Okay guys here we go with the next bit. Hope you like it. I tried to keep as much to the canon so that you could really picture it. Therefore once more I do not own anything concerning SGA, part of the spoken text is taken from the concerning episode and not! from me.

Spoilers for several episodes, if you want to watch the episodes here are Submersion S3E18, Lifeline S4E02 and Doppelganger S4E04.

I'm not a doc so bear with me please. Thanks to wolfgirlalways for pointing out the BP thing. I'm keeping that in mind.

Amy once again you're the best. Thanks for helping me out and check my spelling and word use.

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Chapter Four

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Along the way

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TAG Submersion

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"John it is time to wake, the jumper has arrived," Teyla said quietly once more shaking his shoulder.

"Urgh,"John groaned, finally starting to stir.

"What is wrong?"

John tried to calm his panting breaths; he could barely hear Teyla over the blood rushing through his ears.

"M' fine," he mumbled hoping to appease her. It wouldn't do them any good if Teyla got too worked up about this.

"I do not believe you."

John started to frown. Why was it so hard to open his eyes? God, he felt like crap. He hurt all over and felt warm, besides the fact he was shivering. Why the hell did his lungs feel as sore as if he had been coughing for a week? As if on command his lungs started to spasm.

Teyla startled when John started to cough violently. She quickly pulled him up leaning him against her. Her heart almost stopped in fear as he gasped for air. She started to soothingly rub his back, trying to ease the pain he no doubt was in.

When his head rested against her neck she could feel heat emanating from him, did he have a fever? She desperately tried to remember if he had shown signs of sickness before they had gone to sleep last night.

She was sure he had been fine then.

She heard Ronon call for a doc. For a moment Teyla relaxed. Carson would help John, and then she remembered that it was not Carson that would come. She felt another shiver run through John's body, but at least the coughing had eased.

John's breath came in short, rasping gasps. He definitely showed signs of a cold. She had seen him sick like this not too long ago, but he had been healthy before.

"Can you tell me what happened?" Dr. Keller's voice suddenly asked from beside Teyla.

She looked at the young doc. "I do not know. We went to sleep to pass the time until you would come. John was fine before," Teyla looked helplessly at the doc. John had gone completely still in her arms.

Teyla carefully eased John back and quickly made room for Dr. Keller. She felt completely helpless and for the first time she started to understand the confinements of their secret relationship. She needed to be calm and not overreact.

Teyla jumped slightly when Ronon's hand settled on her shoulder. They both took position just inside the door.

"Was he sick before?" Dr. Keller suddenly asked.

"No," Teyla answered and Ronon nodded.

"He has all the symptoms of a cold," Keller mumbled. Suddenly one of the nurses looked up.

"Could he have inhaled seawater?"

Keller looked at the nurse, remembering the man used to be a diver.

"What are you getting at?"

"Saltwater Aspiration Syndrome, it has the same symptoms as a cold."

Keller's head snapped around to Ronon and Teyla.

"He might have, when the jumper windshield broke," Ronon said not further elaborating. "Sheppard's going to be okay?"

"Depends on how bad it is. I need an O2 tank from the jumper."

"On it," Ronon said pulling Teyla with him.

…

"Where are the others? I sent Dr. Keller to take a look at you, Teyla," Dr. Weir said searching the room behind the two.

"Sheppard's sick," Ronon said shortly as he walked into the jumper. "Doc says she needs O2 to help him," he added and someone in the jumper started to rummage in the compartment. After a moment the tank was handed to Ronon and he quickly disappeared again.

"What happened?" Drs. McKay and Weir asked simultaneously keeping Teyla from too heading back.

Once more Teyla explained what had happened after Ronon had left Teyla to wake John and what the nurse and Dr. Keller had said. The next fifteen minutes felt like forever to Teyla as Ronon had returned once more to get the gurney.

Teyla felt awful, her head hurt and she was sick with worry for John. It couldn't have been more than ten minutes since she had left John, but to her it felt like a life-time.

She sighed in relief when she heard the team return. From their voices and speed she could tell things had calmed down and John was not in immediate danger.

The team got on board and John was even conscious, searching Teyla's eyes. After everyone was settled Keller started to explain what had happened.

"The Colonel is suffering from Saltwater Aspiration Syndrome, it can occur when salt water is inhaled. The symptoms can range from flu like symptoms to respiratory distress."

Keller quickly looked at John who looked groggy and not really interested.

"Though it seemed bad for a moment, Colonel Sheppard has only a mild case and should improve quickly. I am going to keep him in the infirmary for observation. He also has some bruises and I think he might have hit his head."

John shook his head negative at that. Keller shrugged and turned to Teyla. "I have not forgotten about you. You will come to the infirmary with us. I want to take a scan."

Teyla smiled just a little, feeling John's gaze zero in on her. Secretly she was glad Keller had given her an excuse to go to the infirmary with John.

XOXOXOXOXO

Teyla sat next to John's bed. He had fallen asleep while she had been under the scanner. She longed to touch him, from the way he looked she could tell that he still had a fever and she wondered if he had gotten worse again.

"Ah, here you are," Dr Keller's soft voice said. She quickly moved over to John and checked the monitors attached to his still form. He only stirred slightly, before settling back to sleep.

Teyla's gaze moved back to Keller who had an approving smile on her lips. She too turned to Teyla and mentioned her to follow.

"Colonel Sheppard is already getting better; he should be fine in a day or two. I might even be tempted to let him sleep in his own quarters tonight."

Teyla could not help but smile. "John is not that bad," she stated.

"I have heard otherwise," Dr Keller said, but Teyla could see the amusement in her eyes. "Now to you, I want you to go to the mess and eat and after that I want you to go straight home and rest for the rest of the day. You can go to dinner or ask your teammates to bring you something."

Teyla nodded, chagrinned; she had hoped to be allowed to stay with John some more.

"Thank you Jennifer."

"You're welcome, Teyla, if you have any headaches come back."

"I will, goodbye."

…

Teyla woke, slightly confused as she felt someone shift next to her. Rolling slightly, she discovered John curled up next to her. She was surprised as she had visited John's quarters before going to bed for the night, but he had not been there. She had quickly considered going to the infirmary or making a call, but then she had rethought it. Last month she just would have done it, but know there were more considerations to make.

Last time she had been on the mainland she had gotten a bigger bed for her and John who was now sleeping next to her. Her hand travelled to his head and she could tell he still had a fever.

At her touch he startled awake.

"Sorry," he mumbled in the darkness, "didn't mean to wake you."

His voice sounded hoarse and strained.

"You did not," she answered cupping his cheek. She could feel him smile.

"I am glad Dr. Keller released you."

"Yeah, me too, would have sucked to sleep without you."

John's voice was barely audible and Teyla could tell he was already half asleep again. Nevertheless she felt him pull her to him and she gladly snuggled into his embrace.

XOXOXOXOXO

Missing scene and TAG to Lifeline

Teyla was both angered and honored. Honored that John thought she would be the right person to lead his people and angered that he had made sure she was safe while he might not come back.

Teyla was still surprised how easily she and John had managed to fit into their shared life. They had only few disagreements and several had even been staged so they could have what John called make up sex.

John had not only surprised Teyla, but himself too, with how easily he had settled in their relationship. He loved Teyla and had no problem telling her so. He obviously had also discovered his love for cuddling and hugging and body contact when it came to Teyla.

They had had many conversations and Teyla had learned a lot about John and vice versa.

The problem however was that with the merging of the private life, keeping their relationship hidden had become difficult. They had needed to stop sparring when more than one sparring session had ended in one of the nearby closets.

In public they had become distant, both barely able to hide their feelings. She hoped things would return to normal with time.

Teyla sighed and concentrated back on her current tasked, praying that John was safe.

XOXOXOXOXO

John stood at his window looking at the two moons above. He would find Elisabeth like he had told Colonel Carter. He had to, if he didn't he would be in trouble. Teyla and he were good at hiding what was really going on between them. Not even Ronon knew. But every now and then they also stumbled into situations where it was almost impossible to not acknowledge what was between them.

Usually Elisabeth had been the one to cover up their slips. So what now? The door opened behind him, there was just one person who would walk into his quarters unannounced. A few moments later Teyla's arms closed around his waist and her head came to rest on his back.

"I brought Elisabeth's things," she said her voice breaking. It was a well-built façade. John felt Teyla trembling with tears and turned around, pulling her to his chest, his nose resting in her hair.

"We will find a way," he said quietly. "To still be together, I love you and nothing will change that!"

Teyla looked up at him, her eyes full of pain and fear. Pain for her lost friend and fear that she might lose her love too. In John's eyes the same emotions were visible.

Over the past months they had learned to communicate nonverbally. They could read the other and tell what thoughts were currently in their minds.

Right now they feared that they might not be able to be together anymore and that John would finally meet his prosecutor for pursuing a relationship breaking the moral code of the Earth military.

For now both knew they had to be even more careful. No more sleep overs and only a few hours of blessed sanctuary in the other's company.

Their eyes met once more, they still had a few nights, maybe even weeks till the moment it was clear who would come to replace their friend and confidant. For now they would mourn their lost friend.

Their mouths met, both seeking consolation in their love. John picked Teyla up and carried her to her room in their bed and for the rest of the night only the two existed - their world once more reduced to their quarters.

XOXOXOXOXO

Missing scenes Doppelganger

"Teyla, we have to stop," John said not really willing to break their embrace. Behind Teyla his door had closed long ago, betraying his own feelings, telling her that he too wanted to have her close.

Now his actions too told her one thing, while his words told another. She leaned back a little, but John didn't loosen his hold on her. Their eyes met and she could see deep pain as well as the longing she too felt.

"One more night," she decided for them.

After Colonel Carter took over they had decided to go back to just being friends, but things never were that simple and they both suffered under their separation.

"One more night," John stated and Teyla saw the doubt in his eyes. So she nodded confidently.

For a moment she wondered if she had taken the pills to avoid pregnancy she had gotten from Dr. Keller lately, but then John's lips met hers and all coherent thoughts were washed away.

John was sure it would never stop; one more night just didn't cover it. Teyla was so much more to him and one more night was just the admittance that he couldn't live without her. Ever since they had decided to part ways he felt hollow and drawn. He couldn't sleep and had lost his appetite. Pretending everything was fine was a task he barely managed to accomplish these days.

He pressed his lips against Teyla's and once more his world shifted. She was his world and only with her in it, he felt whole. While making their way to her quarters he briefly wondered about birth control, but then Teyla shifted her hands to his pants to free him and all thoughts were thrown out the window just leaving his awareness of where Teyla's hands and lips were.

…

John knew he should be sorry or feel bad, but he just couldn't. Waking up with the love of your life pressed against you was just too amazing to think of the repercussions just then.

His mind took him back to the night spent in passion. Skin against skin, bodies damp with sweat and hot kisses. John couldn't help pulling Teyla closer to him. It was still dark, that meant the night was not over yet. John caught himself hoping that tomorrow would never come.

Because tomorrow this would never have happened, they had agreed on this.

Teyla shifted, her hand travelling over his bare chest to his face. From the look on her face he could tell that she felt similar to him.

Teyla's hand travelled to his head. "I love you," she whispered pulling him close once more. Soon all thoughts of tomorrow were wiped from his thought and only Teyla and her body against his mattered.

XOXOXOXOXO

John's eyes blinked open and he looked at Rodney for a long moment, before looking at the gallery. He felt so tired. He laid his head down again closing his eyes. He registered that Keller was next to him.

The relief was palpable on the gallery. Teyla took a deep breath, her gaze focused on John. Her heart had stopped when Keller had announced that the entity was in his body. When he had convulsed from being shocked she had been barely able to hide her panic. Now she just wanted to hold him.

John's head settled back on the pillow and he closed his eyes. Moments later, Keller walked over, freeing him from the leads on his body.

Teyla didn't care what the others thought or if they wondered about her behavior. She quickly left the gallery to get to John's side. She entered the room just in time for Keller to order John and Rodney to go to their quarters and rest.

"Ronon will go with Dr. McKay and I will go with Colonel Sheppard," Teyla offered.

"That's a good idea; if you have the feeling something is off call me."

Teyla inclined her head as she knew Ronon did behind her.

The four left smiling.

Colonel Carter watched from the gallery smiling too.

…

"You okay Sheppard?" Ronon asked when he saw Sheppard rub his chest yet again.

John grunted, rubbing again.

"Just getting sore," he said.

"Want me to get you some ointment?"

"Nah, still have some."

"You need help?"

"I think I'm old enough to put some on my chest, Chewy," John said, rolling his eyes.

"Or Teyla can help!" Rodney quipped.

"You want Teyla to put you to bed, Rodney?" John shot back, smirking. Not sure taking Teyla was such a good idea. One night - the promise was already crumbling and John knew it.

Rodney blushed, knowing he would probably need help undressing, he was getting pretty sore himself and he felt so tired he barely was able to lift his arms. "Nothing against you Teyla, but I think I'll go with Ronon."

"I am not offended, Rodney."

The group parted finally and Teyla and John walked slowly towards his quarters in silence, both hanging back with their own train of thoughts.

They entered John's quarters and turned to each other the same moment. Teyla threw her arms around John and he pulled her close.

"I thought I would lose you!"

"Sorry about that," he said hugging Teyla closer to him. He noted her shaking her head.

"You should lie down and sleep," Teyla said after a moment, noting the slight tremors running through John's body.

John nodded. "You're going to stay?"

"I will not leave you."

John settled down and after a moment motioned for Teyla to join him on the bed, needing to have her close. Together they snuggled on the small bed.

…

John startled awake with a gasp. He buried his nose in Teyla's neck, inhaling deeply.

John sighed. "I can't go back to how things were."

"Do you wish me to leave?" Teyla asked. John could hear the hurt in her voice.

"No," he answered realizing she had misunderstood. "I don't want to be separated anymore. I want to sleep with you next to me."

Teyla turned to John, looking at him, he was pale and sweating. He hadn't slept long and from the way he had woken and looked, she guessed he had had a nightmare.

"This is dangerous," she pointed out.

"You're not military and not from Earth anyway."

It was his code for saying I don't care. I want you.

"John," Teyla tried to reason, but John stopped her, pressing his mouth to hers.

"I love you," he said after pulling back. "I want to be with you."

"I love you, too."

"We won't discuss this again. We've been together long enough to not make the mistakes we made before," John's voice was firm and didn't leave any doubts.

Their lips met again and their renewed pact for a secret relationship was sealed once more.

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Common guys what do you think?