the cold stone floor to Wilem and pushed all thoughts of Rodney failing away. He smirked playing the only weapon he had to hand, bravado.

'You have no idea what he is capable of,' said Sheppard.

'Being brave enough to try the rite speaks of stupidity rather than capability,' replied Wilem. John didn't disagree with that statement, he was a level of angry with McKay he'd never felt before.

'He knew he'd survive.'

'I do not see how he could.' The bravado was confusing him. He'd said they were stupid and yet he was fearful they knew something he did not.

'And that's why you're asking me these questions now. You don't see and yet… he lived.'

'He won't survive the swamp.'

'Wanna bet?' There was a flicker on Wilem's face, it told Sheppard that no matter the outcome Wilem was not going to let them live.

'Your ignorance is showing. There is no other place, no other planet like that swamp; it is unique. We know that the plants out there do not thrive anywhere else. It is one of the reasons we have stayed.'

Sheppard smirked but stayed silent on the matter.

'He has two hours and then we kill you. We'll see if you are still so confident then.'

'Killing us won't change anything. My people know you are here and they won't give up looking for us so easily. They won't take you killing us kindly.'

'Your friend is going to die. You are going to die. Talk of anything else is a waste of breath.'

Wilem turned from Sheppard and walked away until he was out of sight. The Wraith, Hewl and a few other men stood watch over the rest of the Atlantis group. Sheppard looked to Lorne and Stevens.

'I'm really starting to dislike that guy,' said Sheppard.

'Any ideas?' whispered Stevens.

'There's five of them and a Wraith and three of us,' whispered Lorne.

'I'd rather give it a go, sir, than waiting to die,' said Stevens.

'We have to give Rodney a chance to return. If he doesn't make it back, we can make a move then. Besides, I have some other ideas too,' said Sheppard looking around to see if anyone was actually listening to them, 'but if they don't pan out, we wait till just before the two hours are up and then make our move,' said Sheppard.

Sheppard looked at his surroundings. Even if they overpowered those in the room, John knew it would be Russian roulette as to their escape route. They couldn't go back the way he and Rodney came so there must be another way out.

'Hey, Lorne, how did you get in here?' asked Sheppard.

'We used the tunnel the villagers above use to get in and out. Turns out Dr McKay struck a chord with Miana and she showed us,' said Lorne.

'What did McKay say that affected her?' asked Sheppard.

'It was his translation of the words etched into the stone 'forgive me' that made her think. She'd seen her father etching them previously,' replied Lorne.

'I think she wanted to find you too, sir,' said Stevens to Sheppard with a slight grin.

'Well I can't blame her for that,' said Sheppard smiling. 'Where's this tunnel?'

'Back through that corridor all the way at the end, a curtain covers the entrance,' said Lorne.

'What happened to your injured man?' asked Sheppard.

'The Doc came with Teyla and Ronon and took him back through the Stargate.'

'Where are Teyla and Ronon now?'

'They were heading back here.'

'Will Miana help them?'

'They know where the entrance is.'

They quieted down as Wraith came over and stared at Sheppard and the others, and then he looked at the door McKay had gone through.

'You know I am really shocked at the fact you are even here helping these people,' said Sheppard.

'It is my duty,' said the Wraith. He gazed around the area remaining alert.

'I've never met a Wraith that served humans before,' said Sheppard.

The Wraith tilted his head; Sheppard knew he had him curious.

'What are my people usually like?'

'You've never been around your own kind?'

'My people here slumber and it's not sustainable to have more than one of us awake at a time.'

'I'll give you an honest answer to your question, but you might not like it.'

'I can listen, whether I believe you or not is another matter.'

'The Wraith dominates this galaxy, their numbers are vast and us humans do our best to avoid you.'

'You lie.'

'I do not. We fight you, you are our enemy.'

'Why?'

'Because you consume us.'

'What?'

'You eat us,' said Sheppard looking slightly confused. 'Wait, what do you eat?'

'Cattle.'

'You eat cattle?'

'Yes.'

'So let me get this straight, you eat cattle and Wilem tells you what to do?'

'Yes.'

Sheppard looked at Lorne and Stevens who looked shocked but said nothing.

'So why aren't more of your people awake?'

'I told you…'

'Yeah but just breed more cattle.'

'Wilem said we cannot.'

'Why?'

The Wraith thought for a moment.

'Is it space? Feed? What?' asked Sheppard.

'I wasn't to question his command.'

'Oh.'

The Wraith paced slowly and kept glancing over to the place where Wilem had exited. He looked at Sheppard and then walked off in that direction. Sheppard grinned at Lorne and Stevens, hopefully sowing seeds of rebellion. Of course, that could massively backfire on them but one life threatening problem at a time.

Sheppard watched the doorway where the Wraith had exited. The tiredness was starting to set in because the trekking had stopped. Kneeling down in this way really didn't help but at least the discomfort kept him alert. Sheppard looked around briefly at the mosaics on the wall. The one directly in front of him showed a Wraith standing between two humans, touching both. It seemed to have significance as it was central but it didn't mean much to Sheppard. It was clear the Wraith made up part of their way of life and somehow they managed to find a way to control them. Sheppard did not feel pity for the Wraith generally, but this was different. Slavery was slavery.

John looked to the doors Rodney had left through and wondered what McKay was up too. He also wondered what Teyla and Ronon were doing. Knowing them as well as he did, he suspected they were already in the tunnels.

'You know, there might be an alternative to just waiting…' Sheppard looked at the doors. A wide smile had formed on his face. Lorne frowned when he saw it taking shape.

'Sir?' said Stevens.

'We could just follow Rodney.'

'What through those doors?' asked Lorne.

'Yep. Wait until they are distracted and make a run for it. They don't seem to have a great variety of weapons and most of those are melee based.'

'Yeah… Most. They have our guns too,' Lorne added.

'Yes, but do they know how to use them? That's critical seconds whilst we are running away.' Sheppard watched as Lorne weighed it up, adding up in his head weapons, men, time, and ability. He nodded.

'Ok when?'

'I don't think we will get the two hours. I get the feel that king douchebag will kill us either way. I say if we make this play, we do as soon as they are distracted.'

Everyone nodded and sat silently, watching and waiting. The only person that was paying any real attention was Hewl. They weren't used to having strangers around and they acted like untrained men. All of this was to their advantage as far as Sheppard saw. After twenty minutes or so, they heard shouting coming from the direction that Lord Dickbag had taken himself. Hewl took a few steps forward, stopped, and then ran towards the exit. Sheppard didn't need to say a word Lorne and Stevens were ready. They struggled up onto their feet and started to make their way over to the large doors that Rodney had exited. They pushed at them and, as heavy as they looked, they opened with ease. The three of them slipped through and no one noticed.

xxx

Rodney paced. He needed to do something to help the others but he was unsure what to do. Well no actually, he had many ideas… it was just picking one and sticking with it. He was fifty feet or so away from the big doors. Rodney just needed to have a plan formulated before he walked through. The first plan involved him trying to stab the Wraith with the blade he had coated in the plant poison. He knew he wasn't stealthy and frankly did not possess the strength to fight the Wraith. It was a shit plan. The second plan was to maybe distract them enough so Sheppard or Lorne could stab the Wraith, but that also was shit. He'd been up and down these tunnels looking for alternative exits, there was nothing. Give him a computer or a power problem, he was good at those, these situations that needed a more forceful front were not his forte.

McKay was the first to admit that he could get distracted when he was deep in thought. So when someone grabbed him from behind and put their hand over his mouth he was surprised. The hand suppressed the high-pitched screech that bubbled up from inside. McKay was pulled back and someone whispered into his ear so closely, he could feel his or her lips moving, brushing against his ear.

'It's John, be calm, McKay.'

He instantly relaxed and turned to face Sheppard. The feeling of relief dissipated when he saw the expression on Sheppard's face. It was hard set and his eyes weren't doing the happy sparkle thing they usually did. John didn't even look relieved. He was pissed. But then Sheppard's brows furrowed, his head started to cock to one side in confusion.

'What?' McKay patted his hair suddenly concerned.

'Are you feeling ok, McKay?' said Lorne.

'Yes… why?' McKay started to pat all over worried by the three men just staring at him.

'Your pupils are a bit dilated that's all,' said Sheppard who was exchanging meaningful glances with the others.

There was no way for Rodney to check his eyes, so he narrowed them in suspicion. There was something in John's tone. But before he could question further Lorne had his own question.

'Do you know how to get out of here?'

'Yes, this tunnel actually opens out into the forest. Wait… do any of you have a communicator?' said McKay.

'Yes, I still have mine,' said Lorne.

'Excellent, we should be able to make contact with Atlantis,' said McKay. 'What about them?' McKay pointed in the direction of the doors.

'I think they have their own problems to deal with. We um… I may have created some discontent,' Sheppard seemed pleased with himself. 'There's no way to block the doors so we should get moving immediately.'

They all started moving towards the exit, away from the huge double doors and the mystery beyond them. McKay couldn't help but wonder how they'd survived all this time. It was clear to him however that Wilem was a devious and cruel man. If what he suspected was right, Wilem was also very old. The others, even the Wraith were not as old. He shouldn't be surprised by the evil that people could do, and yet he was, every time.

When they exited on to the outer edge, the others took a moment to assess the view. Rodney heard Lorne asking for backup or a lift back to the gate. John was staring at him again.

'Seriously, what is it?'

'Nothing.'

'Only you can make nothing sound so ominous.'

Sheppard actually smiled for a moment.

'It's a gift.'

'I can't believe we got out so easily,' said Rodney, still checking behind him.

'Don't knock it, not everything has to be convoluted, be grateful. Glass half full.' Sheppard constantly checked around, alert despite his words. Rodney recognised full-soldier mode when he saw it.

McKay's stomach ached still and he rubbed it, feeling uncomfortable and sore. Sheppard saw him and gave him a look.

'It aches, I'm sure it will be fine.'

'I'm sure after Carson checks you over he'll then give you a lecture beyond all lectures on the down side to drinking poison.' There was an edge to Sheppard's voice, he was ribbing Rodney, but there was bite to it too.

The jumper came quickly; it had been circling with Teyla and Ronon, waiting for Lorne to contact them. Miana had apparently told them the tunnels were not safe and that there was some secret way behind the mountain. Ronon felt this would be a better way in and Teyla had agreed. Sometimes extraction could be easy too.

Rodney felt relief flood through him. Rest and sleep were required. Once they were back on Atlantis, he was ushered straight off to medical. It was the last thing he wanted to do but choice really didn't have much to do with it. He knew something was up and people were deliberately not telling him, which was freaking him out. Ronon was highly amused by something. Carson didn't see the funny side.

'How long have your eyes been like that?' asked Carson.

'Been like what?' replied McKay.

'Green.'

'Green?'

'Yes, green.'

'Show me.'

Carson found a reflective object for him to look into and the whites of his eyes were a leafy green.

'I would say they've probably been like that since he drank the tree poison,' Sheppard added helpfully whilst Rodney's mouth was still doing its best impression of a fish.

'Tree poison?'

'Yeah, looked like the same stuff McKay was exposed to before, but just more of it…'

'Get on the bed. What on earth possessed you to do such a stupid thing?'

'Green?' McKay's mind was still struggling to cope with the changes he could see. 'Will they go back to normal?' Carson gave him a look that suggested the lecture was imminent.

Sheppard sat down on the bed next to McKay. He watched as Carson took bloods and carefully checked McKay over. Rodney was a little concerned that there would be long lasting after effect to his little act of recklessness. He felt a bit wobbly to be honest. He saw that Sheppard was also being checked over; apparently, he'd bashed himself up quite a bit. Not that Sheppard had complained. After what seemed like an age, they both got the all clear. Green eyes and all. Carson said it was some sort of chlorophyllic residue due to the nature of the plant sap and poison being combined. Unlike before, Carson now had two samples from a different plant to compare it too. There would be more tests, of course.

McKay was thankful and he was also pleased to see that Sheppard had hung around to see if he'd be alright. They left together and made their way over to the living quarters. Sheppard was quiet and Rodney just assumed it was because he was tired. Rodney knew he missed things sometimes, social cues, and behaviour that others would notice. This was one of those times. When they rounded the corner and were out of sight for a moment, Sheppard turned, pushing him against the wall, a little too roughly. McKay looked at him in confusion.

Sheppard glared at McKay, silent.

'What?' shouted McKay, getting annoyed at the lack of explanation. Sheppard just glared on. 'What are you so pissed about? Do you think the silent treatment is macho? John? You need to use your words.'

Sheppard let him go and looked away, but didn't walk away. Rodney struggled inwardly trying to find something that he'd missed, maybe something he'd said? But nothing was presenting itself. Sheppard shook his head, still with daggers at Rodney.

'You really don't know do you?' said Sheppard with a hint of disbelief.

'No, I don't and shoving me around won't help me realise either,' said McKay.

'I want to scream at you, Rodney. I want to make you understand, but I know that last time I felt like this I just ended up saying hurtful shit I regretted,' he paused staring at McKay, 'How can you not understand? How can you be so smart and so painfully dumb?'

'Just tell me…'

'No.'

McKay looked away and then it hit him. His face lit up because he knew why John was so upset. But then his face fell… because he knew why John was so upset.

'It's the plant sap I drank isn't it?'

Sheppard looked up. There was a glimmer of hope.

'And?' said Sheppard.

'I… didn't obey orders? I didn't obey your orders.'

'And?'

'And… I should have?'

Sheppard's face became annoyed again. Rodney frowned desperately trying to find the missing piece.

'And I am sorry?'

'Are you?'

'Sorry?'

'Yes.'

'No.'

Sheppard gritted his teeth.

'I can't be sorry for trying to do the right thing, so maybe I'm sorry that I'm not sorry.'

'You put yourself in harm's way, I thought you were going to die.'

'I was sure I wouldn't.'

'Why did you do it?'

'Because otherwise, you would have.'

'What?'

'You'd have been all brave and risked it if they'd put a gun to our heads. I know you, John. You'd have done it in a heartbeat.'

'That is beside the point.'

'Is it?'

'You didn't hear you screaming.'

'But it would be just fine if I had to sit there and listen to you scream and die, knowing I could have saved you by doing it myself?'

'Yes… No.'

They were silent for a moment.

'I've forgotten why I was angry now,' said John, his shoulders slumping seemingly out of energy.

'You were angry because I did a stupid thing and somehow again, I got lucky – although it's not actual luck but a calculated and rational application of logical facts. I can't believe you're actually pissed I stopped you from killing yourself, albeit quite bravely.'

'I couldn't…'

'Couldn't what?'

'I couldn't bear the powerlessness of it.'

'You found your words,' McKay said slyly hoping Sheppard would respond positively to the dig.

Sheppard smiled at him. It was a soft smile that made Rodney want to hug him.

'I didn't ask you to do that, in fact I ordered you to do the opposite. But…'

'But?'

'I want to say I'm glad you did it, but I'm not. I hated it.'

'If it's any consolation exactly five seconds in I deeply regretted my decision,' said McKay with honesty.

Sheppard snorted a laugh.

'I'm tired,' said Sheppard and gently patted Rodney's arm, 'I'm going to shower and sleep for about three days.'

Rodney nodded and watched him walk off. He stood there for a moment and still felt like he was missing some critical factor. It would bug him for days.

xxx

It didn't matter how many times she heard the story, it felt like she was hitting her head against a brick wall. Sheppard and McKay had been lucky, they'd been lucky before but that was sure to run out if they kept pushing it. Maybe it was just as McKay said it was variables and calculations. But it all still sounded like gambling to her. Perhaps she was being too harsh; this place did require a bending of the rules on occasion. How many times can you tell a person not to do something for them to do it? And yet, it seemed to be the right thing to do. Even with all their reports on her table before her, she didn't know whether to congratulate or berate McKay's actions. He was a genius… is a genius. The risks he took with his life and others could not be ignored. And she supposed, neither could the successes.

If Lorne were to be believed, McKay had disobeyed a direct order. However, Sheppard did not mention it at all. McKay made it sound like it had been a suggestion. Stevens made it sound like it was a play by Sheppard and McKay. The reports were otherwise almost exactly the same where they had all interacted. Elizabeth could only assume that John had not wanted a confrontation. Given their previous conversations about exactly the same kind of risk-taking behaviour, she could only assume he'd decided not to take it further.

Elizabeth pulled out from her desk drawer a report from Heightmeyer. There had been concerns about Rodney and what he'd been through, however, Heightmeyer cleared him for duty. Heightmeyer had seemed more concerned about Sheppard. She seemed to feel that he also had suffered on that fateful mission. It really mattered that John was functional and although Elizabeth herself had not seen any indication that Sheppard needed help, she paid attention when someone qualified told her differently. Weir felt that the camaraderie between Sheppard and McKay was what helped their professional relationship work. There seems to be a delicate balance, one that was thrown off when Sheppard was hurt. Perhaps the role reversal disturbed him, although that didn't seem quite right. It was more likely to be the fact that John had nearly died. Certainly, it would have been something to give him pause for thought. John was a stoic person but even the most stoic have their also had Carson's report on the plant poison or whatever it was that Rodney brought back. Carson felt that the substance had shown some remarkable properties. It exceptional healing in both tissue and bone growth in a way he had never seen. In fact, he was rather keen to grow some but Elizabeth had deep reservations about that. Sometimes scientists don't stop to think of the consequences of their actions, and that's exactly why the plants took over in the first place. However, she could not ignore the fact that this was also a weapon against the Wraith. She denied his request to grow a sample and felt at ease with her decision.

Carson knocked at the door and popped his head round.

'Do you have a moment, Elizabeth?'

'Sure, how can help doc?'

'I want to discuss these preliminary test results with you.' 'Go-ahead, what have you found?' 'Well it seems that these plants have a lot more to them than we previously thought.' 'In what way?' 'The poison isn't a poison for a start. I didn't have a sample before but the new specimen that Rodney brought back shows me that its purpose is more than just debilitating prey or absorbing nutrients. It's conductive, which isn't surprising but helps explain the integration of technology and bio-matter in Sheppard and McKay's previous excursion. What I am seeing is some sort of proto-neuron.' 'Proto-neuron?' 'Yes. On Earth, some people often think that a trees network of roots connected them in a way we didn't understand. Many people dismissed claims that plants can communicate with each other on a very basic level of course. It is supposition but here in Pegasus I think these trees… plants - or whatever they are - are much more advanced. I don't know whether they are actually self-aware that might be stretched too far, but it does explain some of the things that I've seen in Rodney's results.' 'What sort of things?' 'Many dreams, some good some bad, slightly heightened perception. With Rodney it would usually be hard to tell but luckily for us he's very quick to show you his test results or how good he is at anyone thing at a time. I would suggest that the combination of the two different aspects, the poison, and the sap, of the same specimen changes things.' 'How does it change things exactly?' 'I'm guessing but the entity would seem to be perhaps the end result of some sort of fusion between the two.' 'Are you saying these plants can think?' 'I'm not saying that they can think but, biologically speaking, they have the capability to think or at least exchange thoughts.' 'Is it changing Rodney?' 'Not in the quantities that he's been taking but I would imagine much larger doses over long periods, it would.' 'Will the effects wear off?' 'On Rodney yes. But this does I think help our understanding of the entity and perhaps how the place works.' 'Perhaps once you've compiled your report we can get McKay to have a look at it. See if he can add any insight.' 'Yes, I thought so too.' 'Although, for now can we just keep this between us. I don't want to agitate Rodney. He's already on my case daily about opening the Stargate.' 'Of course I completely understand. Anyway I will let you get back to it.' 'Thank you, Carson.' Weir sat back in her chair one arm resting on the table. She looked out through the glass into the area beyond but did not see it. Her mind was already wondering how they might be able to use the new technology and biology that they had found. McKay's obsession with the entity coincided with the new priority that was forming in her mind. A Wraith-killing weapon, a potent healing solution, and possibly a gateway to new technology and understanding were certainly things that they wanted to achieve. She wasn't cold-hearted though of course, she wanted to help the entity. But she could not ignore the obvious rewards. She knew McKay would be delighted. There was also the problem with the trading planet Teyla had told them about. Weir had posted warnings for their allies not to go there. But the people there would also have access to this new technology. As did the Wraith there. McKay had theorised that Willem had extended his life by using the Wraith as well as the plants. They could go back and they could interfere but Weir was disinclined to go. Sheppard had suggested that they rescue the villagers but Teyla thought they would probably leave their own free will. Miana had not reacted well to the local village secret. Teyla suggested that the people there were more innocent than not. She hoped at least that the majority would leave and find somewhere safe to live. Weir hoped so too.

xxx

Zelenka wafted the tablet in McKay's face. McKay batted it away angrily.

'I'm trying to concentrate can't very well do that you waving that in my face,' said McKay angrily.

'I need you to authorise the repairs on the jumper,' said Zelenka.

'Why'd you need me to authorise it? Surely, you're quite capable of doing it yourself?'

'Because you told me to,' he replied.

'I did?'

'Yes, you did.'

McKay took the tablet and squinted at it visibly irritated. He scrolled through muttering under his breath about time being wasted. He handed back the tablet to Zelenka quite roughly. Zelenka blinked in surprise.

'It's adequate, you can go ahead with it,' said McKay.

'I'll bring the results back to you later,' said Zelenka, who then walked off muttering in Czechoslovakian.

McKay was in a particularly bad mood. His eye colour had faded but not by much and everybody wanted to talk to him about it. He, on the other hand, had other things to do. People were so boring, unable to walk past somebody without commenting on their appearance as if that was the only thing that mattered. It had been three days since they'd returned and this was the first full day he'd had. The last two days he'd been in and out of medical at Carson's behest. He'd asked Carson if there was anything he should know and Carson had been surprisingly vague. McKay knew well enough when Carson was keeping something from him, he was a terrible liar. They joked often that his bedside manner lacked the ability to lie well. Compassion he had in bounds, honesty was never a problem, but lying just did not sit right with him. Also, Carson suffered from the same over-enthusiasm McKay himself suffered with: they often over explained everything. Still whatever it was couldn't be that bad as he was back at work now.

'Hi little man,' said Ronon.

Rodney turned to see Ronon standing behind him. Rodney always felt perpetually intimidated by Ronon. It wasn't as bad as it used to be and often he forgot when he lost himself in conversation but every so often, like now, he remembered.

'Hello, Ronon, what's up?'

'I came to remind you about movie night. Last time you forgot and this time it's your turn to get the snacks.'

'Oh, yes I hadn't forgotten,' said McKay trying to sound convincing as he'd forgotten. 'Where are we watching this time?'

Ronon raised his eyebrows and looked down at McKay. The half-smile he wore said more than words would and Ronon was a man of few words.

'At your quarters, as you requested.'

'Ah yes, I remember everything is already prepared. I assume Sheppard is bringing the movie?'

'Yep.'

'The usual time?'

'Yep.'

'Okay then.'

Ronon turned on his heels and walked away without another word. It was very difficult to know whether to say goodbye to his retreating back.

Rodney looked at his watch he had around five hours to finish what he was doing. Except it wasn't. It was about three because he'd have to go and source snacks and tidy his quarters before everyone came round. It could be quite difficult to get the mess to cough up snacks but McKay, having watched Sheppard interact with the military, knew exactly what to say. Words like requisition and supplies or even better rations. Though you had to be careful or you get those god-awful ration packs and you really did have to be starving to eat those. Sheppard often laughed at him when eating them and McKay often teased that Sheppard had no taste buds because of them. Although if he went now he'd get in before the lunchtime rush.

McKay stood up and as usual, his hips creaked and his back clicked from the prolonged sitting in a slumped position. It took a moment to stretch his joints. He closed down his laptop and decided to get everything prepared now as everybody either turned up too late or too early. Never on time of course. If he went now it hopefully, avoided the myriad of questions about his eyes. It was extremely annoying.

Roughly, an hour later, with a few trips, he had gotten everything including beer. The alcohol was more carefully rationed than the food. Sheppard told him that this wasn't because everybody would be falling around drunk it was in fact because they ran out of beer, morale would fall. McKay had scoffed at this idea but on the one or two occasions when he wanted a beer but couldn't have one, he definitely felt worse. A few beers often helped his mind relax which he did enjoy but he treated it as a holiday not something for every day.

He also brought back his laptop so that once he finished tidying he could continue to work until they came. And that's exactly what he did once everything was carefully kicked under his bed. The advantage to being the boss, at least of his department, was that he could work around the social expectations. Of course, being part of the Atlantis team meant that sometimes it was the exact opposite. When he was younger, he used to work all the time, with no breaks. He like many other young researchers and scientists had to learn the hard way exhaustion led to mistakes. However, in Atlantis, you had to work while exhausted or die. So he'd stopped feeling guilty about working around the things he did enjoy, like movie night. Once he prepped everything, he sat down and remembered he needed to shower. He sniffed at himself and thought he was just fine. But then he remembered Sheppard would be coming and felt self-conscious. So he showered and then worked until his guests arrived.

Teyla was always first to arrive and she had kindly brought some food of her own. Something that people traditionally made for gatherings with friends. He'd had it before it was sweet and some sort of root, crisped up and crunchy. Ronon and Sheppard arrived together, laughing and joking, carrying beer.

It had been days since his last proper conversation with Sheppard. He had only seen him in passing once and now having him here was a little overwhelming. It's not the Rodney hadn't thought about him, he had, but he'd had no opportunity to see him. He was dressed casually, it was somewhat weird to see him without uniform but not unheard of.

'Hey Rodney, we come bearing gifts that we intend to consume,' said Sheppard. He held out the beer to Rodney who took it and nodded thanks. He placed it on the table next to the snacks and faced Sheppard again.

'I suppose you brought some god-awful movie for us to watch,' said Rodney.

'Not necessarily but yes of course. What else would I bring?' Replied Sheppard.

'Is it at least something that's not so bad it's funny but something that's just actually funny?' Asked Rodney.

Sheppard grinned.

'Why don't you just watch it instead of judging it? You might actually learn something or probably not.' Sheppard observed. He bent down and prepped the screen with the film setting it up so that it was ready to start. He then grabbed the beer proceeded to hand them out one by one. There was almost a synchronous hiss as the beer was opened.

Sheppard sat in the middle of the couch and patted space next to him indicating that McKay should sit there. There was literally just enough space for him to sit there. McKay nearly hesitated, Sheppard had never done that before, but he sat. Teyla sat on the other side and Ronon on the floor next to the snacks. Sheppard started the film. Ghostbusters was an interesting choice considering their profession.

As it turned out it was a good choice. Rodney could not help noticing that Sheppard had his left arm along the back of the couch. McKay could feel the heat of it on the back of his neck. There was also very little space between them and every now and then Sheppard would pat Rodney's shoulder with his left hand when something was funny. McKay found that he was incredibly aware of exactly where Sheppard was. At times, he found it difficult to concentrate on the film.

When the film ended, the usual questions and debate started. The cross-cultural differences showing themselves as a chasm in which it was seemingly harder for Teyla and Ronon to cross.

'Has anyone else noticed that Rodney is a cross between Egon and Ray?' Said Sheppard.

'Oh I don't know, I think Sheppard is quite a lot like Venkman?' Said Teyla.

'I am nothing like Ray. I'll accept Egon but not Ray,' said McKay.

'Venkman? Yeah, I'll take it.' Sheppard smiled.

'I think they work quite a lot like us, 'said Teyla, 'I mean sometimes it really does feel like it's that chaotic.'

'Think McKay is a lot like the small green one…' said Ronon thoughtfully.

'Oh haha I see what you are getting at…' retorted Rodney. McKay turned and saw Sheppard smiling at him. It was warm and met his eyes and if Rodney wasn't mistaken, there was a brush of John's left hand on his shoulder. In fact, over the course of the movie, the gap between them was almost non-existent. Three beers in Rodney was feeling quite relaxed and probably a little braver than usual. He leant in a bit.

'You look tired,' said Ronon to Teyla.

'I do? I am feeling tired. Do I look that bad?' said Teyla.

'Nah, just like you've had a few too many days trekking after team-mates who get themselves lost,' said Ronon. 'I'm beat too.'

'Do you want some help tidying up?' asked Teyla.

'Nah, it's okay I'll help Rodney tidy up.' Said Sheppard.

'Are you sure,' asked Teyla.

'Yeah it's fine,' said Sheppard.

Ronon didn't need telling twice and was already at the door. He waited for Teyla and as she left, Ronon looked over his shoulder at McKay and Sheppard did a little wave as he left.

Suddenly on their own together McKay, felt words were difficult to find. Especially as Sheppard's arm was now resting on his shoulders. Rodney felt out of his depth and didn't know what to do next. Sheppard, on the other hand, ignored the silence by drinking the rest of his beer. Rodney sipped his but it didn't quite quell the turbulence going on in his gut. Fear and excitement were not a pretty mix. John moved forward placing the empty bottle on the table in front and sat back turning inward, towards Rodney as he did so. He was looking directly at McKay. McKay was still looking at his beer bottle unable somehow to drag his eyes upward.

McKay managed to look up and Sheppard moved his face closer. When it became apparent in those few milliseconds that Sheppard was not stopping Rodney felt a thrill thrum through him. John gently kissed him on the lips pausing only for a moment to do it again. It was warm and soft; McKay could smell the soap John had used recently. In fact, he was so wrapped up in the sensory impact of what was happening he hadn't realised it had stopped or that he had closed his eyes. When he opened them, Sheppard was watching him, smiling, and waiting.

'I'm a man of my word.'

'What?'

'I just wanted you to know I am a man of my word.'

'I'm sorry, I don't really understand.' Rodney felt a little dazed.

'I made a promise back on the planet. Do not remember in the tunnels?'

'Oh…' Said McKay.

'So you do remember.'

'Yes, but I wasn't ready.'

'Wait… do you mean you weren't ready then or now?'

'I mean you did that thing with the eyes and I wasn't ready then or now.'

'Guess I will have to do it again in the name of fairness. Wouldn't want you saying I wasn't a man of my word.'

'For the sake of fairness…'

Sheppard leant in but Rodney pulled back.

'I'm not ready yet.'

Sheppard smiled.

'You just let me know when,' and he sat back watching and waiting.

There was a smugness in Sheppard's eyes, a confidence that Rodney lacked and found deeply unnerving.

Rodney leant forward and slowly kissed John on the lips. This time it felt less gentle. He pulled back after a few moments and braved a look into Sheppard's eyes. Whatever game they were playing felt decidedly dangerous in this moment. He could pull back, sit back, drink beer, and laugh it off. But… He didn't want to. And there was a look, a glint in Sheppard's eyes that suggested he didn't want him to either. Rodney leaned in again and this time Sheppard reciprocated. He didn't know why it surprised him, but it did. He was overwhelmed by his physical response, which directed itself into a more passionate kiss than he originally intended. Sheppard did not seem to mind and used his right arm to pull Rodney closer. It felt as though he was feeling these things through someone else, like a dream. At the same time, it also felt like he was riding rapids, with each swell he felt less and less in control, but the rush was unbelievable. And then he felt Sheppard's hand holding his face, he pulled back and looked Rodney in the eye. For the first time, McKay saw something akin to a vulnerability in the man before him. There was uncertainty and that supreme self-confidence had faltered. Sheppard looked like he wanted to say something.

Rodney answered by kissing him again. He didn't know where this was going and frankly, right now he didn't fucking care. He was lost in the moment. All the doubts and insecurities he had about himself just seemed to fade away. Sheppard's hand moved to his hip and then under his shirt. John's fingers seemed to leave fire wherever they traced on Rodney's pale skin. McKay squeaked a little in surprise but did not disengage. Sheppard drew him in closer. Rodney could feel their stubble brushing together as they kissed and the longer they kissed, the more he could feel the heat rising. McKay could feel John trying to pull up his shirt, so he shifted away from the couch. Sheppard used the opportunity to get both arms around McKay. Rodney could feel John's desire for him and it only excited him more. He moved back so that they could both lay on the couch. The moment their hips touched together, Rodney thought he would explode, in more ways than one. He audibly moaned, he couldn't help it. Sheppard looked down at him with a longing in his eyes and bent down to kiss him. Except this time, he placed his mouth on Rodney's neck with small, light kisses.

The intercom system beeped with an incoming message. McKay wasn't wearing his headset so he'd have to get up to answer it and there was no way he was going to do that.

'Ignore it,' Sheppard whispered into his neck.

A few moments later it beeped a few more times then stopped.

Sheppard moved back to Rodney's lips with a harder kiss and pressed himself against Rodney. This time Sheppard moaned a little. McKay got his hands under John's shirt and for the first time felt the skin of his back, soft, warm and…

The door chimed.

They both looked at the door.

'I guess it must be urgent,' said John sitting up clearly annoyed.

McKay tucked himself back in and answered the door. Zelenka stood there looking impatient with a tablet in his hand.

'What is it?' McKay asked testily.

'We have a problem with the power management system on Jumper two.'

'Can't it wait?'

'When I say problem, I mean it might overload and explode. The energy algorithm is off and it keeps undulating wildly. I don't know why.'

McKay looked around at Sheppard.

'Go, it's fine. I'll tidy your mess up,' he said gesturing to the table of half-eaten food.

McKay hated Zelenka more than he hated anyone right in this moment. He took a long look at John before he left; Sheppard gave a little wave and a sort of ironic smile.

'I'm telling you right now if this isn't important I am going to kill you metaphorically in my mind for months,' said McKay vehemently.

'Don't you do that anyway?'

'That's beside the point.'

xxx

Sheppard looked at the table, the empty bottles, and half-eaten food. The letdown feeling was strong. He touched his lips, they were slightly sore from Rodney's stubble and he could still smell him, or rather whatever scent McKay wore. He was in a shock of sorts. The arousal would take some time to die down. The whole moment had surprised him. He hadn't expected to be swept away like that at all. It was light-hearted until it wasn't. When he thought about the way Rodney looked up at him, with his big blue and currently slightly green eyes, he got a jolt to the gut as before.

He supposed he could wait and see if Rodney came back. So tidied and set aside the stuff that needed to go back to the mess. If he were honest, he could leave now but he didn't want too. Here he was surrounded by everything that Rodney held dear and he just wanted a moment alone.

Sitting on the couch, Sheppard wondered what the fuck he was doing. Was he being a good leader? A good friend? What were the consequences of what was happening between them? Oh, John knew the various military problems, but really, he didn't give a shit about the rules. What he was worried about was getting them both killed or worse, getting the team killed. Since that first kiss, Rodney had done some pretty reckless things and Sheppard couldn't help thinking about some of the points Heightmeyer made. That first kiss… why did he do it? The only answer he could come up with was that he wanted too. And he wanted to do more. John looked at the empty space beside him and stood up. Rodney wasn't coming back soon. Sheppard decided that he'd need to run the energy off, it had to go somewhere. He picked up the stuff for the mess. May as well get rid of it now.

After the run, Sheppard felt energised and more at peace with himself. Back in his quarters, he stripped off his sweaty running gear and jumped into the shower. Simple pleasures like hot water and being clean were the foundation to feeling good, he'd always thought so. His mind did slip to Rodney while he was washing. Sheppard was just deciding what to put on when his door chimed.

'Must be the day for visitors.'

He opened the door and there stood McKay, tablet in hand looking stressed. Rodney took one look at Sheppard's half-naked torso and turned beet red. His eyes flicked back up to Sheppard's face and John just grinned at him.

'Wanna come in for a minute?'

'Yes…' said McKay slowly. He seemed uncertain and his eyes flicked around in the walkway behind him. But he stepped in and the doors closed behind him.

'Business or pleasure?' asked Sheppard. Rodney looked at him confused. 'Well, you can either show me what's on that tablet you are holding or I can lose this towel.'

McKay' eyes widened and if possible went a deeper shade of red.

'Er… business,' He held out the tablet, 'I need you.'

'Really?' Sheppard raised an eyebrow.

'I mean your genes.'

'Come get them then...'

'No, I mean… you know what I mean. You are being obtuse on purpose. You are trying to fluster me.'

'Is it working?'

'Yes… no. Maybe. Are you going to put some clothes on?'

'Do you want me too?'

'I think it's required when you pilot a jumper. I know Zelenka will appreciate it. Although I'm not currently acknowledging his existence right now.'

'I suppose it's urgent?'

'We are a jumper down.'

'Rodney?'

'Yes?'

'I really enjoyed movie night.'

McKay smiled.

'So did I… as a matter of fact.'

'I'm gonna get dressed now,' Sheppard turned and walked over to his closet. He pulled out his uniform. 'You know it occurs to me that you could've just used the intercom to ask me to help.'

'I was passing, I didn't mind.'

Sheppard noticed that Rodney had turned his back so he wasn't looking. John smiled and threw the towel at Rodney's feet. McKay jumped when he felt the towel and managed to resist the temptation to face John.

'You are so juvenile, do you know that?'

'I do know that it's one of my bestest features.'

Sheppard finished putting on his clothes and walked up behind McKay and whispered into his ear.

'I'm ready.'

Rodney turned around and they stood there looking at each other.

'Shall we…' Sheppard held his arm out and indicated the door but McKay didn't move. He seemed to be struggling with something. 'You ok?'

Rodney moved towards him, hesitant almost like he was ready to flee at a moments notice. John waited. McKay carefully and delicately kissed Sheppard. It was soft and moreish. Rodney smiled shyly.

'I just wanted to make sure that it was real.'

Sheppard kissed him back.

'It's real,' Sheppard reassured him. 'Now best we go pilot the hell out of this jumper.'

Sheppard resisted the temptation to slap Rodney's ass on the way out. Baby steps, he told himself, baby steps.