Chapter 4
"Well, that certainly puts a damper on things," Colonel Sheppard remarked as they all stood horrified, watching the enormous axes slice through the air. Ronon's eyes narrowed and he looked eagerly at the gauntlet before them. "Something you wanna share with the rest of the class, Hulk?" John asked noticing his intense demeanor.
"I can make it," Ronon said. He smiled brazenly to himself as if trying to intimidate an opponent. "Well, I'm really glad you're being positive here, but it's really only helpful if you can figure out a way for us less confident people to make it, too." Rodney looked panicked and grabbed Teyla by the shoulders, looking at her face to face. "They don't really expect me to do this, do they?! Because I have this inner ear thing and it makes me very dizzy at inappropriate times and I…" he continued rambling much to Teyla's dismay.
Ronon looked over at Colonel Sheppard and remarked, "I can carry one, the woman if you wish. There's nothing I can do for the rest of you." John looked at him and nodded in acknowledgement. He understood. "Ok, you two, stop messing around and get over here. Angel, the Hulk here says he can carry you on his back and I—." Teyla interrupted and looked over as Rodney gripped her arm till his knuckles turned white. "No, thank you Captain. I can manage the gauntlet myself. I'm sure it would be much more productive if he were to carry another." She turned her head and smiled comfortingly at Rodney.
"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you. God, you really are an angel," Rodney praised her. John looked at Teyla's face concerned. He took her shirt sleeve and tugged her slightly away from the others. "Listen, um…. if I could carry you I would but I….look, I can't guarantee your safety if you don't let him carry you. I totally understand you wanna be nice and let Twitchy go, if not just for the sake of the rest of us having to listen to him. But I don't want anything bad to happen to you so….." he trailed off, looking away. She smiled wide and took his hand. He noticed how soft her skin was. "Thank you Captain, but I will be fine. I appreciate your concern but I think this is the way things should be." Their eyes met again and they each felt an intense heat between them before Rodney called to them. "Ok, c'mon I'm ready!!"
They looked over to see Ronon slightly hunched with Rodney straddling his back. "Stop pulling my hair or I'll throw you in that pit myself!" Ronon barked at him. Colonel Sheppard gave Teyla a sheepish grin. "Ok, guess I'll go first, then you, and the boys in the back. Let's go."