Author's Note: I did not leave it first person. I only did that b/c I thought it would work better for that specific section.

Rodney's POV

"According to our DNA tests" Dr. Biro proposed. "Carson possesses a DNA structure that mirrors our records of Chiya's when she came here. In addition, there is significant hyper-synaptic activity as well as additional memories implanted into his brain. I would say that Carson has become an Ancient."

Rodney mouthed an exclamation before he glanced helplessly at the motionless form that lay stiller than death on the infirmary bed.

"And you believe this happened during his connection with the device," Weir asked formally.

"Yes," Biro replied stiffly. "The perfect health, de-aging process, and that…that display of power; yes I believe that device would explain it all."

"Thankyou doctor," Weir said with a tone that warranted dismissal.

Rodney ambled over to the bedside. He gently grasped one of the limp hands between his two larger ones while gazing hopefully towards Carson's still face.

"Hey Carson," Rodney whispered affectionately. "Looks like you're going all powerful on us; activating that super weapon and all--"

Rodney trailed off as his throat threatened to choke him from suppressed sobs. Taking a deep breath, he wiped a tear from his eye.

"I do believe I ever told you how I feel about you," Rodney began hesitantly. Quivering slightly, a ghost of a smile traced his face. "When I first met you in Antarctica, I knew you were, well, special. You are the only person that ever smiled at me like that; always treating me like a normal person--like I'm not a freak. Even when I was a complete jackass, you just took it in stride, smiled. Took me awhile to realize how I felt about you, after all, you know I can be the greatest idiot at times--never admitting it of course. But the day I saw you after that incident on Hoffan, I knew. I never wanted you to cry again. I want to protect you even though I know I cant. Like right now…"

Sighing, Rodney lifted a hand and slammed it on the bed. A choked sob broke free from his throat.

This was too much. Carson lying so still. Carson an Ancient. Carson protecting them. Carson dying.

Reaching blindly, Rodney kissed Carson's forehead and caressed his cheek.

"Its my job to be dramatic damnit." Rodney asserted. "Carson, I love you, just come back to me. Please come back, God I love you."

"Rodney," Elizabeth's voice broke through full of compassion. "Take your time."

When he was sure Elizabeth was gone, he broke down and sobbed.

Carson's POV

Carson became aware of a wave of grief washing over him. His own emotions nearly overwhelmed by the fear and sorrow of the other person: Rodney.

He mustered the strength to squeeze Rodney's hand comfortingly. Carson's mind became vividly aware of the emotions of all those around him. Concentrating, Carson shut out everyone's feelings except Rodneys'--concentrating on him alone. He felt Rodney's confusion followed by exhilarating joy. Good.

He vaguely heard his name called and experienced Rodney's disappointment at the lack of response. Desperate to ease Rodney's suffering, Carson forced himself to open his eyes.

Tears. No more tears Rodney. No more, he wished.

"Carson," Rodney's hope filled voice said. "I was so afraid you were never going to wake up again."

Affection filled with love emanated from the scientist above him. Despite his own discomfort, Carson allowed his heart to warm. Despite his change, transformation, Rodney loved him. Really loved him.

A stat of pain filled his mind--time was short. Yet, he would allow himself this mercy; he deserved this joy, though it may be brief.

"Love you too Rodney," Carson mumbled.

He gripped the scientist's hand as he fell into a dreamless sleep.

He woke alone, but was able to sense those around them by listening to their thoughts. Frustration emitted from his nurse in the next room while the faint trace of annoyance clung to Biro from farther away.

Carson felt raw. No injuries left except that within his heart. He called to the city with his mind; Atlantis responded in a rush--eager, anticipating. He conveyed his request to divert power to the Ancient equivalent of a Star Trek transporter.

Within seconds, Carson was standing upon the balcony outside the control booth. The breeze greeted him kindly, ruffling his hair. He felt refreshed and enjoyed the sunlight for another moment.

From this place, Carson was able to discern the emotions coming from the conference room. Rage like an erupting volcano, resignation, and unhappiness.

Carson closed his eyes and allowed the city to provide him with the basic topic of discussion within the conference room:

Weir was not certain if he was trustworthy and wanted to have military personnel shadow him for a while. All in the name of safety of course.

Sadness washed over the Ancient. Was the sacrifice worth it? He did not have an answer with that. Walking off the balcony he moved to confront the group.

Concern mingling with guilt clung to Weir like a stench. Carson locked eyes with everyone in the room for a moment:

Ronon: Anger and something else. Rodney: Anger and love. Shepherd: Anger and sadness. Teyla: Disapproval and concern. And of course Weir.

Rodney rose quickly to start the denial, however, Ronon beat him to the punch.

"Though our healer has changed much," The Runner observed dangerously. "He is still the man that saved my life. And he saved us all not two days ago by using his power. You have my trust Carson; I am ashamed to say that not everyone here can say the same."

The Runner nodded to Shepherd as he strode out of the room.

The words Ronon said filled Carson with reassurance and a trickle of happiness filled the Ancient as he saw Rodney's determined look.

Yes, it was worth. For them.

"Carson," Weir began diplomatically. "Its not that I doubt you, however, you have to understand the concern I feel regarding what happened to you and the lasting effects of-"

"Give me a break Elizabeth," Rodney remarked condescendingly. "Carson would never do anything remotely-"

"Stop," Carson said. "I am an Ancient and I carry the memories of many long since dead. What you feel necessary with security measures is not my concern. The only important thing is carrying out the task I was chosen for."

"What task?" Teyla inquired gently.

Swallowing hard, Carson allowed a façade of indifference to skate across his face. Though he stepped closer to Rodney.

"My purpose is to defend Atlantis from harm," Carson said--not daring to meet Rodney's questing eyes.

"Yes, yes," Rodney remarked impatiently. Scientist mode. "You've done that already. You almost died using that device."

A trickle of Rodney's fear touched Carson, but this time Carson offered no assuagement.

"No," Carson said calmly. "The task is not complete."

Quickly, Carson walked out of the room towards his quarters.

Rodney's POV

Ignoring the meeting, I rushed after Carson. I felt a chilling fear hit me; something was not right.

He stormed into Carson's room without so much as knock. Intent on dragging the information out of Carson, Rodney was struck numb by the image of Carson hunched over sobbing.

Dropping to his knees, Rodney tentatively gathered the physician to his chest. He soothed the smaller man with calming words, timidly wiping the tears from Carson's face with his own sleeve. Brushing his other hand through the soft hair, the scent of lilacs teased his nose.

A pair of watery, gleaming, eyes looked at him--pleading. An invitation.

Rodney leaned in and covered Carson's lips with his own. The soft touch melted his resistance and he deepened the kiss fiercely. Hot breaths mingled as he requested entrance to 'his' Ancient's mouth. Permission granted, Rodney explored the fiery cavern before drawing Carson's eyes to his own.

Rodney broke the kiss as a wave of possessiveness took him; tenderly he caressed the other man's face. Carson's eyes betrayed deep seeded affection--pure love.

"Carson," Rodney began nervously. "I don't care how different you are now; I love you more than I have ever loved anyone or anything. And I want you to know that even though I might not be--"

"I love you too," was his soft whisper.

Carson leaned over and captured his mouth in another kiss. Maintaining he liplock, Rodney brought them both to their feet and moved towards the bed.

Carson fell backward, dragging Rodney on top of him. Rodney met his lover's brilliant, crystal blue eyes one more time before a wave of euphoria engulfed him.

The night gave way to passion and love. A moment of genuine happiness was born.

Carson's POV

Carson slid away from Rodney's sleeping form. He leaned down and touched his face for a moment.

"I love you," he whispered to the silence. "I'm sorry Rodney."

Swiftly, Carson donned his clothing. He glanced to where Rodney lay stretched over the bed; his arm extended over the area where Carson had been laying.

Bloody hell, I don't want to do this. Turning away from the man he loved Carson sucked in a ragged breath. Now or never.

With a thought, the transporter relocated him to the jumper bay. Carson boarded one of the ships and powered the systems up before performing last minute checks.

"And you're going where?"
Alarm filled him, Carson whirled to face a smirking Ronon Dex. The stoic expression the Runner offered him betrayed nothing of his thoughts as the larger man carried a bulging pack and several guns into the shuttle. With little care, Ronon dropped the weapons to the ground and flopped into the other cockpit seat.

"What do ya think you're doing lad," Carson hissed.

"I don't know what you're doing," Ronon remarked simply. "But I do know that you have no intention of returning to Atlantis."

Stunned, Carson stared in disbelief at the lounging Runner. Ronon grinned at his utter confusion.

"You carry the look of one whom death has greeted," Ronon said somberly. "I will accompany you."

"Ronon," Carson growled angrily. This was not happening! "This is a bloody one way trip. You can carry your arse back to your room and leave me to this!"

"No," Ronon remarked in his 'that's that' tone. "If we perish, we die together. Often have I encountered death and regretted it was so because I was alone. I would be your strength today. In this instance may you face death and find solace in a companion."

Determination radiated from the Runner--the argument was concluded.

Shaking his head, Carson activated the Jumper and set their course towards space. As they cleared the atmosphere, Carson felt calm. As selfish as it was, he was happy he was not alone.

"Ronon," Carson said seriously. "I'm glad you're with me."

Satisfaction and affection were sent his way as Ronon smiled.

"I find it agreeable as well." Ronon said--expression indecipherable.